Consumer Reports: How to Buy a Lawn Mower
One of my least favorite chores growing up was mowing the lawn. With an old mower my family refused to replace it was quite the task. Lawn care doesn’t have to be so tedious, though. And to help keep your yard in tip top shape, Consumer Reports has some tips on finding the best lawn mower and keeping it in great shape.
It’s no secret that a well-manicured lawn adds to the value of your home. In fact, last year’s National Home Improvement Survey by HomeGain polled nearly 500 real estate agents nationwide and found that investing in your lawn can yield a 215% return on investment. This summer, a great (and the most obvious) place to start is by purchasing a quality mower.
Opt for Self-Propelled
The folks at Consumer Reports put more than 45 mowers to the test, mowing 18 acres of grass at the company’s Florida test site. Their takeaway: the easiest mowers to use are self-propelled models with variable speeds for varied terrain. And while your search should include a self-propelled mower, it should exclude models with big wheels. Because, as the reports explains, they may seem more heavy duty but they’re in fact just heavier and harder to navigate.
The $400 Honda HRR2169VKA topped Consumer Reports’ list, followed by the $330 Troy-Bilt TB-320 12AVC35U. If you’re looking to save on a mower, and get a workout, you might want to consider a push mower. They’re best if you have a relatively flat, small yard. For that job, Consumer Reports recommends the $220 Craftsman 37432.
Keep Your Mower Humming
Getting the best performance out of your mower means machine maintenance and proper usage. First, keep its blades sharp. You can replace your mower’s blades or get them sharpened at your local hardware store. Get them sharpened monthly or, at least, twice a year. If you’re the DIY type, Lowes even has a video tutorial on how to replace or sharpen your mowers blades online.
Also, don’t neglect the underside of your machine. Be sure to regularly clean off clippings and debris after mowing. When it comes to usage, you want to only mow dry grass. Not only is dry grass easier to cut and bag, but wet grass can cause rusting in your mower. And, despite common practice, don’t try to follow your exact wheel tracks when cutting the grass. Overlapping some will ensure a more even cut.
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