Here are some things to consider when purchasing a new lawnmower:
- If you live on a lot less than half an acre, do not even consider a riding lawnmower. Sure, maybe your neighbor has one, but you don’t want to look as foolish as he does. Additionally, even with a riding lawnmower, you’ll still need a regular push mower to get along the edges and corners.
- If you live in a townhouse, an old-fashioned push reel mower will do the job quietly and effectively. Plus, you’ll get some exercise.
- Self-propelled lawnmowers (those where you pull a lever and walk behind the mower as it goes by itself) are a waste of money and time. Besides being more expensive than regular lawnmowers, you waste time turning around each pass across the lawn. With a regular lawnmower, you can push it one direction and tow it the other direction to save time by eliminating the need to turn around. You’ll also get more exercise.
- I’m not a fan of electric mowers. While some think it may be a greener choice, you still have to plug it in and that power from your house isn’t magically produced without any pollution. Secondly, the cord will get in your way. Therefore, I recommend a gasoline combustion engine lawnmower over electrics. Personally, I like mowers with Briggs and Stratton engines.
- For a gasoline engine push mower, look for a side discharge model. You’ll save time not having to stop and bag the grass. While you should still occasionally dethatch your lawn, you’ll still be helping the environment by not sending plastic bags full of cut grass to the landfill each week.
Here are links to a couple of mowers meeting my criteria: