Choosing a Lawn Mower

Mowing your lawn doesn't have to be a chore. With the right mower it can become quick, easy, and even an enjoyable and pleasant task. All you have to do is know what to look for when buying a lawn mower. There are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing a lawn mower.

• Size of yard. The size of your yard will help narrow down your options greatly. For yards that around about 3/4 of an acre or less, a walk-behind mower will be the best choice. The smaller the yard, the smaller cutting width you'll need. A 20-inch mower will work for a smaller yard, but if you have a little bit larger yard you'll want one that is between 22 and 23-inches, to help cut down on mowing time. For a yard that is bigger than 3/4 of an acre, you might want to consider getting a riding lawn mower or a lawn and garden tractor. They are available in sizes as large as 28-inches to make mowing your lawn more efficient.
• Yard Terrain. The type of mower you get depends largely on the yard's terrain. For a flat yard, a typical push mower is best. For a yard with lots of hills, you might want to look into a self-propelled lawn mower so you can get some help making it up those hills, instead of having to push it entirely yourself. For the lawn that has some rough terrain, big wheels are the best way to help maneuver on that the best. Riding lawn mowers work well on all terrain.
• Physical Condition. What is your age and physical condition? Remember that the slightest slip can be fatal around a lawn mower. For older people, a self-propelled or a riding lawn mower is definitely best. If you're looking to get a workout while doing your chores go with the standard push and you'll be sure to be sweating afterwards.
• Features. There are many optional features to consider when choosing a mower. While they may add a bit onto the cost, some of them will be worth it in the long run. One of those is a mulching blade. This cuts your grass up into fine pieces and deposits it back onto your lawn as a natural fertilizer. Bagging mowers, are much the same as mulching ones, except instead of depositing the grass back onto your lawn, it deposits them into a bag that is located on the side or back of your mower. With these collected clippings you can either deposit them elsewhere in your yard that you might like to fertilize (like a garden or a flower bed) or dispose of them completely. Rear bagging mowers are best when it comes maneuvering around trees and other obstacles in your yard.