Choosing the right lawn mower is crucial for maintaining a beautiful yard. With so many options available, finding the perfect match can be a daunting task. Whether you have a small patch of grass or an extensive lawn, there’s a mower suited to your needs. High-quality equipment can make a significant difference in how efficiently and effectively you care for your lawn.
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At Social Circle Ace Home Center in Social Circle, GA, we understand that yard maintenance is a priority for many homeowners. A well-mowed lawn not only enhances curb appeal but also contributes to the overall health of your grass. Understanding different types of mowers, their features, and how they align with your specific yard requirements will help you make an informed decision.
This guide will walk you through the various types of lawn mowers, essential features to consider, and how to choose a mower based on your lawn size and terrain. Additionally, we’ll provide expert tips on maintaining your equipment to ensure it lasts for years. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to select the best lawn mower for your yard, ensuring your lawn remains pristine all year round.
When choosing a lawn mower, it’s essential to understand the different types available. Each type has unique benefits and is suited for specific yard sizes and conditions.
1. Push Mowers: These are ideal for small to medium-sized yards. They are easy to maneuver and generally more affordable. Push mowers come in reel or rotary styles. Reel mowers use a scissor-like cutting action and are perfect for a neat finish. Rotary mowers have a rotating blade that is useful for all types of grass.
2. Self-Propelled Mowers: Best for medium to large lawns, self-propelled mowers take the effort out of mowing. They are powered by a motor that drives the wheels, making it easier to mow larger areas and hilly terrains. These mowers can have front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, helping you tackle various landscapes efficiently.
3. Riding Mowers: These mowers are great for very large lawns. They resemble small tractors and allow you to sit while mowing, covering a lot of ground quickly. Riding mowers have attachments for bagging, mulching, and even towing small trailers. They are more expensive but save time and effort for extensive properties.
4. Electric and Battery-Powered Mowers: Becoming increasingly popular for smaller yards, these mowers are eco-friendly and quieter than gas-powered versions. They require less maintenance and are easy to start with a push of a button. Battery-powered mowers provide the convenience of cordless operation, though they may require recharge time.
When selecting a lawn mower, specific features can make a big difference in performance and ease of use. Here are some essential features to consider:
1. Cutting Width: The cutting width determines how much grass a mower can cut in a single pass. Wider cutting widths are beneficial for large lawns as they reduce the number of passes needed to mow the lawn. For smaller yards, a narrower cutting width offers better maneuverability in tight spaces.
2. Height Adjustment: Look for mowers with easy-to-adjust height settings. This feature allows you to change the cutting height to match the type of grass and the season. Some mowers have a single lever to adjust all wheels simultaneously, making it quick and convenient.
3. Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge: Many mowers offer versatile options like mulching, bagging, or side discharge. Mulching mowers finely chop the grass clippings and return them to the lawn, providing natural fertilization. Bagging collects clippings for disposal or composting, while side discharge simply directs the clippings out the side.
4. Engine Power and Type: For gas-powered mowers, engine power is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) or torque. Higher power engines are better for larger lawns and tougher grass. Consider engine type as well; four-stroke engines are more common and efficient, while two-stroke engines, though less common, can be lighter and simpler.
5. Noise Level: Noise can be a concern, especially in residential areas. Electric and battery-powered mowers are much quieter than gas-powered versions. Check the noise specifications if you prefer a quieter operation.
By carefully considering these features, you can choose a lawn mower that suits your yard’s needs, making lawn care a more enjoyable and efficient task.
Choosing the right lawn mower depends greatly on the size and terrain of your yard. Different mowers are tailored for various yard specifications, making it essential to match your mower to your lawn's characteristics.
For small yards with flat terrain, a push mower or a battery-powered mower would be ideal. These mowers are easy to maneuver and require minimal storage space. If your yard is medium-sized with slight inclines, a self-propelled mower would be more suitable. The self-propulsion feature helps you navigate hills and uneven terrain with less effort.
For large yards, riding mowers are the best choice. They cover extensive lawns quickly and efficiently. If your large yard also has uneven terrain or hilly areas, look for riding mowers with heavy-duty engines and off-road capabilities. Additionally, consider the cutting width, as larger widths will reduce mowing time significantly.
It’s also important to evaluate the type of grass and landscaping features in your yard. For example, thick or tough grasses may require a mower with greater power to deliver a clean cut. Yards with lots of obstacles, like trees and flower beds, will benefit from mowers with excellent maneuverability. In summary, assessing your lawn's specific needs will guide you in selecting the most suitable mower.
Proper maintenance keeps your lawn mower in excellent condition, ensuring it provides reliable service for years. Here are some expert tips to help you maintain your lawn mower:
1. Regular Cleaning: After each use, clean the mower deck to remove grass clippings and debris. Grass buildup can clog the discharge chute and impact performance. A clean mower operates more efficiently.
2. Oil Changes: Just like car engines, lawn mower engines need regular oil changes. Check the oil levels before each use and replace the oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fresh oil keeps the engine running smoothly and extends its lifespan.
3. Sharpen the Blades: Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can harm your lawn. Sharpen the blades at least once a season or more frequently if you use your mower often. Sharp blades make mowing easier and give your grass a healthy, clean cut.
4. Check Air Filters: Replace or clean the air filter regularly to ensure optimal engine performance. A clogged air filter can lead to poor engine efficiency and increased fuel consumption.
5. Inspect Spark Plugs: Spark plugs should be checked and replaced if necessary. A faulty spark plug can make starting the mower difficult and reduce engine performance.
6. Inspect Tires and Belts: Check tire pressure for even traction and inspect belts for wear or cracks. Replacing worn-out belts and keeping tires properly inflated ensures the mower operates smoothly and safely.
By following these maintenance tips, you can prolong the life of your lawn mower and enjoy more efficient and reliable performance.
Selecting the right lawn mower is essential for keeping your yard in pristine condition. By understanding the different types of mowers and key features, and matching them to your lawn's specific requirements, you can make an informed choice that will meet your needs. Additionally, proper maintenance ensures your lawn mower remains in excellent working condition, providing reliable service year after year.
Choosing which lawn mower to buy can seem daunting, but all it's really about is matching your needs against what is available. If you take a little time to understand what your needs are, you can then make an informed decision and buy the perfect lawn mower for you.
The author: Ripon Ground Care are a garden machinery supplier, holding resale agreements with over 60 brands. This guide has been carefully written without bias towards any brand or with any motive other than to help you select the most suitable lawn mower for your needs.
Examples of walk behind lawn mowers
There are two main cutting types which you will come across when selecting a lawn mower.
Examples of rotary and cylinder cutting blades
Rotary mowers are the most common and are suited to a wide range of grass cutting. Whether it be caring for a formal lawn, through to tackling fields with longer, rougher grass. Rotary mowers:
Cylinder mowers are designed to give the cleanest cut and can cut down to the lowest heights. They are at home on fine lawns and sports turf where the ground is mostly level. Cylinder mowers:
By choosing a lawn mower that is designed for the size and shape of your lawn, you're making sure every cut will be easier, quicker and more enjoyable.
The larger your lawn, the larger mower you will need in order to cut your grass in a reasonable time. Larger lawn mowers:
The recommended mower size to lawn size varies across manufacturers, but as a guide we would recommend:
If your lawn has intricate designs and obstacles such as flowerbeds and patios that you need to work around, take note that large mowers are heavier and more difficult to manoeuvre. So in some cases, a smaller mower might be more manageable in a larger but intricate area.
You have three options when it comes to your grass clippings:
The majority of our customers like to collect their grass clippings and dispose of them, usually in their garden waste recycling or compost bin.
The discharging method is typically used when the grass is too long to be mulched, or it would fill your grass bag too quickly. Discharging will leave the cuttings sitting on your grass, so is only recommended when you aren't worried about the appearance of your grass.
Discharging your clippings will speed up your grass cutting as you won't need to stop to empty the grass collector.
Mulching, when done properly, will leave a finish every bit as good as if you'd collected the cuttings, but the grass cuttings will in fact be still on the lawn in tiny pieces. The cuttings quickly decompose and act as a natural fertiliser to boost the health of your lawn. You should be aware that in damp conditions, mulched grass clippings will stick to shoes (and pets) and could get trampled into the house.
Mulching also reduces your overall grass cutting time because you don't need to stop to empty the grass collector.
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Once you've decided what to do with your cuttings you will be able to narrow down your search.
There are some mowers which perform a combination of collecting, discharging and mulching and allow the operator to choose between the three, without the need for tools.
There are four options when it comes to choosing power source.
Examples of petrol, cordless, mains electric and hand powered lawn mowers
With powerful engines, petrol lawn mowers are suitable for all kinds of lawns, from small right through to the largest. Without a power cable trailing behind, petrol lawn mowers are restriction-free to manoeuvre around obstacles. You also won’t have to worry about battery charge as with a cordless mower. Due to the engine, petrol mowers are typically louder and heavier than electric or cordless models.
Battery technology has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, making cordless mowers a viable alternative for almost every sized garden. Without a power cable you aren't restricted to areas with mains electric sockets. Cordless mowers are quieter and lighter than mowers with petrol engines, and also require less maintenance.
If you decide to go cordless, make sure the battery you buy has sufficient charge for the area to be cut. Once you have a battery and charger, they are normally compatible with other power equipment from the same brand. Be sure to check the compatibility and run times of any future equipment you may wish to buy before going ahead.
If you're thinking of going cordless, take a look at our cordless buying guide for garden machinery.
Suited to smaller lawns and gardens, electric mowers are clean and quiet, easy to start and require little maintenance.
Electric mowers are a good option where a mains power socket can be reached, and for gardens with no obstacles to catch your power cable. The power cable length can vary across different mowers, so make sure to check the specifications and measure your garden to ensure you can reach all of your lawn.
Electric mowers are usually cheaper than comparable petrol and cordless alternatives.
Powered entirely by the operator, as the mower is pushed forward the blades turn and cut the grass. With no engine or powered motor, hand mowers are simple machines that will last for years if looked after.
When you're investing your money in buying a new lawn mower, you need to be confident that, should things go wrong, you are covered by a warranty and can get service and repairs.
Be aware that not all brands offer any form of backup or the long term availability of replacement parts. These brands supply what can be described as "disposable" mowers. When things go wrong, your only option is to replace rather than repair. Buy cheap and buy often, as they say.
Reputable lawn mower dealers should not sell you a mower where there is no backup available. Our advice is to choose a well known, reputable brand where there is support and spares available from your local dealer.
Well established brands, such as Hayter, Honda, Mountfield, and STIHL may be more expensive to buy than the mowers described above, but remember you are buying into the overall package of quality and customer support. The overall cost of buying, running and maintaining a lawn mower from these brands is often cheaper in the long run.
If you're interested in creating stripes on your lawn, you're going to need a rear roller. The roller usually sits at the rear of the mower.
As the roller moves over the lawn, the grass is flattened in the direction of the mower's travel. Grass that's flattened in opposite directions appear a different shade of green, which creates the striping effect.
Another benefit of a rear roller is the ability to cut closer to lawn edges and bordering flower beds. The support from the rear roller allows the mower to hang over the edge of the lawn without tipping, preventing the risk of scalping.
Push mowers rely on the user to push the mower around the lawn, whereas self-propelled mowers use the power of the engine or motor to propel the mower forwards.
Self-propelled mowers are generally more expensive, and come in single speed and variable speed options.
Customers with larger lawns often prefer a self-propelled lawn mower as it takes a lot of the strain out of mowing. Read our guide to find out whether you should choose a push, self-propelled or variable speed lawnmower.
On a petrol lawnmower, the traditional and most common method of starting the engine is through the recoil start. This involves pulling a rope to start the engine.
Electric start is a feature which starts the engine at the push of a button or turn of a key instead (similar to starting a car), and takes all the effort out of the starting procedure.
It's a legal requirement for the blades on a lawn mower to stop when the user releases the handles. If you are using a petrol mower that needs to be started by pulling a recoil starter cord, having to start the mower multiple times during each use is something you might want to avoid.
For this reason, some petrol lawn mowers are fitted with a feature called Blade Brake Clutch (BBC)*. When a user releases the handles, the BBC disengages the blades from the engine, which stops the blades from turning whilst allowing the engine to keep running.
When the user is ready to continue mowing, the BBC re-engages the blade with the engine and the blade begins to spin again.
*Honda call their Blade Brake Clutch Roto-Stop®.
Generally speaking, when you buy a lawn mower you get what you pay for. There are three factors that make up the cost:
Why the features and size of a mower impact the price is self-explanatory, but it’s a little more difficult to determine quality. When speaking to customers in our showrooms, we find it helpful to divide the market into two broad sectors:
The premium sector of the mower market is dominated by top of the range class mowers. These mowers are built to the highest specification, have the most features and the longest warranties. Lawn mowers in this sector are more durable and are designed to last longer than a budget mower.
We define the budget sector as anything from inexpensive "supermarket" type mowers, through to very good entry level mowers from industry giants such as Hayter, Honda and STIHL.
There are some budget sector mowers that are best described as cheap and cheerful. They are of poor quality and come with little or no aftersales support. These mowers are best avoided.
Alternatively, there are plenty of budget mowers from reputable brands. Although they may have less overall quality, fewer features and a shorter warranty than a premium option, this kind of mower represents good value for money.
These sectors are by no means definitive and the classification can be subjective, so please use these definitions as a guide to help you understand your options. We always recommend that you read the specifications or speak to us if you’re unsure.
Most manufacturers carefully appoint their dealers and have measures in place to ensure they are upholding their brand values, service and aftersales support.
That said, it's always sensible to research a supplier before you place an order. A quick online search for reviews will give you a good indication if you can trust and rely on this company.
We would always recommend buying from your local supplier, who are nearby to assist you in person if you have any questions or problems with your mower.
Examples of other lawn mowing options. Ride on mowers, robotic mowers and hover mowers
For larger lawns of a quarter of an acre upwards, you may be more suited to buying a ride on lawn mower. Ride on lawn mowers can provide all the functionality of a walk behind mower, including collection, discharging, mulching, and lawn striping.
If you enjoy having a neatly maintained lawn but dislike having to regularly cut your grass in the summer, a robotic lawn mower could be the answer. A robot mower installed in your garden means you'll never have to cut the grass again. The mower can cut to a schedule you set, will 'mulch' all your grass clippings so you never need to empty a grass bag, and will recharge itself when it needs to.
If you have slopes and banks where a traditional mower is awkward to use, you may find a hover mower is right for you. When running, a hover mower sits on a cushion of air making it super manoeuvrable and can cut in any direction. The nature of a hover mower means they're easy to use for long periods of time.
We are a long established supplier of garden machinery and groundscare equipment with physical branches throughout the north of England, and an online store for garden machinery, genuine spare parts and accessories.
We hold dealership agreements with many of the industry's leading brands, including John Deere, Honda, STIHL, Husqvarna, Mountfield, Hayter, ECHO and many more.
When you buy a lawn mower from Ripon Ground Care it will be professionally assembled and tested by one of our highly trained technicians. Not only that, we offer free white glove delivery and free in-branch collection from our 13 locations.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 4 stroke push mower. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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