Lawn Mowers

Once you buy a home with a lawn, the next thing on the list is a lawn mower. If you think looking at cars is complex, looking at mowers is nearly as much so!

First you need to know how big a lawn mower you need. A 20” system is fine for a home with less than ½ acre to mow, but when you get up to ¾ acre or more you’re talking a riding mower or a tractor!

Gas powered lawn mower

Walk your land. Just how bumpy and hilly is it?

Rough, hilly terrains mean getting a self-propelled system with higher wheels so the blades don’t get caught on stones and other obstacles. If you like exercise, you can save money on a push mower but it’s going to take a lot longer to finish your summer chores.
And what of options? Well there are several you can get especially in the self propelled systems:
- mulcher: This dices up the grass so you don’t have to rake. The small pieces will decompose and fertilize your lawn.
- Convertible: This means you can mulch or bag the grass (and there’s special attachments for either option)
- Engine with overhead valve and air filter: This keeps your engine cleaner, longer and improves the longevity of your mower
- Electric: these require a cord that will span the yard unless there’s an attached battery that can be charged. This is a “green” style mower.
- Reel mower: the original type of lawn mower that allows for shorter grass clipping. Note that these won’t chop the grass as finely as a mulching system
- Blade adjustment: the ability to shift the position of the blades to accommodate your lawn and desired grass height.
Now, before shopping, you also might want to walk around your neighborhood. See what types of mowers people use, and ask for their input. Their land is likely similar to yours, and you can take advantage of their experiences.

In terms of cost a reel mower is the least expensive followed by an electric, rotary (non self propelled), self propelled, and finally riding motors begin at over 1,000.

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