Lawn Mower & Tractor Buying Guide

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Appliance Buyers Guide

Choosing the right lawn mower or tractor depends on your yard size, terrain, and personal preferences. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best model.

Types of Lawn Mowers

1. Gas Lawn Mowers

Best For: Yards of 0.25–0.5 acres.
Pros:
Handles long, thick grass effectively.
Long runtime and lower initial cost than battery-powered mowers.
Mulch, bag, and side-discharge options.
Cons:
Noisy and emits exhaust fumes.
Requires maintenance (oil changes, blade sharpening).

2. Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers

Best For: Yards up to 0.33 acres.
Pros:
Quieter and more environmentally friendly than gas mowers.
Easy to store and maintain with push-button starts.
Batteries often interchangeable with other power tools.
Cons:
Limited runtime and more expensive upfront.
Self-propelled models use more battery, reducing runtime.

3. Gas Lawn Tractors & Riders

Best For: Yards larger than 0.5 acres.
Pros:
Efficient for large lawns.
Comfortable, easy-to-operate design with steering wheel controls.
Can mulch, bag, and side discharge.
Cons:
Requires large storage space.
Bagging kits are costly.
Slower turning radius compared to zero-turn mowers.

4. Battery-Powered Riding Mowers

Best For: Large lawns with flat or mildly sloped terrain.
Pros:
Quieter, eco-friendly, and lower maintenance than gas tractors.
Comparable cutting performance to gas models.
Cons:
Higher upfront cost.
Requires careful battery storage and charging.

5. Zero-Turn Mowers (Gas & Battery)

Best For: Large, flat yards with obstacles.
Pros:
Superior maneuverability with lever controls.
Cuts a wide swath (42–50 inches).
Battery-powered models have lower emissions and noise.
Cons:
Expensive with a steep learning curve for lever controls.
Poor performance on steep slopes.

6. Robotic Mowers

Best For: Small, flat lawns mowed frequently.
Pros:
Automated mowing saves time.
Quiet and efficient with GPS or boundary wires.
Cons:
Costly upfront.
Narrow cutting decks (typically 9 inches) require more passes.

How to Choose the Right Lawn Mower

1. Consider Your Yard Size

Small Yards (Up to 0.33 Acres): Push or battery-powered mowers.
Medium Yards (0.33–0.5 Acres): Self-propelled gas or battery models.
Large Yards (Over 0.5 Acres): Lawn tractors or zero-turn mowers.

2. Terrain

Flat Yards: Any mower type works well.
Sloped Yards: Avoid zero-turn mowers due to traction issues. Consider self-propelled or tractors.

3. Features to Prioritize

Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge: Most models offer these options.
Maneuverability: Important for yards with obstacles.
Battery Runtime: Ensure it matches the size of your yard.

4. Maintenance Needs

Gas Models: Require oil changes, spark plug replacements, and blade sharpening.
Battery Models: Minimal maintenance; charge batteries and sharpen blades as needed.

5. Noise and Emissions

Gas Mowers: Noisy and emit fumes; ear protection is recommended.
Battery & Robotic Mowers: Quieter and eco-friendly.

Popular Lawn Mower Brands

High-End Models:

Ariens: Known for riding mowers with premium features.
Honda: Premium gas mowers with innovative drive systems.
John Deere: Durable lawn tractors with hydrostatic drives.

Value Options:

Craftsman: Wide range of gas and electric models.
Troy-Bilt: Affordable tractors and mowers.
Ryobi: Leader in battery-powered models.

Eco-Friendly Brands:

Ego: High-performance battery-powered mowers.
Greenworks: Focused on cordless electric models.

Tips for Lawn Mower Care

Regular Cleaning: Remove debris and clean under the deck.
Sharpen Blades: Sharp blades ensure a clean cut and reduce strain on the motor.
Fuel Storage: For gas models, use fresh fuel and add stabilizer if storing long-term.
Battery Maintenance: Keep batteries charged and stored in moderate temperatures.

By understanding your yard’s needs and evaluating mower features, you can make an informed choice that balances cost, convenience, and performance.