How To Choose A Lawn Mower

A well-maintained lawn enhances your surroundings and provides a great space for several occasions throughout the year.

That’s what my father used to tell me when I used to complain about mowing the lawn all those years ago. But like most girls in their early 20s, it was just one of the many chores that I didn’t really want to do.

Well, it is safe to say that my father was right about lawn care (along with so many other things). Now that I’ve been doing it for nearly three decades, I understand why he loved mowing the lawn. It’s not just a chore, especially if you have the right mower at your disposal.

The right mower can prove to be your most reliable ally in the battle against rapidly growing weeds and grass. No wonder most homeowners need help selecting one!

Howdy! I am Stacy Smith, your friendly neighborhood lawn care expert. And today, I have carefully created this guide to help you choose the best lawn mower for your needs. For brevity, I have divided it into three sections that deal with mower types, features, and brands.

Without further ado, let’s get going!

Types Of Lawn Mowers

First things first, you must know the types of lawn mowers that are available out there. And that’s not all; you need to have a clear understanding of how one mower type is different from the others.

Mowers can be classified based on power source and operation. So, let’s take a more detailed look at each type.

Based On Power Source

1. Push Mowers

The first and most straightforward type of mower is one that requires your muscle power to move. You need to push these mowers, so that’s added work for you. I would recommend going for a push mower only if your lawn measures up to 0.25 acres and does not have uneven terrain.

Push mowers are some of the most affordable, quiet, and environment-friendly options you’ll find.

2. Electric

If a push mower isn’t enough for your lawn, maybe you should opt for one that is powered by electricity. These pack enough power for most small-to-medium-sized yards. But the only caveat here is that the length of the cable limits its reach.

Get an electric mower only if your lawn measures less than 0.4 acres, and you can conveniently use an extension cable with a power source that’s located very close.

3. Battery

Now, if the only thing stopping you from getting an electric mower is the cable, you could go for a battery-powered model instead. However, these mowers are a tad more expensive than their electric counterparts.

I suggest getting one of these if your lawn is less than 0.4 acre and does not have a lot of weeds and tall grass.

4. Gas

The most powerful (expensive) variant is powered by gas and can easily take care of large lawns. But these aren’t environment-friendly and require a fair share of maintenance.

You should get a gas-powered mower if your lawn area is more than 0.5 acres.

Based On Operation

1. Walk-Behind

All push, electric, and battery mowers come with the walk-behind operation. Do not go for a walk-behind model if your lawn measures more than 0.4 acres, or else you’d have to walk a lot.

2. Riding

Almost all gas-powered mowers come with riding operation. Since these are meant for use on large lawns, the walk-behind operation would be too tiring. Some of the best riding mowers come with a wide array of nifty features to simplify your mowing work.

Features Of A Lawn Mower

Now that I have talked about the different types of mowers you can choose from, let’s move on to discuss the features that you need to consider before selecting one.

1. Self-Propelled

I would prefer a self-propelled mower to a push mower if there were many slopes or uneven terrain on my lawn. If you plan to mow a yard that isn’t small, a self-propelled unit will make that easier. Click here to check out a great collection of self-propelled lawn mowers.

2. Cutting Capacity

The cutting capacity of a mower is directly correlated to the lawn size. The bigger the lawn, the more the cutting width you need. Also, pay attention to whether it comes with variable cutting height adjustments.

3. Electric Start

Those of you who want to get a gas-powered mower, be sure to select a model that is equipped with an eclectic start function. I think there’s only so much yanking a pull cord you’d want, right?

4. Wheels

Different types of mowers come with different wheels. Ideally, a mower’s wheels should enhance its maneuverability and give you total control. Based on my experience, I suggest you go for a model that has uniform wheels instead of larger rear wheels.

5. Storage

Lawn mowing is not a daily chore, and you’d want to keep it stored when it’s not being used. So, getting one that comes with folding or collapsible handles is always a good idea because that requires less space.

Popular Brands To Consider

Many brands out there offer excellent lawn mowers, but I have selected three of my favorites. Over the years, I have used and reviewed mowers from each of these brands, so you can rest assured that they won’t disappoint.

1. American Lawn Mower Company

American Lawn Mower Company has been in the industry for over 120 years and offers exceptional outdoor power equipment. It also sells push reel mowers under the Great States and Earthwise brands.

2. Husqvarna

Husqvarna needs no introduction. Let’s face it; there’s only a handful of brands that have survived for over three centuries the way Husqvarna has. It offers some of the most advanced mowers, including a high-end robotic lawn mower.

3. Black & Decker

Black & Decker is a brand that has always prioritized customer satisfaction. The mowers that bear its name are designed to provide the optimal value for money. The first mower I used over 20 years ago was a Balck & Decker model, so this brand will always be special.

Summing It Up

When it comes to buying a lawn mower, there is indeed a lot to consider. But I would suggest sticking to the basics and not losing sight of your lawn area.

Do not get tempted to buy a high-end riding mower with lots of features if your lawn measures less than half-an-acre. After all, the price of a mower goes up a lot with more features.

Robotic mowers are also making their way into lawns, but the technology still needs a bit of work to reach the majority of American homes. If you want to get one, you’ll probably be paying a lot and might need to take matters into your own hands. But whatever floats your boat!

On that note, I’ll take your leave. Till next time!