What Lawnmower is Best for mY Lawn?

The method of lawn mowing has come a long way since the scythe was surpassed by Edwin Buddings’ engineering skills. Many styles have developed over the years, from walk behind Cylinder Mowers to large scale Flail Mowers. Each have a niche in todays’ market, but which one is appropriate for you?

What is your Need and Want?

Ok, what do you have? 1/4 Acre, 1/2……5 Acres? Do you have slope? Is it smooth? Do you have some tight spaces? Are there trees? What type of grass do you have?

Do you want exercise? Do you want low cut like a golf course fairway? Do you want efficiency? Mow and bag clippings? Do you want maneuverability, simplicity or durability?

Lots of things to consider including……What’s your Budget?

The first things to consider are Reel, Rotary or Flail?

Reel Mower

A reel mower has blades attached to a cylinder that rotates on a vertical axis (reel). Blades pass over a bottom plate known as a bedknife which results in a cutting action like a pair scissors. The reel can have between 5 to 14 blades on it, depending on the height of cut wanted. Higher height of cut = fewer blades. The mowing height range for this type of mower is from 1.5″ all the way down to less that an 1/8th of an inch.

Reel mowers provide a high-quality finish on a flat or smoothly undulating surface. If you want a low-cut lawn with diamond stipes all over it, then this may be the mower type for you. Ultra dwarf warm season grasses and high end bent, and bluegrasses would be suited for this type of mower. You would be the focus of the neighborhood with this style although it comes with more maintenance through reel adjustment and sharpening.

Rotary Mower

A rotary mower has a blade that rotates on a horizontal axis and cuts grass through an impact motion similar to how a scythe did. Blade revolution and forward speed are major factors in quality of cut with these machines. These are suited for heights of cut from 1″ to 5″ on flat to uneven undulating ground. Depending on the variety, rotary mowers are great cutting machines that can provide a quality striped lawn. They are versatile and can be used for other practices such as leaf clean up and hauling. Their price point is one of the main driving factors and can vary from $150 and up.

Flail Mower

Flail Mowers have a series of L shaped blades spun on a vertical axis. The blades have the same impact cutting action as a rotary mower but have the ability to recoil and not affect any drive shaft. This helps if rocks, tree sumps and roots etc. are an issue on property. The blade will forgive and not force through an object. This type of mower does require a power driver from another source like a tractor. This type of mower is good for a low maintenance area where grass is cut infrequently to a higher height of cut. Blade sharpening and replacement on these is cumbersome due to the quantity of them.

Types of Reel Mowers

Walk Behind

This type of mower is suitable to small lawns up to an acre. The main consideration for this is the species of grass you have. If you have hybrid bermudagrasses, other equivalent warm season grasses, low cut cool season grasses such as bentgrass and bluegrass, then this is the mower for you. Exercise maybe one want from this machine as well as admiration from neighbors. Most local golf courses have at least one of these laying around that they will be willing to part with. Engine mounted and self-propelled, some may sell for as little as $200. Newer self-propelled machines can for a lawn can be from $1500 to $12000. Cheapest option for this type is the push propelled varieties which are $200 and under.

Ride On

This type of mower is best suited for large area of finely mowed grass, greater than 1 acre. reel sets come in odd numbers 3, 5, 7 and is best suited for commercial operations such as sports field and golf courses.

Types of Rotary Mowers

Walk Behind Push and Self-Propelled Rotary

These can be run on 4 powers, human (Cheapest), Electric (Cheap), battery and Gas. 2 stroke and 4 stroke varieties are available. 2 Stroke engines tend to be lighter and need less maintenance as gas/oil are mixed together and can operate at all angles. Good examples would be a weedwhacker or chainsaw. 2 stroke engines produce more power than 4 stroke but use more fuel. Hence part of the reason you see both. This type of mower is great for small yards and uneven small yards. Battery powered models are becoming more available and will probably have a greater marker share as time progresses. The one downfall with these is battery operation time and replacement life. The major benefit is no emissions and quiet, so you can sneak out at midnight to get a cheeky mow in!!

Lawn Tractor

A faster and more versatile mower than a walk behind. These mowers are great for 1/2 acre and up. They have a faster mow speed than walk behind mowers and have a greater width of cut; generally, 38- 48 inches. They are relatively easy to operate with most being hydrostatic and have a steering wheel. Adjusting the height of cut is simple too with many just the adjustment of one lever; making it great when seasonal adjustments are necessary.

They have the option to add catch boxes/bags to most models to allow for clipping pick up and leaf clean up in the fall. Unfortunately, these don’t come with most models and are an additional purchase. Not the best machine for tight spaces as the turn radius is quite large which could lead to some weed whacking or trimming lawn areas after use. Additionally, these models do require regular servicing of engine and machine to ensure longevity and effective operation. Overall, a great machine for the price.

Zero Turn Mowers

Costing a little bit more than a Lawn Tractor these models are built to go into tight spaces, on banks and challenging slopes and be able to turn inside its own radius. They are generally faster than a lawn tractor and do have an open front rather than a hood directly in front of the operator. This allows a greater operational viewpoint and ease of ingress and egress. This type of mower can have a wider cut than Lawn Tractor with some reaching up to 72″. These mowers have greater horsepower also to accommodate larger mowing decks. Unfortunately, there isn’t the option to bag clippings with these varieties but instead will offer a side or rear discharge deck options. Rear discharge is a preference for some as it reduces clipping clumping on the lawn surface. Most models come with an additional option of lawn striping roller to give you the lines in your lawn although I would only recommend installing this with the side eject deck. Overall, great machine with a slightly higher cost but makes up for it for ease of use and efficiency. The hydrostatic drive takes some getting used to but once mastered becomes a breeze.

Flail Mowers

Great if you have a large area of land that needs to be mowed once a month. These units are expensive but are built to last. Does need something to power it but again, can be used on fields where debris is an issue. Great machine but high dollar amount.