The Basics
Whether your lawn covers a postage stamp-size lot or a large expanse of green more than an acre in size, lawns always look better when properly mowed. And while all lawns are not created equal, neither are the mowers that keep them properly trimmed.
There are many factors to consider that can affect lawn care needs, such as where you live, what the terrain is like and the size lawn you have, not to mention grass type and how fast it grows. Likewise, not all mowers have the same features or offer the same mowing options or performance. When you factor in environmental concerns as well as how much time, effort and money you are able to expend in caring for your lawn, choosing the right mower may seem like a daunting task.
The following information weighs in on the wide range of mowers available today. Through this website you'll also find rated products for gas push mowers, walk-behind self-propelled mowers, walk-behind electric mowers, riding mowers, lawn tractors and garden tractors. That way you can compare options and choose the right mower that best fits your personal needs.
Walk-behind mowers offer the flexibility and performance needed to maintain almost any homeowner's lawn on a small property. For the most part, two-cycle gas engines--which generate more noise and pollution than their four-cycle counterparts--are now passe. Options available today include four-cycle gas engines, corded electric and rechargeable battery-powered mowers.
Gasoline-powered push mowers take a bit of muscle to operate and are therefore easiest to use on smooth, relatively flat lawns up to 1/4 acre. Self-propelled gas mowers can handle inclines or uneven terrain and are appropriate for lawns up to about 1/2 acre. The engine provides power to the wheels so they move of their own accord, with you as the guide. Electric mowers create no exhaust emissions, so they are quieter and run cleaner than mowers with gas engines. One drawback, however, is that electric mowers are typically less powerful than gas mowers and less effective at cutting tall or thick grass. Corded electric mowers are limited by the length of their cord, usually 100 feet or less. A battery-powered cordless electric can mow farther as it isn't restricted by a cord. It does fine on lawns up to 3,000 square feet, but does have a limited mowing range between charges.
Regardless of how the mower is powered, all types discharge grass clippings in one of three ways: mulching, bagging or side discharging. Walk-behind mowers can be purchased as a side or rear discharge (with or without the grass bag), as a mulching mower or convert between two or all three cutting operations for more flexibility.
Mulching mowers have a doughnut-shaped deck (the unit that covers the blade and holds the engine) and specialized blade that cuts grass into fine pieces and then recycles them back onto the lawn. Most all walk-behind mowers today are set to mulch--some just have a better cutting system than others and therefore do a better job of mulching. Finely-cut grass clippings disappear into the lawn better than mowers that do a mediocre job of mulching. The finer grass is cut, the more unnoticeable it becomes when discharged back onto the lawn. Regardless of the cut, all clippings eventually break down to provide a natural nitrogen fertilizer that can reduce future fertilizing requirements.
Mulching works best on dry grass and lawns that are routinely mowed. The downside to mulching mowers is that they usually can't take as big a cut as mowers equipped to discharge clippings out the side or rear. If you use the mulching mode on unruly grass, be prepared to take multiple passes so that less than one inch is cut in a single pass. Side- and rear-discharge mowers throw cuttings into a bag or through a chute onto the lawn. (Electric mowers are generally less adept at bagging than gas mowers.) Since grass isn't cut as finely as with the mulching mode, mowers equipped to bag or side discharge handle tall grass better as they can make deeper cuts. However, clippings discharged out the side are not as fine as grass cut with a mulching mower and can smother the lawn if the layer is too thick.
More expensive riding mowers are appropriate for a flat-half acre or more of lawn to mow. They have wider cutting paths than walk-behind mowers--generally 28 to 36 inches--and since they cut a wider swath of grass they cut down on time, trimming an all day mowing marathon down to a few hours of fun. On the downside, riding mowers don't have the maneuverability to handle tough angles or tight spaces, but a zero turn riding mower does. These super-maneuverable grass cutting machines have a smaller turning radius, making them a great option for lawns with lots of obstacles.
Lawn tractors have powerful engines from 18 to 24 horsepower and a cutting width up to 46 inches. They are best suited to large yards from one to three acres and can take on additional attachments like a cart or spreader. Though not particularly safe on hills, they do offer more stability than riding mowers.
Garden tractors are the workhorses of mowers, with the highest horsepower (up to 27 hp), the largest available mowing decks (up to 54 inches) and greater versatility over lawn tractors and riding mowers. They typically outweigh lawn tractors and have heavier frames and axles, making them better equipped to handle heavier loads. Garden tractors, sometimes referred to as "yard tractors" are designed for mowing two to three acres or more and offer a greater variety of attachments, such as tillers, snow blowers and pull behind plows.
How to Shop
For walk-behind mowers, be sure the model you're considering is equipped for the operations you need (mulching, bagging and/or side discharging). Mowers with a 3-in-1 operation give you more flexibility than a mower set just to mulch or bag clippings. If you mostly bag your clippings, you may want to opt for a self-propelled mower over a push mower--pushing an extra 40 pounds of bagged clippings along with the mower might be more than you bargained for. For easier rolling and maneuverability over grass, look for mowers with large rear wheels, radius wheels or ball-bearing wheels.Engine horsepower is less of a concern today, as mowers with at least 5.5 horsepower perform just as well as mowers with stronger engines. For example, mowers with an overhead valve engine are more efficient and deliver more amount of torque with less room compared to mowers equipped with a side valve engine having the same amount of cc's. Most gas-powered mowers have a recoil starter where you pull a cord to start the engine--some being easier to pull than others. Some models are now equipped with an electric starter so all you need to do is turn the key to start the engine.
A smaller deck size translates to a smaller cutting width, which means more passes to mow the same-sized lawn as a mower with a larger deck. Electric mowers take a smaller bite out of the lawn, with 18- to 19-inch cutting widths. Gasoline-powered push mowers range from 19- to 21-inch cutting widths, and self-propelled mowers have a cutting swath of 21- to 22-inches.
Self-propelled mowers move by their own power and may have just one speed, usually about 2.5 miles per hour, or variable speeds typically ranging from 0 to 5 miles per hour. Rear wheel drive systems are better than front wheel drive mowers. The type of bail for adjusting the speed varies. Some have levers that you squeeze, others have handles that you can move and the easiest to operate have a push bar handle that activates the self-propel system and matches your own walking pace--just place your hand on the handles and go.
Riding mowers, lawn tractors and garden tractors vary in cost--from budget to high end--with features to match. Your budget and mowing needs will determine whether you opt for a manual transmission with single cylinder engine or an automatic transmission complete with adjustable seats cruise control and an array of attachments. Just be sure to choose one with the horsepower, turning ratio, attachments and size fuel tank that best fit your property.
Ultimately, your decision on what type of mower to invest in will depend on the size of your lawn, size of your budget and your mowing needs. Watch for early spring and late fall sales for best prices. Look for mowers at large home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe's, or check out service dealers in your area, which often offer credit options, repair service and other additional amenities, though prices may be higher. Check out their return policy, as some may have a trial period for testing the mower.
Above all, be sure to play with the mower, sit on the garden or lawn tractor and test every mechanism you can. Try the seat on the riding mower, pull the recoil starter on the gas mower, operate the bail that adjusts the speed on the self-propelled mower. Does the mower convert easily between cutting operations (mulching, bagging, side discharging)? Do the wheels adjust easily or take some effort? Look at your choices. Ask questions. Search out the information on this site. Only then can you be assured that the mower you buy will be the mower that best fits your personal needs.
