Are you in the market for a new lawnmower? Let’s go shopping to find a great deal on the right mower for you and your yard.
The type of mower you need depends on the size of your yard, the terrain and what you will be cutting. A yard up to four thousand square feet in size can be managed with a walk-behind push mower with no drive.
For a lawn bigger than four thousand square feet, a self-propelled walk-behind mower makes the job easier. If the lawn is fairly level, front-wheel drive is best, especially if you will be navigating around landscape features. If the terrain has slopes, rear-wheel drive will get better traction for climbing hills.
If your property is half of an acre or more in size, consider a riding mower. On sloping terrain, however, you will still need to use a walk-behind mower to avoid rollovers on a rider.
How mowers cut and dispose of the grass is another feature you should consider before making a purchase. Some mowers will mulch the clippings, meaning it will chop the grass into fine clippings that can be left on the lawn. Other mowers will discharge the clippings at the side or into an attaching bag. Some mowers offer a combination of all three methods.
The engine size needed for walk-behind mowers depends on what you’ll be cutting. A 140cc engine will suffice for simple grass cutting. For mulching leaves, or cutting high grass and weeds, a 190cc engine will be needed for power.
Be sure to handle the mowers in the store before purchase to see which feels most comfortable.
A discussion of lawn mowers isn’t complete without mentioning electric mowers. Electrics are quieter, need no gas, oil or spark plug, and are environmentally friendlier. On the downside, they will struggle with thicker grass, corded models have limitations going around corners and trees and cordless models have limited power life.
The best time to buy a mower is when the growing season turns from summer into fall when big-box retailers need to make room for winter merchandise. Check their websites for sales and rebates. Independent dealers sell mowers year round and never clear their sales floors, but they may be willing to discount the price to boost their fall sales.
Buying used is another option for budget-sensitive shoppers. Independent stores oftentimes will have trade-in mowers for sale. Stick to known brands that, even though used, will hold their value. Ask if the store offers a warranty. If the mower is less than two years old, expect to pay about 60 percent of the price of a new mower. Online community selling sites are another place to find used lawn mowers but use caution if taking this route. Ask lots of questions about age, condition and repairs, and test the machine to be sure it works properly.
