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So you are in the market for a new lawn mower?
But the question is where do you start?!
There are some questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a lawnmower.
In fact, there is a lot to consider when buying a mower for your lawn! But don’t worry GreenPal is here to help!
Do you want a Basic, Mulching or Bagging Lawn Mower?
When it comes to mowing your lawn, you should determine whether you want to bag your grass or simply discharge it into your lawn. There are advantages to both methods, and we wrote an article on that here.
Once you do a little research and come to a decision, you need to select the right mower for your lawn...
Push Mower or Riding Tractor?
The biggest question you need to ask yourself is how big is your lawn?
If your lawn is an acre or less a push mower will probably do the job. On the other hand, if your lawn is bigger than an acre you will probably grow very tired of push mowing, and you can use a riding tractor on a yard larger than 1/2 an acre.
Choosing the Right Push Mowers For Lawns Mowing
A good push mower will cost $300-$600 and can be easily purchased at the big box stores.
They usually have the best pricing on them. Husqvarna, Toro, Echo, and Craftsman are some of the better consumer brands. However, if you have a smaller lawn, you can go with a cheaper lawn mower model. These models can be as cheap as around $200 bucks.
| Brand | Price Range | Type | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna | $300 - $600 | Push | Durable, reliable for medium lawns |
| Toro | $250 - $400 | Push | Easy handling, efficient mowing |
| Echo | $200 - $600 | Push/Riding | Versatile options for different sizes |
| Craftsman | $400 - $600 | Riding | Durable, suitable for larger lawns |
Push Mowers for Properties of ¼-½ Acre
When it comes to a small property, the only way to go is a push mower. Properties that are well maintained and under half of an acre can easily be handled by any push lawn mower. With a smaller property even if you purchase a cheap model, it can last for many years if taken care of properly. Truly it's entirely up to you when you have a property of this size, any model will do.
Push Lawn Mowers for Properties Under Half an Acre
If your lawn is over half an acre, you should stay away from the cheapest push mower models. Over time they will cause more headache than it is worth. Mid-range push more models can cost between $250 and $400.
it gets better, often have a slightly bigger deck, so they will make cutting your lawn a little faster. They also have better wheels and are generally easier to handle.
Push Mowers for Lawns Bigger than an Acre
If your lawn is bigger than an acre, the best way to go is a riding lawn mower. If you still want to use a push mower, you can. However, unless you want to struggle, you need to go top of the line. These push lawn mowers will cost between $400 and $600. They are built better all around, will last longer, and have better features that really make a difference when it comes to bigger lawns.
In my experience, cutting my own 1-acre lawn with a great push mower is easy, enjoyable, and makes for great exercise. But if you want to get it done faster, or don’t want to walk for an hour, a riding tractor is for you.
Push Mower Selection Based on Lawn Size
| Lawn Size | Suggested Mower Type | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1/4 Acre | Basic Push Mower | Around $200 | Suitable for small, easy-to-maintain properties |
| 1/4 - 1/2 Acre | Mid-Range Push Mower | $250 - $400 | Bigger deck, better wheels |
| Over 1 Acre | High-End Push Mower or Riding Tractor | $400 - $600 | Durable, with features for ease of use |
Riding Tractors and Mowers for Bigger Lawns
Need a riding lawn mower?
Here’s the deal, when it comes to price the sky is the limit, but if your lawn is an acre or more, a riding tractor can make mowing your lawn a breeze.
The cheaper models running $800 all the way up to $8,000 for the better commercial grade mowers.
It all depends on what your budget is along with what your expectations are going to be with respect to cut quality, and how long you are wanting the mower to last.
Riding Tractors for Lawns Between Half to One Acre
When it comes to lawns over ½ an acre you can use a riding mower on most properties.
If your property has a lot of obstacles like trees, gardens or other features, it may still be best to use a push mower. However, if you have plenty of wide open lawn, a riding mower is where it’s at. For a lawn under one acre a deck that is around 36 inches is sufficient.
Riding Tractors for Lawns Over an Acre
If your lawn is over an acre you should get a mower with a larger deck at least 42 inches or more.
Look: the bigger the deck the faster you can cut the lawn, but the price quickly goes up when you want a bigger deck.
Riding Tractors for Lawns Over 2 Acres
When you have a property of 2 acres or more, you probably want to go with a zero-turn mower.
Be forewarned, these mowers are expensive! You may want to hire a lawn care provider through GreenPal instead.
No matter what size mower you choose remember…
Riding Tractor Selection Guide
| Lawn Size | Deck Size | Price Range | Suggested Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 - 1 Acre | Around 36 inches | $800 - $2,000+ | Basic models suitable for fewer obstacles |
| Over 1 Acre | 42 inches or more | $2,000 - $8,000+ | Larger deck for faster mowing |
| Over 2 Acres | Zero-turn models | $2,500+ | Expensive, but efficient for large areas |
What's the best time of year to buy a lawn mower?
The best times to buy a lawn mower are early spring and fall. In spring, retailers offer discounts to attract buyers before the mowing season. In fall, stores clear out inventory before winter, which can lead to significant savings.
What safety precautions should I take when using a lawn mower?
Always wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and sturdy shoes. Clear the lawn of debris before mowing, keep children and pets indoors, and never mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines
Choosing the Best Lawn Mower
Selecting the right lawn mower depends on your lawn’s size, your budget, and specific needs such as mulching or bagging. For lawns under an acre, a push mower ranging from $200 to $600 is ideal, with brands like Husqvarna and Toro offering great options.
Larger lawns over an acre benefit from riding mowers or tractors, with prices from $800 to over $2,000, reflecting a range of features and durability.
Not all mowers are created equal, and the key to satisfaction lies in matching your needs to the mower’s capabilities, ensuring it’s a worthy investment for your lawn care routine.
Still not sure which mower is right for you?
Contact a local lawn care professional for advice.
