We all dream of that perfect yard. The grass, cut symmetrically, flows seamlessly and rolls smoothly throughout the yard.
Owners of particularly large yards have the formidable task of caring for their big chunk of heaven.
Lawn maintenance is no joke when you have over an acre of yard. So what are the best lawnmowers for a big yard? How much power do you need, and how big of a deck should you have?
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll understand what equipment you need to make large lawn care a breeze.
Five Major Yard Factors
As you begin a search for a new lawnmower, you’ll discover you have dozens of choices to make. In the end, you only need to consider five major factors.
1. Walk or Ride
Lawnmowers come in one of two types: walking mowers or ride-on mowers. If you have a yard of 1/4 acre or more, then you need a riding mower.
If you have a smaller yard, then a push mower is in your future. Large riding mowers cannot typically give smaller lawns the cut that owners want. But a big yard will accommodate a large mower well.
Plus, when you have a riding mower, you’ll finish mowing that massive yard much more quickly.
2. Size
Now that we’ve established that you need a riding mower, you need to consider the size of your lawn to determine how big of a riding mower you’ll need. Lawns that range from 1/4 to 2 acres can accommodate a rear-engine riding mower. A residential-duty zero-turn mower or light-duty lawn tractor work well also.
If you have a lawn of more than two acres, begin shopping for a commercial-duty zero-turn mower.
3. Terrain
Look at the terrain of your yard. Do you have acres of smooth, rolling grass? Or do you have trees and buildings spread among steep hills? Think about the materials that your lawn mower will encounter, such as nuts, leaves, twigs, and fruit.
4. Time
How much time do you have to spend on your lawn? The larger the cutting width on your mower, the less time mowing will take. Experts estimate that a standard garden tractor with a 42-inch deck can handle an acre of lawn in around an hour.
The little nooks and crannies in your yard will also factor into your lawn care. For example, an acre of unobstructed lawn will take much less time than a lawn that has several outbuildings, trees, and other interesting obstacles.
5. Deck Size
While you may want the biggest deck out there so you can mow your lawn quickly, the biggest deck may not always work for you.
Flat, open lawns accommodate wide mowers best. So if your lawn resembles a football or soccer field, then go wide.
If you have several acres of a hilly yard with obstacles, do not get a wide mower. You need a mower that can mow around your deck, pool, and trees easily. Select a smaller deck if you have these obstacles in your big yard.
A smaller deck may actually serve you better because you’ll be able to maneuver around obstacles more easily. With a big deck, you’ll find yourself spending much of your time backing up and then slowly attempting to approach obstacles without damaging them or your mower.
Less Than an Acre
Big yards need big mowers. But is less than an acre still a big yard?
Yes, it is. If you have more than 1/4 acre but less than an acre, you still want a riding mower. However, you can accommodate your yard with a deck under 40 inches.
Most residential yards do not have the space to accommodate a wide deck. So you may be tempted to purchase a wide, commercial mower, but consider your yard first.
The best lawnmowers will accommodate your particular yard, whether you’re looking at a Grasshopper lawnmower, a Cub cadet, or something else.
Zero Turn
The zero-turn lawnmower came about in the 1940s. Ultimately, this invention revolutionized lawn mowing. It has made a surge in popularity in the last twenty years, making homeowners’ lawn maintenance much easier.
A zero-turn mower has dual hydrostatic transmissions for the rear wheels. A lap bar in the front of the mower controls each wheel. This allows one wheel to stop while the other keeps going, creating a particularly tight turn.
You should consider a zero-turn mower if you have several small obstacles in your yard. A zero-turn mower allows you to maneuver around trees, landscaping, and gardens with ease. You’ll find yourself backing up and re-mowing less and instead just moving forward.
Power
If you have a flat, unobstructed lawn, power is not as much of a factor. If you have a hilly yard, though, you need more power.
Lawnmower engines range in size from 452 cc to greater than 700 cc. The power from these engines will range from 12 hp to 24 hp.
The bigger the lawn mower, the more horsepower the mower will have because bigger machines require more horsepower to run. Higher horsepower gives the mower the capability to power through tough, thick grass.
Note, however, that the more horsepower you have, the more your mower will cost. You pay for those ponies, but they’re often worth it if you have a hilly or thick lawn.
Research for Efficient Lawn Maintenance
If you want to tackle your lawn with ease, you have to do some research. Begin by understanding your lawn. Then look for the mower that fits your needs best.
Remember that a smooth, wide-open yard needs a wide deck. A bumpy, hilly yard with obstacles will need a narrower deck and potentially a zero-turn mower.
Understanding your yard and your mower needs will ultimately make lawn maintenance a breeze.
Are you on the hunt for a new mower? If so, contact us. Our experts can hook you up with a machine that best fits your needs and budget.