As an editor-reviewer, I review a lot of equipment, and now it’s the turn of the lawn mowers.
Looking at lawnmowers from a buyer’s point of view, I tried to list my expectations. First of all, the mower must do what it is supposed to do, which is to mow the grass efficiently. Next, you must deliver on the promise the seller makes to prospective buyers. And most importantly, the price must be reasonable and competitive.
To summarize, I focused on one popular brand of lawnmowers: Husqvarna.
Do they have enough models?
You have to make a basic choice between walk-behind and ride-on mowers. The size of your lawn and how often you mow it should help you decide which one you want. Some users may consider factors such as mulching capacity and side discharge before deciding.
Husqvarna offers push mowers in several variants: the push type, the self-propelled type, electric mowers and battery-operated mowers.
Ride-on mowers have more maneuverability and the driver has a good view of the front. These mowers come with a front mounted cutting deck and are best suited for larger lawns with tall grass. The bagging and collection facility prevents grass clippings and weeds from spreading to the lawn. Side ejection and rear ejection options are also available.
Does address matter?
Front wheel steering ensures good traction and braking; The rear-wheel steering offers good tracking when backing uphill and also projects the rear section when turning. Husqvarna has an articulated steering option, with a bio-clip cutting table that turns leaves into fine mulch.
How much power do you need?
Husqvarna walk-behind mowers range from 4.5 HP to 5.5 HP, while ride-on mowers range from 18 HP to 26 HP. Husqvarna YTH lawn tractors feed on tall grass. This range of mowers comes with features such as step-in fender design, hydrostatic drive, cup holders and decks for shredding, dumping or bagging. And a Briggs & Stratton engine, for starters.
Do you really need an automatic lawnmower?
If you are lazy, the automatic lawnmower can make you even lazier as it does everything for you. You don’t have to walk behind or ride a lawnmower. All you have to do is make a boundary by fixing a cable to the ground. Then you put the automatic mower in the middle and it cuts.
If you think a tree in your lawn, especially with roots above the ground, could damage your automatic lawnmower, the manufacturer assures you not to worry. The collision sensors, they say, not only stop it, but also help back the mower up when it comes into light contact with objects. (I invite anyone with real experience to testify to this)
The running cost is quite low. Depending on the size of the lawn, electricity can cost up to $25 per year. In addition, it is emission-free and makes almost no noise.
What about maintenance? Warranty? Accessories?
Northern Tool offers free technical support through its 50 sales outlets in 11 states. So you have parts and service at your fingertips, with an extendable warranty of 2 to 3 years, for parts and labor. In addition, you can choose from a wide range of accessories: lawn aerators, rear mowers, trailer sprayers, trailer lawn sweepers, manure spreaders and industrial tool trailer carts.
How about the price?
They are the best value for money as far as I have seen: lawnmowers are $2800-3600 and push mowers are $300-600. Of course, they also come with financing schemes.
How good are they really, all things considered?
Popular Mechanics has rated Husqvarna as the best lawnmower of 2007.