Features to Look for in a Lawnmower
Cutting Deck
Also called blade housing,
this is the business end of the lawn mower. Having a larger cutting deck
means that you will be able to mow an area with a smaller number of
passes. You should also remember to consider the accessibility of
your lawn including its size and any tight spaces that might make mowing
with a larger machine difficult or next to impossible.
Bagging and Mulching
If you are wanting to collect the clippings you should purchase a mower
that provides the option of a side- or rear-bag. On the other hand,
if you want to fertilize your lawn with the clippings, look for a
mulching mower. Three-in-one mowers offer the option of
mulching, bagging, or side-discharge.
Wheels
Mowers with larger wheels are much easier to handle, especially when
dealing with terrain that is rough and full of dips and bumps. You
should definitely try to choose a mower that has rear wheels that are at
least seven inches in diameter. You may want to go even
larger depending on how hilly and uneven your yard may be. There
are a few high-end mowers that have front wheels that are on casters.
This feature provides for tighter turns. Added maneuverability is always a plus and is something that should certainly
be considered.
Height Adjustment
The majority of mowers provide the option of adjusting the amount of
space between the ground and the blade.
Safety
Newer machines often have the added safety measure of a lever that has to be manually held in place
for the mower to run.
Other lawn mowers provide a convenient blade-brake that allows you to
release this lever without shutting off the engine.
Another feature to look for is a back rubber flap that blocks objects
that may be flung from the blades while mowing. Remember to wear safety
glasses whenever you are mowing and be sure to follow the manufacturer's included safety instructions.
Batteries
If you are considering purchasing a cordless mower, you should take into
consideration the length of time it is capable of running on a charge.
Many batteries tend to require several hours of time to completely
recharge, so first determine whether it's going to be able to complete
the job before it is completely drained of power. This can be
easily determined by the amount of voltage of the cordless mower. An
average 24-volt mower can usually last up to 1 1/2 hours and mow an area
that is up to approximately 1/3 of an acre. If you require something
more, then you should know that the average 36-volt mower will run
efficiently for about 3 hours and mow an area of up to approximately 1/2 acre.
Cord holder
If you have a corded electric mower, cord holders can be handy for making sure the cord remains completely out of
your way when making turns while
mowing.
Starters
Gasoline powered mowers come equipped with either electric or recoil (pull-cord)
starters. The recoil motors of today are started much more easily and
quickly than the older ones that you may or may not be familiar with.
The added convenience of an electric starter is definitely worth the
extra money. It is nice to be able to start
your lawn mower by simply turning a key or pushing a button.
Self-propelled Mowers Vs. Push Mowers
Self-propelled mowers provide the added advantage and convenience of
moving forward without requiring you to push them. You need only to
steer them in the direction that you are wanting to mow. This is
something you may feel is an unnecessary luxury if your lawn is
relatively flat. On the other hand, if your yard or mowing area has a
steep hill or hills then a self-propelled mower may be just what you
need to get the job done. You should also consider the added benefit of
the extra traction that is provided by models that have rear-wheel
drive.
Variable Speed
Another feature that you should look for in a self-propelled mower is
variable speed. This option allows you the added convenience and
comfort of choosing a speed that is right for you.
Necessary Service and Maintenance
Only purchase a mower that includes a manufacturer's warranty and heed the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for things such as
- Cleaning the mower at the end of each use
- Maintaining a sharp blade.
- Tuning up the engine if it is a gasoline powered mower
- Making sure the battery remains charged for cordless models