There are many different factors to consider when buying a new lawn mower. From the size of your garden and the evenness of the terrain to your budget, physical ability and commitment to sustainable purchasing, it can feel overwhelming to settle on a choice. Thankfully, it isn't as complicated as you may think.
Purchasing a good quality and long-lasting mower can be a costly investment. For this simple reason, it is worthwhile waiting for annual deals and finding lawnmowers for sale to purchase your number one choice without breaking the bank.
Performance
When you are buying a new lawnmower, the most important thing to do is ensure the make and model you select appropriately match the needs of your lawn and garden maintenance.
Whether you opt for a riding mower or a walk-behind model, rest assured that you have a versatile tool at your disposal. Selecting an option with an engine powerful enough to handle various tasks, from cutting through tall grass to navigating wet grass or mulch and efficiently bagging loose grass, is essential. This versatility should instil confidence in your choice.
There are various types of engines to choose from, including side-valve engines, overhead valves, and direct overhead valves. The direct overhead valve is generally considered to be the quietest of the three options, with better fuel consumption but a higher price tag.
Electric vs. Gas
The biggest influencing factor when deciding between an electric and petrol-powered lawn mower is the size of your lawn. If you have a medium or small garden, a battery-powered electric mower will handle the task fairly well. Cordless mowers are quieter, require far less maintenance, and require no additional oil or petrol to operate. However, for larger gardens, you may struggle to complete the task on just one charge, which can become cumbersome if you mow on a regular basis.
The development in lithium-ion battery technology means many manufacturers have since introduced cordless mowers into their range, offering plenty of options. In terms of pricing, they are similar to petrol options and often include many of the same features.
Restart Mechanism
If you choose a mower that collects grass clippings in a bag that needs to be emptied regularly, or if you find yourself stopping often to pick up sticks, rocks, or your children’s toys, you understand the hassle of restarting your mower each time.
This problem can be easily avoided by selecting a machine with a blade brake clutch or a blade override system. A mower that includes either of the features allows you to safely stop the blade without having to turn the engine off. As with many additional features, expect to pay more for this convenience.
Drive System
If your lawn is relatively flat and medium-to-small in size, you will likely be perfectly satisfied with a push mower, which is a machine that is not self-propelled. These models tend to be cheaper, lightweight and have fewer mechanical parts that can wear out. They are also usually much easier to manoeuvre.
However, should you have any hills or a large garden, a self-propelled mower will be a much better choice. Mowers that use front-wheel drive are pulled along flat ground but can struggle on hills, as you tend to push down on the handle when walking uphill. Additionally, if you bag your grass, this extra weight will further reduce the machine's traction. Instead, a rear-wheel drive mower is the better option for tackling uneven ground, as it works more effectively on hills and with a catch bag.
If you purchase a self-propelled mower, consider selecting an option with variable speed. This will give you more flexibility in matching the mower's speed to the conditions of your lawn and the speed you walk.
Worthwhile Investment
Like many garden tools and machines, lawnmowers can quickly become very costly purchases. If you are wondering whether it is worth investing in a more expensive model, it is crucial to remember that high-quality mowers not only have many additional features that contribute to a better user experience, but they also use better-quality components.
Easy-rolling ball-bearing wheels, durable engines, and long-lasting composite or aluminium decks will contribute to a longer life span and fewer maintenance costs. Furthermore, they are typically covered by a more extended warranty should you encounter any issues or breakages.
Durability
Before buying a lawn mower, it is vital to consider the durability of the build and the efficiency of the various parts and mechanics. Factors like how easy it is to replace components like an air filter or pull cord and how accessible these parts may be should influence your purchasing decision.
Furthermore, investing in a robust lawn mower cover that can protect the machine from adverse environmental conditions and learning how to properly tune up the mower will further extend the lifespan of your purchase.
Electric Starter
If you or anyone who plans to use your mower struggles with pulling a starter rope, you will want to select a model that utilises an electric start. A built-in battery and starter motor completely eliminates the need to manually start your mower, which is ideal for anyone with lower strength levels or limited mobility.
If you need to stop mowing to empty the catch bag regularly, an electric starter will allow you to stop and start easily. Be aware that electric start features will increase the overall cost of the mower in question.
