How to buy a lawn mower

[Arkitekt]

Weekly chore or blissful escape? Maybe it depends on what's going on in your house while you mow the lawn. Which mower you choose depends on lawn size and type, budget and the features you need.

Steps:
1. Choose between two basic mower types: rotary and reel. Reel mowers cut with spinning blades passing over a fixed blade. Rotary mowers cut with a circulating blade underneath a sturdy housing of metal, plastic or fiberglass. Both types are available in gasoline or electric models.

2. Consider a manual reel mower for a lawn that is 1,000 square feet (100 square m) or less and is a soft-bladed type (not Bermuda or Saint Augustine)--or because you enjoy the exercise.

3. If you want a power mower, decide if you want a reel or rotary type. Reel mowers can cut the grass shorter (down to putting green height) and give a nice clean look. Rotary types are generally less expensive, easy to operate and to sharpen.

4. Choose between gas and electric. Gas mowers pollute and are noisy. With quieter, electric mowers, find out if the cord length, typically 100 feet (30 m), is long enough for your lawn. For cordless models, check to see how long the battery is good for-- you'll want it to last through one mowing at least.

5. Choose between push or self-propelled (motor turns wheels, good for slopes) mowers. Front-propelled types are easy to operate. For a very large lawn, hop on board a riding mower that cuts a wider swath, or a lawn tractor.

6. Select a mulching mower and you won't be left with bags of clippings. It cuts the grass into small pieces, then blows them back down into the lawn, where they turn into fertile compost.

7. Keep these considerations in mind: Is the mower too heavy for you? Is it maneuverable enough, especially if you mow around trees? How easy is it to raise or lower the cutting height? How easy to start the motor? Is there a blade shut-off switch? Where do you put your iced-tea?