If you’re a homeowner, then there’s a good chance that you have what can only be described as a “hobby” in landscaping. You may not have the time or money to hire someone else to do it for you, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want your yard looking spiffy. The trick is figuring out how to get the job done with as little hassle as possible. The basic tool that you’ll need for that is a lawnmower.
Choosing a new lawnmower is not an easy task. There are so many brands and styles to choose from, that it can be challenging to know which one will work best for your needs. Before you settle on a specific lawnmower, you need to ask yourself these questions:
1. What kind of terrain do I live in?
The type of lawnmower you need will depend on the size and type of your yard. Ideally, you should choose one with power enough to cut through both tall grass and thick brush without difficulty. That way, no matter what kind of landscaping materials are used around it (stones, bricks), your new mower isn’t going to get stuck easily.
If there is an incline in your property, look for something more robust than just a simple push-mower: they tend not to function well on slopes! Instead, opt for either an electronic start model if money is no object or a gas-powered one if you’re looking for something more affordable.
2. Which features are most important to me?
If you’ve never owned a lawnmower before, then the sheer number of attachments available may be overwhelming. Luckily for you, though, there are only three that will likely have any relevance to your situation: bagging system, mulching capabilities and height-adjustability. With these three, you can either choose to collect the cuttings in a bag and dispose of them later, mulch them on-site so that they break down and fertilize your lawn or have more control over the height at which you’re mowing.
3. What is my budget?
Even though lawn mowers are an essential part of any homeowner’s toolkit, they’re not exactly expensive to purchase. This means that you can pretty much afford the one which best suits your needs without having to break the bank doing it! However, your budget will determine the type of lawnmower you can purchase. For instance, if you’re looking for an electric start model, then be prepared to spend a bit more than if you’re fine with just a manual one.
4. How long do I want to spend mowing the yard?
The type of lawnmower you use will have an effect on how long it takes to complete your landscaping. If you’ve got a huge yard, then the last thing that you want is for your new piece of equipment to be underpowered or take too much time in between charges! If speed and power are what matters most to you, look for a petrol-powered mower with a powerful engine. If you’re not that concerned about the time it takes to cut; then an electric model will do just fine for your needs!
5. How durable is this product?
To get the most out of your new machine, you’ll need it last at least a few seasons! There’s no point in spending money on something that will break down after only two uses. In terms of durability, electric models tend not to be as robust as gas-powered ones due to the engine. However, if you purchase a model with a steel deck, it will withstand plenty of wear and tear.