Mistakes Everyone Makes When Buying A Lawn Mower

Buying the right lawn mower is essential to maintaining your grass. The wrong one can damage it and the right one can keep it vibrant and healthy. According to Taskeasy, regular lawn maintenance results in stronger grass, even growth, and faster recovery. Your lawn puts up with a lot. They deal with seasonal changes, pests, bacteria, and more. It's your job to make sure it stays healthy.

In order to do that you need a good lawn mower. One that suits your yard and its needs. But there are many different types of lawn mowers and each one has specific features. People too often make huge mistakes when buying a new lawn mower. You could buy one that isn't comfortable, that doesn't do the job right, or that constantly breaks down on you. If you want to ensure you're buying the right lawn mower for your yard, it's important to know the most common mistakes people make.

Cheaper isn't always the better option. That's especially true for the lawn mower you buy. Whether you plan to mow a lot or a little, you might still want to splurge on a high-quality mower that's going to get the job done. Every mower has its pros and cons. What matters is what you need it to do. While it's fine to look at cheaper options when shopping, don't be afraid to test out the larger mowers.

That isn't to say cheap mowers aren't an option. There are simple mowers that work and work well. According to The Spruce, a reel or push mower is perfect for all sorts of people. This mower is quieter, environmentally-friendly, and, yes, cheap. But it doesn't chop twigs and cannot be used as a leaf shredder. This is why knowing the type of features you need is important. If you don't need all the bells and whistles, then the simplicity of the push mower may appeal to you. But if you're looking for your lawn to garner long-lasting results and be the envy of your neighbor, spending some extra money on a larger mower is the better choice.

It's true that different mowers have different power levels. This is due to many factors including the blades, the type of mower, and whether it's gas or electric. Knowing how much power you need for your lawn is essential before buying a new one. When deciding on lawn mower power, you have two options: gas or electric. According to Quicken Loans, there are pros and cons to both, and doing a little research will help you choose the best option for you. 

Electric mowers are more modern and while they're better for the environment, they may limit your mowing time depending on how long the charge holds. There are cord options available but that could limit your mobility. Gas mowers cut grass easier and have been around a lot longer, but they're heavier and require more maintenance. You also have the option to buy a push mower, which doesn't require any type of power source except for your own strength.

There's nothing worse than wanting to mow your lawn and being unable to start your machine. There could be many reasons why your mower won't start, but if you find you have constant trouble starting it, you may want to reconsider buying one just like it. Most gas mowers have a pull string start and that, according to Briggs & Stratton, is one of the most common reasons mowers won't start.

Other troubleshooting problems could be losing power in the middle of mowing, a smoking mower, or the blades not spinning properly. This is why regular maintenance is important. If you buy a mower that won't start no matter what you do, don't wait to take it to get serviced. It could need a new spark plug, something could be caught in the blades, or the filter might be dirty. When buying a new lawn mower, make sure to learn everything you can about the reasons why it won't start and schedule a time to check all those troubleshooting areas.

No matter what type of lawn mower you have, it's important to schedule regular maintenance on it. This includes sharpening the blades, washing it down, cleaning the mower deck, and more. The more you take care of your mower, the longer it will last. Each mower requires different maintenance and it's a good idea to know when and how you should do it.

Gas mowers often need the mower deck cleaned, and The Spruce reports that it's best to do this at least twice during the mowing season. Push mowers may only require you to clean the blades and wipe down the exterior. Ride-on and drive mowers should be taken to experts, especially if there is something wrong with the motor. Your lawn mower, like any outdoor equipment, should never be overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Schedule time on your calendar to do a run-through and be sure to use that trusty user manual, as it will tell you all the areas you should check.

Lawn waste, like any other waste, has regulations, and they vary from state to state. Before you begin mowing for the season and disposing of yard waste, it's a good idea to take some time and study your town's specific guidelines. According to Waste Management, most yard waste consists of tree trimmings and branches, leaves, plants, and brush and grass clippings. Soil, bricks, and stones are not allowed, as they're too heavy.

You should also learn when your town picks up lawn waste. This will help you figure out the best mowing schedule. Having a schedule that coincides with lawn waste pickup will mean you won't have bags loitering in your yard for days. Of course if the weather doesn't permit you to stay on schedule, you may have to adjust, but it's always good practice to mow your lawn as close to the pickup day as possible. You could even coordinate with a neighbor and suggest putting your waste out together. And, if you're a gardener, you could start a compost pile, and turn that yard waste into something amazing for your garden.

Your lawn mower's blades are the most important feature. Yes, your gas mower needs gas and your electric mower needs electricity, but without good blades, it won't matter. The blades cut the grass. So while the machine you choose is key, the blades are even more so. And like mowers, there are many different types of blades and each serves a specific purpose. Knowing the type of blades you need will give you a better idea of the kind of mower you're looking for.

iGo Pro reports that choosing blades or replacing the old ones is fairly easy. All you need is the mower's serial number and you'll be able to find replacement blades quickly. They also suggest that sharpening your blades comes down to how often you mow and the length of the grass you're cutting. Your goal when choosing the right blades is to figure out which ones cut your grass the best. Do you mow on a regular basis or do you let your grass grow a few inches before cutting? Once you know your schedule, you'll be in a better position to find the right blades for your lawn mower.

Yards are an extension of your home. Many people decorate them because they want an outdoor oasis to relax in when the weather is nice. If you decorate your lawn with furniture or other large items, you'll need to take those into account when you're buying a new lawn mower. Why? Because if the stuff is too difficult to move, buying a mower you can't maneuver easily is going to make the work harder.

This is why knowing your yard size and its obstacles is important when buying a mower. Remember that push or reel mowers are ideal for smaller yards, as mentioned in Wirecutter, because they don't require a lot of effort to move around. But if you have a gas mower or a ride-on mower, moving around decor might be harder than you think. If you're able to move furniture and decorative pieces easily, then the size of your mower will be less important. But if you have fountains or heavy statues, then a smaller mower will be your better option. Your goal is to make mowing your lawn as simple as you can possibly make it.