Did you know that the average American spends 384 hours of their life mowing the lawn? That equates to nearly 50 8-hour work days!
If you want to start spending less time on lawn care and more on your hobbies, you will need a better mower. After all, lawn mowers can make the difference between a quick cut and hours laboring away.
Luckily, we created this guide to help you understand the different types of lawn mowers and how they impact the time it takes you to mow your lawn.
Wondering which kind of lawn mower you should invest in next? Then you need to keep reading because this one is for you.
Riding Lawn Mowers
The riding lawn mower is ideal for lawns measuring 1/2 acre or greater. These mowers are typically electric or gas-powered.
ZRTs
ZRTs are also known as rear-engine riding lawn mowers because the engine sits at the back. These mowers feature decks measuring 30-33 inches. They are the smallest of the riding lawn mowers.
Even though they are small, ZRTs are mighty. They come with 10–11 horsepower engines that can range up to 38 cc.
These mowers are not for you if your lawn is more than a few acres large. However, they are highly affordable and perfectly suitable for yards in the 0.5–2-acre range.
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are riding mowers with front-mounted engines. The blades measure 42–54 inches, depending on your chosen model. The engines range from 18–25 horsepower in size.
On the plus side, lawn tractors are rugged and powerful solutions for big yards. At the same time, lawn tractors are not as easy to maneuver as zero-turn mowers (more on these next).
If you want a lawn tractor, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000–$3,000. That’s a pretty penny compared to non-riding lawn mowers. However, lawn tractors are typically at the bottom of the riding lawn mower price range.
Zero-Turn Mowers
A zero-turn mower is the most robust lawn-cutting solution on the market today. These behemoths feature decks measuring up to 60 inches and 12–25 horsepower engines.
Zero-turn mowers solve the problem lawn tractors create. They are far more maneuverable, which is ideal for irregularly shaped yards. Plus, they will cut a large lawn faster than any other model out there.
The only downside to this type of lawn mower? All these benefits come with a pretty hefty price tag. One of these bad boys will run you at least $1,000, but you’re more likely to pay $5,000–$6,000 for a good one.
Walking Lawn Mowers
Using a walk mower on a yard measuring greater than a half acre is not a good idea if you want a quick cut. Instead, consider one of the following walking lawn mowers.
Push Mowers
Push mowers are arguably the oldest type of lawn mower around. They require 100% manual power, which is why they are also the most affordable option on our list. Yet, they are not the easiest mowers to use.
You have to exert a good amount of force to get your lawn in good shape. This may be a good or bad thing, depending on your physical fitness level.
Hover Mowers
Hover mowers are electric-powered and ‘hover’ off the ground. They are similar in size and shape to traditional push mowers. The difference is that the hovering effect and electric engine make them easier to use.
Plus, the fact that hover mowers sit off the ground makes them better for maneuvering around small objects in your yard or garden. Another advantage is that they are highly affordable.
Self-Propelled Mowers
Self-propelled mowers come in two varieties: gas or battery-powered. You can also find them in an all-wheel version drive to suit sloping or hilly yards.
Choose the battery-powered option if you have a smaller yard. One charge is typically all it takes to get the job done. For larger yards, go for the gas-powered option instead.
Other pros to the self-propelled lawn mower include that it offers a closely manicured cut and a relatively affordable price tag.
Reel Mowers
Reel mowers are to grass, what scissors are to paper. They use two rotating cylindrical blades that trap and chop your grass. This makes them suitable for flat lawns with softer grass species only.
Another downside to the reel mower is that it needs regular maintenance. Without servicing, the mower’s effectiveness will decline.
So, why would someone want a reel mower with all these downsides? Reel mowers are among the most affordable options on the market. If you have the right lawn and grass type, a reel mower may be all you need.
Rotary Mowers
Rotary mowers are the most traditional type of walking lawn mowers. Unlike reel mowers, they only have one blade. They work well on all lengths of grass, making this mower ideal for infrequent cuts.
These mowers do not provide as neat and clean of an appearance as reel mowers. But they will operate on rougher species of grass and sloped yards.
You will spend a bit more on a rotary mower than a reel mower. But expect to get the job done much faster.
Need a New Lawn Mower in New York?
A walking mower should do the job if you have a small yard. But if your yard is bigger than 1/2 acre, consider a riding option. Rear-engine mowers are great for mid-sized lawns, while tractor and zero-turn mowers are best for the largest yards.
Do you need a new lawn mower? Addy’s Power Equipment is a one-stop shop for all your yard and garden needs. Browse our lawn mowers and tractors to find the right option for your lawn.