Kärcher LMO 18-36 Battery Set (36cm, 18V)

How long does the battery take to charge and how long does it last?

The 18V Lithium-Ion battery charges fully in 2.3 hours. That's quick enough to top it up between jobs. Runtime depends on grass length and lawn size. One owner with a lawn over 250 square metres found a second battery useful when the grass had grown tall. For smaller gardens under 250 square metres a single charge should cover most mowing sessions. The quick charger is included in the box so you don't need to buy one separately.

How heavy is this mower and is it easy to push around?

It weighs 14.2kg. That's light for a push mower with a 36 cm cutting width. The low weight makes it easier to manoeuvre around flower beds, trees and tight corners. One reviewer specifically praised the weight, saying it's easy to carry and doesn't feel like hard work. It won't replace a trip to the gym but you won't struggle pushing it across an average UK garden either.

What cutting heights can I set?

You get 4 height positions ranging from 3 cm to 7 cm. This covers most lawn types from a tight short cut to a longer summer length that helps grass retain moisture. Adjusting height is done without tools so you can change settings mid-mow if needed. Shorter settings work well for a tidy finish while taller settings suit lawns that need protection from heat or dry spells.

Does it collect grass or can it mulch instead?

Both. The mower has a 2-in-1 system. You can collect clippings in the 45-litre grass catcher or switch to the mulching wedge which spreads finely cut grass back onto the lawn as natural fertiliser. The grass catcher has a level indicator so you know exactly when it needs emptying rather than guessing. This saves you checking manually every few passes.

Is any assembly needed when it arrives?

No assembly is required. The mower arrives ready to use once the battery is charged. The design does fold down for storage though, which involves loosening a few screws on the handle. One buyer noted this can be a bit fiddly when folding and unfolding, particularly at the lower bolts near the mower body, though they said the whole process takes about a minute once you're used to it.

What safety features does the mower have?

It includes a safety key that acts as a child lock. Without the key inserted the mower won't start, which prevents accidental use by children or anyone unfamiliar with the controls. The dual switches on both sides of the handle also mean both hands need to be in a safe position before it operates. This is a sensible feature for homes with young children or pets in the garden.

Can I store it in a small shed or garage?

Yes. The mower has a foldable design that reduces its footprint for storage. Full dimensions when unfolded are 398 mm wide, 1309 mm deep and 1042 mm high. Once folded it takes up considerably less space, which helps if you're working with a small shed, garage corner or under-stair cupboard. The height-adjustable guide rail also folds along with the handle.

How does it perform on cutting quality and edges?

The sharpened steel blade is designed to cut grass cleanly without leaving frayed or torn blades behind, which can happen with duller blades on cheaper mowers. Built-in lawn combs help it cut close to edges and borders without leaving uncut strips behind fences or walls. That said, feedback on cutting performance has been mixed. One buyer rated it highly and had no complaints about blade performance, while another felt that around half the cut grass was left on the lawn rather than collected, comparing it unfavourably to a mower from another brand. Results may vary depending on grass length and how often the grass catcher is emptied during use.