Curb appeal is what separates you from your neighbors. You want your lawn to look its very best every year. Get the most for your money by selecting the right lawn mower from the start. Let Blain’s Farm & Fleet help you find the right one for your yard and your budget.
A lawn mower is an investment. The money you put into this piece of equipment is as important as the yard around your home. Make this task easy, and maybe even enjoyable, by purchasing the right lawn mower for your property.
Below are the key features to consider when shopping for a push lawn mower, also known as a walk‑behind mower.
Reel lawn mowers have become less common with new technology available, but they remain a wonderful option for homeowners with smaller yards. A reel lawn mower is a manual push mower designed for very small, flat yards where you provide the power behind the cut. For many, push‑reel mowers are a nostalgic choice.
They are quiet, economical, require little maintenance, and use no gasoline. Manual reel mowers are environmentally friendly and produce zero emissions. Grass clippings can also be used for compost.
Electric lawn mowers are great for the environment, operating quietly with no emissions and easy push‑button starts. Corded options are best for smaller, flat lawns and offer consistent power as long as they remain plugged in.
Cordless electric mowers run off a rechargeable battery. They offer excellent mobility, but the cut quality can decline as the battery depletes.
EGO lawn mowers take battery‑powered performance to the next level. Their advanced 56‑volt ARC Lithium™ battery technology delivers the power of gas without the noise, fumes, or maintenance. Unlike typical cordless electric mowers, EGO batteries maintain consistent power from start to finish, which helps prevent uneven cuts as the charge drops.
Why homeowners love EGO mowers:
EGO is an excellent choice for medium to large yards if you want the power of gas combined with the convenience of a cordless electric mower. It is a great option for anyone who wants modern performance that is environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.
Gas lawn mowers are ideal for larger yards and are generally more powerful than electric models. They offer wider cutting paths and can handle heavier, thicker grass.
A standard engine is sufficient for flat, smaller yards. An overhead cam (OHC) engine offers more power and quieter operation compared to a standard engine. For uneven or hilly terrain, an overhead valve (OHV) engine is the strongest choice. It provides efficient performance, cleaner operation, and easy starting.
If you expect any member of your family to use the mower, and not overexert themselves doing so, it’s a good idea to buy a mower that is self-propelled. These mowers move automatically at speeds of one to three miles per hour when the drive is engaged.
Front wheel drive is best for yards that are flat. It is easier to maneuver around corners and obstacles in a yard without letting go of the drive and helps avoid tearing up your yard.
Rear wheel drive is best for hilly yards, so when you are going up a hill and your mower tips back, the mower will still pull you up the hill.
Most mowers only go one speed, but some do offer variable speeds.
Your choice depends on yard size, storage space, budget, and how physically involved you want the mowing process to be.
Push mower: Good for small lawns, limited storage, smaller budgets, or those who enjoy physical activity.
Riding mower: Ideal for large yards, more storage space, higher budgets, and anyone who wants faster mowing with less physical strain.
There is no wrong choice. It depends on your lifestyle and your yard.
This will largely depend on how you want to use your mower. A 2 in 1 mower will side discharge the grass clippings, or turn them into mulch. A 3 in 1 will let you do both of those things, while also allowing for the bagging of clippings.
If you are going to use a bagger or lawn vacuum, keep in mind this may lead to extra stops to empty the bag. If you’re going to use a tow-behind lawn sweeper for lawn cleanup, make sure you get a mower with a little extra power to handle the weight of towing the sweeper attachment.
Mulching mowers are a great alternative to bagging as the grass clippings are chopped into fine pieces that do not clump. However, mulching mowers require a more powerful engine.
Most gas mowers traditionally use a pull‑start mechanism. It is reliable but can be physically demanding. Many modern mowers now offer electric start systems, which let you start the mower with the push of a button or turn of a key.
The standard deck size for push mowers is 21 inches in cutting width. This is the cutting path your mower will leave. Non-commercial riding lawn mowers have decks up to 54 inches in cutting width to help you mow your lawn that much faster.
High wheels in the back will make it easier for you to turn your mower and go over bumps.
If you choose a self propelled mower, the rear wheel drive options cost a bit more to repair. To fix a front drive lawn mower, you’ll simply need to replace a belt.
Depending on the thickness of your grass, you will want different options for the cutting height.
If you are trying to cut very thick grass down in one swipe, this can greatly slow down your mower and be hard on your engine. You also want to be able to adjust the cutting height of your mower if your yard is particularly bumpy. This will cut down on the scalping of the grass. Never cut your grass too short.
We hope that these tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet has helped you get an idea on which mower is best suited for you.
For more tips and information on lawn mowers and other outdoor equipment, check out our Outdoor Maintenance blogs.
