Whether you’re buying a lawn mower for the first time, or upgrading your current model, it can be hard to know where to start. With so many models on the market, knowing which one is right for you is tricky. Most people begin by looking at performance, drive, and functionality. Use this list to help you find the perfect mower for your back yard.
The size of your backyard will play a huge role in the size of the mower that you buy. If you have a larger area, with sloping ground then a larger cut, self-propelled machine will make the job easier and will save you heaps of time. If your backyard is more of a courtyard, or has heaps of hard to reach nooks and crannies, then a utility mower might be a better option for you. If you sit somewhere in the middle, then a standard machine will do you just fine.
The size of your engine will also play a huge part in what model you buy. Now that you’ve decided that a regular is what you’re after, the size of your yard will also help you determine what engine size and power you’ll need. In general, expect the engine size to be between 140cc – 190cc (‘cc’ being cubic centimeters, the measurement of the engine displacement). We recommend using a petrol mower for most lawns. However, there are also a handful of electric machines on the market to suit smaller, easily managed lawns.
In other words, how will you control your mower? If your backyard slopes, or you have a large area to mow, chose a rear-drive self-propelled model so you don’t lose traction. Otherwise, a regular walk behind is best for maximum maneuverability – getting into corners and curves. Will your machine be push powered? Or does it need have some extra get-up-and-go? With small backyards becoming more common, you might be fine with muscle-power. Choose a self-propelled machine for medium to large yards.
How do you want your to dispose of your clippings? You may choose to have grass clippings mulched as you go. Or perhaps you’d prefer your machine to discharge the clippings to the side. Your third option is a mower which collects the grass in a bag or plastic catcher. For maximum versatility, choose a machine that does all three.
Think you’d need easy to find petrol and oil fill locations, or a wash out filter so your machine is easier to clean? Perhaps you’ll find yourself stopping to pick up toys from your lawn, so a blade break clutch – which lets you walk away from your machine without turning it off – will come in handy. There is a large variety of features available on certain models, so be sure to ask questions and take the time to compare models to ensure you’re making the right decision for your yard.
Hopefully, this list has given you some things to consider before buying a lawn mower. It can be a confusing market, but once you understand what your backyard needs, choosing the right model becomes an easy task.
