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Choosing the Right Mower for Your Terrain

Jun. 20 2022 Buying Guide By Flieg's Equipment

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Lawn mowers are not a “one size fits all” situation, and your choice of model is important. If your lawn mower is not a good match for the terrain, it can cause you a host of problems. An overtaxed lawn mower will deteriorate quickly, and make the process of mowing a lot harder in the meantime. So, how do you determine which mower model is right for your lawn? This guide from Flieg’s Equipment can help you narrow down the options.

If you need more expert guidance, feel free to ask the qualified staff here at Flieg’s Equipment. You can find us in Ste. Genevieve and Leadington, MO.

Evaluate Your Lawn

The better you understand your lawn’s characteristics, the easier it will be to determine a suitable mower. Ask yourself these questions:

  • How large is my lawn? If you have an enormous lawn, you are probably going to want a fast and efficient mower that can finish the job in a timely manner.
  • How thick is the grass? For high-density grass, you will need a more powerful mower.
  • Does my lawn feature any sharp inclines? If so, look for a mower with plenty of traction.
  • Do I need to mow around any obstacles, like trees or flowerbeds? Compact and agile mowers can more easily navigate in tight spaces.
  • What am I going to do with the grass clippings? If you want to mulch your clippings, you can select a mower with an automatic mulching feature.

For Small Yards and Level Terrain

If your lawn takes up a quarter of an acre or less, you can probably make do with a manual push mower. These models are inexpensive, and their small size makes them ideal for maneuvering around obstacles. Most push mowers feature cutting decks between 14 and 22 inches in width. They are lightweight, simple to operate, and easy to maintain. All in all, push mowers are perfect for the average homeowner with a small yard to maintain.

For Medium Yards and Moderate Terrain

If your lawn takes up a half-acre or less, you should consider a self-propelled mower. These models are a little more expensive than basic push mowers, but the benefits are worth it for those with larger lawns. Self-propelled lawn mowers move forward on their own power, so there is no need to wipe yourself out. This becomes especially important on properties with steep hills! Self-propelled mowers offer cutting decks from 21 to 61 inches in width.

For Large Yards and Rough Terrain

If your lawn occupies more than three quarters of an acre, you might want to spring for a riding mower. These models can reach speeds up to 10 miles per hour, and their cutting decks range from 26 to 54 inches in width. The robust blades of a riding mower can tackle dense overgrowth, and their powerful engines and high-traction tires can handle all your ups and downs.

If you have a massive yard packed with obstacles, you should reach for a zero-turn mower. These are quite simply the most advanced mowers available, and they will have no trouble with even the toughest of conditions. Their engines can reach up to 13 miles per hour, and their cutting decks range up to 72 inches in width. Zero-turn mowers are favored by landscapers, but homeowners can also benefit from their incredible performance.

We hope you found this information helpful! When you’re ready to shop for lawn mowers in person, head over to Flieg’s Equipment. We welcome our neighbors from Farmington and Park Hills, MO.