Rotary, electric and battery-powered models are suitable for small yards that are manicured frequently. They are easier on the environment, but they lack the power most homeowners need to hack through the jungle that appears every week or so. This article focuses on gas-powered models. There are five primary features to consider in selecting a lawnmower: key or pull-start, self-propelled or not, rear wheel size, engine power, and bagger. Key or Pull-Start? The best advance in lawnmowers in the last several years is the availability of key-start models, and not because it represents the epitome of laziness. People with shoulder injuries or arthritis, or seniors who have simply lost muscle strength due to aging may have given up mowing because they could no longer pull the starter cord. Key-start models put them back in business. Self-Propelled or Not? If you have a teenager available or just want the maximum amount of exercise, skip the self-propelled feature. It will save money up front and reduce the cost of maintenance and repairs. It is normal to replace the drive belt every few years, but if you are unlucky and the gear mechanism ever fails, that can be a more expensive repair. If you prefer
Rotary, electric and battery-powered models are suitable for small yards that are manicured frequently. They are easier on the environment, but they lack the power most homeowners need to hack through the jungle that appears every week or so. This article focuses on gas-powered models. There are five primary features to consider in selecting a lawnmower: key or pull-start, self-propelled or not, rear wheel size, engine power, and bagger. Key or Pull-Start? The best advance in lawnmowers in the last several years is the availability of key-start models, and not because it represents the epitome of laziness. People with shoulder injuries or arthritis, or seniors who have simply lost muscle strength due to aging may have given up mowing because they could no longer pull the starter cord. Key-start models put them back in business. Self-Propelled or Not? If you have a teenager available or just want the maximum amount of exercise, skip the self-propelled feature. It will save money up front and reduce the cost of maintenance and repairs. It is normal to replace the drive belt every few years, but if you are unlucky and the gear mechanism ever fails, that can be a more expensive repair. If you prefer