Top things to consider when buying a new Lawnmower
Maybe your lawn mower has just broken, and you need to purchase a new one. Or, perhaps your current lawn mower just isn’t doing as well as you’ve hoped. If you’re in this situation, but you don’t know what to consider when buying a new lawn mower, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the top things to consider when purchasing a new lawn mower, to help you get the right choice every time. Let’s take a look, shall we?
To walk, or not to walk
The first thing you’ll need to decide on when purchasing a new lawn mower is which type of mower to get. There are two main options to choose from- a walk-behind mower and a riding mower.
If your lawn is more than ¼ of an acre or around 11,000 square feet, it’s probably a good idea to get a riding mower. This will save you hours in the long run and is a much more sensible choice. You’ll be thanking yourself when it’s 30 degrees outside and mowing the lawn takes 30 minutes instead of 3 hours!
But if your lawn is smaller than 11,000 square feet, a walk-behind mower will be perfect. With a lawn this size, you won’t be able to get your money’s worth from a riding mower. It could also become pretty tricky to evenly mow your lawn.
Top things to consider when buying a new lawnmower (ride-on)
If you’ve established that you’ll need a new riding mower, here are the top things to consider when you buy:
Ease of Use: Your riding mower should have a tight turning circle, an easy start feature, and a wide deck to increase its ease of use.
Functionality: If you’re going to be spending upwards of $1,500 on a new lawn mower, it’s good to have a checklist of handy functions to look for. For instance, it should be able to accept attachments like mulchers and lawn sweepers. It should also come with a bumper for protection.
Mower Weight: The weight of your mower is less of an issue with riding mowers, as you won’t have to physically push your mower around. Most riding mowers weigh around 300-600 pounds, so as long as your mower is within these parameters, weight shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Cost: Unless you’re on a tight budget, you shouldn’t opt for a riding mower that costs less than $1,500. Mowers below this price point are often of poor quality and won’t last you more than a year or two. Some riding mowers can cost up to $4,000, but these are generally a little overkill for most people.
Engine Size: The perfect engine size for a riding mower is a V twin, producing anywhere from 18-25 horsepower. An engine that produces less than this will feel like more of a pain than a pleasure to use, and your mower could end up feeling like a waste of money. If you’ve got a bigger lawn, consider an engine with electronic fuel injection.
Ease to Fix: Generally, it’s best to buy a riding lawn mower from a household brand. This way, you can be sure that your mower will have easy access to new parts, should something go wrong
Beneficial Features: If you have the budget, look for a riding mower with multiple speeds, low maintenance, a comfortable ride, and customizable blade control. These features will make mowing your lawn so much easier.
Cutting Width: Your riding lawn mower should have a deck of at least 45 inches, to mow your lawn quickly.
Top things to consider when buying a new lawnmower (walk behind)
Here are the top things to consider when purchasing a new walk-behind lawn mower:
Ease of Use: Your mower should be light enough to move with ease and have a tight turning circle.
Functionality: To make your life easier, your walk-behind mower should have a cutting height adjustment. You should also look for a mower with an electric start, so you won’t have to worry about the starter rope. You’ll also want the ability to attach a mulcher.
Weight: Weight is a bigger factor for walk-behind mowers, as if your mower is too heavy, mowing can become a real challenge. So, opt for a mower under 100 pounds, as this will make your life much easier in the long run.
Obviously, for a self-propelled mower, the weight of the mower is maybe less of a consideration. But remember the mower may still be maneuvered around objects on the lawn, trees etc, so the overall weight shouldn’t be discounted altogether.
Cost: A good walk-behind mower will cost around $400. It’s best to opt for something above $300, as cheaper options are usually unreliable and flimsy.
Engine Size: You’ll want a mower with at least 14 horsepower. Any lower than this, and your mower will feel slow and lazy. But be careful going for anything over 16/17 horsepower, as the engine may be significantly heavier and thirstier.
Ease to Fix: Your mower’s engine and blades should be easily accessible. It’s also good to buy from an established brand, with a dealership close by, so you can get it repaired easily.
Beneficial Features: Some beneficial features of walk-behind mowers include a self-propelling function, a bagging feature, and a mow-in-reverse mechanism.
Cutting Width: Your walk-behind mower should have a cutting width of at least 22 inches, but preferably 26 inches or more.
Conclusion.
So, there are the top things to consider when purchasing a new lawn mower. Always ensure to do your research, and shop around for the best deals. Have a checklist and a budget, and in no time at all, you’ll have a perfect new lawn mower!
