Lawn Mower Buying Guide

Electric lawn mowers

Powered lawn mowers need either gasoline or electricity to run. Electric lawn mowers are quieter, easier to start, and require less maintenance than gas-powered models. Electric lawn mowers are available in corded and cordless battery-operated models. Batteries can add 30 pounds of weight to cordless electric lawn mowers, which is a concern if you need to carry the lawn mower up and down a set of stairs.

Both corded and cordless electric lawn mowers have a more limited range than gas mowers. For a corded model, you’ll need to stay within about 100 feet of a power outlet or start stringing cords together. Cordless electric lawn mowers are limited by their battery life, which varies depending on the manufacturer and the height of the grass. As a rule of thumb, an electric lawn mower is best for lawns smaller than 10,000 square feet that don’t have thick or tall grass.

Gas lawn mowers

Gas mowers generate exhaust, increase your carbon footprint, and require regular tune-ups and oil changes to run optimally, but they’re still the best option for larger yards and you won’t be worrying about extension cords or battery life.

If your yard has a steep grade, a self-propelled gas lawn mower is the best choice. These lawn mowers route some of the engine power to the wheels, making it easier to push. Gas-powered lawn mowers also cut better than electric models and do a much better job with thick or tall grass.

Managing grass clippings

Grass catchers are a common feature on lawn mowers, and this is still the best way to deal with grass clippings in the largest range of environments. Unless you have a very small yard or really enjoy raking, it’s worth spending the extra money for a grass catcher.

Another option is mulching lawn mowers, which cut clipped grass into smaller pieces that can decompose in the lawn. These lawn mowers are easier to use since you won’t be adding the weight of grass clippings to the weight of the lawn mower. However, if you live in a hot, dry area, a mulching lawn mower may not be your best choice. Clumps of grass clippings can scorch your lawn and kill healthy grass. If you do purchase a mulching lawn mower, make sure it reduces clippings to tiny particles.

How many horses?

Unless you’re racing lawn mowers competitively, you shouldn’t be too swayed by the horsepower ratings on lawn mowers. A lawn mower with a 5.5 horsepower engine will get the job done efficiently in most cases. If you’ve got a large yard with steep grades, look for a little extra horsepower for a self-propelled lawn mower.

When you buy a lawn mower, you’re paying mostly for an engine. Brand names are more meaningful with gas-powered lawn mowers, as a good brand equals the improved reliability needed for these more complex lawn mower engines. Many manufacturers use engines made by well-known companies such as Honda or Briggs and Stratton in their lawn mowers.

Cutting ability

Lawn mowers use steel blades that must be sharpened to keep a good cutting edge. For large lawns, it’s a good idea to have lawn mower blades sharpened each spring. If you have a small yard, sharpen lawn mower blades once every two years for gas mowers and at least once every 18 months for electric lawn mowers.

The size of a lawn mower’s blade tells you how much grass you can cut with each pass. Larger blades add weight and size to a lawn mower, so if portability is an issue, you’ll do better with a smaller blade. Electric lawn mowers typically have smaller blades that cut between 18 and 21 inches of lawn, while some gas-powered models have blades up to 23 inches that can tear through a large yard. Note that the size of the blade also affects the turn radius of a lawn mower. If your yard has sharp turns or narrow patches of grass, a smaller lawn mower blade is a better choice.

The ability to adjust the lawn mower blade is a must, since you’ll be cutting grass closer in summer than you will in spring and autumn. Look for a lawn mower with a simple blade or bed adjustment that moves in 1/2-inch increments and holds position well. In general, lawn mowers with adjustable blades last longer than those with adjustable frames or beds, as these adjustments must carry the entire weight of the lawn mower.

Safety features

A lawn mower should be equipped with a "deadman’s switch" that instantly turns off the motor when released. For self-propelled lawn mowers, look for a bail switch that’s easy to reach and hold during use. If the self-propelled lawn mower includes a variable-speed transmission, make sure the lever isn’t too stiff and that it locks securely into each gear.

Need to know more?

• Best Lawnmowers of 2007
  http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/gardening/4213501.html
• How to Mow Your Lawn
  http://video.about.com/landscaping/How-to-Mow-Your-Lawn.htm
• Mower Maintenance
  http://gardencenter.southernstates.com/lawn/mowermaint.shtml