You need a good mower to Keep your lawn looking good, but how do you pick the right one? Here are some great tops to help you   Choose the Right Mower for Your Needs.

 

How to Choose the Right Mower for Your Needs

It doesn’t matter whether you’re the type of person that enjoys mowing grass on a nice sunny day or if you view it as a chore. Whatever the case may be, you can only benefit from having the right model that suits your needs. Otherwise, the probability is high that the experience will not only be less enjoyable, but not efficient at all as well.

So, how do you even assess what kind of a mower you do need? This can be a tricky assessment, especially for those that have never bought a mower before. Luckily, your search has led you to the right place – here, we’ll talk about everything that you need to know in order to make the right choice. You will find out about all of the important variables, as well as how to approach them when buying. Having all of that out of the way, let’s dig right in.

Riding vs. walking?

The first and the most basic choice that you’ll be making is based on whether you want to walk or ride. Now, the best way to choose what’s the best option is by assessing the surface area that needs to be covered. So, how can you make a good approximation of your mowing surface exactly?

The easiest way to do so is by walking off large rectangles throughout the entire surface. You want to count your steps as you walk around, and continue to add the rectangles up when you’re finished. You really don’t need to worry about being extremely precise here, as minor errors don’t matter. All you need is a good approximation.

Now, you should know that an average man’s stride is about 30 inches. If you are a woman, the average stride that you are going to be adding up is about 26 inches. Of course, if you want to, you can also measure your own stride as well. Ultimately, that will give you the most accurate measurement.

How does the surface area impact your choice?

Anything above one-fourth acre of grass is too much for a walking mower. It will be way easier for you to use a riding mower for such large areas. Not only would it take way too long to cover such an area on foot, but it would be really tiring as well. Especially if you’re mowing on a really warm summer day. That being said, for lawns that are from one-fourth of an acre up to two acres, it would be best if you opt for a rear-engine riding mower. Another good option is a light-duty lawn tractor.

Ultimately, your choice should be based on some realistic assumptions on how much you want to walk. A lot of people opt for a riding mower even for much smaller areas than those of one-fourth of an acre. In general, it would be best if you were to borrow a mower from someone you know in order to test your comfort level.

Should you opt for a gas or electric model?

The second most important decision is based on what type of motor your mower is going to have. There are two options, gas and electric, so, let’s see what are the pros and cons of these two groups.

Gas mowers are a more popular option in the general population. The benefits of a petrol lawn mower are primarily based on the fact that such mowers have a longer runtime. Also, they offer more power than their electric counterparts, which makes mowing easier and more enjoyable. The downside to these models is the maintenance that they require. Such mowers can be quite messy as well. Another pro of such models is the fact that they are cheaper.

Electric mowers are a way cleaner alternative than gas mowers. They are further categorized into two categories: corded and cordless. The main problem with the cordless models is the fact that, once your battery is out, you have to wait for it to charge. Surely, this isn’t a problem with a corded model, but stretching the cord as you go can be quite frustrating at times. There are a lot of different options when it comes to electric mowers. Depending on your budget, you will be able to find various fits for your mowing purposes.

Different cutting types you can opt for

There are several different cutting types that you can choose from when buying a mower. In most cases, there are three different ways in which walk-behind mowers cut grass. The first one is called side discharge. These models distribute the clippings back onto the lawn as they are clipped.

The second option is called mulching. These models cut the clipping into very fine pieces. These pieces break down naturally, and they are considered the most environmentally friendly out of the bunch. The reason for that is the fact that they are able to fertilize the ground by releasing the nutrients right back into the soil.

The last option is called bagging. These mowers collect clipped grass into a bag. After you’re done mowing, you can simply remove the bag and dispose of it properly.

Now, in some cases – you don’t have to compromise. There are models that offer all of these options for you to switch between them.

Front-wheel vs. rear-wheel drive

The last aspect that we’ll be talking about is whether you should opt for a front-wheel-drive or a rear-wheel-drive mower.

The front-wheel-drive mower is the one that you’ll choose if the surface that you’re mowing is level ground, and it has a lot of obstacles on it. The front-wheel drive allows its users to push down the handle. This way, traction on the front wheels is heavily reduced. This ensures that the mower is easily maneuverable and hence more comfortable.

What about rear-wheel drive mowers? These models work best for uphill mowing. Contrary to the model that we previously discussed, these models can be pushed down easier. The logic is the opposite, but the purpose is the same. It all depends on your preferences!

Of course, as with cutting types, if you want to invest more, you can find combined types. These types have the benefits of both models and can be used on all surfaces optimally.

In the end, the most important thing when assessing what mower is right for you are your own circumstances. There is no real “one-model-does-it-all” product out there, and while all of them will indeed cut grass, there is a huge difference. That difference is in the quality of the work, how much time will you need for it, and the overall enjoyment. And also, the exterior of your home will look much better when your lawn is all neat and tidy.

After reading this article, you are fully equipped to find the best mower for you. Make sure that you write the most important things down before settling for a certain model. Compare the statistics, do your research, and you will surely end up making as informed a decision as possible!

Looking for a fun way to add some special touches to your yard? Have your kids make a Fairy Garden!