Choosing the right lawnmower can be a daunting proposition, particularly if you’re a first time lawn-owner. You should consider several factors before making a decision – your lawnmower is likely to be the most expensive (and most used!) lawn care item in your garage.
Lawnmowers have come a long way in the last 50 years, to homeowners’ delight! Gone are the days when mowing the lawn took hours upon hours. Here are a few tips on choosing exactly the right type of mower for your yard.
RIDING LAWNMOWER
Riding lawnmowers are the perfect solution if you have a very large yard. Before you buy, be sure you have somewhere safe and dry to store your riding mower as well as a relatively flat lawn – riding mowers aren’t safe to ride up significant inclines. Riding lawnmowers are better-known in the industry as “tractors” and most newer models have great turning radius’. Keep in mind that riding mowers can cost a couple thousand dollars and require lots of upkeep and large gas tanks. They can often perform a number of other functions, though, like aeration and even snow removal!
PUSH MOWER
There are several different types of push mowers. Choosing the right one for your yard depends on your needs.
Electric Mower: Electric mowers run off of electricity rather than grass and come in both cordless and battery-powered models. Battery powered mowers are far easier to maneuver but can only last about 1.5 hours. Electric mowers are a relatively maintenance-free choice for most homes and can be used for around 1/4 of an acre of grass.
Gas Mower: Gas mowers are classic push mowers. They run off propane or regular unleaded fuel which can be messy and require pre-planning. Gas mowers are powerful and generally do a good job of evenly cutting grass and they require less muscle than many other types of push mowers.
Reel Mowers: Reel mowers were the first solution in mowing widely available to homeowners across America. They’re quaint and nostalgic and actually work very well – if you have a very flat, very small yard. If you live in an urban area and have a small lawn, consider a reel mower to save power and storage space. If you have more than about 1/4 of an acre, you’ll need something with more power or you’ll be dead tired after each mowing.
If you have questions about the right mower for your lawn, ask your neighbors or someone at your local hardware store. And of course, if you can’t stand the thought of mowing your own lawn, contact a lawn care provider for rates.