Choosing a Lawnmower - Which Type is Best?

There are many different types of lawnmowers withunder 1/2 acre.
a vast array of features over a large price range. IfExamples Toro SR4 Super Recycler gas-powered
you are shopping for a new lawnmower which onemower, Lawn-Boy Insight Series 21-Inch 6.5 HP Gas
should you go for? We have put together thePowered Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, Poulan Pro
advantages, uses and cost range of the popular21-Inch Side Discharge/Mulch/Bag Push Mower with 6
types together with some examples to help youHP Briggs & Stratton Engine
before your next purchase.Lawn and Garden Tractors more than $1000
The Different Types of LawnmowersFor the really serious home owner with a large area
Simple Push Mowers around $100of grass or the small commercial enterprise, lawn and
Simple reel mowers, ideal for a small lawn. Notgarden tractors are ideal. More expensive than the
suitable for anything larger unless you have a lot ofgas or electric powered models but you will cut your
energy!grass in record time and be comfortably seated while
Examples American Lawn Mower Company 18-Inchdoing it! Lawn and garden tractors can also be fitted
Reel Mower, Scotts 18-Inch Deluxe Push Reel Lawnwith a wide range of attachments to turn your
Mowertractor into a multi-purpose riding machine. Attach a
Cordless or Corded Electric Lawnmowers $200 -front blade to clear soil, leaves or other debris, turn it
$400into a snowblower with another attachment or hitch
Electric mowers are easy to start and quieter thanup a trailer to move small loads.
the gas powered models. Lighter weight and withExamples Toro LX Series Tractors, Husqvarna
fewer emissions they are considered to be more#LGT2654 960430036 26HP 54" Garden Tractor
environmentally friendly. the obvious disadvantage ofZero Turn Lawnmowers $3000 and above
corded electric mowers is the necessity of draggingFor large areas of grass with obstacles, such as
around the cord and restriction in the range, usuallytrees, benches, birdbaths etc an zero turn mower will
under 100ft. Cordless models are more expensive butbe ideal. Fast, reliable, zero turn mowers give an
give you freedom to move around more easily, butexcellent cut and a comfortable ride and most
you are then restricted by the battery life betweenperform well on uneven ground. Built to last these
recharges. The most powerful models are lessmowers are expensive, typically above $3000. Most
powerful than the top range gas powered modelscome with a choice of bagging or mulching. these are
but should be adequate for most lawns. In additionlarge machines so finding a place to store them could
they are not usually as reliable as gas-poweredbe a problem!
models and getting an electric mower repaired mayExamples Swisher Max Z ZT2660B zero-turn mower
be more difficult.- Consumer Guide Best Buy Award
Examples Black & Decker 18-Inch 6.5 AmpToro Titan Z Z4800 Model 74812 zero-turn mower -
Electric Mower,Consumer Guide Best Buy Award
Gas-Powered Mowers $400 - $700Robomowers $1300 - $2500
From hand push to those with a more sophisticatedBecoming more popular, robomowers are literally
cruise control like system. Toro lawnmowers in thisstart up and forget it! There is even a solar powered
range are fitted with personal pace self-propelmodel that will trundle itself back to its recharging
system reaching a comfortable 4 mph. Also look fordock when its battery is low. Setting up your yard
a recycling system to turn your cuttings into valuablefor the robomower to work may take between 1-2
mulch for your lawn. Lawnmowers in this range arehours. Robomowers are better on square, even
fitted with either an electric key start system or alawns with few obstacles. They may work less
recoil pull start. We personally prefer an electric start.efficiently if your yard has trees or other large
These mowers will need regular maintenance and canobjects. Durability seems to be a problem with some
be noisy to operate, often around 85 decibels ormodels and they are pricey. With the batteries the
louder. These mowers are recommended for lawnsmowers tend to be heavy.