Your Cheat Sheet To Buying Your Next Lawnmower
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Maintaining your lawn is an investment in the value of your home.
Did you know that 97% of prospective home buyers consider curb appeal an important part of the decision-making process?
Avoid overgrown grass and sloppy landscaping by investing in a quality lawnmower.
With so many options to choose from, it's difficult to know if a gas lawn mower, electric, zero-turn, or riding mower are best.
Buying a lawnmower depends a lot on the size of your yard and your budget.
Keep reading for an easy guide to buying a lawnmower so you can give your property a much-needed facelift.
Types of Lawnmowers
Let's start by covering the different types of lawnmowers and which one best suits the size and terrain of your yard.
Riding Lawnmowers
Riding mowers are a popular choice for large yards. Not only are they comfortable, but they're efficient.
If you have an oversized lawn, these mowers make quick work of cutting the grass. Some riding mowers have steering wheels while others have lap bars.
The only downside to riding mowers is the price tag. Be prepared to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 on a quality riding mower.
Amazon has several affordable options to choose from.
Our Pick: Ariens IKON XD-52 (52") 24HP Kohler Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Push Lawnmowers
For homeowners who aren't afraid of a little manual labor, or have small, flat yards, push mowers are the perfect solution.
Moderately priced between $100 and $500, push lawnmowers do require a lot of energy and legwork. You'll have an especially hard time if your yard is big or the grass is long.
Before purchasing a push mower, weigh the pros and cons of time and energy vs money.
Top Buy:
WORX WG779 40V Power Share 4.0 Ah 14" Lawn Mower w/ Mulching & Intellicut (2x20V Batteries)
Our Pick: Greenworks G-MAX 40V 16'' Cordless Lawn Mower with 4Ah Battery - 25322 model
Self-Propelled Mowers
Self-propelled lawn mowers are a good mix between a push and riding mower. They look like a traditional push mower but are powered by a small motor, making quick, easy work of mowing the lawn.
Your only job is to guide the mower where you want it to go.
Self-propelled mowers are ideal for medium to large size lawns and for yards with hills and slopes. You can purchase a self-propelled mower on Amazon for between $300 and $800.
Our Pick: Greenworks 40V 21-Inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower 6AH Battery and Charger Included, M-210-SP
Electric Mowers
Do you want an environmentally-friendly lawnmower alternative?
Electric mowers are a great solution and come in two styles -- corded or cordless. These types of lawnmowers have their own set of pros and cons.
While electric mowers require less effort to start, they're also less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts. Unlike gas-powered mowers that take a lot of muscle power to pull-start, electric mowers start with the push of a button.
The best part is, electric lawnmowers are available in both push and riding models.
Similar to gas-powered lawnmowers, riding electric mowers will run you $1,000 or more while the push variety starts at $100.
There are plenty of models and price ranges available on Amazon.
Top Buy for riding electric: Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower
Top Pick for push model: Greenworks G-MAX 40V 16'' Cordless Lawn Mower with 4Ah Battery - 25322 model
Our Pick for push model: Greenworks 40V 20 Inch Cordless Twin Force Lawn Mower, 4Ah & 2Ah Batteries with Charger Included, 25302
Zero-Turn Mowers
These are the Cadillac of lawnmowers.
Zero-turn mowers (ZTR), are a must-have for anyone with an oversized yard with lots of trees, landscaping, and obstacles.
Designed with wheels in the front that pivot to make sharp angles, you can navigate around trees, flowerbeds, lawn ornaments, and more without ever having to stop or turn around.
A type of riding mower, ZTRs start at $2,000 and go up from there. While you may experience sticker shock, remember that ZTR mowers save you lots of time and energy.
Check out Amazon for several affordable options.
Top Buy: Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Our Pick: Husqvarna Z254F 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine 54" Z-Turn Mower 967844901
Things to Consider When Buying a Lawnmower
Now that you have a better idea of what lawnmowers are available, you're probably wondering which one makes the most sense for you.
Let's take a look at what to consider before choosing and buying a lawnmower.
Terrain
Not all grass is created equal.
While the texture of your grass doesn't matter much, the landscape of your yard matters. If you have a large yard with a lot of hills and slopes, you'll want either a riding or self-propelled mower.
A push mower is fine for small, flat yards that don't require too much effort.
Remember, zero-turn mowers are a must for large yards with lots of flowerbeds, trees, fountains, and other lawn ornaments.
Price
It's no secret that money makes the world go round. If the thought of spending thousands on a lawnmower makes you a little woozy, you're not alone.
Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. Investing in a quality mower now will save you both time and aggravation in the longrun.
Mowers range in price from $100 for a basic push mower to over $3,000 for a quality riding mower. The good news is, there are plenty of options in between.
Find a price-point you're comfortable with and a lawnmower that fits your lawn needs.
Durability
Another way to save money when buying a lawnmower is to consider durability. Like most machines, lawnmowers require routine maintenance to keep them functioning properly.
Do some research on how easy it is to order and change important parts like the oil and air filters or pull cord. You want a mower that's easy to maintain with durable parts that'll withstand the test of time.
Comfort
While mowing your grass is a chore, some homeowners actually enjoy it. To make the job easier and less intimidating, invest in a comfortable lawnmower.
Riding mowers top the list when it comes to comfort. Cushioned, spring seats, foot rests, and powerful motors make these some of the most comfortable mowers on the market.
If you're looking to spend under $1,000, consider a self-propelled mower with a comfortable handle. Most mowers allow you to adjust the height to increase comfort and reduce back and neck strain.
Self-propelled mowers also take the grunt work out of mowing by letting the motor do the work as you guide the mower around the yard.
Investing in a Mower is an Investment in Your Home
Clean, neat landscaping and a well-kept yard boost curb appeal and add a welcoming feel to any home.
Mowing your grass doesn't need to be a hassle when you invest in a quality mower that fits your budget.
We hope that our guide on buying a lawnmower has opened your eyes to your many options.
Be sure to keep visiting our page for more tips and tricks on maintaining a happy, healthy home!