Lawn mowing is easier today than it has ever been, thanks to advancements in engineering. Companies have been able to introduce machines that are easy to use. Among such advanced garden-groomers are self-propelled lawn mowers.
Lawn mowers may have become easier to use but picking them out has become more difficult and complicated. You can’t just walk into the store and pick one out that looks aesthetically pleasing. You have to carefully consider their functionality in order to pick the right one for you. Following are some features to choose between when selecting a self-propelled lawn mower.
Rear-Wheel or Front-Wheel Drive
When in the market for a self-propelled mower, you will notice that front-wheel mowers are cheaper than rear-wheel mowers. This might make them more attractive to some and lead to an impulse purchase. However, front-wheel mowers are more trouble than they are worth.
The mower’s self-propulsion mechanism requires the primary wheels to always be grounded. This is not possible with a front-wheel mower as the front is constantly being lifted off whenever you need to turn the mower. The back-wheels, however, are always planted firmly on the ground. Therefore, a rear-wheel lawn mower generates more power and allows for easier control.
Fixed Speed or Variable Speed
Fixed speed mowers only operate at one speed. Variable speed mowers, by contrast, allow users to increase or decrease the speed as required. Mowers with only one speed to offer are cheaper, but also more basic than variable speed ones. They are only suitable for light garden maintenance over small areas.
It is rare for a fixed speed mower to go at the speed that you want it to. Some tasks require a slower speed to achieve more finesse and control. A fixed speed mower might be too fast to mulch properly or to evenly cut thick grass. A variable speed mower delivers more control over such tasks.
Recoil or Electronic Ignition
Another choice you will be faced with is between a push-start lawn mower or one with a recoil start. Recoil mowers are the conventional models that are slowly going out of favor. They require the user to yank the attached cord forcefully to get the engine going. It sometimes takes more then one attempt before the engine purrs to life.
Electronic ignition mowers are much simpler. They feature a button that users can simply push to get the lawn mower going. If the mower will be used by the elderly, we recommend going with a push-start mower. You should get it anyway, as it will make your life a lot easier.
Conclusion
Lawn mowers have come a long way since they first made their appearance. Push reel lawn mowers which were hailed as an advancement long ago due to their smooth gears have been replaced by machines that lift the brunt of the load from the user.
As new technologies become available, it is important to stay up to date with the advancements. Doing so will enable you to make the best choice. With so several types of lawn mowers now available, users are more likely to find one that fulfills their particular needs.