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Buying The Right Mower For Your Lawn

Jul. 2 2021 Buying Guide By Mike Cooper Tractors

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There’s nothing like the scent of fresh-cut grass to complete that summer feel, but as you may know, not all lawn mowers are created equal. Different models and types work better for different lawns, so it’s important to find the right one. That’s why we here at Mike Cooper Tractors have put together some tips for finding the right mower for your lawn. To learn more, or to see the lawn mowers we have for sale, contact our store in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, today!

Examine Your Yard

Step one is to really understand the yard you’re working with. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How big is my yard? This impacts the importance of efficiency and ease-of-use.
  • How thick is the grass? This impacts the power you need.
  • Will I mow over minor obstacles like twigs and leaves? This will impact the power needed.
  • Are there slopes or hills, and how steep are they? This will impact ruggedness and traction.
  • Will I need to mow around major obstacles like trees, paths, and flower beds? This will impact whether you go for a compact, agile mower or not.
  • Where do I want the grass clippings to go? This will impact whether you get a mower with a collection bag or not.

Small Yards, Minimal Debris And Inclines

For these lawns, a manual push mower might do the trick. Specifically if your yard is a quarter of an acre or less, these models will do everything you need for around $80. These have no motorized movement, and can come with either gas or electric power to power the blades. They’re perfect for navigating obstacles and are easy to maintain. 

Medium Yards, Moderate Grass Thickness And Inclines

For a lawn of ½ acre or less, a self-propelled mower lessens the strain on you and makes the job much faster, though the starting price is around $300. They have most of the perks of the self-propelled mower, plus the easier propulsion, which can be powered by either gasoline or electricity. Some are even compatible with some attachments!

Large Yards, Thick Grass And Steep Inclines

Lawns that are ¾ of an acre or larger make a riding mower worth the extra cost. The starting price is often around $1,500, but you get to sit and steer rather than push and turn. They also cut a wider area at once, helping you to get the job done faster, and are often attachment compatible.

Massive Yards, Thick Grass And Obstacles

Finally, the top-of-the-line mowers are called zero-turn. They tend to start at around $2,000, but the comfort and performance make it worth it—especially on massive properties. These models can hit 13 mph and are designed for precision turns, helping you to navigate obstacles and reducing overall mowing time by up to 40%. 

We hope this helps you find the perfect mower! For more information, or to see the lawn mowers we have in stock, contact us at Mike Cooper Tractors. We proudly serve Tulsa and Muskogee, Oklahoma—let us serve you today!