It’s not always easy to decide whether upgrading your mower makes sense, but several factors can help. We’ve put together a list of questions you can ask yourself based on what our customers ask us most often. Whether you’re considering a walk-behind, riding, zero-turn or stand-on mower, these tips will provide some clarity.
How Big Is Your Yard?
The size of your yard is one of the biggest factors in determining the right mower for you. But you’ll also want to think about if your yard is irregularly shaped and requires more maneuverability or if it has grades that are too tough for some mowers.
A good rule-of-thumb is if your yard is under a quarter-acre, a push-mower is your best bet. If it’s a quarter- to half-acre, consider a riding mower. If it’s larger than that or has a tricky shape, a zero-turn mower may make the most sense.
Does Your Mower Have The Power You Need?
Power goes a long way in determining whether mowing your lawn feels like a chore. Even walk-behind mowers have a significant range of engines. With riding, stand-on and zero-turn mowers, your options are aplenty.
Also think about self-propelled options, especially for bigger or hilly yards. That alone can really improve your experience. The best thing you can do is talk with your local dealer and explain your needs.
How Comfortable Is Your Mower?
You’ll be walking behind or riding your new mower for years. If you’re thinking about a walk-behind, how easy is it to start and control? If it’s a rider or zero-turn, that seat better be both ergonomic and comfortable. Would you like to have arm rests? How about cup holders for a cold beverage? It gets hot during peak mowing months.
How Easy Is It To Maintain Your Mower?
Most of us don’t have the time to put more than the basic maintenance into our mowers, even if we love that stuff. Oil and filter changes, blade sharpening, fuel treatments, part replacement and engine repair all come into play when taking care of a mower, especially if you’ve had the same one for years.
New mowers and the associated maintenance plans can significantly reduce maintenance time. Some dealers will even come to you and take care of everything.
What’s Your Budget?
Cost is always a big part of deciding on the right mower. The good news is you can find one to fit any budget. Start by asking yourself whether you want to spend a little more up front to potentially save money later.
Riding and zero-turn mowers are bigger investments, but they might make sense when you take everything into consideration. If not, walk-behinds offer great features these days too.
Making The Right Mower Choice
Once you’ve mulled over these questions, the next step is easy. Check out what options local dealers have online and stop by to ask any questions you have. They’ll help you make a great choice and find a mower you love.
