This means that whenever you want to buy a lawn mower, you need to evaluate the different options and choose the one that fits your lawn’s unique needs and personal preferences. This can seem a bit daunting, especially if you are a new homeowner, but you only need to know the specifics to consider.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the factors to evaluate when choosing a lawn mower.
Consider the Lawn Size and Terrain
The size and terrain of your lawn will determine how best you can move around or cover enough ground without breaking a sweat or spending too many hours. There are different types of lawn mowers that vary in terms of propulsion and size.
If you have a small yard that’s largely flat, a basic push mower or a simple electric model can do the job well. You won’t spend much energy pushing it, and it can also easily manoeuvre small obstacles.
If your lawn is more extensive (anything over 500 square metres) or has hills, slopes, and uneven patches, you may need a more powerful option – a self-propelled or a ride-on mower. These don’t need you to push them and can go faster, so you can cover larger ground with ease.
Decide Between Petrol, Electric, or Battery-Powered Mowers
Different lawn mowers run on different types of power, and this affects performance, convenience, and maintenance. You can purchase a petrol, electric, or battery-powered lawn mower, but each has its pros and cons.
Petrol Mowers
These are the most powerful and can endure more stress. They are more suitable for tough grass like Buffalo and Kikuyu and can run for hours. However, they need regular maintenance and can be noisy.
Electric Mowers (Corded)
These are perfect for small to medium lawns, just in front or behind the house. They are lightweight, don’t require much maintenance, and are quiet. However, the cord means that manoeuvring can be tricky as you’ll have to deal with a power cord.
Battery-Powered Mowers
These are similar to electric mowers, but they come with a battery. You won’t need to deal with a power chord as you can charge your lawn mower. But if your lawn is big, you may need swappable batteries.
When making a decision, consider the power, noise aspect, lawn needs, and personal preferences such as eco-friendliness.
Consider Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge Options
After you’ve cut your grass, you can either bag it, mulch it, or side-discharge it and remove it later with a rake (if necessary). All these options are available when choosing a lawn mower, and each has its advantages.
If the mower can collect the clippings in a bag, you’ll be left with a neat and tidy lawn. You won’t have to clean it, and you’ll also avoid fungal diseases and clear weeds easily. However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t remove all clippings (they are required for nutrients).
In the mulching options, the clippings are finely chopped and left on the grass to decompose, providing nutrients and avoiding disposal. However, you should be careful to avoid spreading weed seeds.
When you go for side discharge, the grass clippings will be ejected on the side as the mower moves. This means you’ll need to rake it if your grass is long, or you’ll risk thatch accumulation.
Balance Budget and Features
As we’ve seen, lawn mowers come with different features and capabilities. Some even have attachments you can use for different purposes, such as snow ploughing. However, ensure you analyse your specific needs well and set priorities. You can then look at your budget, compare products, and consider trade-offs. The idea is to ensure that you are not underpowered or over-equipped (no value for money).