If you’re looking for a reliable hover mower to handle your lawn, you’ve likely come across a popular model. This Flymo XL500 review aims to give you a clear, practical look at what this mower offers.
It’s a well-known machine in the UK and beyond, promising easy operation on slopes and a clean cut. But is it the right choice for your garden? Let’s look at the facts, the pros and cons, and who it’s really for.
Flymo XL500 Review
What is the Flymo XL500?
The Flymo XL500 is a hover mower. That means it floats on a cushion of air, just above the grass. This design makes it very light to push and excellent for slopes or uneven ground. It’s an electric model, so you’ll need an outdoor power socket and a suitable extension lead. The “XL” stands for extra large, referring to its 30cm cutting width and 40-litre grass collection box.
Key Features & Specifications
Before we get into performance, here are the main specs you’ll want to know:
* Power Source: 1200W electric motor.
* Cutting Width: 30cm.
* Grass Collection: 40-litre fabric box.
* Cutting Height Adjustment: Central lever with 6 settings (10-40mm).
* Weight: 5.8 kg (very lightweight).
* Cable Length: You must supply your own extension lead.
Unboxing & First Impressions
Setting up the XL500 is straightforward. It comes partially assembled. You’ll need to attach the handle, which clicks into place, and then clip on the fabric grass collector. The instructions are generally clear, though some users find the collector a bit fiddly to fit at first. The build quality feels decent for the price point—it’s plasticky but robust enough for typical garden use. The light weight is immediately noticable when you lift it.
Performance on the Lawn
This is where hover mowers either shine or struggle. Here’s how the XL500 holds up.
Cutting Quality:
For a regular lawn, the cutting performance is good. The 1200W motor has enough power to slice through standard grass cleanly. It handles slightly damp grass better than many cylinder mowers, but it’s not perfect in wet conditions. The six height settings give you decent flexibility.
Handling & Ease of Use:
Its biggest strength is its handling on challenging terrain.
* Slopes: It excels here. The hover function means you can mow up and down steep banks with minimal effort; you’re mostly guiding it, not pushing a heavy weight.
* Borders & Edges: The hover design lets you easily overlap borders and get close to edges. You can even lift it over low obstacles like path edging.
* Manouverability: It turns on a dime and is very easy to pull backwards.
Grass Collection:
The 40-litre bag fills up reasonably quickly, especially if the grass is long. Emptying it is simple—just unclip it and tip it out. The fabric is durable but can get clogged with damp clippings, so a quick tap is sometimes needed. A common tip is to let the grass dry first for best collection.
Maintenance & Storage
One of the XL500’s advantages is low maintenance.
* Cleaning: After use, especially with damp grass, tip it on its side and hose down the underside. Never turn it upside down as water can get into the motor.
* Blade Care: The steel blade is reversible to double its life. Changing it requires a spanner but is a simple job.
* Storage: Its light weight and compact size make it easy to hang on a wall or tuck in a shed corner. The handle folds down flat.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Summary
Let’s break down the good and the not-so-good.
Pros:
* Exceptionally lightweight and easy to maneuver.
* Brilliant for slopes and uneven lawns.
* Very easy to store due to its size.
* Low maintenance with no oil or fuel.
* Good cutting performance on standard lawns.
Cons:
* The fabric grass box can be less effective when grass is wet.
* You are tethered to a power cable, which requires careful management.
* Not ideal for very large, flat lawns where a wheeled mower would be faster.
* Can struggle with extremely thick, lush grass compared to more powerful petrol mowers.
Who Is The Flymo XL500 Best For?
This mower isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for specific gardens.
Buy it if:
* Your lawn has slopes, bumps, or uneven areas.
* You have a small to medium-sized garden.
* You value lightweight, easy storage.
* You prefer the simplicity of an electric mower.
Look elsewhere if:
* You have a very large, flat lawn (a wider wheeled mower would save time).
* You hate dealing with a power cable.
* Your grass is often very long or exceptionally thick.
Safety Tips & Best Practices
Always put safety first when using any mower.
1. Check the cable: Always run the extension lead from the back of the mower to avoid mowing over it. Use a circuit breaker for outdoor tools.
2. Clear the area: Remove stones, toys, and sticks from the lawn before you start.
3. Footwear: Always wear sturdy shoes, never sandals.
4. Children & Pets: Keep them well away from the area while mowing.
5. After use: Disconnect from the mains before cleaning or adjusting the blade.
Final Verdict
The Flymo XL500 is a specialist tool that does its job very well. It’s not the fanciest or most powerful mower on the market, but for gardens with slopes or difficult terrain, it is arguably one of the easiest and most effective solutions available. Its light weight, simple operation, and excellent hover performance on banks make it a favorite among many gardeners. Just be aware of its limitations with cable management and grass collection in damp weather. For the right garden, it remains a top-tier choice that can make a tough job feel surprisingly easy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Flymo XL500 good for long grass?
It can handle moderately long grass, but for best results, don’t let your grass get too tall between cuts. If it’s very long, use the highest setting first then lower it for a second pass.
How does the Flymo XL 500 handle wet grass?
It handles damp grass better than some mowers, but performance will suffer. The grass box is more likely to clog and the cut may be less clean. It’s always better to mow when dry if you can.
What is the Flymo XL500 price range?
It’s positioned as a budget-friendly hover mower. Prices vary, but it’s often found at the lower end of the market, offering great value for its niche.
Can you mulch with the XL500?
No, the Flymo XL 500 does not have a mulching function. It is designed only for collecting grass clippings in its box.
How loud is the Flymo hover mower?
As an electric mower, it is significantly quieter than a petrol model. It’s still noisy, but you can easily wear hearing protection and it won’t disturb neighbors as much.