5 Tips for Buying the Right Lawn Mower

If you’re thinking of buying a new lawn mower, you first need to know which type of lawn mower will work best for your yard. Here are 5 tips that will help you know which lawn mower to buy, plus some advice on safety features and after-sale service.

 

lawn mowerTaking good care of your lawn requires the right equipment – and that includes the right lawn mower. But with so many options available, how do you know which lawn mower is right for you?


Know Your Yard

Spend a few minutes assessing your yard. How big is it? Is it flat and smooth, or does it slope? Do you have trees and garden beds to mow around? All of these will factor into the kind of lawn mower you choose.

 

1. Size – If your yard is smaller than half an acre, a walk-behind mower will work just fine for you. For yards larger than that, you may want to consider a riding lawn mower.

2. Topography – If your yard has uneven terrain, a self-propelled lawn mower will make cutting uphill much quicker and easier.

3. Obstacles – For mowing around trees and landscape beds, pay attention to the lawn mower’s maneuverability and ease-of-use when making tight turns. For example, riding mowers that have power steering make trimming around tight areas much easier.

4. Turf – The thickness and coarseness of your grass will play a part in how much power you need to ensure a clean cut. Lawns with thicker, tougher grass will need a lawn mower with higher horsepower and larger wheels.

5. Additional yard tasks – If your list of seasonal chores includes collecting fall leaves, fertilizing your lawn, or removing snow, look for a lawn tractor with attachment options that can help keep your yard in good shape year round.

 

Lawn Mower Safety Features

Operating any piece of power equipment requires taking safety precautions. Before you buy a lawn mower, make sure you know what safety features come standard. For example, on some riding lawn mowers like those from John Deere, the blades will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat while the blades are in motion. And of course, be sure to familiarize yourself with the operator’s manual so you understand all of the features on your equipment.

 

After-Sale Service for Your Lawn Mower

For long-term savings, look for a mower brand that provides reliable after-sale support and maintenance. Local equipment dealers not only help you make the right purchase, but can offer on-site maintenance and even at-home service.

 

This article is courtesy of John Deere.