Garden & Lawn

Top 5 Best lawnmowers for wet and long grass with powerful engines and large cutting heights

Last updated on April 21st, 2023

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Are you envious of those “fairweather” gardeners who only mow their well-kept lawns on clear, sunny, dry days? If your mowing chores need to be done regardless of bad weather or how long it’s been since the grass was last cut, you need to know about lawnmowers that can handle long and wet grass. Note that all the mowers in our review are petrol-powered. This is because: (1) the ultimate power of a petrol engine is needed to cut wet and long grass cleanly and efficiently, and (2) you should not be using electric or cordless lawnmowers (or any electric power tools come to that) in the rain or on wet grass.

Our review of the Best Lawnmowers For Wet and Long Grass brings you a range of options to choose from. These go from those that are best suited for medium-sized domestic lawns to a couple that is for professionals whose job it is to cut lawns or other grassy areas in all weather conditions. We identify the pros and cons of each model and discuss their features. Our Buyer’s Guide is an overview of what to look for in lawnmowers in general, but especially in those that are best suited to these exact conditions.

Mowing damp and long grass at the beginning of the mowing season

My Best Pick is the Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower. This is an affordable self-propelled petrol lawnmower with a significant amount of power to handle long and unkempt grass. It has all the usability, safety and convenience features that come in a top-of-the-line lawnmower, but for a more affordable price.

The Hayter Harrier 48 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower is our Runner-up selection. This is geared more toward professional gardeners and the most serious amateurs with large areas of grass to tend. The rear roller lets you put traditional stripes on your lawn. For professionals, we highly recommend considering this model.


BEST PICK

Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower my best pick for someone looking for a powerful mower that capable of mowing wet and long grass
Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower
The Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower is Hyundai’s top lawn mower, and the features reflect this. It’s a self-propelled mower with an electric start, so getting it going and moving it around can’t be any easier, though it is a bit on the heavy side. This mower has all the functions you need – cut, collect, discharge (side and rear) and mulch – except for a rear roller, so you’re on your own for making those traditional Wimbledon stripes in your lawn. And it’s easily cleaned by hooking up your garden hose to the underside of the deck. The two beverage holders on the ergonomic handle bar come in handy for cool drinks on warm, muggy days or a cup of tea on those wet rainy days. If you’re looking for a fully-featured lawn mower that handles wet and long grass as well as regular grass, and comes at an economical price, look no further than this Hyundai HYM510SPE model. Its easy to see why we choose this as our best pick.

RUNNER UP

Hayter Harrier 48 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower

The Hayter Harrier 48 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower is a mower that’s designed for use in commercial environments where long grass cutting and general everyday mowing are necessary. It’s the heaviest mower in our review and is self-propelled. It has all the features a professional grass cutter (or serious amateur gardener) requires. Cut, discharge or collect the grass into a 70L fabric collection bag. And also create envy-inducing stripes on the lawn with the rear roller and the lowest grass height setting. The range of grass heights covers fairly short grass to a modest shaggy length. The single speed of this mower is a comfortable walking pace that you can keep up over a period of time and still get the job done efficiently. This is the choice for a professional lawnmower that turns wet and long grass into a desirable lawn. For those who have to mow no matter the weather, this is a great choice.


Top 5 Lawnmowers For Wet and Long Grass Reviews

1. Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower 

BEST PICK

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Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower which is a good choice for mowing longer grass as it has a powerful 196cc engine plus has 4 speeds for better control on long wet grass and a large collection bag so can collect more  clippings than most other models
The Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower is a great mower for both long and wet grass

The Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower is the top-of-the-line mower from Hyundai’s lawnmower range. This is the only mower in my review that has a selection of 4 different speeds, from a slow walk to a fast walking pace, so you can find one to suit the terrain, and more importantly, control the speed to easily mow longer grass.

As shown in the picture below, you can easily use the right handle trigger to choose the best speed for you.

You can simply select from 4 speeds to match the length of grass being mowed
You can simply select from 4 speeds to match the length of grass being mowed

Even with all that this model offers, it’s towards the lower end of the price range in comparison to other mowers in this review, making it a great choice for homeowners as well as professional gardeners who are perhaps just getting started and need an affordable mower for all-weather mowing.

This Hyundai petrol model has a powerful, and just as importantly, reliable 196cc engine which, along with being self-propelled, takes little effort to manoeuvre around your lawn.

The electric button start makes starting the mower super easy but it also has a recoil pull cord for backup.
The electric button start makes starting the mower super easy but it also has a recoil pull cord for backup.

The electric start button (as shown above) makes it easy to get going, though there is a recoil cord in case the battery is flat, which is a must for professionals. Assembly is tool-free and I recommend watching the YouTube videos rather than reading the written instruction manual. It’s easy enough though, you only need to attach the handles and insert 4 bolts and it’s ready to add fuel and oil.

Wide 20 inch cutting deck
Wide 20 inch cutting deck

This mower has enough power, and a wide enough cutting blade at 51cm (20 inches), to use for large gardens and small agricultural or horticultural businesses. However, at 43.8kg, it is a heavy machine so some people may find that it’s a bit difficult to move around obstacles if you have limited upper body strength or shoulder injuries. Just be honest with yourself about whether you can comfortably handle this much weight for the period of your mowing sessions. Overall, it should be okay for most people, but just something to be aware of.

Large 70 litre collection box on the Hyundai is one of the biggest of any collection back on self propelled lawn mowers
I try to mow in dry weather but sometimes I have no choice but to mow in the rain. I found it handles wet and long grass well, especially with the side dispatch on long grass

The HYM510SPE mower has all the functions that a garden needs. It cuts and collects grass in the larger than average 70 litre polyester collection bag.

When mowing wet or very long grass I often find using the side dispatch works well and I can just collect it afterwards

If you want to return the clippings to the lawn (which is often the easiest option on wet or very long grass) you have the choice to eject them from the rear or the side of the mower.

Using the mulching plug sometimes works well on wet grass but not very long grass
Using the mulching plug sometimes works well on wet grass but not on very long grass

The mulching function (which means you insert the mulching plug, as shown above) lets you have the clippings finely chopped into mulch and sprinkled onto the grass as fertiliser. This is especially useful for cutting large areas of long grass.

Lever to adjust the cutting height to make it easier to cut long grass
The lever to adjust the cutting height makes it easier to cut long grass

Cutting long grass doesn’t mean that you have to leave it that way. The choice of six pre-set grass lengths from 25mm to 75mm lets you select how long to leave the grass, depending on how soon you can get back to it and the type of grass you have. One central lever adjusts the cutting height for all four wheels simultaneously which is fairly good and relatively easy to use. This makes it ideal for long grass and wet grass because you can start on a high setting and then lower it as needed. This helps to avoid blockages that are usually caused by wet and long grass.

Everything you need is on the handles, choke, start button, speed selected and two handy cup holders
Everything you need is on the handles. Choke, start button, speed selected and two handy cup holders

A unique addition to the Hyundai HYM510SPE mower is that it has two cup holders in the soft-grip handlebar. Either take turns mowing with a partner with your own drinks, or take out two beverages for yourself to see you through your long mowing day.

Pros

  • Perfect for both domestic and professional mowing.
  • Self-propelled petrol lawnmower with four variable speeds that you just guide where you want it to go.
  • Powerful and reliable 196cc Hyundai engine with the power to cut long grass efficiently.
  • Electric button start for easy powering up.
  • Functions are: cut, collect, discharge and mulch; everything a gardener dreams of.
  • The cutting blade is a generous 51cm for fewer passes of your medium to large-sized lawns.
  • Choose from six grass lengths ranging from 25mm–75mm for an even and healthy lawn length.
  • Polyester grass collector holds 70L of cuttings and has an easily removable lid.
  • Two beverage holders in the soft-grip handlebar hold your drink of choice to keep you going.
  • Tool-free assembly is quick and easy.
  • Operator Presence Control lever stops the engine if you let go of the handle. A welcome safety feature.
  • Weighs 43.8kg.
  • Three-year Hyundai platinum warranty gives you confidence in the quality of the product.

Cons

  • Heavy to move around obstacles.

Our recommendation

The Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower is the best lawnmower that Hyundai has to offer. It has everything that you want to manage long and wet grass, as well as care for your lawn under normal conditions.

My Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower

Cut, collect, discharge (x2) and mulch with this machine, and clean it easily by hooking up your garden hose to the underside of the deck. Plus you can select from four speeds to suit the terrain and the ability of the operator. Hyundai’s three-year platinum warranty backs up the high quality of this mower.

The Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower is our pick for the Best Lawnmower for long, wet grass. We like all its features, the Hyundai guarantee, its variable speed and its electric start. (Plus the cup holders.)

If you’re looking for an economical lawnmower with all the functionality and convenient features that you could want, the Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower could be the one for you.


2. Hayter Harrier 48 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower

RUNNER UP

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Hayter-Harrier-48-Pro-FS-BBC-Rear-Roller-Lawn-mower

The Hayter Harrier 48 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower is an updated model for 2020 of the successful previous version that was very popular with professional lawn care professionals. The updates include an improved Honda engine and a re-designed cutting blade. This is a lawnmower for professional use and so its features suit the wear and tear required by commercial grass cutting so everything is designed to last.

This Hayter Harrier lawnmower is a fixed speed self-propelled with a 170cc Honda engine to provide the power that commercial grass cutting requires on a daily basis. The lawnmower moves at one fixed speed of 4.8kph (3mph), which is a comfortable walking speed that is sustainable for a long period. It’s also fast enough to cover a large area of grass quickly. Use the recoil cord pull to start the mower. 

The cutting blade is 48cm wide, which is a popular size for a large lawn or expanse of grass. You have a choice of seven pre-set cutting heights for the grass from 13mm to 60mm, conveniently adjustable by a single lever. The lowest height is quite short so you can leave the grass looking manicured, a very close cut with spectacular stripes rather than shaggy if you want. 

The fabric collection bag holds 70L of grass cuttings and this is standard for this size of mower. However, online reviews always say that, whatever the size of the bag, it’s never large enough but as a professional gardener, you probably already know this. You can stop the blade and remove the bag without having to turn off the engine, saving you the hassle of restarting it each time you empty the collection bag. This is a feature we think is incredibly useful for those who spend all day mowing through the cutting season.

This mower has the usual functions of cutting, collecting and discharging, though there’s no mulching feature. However, you do have a rear roller that produces those longed-for stripes in the grass for that professional finish. Turn your wet and long grass into a lawn that brings to mind a bowling green lawn.

Pros

  • A heavy-duty professional petrol lawnmower with a reliable Honda GCVX170 170cc engine for use every day.
  • A fixed speed of 4.8kph (3mph) is a comfortable walking speed and fast enough to get the job done quickly.
  • The cutting width of the blade is 48cm, designed for you to make the fewest passes of your grassy areas.
  • Cutting heights are in seven steps from 13mm to 60mm, giving you the choice from an almost manicured lawn up to a more natural look.
  • Three functions are: cut, collect and discharge.
  • The rear roller flattens the grass after it’s cut, giving a striped appearance.
  • The fabric collection bag holds 70L of grass cuttings so you don’t have to stop to empty it too often.
  • The right side wheel, cutting blade and rear roller in line make it easy to trim around borders and walls.
  • Easily clean the mower deck by hooking up your garden hose after every use.
  • Weighs 46kg.
  • A two year warranty for commercial use and also for domestic use shows the manufacturer’s commitment to the quality of this mower. Most manufacturers provide very limited warranty for professional use.

Cons

  • Doesn’t mulch but it is designed as a cut and collect mower.

Our recommendation

The Hayter Harrier 48 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower is a professional self-propelled lawnmower that deals with all kinds of grass and circumstances, including wet and long grass. It cuts, collects ad discharges the grass and also has a rear roller to provide those awe-inspiring stripes you see in magazine photos. This model is an improved version of the well-rated previous model with a re-designed cutting blade, among other updates, for more effective mowing.

This is the Runner-up in our review and the best lawnmower for long grass for professionals. We like its solid features (plus the stripes) and that it’s designed especially for professionals. 

If your job includes a lot of grass cutting, or you live on an acreage, consider the Hayter Harrier 48 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower as your next garden machinery purchase.

Read next: Best lawnmowers for large lawns


3. Cobra M51SPC 20″ (51cm) Petrol Lawnmower

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Cobra M51SPC 20

The Cobra M51SPC 20″ Petrol Lawnmower is a mower that handles wet and long grass in small to medium-sized gardens, up to 600m2 in size. This is a self-propelled petrol mower that has a 173cc Cobra engine, that’s on par with the engine in our Runner-up selection. But don’t be intimidated by that. The Cobra is much lighter in weight and has a slower walking speed. This mower is definitely a domestic mower but it will handle longer and wet grass with ease.

Even domestic lawns need all the functions that a lawnmower can provide. The Cobra M51SPC model offers the four functions found in professional and higher-end mowers: cut, collect, discharge (side and rear) and mulch. The collection bag is made of polyester and holds 60L of grass cuttings, so slightly smaller than our two previous picks. The cuttings are compressed in the bag by the airflow so more fit in, meaning fewer trips to the compost heap or recycle bin.

The cutting dimensions aren’t skimped on either. The blade cuts a 51cm swath through your grass so you won’t have to make umpteen passes across your lawn. Your choice of cutting heights is adjustable from a single lever. Choose one of 10 pre-set heights from 25mm to 75mm. This number of steps giving such fine control of the length of your grass blades is quite unusual; you can leave your cut grass looking exactly how you want it to.

The Cobra M51SPC mower weighs 35kg, making it one of the lightest mowers in our review, which is better for domestic use. It travels along at 3.2kph, which is a walking speed that most people can manage comfortably.

Pros

  • Perfect for domestic use for mowing wet and long grass.
  • Self-propelled petrol lawnmower with a 173cc Cobra DG600 OHV engine for almost effortless lawn mowing.
  • Four functions: cut, collect, discharge (rear and side) and mulch, for all your lawn care needs.
  • The cutting width is 51cm to quickly cover medium-sized lawns.
  • Wide selection of cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm in ten steps so you can find the perfect height for your lawn.
  • A single speed of 3.2kph offers a medium-speed walk that most people can manage.
  • The fabric collection bag holds 60L of grass clippings and allows for a free flow of air that compacts the clippings so they take up less space.
  • Weighs 35kg.

Our recommendation

The Cobra M51SPC 20″ (51cm) Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is a mower that’s all set for a domestic setting. It’s relatively lightweight with a comfortable walking speed so is not a challenge to keep up with as you cut your grass. It has all the features most gardeners need for their lawn care, including mulching, but doesn’t make the stripes. The wide range of cutting heights have ten pre-set values so even the most exacting lawn expert can find one to suit.

We like the Cobra M51SPC 20″ (51cm) Petrol Lawnmower for its suitability, with a full range of features, for a domestic garden. If you have a problem with grass (wet and long or otherwise) in your garden at home, take a close look at this mower.

Read next: Best lawnmowers for professional gardeners and lawn care services


4. Honda HRH 536 QX Pro Self-Propelled Rear Roller Lawnmower 

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The Honda HRH 536 QX Pro Self-Propelled Rear Roller Lawnmower has it all (if you count in the optional mulching feature). This is a lawnmower that’s built for commercial use and has all the necessary features provided. But that’s not to say that home gardeners with medium to large-sized lawns or grassy areas can’t make use of it too. After all, for domestic use, it comes with a very generous 7-year warranty, although this is cut back to only 12 months for professionals.

The power for this self-propelled mower comes from the reliable 163cc Honda motor. Interestingly, this is not the most powerful engine of the mowers in our review, but it’s enough for the cutting, collecting and discharging functions of this lawnmower. Start the engine by pulling the recoil cord. The mower’s Roto-Stop feature stops the blades without stopping the engine so you can empty the collection bag without having to restart the mower afterwards, something that is expected for professional-grade mowers. This mower travels at one fixed speed that’s not specified on the sales or the manufacturer’s websites but it’s a nice walking pace. 

In place of the rear wheels is a rear roller that flattens the grass after cutting to produce those longed-for stripes in the grass. The visibility of the stripes depends on how short you cut the grass: the shorter the grass, the more visible the stripes.

The cutting height range is from 14mm to 52mm in five steps. The shortest height is low enough to give a “crew-cut” appearance to your lawn, while the longest height lends to a wilderness look. The blade’s cutting width is a generous 53cm; you won’t have to go back and forth across your lawn too many times and your stripes are wide enough to be really visible.

Two features show that this is truly a professional lawnmower: the collection bag holds an impressive 83L of grass clippings (the standard volume is between 60 and 70 litres). And the handlebar height is adjustable to three positions, so you can change its level depending on how tired or tall you are.

However, home gardeners should also consider this lawnmower if it fits their grass situation – there’s a seven-year domestic warranty as already mentioned.

Pros

  • The self-propelled professional petrol lawnmower has a 163cc Honda engine that operates at a single speed.
  • Heavy-duty alloy deck suitable for professional use or for medium to large-sized domestic lawns.
  • Three functions: cutting, collecting and discharging.
  • The Roto-Stop feature stops the blades without stopping the engine so you don’t have to turn off the mower to empty the grass collection bag.
  • The rear roller gives you the traditional stripes on the grass when you cut it.
  • The cutting width of the blade is 53cm, suitable for large areas of grass.
  • Five cutting heights in the range of 14mm to 52mm provide a wide selection of looks for your lawn.
  • The grass collection bag holds a very impressive 83L of cuttings, letting you focus on cutting and not making trips to your compost heap.
  • Handle height adjusts to three positions to ensure your upper body is in a comfortable position.
  • Weighs 56kg.
  • Seven-year domestic warranty and one-year commercial warranty.

Cons

  • Mulching is an optional accessory.

Our recommendation

The Honda HRH 536 QX Pro Self Propelled Rear Roller Lawnmower is a lawnmower that can handle all grass types, lengths and situations in professional or domestic circumstances.

Homeowners, as well as commercial grass cutters, benefit from its features as well as the power and the reliability of the Honda engine. The one feature missing is the ability to mulch the grass, and that attachment is available as an optional extra but for the price, and it’s not cheap, we think it should include the mulching plug.

If you’re looking for a professional-level lawnmower for wet and long grass and are prepared to invest in a high-quality Honda product, this is the lawnmower for you and is a great alternative to our runner-up pick by Hayter.


5. Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawnmower

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Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawnmower

The Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawnmower is different in one major way from the other wet and long grass lawn mowers in our review – but that’s good. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s the least expensive of the mowers we review; it still has all the other features you need for serious lawn care and can tackle even tough, uncontrolled grass, making it perfect if you have paddocks or rough edges of grass such as paths.

This Einhell lawnmower is the lightest mower we review, it weighs 30.5kg, and being steerable from the wheel makes it easy to move around obstacles and turn corners. If you have to go in a straight line for quite a way, lock the front wheel in position and you won’t have to continually worry about adjusting the mower’s course. 

This mower has rear-wheel drive; disengage the rear wheels if you just want to push the mower along to get to your lawn. The mower travels at one speed, which is not identified on either the sales or the manufacturer’s website. However, our research found that it’s quite fast. 

The Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T mower has the four functions well-tended lawns need: cutting, collecting, discharging and mulching. The manufacturer recommends that you use the side discharge feature when you cut long grass. 

The cutting height choice is from 30mm to 80mm in eight pre-selected heights adjusted from one central lever. The lowest height won’t give a close shave to your lawn but it’s low enough that your grass looks well cared for. The strips of grass you cut are 46cm wide which is a suitable width for, and proportional to, lawns up to 1,400m2

Pros

  • A self-propelled mower with a powerful 141cc engine for rough grass cutting.
  • Has a steerable front wheel that makes it easier to guide around obstacles and turn corners.
  • The rear-wheel drive can be disengaged so you can wheel the mower along.
  • Four functions: cutting, collecting, discharging and mulching.
  • Eight cutting heights to choose from in the range of 30mm to 80mm.
  • The blade width is 46cm which is proportional to medium-sized lawns.
  • The handle is height adjustable and foldable, with a starter cable placed there for easy access.
  • Grass collection bag holds 70L of grass clippings, with an indicator so you know when to empty it.
  • Weighs 30.5kg.

Cons

  • Doesn’t give a traditional manicured finish.

Our recommendation

The Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawnmower is perfect for mowing uneven or rough ground such as paths through paddocks or woods, perfect if you own one or both of these on your property which many more rural homes do.

However, the steerable front wheel and the mower’s lightweight make it easy to manoeuvre around obstacles and off the beaten track. All four functions – cut, collect, discharge and mulch – are available and the cutting height range is wide and contains eight pre-set choices but it doesn’t give a really close cut. However, that is not what it has been designed for.

If you need a home lawnmower for all kinds of grass, including wet and long, and the other models in our review are too heavy, too powerful or too expensive for you, the Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawnmower is a great alternative choice.


Buyer’s Guide

Mowing wet and long grass has slightly different needs than cutting regular dry, well-kept lawns. Lawnmowers for this task differ slightly in their feature, especially in power and function. Here’s what to look for in these two areas.

Power

This feature is non-negotiable – you must use a petrol mower. Electricity and water, even from a cordless/battery mower, don’t mix. Well, they do but with disastrous consequences. 

Petrol 

The engines of the mowers in this review range from 141cc to 196cc, but don’t assume that the commercial mowers have the largest engines.

Most petrol lawnmowers have a recoil start. This is where you pull a cable to power up the machine. The cable may be on the body of the mower or perhaps on the handlebar. Sometimes the mower has an electric start; this may be a button that you press or a key that you turn. This is an easier way to start a mower and doesn’t require any effort. Electric start mowers always have a recoil start backup in case something goes wrong.

Your effort

Mowers that are self-propelled provide the energy to move forward and you are there to guide them in the direction you want them to go. You turn them around corners or coax them around obstacles. 

Push mowers require a little more effort on your part and are not really ideal for long and wet grass as pushing through it can be much more difficult. Although they’re powered by a motor, you do have to push them along. Take account of how much the mower weighs and factor in your upper body strength and your pushing ability. We just recommend going with a self-propelled model for mowing long and wet grass which is why all our recommended models are self-propelled.

Functions

You find the same range of functions in mowers for wet and long grass as in regular lawnmowers. 

Cutting

Of course, all lawnmowers cut grass but they may have a different number and arrangement of blades. 

Two other numbers are key to understanding what the lawnmower can do for your lawn.

Cutting width

The cutting width of the blade(s) is how wide a strip your mower cuts of the grass in one pass. It varies from mower to mower but the ones in this review all have blades around 50cm wide. This is ideal for a medium to larger-sized lawn because it’s in proportion and means that you don’t have to make too many passes.

Cutting heights

All lawnmowers give you a choice of heights at which to cut your blades of grass. This usually falls within a range with a pre-determined number of steps, so the actual choice of heights is set. 

The mowers for wet and long grass we review each have a wide range of heights. However, the lowest height generally won’t give you a well-manicured lawn unless is really level or they will scalp the lawn. 

Discharging

All the mowers in our review can eject the clippings back on the lawn as an option. 

Rear discharge

All the mowers here eject the cuttings from the back of the lawnmower. This throws them at your feet as you walk along. Personally, unless it’s also mulching we don’t recommend doing this.

Side discharge

Some mowers come with a side discharge plug that you insert into the mower so that the cuttings are thrown out to the side. Choose the side on which you’ve already cut the lawn for the most efficient use of this feature.

Collection

All the mowers come with a grass collection bag or box. This may be made of fabric, usually polyester, and sometimes has a hard lid. Sometimes, it’s completely made of solid plastic. Look for a collection bag/box that has an indicator on the lid (or a clear lid) that lets you see how full it is.

The size of the grass collection bag/box/bin varies between mowers. 70L is a good size and holds quite the results of quite a long mowing session. Anything below 60L means you’ll be running to the compost heap or recycling bin quite often to empty it.

Some mowers let you stop cutting without turning off the engine. In this way, you can leave your mower running while taking off the collection bag to empty it. This is ideal for professional gardeners as you don’t need to turn the mower off every time you stop to empty the collection bag.

Mulching

Several of the long-and-wet grass mowers in this review offer a mulching feature. This is when the grass is cut and re-cut so that fine particles of it are ejected back onto the lawn. They serve as fertiliser and add nutrients back onto the lawn. The mowers we look at are designed to handle the multiple cutting up of wet grass with this feature.

Roller

If your heart is set on traditional stripes on your lawn (like at Wimbledon), even when you’re working with wet and long grass, you need a lawnmower with a roller at the rear. The roller tamps down the grass after you cut it, leaving a strip of a different colour. Cutting the grass in opposite directions in alternate stripes changes the look of the stripe.


Final Conclusion

Mowing wet or long grass (or a combination of the two) often takes more effort and dedication than the regular casual Sunday afternoon mowing chore. But the lawnmowers we look at here provide the power and the features for doing this tough task easily.

The mowers intended for use by professional gardeners, who have to be out there whatever the weather, provide the high-quality machines needed for daily toil. Their features translate well to large gardens and smallholdings.

The mowers intended for domestic use deal well with long and wet grass as well as regular mowing chores, though their selection of grass cuttings heights are not always short enough for a closely manicured lawn.

The Hyundai HYM510SPE 196cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower is our Best Pick. This lawnmower takes the effort out of cutting long, wet grass. Guide it where you want it to go and adjust the cutting heights with a single lever. The two beverage holders let you carry coffee along on a cool, damp morning or a cold beverage on a muggy afternoon. This model is perfect for domestic use or professionals looking for a more affordable model, especially if they are just starting out.

Our Runner-up is the Hayter Harrier 48 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower. This commercial lawnmower has you covered if you really have to go out and mow grass in inclement weather. Impress your customers further when you leave their lawns striped in the traditional way as well due to the rear roller on this mower. This is really the only model we recommend for a professional gardener looking for the very best mower.

If you’re just not going to be mowing in, or soon after, bad weather, take a look at our reviews of some other lawnmowers which could be the right one for your particular mowing tasks and lawn situation.

The best Lawnmower for Bowling Green Lawns and Creating Perfectly Striped Lawns

The best Mulching Mowers 

The best Ride on Lawnmowers and Lawn Tractors

The best Petrol Lawnmowers

The best Self-Propelled Lawnmowers

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Welcome to my site, my name is John and I have been lucky enough to work in horticultural nurseries for over 15 years in the UK. As the founder and editor as well as researcher, I have a City & Guilds Horticultural Qualifications which I proudly display on our About us page. I now work full time on this website where I review the very best gardening products and tools and write reliable gardening guides. Behind this site is an actual real person who has worked and has experience with the types of products we review as well as years of knowledge on the topics we cover from actual experience. You can reach out to me at john@pyracantha.co.uk

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