What makes a good mower for Kikuyu grass?

Kikuyu grass is a common sight in New Zealand gardens, known for its fast growth and dense, robust nature. To keep it in top shape, you need the right mower. Here’s what to look for when choosing a mower for your kikuyu lawn.

What is Kikuyu Grass?

Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum Clandestinum) is a warm-season perennial grass. It's an aggressive grower with a deep root system and thick, stoloniferous runners that spread quickly above ground. These runners create a dense mat, which makes it an excellent, hard-wearing lawn for high-traffic areas, but also harder to control and maintain than other grass types, especially if neglected. You can identify it by its coarse, light green leaves and its vigorous, creeping growth habit. It grows commonly in Northern regions of New Zealand, common from Waikato and the Bay of Plenty northward.

Why Kikuyu Needs a Specific Mower

Kikuyu grass grows quickly and has a thick mat of runners. This means it can easily overwhelm a standard lawn mower, leading to a torn, uneven cut. A good mower for kikuyu needs to be powerful and durable to handle the tough conditions.

What Makes a Good Mower for Kikuyu Grass?

1. Engine Power: A powerful engine is essential. Kikuyu can be tough, especially when it’s long or damp. A mower with a strong engine won't bog down and will give a cleaner, more consistent cut. Look for a mower with a high cc rating or horsepower (hp) output.

2. Blade System: The blade system is critical. A rotary mower with a heavy-duty blade is a good option. The blade needs to be sharp and strong to slice through the thick runners. Some mowers feature mulching capabilities, which can be useful for returning nutrients to the soil.

3. Deck Design: The mower deck should be designed to handle a large volume of clippings. Look for a deep deck that allows the grass to stand up before being cut and also helps with good airflow. This prevents clogging and ensures a cleaner cut, even with thick grass.

4. Catcher Size: Kikuyu produces a lot of clippings. A large catcher bag is beneficial as it reduces the number of times you need to stop and empty it. If you prefer to mulch, ensure your mower has an effective mulching system.

5. Drive System: For larger lawns, a self-propelled mower can save a lot of effort. This is particularly useful on uneven or sloping sections, where the thick kikuyu can make pushing a manual mower a real workout.

Mower Types for Kikuyu

Rotary Mowers

These are the most common choice for home lawns. They are versatile and can handle a variety of grass types, including kikuyu. Look for a model with the features mentioned above for the best results.

Reel Mowers

While these provide a fine, bowling-green finish, they can struggle with the tough, sprawling runners of kikuyu. They are generally not recommended unless the lawn is regularly mown and kept short.

Zero Turn Mowers

These are ideal for an efficient, easy cut on Kikuyu lawns, but some are more suited than others. Scag in particular is well suited to Kikuyu – with a deep deck design, and very open deck front with wide blade clearance. Scag has a great reputation in southern regions of the United States where Bermuda grass is common, which is very similar to Kikuyu found here in New Zealand. This makes Scag a great choice.

4WD Ride On Brushcutters

Ride on brushcutters like the Canycom are a great fit for Kikuyu – with swing back flail blades, and a shaft driven deck – the mower keeps the power up when tackling long thick grass, unlike belt driven mowers. Also, coming from Japan, the Canycom is well suited and designed for mowing subtropical grass types like Kikuyu which are found in Southern Japan.

Maintenance Tips

Keeping your mower well-maintained is key to getting a good cut on kikuyu. Ensure the blades are always sharp. A blunt blade will tear the grass, leaving a ragged finish and making the lawn more susceptible to disease. Regular cleaning of the deck will also improve performance.

Choosing the right mower for kikuyu grass is about matching the tool to the task. A powerful, well-designed rotary mower will make quick work of your lawn, keeping it healthy and looking its best.

Discover the Best Mowers for Kikuyu Grass

With a wide range of mowers on the market, finding the right fit for your property can be a challenge. At OMC Power Equipment, we've got one of New Zealand’s most extensive selections, from Scag, to Canycom and others. Our specialists have years of experience dealing with the unique conditions of New Zealand lawns, including tough kikuyu. Don’t guess and hope for the best. Talk to our team to find a mower that’s perfectly suited to your needs, ensuring a clean cut and a healthy lawn for years to come.