Lawn Mower/Lawn Care (lawns, grass, how to, south)

[Jamerican]

I am new to the lawncare scene and need recommendations for a decent lawn mower. If you have the link to a particular brand and type of push mower please post it. It is begining to cost a pretty penny to have someone keep cutting the lawn and still they do not do a great job.

I am from New York City and since buying my home here in the south 2 years ago, I have never cut my lawn myself and am not sure how to choose a lawn mower ... any help or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Jamerican

I am new to the lawn care scene and need recommendations for a decent lawn mower.

You only need to remember three things:
1) Always buy a Briggs & Stratton engine 2) Don't buy the extras. 3) Cheap is good.
Do you need Self propelled? Nope. Do you need Bagger? Nope. Do you need a name brand? Nope.
If you have hilly ground then tall rear wheels will be helpful.

Look for something like this (HD, Lowes, anywhere). Well under $200.

[jambo101]

If you just want to cut grass you wont need too many bells and whistles,maybe an electric start and self propelled if you are old and frail, you might even consider a good used one from Craigslist in the $200 range..
Change the oil once a year and filter if applicable and put a drop of oil on each wheel axle once in a while, get the blade sharpened once a year.

[slowlane3]

See Top Lawn mower & tractor Reviews | Best Lawn mower & tractor . Also available in many public libraries.

[Charles]

Honda
Toro
Maybe Craftsman

Cheap is not good even with a Briggs and Stratton engine. It's the cheap lawn mowers which break, and not the engines. It is the handles, the levers, the wheel mounts, the cheap aluminum arms that crack.

Ensure the lawnmower has durable steel construction.

I've been mowing my own lawns since 1988 and I've had several types including jell cell battery operated lawn mowers. The one I own now is a Honda (not commercial).

Hondas are easy to change oil and have heavier duty steel handles and things that get stressed.

Don't overfill your lawnmower oil, make sure you put in exactly the correct amount.

Have it serviced once a year for blade sharpening.

Use fresh high octane gasoline (don't let the gas sit in there all winter)

Keep your mower in your garage or covered with a weather proof tarp.

Rear bagging is easier

[Bulldogdad]

I want to say one word to you, just one word... Goats.

Get an MTD

[cdelena]

I have moved in and out of places that require lawn mowers so it is pretty easy for me.

I go to Sears and buy the cheapest mower that has big wheels on the back.
I change the oil and sharpen the blade once a year.
I have never worn one out but have given some away still working after ten years.

[villageidiot1]

Most lawnmowers are reliable today. The biggest problem I run into are the cheap wheels that start to wobble around after a year of use. I'm currently using a Craftsman that always starts on the second pull. The wheels however are garbage. My next lawnmower will have ball bearing wheels. I don't think Sears has any that have ball bearing wheels.

BTW, I changed my oil for the first time ever this past summer. It is a pain to do it without making a mess. I never bothered before and the mowers never had problems. I recommend having the blade sharpened twice a year. Your lawn will look better without the jagged cut.

[Big George]

Originally Posted by MrRational

You only need to remember three things:
1) Always buy a Briggs & Stratton engine 2) Don't buy the extras. 3) Cheap is good.
Do you need Self propelled? Nope. Do you need Bagger? Nope. Do you need a name brand? Nope.
If you have hilly ground then tall rear wheels will be helpful.

Look for something like this (HD, Lowes, anywhere). Well under $200.

Agreed.

I did lawn care professionally for many years. I was always amazed by how many people spent WAY more money on expensive lawnmowers than they needed. A homeowner with a 1/4 acre lawn does NOT need a mower that costs thousands of dollars. It's professionals that run their mowers all day every day who need expensive equipment.

Buy inexpensive, and do proper maintenance. You can't go wrong.

[Jamerican]

Thanks all ... appreciate the tips.