A Quick Buying Guide for Push Mowers

Push mowers aren't always as popular as they once were, perhaps because riding mowers are more affordable and come in a wider range of sizes and styles than ever before. However, for a smaller lawn or for when you still want your exercise when cutting grass, a push mower can be a good choice. They're easy to store and may have fewer parts that need maintenance over time, versus a mower with an actual drive train and cab for the operator. When you're ready to get a push mower for yourself, note a few features to consider so you know you get the right one.

Starter

A crank starter can be a very difficult feature to work with when it comes to a lawn mower, as you need to pull a cord so quickly and firmly that the engine begins to turn. This can be a physical impossibility for some people, and the cord can break eventually so at some point it will need to be replaced. For these reasons, it's often good to invest in a mower with a starter that works with a key or just a push button, even if it's more expensive.

Gas versus electric

Note the cutting time of a battery if you choose an electric mower, as you may need to stop and recharge the battery in the middle of your job if you choose one that's undersized. A gas mower is often more powerful so it's good for lawns with thick, dense grass or a lot of weeds that could bog down or even damage a lightweight mower. However, you need to ensure you can easily find the right gas for the mower and are comfortable storing a gas can on your property. A gas mower also means that you need to keep it filled with the proper amount of oil and may need to give the mower regular tune-ups, so this means more maintenance over time.

Drive system

A self-propelled mower can mean not having to push it along, which can help you physically. An all-wheel drive system, just like a four-wheel drive car, can be a good choice for a very hilly lawn, where you need power from all four wheels for your mower to operate. For a level lawn that may have a lot of turns such as around landscaping features, a front-wheel drive system can be a good choice. This allows you to easily tip up the front of the mower and direct it around those obstacles without the rear wheels continuing to turn and pull away from you.