Atwood LawnCare

Q: So You Want To Buy A Lawn Mower?

You know you need a new lawn mower, but that doesn't mean you should head right out to the showroom. First, ask yourself the following questions:
• How big is your lawn?
• Are there any slopes or steep grades?
• Are there obstacles like trees or flower beds?
• How much can you spend?

The key to proper lawn care is choosing just the right mower for your needs. So when you buy a lawn mower, think about the terrain you will use it on. If your landscape is hilly, you will obviously need a different lawn mower from someone whose landscape is flat. Also avoid buying a lawn mower that seems to difficult to maintain.

Bagging vs. Mulching: A good mower should bag and mulch. Mulching shreds the grass clippings into tiny pieces, then redistributes those pieces evenly across the lawn surface. It's free fertilizer, and there's no bag for you to change or dispose of. Having the option of putting the bag back on, is nice for those occasions when picking up the clippings is necessary.

Push Mowers: If your lawn is fairly level and small, a push mower may be for you. These versions are relatively cheap and easy to use, but it takes a bit more work to push them. Push mowers are less complex than self-propelled mowers, so they break down less often. You can pick up a push mower for about $200 - $300. Electric models are becoming more popular, but be careful not to get a model that is under-powered.

Self-Propelled Mowers: If your yard is large and/or sloped, buy a self-propelled mower. Choose one with adjustable speeds, so you can set your mower to move at a comfortable walking speed. Self-propelled mowers cost a bit more than most walk-behind mowers, ranging from $300 to about $800.

Riding Mowers: If your lawn is larger, you'll need a riding mower. A riding mower's cutting deck is typically mid-mounted. This makes a riding mower maneuverable, but the turning radius will vary from model to model. The smaller the turning radius, the more maneuverable the mower is around shrubs, trees, or even as it doubles back on the lawn. A riding mower of any sort will cost you $1000 and up, depending on how fancy you want to get.

Buy your lawn mower from a dealer or retail store that offers equipment options for your mower. Service dealerships are best for people who have neither the time nor inclination to tune up their own mowers, but non-servicing dealerships usually offer the best prices. Dealerships tend to carry more brands at a better range of prices than major chain stores. Buying a used mower may be the cheap way to go, but it also may mean that you can't get replacement parts later.

Finally, don’t forget to properly maintain your new mower. If you can keep it up, a routine maintenance program will help your mower last for a long time and also enhance performance. Change the oil and filters annually. Periodically, replace the spark plugs and tighten the nuts and bolts where required. And, most importantly, twice a year, be sure to sharpen the blade(s).