How to Pick a Lawn Mower

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Steven E / Wednesday April 26, 2023

Do you want your lawn to be the envy of your neighborhood? A well-kept lawn can make all the difference in the world, and the right lawnmower can help you achieve that. But with so many options available on the market, choosing the perfect lawnmower can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the ideal lawnmower for your needs. We’ll cover everything from electric to gas-powered models and provide helpful tips on maneuverability, cost-effectiveness, and more. Get ready to say goodbye to uneven and overgrown grass and hello to a pristine lawn with our ultimate lawnmower guide!

How to Pick a Lawn Mower

When choosing the perfect lawn mower, it is important to identify your lawn mower needs. Consider the length of grass you need to cut and whether tall grass will be present in certain areas. If so, then choose a mower with at least three blades as they are more effective when cutting long grass. If there is uneven terrain, then opting for a blade brake clutch would be ideal. A blade brake clutch allows the user to step away from the mower without turning off the engine. Upon stepping off the blade will stop while the engine continues to run. This allows for better control over maneuvering on steep slopes.

Additionally, assess the size of your yard and any obstacles that could impede movement while mowing. This will help determine what type of power source is best suited for your property. Lastly, think about how often you plan to use the machine. Take into account potential maintenance requirements due to usage frequency.

Features To Consider Before Buying

Determine the size and type of lawn mower best suited for your needs. It is important to consider several key features when selecting a specific machine. First, look at the cutting deck; this component determines how much area can be cut with each pass. Second, determine which extra features are necessary or desirable for easy operation. These may include adjustable handles or options such as cup holders or storage compartments. Finally, assess any other accessories needed to complete the job more efficiently. These could include grass catchers or mulching kits.

Electric Vs Gas Lawn Mowers

Electric mowers come in two main varieties. Self-propelled mowers, which are more expensive than standard electric models; and battery-powered mowers. The main advantage of an electric lawnmower is that it does not need gasoline or oil for operation. This makes them quieter and cheaper to maintain. These types of mowers also tend to be lighter weight than gas models, making them easier to maneuver around the yard. Furthermore, they produce no emissions, which make them a great choice for those concerned with environmental impact.

Gasoline-powered lawnmowers offer several advantages over their electric counterparts. Gasoline engines have greater torque. Greater torque allows them to cut through thicker grass with ease without bogging down like electric motors may do. Additionally, many gas mowers feature larger decks and wider cutting widths compared to electric models. They are ideal for larger yards or areas where time is of the essence. On the other hand, these types of gas-powered lawn mowers can be louder than electric ones. As well as much heavier depending on engine size and type. They must also use gasoline and oil during operation. These factors lead to increased maintenance costs over time.

Cordless Vs Corded Mowers

When it comes to lawnmowers, there are two main types of models – cordless and corded. Here is what you should know about each type:

Cordless Mowers

Cordless mowers are battery-powered and do not need any cords, which makes them easier to maneuver around obstacles. These machines offer less emissions so they are an ideal choice for those who want a greener option. Generally speaking, cordless models are a better option as they are not restricted to the limits of cord length. Most modern-day cordless lawn mowers come with minimal maintenance requirements such as checking fluid levels, changing blades, etc.

Corded Models

Corded mowers offer several benefits. These benefits include affordability and ease of operation since all you have to do is plug them into an outlet for power. They also provide consistent power throughout the entire cutting process due to being directly connected to the electrical source. However, one significant downside is having limited mobility since these devices must remain near an outlet while in use. Furthermore, if you have a large yard, then this may not be a suitable option for you because corded mowers have a limited. Attempting to use an extension cord longer than 100 feet can lead to a voltage drop due to electrical resistance within the cord, causing the motor’s power to decrease. 

Reel Vs Rotary Lawn Mowers

When choosing a lawn mower, it is important to understand the difference between a reel mower and a rotary mower. Reel mowers are powered manually by pushing them forward with one’s own energy. It makes them suitable for small yards and flat surfaces. They feature blades that spin in a circular motion when pushed across the grass, cutting each blade of grass as they pass over it. This makes them highly efficient but also requires more effort from the user due to their manual operation.

Rotary mowers can be either electric or gas-powered and feature rotating blades beneath the deck. The blades help cut through thick patches of grass like butter. Rotary mowers tend to cover larger areas in shorter amounts of time than reel mowers do. But, they may leave behind some uncut pieces of grass if not used properly. So, you need to assess your yard size and terrain before selecting either type of machine.

In terms of environmental impacts, both types have similar effects. neither produces fumes nor emits any noise pollution while operating. For this reason, either type could be considered an eco-friendly option depending on how you use them and how well you maintain them throughout the year.

Riding Mowers

Riding mowers are ideal for larger lawns where cutting time is a primary concern. They have wider decks, which enables them to cut more grass faster than push mowers. They come in three main types: Lawn Tractors, Zero Turn Mowers, and Stand-On Mowers. 

With so many choices available, make sure you know what type of best mower fits your needs before purchasing one.

Lawn Tractors

Maintaining a healthy and neat lawn can be a struggle, especially for homeowners with demanding yards. This is where lawn tractors come in handy! With a lower center of gravity, these machines handle rough and steep terrain better, making lawn care a breeze.

Lawn tractors are similar to traditional riding mowers, with the user seated on top of the machine. However, it’s important to note that they have limitations, especially for large properties that may require a more powerful riding mower.

Despite this, investing in a lawn tractor can still be a smart move for many households. It can help with tasks like mulching leaves and carrying tools around your property, making lawn maintenance more manageable. Overall, a lawn tractor can be a valuable addition to your lawn care equipment.

Zero Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are a top pick for homeowners with larger yards. With two levers controlling each wheel, they can make sharp turns and even zero-degree turns, offering unparalleled maneuverability. Their wide wheelbase provides superior traction for challenging terrain. The cutting deck comes in sizes of 42”-60”, allowing for fast coverage of large areas. Modern models have an ergonomic design and advanced features like programmable speed settings and mulching capabilities. They also require less maintenance than traditional push mowers, making them a wise choice for homeowners who want superior cutting performance with ease of use.

Stand-On Mower

Stand-On Mowers offer several advantages for homeowners and landscaping professionals. The stand-on mower’s compact size allows for increased maneuverability. While compact, it still offers a wide cutting width. This makes it great for tight areas such as along fences or trees. They are also more efficient, allowing for faster mowing with less operator fatigue than walk-behind mowers. However, they do have a few drawbacks, including a higher price tag than traditional walk-behind mowers and less comfort for the operator, since they are standing for longer periods of time. Additionally, they may not be the best option for those with larger properties or for mowing on steep terrain. Overall, Stand-On Mowers can be a great investment for those looking for a faster, more efficient way to mow their lawn, but it’s important to consider their limitations and price point before making a decision.

Push Mowers

Push lawn mowers, also known as walk-behind mowers, are the most common type of lawnmower. They are cost-effective and ideal for small-to-medium-sized yards. Another key benefit of using a push mower is that it’s straightforward to maintain since there are few moving parts. Other types of equipment such as zero-turn riders or riding tractors need more frequent servicing and repairs throughout their lifetime. With this in mind, selecting a push mower could save time and money in terms of upkeep down the line. They come in two main varieties: electric and regular.

Electric Push Mowers

Electric push mowers offer convenient features such as being easy to start, lightweight design, and quiet operation. However, they have limited power compared to gas models and may need extra maintenance due to their battery technology. Additionally, some models can be expensive depending on the brand.

Gas-Powered Push Mowers

Regular push mowers use a gasoline engine that provides more power than an electric model and is usually cheaper. This self-propelled mower is heavier than its electric counterparts. However, many offer extra features like adjustable height settings and mulching capabilities. These make them a great choice for larger lawns or those who want to tackle tougher jobs with greater ease.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) Mowers

All Wheel Drive (AWD) mowers provide superior traction over steep or uneven terrain, thanks to their four-wheel drive technology. Unlike standard rear-wheel drive mowers, AWD mowers offer power and torque to all four wheels. The benefits of AWD mowers include improved maneuverability on hills or wet grass, better stability when cutting at an angle, and increased speed over rough ground. Additionally, these types of mowers allow users to cut closer to the edge without having to worry about losing control.

These mowers are ideal for people who have large yards with lots of inclines and require less effort than traditional push-style lawnmowers. AWD mowing machines can operate quickly across steep areas and through thick vegetation while the evenly spread weight distribution ensures operators experience less fatigue. AWD mowers also typically offer extra features such as mulching capability and adjustable cutting heights that make them suitable for tackling any job. 

Conclusion

When shopping for a new lawn mower it is essential to consider the type of grass and size of your lawn. A riding mower may be suitable if you have a large area that needs maintenance. If you are in need of greater maneuverability and precision cutting, then push mowers would be an ideal solution. Lawn tractors provide increased power and comfort while operating on larger areas with slopes or uneven surfaces. Blade brake clutch technology allows users to shut down motor blades quickly with no damage to the engine, offering improved safety when getting off the machine. With this knowledge in hand, shoppers can confidently select the perfect device for their property’s requirements. For more articles like this one, check out our blog by clicking here.