Choosing a Lawn Mower

The size of your lawn will determine the cutting width you need in a mower.

• Less than 1/2 acre — If your lawn is in this range, choose a 20"-22" mower.
  
  
• 1/2 to 3/4 acre — For this size range, choose a 21"-22" mower with higher horsepower.
  
  
• More than 3/4 acre — If your lawn falls into this group, consider a lawn or garden tractor. Check out Selecting a Lawn or Garden Tractor.

For hills, use a self-propelled lawn mower. For rough terrain, a high wheel mower provides easy maneuverability. For mowing around a lot of obstacles, a rear bagger allows greater maneuverability for faster, easier work.

Push mowers are a fine choice if you want or need a little exercise while you mow. However, if you have a larger yard (more than 10,000 sq. ft.), rough terrain, health concerns or are worried about being out in the sun too long, you should consider getting a self-propelled lawn mower, which takes a lot of the effort out of mowing.

Here are some terms you'll find when you start looking at features:

• Mulching — cuts grass clippings into fine pieces that can help fertilize your lawn. No bagging of clippings is required.
  
  
• Rear Bagger — collects clippings for an immaculate lawn. A rear bag is preferable to a side bag for use around fences, trees and other obstacles.
  
  
• Side Discharge — clippings are dispersed back onto the lawn. Use if you have few obstacles to deal with or to cut high grass.
  
  
• Convertible or 3-In-1 — can be converted from side discharge to rear bagger. A 3-in-1 lawn mower is capable of performing mulching, bagging and side discharge functions.
  
  
• Assembled in Carton — just add gasoline, oil and start. (Models with bag and/or high wheels may require minimal assembly.)

You might notice these engine features:

• Overhead Valve Design — provides a cooler, cleaner, more efficient engine offering longer valve life and improved fuel economy.
  
  
• Dual-Clean™ Air Filter — doubles the protection for extended engine life.
  
  
• Compact V-Twin Design — reduces vibration for smoother, balanced operation.
  
  
• Cast-Iron Cylinder Sleeves — withstand wear and abuse while providing improved oil control.
  
  
• Full Pressure Lube With Spin-On Oil Filter — creates maximal lubrication, increasing engine life.

The Briggs & Stratton I/C engine features the cast iron cylinder sleeve that withstands wear while providing better oil control and extending the life of the engine. The I/C engine also has a dual air cleaner system consisting of an automotive paper cartridge plus a foam pre-cleaner. This combination ensures maximum protection. Finally, the I/C is equipped with special heavy-duty long life valves.

Alternatives to gasoline-powered engines are available. Electrically-powered mowers have improved greatly over the years. Corded and cordless models offer a choice for the consumer.

Corded models work well in smaller-sized areas, where handling a cord is not a concern (an outdoor outlet helps). The plus is that the power supply is constant. They're lightweight, quiet and practically maintenance-free.

Battery operated cordless mowers are powered by rechargeable batteries. Measure your lawn's square footage before you go shopping. Yards larger than 10,000 sq. ft. may need a gas-powered mower. The battery run time is important when buying a battery operated mower. Run time depends on terrain and the type of grass in the lawn. Estimate a 36-volt mower to run up to 90 minutes with a full charge on a flat yard. Remember that higher voltage mowers have more batteries, adding to overall weight.

The manually operated reel mower is also an alternative. They work on most type grasses, provided the grass doesn't get too tall. Most units have five blades and adjustable heights. The cutting action is similar to scissors. You may have to mow a little more often to maintain a close cut, but when kept lubricated and sharp, the reel mower is a quiet, lightweight and efficient tool.

Find Your New Mower