If you are looking for a new lawn mower, you have many options. Consumer Reports provides a lot of useful information for choosing the right lawnmower. This site provides ratings and reviews of various types, such as riding, push, battery-powered, and self-propelled mowers.
Riding Mowers
A riding mower will allow you to cut your lawn faster and in a more comfortable manner than a conventional push mower. They are available in different deck sizes, and can be used for a variety terrains.
Select a mower designed specifically for the terrain and type of yard that you have. It will be easier to achieve the appearance you want, and you can reduce your mowing.
Depending on how big your property is, you may be better off looking at larger models, such 48-inch and 60-inch mowers. These are great choices for large properties with a lot of hills and bumps, as they are able to handle uneven ground.
You can also use these to mow small areas in your yard such as around a tree or flower bed. You may need a larger, heavier-duty riding mower if your plan is to mow the whole yard.
Your specific needs and your budget will help you determine the best riding lawnmower for you. To help you narrow down your choices, the experts at Consumer Reports have rounded up their top three recommendations.
Best Riding Mowers
Consumer Reports editors tested riding lawn mowers against a variety of criteria to determine the best. To simulate real-world conditions, they mowed over 500,000 square feet in ryegrass under different circumstances.
They scored each mower based on how it handled the lawn, how well it mulched, etc. The mowers were also evaluated for their ease of use and any features that could improve performance.
This could include a powerful motor, an ergonomically designed seat, a seat suspension to reduce vibrations, or safety features that keep the mowers from falling over and causing injury.
Also, pay attention to any warranty that comes with your lawnmower. A reputable brand that offers excellent customer service can help ensure you have peace of mind.
It is important to have a warranty on expensive mowers. Consumer Reports recommends a warranty to cover all repairs over the lifespan of the machine as well as a free mower replacement in case anything goes awry.
Courtney Pennicooke of CR says that a simple mower should be able withstand a certain amount of wear and tear. It's best to invest in a better mower, rather than replace it prematurely.
Consumer Reports also recommends that you buy a lawnmower made of stamped or fabricated metal rather than aluminum or another cheaper metal. This will make it more durable, and improve its performance.