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Lawn mowers Tool selection tips


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1. Consider Your Lawn Size

  • Small Lawns (Up to ¼ acre): Consider a corded electric mower or a reel mower for eco-friendly, quiet operation.
  • Medium Lawns (¼ to ½ acre): Look for a battery-powered mower or a gas-powered push mower that balances power and mobility.
  • Large Lawns (½ acre or more): A self-propelled gas mower or a riding mower is ideal to cover a large area efficiently.

2. Select the Right Power Source

  • Gas-Powered Mowers: Known for power and durability, they are ideal for large lawns but require regular maintenance, fuel, and oil changes.
  • Electric Corded Mowers: Lightweight and eco-friendly, great for small to medium lawns with access to power outlets, but limited by cord length.
  • Battery-Powered Mowers: Good for small to medium yards, offering cordless freedom and quieter operation, but consider battery life for large areas.
  • Manual Reel Mowers: Quiet, environmentally friendly, and perfect for small, flat lawns, but require physical effort.

3. Self-Propelled vs. Push Mower

  • Self-Propelled: Ideal for medium to large or uneven lawns, as the motor assists in moving the mower, making it easier on slopes and rough terrain.
  • Push Mower: Suitable for flat, smaller yards where extra assistance isn’t necessary and you prefer a bit of exercise while mowing.

4. Check Cutting Deck Size

  • Small Deck (16-20 inches): Better for maneuvering around small lawns with tight spaces and obstacles.
  • Medium Deck (21-24 inches): A good balance of coverage and agility for average-sized lawns.
  • Large Deck (25 inches and above): Cuts more grass in one pass, reducing mowing time for large lawns, but may be harder to maneuver.

5. Mulching, Bagging, or Side Discharge Options

  • Mulching: Ideal for returning nutrients to the soil. Look for a mulching mower with good blade quality if you plan to mulch often.
  • Bagging: Allows for easy disposal of clippings; useful if you want a cleaner look and no leftover clippings on the lawn.
  • Side Discharge: Convenient for quick mowing without collecting clippings, though it may leave clumps on the lawn.

6. Blade Height Adjustment

  • A mower with adjustable cutting height provides flexibility for different grass types and seasonal changes, ensuring your lawn stays healthy.
  • Look for mowers with easy-to-adjust levers that control all four wheels simultaneously for quick changes.

7. Check for Ease of Maintenance

  • Gas mowers require oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance.
  • Battery-powered and electric mowers need minimal maintenance, though you should clean them after each use and store the battery properly.
  • Consider the availability of replacement parts and ease of accessing the blades for sharpening.

8. Handle Comfort and Adjustability

  • Look for ergonomic, cushioned handles that reduce strain, especially for longer mowing sessions.
  • Adjustable or foldable handles can improve comfort and make storage easier.

9. Maneuverability and Terrain Compatibility

  • Wheels: Larger wheels can help with rougher terrain, while smaller wheels are fine for flat surfaces.
  • Swivel wheels: Available on some push models, they provide better control for maneuvering around obstacles.
  • Four-wheel drive: Available on some models for optimal traction on hilly or rough terrains.

10. Noise Level

  • Electric and battery mowers are quieter than gas models and are often the preferred choice for noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
  • Look for a decibel rating if noise is a concern, as quieter models generally produce around 70-80 dB, compared to gas models that can reach 90 dB or more.

11. Durability and Build Quality

  • Metal decks (often steel) are durable but heavier, suitable for larger, rough lawns.
  • Polymer or plastic decks are lightweight, resistant to rust, and good for small to medium lawns.

12. Budget Considerations

  • Determine your budget range before shopping, as manual and corded electric mowers are often more budget-friendly, while self-propelled gas and riding mowers are higher-end options.

13. Brand Reputation and Warranty

  • Choose reputable brands with positive reviews and good customer support.
  • Look for mowers with warranties covering at least 2-3 years for added peace of mind.
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Welcome to the forum.

 

On my new-to-me house, the City has all the properties surrounded by a grid system of swales and canals, to properly route the rainwater. The ground becomes wet / soft near the water in the rainy season and is otherwise hard.

 

At the rear canal I noted the grass had deep ruts, the source of which I was initially unaware. Nobody cuts that rear grass. The lawn mowing service I retained from the prior owner only cuts to the crest of the hill. I wanted that grass cut, so I decided to do it myself.

 

The deep tire ruts were a butt pain for grass cutting, so I used my Husky 8" square tamper to flatten the lawn. Then cutting was easy, until the rainy season started and the ground softened. I discovered my gasoline powered self propelled Toro 21" mower was too heavy and sunk into the ground too much.

 

The search for the lightest possible lawnmower led me to purchase the Craftsman 2x20V Battery Powered Push Lawnmower. This was a HUGE improvement for cutting the soft grass, only leaving wheel "footprints" at the water's edge. One thing I REALLY like about the mower is the plastic deck is possible to get brandy new clean after each usage. The images show the machine after 3 months of weekly usage.

 

Eventually I discovered the source of the deep tire ruts I removed from my property. The City periodically dispatches a pair of HUGE John Deere 6R155 Dual Rear Wheel Tractors w/ a 10 or 12 foot straight deck to transform the knee height grass to an ankle deep mess.

 

On my property I signal them to drive up high, transiting my property on the hard soil to avoid sinking into the Earth.

 

Unfortunately they need to drop down near the water to resume cutting for my neighbors and sink in, leaving ruts at those locations, so I just use my tamping tool to again flatten the ground so I can cut w/ my mower.

 

 

Front Swale

53827997365_ae6dd3a15c_c.jpg

 

Initially Removing Rear Canal Tire Ruts w/ Tamping Tool

54098583791_5d8f475daa_k.jpg

 

Rear Canal After Weekly Mowing

54097626632_96b9f75c09_c.jpg

 

Huge Tractor Transiting Property Up High w/o Mowing

54098743418_9e5f7bfecf_c.jpg

 

Huge Tractor Leaving Tire Ruts When Dropping Down to Water to Continue Mowing

54098943660_b34488de47_c.jpg

 

New Tire Ruts Removed w/ Tamping Tool

54097626637_2626edebe4_c.jpg

 

Battery Powered 2x20V Craftsman Push Mower

54098961330_9459655777_c.jpg

 

54098844324_90e2538c6d_c.jpg

 

54098505561_5c4e60bfd5_c.jpg

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