Choosing the Right Lawnmower For You
When you’ve got a giant lawn to tackle, you need durable and dependable equipment that can get the job done. A simple push mower isn’t going to cut it in these instances. You’ll spend hours trying to get the refined results you desire and no one wants to spend that much time in the heat mowing the lawn. When it comes to mowing your small backyard and keeping a straight line, it’s not so bad. When you’re talking about two or three acres, you need to step up your game.
There are several mower options that are not only affordable and reliable, but they will make your lawn care experience that much better. Loewer Powersports in Alexandria, Louisiana has a great selection of various types of lawn mowers. Visit us today and we’ll help you choose the right mower for all your lawn care needs! We proudly serve Alexandria, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge.
Zero Turn Mowers
Zero turn mowers utilize a drive system that gives them an effective turn radius of zero. With this option, you can easily mow a strip of lawn, turn around in a snap, and meet up exactly where you left off so there are no gaps in your cutting and no areas that need touching up. Zero turn mowers are also faster than lawn tractors. They often average a 5 to 8 mph cutting speed and the commercial models can get up to 13 mph. If your grass exceeds 6” in length, you might need to continue your search. Zero turn mowers aren’t designed to cut tall grass. If these mowers hit anything that might be hidden in the grass like a rock or a stump, it can do serious damage. Keep in mind that because of their superior performance, zero turn mowers are often more expensive than comparable lawn tractors.
Lawn Tractors
Another popular option is the lawn tractor, especially among homeowners. These mowers are relatively affordable and they produce good results, too. The traditional steering wheel design and conventional steering system do result in a less impressive turn radius. You may need to reverse and realign to start mowing long lines next to the ones you just did, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Lawn tractors tend to be slower than zero turn mowers, usually averaging around 3 to 4 mph. This option is also not suitable for cutting tall grass.
Pull Mowers
Pull mowers are small implements that can be pulled behind a tractor or, in some cases, an ATV. Several pull mower options are better equipped for handling that tall grass and even non-grass vegetation areas. These mowers often have a set of spinning blades that are powered by a power take off (PTO) or an independent engine that sits on the top of the mowing deck. The speed and maneuverability will depend on the vehicle that’s towing them, but more often than not they’re less maneuverable than a zero turn mower or lawn tractor. Price will vary, but if you have a large plot of land with overgrown property, this could be the best option.
Clipping Collection Vs. Mulching
The last thing to consider is whether you’re going to choose a clipping collection system or a mulching blade. Clipping collection systems are often preferred by professional landscapers because they leave a manicured surface that looks great in heavily landscaped areas. Such areas often have their own irrigation systems, which can keep the grass hydrated so there won’t be any adverse effects like browning or spotting. However, if you don’t need to have a perfectly clean mowing surface, a mulching blade could be the better choice. Mulching blades shred the grass clippings and spread them onto the surface of the grass to insulate the turf from heat and sunlight. These clippings get composted back into their grass, so the nutrients aren’t lost. Keep in mind that a clipping collection system is much pricier than a mulching blade.
When you’re ready to upgrade your mowing game, give us a call or stop by Loewer Powersports today. We’re located in Alexandria, Louisiana near Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge.
