Lawn Mower Window Shopping?

What to know before you buy

How much is that mower in the window? According to Consumer Reports, the price of a walk-behind self-propelled mower can vary from $185 to a whopping $3,100. Generally speaking, the more features a lawn mower possesses, the more it will cost. But, Consumer Reports and equipment gurus from Popular Mechanics both say in the case of lawn mowers, high price and loads of features doesn't necessarily guarantee high performance.

A smarter (and more budget friendly) way to choose the best mower for you is to match it to the needs of your lawn and to your yard care style. How large of an area does your lawn cover? Is it flat or hilly? Is your grass smooth, rough or weedy? Do you like to discharge your grass clippings or bag them? Do you enjoy getting exercise from mowing, or do want mowing to be a bit easier on the body?

For all types of landscapes and homeowner preferences, it is possible to get a great lawn mower at a range of price points. If you're in the market for a new mower, consider these options based on the size of your yard.

Postage Stamp Sized Lot

If you have a small, flat lawn (up to 1/3 acre), grass that's in good condition and you like getting physical, a reel mower might work for you. Because of their environmental advantages, these "old fashioned" lawn mowers have gained new popularity. Reel lawn mowers can be equipped with bags, or just drop the clippings on the ground - but they won't be as finely chopped as from a true mulching mower, so you may need to rake after lawn mowing. It can also be difficult to cut through tall, rough or weedy grass with this type of mower, so its best if your lawn short and healthy.

Electric mowers, both corded and cordless, are another option for smaller lots. Like reel mowers, electric mowers keep environmental impact and noise to a minimum. Like gas mowers, these mowers use a powered rotary blade that slices horizontally across the grass. However, moving through tall grass with these mowers can be challenging, so be sure to keep up with your mowing. And, of course, corded electric mowers should never be used on wet grass. If you choose a corded electric mower, you'll have to make sure your entire lawn is within reach of a 100-foot chord, which can be difficult to maneuver around. If you choose a cordless mower, you'll be limited to a runtime of 30 to 60 minutes - right for 1/4 to 1/3 acre.

Suburban Flat Lot

Moving these mowers requires using your own muscle. So if you have a small, flat lawn (up to 1/3 acre), like the idea of exercise or price is an issue, a push mower might be your best choice. Although push mowers can bag clippings, most suggest using them in mulching or side-discharging mode, so you're not trying to push heavy bagged grass along with the mower. The least expensive and most basic push mowers side-discharge clippings only; however, these can leave messy rows of cut grass you'll likely have to rake. A mulching option might be worth a few more dollars. Plus, these clippings count as one fertilization, so you'll save a little cash and time in the end.

Suburban Hilly Lot

Because motors move these lawn mowers forward without being pushed, self-propelled mowers are recommended for hilly yards up to about a half acre. Many basic models might not cost much more than a push mower. But options such as rear-wheel-drive or front-wheel drive, single speed or variable speed, cruise control, electronic starters and blade override (stops the blade without cutting the mower) will raise the price. A nice benefit: These lawn mowers tend to cut more evenly than other types.

Country Sized Lot

You don't just have a lawn - you have a LAWN. Or at least a yard larger than a half acre. While riding mowers are more expensive, they can make mowing much easier and save you a lot of weekend and after work relaxation time. Things to consider if this is the best choice for you: your terrain and the number and sizes of obstacles in and around your lawn. If you have a relatively flat, wide open area, a basic small engine behind ride should be the ticket, with the lowest ticket price. If you have a hilly lawn, you might need more traction with a large engine behind ride - and, depending on the slope - an all-wheel drive model, which will increase the price. For lawns with a lot of trees, shrubs, and landscape ornaments to maneuver around, you might consider a zero-turn radius mower. Once for landscaping pros only, these mowers are now widely available to residential consumers. The pluses? Enhanced steering capabilities to help you effortlessly move around obstacles, faster mowing speed for decreased mowing time and high blade speed for greater mowing efficiency. However, all that translates to more cash.

Ready to stop window shopping and start mower shopping? Review more tips in How To Buy a New Mower.