Walk Behind Lawn Mowers: A Traditional and Convenient Choice

Riding mowers are definitely a convenience. They make mowing your lawn a lot easier and faster, and can be fun to operate, as well. And if you have a large property, or own a commercial landscaping business, they are a logical choice. Zero turn mowers, such as those manufactured by John Deere and Murray, are especially convenient. These come with mulching decks, to save you money on fertilizer. You can also purchase an optional landscaping rake, which will let you scoop up debris.

However, for most homeowners, a simple walk behind push mower is going to do the job, and do it quite well. Most lawns are small enough to be easily and evenly mowed using one of these machines. However, you shouldn’t just buy the first mower you see on sale. There are a few things you’ll want to consider.

First is if you should buy a gas or electric walk behind mower. There are more models of gas mowers to choose from on the market. You should keep in mind that these mowers are noisier and obviously produce more pollution than their electric counterparts. If you do decide on a gas mower, because of the purchase price or available features, do try to remember that if you don’t mow your lawn often, you can cause damage to your mower by leaving gasoline in the engine for more than 30 days. If you are an infrequent mower, try to keep only a small amount of gas in the machine.

A great option for walking mowers are the newer electric models. Not only do these mowers save you money on gasoline, they run quiet (no disturbing the neighbors) and also save you from having to breathe gasoline fumes. They are slightly less powerful than their gasoline counterparts, but the difference is hardly noticeable. Nearly all the well-known lawn care companies, such as Snapper, Reel, Husqvarna, Troy-Bilt, and Black & Decker, have electric models on their lines. Whether you choose an electric or a gas mower, do be sure to purchase a bagger accessory to save yourself the trouble of going back to rake.

You should also keep in mind that there will likely be some tight corners or awkward obstacles in your lawn that your walk behind mower may not reach. Leave some room in your budget for an edger or trimmer. Worx and Mantis produce quality machines, and can be easily washed off with the hose.

If you take the time to carefully consider your needs and budget, you’ll be much happier with your new mower – and be more likely to use it as often as you need to keep your lawn looking as beautiful as possible.