Garden Machinery

About Garden Machinery

Garden machinery encompasses the essential powered equipment that makes maintaining outdoor spaces efficient and professional, whether you're managing a small domestic garden or tackling large-scale landscape projects. From keeping lawns pristine to processing garden waste and preparing soil for cultivation, the right machinery transforms laborious manual tasks into quick, manageable jobs. Our comprehensive range includes everything from lawnmowers and scarifiers to log splitters and garden shredders, all designed to deliver reliable performance season after season.

Modern garden machinery has evolved significantly, with innovations in electric and battery technology offering quieter, emission-free alternatives to traditional petrol models. Whether you're a professional groundskeeper, landscape gardener, or dedicated DIY enthusiast, investing in quality garden machinery from trusted manufacturers like DeWalt, Bosch, Ryobi, Greenworks, and McCulloch ensures you have the power and precision needed to maintain outdoor spaces to the highest standard. Our selection caters to all budgets and requirements, from compact electric lawn sweepers for small gardens to heavy-duty log splitters capable of processing substantial timber volumes.

Understanding which garden machinery suits your specific needs depends on various factors including garden size, terrain type, frequency of use, and the tasks you need to accomplish. This guide will help you navigate the options and select the right equipment to keep your outdoor spaces looking immaculate throughout the year.

Jargon Buster

• Scarification: The process of removing thatch, moss, and dead grass from lawns using a lawn scarifier or raker. This allows water, nutrients, and oxygen to penetrate the soil, promoting healthier grass growth.
• Cutting Width: The measurement (in mm or cm) of the blade or cutting mechanism on lawnmowers and lawn sweepers. Wider cutting widths cover more ground per pass, reducing mowing time on larger lawns.
• Mulching Function: A feature on some lawnmowers and shredders that finely chops grass clippings or garden waste, returning nutrients directly to the soil rather than collecting them.
• Cylinder vs Rotary Mower: Cylinder mowers use a scissor-like cutting action with rotating blades against a fixed blade, providing a precise, striped finish ideal for formal lawns. Rotary mowers use a single horizontal blade spinning at high speed, better suited for longer grass and uneven terrain.
• Tonnage Rating: Used for log splitters, this indicates the maximum splitting force (measured in tonnes) the machine can exert. Higher tonnage ratings handle larger, tougher logs more effectively.
• Collection Capacity: The volume (in litres) of grass clippings, leaves, or waste that equipment like lawn sweepers, mowers, and shredders can hold before requiring emptying.

Who Uses Garden Machinery?

Garden machinery is essential equipment for a diverse range of professionals and enthusiasts, including:

• Professional Landscape Gardeners: Require reliable, heavy-duty equipment for daily use across multiple client sites
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers: Maintain large public or private grounds, parks, and sports facilities
• Tree Surgeons and Arborists: Need log splitters and shredders for processing timber and creating wood chip
• Agricultural Workers and Farmers: Use machinery for maintaining paddocks, orchards, and farmyard areas
• Local Authority Maintenance Teams: Responsible for public green spaces, verges, and community gardens
• Garden Centre Staff: Maintain display gardens and outdoor plant areas
• Holiday Park and Campsite Managers: Keep extensive grounds presentable for visitors
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners with larger gardens who prefer professional-grade equipment for superior results
• Property Maintenance Contractors: Provide comprehensive grounds care services to residential and commercial clients

How to Choose the Right Garden Machinery

Selecting appropriate garden machinery requires careful consideration of several key factors:

Garden Size and Terrain: Measure your lawn area to determine suitable cutting widths and power requirements. Small gardens under 100 square metres work well with compact electric models, whilst larger spaces benefit from wider cutting widths and self-propelled options. Consider terrain challenges like slopes, uneven ground, or obstacles that may require more manoeuvrable equipment.

Power Source Considerations: Petrol-powered machinery offers maximum power and unrestricted runtime, ideal for large areas without nearby power sources. Corded electric models provide consistent power for small to medium gardens within extension lead reach. Battery-powered options from manufacturers like Ryobi, Greenworks, and Milwaukee deliver cordless convenience with improving runtime and power, particularly advantageous if you already own compatible battery platforms.

Frequency and Intensity of Use: Professional users requiring daily operation need robust, commercial-grade machinery built to withstand intensive use. Weekend gardeners can often select domestic-rated equipment offering excellent value whilst still delivering reliable performance. Consider warranty coverage and parts availability for your chosen brand.

Storage and Transportation: Evaluate available storage space and whether you need to transport equipment between locations. Some models feature folding handles, compact designs, or easy disassembly. Weight is particularly important if you need to lift machinery into vehicles or navigate steps.

Specific Task Requirements: Match machinery to your primary needs. Spring lawn care may require scarifiers and spreaders for renovation work. Autumn demands leaf sweepers and shredders for waste management. Properties with mature trees benefit from capable log splitters. Consider multi-functional equipment that handles several tasks to maximise value.

Budget and Running Costs: Quality garden machinery represents a significant investment but delivers years of reliable service. Factor in ongoing costs including fuel, replacement blades, collection bags, and servicing. Electric models generally offer lower running costs than petrol equivalents, whilst premium brands like Bosch and DeWalt often provide superior longevity.

Popular Accessories

Enhance your garden machinery performance and longevity with these complementary products:

• Replacement Blades and Cutting Lines: Keep spares available to maintain optimal cutting performance
• Collection Bags and Boxes: Additional or replacement grass collectors for continuous operation
• Extension Cables and RCD Protection: Essential safety equipment for electric garden machinery operating outdoors
• Fuel Cans and Stabilisers: Proper petrol storage and additives to maintain engine health during winter storage
• Protective Covers and Storage Solutions: Weather-resistant covers to protect equipment from the elements when stored
• Maintenance Kits: Including lubricants, cleaning brushes, and spark plugs for routine servicing
• Wheel Kits: Improve manoeuvrability on certain log splitters and heavy equipment
• Lawn Care Products: Grass seed, fertiliser spreaders, and moss treatments to complement mechanical maintenance
• Battery Chargers and Spare Batteries: For cordless equipment users requiring extended runtime

Safety Information

Garden machinery operates at high speeds and powers, requiring proper safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries:

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate safety goggles or face shields to protect against flying debris. Steel toe-capped boots provide essential foot protection, whilst heavy-duty gloves protect hands when handling equipment or clearing blockages. Ear defenders are recommended when operating petrol machinery or equipment producing noise levels above 85dB. Long trousers and close-fitting clothing prevent entanglement with moving parts.

Operational Safety: Read and understand the manufacturer's instructions before first use. Never bypass safety guards or disable interlock switches designed to protect operators. Always disconnect spark plugs on petrol equipment or remove batteries from cordless tools before performing maintenance or clearing blockages. Keep children and pets at a safe distance whilst machinery operates. Be particularly cautious on slopes and wet grass where control may be compromised.

Electrical Safety: Use residual current devices (RCD) with all mains-powered garden equipment operating outdoors, providing protection against electric shock in damp conditions. Regularly inspect cables for damage and keep them behind you whilst working to avoid accidentally severing them. Ensure outdoor electrical equipment carries appropriate IP ratings for weather resistance.

Fuel and Storage Safety: Store petrol in approved containers away from ignition sources. Allow engines to cool completely before refuelling. Drain fuel systems or add stabiliser before long-term storage. Keep machinery in secure, dry locations away from frost and direct weather exposure. Perform regular maintenance checks including blade condition, fixing security, and guard integrity before each use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a lawn scarifier and a lawn raker?

Whilst often used interchangeably, scarifiers typically feature fixed steel blades that cut into the lawn surface more aggressively, removing deep-rooted moss and thatch. Lawn rakers use spring tines for gentler surface-level dethatching and moss removal. Scarification is usually performed once or twice annually, whilst raking can be done more frequently with less impact on the lawn.

Do I need petrol or electric garden machinery?

Electric machinery (corded or battery) suits most domestic gardens, offering lighter weight, lower noise, zero emissions, and minimal maintenance. They're ideal for gardens under 400 square metres with accessible power sources. Petrol machinery provides greater power, unlimited runtime, and suits professional users or large gardens beyond practical cable reach. Modern battery technology has significantly narrowed the performance gap, with premium lithium-ion systems from Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita delivering impressive power and runtime.

When is the best time to use different garden machinery?

Lawnmowers see use throughout the growing season (typically March to October in the UK). Spring (March-April) is ideal for scarifying and spreading lawn treatments after winter dormancy. Autumn (September-November) is perfect for lawn sweepers, clearing falling leaves, and using shredders to process garden waste. Log splitters can be used year-round but are most popular in autumn and winter for preparing firewood. Tillers work best in spring or autumn when soil moisture levels are optimal.

How much maintenance does garden machinery require?

Maintenance requirements vary by power type and usage intensity. Electric models need minimal attention beyond cleaning after use and periodic blade sharpening. Petrol machinery requires more regular maintenance including oil changes, air filter cleaning, spark plug replacement, and proper fuel management. Most manufacturers recommend professional servicing annually for petrol equipment. Always clean grass clippings and debris after each use, check blade sharpness regularly, and store equipment properly during winter months to ensure longevity and reliable performance.

Can I use garden machinery in wet conditions?

Generally, it's advisable to avoid using most garden machinery on wet grass. Wet conditions increase slipping hazards, reduce cutting effectiveness (grass tends to clump rather than cut cleanly), and can cause excessive wear on equipment. Electric machinery poses additional electrocution risks in wet conditions, even with RCD protection. Wet grass also places greater strain on motors and engines. If you must work in damp conditions, choose equipment with appropriate IP ratings for weather resistance and exercise extra caution with footing and electrical safety.