Flymo hover mowers are popular now in Irish and British gardens, their bright orange exterior and distinctive floating cutting motion instantly recognizable. Designed to make mowing faster and easier and to cut down on effort, the machines use a cushion of air to glide over the grass, making them more efficient than traditional wheeled mowers. Since their initial introduction years ago, Flymo has become a household name for affordable, user-friendly lawn care products.
Variety of Models across the Range
Currently, Flymo's hover mower range includes a variety of models to accommodate different garden sizes and needs. From small units for small urban gardens to more powerful units for larger lawns, they've become an ideal solution for home gardeners to keep their lawn in good shape with less effort. Their popularity is witnessed through the internet's thousands of reviews and brisk sales turnover.
Mixed Picture
But, as with any best-seller, a closer inspection allows a more complicated picture to emerge. While most owners appreciate their lightness and how easy they are to use, some are concerned about performance on rough lawns, longevity, and construction quality in the long run. This article delves into the Flymo hover lawnmower range in depth, considering their main features, the positives and negatives from actual customer usage, and how they match up against alternatives available.
Key Features
Common to every Flymo hover lawnmower is their unique air cushion technology. Instead of using wheels, the mowers employ a fan system to create a cushion of air on the lawn surface and inside the cutting deck. This allows the mower to glide easily in any direction, offering good manoeuvrability even in tight or awkward spaces. For small and medium-sized gardens, this can be accomplished by quicker and easier mowing, especially where there are limitations like flower beds or trees.
Compact Designs
Flymo hover mowers tend to be slender and compact, with some models having integrated grass collection boxes, while others will simply leave the clippings behind in the form of fine mulch. The majority of models in the range operate on mains electricity through a cable, although cordless versions have also been introduced in order to follow consumer trends for wireless garden kit. There is a variety of cutting widths presented within the range, with narrow path cuts existing alongside the wider open area covers.
Plastic Decks
The Flymos are much praised as light, suited to those who might struggle to operate heavier, wheeled Flymos. Their plastic decks are the cause of this lightness, although it also raises issues about long-term durability when used on uneven terrain or where hidden stones are liable to chip them. Flymo has attempted to make their ranges value-for-money, attracting price-conscious buyers but potentially at the expense of power and build quality compared to the more expensive brands.
Option 1 - Flymo Turbo Lite 270: Compact Power for Small Gardens in a Tiny Package
The Flymo Turbo Lite 270 is one of the smallest models in Flymo's hover mower range and is clearly designed with small gardens in mind. With a working width of just 27 cm and a weight of only 5.1 kg, it is a light, highly portable option for those home owners who want an easy method of keeping their lawn in a tidy condition. Its bright orange colour and slim profile mean it can be seen easily, and it remains one of the brand's best-selling lower-end models.
In the middle of the Turbo Lite 270 is a 1400W electric motor, which provides sufficient power for handling daily lawn care and even covers thicker areas of grass. It, like all the Flymo hover mowers, floats above a cushion of air when it's running and is able to glide effortlessly over easy slopes, uneven ground, and odd-shaped lawns. This air-cushion technology renders it especially suited for gardens where wheeled mowers may have difficulty maintaining constant contact with the ground.
Dual lever handles on the mower are a nice addition, enabling users to use either hand to control it easily. For anyone with tricky garden shapes or plenty of corners, this is a large advantage. When the mowing is finished, they fold flat to store and its compactness ensures that it can be wall-mounted to save floor space in sheds and garages – an important consideration for anyone lacking space for storing.
With four cutting heights from 1.1 cm to 3.1 cm, the Turbo Lite 270 does offer some wiggle room for different lawn preferences, though the parameters may be slightly limiting for those who prefer to have a longer lawn or need more room to reach to cut thicker patches. The metal blade is a nice touch, offering a neater cut and longer life than plastic blades on lower-end mowers.
It's worth mentioning that this model lacks a grass box. Instead, what it does is to leave the clippings on the lawn in a fine mulch. While this can be convenient to some and even beneficial to the lawn, others might find it leaves them with a need to rake afterward, especially with longer grass.
The 10-metre cable is wide enough to cover most small gardens, but customers with bigger grounds will need to use an extension lead to not feel limited in reach. The fact that it is a corded mower also means that it must be looked after in terms of cable management to avoid tangling or unintended cuts.
In terms of price, the Flymo Turbo Lite 270 tends to be in the region of £70 to £90, which places it firmly in the budget sector. It also comes with a two-year manufacturer's guarantee (registered), which is a little bit of comfort for those concerned with durability.
Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive towards the Turbo Lite 270 for its simplicity and surprisingly robust performance for a mower in its class and budget. Its lightness is especially attractive to older users or those with less strength. There are criticisms, of course, regarding its suitability for bigger lawns, its lack of collection box, and some challenges cutting through wet or very long grass – both typical reservations for hover mowers in this price range.
The Flymo Turbo Lite 270 can be thought of as an introduction to small, flat to gently sloping lawns where there is little storage space. For gardeners with more demanding gardens, bigger Flymo models or other mowers may be a suitable solution.
Option 2 - Flymo Hover Vac 250: Light Build with Supplementary Grass Collection
The Flymo Hover Vac 250 is another narrow-line one of the Flymo hovers that is squarely aimed at small garden owners. Being 25 cm narrower in width of cut and weighing 6.9 kg, it is designed to be light in weight, simple to manoeuvre and with low storage needs. Unlike the Turbo Lite 270, however, this model adds the benefit of an integral grass collection system, leaving a neater finish for homeowners who do not wish to have clippings left on their lawn.
This electric hover mower comes with a 1400W motor to power its cutting blade and hover function. Similar to all Flymo hover mowers, the Hover Vac 250 hovers above a cloud of air, so it glides freely across the lawn surface with minimal effort from the operator. It's especially ideal for gardens with slight slopes, tricky shapes or many obstructions, where a wheeled mower would be harder to manoeuvre and push.
One of its key features is the 15-litre grass box, which vacuums up clippings as it cuts. For tiny gardens, this capacity is typically enough to complete the job without endless emptying. This makes the Hover Vac 250 stand out from similarly sized hover mowers like the Turbo Lite 270, which does not have a grass box. The addition of grass collection makes it an even more appealing option for users who prefer a tidy, neat lawn straight away after cutting. Others note, however, that the collection box fills up quickly in denser grass, with more frequent stops needed to empty it out.
The Hover Vac 250 has three height adjustments in between 1 cm and 3 cm. Although this is some level of flexibility, it may prove inadequate for gardeners who prefer leaving the lawn slightly longer or those who need to use the higher ones to cut back tough spots. The metal blade produces a neat cut and is bound to be more durable than plastic blades, which contributes to its capability of being used frequently on average domestic lawns.
As a corded mower, there is a 10-metre power cable and safety switch that cuts power immediately should it be needed. The cable is long enough for the majority of small gardens, but like any corded mower, care must be taken not to wrap up or cut the wire by error. Users with larger gardens may need to use an extension lead to reach across the entire garden.
Storage and portability are certainly positives of the Hover Vac 250. The handles fold in a flat manner to make it easy to store in a shed or even mount on a wall. Below 7 kg, it is heavy enough to lift between garden and storage space without difficulty, and its compact nature means it will neatly fit into narrow spaces or behind other gear.
Price-wise, Flymo Hover Vac 250 is usually between £90 and £120, slightly higher than the Turbo Lite 270 due to the inclusion of grass collection. It comes with a two-year manufacturer's guarantee (on registration), which is usual with other Flymo models in this range.
Customer feedback commonly compliments its ease of handling and convenience of clippings collection during mowing. The lightweight build is favoured by older individuals as well as those with weak upper body muscle strength. Some negative commentary on it not performing in wet or long grass when the hover effect is lessened and the collection box must be emptied more frequently exists, but it is not common.
In general, the Flymo Hover Vac 250 is ideally suited to small, even lawns where a tidy finish is vital. Its air-cushion handling and grass pick-up make it a sensible machine for minimal garden upkeep, but it may not be as well-suited for uneven ground or tougher mowing jobs.
Option 3 - Flymo EasiGlide 330V: Additional Power and Ability for Small to Medium Gardens
Sizing up from the previous in terms of size and capacity, the Flymo EasiGlide 330V is built to handle small to medium gardens. At a 33 cm cutting width and the increased power of the 1700W motor, it offers a noticeable step above the entry-level models like the Turbo Lite 270 or Hover Vac 250. That added performance comes with an 8.4 kg lightweight build and the traditional hover action, which allows the mower to move along a cloud of air as it trims – the hallmark of the Flymo brand.
The EasiGlide 330V is intended to be as quick and easy an option as possible to take care of the lawn for houses that need a little larger and more powerful mower. Its metal cutting blade measures 33 cm, which is sufficient coverage for the wider or longer grass lawns that would be too much for a smaller model to manage. The added power from the 1700W motor also provides additional cutting power, which proves useful when tackling denser, thicker grass.
In contrast to the Turbo Lite series, the EasiGlide 330V comes with a 20-litre grass box collection that sucks up clippings as you cut the grass. It has the benefit of greater capacity, which translates to less tipping out to stop, a treat for those with a bit of larger surface area to cover. The collection box also comes with a vision window so you can easily see when it's full, reducing the chances of overfilling and spillage when tipping out. For the average consumer, this combination of hover agility and grass pickup provides an acceptable balance of convenience and functionality.
The mower has four cutting heights from 1 cm to 3 cm in three steps. This is sufficient for general lawn care, but for some gardeners who prefer longer grass or struggle with areas of uneven, rugged ground where a little extra height would be useful, it can still seem a bit restricted.
Storage is a common forte across the Flymo hover range, and the EasiGlide 330V is no exception. Its handles fold flat for easy storage in tight spaces, and the mower construction allows it to be wall-mounted in the shed or garage when not in use. Apart from its greater cut width and addition of collection box, the mower is otherwise quite light at 8.4 kg, which should be within the range of most users to be lifted and moved around.
The 10-metre cable is again an average fitting within this range, sufficient for most small to medium gardens but maybe requiring an extension lead on bigger plots. A safety switch comes built into the mower for that little bit of extra insurance when being used.
Pricing-wise, the Flymo EasiGlide 330V tends to fall between £110 and £140, given its slightly bigger design and more robust motor. It has a two-year manufacturer's warranty (on registration) for extra reassurance.
Customer feedback typically praises its efficient clipping collection, ease of use, and ability to handle a slightly larger lawn without requiring more effort. The convenience of seeing the collection box window and the tidier appearance resulting from clipping collection is also enjoyed by many customers. As with most hover mowers, nonetheless, there are some complaints about its lack of performance on very uneven surfaces or wet grass where the hover effect sometimes doesn't work as efficiently.
The Flymo EasiGlide 330V is an ideal choice for small to medium garden owners who would like a simple, easy to store mower that is highly manoeuvrable and can create a neat, gathered finish. A logical upgrade from the smaller Hover Vac and Turbo Lite models, the EasiGlide 330V delivers more power and capability with only minimal extra size or complexity.
Option 4 - Flymo EasiGlide Plus 330V: More Convenience for Small to Medium Gardens
The Flymo EasiGlide Plus 330V takes the advantages of the original EasiGlide 330V but introduces some thoughtful enhancements to make cutting and storage even easier. With the same 33 cm cutting width and high-performance 1700W motor as its earlier version, this product continues to rely on the hover feature that allows it to hover over a bubble of air, cutting without actually touching the ground, yet still benefit from the extreme agility Flymo hover mowers are renowned for.
Suitable for small to medium gardens, the EasiGlide Plus 330V is ideal for those with a need for a neater cut with collection of grass, as well as storage-friendly aspects for those who have limited space in their shed or garage. It is slightly heavier than the regular version, at 8.5 kg, but this is not something that should have much impact on most users' day-to-day handling.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the EasiGlide Plus 330V is the improved grass collection box. With a 20-litre capacity, it has enough room to deal with small to medium-sized lawns without the need to stop all that often to empty it. Unlike the earlier models, however, the plus model collection box comes with a one-hand lift mechanism, faster and easier to remove and empty. The large window also makes it easy to check fill levels by eye and cuts overfill and spillage.
The mower's four adjustable cutting heights, from 1 cm to 2 cm, provide a neat but effective range for tidying the majority of lawns. Those who prefer to keep their grass a bit longer may find the maximum cut a bit limiting, particularly on uneven or rougher-cut ground.
One of the key areas where the EasiGlide Plus 330V is exceptional is storage and convenience for the user. Handles are designed for quick folding, and the mower will be able to stand on its own to occupy less floor space – a convenient feature for storage space-constrained homes. It also has a practical lead storage compartment for the 10-metre lead, reducing tidying and leaving the mower tidy when not in use. Pre-assembled, ready to get started straight from the box, saves users time, as they can begin mowing immediately without the need to install anything. It is an ideal feature for users who would like to have a ready start.
The ease-comfort ergonomic dual lever handles are effortless to use with either hand and minimize fatigue when in use. As with the other corded models in the Flymo hover range, there is also a safety switch for added protection while mowing.
At £130 to £160, the EasiGlide Plus 330V is slightly more expensive than the standard EasiGlide 330V, but the extra features in the shape of storage and ease of use for the consumer go some way towards justifying the price premium. The same two-year manufacturer's guarantee (registration) is also provided for peace of mind.
Overall, customer reviews are predominantly positive, particularly for the ease of use, good grass collection, and compact storage convenience. Some users, however, commend the benefit of vertical storage for the compact shed and the ease of use of the single-hand lift grass box. Nonetheless, similar to other hover models, some reviews mention that uneven or damp ground performance is sometimes uneven and that the relatively low maximum cut height will not suit every kind of garden.
Flymo EasiGlide Plus 330V is a top runner for anybody looking for an ultra-light mower with extreme manoeuvrability that will give a clean cut and take the hassle out of storage. It combines the hover benefits of easy gliding with useful innovations making it one of the simplest to use in the Flymo hover range.
Option 5 - Flymo EasiGlide Plus 360V: More powerful, Larger, Efficiently designed
At the top of the Flymo hover range is the EasiGlide Plus 360V – a larger, heavier-duty model that can handle small to medium-sized gardens with greater ease. With a 36 cm cutting width and heavy-duty 1800W motor, this electric hover mower offers greater cutting power and wider path per pass, perfect for those who have to cut slightly larger areas in less time.
Like the others in the EasiGlide series, the Plus 360V uses Flymo's own hover technology to run on a cushion of air, giving fantastic manoeuvrability across the lawn. At just 8.6 kg, it is still a light and easy push even on slight gradients or uneven ground, and its floating design removes the effort from cutting, particularly in tight spaces or where there are obstructions.
Among the significant advances in this model is its increased capacity for grass collection. Its integrated 26-litre grass box not only allows mowing for longer hours with less disturbance but also has Flymo's single-hand lift facility for easy removal and emptying. Users can readily observe fill levels through the extra-large vision window without spilling or overflowing.
The four cutting heights, ranging from 1 cm to 3 cm, provide decent flexibility for most lawns, but, like other Flymo hover mowers, there can be limited top settings for those who prefer to leave a little grass longer, especially in hot weather or on heavier ground.
Storage provisions have also been carefully afforded consideration. Handles fold nicely and the mower stores vertically – perfect for those with minimal space in sheds or garage. Cable storage provisions for the 10-metre cord are made available, keeping cables together and avoiding tangles or damage between uses.
Ergonomics are another area of concern. Double lever handles allow comfortable use with either hand and are engineered to reduce fatigue and accommodate different mowing techniques. For added protection, the mower incorporates a standard safety switch in its design.
Pre-assembled straight out of the box, the EasiGlide Plus 360V lets customers begin working immediately without the aggravation of complicated installation – a welcome choice for anyone willing to tame their lawn in a hurry.
At £140 to £170 price guide, the EasiGlide Plus 360V is the most expensive of the Flymo hover range, yet for that, consumers gain more cutting power, increased cutting width, and improved grass collection. It also has the advantage of Flymo's two-year manufacturer's guarantee (on registration) for additional peace of mind.
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, particularly the ease with which it can handle slightly larger lawns and the simplicity of how it can be stored. Naturally, there are some of the normal caveats: as a hover mower, it will not always cope quite as well with ridiculously uneven or long grass, and corded means anticipating around the 10-metre cable length.
For owners with small to medium-sized gardens seeking a lightweight, highly portable hover mower with effective grass collection and clever storage features, the Flymo EasiGlide Plus 360V is the most competent model available in the range.
Comparison of All 5 Flymo Hover Models
With five various models in the Flymo hover lawnmower range, choice depends on how large your garden is, how much storage you have, and if you want a simple hover mower or one that collects grass. Each model has the key Flymo advantage – a lightweight mower that floats on a bed of air – but there are several vital distinctions to take into consideration.
Cutting Width and Power
The Flymo Turbo Lite 270 and the Hover Vac 250 are at the bottom end of the range, both featuring cutting widths of 27 cm and 25 cm respectively. Both models are designed for small gardens and share the same 1400W motor, adequate for short grass and light growth.
Carrying on the trend, the EasiGlide 330V and EasiGlide Plus 330V boast a 33 cm cutting width with a more advanced 1700W motor, ideal for small to medium-sized lawns. Finally, at the high-end level, the EasiGlide Plus 360V combines a 36 cm cutting width and robust 1800W motor to deal with slightly larger lawns more efficiently.
Grass Collection
One of the most significant differences within the class is whether the mower collects clippings or simply mulches them back into the lawn. The Turbo Lite 270 does not have a collection bin, so it drops clippings behind. This is suitable for individuals who frequently mow or prefer to let cuttings naturally fertilize the lawn.
All the Hover Vac 250, EasiGlide 330V, EasiGlide Plus 330V and EasiGlide Plus 360V, though, have grass collecting boxes included. The smallest capacity exists in the Hover Vac 250 with only 15 litres, while the EasiGlide Plus 360V will accommodate the largest at a generous 26 litres. Larger grass boxes need to be emptied less but are slightly heavier.
Storage Features
All the models are foldable for storage use, but the EasiGlide Plus models (330V and 360V) take it that extra step further with flat-fold handles and the ability to be stood upright, leaving valuable floor space free. The Turbo Lite 270 folds up and can be wall-fixed for the extremely storage-space-limited.
Weight and Manoeuvrability
Throughout the range, weights range from the ultra-light Turbo Lite 270 at 5.1 kg to the heavier EasiGlide Plus 360V at 8.6 kg. Despite this, all models are still light enough to lift and transport. The hovering action makes them very manoeuvrable on the lawn, but the larger models do feel just a little heavier in use.
Cutting Heights
Cutting height intervals are not too high across the range, at between 1 cm and 3 cm. The Hover Vac 250 and Turbo Lite 270 offer up to 3 steps, the EasiGlide models providing 4 settings for a bit more adjustment.
Price Range
As can be expected, costs increase with size and features. The Turbo Lite 270 is the lowest in price, typically ranging from £70 to £90. The Hover Vac 250 is somewhat more expensive at £90 to £120, once more with the addition of a grass box.
The EasiGlide 330V (£110 to £140) and EasiGlide Plus 330V (£130 to £160) step into mid-range territory, offering more cutting power and superior storage options. The EasiGlide Plus 360V (£140 to £170) heads the range with its larger cutting width and maximum collection capacity.
Who Flymo Hover Lawnmowers Are For
Flymo hover lawns are ideal for owners of small to medium-sized gardens who appreciate the convenience of light, easy-to-manage kit. If you're looking for a mower that is easy to manoeuvre around flower beds, trees, and garden furniture, the hover design excels at negotiating tight spaces. They're also ideal for…
- Those with limited storage – the majority have fold-down handles and narrow profiles, and the Plus range vertical stores.
- Enthusiasts with low-maintenance needs – no petrol to store or batteries to recharge, and the corded format keeps them always at the ready.
- Symmetrical or slightly sloping lawns – the air cushion works best on flat surfaces.
- Economically-minded buyers – Flymo hover lawn mowers are cheaper than premium rotary or cordless alternatives.
Who Flymo Hover Lawnmowers Are Not For
These mowers may not be the most suitable for everyone. If you've got a large lawn, the low cutting widths and corded version render cutting slow and tiresome. They're also not ideal for…
- Treacherous, extremely hilly or uneven terrain – the hover action isn't up to scratch on bumpy lawns or in long grass.
- Long distances – though Flymo includes 10m leads, you may still have to resort to using an extension lead for larger areas.
- Anyone needing a 'bowling green' finish – hover mowers are suitable for regular cutting but will not stripe the lawn or achieve as much precision as heavier rotary models.
- Anyone needing a higher cutting height – with up to 3 cm, they are not ideal for longer grass or wildflower meadows.
Flymo Hover Lawnmowers - Pros and Cons
Prior to deciding if a Flymo hover lawnmower is appropriate, it's advisable to look at the main advantages and potential drawbacks based on real user comments and the operation of the machines.
Advantages/Pros of Flymo Hover Lawnmowers
1, Light in weight and easy to manoeuvre – floats on a cushion of air, thus easy to manoeuvre over garden obstacles.
2, Folding handles render it foldable for home storage in small spaces. Some are even vertically storable.
3, Simple to operate – dual lever handles allow you to mow with ease using one hand.
4, Affordable price ranges – beginner models like the Turbo Lite 270 are very affordable.
5, Easy to use immediately out of the box – the majority are pre-assembled, saving effort and time.
6, Grass collecting on more sophisticated models – EasiGlide and Hover Vac ranges collect clippings well to create a tidy finish.
7, Low upkeep – no petrol engines or batteries to manage. Merely plug in and away.
Disadvantages/Cons of Flymo Hover Lawnmowers
1, Corded operation limits mobility – a 10m cable can require an extension lead for bigger gardens.
2, Not suitable for big or irregular lawns – less wide cutting widths and hover design not for uneven ground or long grass.
3, No striped appearance – hover mowers cut flat but don't provide the more classic lawn stripes.
4, Smaller grass containers on models with collectors – more regular emptying may be necessary on medium-sized lawns.
5, Lower top cutting height – with most only able to cut to 3cm, they won't be suitable for really wild or very overgrown lawns.
6, Noise level – although quieter than their petrol equivalents, the higher wattage ones are still very loud.
Last Word - To Buy or Not to Buy a Flymo Hover Lawnmower?
Flymo hover lawnmowers have earned their place as a favourite of UK and Irish gardeners because they are light, easy, and affordable to buy. In flat urban gardens that need to be mown often, they are an easy and efficient option. The hover action allows mowing to feel almost second nature, and models like the EasiGlide Plus 360V come with helpful features such as a larger grass box and storing space-saving vertically.
But they are not the perfect device for every job. The wired configuration is restricted on big gardens, and the hover action is less efficient on bumpy or long grassed lawns. Those seeking a flawless striped finish or tackling thick long grass may be left frustrated.
To help you make your decision, below is a concise summary of their use and individual ratings…
- Small town gardens (even lawns, standard cuts): 4/5 stars
- Small and sloping gardens: 4/5 stars
- Medium or large gardens requiring regular cabling to be done or constant emptying: 3/5 stars
- Long-grass, bumpy, or uneven lawns: 2/5 stars
If you have a modest tidy lawn and require only a budget-priced, low-maintenance mower, a Flymo hover would be a good choice. For bigger or more complex gardens, however, you will need to consider a heavier-duty rotary or battery-powered mower to carry out the task successfully.
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