Mowing your lawn keeps your it looking nice and healthy by discouraging the growth of weeds. But with so many lawn mowers available, it can be difficult to figure out just what you need. First, think about the size of your yard. If you have a larger yard, then a riding mower is a better option than a push mower. If your lawn has steep terrain, a riding mower carries the danger of tipping over on those hills. If you have a large yard and steep terrain, you may want to consider one of each.
Push Mowers
When considering a push mower, you should know the three kinds that exist. First, the old-fashioned reel mower has no engine, only costs $100-150, and can cut much closer than motorized mowers. However, it's not suited for uneven ground. Standard push mowers use either gasoline-powered or electric motors and are better for slightly larger yards. They usually cost between $150-250. However, corded electric mowers are quite dangerous if you forget where the cord is, so be sure to buy a cordless version that uses rechargeable batteries. They're a little more expensive, but they're a lot less risky. The third type is the self-propelled mower, which is a perfect option for people with sloped yards, or those that are larger. They can be quite expensive with prices between $500-900, but they more than pay for themselves with adjustable speeds that keep your pace on those steep hills.
Riding Mowers
If you have a large yard, then a riding mower is your best option. These mowers have seats, steering wheels, and some even have amenities like cup holders and CD players. Mowers with those kind of amenities can have price tags as high as $9,000. Like the push mowers, these come with gas or electric motors. Electric motors are quieter and cheaper to run, but they're also less efficient, which means they don't do as good of a job as gas mowers. Moreover, electric batteries tend to die quickly.
Gas Mowers
Gas powered motors may be louder, but they also do a better job of mowing your lawn. They require periodic maintenance such as changing the oil, replacing the spark plugs, and cleaning air filters. Since these mowers are bigger, they are also more dangerous and should not be used on uneven terrain due to the possibility of tipping. They are also much more expensive than push mowers with the cheapest riding mowers ranging in price between $1,000 and $3,000.
