With spring around the corner, a little secret hiding at the back of your shed may be about to emerge from its hibernation: the busted lawn mower.
Even with recent TV bulletins dominated by recent record-low temperatures across much of the US, it won’t be long until the warmer days arrive.
Of course, we’re all looking forward to the spring sunshine… the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, after all. But it will also be a time when many folks ask whether their mowers will make it through the summer.
If you’re tempted to put yours into the shop for a service, don’t linger. You want to be at the front of that queue.
Sometimes, it’s best to upgrade so these are my tips for finding a quality lawnmower.
After all, if you’re planning to sell this spring or summer, you’ll want your home looking its best, and a beautiful lawn plays a big part in making a great impression on buyers.
Size of the task
Your choice should be heavily swayed by the size of the lawn and the frequency with which you want to cut it.
Comfort factor
Your physical ability should also influence your choice. For those who don’t like the idea of a walk mower, there are riding mowers available to minimize your physical exertion. They’re also excellent for lawns on steep slopes.
Start me up
If the traditional string-pull method is unappealing, you can dig deeper into your pocket for models with hydrostatic transmissions. The new range of rechargeable, battery-operated mowers is another push-button solution.
Cutting width
The standard mower has a 22-inch cut width. If you need something bigger, go for 28-inch or 32-inch models.
Grassed up
You should decide how you want to deal with the clippings. Options include the bag-catcher, mulcher (clippings are cut twice and spread over the lawn) and side dischargers, which are normally used for larger areas.
Small lawns
A battery-operated mower may be perfect. They’ve come a long way in the past few years, and they’re light and easy to operate. If you’re seeking a cardio workout, push mowers are still on the shelves, but they’re not everyone’s idea of fun. An electric mower powered from the wall may suit you, too.
Scale-up
Larger lawns need a little horsepower. A battery mower may be suitable, but don’t short-change yourself on the battery size. Large batteries last longer and offer more power. Petrol mowers are still a favorite, though. Those with plastic chassis are increasingly popular because they’re light and don’t rust.
Mowing technique
With larger lawns, cut in an anti-clockwise, circular path to ensure you don’t cut over the top of clippings, which stresses the mower engine and uses more gas.
Maintenance question
Petrol mowers require a lot of attention. It’s amazing how often you find 20 minutes to mow and discover you’re out of gas. You need to check the oil and keep the spark plug clean if you want it to start easily.