Seasonal items (such as lawn mowers) become cheap and decrease in value during those times when it is not much needed. Therefore, if you are asking when to buy lawn mower, you should buy it at around September or before fall season, when summer has just finished.

When to Buy Lawn Mower: Off Season Sales!

If there is one thing you should know, lawn mowers are big and they take up space on the salesroom floor, and most stores don’t have the space for unsold lawn mowers.

The goal of the store owner then is to sell the lawn mowers towards the end of the mowing season. This will cause a drop in the price; discounts and promotions will be given which is why it is smart to take this opportunity to buy a brand new lawn mower at this time.

If in case, you cannot wait until the end of the season, there are other notable sales periods to be aware of. The spring sales events, which takes place between March and May, is also a good time to buy lawn mowers; however, this period may be unpredictable because most (if not all) retailers are not under any pressure to move the new stock to the beginning of the season.

Furthermore, we have Memorial Day, Father’s Day and July 4^th– but we cannot guarantee that all lawn mower prices will drop during these times.

Don’t worry though, as there are other ways to save on purchasing a lawn mower. Many retailers conduct 30-day sales with a low price that is guaranteed within 30 days of purchase, so if the price decreases during Memorial Day, July 4^th and Father’s Day, you can return to the store to have the prices adjusted.

Another way is to confer with the seller in lowering the price of the lawn mower from the “manufacturer’s suggested retail price.” Retailers are very likely to talk it through with you since you will be purchasing a big item.

If in case, they do not offer a discount, see if you can ask for some freebies such as lawn mower maintenance items or mower accessories.

A replacement belt or even a small amount of oil is better than nothing. Big name home centers will throw in a “10% on all Items” every now and then, so look for that as well.

In knowing when to buy lawn mower, there are two basic things that you need to consider.

Sales at the end of season

As explained, the best time to buy a lawn mower is at the end of the season when retailers are trying to empty their stock. It is normal that stores will have a sale whenever a certain item’s demand drops. Lawn mowers are no exception to this rule.

Therefore, the prices of lawn mowers will drop by the end of summer as compared to any other time of the year. The stores don’t want to get stuck with unsold lawn mowers until the next mowing season. September or early October is the best time to purchase a lawn mower.

Spring is also the best time to purchase a lawn mower. Before the summer season starts, retailers are getting a head start in sales by offering a much lower price on the lawn mower as compared to when summer or the mowing season actually begins.

They don’t need to entice customers during the summer season because sales are guaranteed. Therefore, you’ll be doing your bank account a favor by either buying during spring or fall.

Discontinued models of lawn mowers

There are times where you simply cannot wait to buy a lawn mower. You missed the spring sales and it is already summer and you badly need a brand new lawn mower.

Your old lawn mower is broken beyond repair and purchasing a new one is your only option—what do you do? Keep your eye out for any discontinued lawn mower models. The purchase for this particular model is much cheaper as compared to new models.

Furthermore, don’t be hesitant to compare prices or ask the sellers if they offer any discount or freebies. Don’t be too quick to buy the first lawn mower you see. Do a little research before actually buying a new lawn mower.

The next morning, you think to yourself that your lawn mower is gone for good. Don’t be so fast at writing that lawn mower off. While getting your lawn mower wet can cause serious problems over time, there are some few troubleshooting hacks you can do to get your lawn mower back in shape.

Check the motor: Lawn Mowers Get Wet Too!

Can lawn mowers get wet? Yes. Does it mean you have to buy a new one? Not yet. The first step in checking to see whether the situation of your lawn mower is not as bad as you thought is through the motor. Start the motor and see if there is anything out of the ordinary.

Keep in mind that lawn mowers can tolerate a bit of splash here and there but you can never be certain. Start your lawn mower and let it run for a couple of minutes. If nothing is out of the ordinary, keep it running. T

he heat from the motor will allow the moisture from the inside your lawn mower to dry up. This is an important procedure because if you leave your lawn mower just as it is after having gotten wet, chances are it will begin to rust. Letting it run for a couple of minutes to remove any moisture prevents rust from starting to build.

Fuel system should be thoroughly dried

When your lawn mower accidentally gets wet, your first instinct is to dry it off. While the external features of your lawn mower are easy to dry, the internal features can be a bit of a challenge.

In the first step, we checked if the motor was working properly and we let it run to remove any moisture from within. If the motor won’t start, chances are that water may have gotten into the fuel system.

The proper way to fix this would be to remove the connection of the fuel line to the carburetor, draining the fuel into the pan and allowing the line, as well as the fuel tank, to dry. Carburetor engines have a small bowl-like section between the engine and the gas. This is for the purpose of capturing water. The nut on the bottom of the small bowl-like section should be loosened up to drain it.

Draining the crankcase

Can lawn mowers get wet? Yes, especially the fuel system. Your fuel system is contaminated if the oil of your lawn mower looks somewhat milky. The proper course of action here is to try draining the crankcase to where the drain plug is located.

With the filling tube, try tilting your lawn mower and draining the oil. By removing the spark plug, you’ll be able to drain the cylinder with any water that may have gotten inside the mower.

Measure a teaspoon of oil and let it pass through the spark plug hole. In order to allow the motor oil to spread, the blade should be rotated several times.

The worst case scenario is if you aren’t able to turn on your lawn mower due to rusted parts. This means that water has been inside your lawn mower for far too long. You may want to call in an expert to check your lawn mower out to see if it can be repaired.

If the rust isn’t that bad (for example, only the spark plug has rusted), you should replace it. Lubricants are very useful in these scenarios. You may want to get your hands on some electrically conductive silicone lubricants to minimize any electrical faults.

Starting the engine

This step not only pertains to starting the engine, but also in restarting the engine. The main goal here is to check if there are any parts, both internally and externally, that have been damaged. The air filter should be dried up because if it is wet, air isn’t able to flow through smoothly.

It is important to add 1 ounce of isopropyl alcohol to every gallon of gas. This will assist in the absorption of any moisture that had been left in the fuel system.

After taking the necessary steps above, try and restart your engine this time. As compared to the first time you tried, everything should be fine by now.

Remember that getting your lawn mower wet is not the end of the world. With these troubleshooting procedures, you can determine whether you need a new lawn mower or simply a reminder to never leave your lawn mower outside.

How to know what lawn mower do I need?

You wouldn’t want to get stuck with the wrong kind of lawn mower during the spring or summer, right? This article can serve as a guide to buying a lawn mower. Hopefully, it will help you answer the question “what lawn mower do I need?”

In this article, we are going to talk about the top 5 lawn mowers you can consider the right kind of mower for your yard. We hope that this article will help you decide as we will be discussing some of the top features of these lawn mowers.

Yard Machines 159CC Self-Propelled Mower

[amazon fields=”B06WVZTHQ7″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

This lawn mower is so lightweight and user friendly that even if you are a rookie when it comes to lawn mowing, operating this mower will not be a problem. With its 21” steel deck and the large gas tank, you can ensure that mowing your lawn is as easy as it gets.

This mower is also capable of smooth turning because it features an adjustable dual lever height. This machine includes a 159 CC OHV engine, giving you enough control and power so it will only take one or two pulls of the cord before the mower starts.

EGO Power Cordless Lawn Mower

[amazon fields=”B00NOGZCI2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

This lawn mower is powered by (EGO Power plus arc) lithium-ion batteries. This lawn mower includes a 20” deck that would minimize the passes required to mow your lawn. Also, it has a 3-in-1 feature for bagging, mulching, or side discharge, which makes lawn mowing so much easier.

The use of this lawn mower is convenient as it has an LED light function which makes it possible for you to mow the yard in the evening. and a status of iPX4 water resistant entails that splashes of water will not affect the performance of the machine.

Snapper XD SXDWM82K

[amazon fields=”B01IY813XC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

The Snapper XD SXDWM82K is a battery-operated lawn mower that works with a Briggs & Stratton 82V lithium-ion 2.0 AH battery. It has a 21” steel deck, an adjustable lever height, a 3-in-1 feature for mulching, side discharge chute or a bag for grass clippings.

It also has a run time of about 45 minutes and can save up to 70% of storage space. The maintenance of this lawn mower as compared to other lawn mowers is easy. With its ability to be stored in a vertical position, worries about a lawn mower occupying too much space will not be an issue here.

Lastly, with its 82 V lithium-ion battery, you won’t have to worry about any gas-related issues, and most importantly, you will be able to mow your lawn without too much noise.

Husqvarna 961450021 HU800AWDH Honda 190 CC

The Husqvarna 961450021 HU800AWDH Honda 190 CC is highly recommended with its unique features such as the increased control of the pace of your mowing, the improved maneuverability of the lawn mower, and the all-wheel drive. The hi-wheel 4X4 mower also features a 3-in-1 option for either mulching, side discharge or bagging your cut grass.

This model also includes ball bearing wheels having an 8” wheel in the front and an 11” wheel at the rear portion of the mower. We believe that there is so much you can do with this mower without actually sacrificing the quality cutting of your grass. This is why this has landed a sweet spot in our top 5 lawn mowers.

Craftsman 37430 Lawn Mower

[amazon fields=”B00Z4QZM5S” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

The Craftsman 37430 Lawn Mower is another a good choice for a great lawn mowing experience. While this would not be the best option if you have to mow areas that are not flat, it would be the best lawn mower for lawns which are small to medium size.

Furthermore, there is much more to this lawn mower than meets the eye. From the 3-in-1 feature of different cutting methods to its 21’ cutting width with 7” front wheels and 11” rear wheels, this is sure to be a good bargain.

Conclusion

These five options are worthy answers to anyone’s question “what lawn mower do I need to get?” Any of these brands will surely provide you with the functionality and efficiency you need when mowing your lawn.

When is the best time to change lawn mower blade?

The general rule is that you should sharpen it at the start, and somewhere in the middle of the mowing season. If in case, some debris gets stuck in your mower, it is advisable to provide additional sharpening to ensure a quality cut for your lawn.

In this article, we are going to provide to you some of the tell-tale signs that will help you identify the time when to change lawn mower blade.

Uneven Cutting

The most common sign that you should look for is if your lawn mower cannot serve its purpose any more of cutting the grass to an even height. When the blades of your lawn mower are sharp, the cutting becomes accurate and it always cuts at the same height even on the first pass. If you find yourself going over the same area again and again due to missed patches of grass, your blade may be dull.

Torn grass

Another way of inspecting the quality of cut that your lawn mower brings is by examining the grass. A lawn mower with a sharp blade will have cleanly sliced grass. If the grass is torn, it’s most than likely time to change lawn mower blades.

Even if you are not constantly using your lawn mower, it is possible that dirt and dust can erode the sharpness of your blade. Torn grass may decrease the health of the grass thus, causing it to lose the greenness of its color and will turn a shade of brown.

Inspect the blade

The most obvious way to check if there is a need to sharpen or replace your lawn mower blades is to inspect the blades for inconsistencies. These inconsistencies will tear the grass rather than providing the clean-cut that is necessary for your lawn.

See if there are dents or chips that cannot be smoothed out. Another thing is that you should pay attention to is how thick your lawn mower blade is. It is inevitable that sand, dirt or even yard debris will erode the blade, causing the metal blade of your lawn mower to weaken.

If you notice this, it is a sure sign that you should replace your lawn mower blade to avoid further damage while you are mowing your lawn. This will also avoid instances wherein pieces of metal fly apart and could possibly injure you or bystanders.

Sharp lawn mower blades make it easy to achieve a clean cut that is healthy for your grass. Regular sharpening and inspection of your lawn mower can actually go a long way. Even if you take good care of your mower while mowing, nicks and dents cannot be avoided which is why it is important to inspect it before and after mowing.

While the above points are the basics of knowing when to change lawn mower blades, it is also important that you consider the type of grass that you have, how often you mow, and the size of the yard.

For the usual home owner, every couple of months is advisable for you to sharpen or change the lawn mower blade. If you mow more than once a week, it is advisable to check the blades of your lawn mower at least once a month.

As explained, nicks and dents cannot be avoided. However, if you have observed that the nicks or dents in the blades are larger than usual, it is high time that you should completely replace the blade rather than simply sharpening it. There are only a number of times where the lawn mower blade can be sharpened until they become permanently unusable. Luckily, replacing them with new blades is relatively inexpensive.

Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s manual to get an overview of how your lawn mower works. This would also include how to maintain the mower including the blades. If in case, your tractor or mower is under warranty, make sure to replace or repair the blades by a professional in order to keep your warranty intact.

Furthermore, a healthy lawn will only result from a good lawn mower and a good lawn mower can only be achieved with the proper maintenance.

Different Types of Lawn Mowers

Looking for the right kind of lawn mower can be a bit intimidating and there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing one. If this is the first time that you are buying a lawn mower, it would be helpful to know the different types that are available.

Push reel mower

This is the traditional lawn mower which was invented in the 1800s. This particular type of lawn mower has a very basic structure. The gear which spins includes a whorl of about five to eight blades which are spiral-shaped. These pass by another blade which is the stationary blade situated at the rear end of the mower. These two sets of blades work together, resulting in a fine and smooth grass cut.

Ride-on lawn mower

As the name suggests, this particular lawn mower is designed for the operator to ride it. When your lawn is bigger than the average lawn, a ride-on lawn mower is much more applicable. This type of lawn mower has a seat and controls so that you can run and operate it.

If you are having a hard time picturing it, think of it as a hybrid between a tractor and a normal lawn mower. A manual transmission is usually present on this type of lawn mower. However, there are those models that have hydrostatic transmission.

A hydrostatic transmission works like an automatic transmission but uses fluid, rather than belts to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Hydrostatic transmissions are much more expensive than a typical manual transmission, but the most expensive type of transmission available in lawn mowers is electric.

Robotic mower

With today’s technological advancements, it is obvious that inventors have found a way to create a robotic mower. With this type of lawn mower, you can mow your lawn without supervising the machine. You turn it on and it will wander by itself while cutting grass at an even height.

The robot contains a border wire that will help it navigate and locate the boundaries of the area. With the convenience this type of lawn mower brings, it is no surprise that this is gaining much popularity among the masses.

Hover mower

This particular lawn mower has an impeller situated atop the spinning blades to push the air downwards. By pushing the air downwards, it creates air cushion which allows it to hover. This usually comes with a rotary push lawn mower so the lawn mower itself has to be light for it to hover over the grass.

The parts of the hover mower all have a plastic housing with an electric motor. However, the air cushion can be destroyed by very wide gaps between the ground and the chassis. Furthermore, this type of lawn mower is perfect for waterfronts, high-weeded areas or steep slopes.

Walk-behind lawn mower

The walk-behind lawn mower can either be reel or rotary. This is probably the most popular kind of lawn mower on the market today. With the walk-behind lawn mower, you can have the option of using either gas or electric.

If you choose to use the electric lawn mower, you can either go with corded or cordless. It would be up to you on how to use this type of lawn mower. However, the rotary lawn mower powered by gas is the most commonly used.

Rotary lawn mowers became more popular than reel lawn mowers for many reasons including that rotary mowers are far less expensive than reel mowers, and they require less maintenance, making rotary mowers more convenient than reel mowers. Another reason is that rotary mowers have the capability to cut tall grasses allowing them to go through tall weeds and grass without any problems.

Whatever you decided to go for, electric or gas, push reel or ride on, corded or cordless, it is important to know what you are looking for in a lawn mowers. That is the first step to figuring out which model lawn mower best suits you and your lawn.

Lawn Mower Basics: How Lawn Mowers Work

In the middle of the 20th century, most lawn mowers were reel mowers which were powered by the person pushing it. Reel mowers have cylindrical blades which are responsible for cutting the grass.

Thanks to Edwin Bunning, an engineer in Great Britain, we can enjoy a much more convenient way of maintaining our lawns. Bunning invented the very first lawn mower in 1830 which was powered by an internal combustion engine. This was made available to the market in 1902 and the very first electric-powered lawn mower was made available in 1926.

With the expansion of suburban housing and larger lots, it appears that the push mower simply wouldn’t do. Just after the Second World War, a new model of the lawn mower was released. This model (called the rotary mower) could cut longer, taller and larger swaths of grass. As compared to the reel mower, which cut the grass the way it is cut by a scissor, the rotary mower quickly spins a blade horizontally, fast enough to cut the grass it hits.

The “deck” is the casing where the blade sits. This keeps the grass and other yard debris from flying off in all direction when using the rotary lawn mower.

The deck rides on four wheels and has a motor on top of it. A bag, which is responsible for collecting the cut grass, is attached. In the typical rotary lawn mower, a handlebar is attached for easy operation as the operator stands behind it and pushes it to move forward.

Other lawn mower versions are self-propelled. These models have a transmission that uses a motor to turn its wheels. Of course, there are those who own larger properties where walking behind a lawn mower to cover this large area of grass would be tiring; a riding mower is much more convenient.

There are so many types of lawn mowers as it has evolved so much since the first version from Edwin Bunning came out on the market for public use. More so, let’s get an overview of what a lawn mower is.

A lawn mower’s purpose is to cut grass to an even height, allowing you to maintain your lawn. There are many types of lawn mowers and you can have the option of powering it with either battery, electric- or gas-powered engine, or by push power. Inside every lawn mower are blades that cut the grass.

The three basic components of a typical lawn mower are the handle, blades and wheels. While most lawn mowers can function with only these three components, other models also include engine and a steering wheel.

So how do lawn mowers work?  The lawn mower is powered by either an engine or a motor; while others still use a push mower, the majority today go for either an engine or motor powered mower.

Furthermore, the mower advances forward when the operator uses a drive system (or pushes it in the case of push mowers) and the lawn mower blades, which are located under deck, spin. As the mower moves forward, the blades spin and anything that comes in contact with the blade (in this case, the grass) is cut.

It is really simple. The real struggle here is to decide what kind of lawn mower would best work for you and your lawn. As there are so many models coming out every year, you should know how each type of lawn mower works and which can best suit your needs.

Rotary lawn mowers are the most popular among the types of lawn mower because it is so easy to operate and it gets the job done. It runs on either two or four cycles. There are also rotary lawn mowers that use electric and can be powered either by electricity or battery.

There are also those that hover above the grass. If you are buying a lawn mower to maintain a golf course or something that big, it is advisable to buy a hover mower. If you’re the kind of person who does not have time to mow the lawn, then the robotic mower is perfect for you. The robotic mower can function and operate without supervision, making it very convenient.

Basics on How to Buy  a Lawn Mower

There are three types of lawn mowers from which you can choose: gas, electric corded, and cordless or battery-powered. Each of them surpasses one another in different aspects. To understand what makes one better than the other, learn about their common functions and features. Then see which of them will be applicable to your landscape.

Gas mower

A gas mower is very popular because of its longevity. In other words, they last for a very long time and can be passed to another generation. Gas mowers run because of a combustible fuel.

They are more heavy duty than electric mowers, finishing 1/2-acre of yard faster. Unlike electric and battery-powered mowers, your movement is not limited with a gas mower because it does not have cord or batteries. On the other hand, using this mower requires more effort right from the pull-start.

Aside from this, following the manufacturer’s recommended fuel or gas brand is essential for it to run properly. Another thing that you need to know is that the noise of the gas mower is as loud as a motorcycle. Thus, you should remember to wear eye and ear protection for your safety.

Corded mower

A corded mower is a subcategory of electric mowers. It is powered by electricity that comes from a plug, cord and an outlet. And unlike gas mowers, it is less noisy.

It is probably only as noisy as a running washing machine. One advantage of this mower over a cordless mower is that the power supply is not limited. You do not need to buy fuel or a battery to use it.

However, you always have to be near an electrical outlet. Obviously, the risk in using a corded mower is cutting or and tripping over the cord. Even though corded mowers have GFCI, electric shocks are still possible. Another disadvantage of this is the limited range it offers.

Cordless mower

A cordless mower is another subcategory of an electric lawn mower. The only difference is that it is battery powered. Thus, there is no cord that will limit your mobility. This type of mower is popular among people who are after convenient mowing because pressing the start button is easier than pulling the pull-cord of a gas mower.

It is also lightweight and maneuverable; you won’t have trouble going to a different direction. But one thing that you should take note is that the battery can only let you operate for about an hour.

After that, you may have to switch to another battery, or wait for a recharge. Also, they are not as powerful as gas mowers when it comes to handling thick grass. Yet, they are environment friendly and hassle free. They are, therefore, ideal for small yards.

Other factors to consider in buying a lawn mower

Size of yard

When buying a lawn mower, you will have to know the size of your yard as well as its landscape design. You have to consider this so as to know whether the mower you are buying is too big or too small for your yard. Aside from this, the slope, trees, and flower beds are also things you should take note of.

If you have a large plot of land, you should consider a riding mower. On the other hand, if it is medium size, you can settle for a push mower, which is less expensive and lightweight.

Maintenance

Different types of lawn mowers require different levels of maintenance, and you must know that maintaining your mower is the key to its longevity. Your electric mower requires battery care or change from time to time. Meanwhile, a gas mower needs the change or maintenance of the engine oil, air filter, and spark plug. Their maintenance need is also different during the winter season. All mowers require their blades to be sharpened or changed every once in a while.

Gas Vs Electric Lawn Mower: What are their differences?

You will find about those as you learn their advantages and disadvantages below. This way, you will be able to find the suitable lawnmower for your yard.

Electric lawn mowers pro and cons

When you hear the words “electric appliances,” there are two kinds that will automatically come to mind: corded and cordless. The same is true with electric lawn mowers. One kind gives you unlimited power as long as there is a plug nearby. The other one gives you freedom of mobility. Now both the kinds have advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Does not need to change spark plugs
• Does not require fuel filters
• Does not need oil change
• Does not need any gasoline
• Saves more money over time
• Less harmful for the environment
• Produces less noise

Disadvantages

• Corded lawn mowers can limit your mobility because of the cord
• Corded lawn mowers require you to be always near a plug
• You can only use a cordless lawnmower can for an hour or two because of the battery’s limited life
• Cannot mow thicker grass as clean as a traditional lawn mower can
• More expensive than gas mowers when bought
• You always have to watch for water when you use

Gas lawn mowers pros and cons

Gas mowers are known for their longevity. They can be passed from generation to generation as long as you are good at maintaining and fixing it. But aside from this well-known fact, there are other benefits that you will see in using gas mowers. Of course, there are disadvantages, too.

 Advantages

• Easily cuts through any kind of grass—thick or thin
• Mobility is not limited to cord or battery
• Requires only a small amount of gas to mow a large area of lawn
• Proven to be more durable than electric mowers
• All gas mowers are heavy duty

Disadvantages

• Weighs more than a regular electric mower
• Produces loud noise while in use
• Needs regular engine maintenance to keep it in good condition
• More difficult to use because you have to start it with pull-start cords
• Emits harmful gas into the atmosphere, which could be carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

In choosing between a gas vs. electric lawn mower, the following factors are the things that you have to consider.

Maintenance

Both gas and electric mowers require regular maintenance. The only difference is which parts of the mowers you need to maintain. For an electric mower, the side of the deck or under it has to be cleaned every after mowing session.

Aside from this, you also have to do periodic blade sharpening. Meanwhile, a cordless electric lawn mower needs a battery replacement after 5 -7 years. Like electric mowers, gas mowers also require cleaning and sharpening of blades.

However, you will have to fuel the mower more often. Aside from this, you also have to change engine oil when the mowing season starts, and clean the spark plug. To keep it running well, you should regularly clean air filters as well as carburetors so that they won’t clog.

Pollution

The two types of lawn mowers can both be harmful to the environment. However, gas mowers contribute more pollutants to the air because of their engines that emits greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide in the exhaust fumes. On the other hand, electric mowers produce none of this kind of harmful gas. Aside from this, gas mowers are also more disturbing because of the noise it creates. Electric mowers create noise that is around 70-75 decibels, while gas mowers create noise as loud as a motorcycle, which is 95 decibels.

Safety

In using either of the two kinds of mowers, you always need to be mindful of your environment. For a corded mower, it is necessary to watch where you mow and where your cord is. You don’t want to trip over the cord or cut it and get electrocuted. Gas mowers, on the other hand, can be dangerous when you are refilling fuel because this liquid is flammable. Be careful not to spill gas on the parts of the engine that are hot because it can result in a fire.