The Bosch 38cm Hand Push Cylinder Lawnmower, otherwise referred to as the Bosch AHM 38G, is popular among gardeners who desire a clean and environmentally friendly way of taking care of small-sized lawns. From £50 to £70 on average, it is a cost-effective option for those who do not wish to use petrol or electric models.
Scissor Like Cut?
As a push cylinder mower, it offers a precise scissor-action cut that many traditionalists feel to be superior to the health of the lawn. But while it's been a bestseller in its category, customer reviews reveal a combination of glowing praise and harsh critics.
This review takes a closer look at the Bosch 38cm Hand Push Cylinder Lawnmower, its design, performance, and genuine customer feedback in order to help you make a decision on whether it is right for your garden or not.
Key Features
The Bosch AHM 38G is so simplified and precise. Its horizontally positioned cylinder of five helical steel blades cuts smartly against a fixed bottom blade, giving the scissor-cut finish that one desires without tearing the grass. This is particularly ideal for gardeners who desire neat and healthy lawn appearance.
Urban Spaces
Light, only 6.7 to 7.5 kg (model type and packaging depending), light and easy to push. Its manoeuvrability is ensured by high-geared side wheels, so it can move easily even on rough terrain. Its width of 38cm is ideal for small gardens and town plots, with adjustable cutting heights from 12 mm to 50 mm, which can accommodate all lawn types.
Guarantee
A 25-litre grass bag reduces the frequency of emptying, while the rear roller provides the striped finish most homeowners appreciate. Bosch has a two-year manufacturer's guarantee, some assurance for consumers.
Ease of Use and Manoeuvrability
The narrow width and large-geared wheels are meant to enable this mower to be easily handled, even by anyone who may find the heavier petrol or electric models to be problematic. Being a manual machine, it also offers unrestricted movement without the hassle of cords or fuel.
But user experiences are varied. While it's characterized by most as an effortless push and perfect for small flat lawns, thicker or longer grass, as well as uneven ground, are reported to be more challenging with this product. These varying experiences will be explored further in the context of this review.
Cutting Performance and Finish
One of the major selling points of Bosch AHM 38G is its capability to provide a clean, accurate cut due to its cylinder blade mechanism. In contrast to rotary mowers that can shred the grass, cylinder mowers cut it for a finer cut that favours healthy regrowth. This review will investigate how well the mower cuts different types and conditions of grass, pointing out where the mower shines and where it fails.
Positive Reviews
Bosch 38cm Hand Push Cylinder Lawnmower has impressed many with its simplicity, efficiency, and green idea. For the price of this tool, it always surprises users with the quality of its cut and how simple it is to use. Customers on most forums praise it for its lightweight yet strong build, giving excellent results on small to medium lawns without being electric or petrol-driven.
Surprisingly Good and a Joy to Operate
A few reviewers said that the mower performed better than they anticipated, even on somewhat taller or thicker grass. One reviewer stated, "Really pleased at how well it handles cutting through grass and some larger weeds. Only downside is if the grass is too long it folds some over so have to go over it from both sides.". Only cuts in a forward motion and not a backward one. This underscores not only its cutting ability but also its weakness, which most are willing to settle for as far as overall output is concerned.
One user likened it to being "smooth and easy to cut with. My wife loves it," having its wide applicability as far as user and garden types.
Quiet, Cordless, and Eco-friendly
For those who have had enough of cables and noise associated with electric or petrol mowers, the AHM 38G's manual push is a definite bonus. One customer described, "I love it because it's quiet, no more leads and cables everywhere. Just push it and it will cut the lawn very quickly and smoothly."
Another said, "Lightweight, simple to assemble, simple to push on a medium sized lawn, no electric cable to deal with therefore no electricity usage. Great." This aspect holds true for those who value convenience and an environmentally friendly way of maintaining the garden.
Easy Assembly and Lightweight Design
Easy assembly is repeated throughout favourable feedback. One buyer commented, "Easy to assemble, does what it says on the tin, can't ask for more!" Others echoed this, liking how fast it is to assemble.
Its 6.7 kg to 7.5 kg weight means it's easy enough for most to manage. As one consumer commented, "Perfect for my small lawn, easy to put together, good price as well." A lightweight, compact form equals easy storage, always a point of concern for the space-conscious.
Offers a Clean, Professional Finish
Perhaps the most enthusiastic praise is reserved for the way that the mower gets lawns looking so healthy and neatly trimmed. One of the satisfied customers described it as follows: "This push mower is perfect for a small to medium garden. It does all one wishes & more, with hardly any trouble. Light & easy to push, easy to store, with no cable & electric hook up to worry about. I would most definitely recommend it & in fact prefer it to my previous electric mower."
Another posted, "Decided to buy this push-along cylinder type, which actually gives a nicer cut than rotary (smoother). It's also good exercise!" This is from several buyers who find the manual labour facet an added benefit that gives light exercise in addition to lawn grooming.
Strong Construction and Long-Term Use
Some buyers were returning customers, replacing older models after years of use. One remarked, “Bought to replace the 15-year-old same model which was getting a bit tired. Wish I’d done it sooner.” This kind of loyalty suggests a level of durability and satisfaction not always found in budget-friendly mowers.
Another old gardener commented, "I do know that cylinder mowers manual or powered do not deal with long grass and I was not therefore surprised that it did not. At full height without grass box it still cut the long grass with a struggle.". Over the last three weeks, mowing the lawn has been getting progressively simpler and today I was cutting at the bottom level." Their negativity reveals a more informed admiration of the machine's ability and the tolerance needed to achieve the maximum benefits.
A Practical Choice for Small Gardens
All but a few reviewers commended its suitability for small gardens and specific uses. Comments like "Good for small lawn," and "Ideal for a great cut on my small lawn," illustrate how ideally suited it is to satisfy the requirements of its target users. Another user posted, "Glad I chose this Bosch push-mower… it's well-made, quiet and does a good job with a good choice of cutting heights."
Mixed Reviews
While Bosch AHM 38G Hand Push Cylinder Lawnmower has scored well on ease of use and effectiveness, others have mixed opinions about some aspects of its design and performance. These complaints are usually a combination of appreciation for the basic functioning of the mower and minor grievances with its accessories, installation, or hesitation in handling tougher tasks.
Easy to Assemble for Some, Tricky for Others
Some reviewers mentioned the assembly process, saying that although it was doable in general, it wasn't completely easy. One customer explained, "Easy to assemble and appears to cut grass well. I found the height adjustment very difficult but generally speaking I am extremely happy with my purchase."
Another seconded this with, "Bit fiddly to put together and fine tune but it's perfect for me. Quality appears good, so far." This indicates that most users are able to install it easily enough, but those who are less handy may have to take their time or search around on YouTube. In fact, one purchaser advised, "It is better to watch some YouTube tutorials how to calibrate it and prepare it for the first cut."
Grass Collector is Controversial
The grass box also ranks as the most commonly mentioned drawback in these diverse reviews. It was either cumbersome or a waste of time, according to the following quote, "Grass basket makes the mower heavier, and it does not collect much grass anyway."
Another critic dismissed the issue altogether, saying, "Grass collector is a bit naff but I never intend on using it so. For those who don't want to leave clippings on the lawn, this is less of a problem, but for others seeking an improved collection system, it could be disappointing.
Works Best on Lawns Mowed Regularly
Some of these reviewers praised the mower's cutting ability—provided the grass is not too long. One of the reviewers said it was, "Wasn't sure about this type of lawnmower but wow! What a surprise gives a great cut and is so light and easy to handle. Not sure how it would do in long grass but if your grass is short and you keep on top of it does a great job."
This is repeated throughout other comments, with one purchaser commenting, "Mower performs great when the grass is kept up, but needs two passes if the grass is long." Another noticed, "Cuts grass well but doesn't do well if it's too long."
Limitations Around Lawn Edges
For some users, the wheel design created a problem when edging lawns. One said, "The wide wheels on the mower won't allow edges of the lawn to be cut. Not very happy with this purchase." For others, it might be only a small hassle, but for perfectionists, it could translate to extra edging work.
Initial Impressions Only
There were some reviews from customers that had not yet tried the mower due to weather or other reasons. As one reviewed, "Brought last month but due to weather not used yet so cannot comment. Very big tray for grass and large mower to cut large amount grass at time." This has some optimism but no experience yet to support a firm opinion.
Negative Reviews
Despite its simplicity and low price, the Bosch AHM 38G has attracted significant amount of negative comments from users. There were some who found the mower to be frustrating to use, ill-conceived, and even defective.
Poor Cutting Performance
A common complaint is that the mower does not cut grass cleanly. Some customers complained that it either left patches of grass untouched or tore clumps of grass out instead of cutting them. One said simply, "Didn't cut clean and missed some of the grass. Had to do the lawn twice. Used once. Gave it away."
Another who had repeated this said, "It was very hard to handle and hard to push and pulled up tufts of grass rather than cutting it. I tried altering the controls and had other people look at it but it just wouldn't cut the lawn properly. I had to take it back."
Others referred to the mower as "positively the worst mower that I have ever bought" and "a complete piece of rubbish… flimsy and doesn't cut the grass. Complete waste of money."
Troubles With Uneven or Long Grass
Some users mentioned that Bosch AHM 38G performs especially poorly on uneven lawns or slightly overgrown grass. One outraged customer described it as, "Hopeless on long grass or uneven lawns." Another agreed: "Kept getting stuck in the grass so moved the blades but still no use."
Even those who still used it, however, found it laborious, as one reviewer put it, "It thrashes with even wee grass and you have to mow constantly… piles of time wasted using it."
Assembly Problems and Design Flaws
To others, assembly was a problem. Some found misaligned bolt holes, missing parts, or confusing instructions. One writer said, "This lawn mower is shoddily built. I couldn't assemble it because the bolt holes didn't line up. I had to use a file to open up the holes. That's not acceptable."
Another commented, "The spanners don't fit snugly and that thing barely touches the grass." The grass box was also criticized, with one user commenting, "If the cutting height is low the grass box catches the ground and is pulled off the machine. Another bad bit of design."
Fragile Parts and Inadequate Spare Parts
A number of reviewers were worried about the plastic components' endurance of the mower, especially the cogs that are located in the wheels used to drive the blades.
One described their experience: "Plastic gears are employed to move the cutting blade and these soon wear out—then the blade will not move. THESE ARE NOT SERVICEABLE." Another warned potential buyers: "Don't purchase—I bought this on Bosch reputation and availability of spares. But no, they recently last year withdrawn all spares for it."
This problem left some owners with useless mowers after only a brief time of light usage.
Difficult to Return and Poor Customer Support
Other customers also complained about returns or customer service, particularly if purchased online. One wrote, "The seller has ignored all attempts to get a refund. Do NOT buy." Another wrote of a failed attempt at returning a product: "Told they will pay £9 towards postage… but sending that weight in packaging and posting would cost about £70. Fuming, can't return, no refund."
Summary of Negative Feedback
- Won't cut so well: Tends to miss the grass or yank it out
- Hard to push on uneven lawns or long grass
- Flimsy plastic components which will break easily
- No spares to facilitate repair
- Fiddly assembly and poorly designed grass box
- Mixed experiences with customer service and refunds
Who Is the Bosch AHM 38G For?
This mower will be effective for a very particular kind of gardener. If your lawn is small in size, flat, and well-manicured, the AHM 38G would suit you. Its light weight and quiet performance make it perfect for those who desire a basic, environmentally friendly tool for everyday light mowing.
As one eager customer summarized it, "Gives a good cut and is so light and easy to handle… if your grass is short and you stay on top of it, it does a fine job." It is also ideal for consumers who…
- Need an inexpensive, no-frills mower for occasional use
- Are used to hand tools and have no problem with using a little muscle
- Need something that will store in tight space
- Do not want to use electric or petrol for environmental or noise reasons
Overall, it's a suitable choice for "small, flat gardens and regular maintenance", as some of its satisfied reviewers described.
Who Is the Bosch AHM 38G Not For?
This lawnmower is not designed for bigger or thicker lawns. Many dissatisfied customers complained it performed poorly with long grass, uneven ground, or thick spots. As a reviewer warned, "Hopeless on long grass or uneven lawns." Don't waste your time on this lawnmower if you…
- Have a medium to large lawn requiring more power
- Need a mower that can cut overgrown or damp grass
- Aren't looking for minimal physical effort (manual push required)
- Depend on long-lasting plastic components lasting in the long term
- Rely on easy availability of spares for repairs
A sharp critic summed it up ruthlessly: "A complete waste of money… it doesn't cut the grass and spare parts are discontinued." This mower also may not be easy to use by older people or with low muscle power since it requires continuous pushing to leave a neat cut.
Pros / Benefits of the Bosch AHM 38G Cylinder Mower
1, Lightweight and Easy to Manoeuvre - Many owners praised its manoeuvrability and weight. "Lightweight and easy to push on a medium-sized lawn, quick to assemble," stated one reviewer. Ideal if you only require something easy to manoeuvre and keep.
2, Silent Running - As opposed to electric or petrol mowers, this hand push model is quiet. Perfect for early morning cutting or noisy gardens. "No more leads and cables everywhere. Just push it and it will cut the lawn very swiftly and smoothly."
3, No Batteries, Petrol, or Leads - Both environmentally friendly and inexpensive to run. No risk of draining batteries or struggling with extension leads.
4, Simple Assembly (for most) - Most reviewers was easy to assemble. "Easy to assemble even without referencing the instructions," said one reviewer.
5, Suitable for Regular Maintenance - On small, well-cared-for lawns, it leaves a neat, even finish. "Actually gives a better cut than my rotary mower (more even)," reported one buyer.
6, Budget-Friendly - Reasonably priced compared to powered alternatives. Great for light, occasional use without breaking the bank.
7, Good Exercise - A few buyers liked the exercise aspect, calling it a bonus: "It's also good exercise!"
Cons / Drawbacks of the Bosch AHM 38G Cylinder Mower
1, Woes on Wet or Long Grass - Not a good mower for long lawns. Some found it couldn't cope with: "Hopeless on long grass or uneven lawns… ripped clumps of grass up rather than cutting."
2, Assembly and Adjustments Can Be Fiddly
Although assembly was easy for some, others mentioned inaccurate instructions and rigid adjustments. "Hard to put together, and if the cutting height is lowered too much the grass box will dig into the earth."
3, Not Suitable to Bumpy Ground - It is a necessity to have smooth, well-maintained lawns. On uneven or bumpy ground, it struggles to provide an even cut.
4, Grass Collector Issues - The grass box included was criticized. The majority complained it's poorly designed and almost useless. "Grass basket makes mower heavier and doesn't pick up much grass anyway."
5, Wear and Tear Problems - Plastic parts, especially the cogs that drive the blades, were found to be weak points. Some users reported wear within 1–2 years with no spares available: "Plastic cogs break down very quickly… Bosch no longer makes spares."
6, Physical Effort Required - As a push mower, it requires constant pushing. This may be a deal-breaker for those expecting an effortless experience.
7, Quality Control Problems - There were some complaints of missing parts or misaligned bolt holes upon opening the box, which was frustrating.
Overall Verdict - A Good 4-Star Manual Mower for the Right Lawn
The Bosch AHM 38G push mower is delivering on its promise – a tidy, silent snip of small, well-groomed lawns – but only provided your grass is already under control. For those seeking a lightweight, eco-friendly solution that's simple to store and maintain, it ticks a lot of boxes. Its silence and absence of cord or petrol make it a joy for quick, frequent trims.
Not for All Lawns
Then there is this one. Not again, not a mower for long, wet, or uneven grass. It struggles with tall grass and will often require several passes. The annoying fiddly height adjustments and weak grass collector are constant irritations, and there are some concerns regarding long-term robustness through the inclusion of plastic parts.
No Fuss Solution
If you're happy to mow regularly and want a hassle-free, low-cost means of keeping a small, flat garden tidy, the AHM 38G can be extremely satisfying. But if you prefer to do it once and forget on uneven or long-overgrown lawns, you'll find a powered mower (electric or petrol) more suitable for you.
Rating 4 / 5
4 out of 5 stars - A great manual mower for the occasional light work on small lawns, just keep the short grass maintained and be realistic about its capabilities.
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