lawnmower recommendation for a new home owner? (flower, lawn, grow)

[bluesea111]

My yard is around 1000sf(front plus back). what kind of mower do you suggest? electrical,gas or manual?

Is it possible that I use manual lawn mower for exercise? Is there anyone enjoying the exercise? what's the disadvantage for that?

[hoffdano]

Is the lawn relatively flat? What kind of grass?

1000 sf is not very big. I would seriously consider a manual or electric mower.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

Is the lawn relatively flat? What kind of grass?

1000 sf is not very big. I would seriously consider a manual or electric mower.

The above. The trick with a manual/push/reel mower is that you absolutely have to keep at it and not let the grass grow too high.

[cittic10]

I have a manual reel mower and I absolutely love it.
Pros:
+ cuts shorter and more level than rotary mower (no scalping)
+ Gentle on grass blades.. scissor action not nuke blast action
+ mow at night or early morn, no worries neighbs cant hear it.
+ listen to music while mow.
+ no gas fumes
+ easy to take in and out for a quick mow (lightweight)
+ putting green appearance possible
+ low cost
+ no gas, no oil, no filters etc
+ no more pulling cords or engines that wont start
+ no seasonal maint like emptying gas

Cons:
O takes some getting used to.
O not good for all grass types (see below)
O have to stay on top of mowing or it wont work ... dense grass can be difficult to cut if you go too long or it just wont get cut.
O blade replacement not easy easy but with only 1000sf, you wont have to worry about that for a long time
O cut height and initial setup can be tricky and time consuming
O Wont cut tall weeds like dandies


I recommend for:
bermuda, zoysia, bent, KBG (KBG with 3x weekly mowing during peak season)

I don't recommend for:
tall fescue, fine fescue, (or any of the fescues), centipede, st augustine, rye, or bahia.


Good for sloping terrain and easier than heavy gas mower in my opinion but not good if there are lots of lumps or divits. (no mower is). You'll have to correct that first if you have.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by bluesea111

My yard is around 1000sf(front plus back). what kind of mower do you suggest? electrical,gas or manual?

Is it possible that I use manual lawn mower for exercise? Is there anyone enjoying the exercise? what's the disadvantage for that?

I recommend that you get a Honda, self propelled, rear-drive, gas-powered mower. It costs a little more but you will appreciate it so much more. You will thank me afterward.

Don't forget to get an edger/ trimmer/ weed whacker for the borders as well.

[LookinForMayberry]

Originally Posted by bluesea111

My yard is around 1000sf(front plus back). what kind of mower do you suggest? electrical,gas or manual?

I suggest having the grass removed and replaced with low-maintenance shrubs, trees, and perennial flower beds. Plan it with plenty of walkways and benches to enjoy the views -- or watch others mow.

[bluesea111]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

Is the lawn relatively flat? What kind of grass?

1000 sf is not very big. I would seriously consider a manual or electric mower.

The front yard is flat, the back yard is relatively flat. the grass is called" Kentacky bluegrass", does it matter for this kind of grass?
Thank you. hoffdano.

[bluesea111]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

The above. The trick with a manual/push/reel mower is that you absolutely have to keep at it and not let the grass grow too high.

Thanks for your input.
Is that a problem if I take a vacation for a couple of weeks? what should I do if it grows too high? Will manual mower not help any more?

[bluesea111]

[quote=cittic10;25365083]I have a manual reel mower and I absolutely love it.
Pros:
+ cuts shorter and more level than rotary mower (no scalping)
+ Gentle on grass blades.. scissor action not nuke blast action
+ mow at night or early morn, no worries neighbs cant hear it.
+ listen to music while mow.
+ no gas fumes
+ easy to take in and out for a quick mow (lightweight)
+ putting green appearance possible
+ low cost
+ no gas, no oil, no filters etc
+ no more pulling cords or engines that wont start
+ no seasonal maint like emptying gas

Cons:
O takes some getting used to.
O not good for all grass types (see below)
O have to stay on top of mowing or it wont work ... dense grass can be difficult to cut if you go too long or it just wont get cut.
O blade replacement not easy easy but with only 1000sf, you wont have to worry about that for a long time
O cut height and initial setup can be tricky and time consuming
O Wont cut tall weeds like dandies


I recommend for:
bermuda, zoysia, bent, KBG (KBG with 3x weekly mowing during peak season)

I don't recommend for:
tall fescue, fine fescue, (or any of the fescues), centipede, st augustine, rye, or bahia.

Thank you for detail explanation. it really helpful.
Are they brandname, bermuda,zoysia, bent or KBG? sorry I'm a first time yard owner.
Can I use this guy Amazon.com: Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower: Patio, Lawn & Garden

[bluesea111]

Originally Posted by LookinForMayberry

I suggest having the grass removed and replaced with low-maintenance shrubs, trees, and perennial flower beds. Plan it with plenty of walkways and benches to enjoy the views -- or watch others mow.

I agree with you , but Grass is required by HOA