Spring is officially here, which means your lawn needs some TLC. If you're confused about the type of lawn mower you need or just looking to justify the cost of an upgrade, read on.
Personal preference and budget play a big role for many people when it comes to lawn mowing. Some people see it as a therapeutic exercise and don't mind pushing a lawnmower for two hours, while others see it as a chore to get done as quickly as possible. However, the type of lawnmower you need will largely depend on three factors: the size of your lawn, the level of the terrain (flat or hilly), and the number and type of obstacles (trees, flower beds, etc.). ).
A small patch of grass (less than 500 square feet) can be easily mowed with a push lawn mower. You have to move a bit faster to engage the blades properly, but there's no motor (so it's low-maintenance and eco-friendly) and the mower can be stored vertically against a wall. This push reel mower from Great States This push reel mower from Great States is $83 and is the standard 16" width, but can go up to 20" or up to 14" wide. It will cut a wider path with the will require more effort to use and navigate than the small versions. These types of mowers will cost between $80 and $110.
Motorized walk-behind lawn mowers have been American favorites for years. With proper care , these two-stroke electric lawn mowers can run for years and cut miles of grass. Walk-behind mowers are available in sizes 20"-22". Remember to measure the width of your garden gate or shed door to give yourself enough room to maneuver the mower.
Beyond width, there are a couple of other important features to consider when selecting a push lawn mower:
Gas or electric – Gas mowers have a longer run time and offer more power than electric ones, but they can be messy and require more maintenance than their electric counterparts. You can also spend $100 to $400 or more on a quality gas mower.
Electric lawn mowers can be corded or cordless and run much cleaner than gas, but unless you have two batteries (for cordless), there's always a chance you'll run out of power. Of course, with a corded model, you're limited by the length of your cord, which can be a hassle for mowing lawns.
Green works introduces this spring an 80-volt cordless lawn mower that offers 45 minutes of run time. But most cordless lawn mowers are 40 volts (like the Kobalt pictured above) and are better suited to ¼ acre or less. Corded units are $200 and up, while cordless clippers are in the $300-$400 range.
Push or Self Propelled - If self propelled, is it 2 wheel drive or all wheel drive? Four-wheel drive will provide more assistance going up hills, but they are heavier and can be more difficult to maneuver. This Poulan Pro model is a compact push mower that only weighs 51 pounds. And is ideal for small flat yards and mowing around flower beds, but for larger yards with slopes, a self-propelled mower like Toro's Lawn Boy will get the job done faster and with less effort.
Type of cut : Walk-behind mowers handle grass clippings in one of three ways: side discharge, which distributes clippings back into the grass; mulching, which cuts clippings into very fine pieces that break down and return nutrients to the soil; and bagging, which collects clippings in a bag that is disposed of with yard waste. Some mowers like the Husqvarna in Anderson SC 5521P offer all three cutting options.
Ride-on mowers are made for lawns that are beyond the reach of anyone who wants to push a walk-behind mower. If it takes you more than two hours to mow, it might be time to upgrade. Ride-on mowers have a rear-mounted engine and only provide the basics for comfort. They are designed to mow smaller lawns and get the job done quickly. These are priced from $600 to $1000.
Lawn tractors are a big step forward, offering more powerful engines and wider cutting decks. Some offer power take-off (PTO) capabilities that allow you to connect attachments such as spreaders, aerators, or snow throwers to your ride-on mower. Advanced features to look for include four-wheel steering, headlights, high-back seats, 12-volt power outlets, and cruise control. These can start at $1,500 and go up to $4,000 or more.
Zero turn mowers have been popular with landscapers and golf course maintenance for years. They offer faster speeds and precision turns, but lap bar steering can be difficult for some to learn. They are ideal for large, flat lawns with large obstacles like trees or ponds to mow. These mowers can start at $2,500 and go beyond $12,000.
Before you buy a mower, try as many as you can on the type you need. This will go a long way in preventing buyers from regret. For riding mowers, I would never buy a car without a test drive, so don't do the same with a mower. John Deere Offers Test Drives at Dealers; order the same from other manufacturers.