How to Choose the Right Lawnmower for Your Yard
Spring has come officially, which means that your lawn needs to be looked after. If you’re unsure what type of lawn mower you need, or just want to justify the cost of an upgrade, read on.
When it comes to lawn mowing, for many people, personal preference and budget are critical. Some people see this as a therapeutic exercise and don’t mind running the lawnmower for two hours, while others feel like getting the job done as quickly as possible. However, the type of lawn mower 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.).
Push mowers are great for small lawns that need love
A small patch of grass (less than 500 square feet) can be mowed easily with a handheld mower. You need to move a little faster to properly activate the knives, but there is no motor (so it is maintenance-free and environmentally friendly) and the mower can be stored vertically against a wall. This mower is pushed to drum on this mower with pushed drum from Great States worth $ 83 and has a standard width of 16 inches, but you can increase the width of up to 20 or up to 14 inches. You will cut a wider path with 20 inches, but it will take more effort to use and navigate than the smaller versions. Mowers of this type will cost between $ 80 and $ 110.
Rear-seat lawn mowers provide an abundance of possibilities
Electric lawn mowers have been a favorite in America for years. With proper care, these two-stroke lawn mowers can work for years and mow your lawn for miles. The mowers are available in sizes from 20 “to 22”. Remember to measure the width of your yard gate or barn doors so you have enough room to maneuver your lawnmower.
In addition to the width, when choosing a mower, there are several more important features to consider:
Gas or Electric : Gas mowers have a longer life and offer more power than electric mowers, but they can be dirty and require more maintenance than their electric counterparts. You can also spend anywhere from $ 100 to $ 400 or more on a quality gas mower.
Electric mowers can be wired or cordless, and are much cleaner to operate than gas mowers, but if you don’t have two batteries (for cordless) there is always a chance you will run out of juice. Of course, with the cord model, you are limited by the length of the cord, which can be inconvenient when cutting.
Greenworks is introducing an 80-volt cordless mower this spring that delivers 45 minutes of power . But most cordless mowers are rated at 40V (like the Kobalt shown above) and below and are best suited for an acre or less. Networked units cost $ 200 and up, while cordless mowers range from $ 300 to $ 400.
Pushed or self-propelled : if self-propelled, is it two-wheel or four-wheel drive? Four-wheel drive provides a lot of help when climbing slopes, but they are heavier and more difficult to maneuver. This Poulan Pro model is a compact lawnmower that weighs just 51 lbs. and is ideal for small, flat yards and trimming flower beds, but for large yards with slopes, a self-propelled mower like Toro’s Lawn Boy gets the job done faster and with less effort.
Mowing Type : Mowers treat the cut grass in one of three ways: side discharge, which distributes the cut grass back onto the lawn; mulching, in which the cuttings are cut into very small pieces, which break down and release nutrients back into the soil; and baling, in which the cuttings are collected in a bag that is disposed of with the yard waste. Some mowers, such as the Husqvarna 5521P, offer all three cutting options.
Take a ride if you have a huge lawn
Equestrian mowers are made for lawns that go beyond pushing a mower. If it takes you more than two hours to mow your lawn, it might be time to update your lawn. Equestrian mowers are equipped with a rear-mounted motor and provide comfort only when working with basic amenities. They are designed for mowing small lawns and getting work done quickly. Their price ranges from $ 600 to $ 1000.
Lawn tractors are a big step forward with more powerful engines and wider cutting decks. Some offer a power take-off (PTO) capability that allows you to connect attachments such as spreaders, aerators or snow blowers to your lawn tractor. Additional features to look out for include all-wheel steering, headlights, high-back seats, 12V sockets and cruise control. They can start at $ 1,500 and go up to $ 4,000 or more.
Zero turn mowers have been popular with landscape designers and golf course maintainers for many years. They offer faster speeds and precise cornering, but steering can be difficult for some. They are ideal for large, flat lawns with large obstructions such as trees or ponds that you can mow. These mowers can start at $ 2,500 and go well over $ 12,000.
Before buying a lawn mower, try as much as you can of the type you want. This will go a long way in preventing shoppers’ remorse. When it comes to driving a lawn mower, you will never buy a car without a test drive, so don’t do it with a mower. John Deere offers test drives from its dealers; ask other manufacturers for the same.