The 5 Best Lawn Mowers You Can Buy

As an advisor and outdoor grilling enthusiast, I understand the importance of a well-kept lawn in enhancing the overall backyard experience. A well-manicured lawn not only boosts your home’s curb appeal but also provides a comfortable space for outdoor activities. One of the essential tools for maintaining your lawn is a reliable lawn mower. With various models and features available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, I’ll walk you through the five best lawn mowers you can buy and provide helpful suggestions on selecting the right one for your needs.

Types of Lawn Mowers

Before diving into our top picks, let’s explore the different types of lawn mowers available in the market:

Gas-powered

Gas-powered lawn mowers offer great power and cutting capabilities, making them suitable for medium to large-sized lawns. They’re also ideal for tackling tough grass and uneven terrain. However, they can be noisy and produce emissions.

Electric (corded and cordless)

Electric lawn mowers come in two varieties: corded and cordless. Corded models provide consistent power but can be limited by the length of the power cord. Cordless mowers offer more mobility but may have limited run times depending on the battery life. Both options are generally quieter and more eco-friendly than gas-powered mowers.

Reel

Reel mowers are manually operated and environmentally friendly, providing a clean and precise cut. They’re perfect for small, flat lawns and require minimal maintenance.

Riding

Riding lawn mowers are designed for large lawns and offer comfort and efficiency. They come in various sizes and capabilities, including lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers.

Robotic

Robotic lawn mowers are fully automated and can maintain your lawn with minimal effort. They’re best suited for small to medium-sized lawns and require an initial setup, including boundary wire installation.

5 Best Lawn Mowers

Now that we’ve covered the different types of lawn mowers let’s dive into our top picks:

Best Gas-Powered Lawn Mower: Honda 664100 GCV200

This 4-in-1 walk-behind mower is designed for performance, featuring a 21-inch deck equipped with MicroCut Twin Blades for a supremely clean cut. The groundbreaking Versamow System provides the flexibility to mulch, bag, discharge, or shred leaves at your convenience, transforming your mowing experience. The inclusion of Clip Director offers seamless transition between modes without the need for additional tools or attachments. Armed with a reliable Honda GCV200 engine, this mower promises power, longevity, and superior performance, taking your lawn maintenance to the next level.

Best Electric Lawn Mower: EGO Power+ LM2102SP

The EGO Power+ LM2102SP is a top-of-the-line cordless electric lawn mower, powered by a 56-volt lithium-ion battery. It offers a run time of up to 60 minutes, making it suitable for medium-sized lawns. The mower features a 21-inch cutting deck and a 3-in-1 design, allowing for mulching, bagging, and side discharge. With its push-button start, LED headlights, and weather-resistant construction, the EGO Power+ LM2102SP provides convenience and durability.

Best Reel Lawn Mower: Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower

The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is an excellent choice for those looking for an eco-friendly and quiet lawn mowing option. This manually operated mower features an advanced cutting system that stays sharp longer, reducing the need for blade sharpening. The 18-inch cutting width and height adjustability (1-4 inches) allow for a precise and even cut. The Fiskars StaySharp Max also boasts a unique forward-throw grass discharge and inset wheels, ensuring a clean and consistent cut across the entire width of the mower.

Best Riding Lawn Mower: Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42 in.

The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. is a powerful and efficient riding lawn mower, perfect for maintaining large lawns. Its 18 HP Kohler 5400 Series engine delivers impressive performance, while the hydrostatic transmission allows for smooth and easy operation. The 42-inch cutting deck features a twin-blade design for a clean and precise cut. With its comfortable high-back seat and cruise control, mowing your lawn has never been more enjoyable.

Best Robotic Lawn Mower: Husqvarna Automower 315X

The Husqvarna Automower 315X is a top-of-the-line robotic lawn mower that takes the effort out of lawn maintenance. It’s designed for small to medium-sized lawns and can handle slopes up to 22 degrees. The Automower 315X features GPS navigation and smart home integration, allowing for efficient lawn coverage and remote control through a smartphone app. Its weather-resistant design and quiet operation make it a convenient and unobtrusive choice for maintaining your lawn.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lawn Mower

When selecting the perfect lawn mower for your needs, consider the following factors:

Lawn size

The size of your lawn plays a crucial role in determining the type of lawn mower that’s best suited for your needs. Gas-powered, electric, and robotic mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, while riding mowers are perfect for larger lawns.

Terrain

Consider the terrain of your lawn when choosing a lawn mower. If your yard has slopes or uneven terrain, opt for a self-propelled or riding mower with adequate power and traction.

Grass type

Different grass types may require specific mowing techniques or blade types. Ensure the mower you choose can handle your specific grass type and provides the necessary cutting height adjustments.

Noise and emissions

If you’re concerned about noise levels and environmental impact, consider electric or reel mowers, as they produce less noise and emissions compared to gas-powered models.

Budget

Lawn mowers come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to consider your budget when selecting the perfect model for your needs. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality mower can save you money in the long run due to its durability and performance.

Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips

To ensure your lawn mower performs optimally and lasts longer, follow these maintenance tips:

1. Regularly clean your mower’s deck and cutting blades.
2. Sharpen the blades to ensure a clean and even cut.
3. Check and replace the air filter, spark plug, and oil as needed for gas-powered mowers.
4. Inspect belts, cables, and other moving parts for wear and tear.
5. Keep the mower stored in a dry and cool place when not in use.

Conclusion

A well-maintained lawn can significantly enhance your outdoor living space, and a reliable lawn mower is essential to achieve that perfect lawn. By considering factors such as lawn size, terrain, grass type, noise, emissions, and budget, you can select the ideal mower from our top five picks. Remember to follow the maintenance tips to ensure your chosen lawn mower serves you well for years to come.

FAQs

Which lawn mower is best for a small lawn?

• For small lawns, consider a reel mower like the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower or a cordless electric mower like the EGO Power+ LM2102SP.

How often should I sharpen my lawn mower blades?

• Ideally, you should sharpen your lawn mower blades at least once a year or after every 25 hours of use, whichever comes first.

What is the difference between a lawn tractor and a zero-turn mower?

• A lawn tractor is a riding mower with a front-mounted engine and a steering wheel for control. A zero-turn mower has a rear-mounted engine and uses levers for steering, allowing it to maneuver more easily and efficiently around obstacles.

How long do electric lawn mower batteries last?

• The battery life of an electric lawn mower depends on the battery’s capacity and the mower’s power usage. On average, a fully charged battery can last between 30 minutes to an hour of mowing time.

What is the ideal cutting height for my grass?

• The ideal cutting height varies depending on your grass type. Generally, it’s best to maintain a height of 3-4 inches for cool-season grasses and 1-3 inches for warm-season grasses.

Can robotic lawn mowers handle uneven terrain and obstacles?

• Many robotic lawn mowers, like the Husqvarna Automower 315X, are designed to handle uneven terrain and slopes up to a certain degree. However, their performance may be affected by large obstacles or extremely rough terrain. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the robotic mower can handle your lawn’s conditions.

Is it better to mulch or bag grass clippings?

• Both mulching and bagging have their benefits. Mulching returns nutrients to the soil, promotes a healthier lawn, and reduces the need for fertilizers. Bagging clippings can help prevent the spread of lawn diseases and is useful for lawns with a significant amount of weeds or when the grass is too tall for effective mulching.

How can I improve the lifespan of my lawn mower?

• Proper maintenance and storage play a significant role in prolonging your lawn mower’s life. Regularly clean the mower, sharpen the blades, and inspect for wear and tear. For gas-powered mowers, change the oil, air filter, and spark plug as needed. Always store your mower in a dry and cool place when not in use.

When is the best time of day to mow my lawn?

• The ideal time to mow your lawn is during the late afternoon or early evening when the sun is not at its peak, and the grass has had time to dry from any morning dew. This reduces stress on the grass and allows it to recover more quickly.

What safety precautions should I take when using a lawn mower?

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation. Wear appropriate protective gear such as safety glasses, ear protection, and closed-toe shoes. Be mindful of obstacles and slopes, and keep children and pets away from the mowing area. Never leave a running lawn mower unattended, and always turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug or battery when performing maintenance.