Hover lawn mowers are a unique breed in the world of garden care. Unlike traditional mowers, they glide on a cushion of air, making them incredibly maneuverable, especially on uneven terrain or sloped gardens. If you’ve ever wrestled with a heavy, clunky mower, switching to a hover mower feels like going from driving a truck to a sports car. But with so many options out there, how do you find the right one for your needs? Whether you’re looking for a lightweight model, a cordless option, or just the cheapest one that gets the job done, this guide will walk you through the best hover lawn mowers available today.
Best Hover Lawn Mowers by Type
Battery-Powered Hover Lawn Mowers
Battery-powered hover mowers combine the maneuverability of a hover mower with the convenience of cordless operation. They’re perfect if you want the freedom to move without worrying about power cords.
- Flymo Easi Glide 330VX (UK): This is one of the few reliable battery-powered hover mowers. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and has a 36V battery that provides enough power for small to medium-sized lawns.
Lightweight Hover Lawn Mowers
If you have a small garden or prefer a mower that’s easy to lift and carry, a lightweight hover mower is what you need.
- Flymo Turbo Lite 250 (UK): Weighing in at just 7.8 kg, this is one of the lightest hover mowers on the market. It’s easy to store, highly maneuverable, and ideal for small gardens.
- Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E (USA): This compact and lightweight model weighs only about 10 pounds (4.5 kg). It’s perfect for small patches of grass and tight spaces, and its 11-inch cutting width makes quick work of small lawns.
Cordless Hover Lawn Mowers
Cordless hover mowers are ideal for those who want the flexibility to move around freely without the hassle of managing a power cord.
- Flymo Easi Glide 300 (UK): This cordless version of Flymo’s popular Easi Glide series offers a 40-minute runtime on a full charge. It’s powerful enough for small to medium gardens and gives you the freedom to move without restrictions.
Small Hover Lawn Mowers
For small gardens, you don’t need a massive mower. Small hover mowers are compact, easy to store, and perfect for maintaining smaller patches of grass.
- Flymo HoverVac 250 (UK): With a 25 cm cutting width, this model is perfect for small gardens. It’s easy to handle and comes with a 15-liter grass collection box.
- Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E (USA): As mentioned earlier, this small and compact hover mower is perfect for tiny lawns and is lightweight enough to carry around with ease.
Electric Hover Lawn Mowers
Electric hover mowers are the most common type and are generally more powerful than their battery counterparts. They’re great for consistent, reliable power, especially in larger gardens.
- Flymo Turbo 400 (UK): This is a high-powered electric hover mower with a 1500W motor. It’s designed for larger gardens and can handle thick, wet grass with ease.
- Toro HoverPro 450 (USA): This professional-grade electric hover mower is designed for rough terrain and steep slopes. It’s powerful, durable, and ideal for more challenging lawns.
Best Hover Lawn Mowers by Region
In the UK
The UK market is dominated by Flymo, a brand synonymous with hover mowers. Here are the top picks:
- Flymo Easi Glide 330VX: A versatile mower suitable for medium gardens. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has a good-sized grass collection box.
- Flymo Turbo Lite 250: This is the go-to option for smaller gardens. It’s affordable, reliable, and very easy to handle.
In the USA
Hover mowers aren’t as common in the US, but there are still some great options available:
- Toro HoverPro 450: A robust option for larger gardens, particularly on uneven terrain. It’s a bit pricier, but the build quality and performance are worth it.
- Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E: Ideal for small lawns and tight spaces, this budget-friendly model is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
In Australia and New Zealand
While hover mowers are less popular in these regions, Flymo models are still a solid choice.
- Flymo Easi Glide 330VX: Widely available and reliable, this model suits medium-sized gardens well.
Cheapest Hover Lawn Mowers
If you’re on a tight budget, here are the best hover mowers that won’t break the bank:
- Flymo Turbo Lite 250 (UK): One of the most affordable hover mowers available, perfect for small gardens.
- Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E (USA): Extremely budget-friendly, this model is great for those who need a basic hover mower for light-duty tasks.
Conclusion
Hover lawn mowers are a fantastic choice if you want a lightweight, easy-to-use mower that can handle uneven or sloped gardens with ease. Whether you need a compact model for a small lawn, a cordless option for maximum freedom, or just the most affordable choice, there’s a hover mower out there for you.
For those in the UK, Flymo is the dominant brand, offering a range of options from budget to premium. In the USA, Toro and Sun Joe provide solid alternatives. No matter where you are, investing in a hover mower can make lawn maintenance easier and more enjoyable.