Lawn Mower Buying Guide
When it comes to lawn care, it’s essential to make sure you’ve got the right machine for your needs. Whether you’re a landscaping professional or a proud homeowner, every yard is different. The first step is familiarizing yourself with the various types of lawn mowers on the market. Middletown Tractor Sales has put together this guide to help you determine what type of lawn mower is right for you. If you have questions or if you’d like to browse our inventory, visit one of our convenient locations. You’ll find us in Fairmont, WV, as well as Washington and Uniontown, PA.
Consider Your Needs
While there’s certainly no denying that budgetary restrictions and personal preferences will factor into your decision, it’s also helpful to know what your other parameters are. For example, some people don’t mind the lengthy process of using a push mower to tend to their lawn. However, some people are more limited in their physical ability and require a riding lawn mower instead. If you happen to have a massive lawn or field on your hands, you’ll need to upgrade to a more powerful residential zero-turn mower.
Walk-Behind & Push Mowers
A push mower is a traditional model that probably comes to mind when you imagine a 1950s father mowing a suburban yard. They’re ideal when you only need to tackle small patches of grass. You won’t have to worry about using any fuel, either, since they’re human-powered. Push mowers are also great if you won’t be producing enough clippings to justify attachments or accessories beyond a collection bag. These models also come in a variety of widths and are the most affordable choice.
If you need a bit more power to get the job done, you should consider a walk-behind mower. More often than not, this is usually the image that comes to mind when you think of a lawn mower. These long-lasting pieces of equipment are excellent at making quick work of small lawns. They come in gas or electric and self-propelled or push models. There are multiple options for length and type of cut, too. Walk-behind mowers are still pretty affordable and last a long time without requiring a whole ton of maintenance.
Riding & Zero-Turn Mowers
Contrary to popular belief, riding lawn mowers aren’t solely for the criminally lazy. In fact, they’re often the top choice for groundskeeping and landscaping services to manage lawns that are just too big to handle with a walk-behind mower. A good rule of thumb is that if it takes you more than two hours to mow your yard, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Riding lawn mowers feature a rear-mounted motor and are built to provide basic comfort.
The true lawn manicurists out there will appreciate a residential zero-turn mower. As the name indicates, these machines are capable of executing turns with an effective radius of zero. This means you can turn after completing a pass and line it up perfectly for the next one. The days of having to make several passes over the same area are finally over. A residential zero-turn mower is especially speedy, offers a precise cut, and can handle obstacles with ease. Keep in mind there is a bit of a learning curve involved for beginners. These machines won’t be effective against blade heights that exceed 6 inches.
We hope this information will come in handy when the time comes for you to invest in a lawn mower. If it’s currently that time for you, be sure to stop by Middletown Tractor Sales for assistance. Our staff looks forward to helping you find the perfect mower. We’re proud to serve Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV.