Taking good care of your lawn requires the right equipment - and that includes the right lawn mower. But with so many options available, how do you know which lawn mower is right for you? Know Your Yard
Spend a few minutes assessing your yard. How big is it? Is it flat and smooth, or does it slope? Do you have trees and garden beds to mow around? All of these will factor into the kind of lawn mower you choose.
Size - If your yard is smaller than half an acre, a walk-behind mower will work just fine for you. For yards larger than that, you may want to consider a riding mower.
Topography - If your yard has uneven terrain, a self-propelled mower will make cutting up hill much quicker and easier.
Obstacles - For mowing around trees and landscape beds, pay attention to the mower's maneuverability and ease-of-use when making tight turns. For example, John Deere X310 Select Series riding mowers have power steering, which makes trimming around tight areas much easier.
Turf - The thickness and coarseness of your grass will play a part in how much power you need to ensure a clean cut. Lawns with thicker, tougher grass will need a mower with higher horsepower and larger wheels.
Additional yard tasks - If your list of seasonal chores includes collecting fall leaves, fertilizing your lawn or removing snow, look for a lawn tractor with attachment options that can help keep your yard in good shape year round.
Safety Features
Operating any piece of power equipment requires taking safety precautions. Before you buy a mower, make sure you know what safety features come standard. For example, the blades on John Deere riding lawn mowers will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat while the blades are in motion. And, be sure to familiarize yourself with the operator's manual so you understand all of the features on your equipment.
After-Sale Service
For long-term savings, look for a mower brand that provides reliable after-sale support and maintenance. Local equipment dealers not only help you make the right purchase, but can offer on-site maintenance and even at-home service like John Deere's Mobile Maintenance program, that brings a factory-trained technician to your home.
Source: http://www.familyfeatures.com/feeds/FeatureDetailDownload.aspx?ID=4868
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