If you’re looking for a powerful and easy-to-use hover mower, you’ve likely come across the Flymo Turbo 400. This Flymo Turbo 400 review aims to give you a clear, practical look at what this popular model offers for your lawn.
It’s a hover mower designed to handle slopes and uneven ground with ease, promising a close, clean cut. But is it the right choice for your garden? Let’s find out.
Flymo Turbo 400 Review
We’ll cover its key features, how it performs in real garden conditions, and the pros and cons. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make a smart decision.
What is the Flymo Turbo 400?
The Flymo Turbo 400 is a 1400-watt electric hover mower. Unlike traditional wheeled mowers, it floats on a cushion of air. This makes it very light to push and excellent for tricky gardens.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
* Hover Technology: The fan underneath lifts the mower, so it glides over the lawn.
* Turbo Action: This feature increases airflow for better lift on slopes and rougher grass.
* Lightweight: At under 7 kg, it’s easy to carry and maneuver.
* 35-Litre Grass Box: A decent capacity to reduce how often you need to stop and empty it.
Key Features and Benefits
Let’s break down the main features and what they actually mean for your mowing.
Powerful 1400W Motor
The motor provides plenty of power for standard lawn grasses. It handles longer, damp grass better than less powerful models, though you might need to go slower in really tough conditions.
Excellent for Slopes and Uneven Ground
This is where the Turbo 400 truly shines. The hover design means it doesn’t get caught on bumps or dips. It’s brilliant for steep banks where a wheeled mower would be difficult or unsafe to use.
Easy Storage and Handling
Its light weight is a huge advantage. You can easily lift it over flower beds, carry it up steps, or hang it in your shed without any struggle. This is a major plus for many gardeners.
Safety and Ease of Use
As an electric model, you simply plug it in and press the safety button to start. There’s no petrol, oil, or pull cords. The cable is a consideration, but using an RCD safety plug and a quality outdoor extension reel makes it simple.
Performance on Your Lawn
So, how does it actually perform week-to-week?
Cutting Quality
The Turbo 400 gives a neat, even cut on regular lawns. The two cutting heights (20mm and 40mm) are adjusted with a simple lever. For a healthy lawn, avoid cutting too short. The 40mm setting is often perfect.
Handling Long or Wet Grass
While powerful, it’s not a dedicated long grass cutter. If you let your lawn grow very long, you’ll need to cut it in stages, raising the height for the first pass. In damp conditions, it performs reasonably well but can sometimes leave a slight clump of clippings under the deck.
Maneuverability
It’s incredibly easy to guide around obstacles like trees and garden furniture. The hover action lets you turn on the spot and move sideways with minimal effort.
Noise Level
It’s quieter than most petrol mowers, but still produces a noticeable hum. It’s fine for weekend mornings, but you’ll still want to be considerate of your neighbours early on a Sunday.
Setting Up and Using Your Mower
Getting started is straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Assembly: It comes mostly assembled. You just need to attach the handle and grass box, which takes about 10 minutes with the provided tools.
2. Safety First: Always use a residual-current device (RCD) plug with any electric lawn mower.
3. Pre-Mow Check: Clear the lawn of stones, toys, and sticks. These can damage the blade or be thrown out.
4. Mowing Technique: For best results, mow in straight, overlapping lines. On slopes, mow side-to-side, not up and down, for maximum safety and stability.
5. Emptying: The grass box is easy to remove and clip back on. It’s a good idea to empty it before it gets completely full to maintain good airflow.
Maintenance and Care
Looking after the Turbo 400 is simple and keeps it running for years.
* Cleaning: After use, disconnect it and tip it on its side to brush or hose off grass clippings from under the deck. Let it dry completely before storing.
* Blade Care: Check the blade for nicks and damage a few times a season. Replacing a blunt or damaged blade is cheap and makes a huge difference to cut quality.
* Cable Care: Always check the cable for wear and tear. Store it loosely coiled to prevent damage to the wires inside.
* Winter Storage: Make sure it’s clean and dry, then store it in a cool, dry place. Some people like to give the metal parts a light wipe with an oily cloth to prevent rust.
Pros and Cons Summary
To help you weigh it up, here are the clear advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
* Super lightweight and easy to maneuver.
* Excellent for slopes, bumps, and uneven lawns.
* Very simple to start and use—no engine maintenance.
* Easy to store, often taking up less space than wheeled mowers.
* Reasonably priced for its feature set.
Cons:
* You must manage a power cable carefully.
* Not ideal for very large lawns due to cable length limitations.
* Can struggle with extremly long, thick grass in a single pass.
* The grass box, while adequate, could be larger for some users.
Who is the Flymo Turbo 400 Best For?
This mower isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for many. It’s an ideal choice if:
* Your garden has slopes, banks, or uneven ground.
* You have a small to medium-sized lawn.
* You value lightweight, easy-to-store tools.
* You want a low-maintenance mower without the fuss of petrol.
It might not be the best fit if you have a very large, flat lawn (where a cordless model may be better) or if your grass is frequently left to grow very long and thick before cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Flymo Turbo 400 good for long grass?
It can handle moderately long grass, but for the best results and to avoid clogging, it’s better to cut very long grass in stages, starting with a higher cutting height.
How does it compare to a wheeled mower?
It’s lighter and better on uneven ground or slopes than a wheeled mower. However, on a perfect flat lawn, a wheeled mower might give you slightly more precise stripe lines.
What is the ‘Turbo’ function for?
The Turbo button increases the fan speed. Use it for extra lift on steep slopes or when the grass is slightly damp and heavier.
Is it easy to store?
Yes, its lightweight design means you can hang it on a wall hook, saving considerable floor space in your shed or garage.
Final Thoughts
The Flymo Turbo 400 is a reliable, purpose-built tool that excels in the situations it’s designed for. It takes the hard work out of mowing tricky, sloped gardens and is refreshingly simple to maintain. While the cord requires some planning and very long grass can be a challenge, its benefits for the right garden are substantial. If your lawn has bumps, slopes, or is just a awkward shape, the Turbo 400 is a contender that will likely make your gardening life a lot easier. It delivers on its core promises without unnecessary complexity, which is exactly what many gardeners are looking for.