Choosing the Right Mower
For more than 150 years, human and animal-powered machines have given way to compact equipment powered by internal combustion engines of all sizes and configurations. Even as caring for yards and gardens becomes more mechanized, homeowners still have a basic choice: power and speed—or muscle and patience—with lots of options in between. A homeowner necessity, lawn mowers today range from manual reel push mowers to technologically sophisticated zero-turn-radius mowers.
Speed versus Utility
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- Lawn tractors have familiar steering controls, accept a variety of attachments, and are more stable on hilly terrain. They are a great choice if your landscape is not too complex.
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- A zero-turn-radius rider moves across the ground faster than a lawn tractor (about 6.5 mph vs. 5 mph) but still gives a clean cut thanks to a higher blade-tip speed (about 18,000 feet per minute vs. 12,000). It can also make tight turns without the operator backing up and making multiple passes. All this ground speed and maneuverability translates into time saved.
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- Walk-behind mowers with a bagging option are great when it is necessary to keep clippings from areas such as pools and outdoor kitchens.
Power and speed come at a price. At the high end, you can spend $12,000 or more; at the low end, less than $150. Most homeowners find they can satisfy their needs with an investment of $300 to $2,500. You can click to find more information on Garden Tractors, Lawn Tractors, Riding Mowers, Zero-Turn-Radius Mowers, Walk-Behind Mowers, Self-Propelled Mowers, and Reel (Push) Mowers.
Learn More: First Lawn Mower
