2torial #0879:
Learn2 Choose and Maintain a Lawn Mower (continued)

Consider your circumstances

Think about your own preferences (for power, safety, extra functions, and the like), keeping in mind what your lawn is like and how much you can afford to spend.

Your budget. New mowers can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $3,000 (U.S.). Start by deciding how much you want to spend--you'll find there are several mowers with different merits to fit any budget.

Your lawn. A lawn's size, features, and rate of growth should influence your decision. A small patch suggests a smaller, less complex, and less expensive mower, while a large greensward (say, more than half an acre or 1,852 square meters) may merit a powerful riding mower. A sloping lawn may call for a self-propelling mower rather than one you have to push, while an odd-shaped plot or one peppered with trees or other obstacles may benefit from a smaller, more maneuverable machine.

And if your fast-growing grass demands cutting more than once a week, an investment in a more powerful mower may well be worth it (if the lawn is new, talk to a turf expert at your local plant nursery to find out how rapid you can expect growth to be).

Take a few minutes to measure your lawn's area (multiply its width by its length) and consider its quirks. When you shop for a mower, the salesperson should be able to tell you how much ground each mower can cover in a given time. He or she should also be able to point you to several models that would work well in your circumstances.

Your preferences. Your own needs will ultimately make your decision a highly personal one. Given your budget and your lawn's size and features, consider how important the following are to you:

• Ease of use and maintenance: Are you happy tinkering with machines and checking gauges and dials, or do you want them to do their job with minimal fuss?

• Maneuverability, speed, and power: As the person who will be operating the mower, how much time and energy do you want to expend?

• Safety: Are you concerned about lawn mower accidents? You may want to choose a less powerful model, or one with more safety features.

• Size: How much space do you have to store the machine, its fuel, and accessories?

• Other functions: Do you want your mower to help return grass clippings to the lawn? Bag clippings for you? Dethatch your turf? Blow snow?

Armed with this information, you won't be easily seduced into buying more mower than you need.