Gas, Electric or Manual Reel
The first decision you need to make before considering any other mower features is what type of push mower do you want? It comes down to three choices:
Gas: Gas powered mowers will, hands down, give you the most power and efficiency than the other options. Additionally, they can handle a variety of terrains with ease and are great to use on larger yards (up to ½ an acre). They do require regular maintenance and upkeep to protect the longevity of the equipment.
Electric: Electric mowers are, in one word, easy. Easy to start, easy to operate, easy to maintain and easy on the environment. You can pick from a corded unit or one that uses a battery. These mowers are great for yards that are ⅓ of an acre or less and are relatively flat.
Manual Reel: Of all the choices, this is the least likely type of mower you will pick. While manual reels are environmentally friendly (we’re talking zero pollution), quiet and requires very little maintenance; they lack the power to get the job done fast and aren’t meant for yards larger than ¼ of an acre.
Push or Self-Propelled
The question here is how much muscle do you want to put behind your walk-behind mower? If you’re looking for a little extra exercise, a push mower is a great option. However, if you have a larger yard or looking for something that requires a little less muscle, a self-propelled mower may be a better option. Self-propelled mowers will automatically move forward at adjustable speeds between 1 and 3.5 MPH.
Discharge, Bag or Mulch
After the grass has been cut you have a few options of how the clippings are handled. They can be discharged (once cut, the clippings are discharged directly back to the grass), bagged (a bagging attachment is hooked up to the mower and the clippings are directly bagged) or mulched (the clippings are cut up into tiny clippings and discharged back to the grass serving as a natural fertilizer).
Pull Start or Electric Start
Most mowers are started with a pull start cord that can, at times, be difficult to get going and require extra maintenance. However, some mowers feature a hassle free electric starter where all you have to do is simply turn a key and, voila, you’re ready to go.
Other Considerations
There are several other features that mowers can come equipped with that should be considered when
- Cut width: How wide will you cut be with each pass?
- Engine torque: Torque is what keeps the blades moving. The higher the torque the faster the blade will spin, giving you a better cut.
- Front caster wheels: Caster wheels offer the user maximum maneuverability.
- Large rear wheels: Large rear wheels not only offer maneuverability but are great in rough terrains.
There’s no better place to get a great mower to suit your needs, and get great advice on which mower to purchase, than Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment. Check out our store today at 2120 N. Dixie Highway in Lima, Ohio or call us at 419-879-1196 and let us help you today!
