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10 Things to Consider When Buying a Lawn Mower
Today’s technology has made a lot of things easier and more convenient to use. Modern lawn mowers have made our lives a lot easier in landscaping, gardening care and lawn care.
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There are numerous lawnmowers in local stores and retail outlets on display. If you consider the investments and the long summer months ahead, it is imperative that you choose the right lawn mower carefully.
There are three major things shoppers look out for in a lawn mower – Comfort, performance and durability. The performance of a lawn mower is directly related to the sturdy nature and efficiency of the engine while comfort can be attributed to ergonomic designs.
It’s always a good idea to take a look at the assembled lawn mower in a hardware store before you commit to purchasing any of them in online retail outlets.
A simple Google search will reveal thousands of options to choose from. However, not all shoppers are equipped with the right information to make a good investment in a lawnmower.
To simplify the process of choosing the right lawnmower for your needs, in this guide here are 10 things to consider when buying a lawnmower:
1. Consider the Performance
Any lawnmower you pick should match the level of work needed to be done on your lawn. If you choose a mower that is not powerful enough, you run the risk of stressing out the engines. The size of the engine should offer enough power to cut through thick grasses or twigs as the case may be.
Engine types include but not limited to, side-valve engines, direct overhead valve engines and overhead valve engines. Generally speaking, the average walk-behind lawn mower has engines with power rating between 140cc to 190cc.
2. Comfort
The next important factor to consider is the comfort level. If you invest hundreds of dollars on a lawnmower and you’re going to use it for years to come, then make sure what you buy is comfortable to use. Ergonomic handles are a useful feature that improves the comfort of handling the machines.
3. Durability
Durability is directly proportional to the quality of materials used to construct the lawnmower. A useful guide to judge the durability of any lawn mower is to check the warranty period. Long warranties are a barometer to quality and durable lawnmowers.
4. Yard Size and Terrain
Working knowledge of the size and dimensions of your yard will help you decide which lawn mower is best suited. As the case may be, if you have a large lawn, you need to invest heavily in powerful lawnmowers and vice versa.
When it comes to terrains, a simple push-behind lawn mower can work wonders in flat terrain but they fall short of the required performance in hilly terrains. In such cases, opt for a reliable self-propelled lawnmower.
5. Maintenance
To make the most out of any machine, regular maintenance is needed. Prior to making an investment decision on a lawnmower, check to see if the parts are readily available in stores. As long as it has moving parts, it will require lubrication, cleaning and at a point replacement.
6. Engines
The engine is the powerhouse of every lawnmower. Therefore, pay special consideration to the type of engine used by the lawnmower. Fortunately, most lawn mowers are equipped with the right engine to tackle the needs of residential apartments. A good example is the use of Briggs & Stratton engines that are notorious for constantly delivering strong engine performance.
The majority of lawn mowers in online stores range from 140-cc to 190 –cc, which offers the right power for residential use. If you anticipate tough cutting conditions, ensure you choose a large engine to get the job done. Generally speaking, there are four major types of engines manufactured for the purpose of residential apartments:
Side valve engines: This engine has the valve installed on the sides but is slowing getting out of fashion these days.
Overhead valve engine: This engine has the cam and valves at the cylinder head rather than the side, just as it is in a car engine.
Other variants include direct overhead valve engines and overhead cams engines. What you choose depends on personal preferences and power requirements.
7. Read Lots of Online Reviews
That a mower is from a top brand doesn’t mean it is free from problems. You will do well to read the reviews of others before you commit to any lawnmower. The best way to discover whether a mower has a quirky problem is to read the reviews of others. Wise people learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of others. Fortunately, most retail outlets have a forum/platform where customers voice out their concerns.
8. Cost and Budget
The cost of a riding mower and the budget you have in mind can go a long way in streamlining the numerous choices out there to a handful of mowers. Once you know what you are willing to spend, you can cut off time spent in researching out on other more expensive alternatives. However, we must warn that you will get exactly what you pay for.
9. Check for Special Features
The inclusion of special features can be the difference between a simple lawnmower and a great lawnmower. Features like a good mulching blade can make a whole lot of difference. The ability to bag grass clippings, side discharge it or mulch it back to the soil for healthier grass growth is a 3-in-1 feature you should be on the lookout for.
10. Adjustments
Adjustments are a useful feature that can make or mare a lawnmower. First and foremost, the mower you buy should have adjustable handles to suit your height and body aesthetics. Secondly, it should give you the option of incrementally adjusting the height of the deck. Cutting height adjustments vary from owner to owner so it’s thoughtful to check how flexible it is to adjust the deck height.
In Conclusion
We have just enumerated 10 of the most important things to look out for in a lawn mower. However, don’t be carried away by these factors without paying attention to how the manufacturer backs the product in the form of warranties.
For example, a quality lawn mower like those from cub cadet will guarantee that the mover starts up in the first or second pull although the three years of the warranty period.
About the Author Laura Bennett
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
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