Mowers Defined: Self-Propelled walk-behind, Push walk-behind, zero turn and Tractor
If you are in the market for a new lawn mower, you have a lot of choices and can take advantage of a variety of features that will make mowing your yard easier and more enjoyable.
Mowers are typically divided between one you walk behind versus those you ride on.
Walk-Behind
• Push: The operator pushes this mower around the yard to mow.
• Self-propelled: Powered by a transmission, self-propelled walk behinds range from single-speed to variable speed models.
Riding Mowers
• Zero Turn: With drive tires that can be powered in opposite directions, a zero turn mower has a 0” turning radius. Ideal for lawns with a lot of obstacles to mow around. May be steered using twin sticks or a steering wheel.
• Lawn Tractors: Front engine machines using a traditional steering wheel. Easy to use because driving a lawn tractor is similar to driving a car. Lawn tractors can accept front and rear attachments that can be used for yard chores—snow blowers, tillers, plows, etc.—so they can be used for a variety of tasks.
So, what mower is the best choice for you? Factors to consider include the size of your lawn, the terrain—flat or hilly—and the amount obstacles you need to trim around. Additionally, you may have other lawn care needs: to bag or mulch clippings, till a garden or move items around the yard in a dump cart.
Walk-Behind Mower Options
Push Mowers: Basic, Low Cost
The most basic walk-behind rotary mower is a push mower. Just as the name implies, the user pushes it around the lawn while mowing. Typically lighter weight than a self-propelled model with a transmission, push mowers are a low cost option.
A single rotary blade spins around under the mower deck, cutting the grass, while the air flow created “throws” it out a side discharge chute or into a collection bag.
Push mowers are best for smaller, flatter lawns. They are also popular with riding mower owners who need something smaller for trimming in tight areas or around landscaping.
Riding Mower Options
Zero Turn Mowers: Speed & Maneuverability
The hallmark of a zero turn mower is its ability to make 360-degree turns with a turning radius of zero inches. This makes zero turn mowers excellent for lawns with lots of trimming or other obstacles that need to be mowed around. Combined with forward speeds of up to 10 mph, zero turn mowers are fast and efficient.
Most zero turn mowers offer twin stick control, basically two levers, one controlling the drive for each wheel. To go forward, both levers are pushed forward; to reverse, both are pulled back. Turning means moving the levers in opposite directions. For instance, to turn right the operator pulls the right lever back and pushes the left lever forward. Speed is controlled by the distance the levers are moved from their neutral position.
There is a slight learning curve for operating a zero turn mower, but most homeowners get the hang of it quickly. Again, speed and maneuverability are the biggest benefits of a zero turn, allowing the user to cut the amount of time it takes to mow their property. They generally feature mowing decks with cutting widths from 42” to 72”.
Zero turns are not attachment friendly and should not be used on yards with slopes or small hills. Tractors are preferable under these conditions.
Lawn Tractors: Versatile, Easy to Use
Front engine lawn tractors are ideal for homeowners with larger properties who want to mow and do other chores. With mowing deck options from 38” to 60”, lawn tractors are great for mowing large properties. Because they can handle attachments, however, they provide the flexibility to do yard chores like hauling, tilling, dethatching or snow blowing as well.
With a steering wheel and foot-pedal controlled automatic transmissions, lawn tractors drive just like a car so they are extremely easy to use. Their balanced weight distribution also allows them to be used on uneven ground and small hills without sacrificing traction.
Selecting the Right Mower
With several options from which to choose, there is bound to be a mower that meets your needs. From walk-behind mowers that are ideal for most yards under ½ acre to zero turn mowers that have a 360-degree turning radius to lawn tractors that can be used for mowing and yard chores, there are a variety of products available.
Find your perfect mower here.
