Time For a New Lawn Mower?

It's springtime and the grass is growing. Growing so much, in fact, that it is ready to be cut. Hopefully, your lawn mower made it through winter storage. If it didn't or if you are itching to get a new model anyway, consider your lawn mowing needs before you purchase a new mower. There are four main types of lawn mowers on the market. Whatever your needs, one of these is sure to fit the bill.

Reel Mower

Reel mowers are the old-fashioned push mowers of your grandparents' day. Many people cringe at the thought of reel mowers, sure it will make lawn mowing harder than it has to be. The truth is, mowing with a reel mower is much easier than mowing with a heavy, gas powered mower. Modern reel mowers are lighter than their ancestors. They are also much gentler on the grass than powered lawn mowers. Reel mowers are the best choice for the environment and the budget conscious, with the only possible exception being a goat.

Reel mowers require minimal maintenance. When new, the blades often stay sharp for the first year or two and then can be sharpened once a year after that. Reel mowers are also the quietest way to mow and provide a nice, easy aerobic work out in the process.

A drawback to reel lawn mowers is that they do not mow tall weeds. If you keep on top of your lawn mowing and can get to it each week, before tall grass and weeds shoot up, this won't be a problem. But, if you are an infrequent mower, then a reel mower is probably not for you.

If you are considering a reel lawn mower, consider Scotts Classic reel lawn mower. This mower comes with its own sharpening kit and a grass catcher.

Electric Mower

Another good choice for the environment is the electric mower. Electric mowers are lightweight and quiet. They are low-maintenance, durable and easy to maneuver. Once hard to find, electric mowers are now available at many garden and home centers. Electric mowers are also gentle on the budget, generally selling at a lower price than most gas-powered mowers. Electric mowers are easy to start. You simply turn the machine on, like a vacuum cleaner. There are no pull cords to fuss with.

The only drawback to the electric mower is the cord. You need a long extension cord to complete most lawns and you have to be very careful not to mow over the cord. Some electric lawn mowers on the market are cordless, but these models are more expensive than standard electric mowers.

Yard Machines makes a corded, 19" electric lawn mower. This mulching mower comes with a rear bag and has a 1500 watt, 12 amp electric motor.

Gas Powered Mower

If your lawn is bigger than what you can comfortably do with a corded, electric mower, a gas-powered mower may be required. Gas mowers are powerful and will cut through most grasses and weeds, no matter how thick or tall. While not environmentally friendly, sometimes a gas mower is needed to get the job done. For lawns up to a half an acre, a push gas mower is still a valid option and will provide the user with some exercise, even when the mower is self-propelled.

Gas mowers, while efficient, have many drawbacks. They run on gas and, with the high gas prices, can be quite expensive to operate. They require routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups. They pollute the air and your lawn and are very rough on the grass. They can also be hard to start for some people.

If you are considering a gas-powered lawn mower, consider the Lawnboy Walk Power Mower. This high-rated lawn mower has a 14-gauge steel deck and is foldable for easy storage. You can find Lawnboy mowers at Ace hardware stores.

Riding Mower

If you have a half acre or more of lawn to mow, then you will probably need a riding mower. Before purchasing a riding lawn mower, you will need to do some research. These mowers can be as pricey as a small car and require as much maintenance. You will want the smallest mower for your needs, but will also want to be sure you are getting a good quality mower.

There are a few mower companies that stand out for quality, time and again. Toro is one of these companies. In addition to push mowers, they have a line of riding mowers, including the new zero turning radius mowers. These riding mowers are ideal for people who have sharp turns to make and not much space to make them. If a riding lawn mower is right for you, then get the best one you can afford. This isn't a purchase you will want to make again anytime in the near future.

There are many lawn mowers on the market. Consider your needs carefully before you spend your money. Don't buy more lawn mower than you need and try get the mower with the least environmental impact, if it is practical for you. With a new mower, lawn mowing doesn't have to be a chore this year.