Choosing a Lawn Mower
Mowing your lawn is a tradition as well as a chore. When you select the right lawn mower, it can become a chore that is perhaps a little more enjoyable. There are several things you will want to consider when you are choosing a new lawn mower. With the many options that are available, you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that matches your needs and wants.
Where Should You Purchase Your Mower?
According to All About Lawns, the best place to make your purchase is through a dealer.
Buy your lawn mower from a dealer or retail store that offers equipment options for your mower. Service dealerships are best for people who have neither the time nor inclination to tune up their own mowers, but non-servicing dealerships usually offer the best prices. Dealerships tend to carry more brands at a better range of prices than major chain stores. Buying a used mower may be the cheap way to go, but it also may mean that you can’t get replacement parts later. Finally, check any model with a current recall list before you buy–mowers often get recalled.–All About Lawns
Cutting Size
When choosing your lawn mower, you will need to determine the size of your lawn. This will help you to choose a mower in the correct cutting width.
• Less than 1/2 acre —You will want to choose a mower that is 20” to 22” if your lawn is within this size range.
• 1/2 to 3/4 acre — When your lawn falls within this range, you will need to choose a mower that is 21″ to 22″ and has a higher horsepower.
• More than 3/4 acre — If the lawn you are cutting falls into this group, you will want to consider a lawn or garden tractor.
Type of Terrain
You will want to choose a lawn mower that will work best with the type of terrain that you have in your yard.
• Small Yard-If you have a small yard, then a push mower will be just fine and will help you to get a little exercise while you mow.
• Large Yard or Hills-Consider using a self-propelled lawn mower in these types of yards.
• Rough Terrain-Choose a high wheel mower in yards with rough terrain. This will provide you with maneuverability that is easier.
• Lots of Obstacles-If you need to mow around several obstacles, then a rear bagger makes a great choice. This will allow your work to be easier and faster while allowing for greater maneuverability.
Mower Terms
When you begin looking at lawn mowers, there are many different features available to choose from. Here are some of the terms you should be familiar with:
• Mulching—With this feature, no bagging of grass clippings is required. A mulching lawn mower will cut the grass clippings into fine pieces. This is a great way to add organic material back into your lawn.
• Side Discharge— In this model, the grass clippings are dispersed back onto your lawn. This is a great choice if you do not have many obstacles to deal with or if you prefer to cut your grass high.
• Rear Bagger—This mower will collect your grass clippings and thus provide you with an immaculate lawn. It is preferable to have a rear bag rather than a side bag as it is easier to use around trees, fences and many other obstacles.
• Assembled in Carton—This simply means that you will need to just add gasoline, oil and start.
• 3-In-1—This lawn mower is capable of performing side discharge, mulching and bagging functions. It is a great option when you want the flexibility to change how you mow your lawn.
Other Options
There are many alternatives to the standard gasoline powered engines available. Mowers which are powered by electricity have greatly improved over the last few years. There are models which are corded and cordless that will offer you a choice when selecting one of these models.
Another great choice is a manually operated reel lawn mower. This lawn mower will work on most grasses if the grass doesn’t become too tall between cuttings. The majority of these lawn mowers have five blades and they are adjustable to different heights. The mowing function is similar to that of a pair of scissors. You will need to mow more often in order to maintain your cut, but this mower is a great choice when properly maintained. It is an efficient, quiet and lightweight tool.
What are your favorite options in a lawn mower? What things do you look for when you are choosing a lawn mower for your yard?
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