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Are All Lawn Mowers Alike?
One Home Enthusiast Weighs In
By Mike Ferrara
Stroll down the aisles of any home center or equipment dealer this spring and you'll see lots of lawn mowers that look almost exactly alike. Sure, they might be different colors and have some nifty decals on them, but they'll all be powered by identical engines and tout similar features. Let's take a look at some of these features and determine why they might be important to you:
Most mowers can mulch, but the more expensive mowers will be able to recycle clippings back into the turf more efficiently and with less signs, such as clumps of grass and an uneven cut. Look for mowers that have advanced cutting decks with special blades and mulch fans.
You don't want to have to push a mower around if you don't have to. Self-propelled mowers come in two varieties: front- and rear-drive. Front-drive is easy to maneuver – just lift the front end slightly and turn. Rear-drive is handy if you use a rear-bagger and want to maintain good traction on hills. Rear-drive is also less likely to tear up your lawn. Whether front- or rear-drive, look for a mower that will allow you to set a comfortable walking pace.
Rear bags come in handy in the spring and fall, when you need to collect yard debris such as leaves and twigs. Rear bags are easier to attach and remove than mowers with side bags, and they usually hold a lot more.
Many homeowners fail to adjust their mower's cutting height according to the season. For most parts of the country, it's best to start low in the spring and then gradually raise the height as the weather warms. The easier it is to adjust the cutting height, the more likely you will do it. Look for a mower with clearly marked settings so you don't have to guess what cutting height you are using.