Choosing the Right Lawnmower: Push, Gas and Electric Lawnmower Choices

Lawnmowers today are stylish as well as functional. How do you choose the right lawnmower? When it comes time to choose, consider the size and condition of your lawn in addition to your budget. Consider also who will be using the lawnmower. Models range from lightweight with few moving parts to heavy and motorized. Be sure you understand how to operate the lawnmower and can operate it before purchasing. Costs quoted here are general averages. Prices tend to vary according to retailer and area.

Manual-reel Lawnmowers.

Suitable for: flat, small lawns, one-quarter of an acre or less.

Quiet, less costly than other models and non-polluting. They're simple machines. The act of pushing the lawnmower spins curved blades, cutting the grass. While these lawnmowers don't cost much to purchase or operate, they aren't good for cutting grass that is more than one and a half inches tall. Reel lawnmowers are not good for edging and tend to be narrow, meaning you'll have to make more trips around the lawn to cut all the grass. Occasional blade sharpening and blade adjustment are necessary. Reel lawnmowers will cut as long as you have the time and energy to push them. There's no stopping to fill the gas tank. They store easily and do not take up much space.

Cost: From $100 to around $500.

Push Style Electric Lawnmowers.

Suitable for: flat, small lawns, one-quarter of an acre or less.

Rotating, motorized blades are powered by a electric motor. Available in cordless and corded styles. Like reel lawnmowers, they produce no exhaust and don't require much maintenance other than occasional sharpening. Optional accessories include rear or side grass-catchers. Some electric lawnmowers have mulching capabilities. These lawnmowers lack the power of gasoline driven lawnmowers and therefore do not always cut tall or thick grass well. The cutting swath, or path, of electric lawnmowers tends to be narrow, 18 - 19 inches.