The perfect lawn precedes the ideal home. With the backyard and front porch designs taking real estate by storm, more individuals show interest in lawn maintenance. Australian homeowners spend approximately $150 yearly for lawn mowing. Ths cost doesn’t include equipment, tools, or equipment maintenance. Choosing the right equipment, deciding whether you want mulching or trimmer blades, and making the purchase comprise the first few steps. Maintaining your tools and understanding how to store them is what follows. Many homeowners lose hundreds of dollars on poor maintenance or tool quality. Worry not because this guide details how you can find a lawn mower that suits your needs perfectly.

Area

Lawn mowers fall under two distinct categories – walkable and rideable. 

For over 87% of households, the traditional walk mower suffices. However, for any area over a quarter acre, one should consider a light-duty lawn tractor or a rear-engine riding lawn mower. For lawns over two acres, homeowners should search for commercial residential-grade rideable lawn mowers. 

Lawn mowers should be proportional in size to the mowing area. Suggesting walk-mowing a quarter acre is a stretch. 

Walk the entire stretch, and consider how much time you’ll have for lawn maintenance and your potential for physical activity before purchasing a mower. 

Drive

Walk mowers either need pushing (Front-wheel drives) or push themselves (Rear-wheel drives). 

Front-wheel drives work best when one is mowing a flat surface. The person behind receives control and can manoeuvre around obstacles with ease. 

On the other hand, Rear-wheel drives are the perfect fit for uphill or sidehill mowing since the front wheels lose traction during the task. 

Assessing your land is as crucial as examining your physique and its compatibility with the mower before purchase. 

Self-driving mowers are perfect for multitasking or moving uphill. While the mower is running, one can start bagging right behind. Such features make the job more efficient but come with a price tag. Consider your budget and comfort before making this decision. 

Some homeowners deal with multiple terrains, and AWD or All-wheel drives are the solutions. These versatile mowers adjust to different landscapes, helping them take on rough ground. 

Functioning

What the mower does to the grass is as crucial as how it trims the lawn. Unlike popular opinion, lawn mowing is more than just cutting grass. How one cuts the grass impacts grass health and lawn finish. 

A two-function mower mulches the grass and bags it afterwards.

Mulching your grass instead of trimming can improve lawn health since nitrogen-rich trims return to the soil layer. Doing so reduces weed growth and helps the soil retain moisture. However, this function may be useless in tall-grass conditions. 

Three-function mowers mulch, bag, and side-discharge, making it a tinge more versatile. They are suitable for taking the grass down in stages. 

Blade 

Different blade styles cut grass in varying manners, affecting the overall lawn finish. Trimmer blades may provide basic grass maintenance, whereas high lifts could give you a close cut. Before purchase, cross-check OEM and model numbers to ensure it fits.

Measure diagonally from one tip end to the opposite side. Larger blades will damage the deck, while a short one will leave the grass uncut. 

Maintenance

Like most engine-based appliances, lawn mowers require regular oil and spark plug changes. Always buy parts that are compatible with your model to avoid damaging it. Sharpening and balancing the blades keep your mower in perfect condition.

Additionally, never forget to service your mowers annually.