Maintaining a well-groomed lawn boosts curb appeal and helps many homeowners feel a sense of pride for their home, however what many homeowners fail to realize, is how many different lawnmowers there are, and that some, may be better than others. When it comes to purchasing a lawnmower to help keep your landscaping looking it’s best, there are a few things to consider such as price, storage space/size, gas vs. electric, as well as the size of the area you need to maintain.
Exploring the Different Types of Lawnmowers
Push Reel Mowers
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly: Push reel mowers are powered by human effort, making them eco-friendly and emission-free.
- Quiet operation: These mowers are virtually silent, which is perfect for early morning or late evening mowing.
- Low maintenance: They have few moving parts, reducing the need for repairs.
Cons:
- Requires physical effort: Pushing a reel mower can be physically demanding, especially on large lawns.
- Ineffective on tall or tough grass: These mowers work best on well-maintained, short grass.
Gas-Powered Rotary Mowers
Pros:
- Versatile: Gas-powered rotary mowers can handle various grass lengths and terrains.
- Powerful: They provide consistent cutting performance, even in challenging conditions.
- Wide cutting paths: Most models have wider decks for quicker mowing.
Cons:
- Noise and emissions: They are often loud and emit fumes, making them less eco-friendly.
- Regular maintenance: Gas mowers require more maintenance, such as oil changes and spark plug replacements.
- Higher operational costs: Fuel, oil, and maintenance costs can add up over time.
Electric Lawnmowers
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly: Electric mowers produce no emissions and are quieter than gas-powered alternatives.
- Low maintenance: They have fewer parts to maintain and often start with the push of a button.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver: Electric mowers are usually lighter and easier to handle.
Cons:
- Limited range: Corded electric mowers require an electrical outlet nearby, which can limit their range.
- Battery life: Cordless electric mowers rely on battery power, which may require recharging during large jobs.
- Initial cost: Electric mowers can be more expensive than gas-powered counterparts.
Robotic Lawnmowers
Pros:
- Convenience: Robotic mowers operate autonomously and can be scheduled to mow at specific times.
- Even cutting: They mow in random patterns, resulting in an even lawn surface.
- Quiet operation: These mowers are remarkably quiet.
Cons:
- Initial cost: Robotic mowers tend to be expensive upfront.
- Setup and maintenance: They require installation of boundary wires and regular cleaning and maintenance.
- Limited to smaller lawns: They work best on smaller, flatter lawns due to their random mowing patterns.
Riding Lawnmowers
Pros:
- Efficiency: Riding mowers are ideal for large lawns, significantly reducing mowing time.
- Comfort: They are comfortable to use, with adjustable seats and steering.
- Multiple attachments: Many models offer attachments for tasks like mulching and leaf collection.
Cons:
- Cost and storage: Riding mowers can be a significant investment, and they require adequate storage space.
- Fuel consumption: They typically consume more fuel than other types of lawnmowers.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep them in good working condition.
Ultimately when it comes to selecting the right lawnmower it can often fall to personal preference, however by taking your yard size and layout and budget into consideration, you can likely go ahead and shorten the list of options right away, helping make your ultimate decision easier to find. While each type has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, there is a lawnmower to suit every homeowner’s needs and help you boost your curb appeal all year long.
If you’re interested in creating the yard of your dreams, need help bringing your landscaping vision to life, or are interested in learning more about yard maintenance, please feel free to contact our office at any time!