I NEED TO PURCHASE A MOWER! WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
One of the major responsibilities that comes with owning a home is lawn maintenance. If you choose not to have a lawncare company maintain your yard, then you need the right equipment to maintain your property. Picking the right equipment can be very stressful. You need to account for the size of your property, the distance between objects (Sheds, trees, etc.) and when it comes down to it, how much work you're willing to do.
Selecting a lawn mower.
Lawn mower "sizes" are determined by the machine's cutting width plus 3 or 4 inches for the actual length.
Use this guide to determine which cutting width you need:
- 1/2 acre to 1 acre: 30in. - 42in. cutting width.
- 1 acre to 2 acres: 42in. - 52in. cutting width.
- 2 acres to 3 acres: 48in. - 54in. cutting width.
- 3 acres to 4 acres: 54in. - 61in. cutting width.
- 4 acres or larger: minimum 60in cutting width.
If your lawn is around 1/4 acre and under, considering purchasing a push mower. There are plenty of different options to make push-mowing easy such as an electric starter, a self-propelled feature etc. Also, depending on the layout of your yard, you may want to considering purchasing a small push mower to mow awkward areas that you don't want to attempt with your large riding mower for fear of damage and safety.
Deck Type
Mowers are designed with two different deck designs based on your needs and desires. There is a Stamped Deck, which is a thinner sheet of steel that is molded in a machine press. Then there is a Fabricated Deck, normally a thicker steel that is welded and fabricated. Your deck choice should be based on a couple of factors:
- What type of grass are you mowing? If you are mowing a small property with grass such as Saint Augustine or other type that covers the ground well and doesn’t allow the dirt or sand to scatter, then a Stamped Deck may work just fine for you. If you are mowing a basic ground cover grass such as Bahia, which allows the dirt or sand to scatter quite a bit, then you want to choose a mower with a fabricated deck. A fabricated deck in this situation would last you longer than a stamp deck.
- How much property are you mowing? If you are mowing a small property, 1 acre or less, a stamp deck may do just fine for you. Keep in mind the choices mentioned in question one as well. For larger properties, you would want a fabricated deck since you will be mowing a large volume of grass.
Zero Turn or, Lawn Tractor... What's the difference??
There are a few differences between the two however, here are some common features:
A Zero-Turn mower can pivot to allow easier maneuvering of your yard it also features two steering handles instead of a steering wheel which leads to less fatigue on the rider. Depending on the model, many Zero-Turns are equipped with integrated transmissions which allows each rear wheel to operate independently and gives you a faster mowing speed.
Zero-Turns are available in various levels of performance based on job size and speed desired to perform the work. As you move up in performance levels, you will find an increase in engine horsepower, transmission size and speed, and construction design.
A Lawn tractor is a more traditional way to mow featuring a steering wheel to make the lawn tractor feel more familiar. Another feature is in the name: Lawn Tractor! Most Lawn Tractors have a hitch already mounted on the frame making towing much easier.
Now, the big decision... Cost?
So, how much are you willing to spend? The pricing on mowers can be confusing sometimes. For example, some manufacturers have push mowers that are more expensive than lawn tractors! And Zero-Turns and Lawn Tractors do not marginally differ in price. Some consumers like the familiarity of Lawn Tractors and spend more than a Zero-Turn might cost! It all comes down to your needs and your budget. Always ask about current financing options and promotions as well. There is a product and a program that will fit your needs and budget
We hope this guide is beneficial in helping aid you in your new lawn mower purchase!