Time For a New Lawn Mower?

It's springtime and the grass is growing. Growing so much, in fact, that it is ready to be cut. Hopefully, your lawn mower made it through winter storage. If it didn't or if you are itching to get a new model anyway, consider your lawn mowing needs before you purchase a new mower. There are four main types of lawn mowers on the market. Whatever your needs, one of these is sure to fit the bill.

Reel Mower

Reel mowers are the old-fashioned push mowers of your grandparents' day. Many people cringe at the thought of reel mowers, sure it will make lawn mowing harder than it has to be. The truth is, mowing with a reel mower is much easier than mowing with a heavy, gas powered mower. Modern reel mowers are lighter than their ancestors. They are also much gentler on the grass than powered lawn mowers. Reel mowers are the best choice for the environment and the budget conscious, with the only possible exception being a goat.

Reel mowers require minimal maintenance. When new, the blades often stay sharp for the first year or two and then can be sharpened once a year after that. Reel mowers are also the quietest way to mow and provide a nice, easy aerobic work out in the process.

A drawback to reel lawn mowers is that they do not mow tall weeds. If you keep on top of your lawn mowing and can get to it each week, before tall grass and weeds shoot up, this won't be a problem. But, if you are an infrequent mower, then a reel mower is probably not for you.

If you are considering a reel lawn mower, consider Scotts Classic reel lawn mower. This mower comes with its own sharpening kit and a grass catcher.

Electric Mower

Another good choice for the environment is the electric mower. Electric mowers are lightweight and quiet. They are low-maintenance, durable and easy to maneuver. Once hard to find, electric mowers are now available at many garden and home centers. Electric mowers are also gentle on the budget, generally selling at a lower price than most gas-powered mowers. Electric mowers are easy to start. You simply turn the machine on, like a vacuum cleaner. There are no pull cords to fuss with.