The rise of the lawnmower as a consumer product found in garden sheds around the world is inextricably linked to the spread of suburbanisation in the mid 20th century, particularly the appeal of the attractive manicured lawns and white picket fences of post-war Americana. It makes sense, then, to turn to the good old US of A when it comes to picking a lawnmower, especially when stateside companies like Ariens have garnered an international reputation for horticultural quality. Ariens’ Classic LM 21S, for example, is as American as apple pie but much more useful to have around when you need to mow a medium to large domestic lawn.
A walk-behind rotary mower designed to offer an optimum balance between convenience, versatility and effective mowing performance, the Classic LM 21S is powered by a fuel efficient 161cc Briggs & Stratton four-stroke petrol engine featuring patented Direct Overhead Valve® technology. This offers easier starting, quieter operation and increased torque compared to comparable four-stroke engines, so you can rely upon the Classic LM 21S to outperform its rivals every time. In addition to the cutting equipment this power is channelled into the mower’s Infini-speed® disc-o-matic transmission system, which allows the user to quickly adapt the forward speed up to a maximum of 4mph in order to suit the situation at hand; slower speeds, for example, providing greater control when negotiating tricky corners in your garden, while a steady speed in open areas of lawn helps to deliver an even cut.
This self-propulsion system combines with a cutting width of 53cm (21”) to make the Classic LM 21S ideal for use in medium to large gardens, cutting quickly and efficiently even in areas with slopes or uneven ground. Moreover, with its brilliant 3-in-1 cutting system (featuring mulching, collection and side-discharge modes) there are few lawns that the Classic LM 21S cannot tackle with ease. For traditional cut and collection a 90 litre grass collector is included, ensuring a tidy finish on any lawn. Longer grass which could clog another mower, meanwhile, can be mown with ease when using the side-discharge mode (which is also handy for cutting larger lawns if you don’t have the time to empty the collector repeatedly). The mulching mode is the proverbial ace up the LM 21’s metaphorical sleeve, cutting and re-cutting grass so that clippings are reduced to tiny particles. These mulched clippings are then blown deep into the base of your lawn where they break down and release vital nutrients and moisture, leaving your lawn tidy and well fed as a result.
Further versatility is offered by the inclusion of six-position cutting height adjustment, with a centralised lever and settings ranging from 2.5cm to 8.3cm allowing you to quickly adapt the mower to suit the conditions on your lawn. Similarly user-friendly is the Classic LM 21S’s handlebar, which offers four working positions to help ensure comfortable operation whatever your height. The inclusion of 26.5cm (10.5”) rear wheels and a rear axle differential system, meanwhile, offers industry-leading manoeuvrability. This same dedication towards ease of use is evident from the moment you start using your machine, with features such as the easy-access 1.4 litre fuel tank and traditional recoil starter meaning that your mower is always ready to go when your are. Supplied as standard with a three year limited consumer warranty, Ariens’ Classic LM 21S is therefore a machine which will make it much easier to achieve and maintain the lawn of your dreams.
