There are several things to consider when deciding to buy a new lawn mower. Here are some tips to help you choose the mower that will best meet your needs,
1. The Engine
Buy a mower equipped with a quality engine suitable for the size of the job you expect from it. Briggs & Stratton engines can be found on several brands of lawn mowers. They equip mowers ranging from small walk-behind mowers to large zero-turn mowers and garden tractors (a Sears lawn tractor, for example).
Further reading : How to Optimize Your Business Management with Innovative Digital Solutions
Your Briggs & Stratton dealer can help you choose the mower with the right engine size for your garden. Find a Briggs & Stratton dealer in your area.
2. The Size of Your Yard
The size of your yard will help you determine the best mower for your needs. Generally, a walk-behind mower is a good choice for yards that are about 3/4 acre or less. The smaller your yard, the smaller the mower deck can be – the actual width that the mower will cut in a single pass. A 20-inch walk-behind mower may be perfect for a small yard, but you will probably want a 21-22 inch mower for a larger yard to reduce mowing time.
See also : How to Choose the Right Size for Men's Socks: Tips and Practical Advice
For yards larger than 3/4 acre, consider a rear-engine riding mower or a lawn and garden tractor. Rear-engine riding mowers offer good visibility and excellent maneuverability around trees, flower beds, and other landscape features. They are available with mower decks ranging from 28 to 42 inches and engines from 12 to 20 horsepower.
For properties of 1 to 3 acres, a zero-turn or front-engine lawn tractor may be appropriate. Look for a mower with at least 14 to 16 horsepower and a wide cutting deck – at least 38 inches – to get your lawn work done quickly.
For properties larger than three acres, it is best to use a larger zero-turn mower or a garden tractor. Look for models that have an engine of at least 18 horsepower and a cutting deck of 44 to 54 inches.
3. The Terrain of Your Yard
A small flat yard only requires a typical walk-behind mower. If your yard is sloped or hilly, you should consider purchasing a self-propelled walk-behind mower rather than a push mower. A walk-behind mower with large rear wheels is easier to maneuver on uneven terrain. All riding mowers can move over varied terrains, although some mowers perform better on slopes than others.
Caution should be exercised when mowing slopes and hills. If you are using a riding mower, mow up and down the slope, never across. If you are using a walk-behind mower, always mow across the slope and never pull a mower backward toward your feet. Put safety first and always dress appropriately when using your mower.
4. Your Physical Condition
Consider your age and physical condition when choosing a mower. A self-propelled mower may be suitable even for a very small yard if pushing a mower is physically difficult. Similarly, a riding mower may be the right choice for a half-acre yard if you cannot easily walk behind a mower.
5. Lawn Mower Features
While optional items add to the cost of a lawn mower, they are worth considering. The best option is a mulching blade for your mower. A mulching mower returns finely cut grass clippings to the lawn as a natural fertilizer – you won’t need to collect and dispose of the clippings. Read your owner’s manual to learn how to properly use your mower in mulching mode for the best results.
Bagging mowers do what their name indicates – you attach a grass collection bag to the side or rear of the mower to collect the cut grass. You can choose a rear bagging mower or a side bagging mower. Rear bagging models are more maneuverable around trees, landscaping, and in tight spaces in your yard.