Picking the right lawn mower can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t know where to start. Heading over to the internet for some answers will probably lead you to more questions, and leave you scratching your head. Gasoline engine, electric motor, manual or self-propulsion drive type? Yeah, a little overwhelming for a first-time buyer. Let’s take a few steps back and look at your lawn. What mower is best at maintaining your grass well and looking healthy? The answer is easier than you think!

Lawn Size

The size of your lawn or yard will determine between a walk-behind or riding mower. Anything under 3/4 of an acre (0.75 acres or 32,670 square feet), I would recommend purchasing a walk-behind. In my personal opinion, even this is a lot of walking. Anything above the 3/4 threshold, consider investing in a riding mower. You’ll thank me later. For now, let’s just talk about walk-behinds and the power source to ponder over.

Gasoline Engine or Electric Motor

Today we have two choices when it comes to a powerplant. A traditional gasoline engine or a modern electric motor. Two completely different machines (mechanically speaking of course) with one common task. To say which one is better is highly debatable. At this moment, we’re only going to concentrate on the runtime, which I believe is the most important aspect to really consider between the two.

Gasoline engine mowers are very powerful, and the runtime is tremendously better than a cordless powered mower, like the Honda HRN216VKA Self Propelled Lawn Mower. However, you’re faced with basic engine maintenance and upkeep. For example, replacing spark plugs, replacing or topping off the oil, cleaning or replacing the air filter, and draining the gasoline for the winter season. Something you wouldn’t have to worry about when owning a corded or cordless power unit. 

Electric mowers are a great alternative and better for the environment. Extremely silent, and very lightweight with low maintenance. When it comes to electric lawn mowers there are two major variants to think over: A corded verses cordless mower, sometimes known as a battery-powered lawn mower.

Corded mowers have THE best runtime! Well, as long as you pay your electric bill on time. The Black and Decker MM2000 13-amp Corded Lawn Mower is a great purchase in this segment. The only issue I have with a corded mower is ironically…the cord. You’re restricted by the length of the power cord and the number of power outlets surrounding the perimeter. This is why a cordless lawn mower is more appealing to most consumers.

Cordless or battery-powered mowers have come a long way in this industry. Especially with today’s battery technology. You can expect a runtime anywhere from 40-60 minutes, depending on the make and model. Pay attention to the volts and amp-hour on these batteries. This has a high effect on runtime. My recommendation is Greenworks 25302 40-volt lawn mower. 70 minutes runtime!!!

Propulsion and Drive Type

If you’re contemplating picking up a gasoline unit, propulsion and drive type is a feature worth spending some money on. Ask yourself this, would you rather push the mower, or the mower push itself? I already know your answer. Having a self-propelled lawn mower is the way to go. Trust me!

You can either choose between a front, rear, or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is great for level grounds with obstacles on site. This reduces traction on the front end and allows you to pivot tightly around corners. Rear-wheel drive is best for uphill and sidehill mowing. Once the handle is pushed down on a hill, the front tires will not lose traction. Giving you the control right where you need it. If you have a lawn that describes both conditions, AWD is what you need. All-wheel drive is made for almost any and very rough terrain. Powerful and easy to control.

 TOP LAWN MOWERS

	DeWALT DCMW220P2 20V 20-Inch 5.0Ah 3-in-1 Cordless Metal Deck Lawn Mower SHOP NOW
	Honda HRX217VKA 21" 4-in-1 Versamow Self Propelled Lawn Mower SHOP NOW
	Black and Decker BEMW472BH 15" 10-Amp Lawn Mower SHOP NOW
	Honda HRX2176HYA 21" 4-in-1 Versamow Self-Propelled Lawn Mower SHOP NOW
	Makita XML02PT 18V X2 36V LXT Cordless 17 Inch Lawn Mower SHOP NOW

You’ll quickly find out that most electric mowers don’t feature any sort of propulsion. The reason behind this is because electric motors are light in weight compared to gasoline engines. Maneuvering electric lawn mowers are so easy and less strain on your body. I would know, I tested out the Makita XML03PT1 36-volt mower and it’s very easy to handle. Check out the video below! Adding self-propulsion would only add extra weight, and will drain batteries more quickly.

So what mower is best at maintaining your grass well and looking healthy? The objective here is cutting grass, something that has been done for many decades before us with a lot less. In today's market, you have a very wide selection. From something very affordable and simple, like the DuroStar DS1200LD Push Reel Lawn Mower, to the more futuristic of robotic lawn mowers. The point that I’m trying to make is to keep your decision making simple. You don’t need much to keep that lawn looking fresh.