Gardens are a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, but they need constant care and upkeep to look their best. When you’re in the market for a new lawn mower, it might be not easy to know where to start.
Consider whether you’ll be better served by a walk-behind or rideable mower when shopping for new tools. Once you’ve made up your mind, it’s time to look into which specific type of lawnmower would be most beneficial.
Walk Or Ride?
A riding mower or a walk-behind mower is the first choice you’ll have to make. If your lawn is larger than a quarter acre, consider riding to save time.
It would help if you began by making a rough size prediction of your grass. Just start walking off sections of your grass and keep track as you go. Make a tally of your rectangles’ dimensions. The accuracy of this is not required. Men typically have a stride of 30 inches, while women tend to take 26 inches. The most precise stride length can be determined by measuring the runners themselves.
About 43,560 square feet, or a quarter of an acre, equals 10,890 square feet. If your lawn is larger than that, consider purchasing a riding mower. A 22-inch walk mower may seem inadequate for cutting 14 acres of grass, but we must begin somewhere. Consider how much time you can devote to mowing the grass on a typical weekend before making any purchases.
How to Choose a Mower ?
Choose A Walk-Behind Mower For Yards Under 2000 Sqm
Find out how big your yard is by taking a guess or using the blueprints for your house as a guide. Having a small yard doesn’t require much lawn care. This gear doesn’t necessitate a large dedicated storage area, either.
Both gas-powered and electric versions of walk-behind mowers are commercially available. Unlike their electric counterparts, gas-powered machines typically require an extension cord to be restarted.
There are both manual and motorised versions of these mowers available. Mowers that are pushed by hand; hence the name. Walk-behind mowers typically produce a 20- to 22-inch (51- to 56-centimeter) cut.
If Money Is Tight, A Walk-Behind Mower Is The Way To Go
The best value among lawnmowers is a walk-behind model. Before deciding on the extra features you desire, think about your budget and the size of your yard.
Keep Your Lawn Looking Its Best With A Gas-Powered Push Mower
If you don’t need or want anything special from your lawn mower, use a basic gas-powered model. Even in a modest garden, the right tools can make a difference. However, remember that gas-powered mowers are notoriously loud, and prolonged exposure could cause hearing loss.
Choosing a Ride-On Mower
Use A Riding Mower To Care For Larger Yards
If your lawn is more than 2,000 square feet (0.5 hectares), you should consider purchasing a riding mower. A riding lawn mower may be the finest alternative if you’d rather not spend a significant portion of your day cutting grass. You’ll need a shed or some other secure location to keep this kind of gear if you decide to invest.
It’s possible to convert some tractors into mowers. Riding mowers can make longer cuts, often between 75 and 125 cm.
Pick A Riding Mower With A Rear-Mounted Engine If You’re Strapped For Cash
Look for “rear-engine” or “rear-mounted” to indicate the riding mower is propelled from behind. This mower could be useful if your lawn is between 2,000 and 4,000 square metres. If you need anything bigger than a walk-behind mower, this is the type of machine you should have.
Many of these mowers have a cutting width of 30 inches, making them more practical than traditional push mowers.
Use A Tractor With A Zero-Turn Radius To Navigate Challenging Terrain
A tractor with a zero-turn radius can navigate steep inclines and undulations with ease. When using this type of gear, go slowly and steadily to overcome obstacles in the terrain. These mowers are available in both gas and electric models.
Lawnmowers’ Primary Roles
Here, we’ll talk about the damage the mowers do to the grass. Mowers can typically bag, side or rear discharge, or mulch (re-cut) grass clippings.
Two-Function
A mulching and bagging mower is called a “two-function” mower. As the nitrogen-rich grass clippings are returned to the soil by mulching, the lawn benefits, but this method is not ideal for tall grass in the spring and early summer when the grass is still recovering from the summer heat.
Three-Function
It is a machine with three distinct capabilities: bagging, mulching, and side discharge. When doing utility mowing (cutting tall weeds and non-turf grasses), the side discharge can be very helpful. It is also useful if the lawn gets out of hand and you need to mow it in phases by raising the mower deck to its highest setting.
Features Most Often Found on Lawnmowers
We have only scratched the surface of a mower’s capabilities. Some typical specifications for a lawn mower are as follows:
Deck Levers
One, two, or four deck levers can be purchased in sets. The most practical solution would be a single lever, but such a mechanism would be cumbersome, heavy, and need regular lubrication. Instead of using either one or four levers, two is a suitable middle ground. Although they have more links, these mowers can be raised more easily than four-lever mowers. The industry norm is four levers.
Gas Engines
Gasoline engines come in displacements between 140 and 190 cc. Larger engines provide more torque and are less prone to stall in tall grass, making them ideal for use at the beginning and end of the cutting season. Self-propelled mowers benefit from a larger engine when driving uphill.
The cost of mower engines can range from very cheap to extremely pricey. They may be overhead cams, overhead valves, or the more conventional side valves. More expensive engines last longer, make less noise, and use less oil, but these benefits come at increased cost.
Ball Bearing Wheel
One can more easily move a wheel with ball bearings than one with bushings. A larger yard, more challenging terrain, or carrying a bag of clippings containing leaves are all reasons to consider this alternative.
Lawnmowers Have Their Unique Specs
Over the past few years, several novel enhancements have been added to conventional lawnmowers.
Front Caster Wheels
Yards with intricate landscaping that need frequent rotation are well suited to front caster wheels. The front caster wheels lose their grip on uneven ground and slopes, making mowing difficult.
Wash-Out Fittings
The grass clippings may be washed out from under the deck using a garden hose, thanks to the wash-out fittings. Decks that are kept free of collected grass survive longer because that grass traps moisture and chemical residue, leading to corrosion. These fixtures are a big help, but you’ll still need a putty knife to scrape the deck.
Wide-Cut Mowers
Mowers with wider cutting decks (usually between 28 and 33 inches) are available as an alternative to the standard 22-inch model. Finally, electric walk mowers are ideal for well-maintained, smaller lawns (those with an area under 5,000 square feet to mow). However, there are three things to remember:
- Most cordless electric mowers feature a lower cutting deck (19 or 20 inches; some even have 21-inch cutting surfaces). Mowing will take longer as a result.
- Compared to mowers with gas engines, they often lack power. Tall, moist, or green grass can make it difficult for them to move about. However, cordless mowers face the challenge of mowing in moderate conditions.
- Larger lawns require more power, so stock up on batteries. Although manufacturers guide on maximum operating time, it is often inaccurate. How long it takes to mow depends on the thickness or height of the grass. We advise purchasing additional batteries so that the process is not rushed.
Why and How to Fix Common Lawnmower Issues?
Even though lawnmowers are a fantastic time-saving gardening tool, many of us have trouble with them. And if these things aren’t fixed properly, the machine could be damaged.
Let’s tackle each of these frequent problems separately.
To Operate, Do The Blades Of A Lawnmower Rotate Clockwise Or Anticlockwise?
Lawnmowers with one blade rotate clockwise, whereas those with two rotate anticlockwise.
There is usually a “grass side” or “this side down” indication on the blade of a lawnmower. The grass should be cut against this side of the blade.
The lawnmower blade has a blade on one side and a flange on the other. The grass is pushed from the cutter into the rear bag or container by the lip.
Incorrect installation of a lawn mower blade might make it seem like the motor is broken and prevent the mower from starting. The blade has difficulty turning because of the blunt lip trying to cut the grass.
The lawnmower chute is another indicator of which way the blade is spinning. Both the rear and one side can be used as a chute. Remember that your perspective on the lawnmower will determine where the side chute is.
Take a scenario in which you are driving a lawnmower and looking around from where you are. Your lawnmower’s blade will rotate anticlockwise if the chute is on the left. If the side chute is on the right side of your mower, the blade will turn in a clockwise direction.
How Rapidly Do Lawn Mowers Travel?
The typical top speed for a ride on a lawnmower is between 6 and 24 kilometres per hour (10 and 39 miles per hour) in a straight line.
When running at full speed, a lawnmower’s blade makes between 3000 and 4000 revolutions per minute (or 50 and 66 full revolutions per second).
This is roughly equivalent to a weed wacker’s rotational speed or 30%.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Pull The Starter Pull On My Lawn Mower?
Hold out your straight, non-dominant hand (often your left hand) and pull with your strong hand. Normal lawnmowers require about the same amount of muscle to start as does opening a car door.
Use your triceps more than your shoulder muscles to pull on the cord. The strength generated by a full upper body twist at the hip is far greater than that generated by only the arms.
If you have tried everything and still can’t get your lawnmower started, it may need repair. It’s time to replace or clean the spark plugs and other parts that facilitate starting.
It’s also conceivable that the gas in your lawnmower has sat there for too long.
Eventually, gas will become bad. If your lawnmower has a lot of old gas, it may be not easy to start since the gas won’t burn efficiently.
In the following paragraphs, I’ll describe the process I use to remove stale gas from a lawnmower.
What Is The Lawnmower’s Gas Range?
Your lawn mower’s petrol should last for around two weeks.
Since gas becomes bad after two weeks and doesn’t burn cleanly, it’s best to run your mower dry. It can also cause engine blockages. When there’s no more gas in the tank, run the mower until it stops.
When winter rolls around and the grass stops growing, the tank should be practically empty.
There’s still plenty of gas in the tank? No problem; add a fuel stabiliser. The gas can also be removed, which is a straightforward alternative.
Conclusion
Think about if you’d be better served by a walk-behind or rideable mower when you’re out shopping. For lawns smaller than 2,000 square feet, a walk-behind mower is the way to go because of the uniform 20- to 22-inch cut it provides. Use a simple gas-powered push mower for smaller yards, but remember that extended exposure might cause hearing damage.
A riding mower, ideal for larger yards since it can mow for extended periods, must be stored in a shed or other safe place while not in use. Mowing with a riding mower is more convenient than a conventional push mower because of the mower’s versatility. To mow steep inclines and undulations without breaking the bank, search for a riding mower with a rear-mounted motor.
Grass cuttings can be collected in a bag, discharged to the side or rear, or mulched by a lawnmower. Two-function mowers collect grass clippings and return them to the soil, where they can add nitrogen; three-function mowers offer the additional options of bagging, mulching, and side discharge. Deck levers, gas engines, and ball-bearing wheels are standard lawnmower features.
Deck levers are available in sets, and having two is the most convenient number. There is less stalling in tall grass and higher torque with gas engines, whose displacements range from 140 to 190 cc. Larger engines are better for self-propelled mowers going uphill. Larger yards, rougher terrain, or lugging a bag of leafy clippings about the call for the durability and ease of use provided by ball-bearing wheels.
Over time, improvements have been made to lawnmowers, such as broader cutting decks for smaller yards and front caster wheels for more complicated landscaping. However, cordless electric mowers typically have shorter cutting decks and may not have enough power for average grass. Battery power is especially vital to have on hand for more extensive lawns.
Lawnmowers frequently experience problems with the direction of the blade’s rotation and the lawnmower chute, which can be positioned either at the back or on one side. Lawnmowers may go between 6 and 24 kilometres per hour in a straight line at their highest speed. At top speed, the blade rotates at 3000 to 4000 times per minute.
Use your triceps instead of your shoulder muscles to draw the lawnmower’s starter pull if you’re having trouble doing so. If it doesn’t turn over, it may require maintenance such as spark plug replacement or cleaning. The lawnmower’s gas may not work correctly if sitting for a long time. If the gas in your mower has gone wrong, try running it dry until it shuts off. Add a fuel stabiliser or drain the tank if there is still gas. In conclusion, the perfect lawn mower is the one that fits your needs, yard size, and wallet.
Content Summary
- The appropriate lawn mower is essential for keeping a yard looking its best.
- The first step in finding the proper tool is deciding whether you want a walk-behind or a rideable mower.
- Determine whether a riding or a walk-behind mower is appropriate for your lawn’s size.
- For smaller lawns, you can choose between gas and electric walk-behind mowers.
- Choose a walk-behind mower that is appropriate for your yard and your wallet.
- Simple gas-powered mowers do an excellent job on little gardens.
- Gas-powered lawnmowers may be noisy, but they make a difference in yard upkeep.
- Lawns more excellent than 2,000 square feet benefit most from riding a mower.
- Tractors can be modified into riding mowers as well.
- For lawns between 2,000 and 4,000 square metres in size, riding mowers with their engines at the rear is a feasible option.
- Zero-turn-radius tractors are the best option for working in tight spaces.
- Grass clippings can be bagged, mulched, discharged to the side, or re-cut with different mowers.
- Mulching and bagging capabilities are great for the lawn, but two-in-one mowers aren’t ideal for long grass.
- Mulchers, side dischargers, and baggers all in one, three-in-one mowers are multipurpose workhorses.
- Different types of lawnmowers have different options, such as deck levers, gas engines, and ball-bearing wheels.
- One to four deck levers are possible, with two being the sweet spot for convenience.
- Gasoline engines come in various sizes and might include unique components like valves and overhead cams.
- Mowing larger yards or more rugged terrain is simplified by the mower’s ball-bearing wheels.
- For yards with intricate landscaping, some lawnmowers include front caster wheels and wash-out fittings to remove grass clippings from under the deck to prolong its life.
- Mowers with wider cutting decks, or “wide-cuts,” are more suited to bigger, well-kept lawns.
- Smaller lawns are more suited to cordless electric mowers, but you should still be aware of their restrictions.
- Electric mowers may have weaker motors and shorter cutting decks than gas mowers.
- More batteries are needed for more extensive lawns when using a cordless electric mower.
- Maintaining a lawn mower properly requires familiarity with its usual problems and their solutions.
- Lawnmower models vary in the direction in which the blades rotate.
- Most single-blade lawnmowers spin clockwise, whereas double-bladed models spin anticlockwise.
- The blade of the lawnmower must be installed correctly for it to work.
- Between 6 to 24 km per hour, a lawnmower can travel.
- When spinning at full speed, the blade completes between 3000 and 4000 revolutions per minute.
- The lawnmower’s starter cord needs to be pulled with the proper technique.
- When tugging the rope, focus on using your triceps rather than your shoulders.
- If your lawnmower won’t fire up, try giving it a tune-up or a new spark plug.
- The lawnmower won’t start if old gas is left in it, so drain it.
- It may be necessary to drain stale gas if you’re having trouble starting your vehicle.
- A lawnmower’s gas tank should have a range of about two weeks.
- After two weeks, gas loses its quality, so it’s best to let the lawnmower run on empty to avoid problems.
- If gas is left in the tank through the winter, a fuel stabiliser should be added.
- Before winter, the gas tank should be almost completely depleted.
- To avoid potential issues with starting, old gas can be removed.
FAQs About Lawn mowers
Are There Eco-Friendly Options For Lawnmowers?
Yes, electric mowers (corded or cordless) are more environmentally friendly as they produce no emissions. There are also manual reel mowers, which are entirely eco-friendly.
Should I Consider A Riding Lawn Mower For A Large Garden?
Riding mowers are suitable for extensive lawns. They offer comfort and speed but are more expensive and may require more storage space.
Is A Mulching Lawn Mower A Good Choice For My Garden?
Mulching mowers cut grass into fine clippings that can fertilise your lawn. They are a good choice for most gardens, as they promote soil health and reduce waste.
Is A Mulching Lawn Mower A Good Choice For My Garden?
Mulching mowers cut grass into fine clippings that can fertilise your lawn. They are a good choice for most gardens, as they promote soil health and reduce waste.
What Is The Importance Of Safety Features In A Lawn Mower, And What Should I Look For?
Safety features, such as blade engagement controls, dead man’s switch, and shields, are crucial to prevent accidents. Ensure the mower you choose has these features and follow safety guidelines while operating it.
