Good Value Lawn Mowers
If you’re looking to maintain your lawn on a budget, there are several good options for mowers that perform well and don’t break the bank.
These mowers have plenty of convenient features that make them worth the money. For example, you can buy one that has an easy push-button start, an easily adjustable cutting deck and mulching and rear bagging capabilities.
1. Electric
Electric lawn mowers are a good value for homeowners who want to save money and keep their yard in tip-top shape. They don’t need gas, oil or tune-ups and they’re quieter than gas mowers, so they won’t disturb neighbors.
One thing to note: The power capacity of an electric mower’s battery is a key factor in how long it can run before you need to recharge. Typically, the larger your yard, the more likely it will be that you’ll need to charge up your mower before you finish mowing.
Some mowers come with two batteries, so if one runs out of juice while you’re mowing, you can switch it to the other and still have enough power to mow your lawn. Check the battery’s voltage and ampere-hour rating to get an idea of how much power it can deliver.
2. Gas
Gas lawn mowers can be a good value choice for homeowners with small or medium-sized yards who want a high-torque lawnmower that can handle thicker grass. They also provide more runtime than battery-powered electric models and are easier to maneuver around tight corners or garden beds.
They also require less maintenance and replacement parts than electric mowers. You can often purchase spark plugs and air filters for less than $10 each, making them a great investment.
However, gas lawn mowers are noisier than their electrical counterparts. If you live in a neighborhood with other homeowners, you might find yourself running the lawnmower at a lower speed to avoid irritating your neighbors.
3. Hybrid
Hybrid lawn mowers are good value because they can reduce fuel costs and emissions compared to traditional gas-powered lawn mowers. In addition, they are quieter and require less maintenance than gasoline-powered models.
Most of these mowers use a battery powered motor and a set of blades, usually one rotating disc and one solid cutting blade. Both are engineered to cut your lawn more frequently than a regular gas mower, which saves fuel and leaves your yard looking fresher.
These electric mowers use an electronically controlled system that ramps up the motor and blade speed when it encounters tall grass, then lowers it when the load eases, such as when it enters thin or low-growing grass. This is an excellent feature for homeowners with small yards, as it means you won’t need to make a quick adjustment every time the mower encounters a tall section of grass.
4. Mulching
The main benefit of mulching lawn mowers is that they don’t leave a waste bag full of grass clippings in your yard after each cut. Instead, the grass is chopped up into tiny pieces and blown deep down into the base of the sward where it decomposes into a type of compost that improves your soil and boosts the health of your grass.
It’s also better for the environment because it saves space in landfill taken up by grass cuttings. And it’s cheaper to dispose of than using a traditional grass bag.
Grass is made up of up to 80% water, which means that when it decomposes it can make a huge difference to your lawn. It conserves moisture and provides a lot of nutrients, which help to promote healthy growth and thicken your grass.
5. Bagging
Bagging grass clippings is a good way to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. It also helps to prevent weeds and other issues from spreading, especially if you recently applied a weed control product.
A bagger will attach to your mower with a discharge chute, and then direct the clippings into a collection container that sits on the rear of the machine. It’s important to check that the bagger you buy is compatible with your make and model of mower. Grass clippings can be beneficial in a number of ways, including helping deter weed growth, hydrating the soil, and keeping shallow-rooted plants in place. However, it can be a bit of work to compost or mulch them.