3 Important Factors To Consider When Buying The Right Lawn Mower For Your Yard

Lawn mowers are essential tools for maintaining a healthy lawn, but if you've ever gone to purchase one, then you're likely aware that the options can be overwhelming. Home improvement stores offer everything from massive ride-on mowers to corded lawn mowers to small push-style reel mowers, and deciding what is best for your needs can quickly become confusing and frustrating. The process of selecting the right lawn mower can be far easier, though, if you keep three factors in mind: Your budget, the size of your yard, and your health.

Lawn mowers can range in price from less than $100 dollars for a manual reel mower to thousands of dollars for a zero-turn riding mower. Knowing what you can comfortably afford to spend can help you narrow down what mowers could be good options for you and your lawn. Consumer Reports notes that for gas-powered push mowers, there are many excellent options in the $350 to $500 dollar range.

Failing to consider your yard size is a common mistake when deciding which lawn mower to buy. While a manual reel mower can be a great option for small lawns, they can be slow and labor intensive, so you may not want to use them if your yard is larger. In general, any gas or electric self-propelled mowers that you walk behind are also good options for any lawns that are around a quarter acre in size. If your mowable areas are larger than that, riding mowers are often a more practical choice. A large riding mower would be impractical for most small yards, though, especially those with tight turns and corners — but a more compact riding mower may work well.

It's not just lawn mower style you should consider, though. The width that the mower can cut in one row is also important. This is determined by the deck size, which can range from around 14 inches on a small push mower to the 60 inches you may see on a large ride-on mower. Larger deck sizes are generally best for larger yards. 

While having a beautiful lawn is important, it's certainly not as essential as your well-being. Using a manual push mower, or even a gas-powered walk behind mower can be exhausting, especially in the summer heat. For those with heart conditions or other health challenges, a riding mower or other less strenuous mower may be a better option. On the other hand, some people with lower back problems may find riding mowers exacerbate their lumbar pain. So considering your specific situation and needs is important. Many mowers can last for 10 years, so it's worth thinking about any future health concerns that are likely to arise as well.

One interesting option that has been growing in popularity is the robot style mower. These lawn mowers work similarly to robotic vacuums, and after a bit of set up, can quietly mow your lawn on their own. They also mulch at the same time they mow, helping to provide your lawn with nutrients. For homeowners who struggle with the physical challenges of lawn care, these could be great options.