Why Buy a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower


Why Buy a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

There are lots of lawn mower choices to make today as you decide what kind of mower will suit your needs. The size of your yard, the terrain and the amount of time you want to spend maintaining your property all weigh into a mower buying decision.

The traditional walk-behind push mower is powered by sweat. Push mowers require the operator to move the mower forward with no help from technology. Today, self-propelled mowers take the labor out of mowing your yard. With easy-to-use controls and a transmission that powers the drive wheels, you can effortlessly mow. That’s why the preferred walk-behind lawn mower for many people is a self-propelled mower. Plus, a self-propelled mower gets the job done faster.

Here’s more about how self-propelled mowers work, what properties are the best fit for this type of lawn mower, and why many people who choose to mow their own lawns select self-propelled models.

How Self-Propelled Mowers Work

Self-propelled mowers are available in single and variable speed models. They work by engaging a speed control lever (sometimes part of the handle; sometimes a separate bar or shifter) that causes the mower to move forward. The operator doesn’t have to push the mower, he or she simply walks behind it, guiding it around the yard.

Self-propelled mowers can be front-, rear- or all-wheel drive. Front wheel drive models are easy to operate and allow you to turn the mower by simply tipping the front wheels back and lifting them off the ground. They are ideal for flat lawns. Rear wheel drive tends to provide better traction when mowing across slopes in a back-and-forth (vs. up-and-down) pattern. Mowing across the face of slopes is the safest way to cut grass on hills. Rear wheel drive mowers are most effective when used with a bagger since the weight of the bag can sometimes cause the front end to rise as the bag fills ups.

Find more lawn mower types defined, including riding mowers and lawn tractors.

Advantages to Using a Self-Propelled Mower

Self-propelled mowers will save you time and energy. You can cut through thick grass with a self-propelled mower without expending extra effort because the mower mechanically moves forward through challenging areas in your yard. And, mowing across areas that have a slight upgrade does not require an extra “push” from the operator because the self-propelling engine does the work.

Single speed models are designed with a mid-range ground speed suitable for most people and cutting conditions. Consumers wanting a broader range of ground speeds to accommodate an operator's specific walking pace or various other cutting conditions should purchase a variable speed mower.

Also, you will not sacrifice features if you choose a self-propelled mower. Nearly all models can be used to side discharge or bag grass clippings. And many are called 3-n-1 mowers which means they offer mulching as a third option.

Today’s self-propelled mowers are also easy to start with automatic choke recovery systems on engines that allow you to start the engine “cold.” Some users prefer engines that start with no priming or choking at all, and the technology on self-propelled mowers continues to advance to make using a mower more user-friendly than ever before.

Whether you’re cutting a half-acre property or a postage-stamp sized yard, a self-propelled mower offers ease, convenience and choice. You can enjoy mowing your yard with a self-propelled mower—and since the mower does the hard labor, you’ll still have energy left afterward to play outside.