Choosing the right lawn mower : Our top 6 tips

There are four main types of lawn mowers on the market, each with their own pros and cons depending on the level of eco-friendliness you’re looking for and the area to mow. Let’s take a closer look!

The reel lawn mower is the quietest and greenest option. It delivers solid results and requires minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning the blades. It’s the perfect solution for level lawns of less than 5,000 square feet.

The downside is that a reel mower requires more effort because it doesn’t have a motor. And it’s not as effective in long grass. Reel mowers typically range between $100 and $200.

Among motorized mowers, gas lawn mowers are usually the most powerful. And they come with several options: manual push or self-propelled, with or without an electric ignition system, and with a two- or four-stroke engine. It’s a great choice for lawns of up to 20,000 square feet and those with a slope.

On the other hand, gas mowers are the noisiest and most polluting on the market. They require an annual tune-up and regular maintenance, including oil changes and fuel additives. They generally start at $250.

Battery mowers are quiet and environmentally friendly and offer great handling. Aside from sharpening the blades, they require no particular maintenance. They’re a great option for lawns under 6,000 square feet.

But battery mowers tend to be heavier and have more limited range because the 24-volt battery needs frequent charging—particularly in long grass. Over time, the battery may stop holding its charge, and replacing it could cost 30% to 60% of the original price of the mower, which ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on the make and model.

Electric mowers offer the advantage of being lightweight and environmentally friendly, with no toxic fumes. They require minimal maintenance: just sharpen the blades to keep your lawn mower running smoothly. Electric mowers generally have 7- to 17-amp engines.

However, the power cord makes handling and mobility more of a challenge. To avoid the risk of electric shock, they should be used only on dry grass. Prices range from $200 to $400.

Some gas and battery mowers are equipped with self-propulsion systems that can be adjusted for walking speed, significantly reducing effort. What could be more practical for larger lawns? That said, push mowers are less expensive and perform better in wet or long grass. If you do get a push mower, be sure to check the weight of the model before buying.

Different mowers deliver different power. The power for gas engines is normally measured in foot-pounds (ft-lb) of torque or by cylinder size in cubic centimetres (cm³). Torque generally ranges from 5 to 7.5 ft-lb, while cylinder size varies from 125 to 190 cm³. Electric engine power is indicated in amps and ranges from 7 to 17 A.

Gas mowers are notoriously heavier, particularly models that aren’t self-propelled. To give you a sense, most gas mowers with an empty tank weigh 40 to 75 lb, whereas electric models range from 29 to 51 lb.

If you’re planning to buy a battery mower, make sure you consider battery life. Most battery mowers run for 30 to 45 minutes, depending in part on the slope of the lawn, the length of the grass and weather conditions. If the job takes more time, you may need an extra battery. That said, many DEWALT^® and Milwaukee^® batteries are available on the market and are easy to swap between mowers.

Most reel lawn mowers can now bag the grass, a very practical option. Electric, battery and gas models can bag the grass, eject it on the side or mulch it to enrich the soil.

Some lawn mowers are sold with a string trimmer. This can be a particularly good option if you choose a battery mower, because the batteries could be interchangeable. There are also a wide range of electric and gas models available on the market.