Any type of Lawnmower will cut your grass, but if you desire the best looking lawn in your neighborhood, choosing the correct machine for your property will give the best results. Your mowing options range anywhere from a cheap department store mower to more than $15,000 for a top-of-the-line commercial machine. Reel mowers provide a superior cut over any rotary type mower. The scissors-type cutting action seals the tip of each blade of grass as it cuts, reducing moisture loss. The rotary cut is an impact cut that leaves a jagged tip and split ends. This grass condition causes excessive drying out of each blade of grass, causing brown and yellow patches. The decay of these plant materials invite pests and other turf problems. For these reasons, you will probably never see a Golf Course or Atheletic field being cut with a rotary mower. Reel mowers are available in manual push models or gasoline-powered self-propelled units. Manual Push Reel Mowers Manual push models are quiet, inexpensive, nonpolluting, and provide a great source of exercise. These are available in cutting sizes of 12" to 18" and are best used on smaller lawns up to 1/4 acre. Expect to spend between $150 and $250 depending on the features. Gas-powered, Self-propelled Reel Mowers Gas-powered Reel Mowers are required for properties up to 3 acres and are used where the ultimate lawn & quality of cut are desired. Gas-powered Reel Mowers are available in 20" to 27" cutting widths, and can trim grass as low as 3/8ths of an inch. The best units have the ability to use an optional Reel Roller attachment which prevents scalping when cutting at the lowest settings. These rollers also provide the much desired "lawn stripe" effect. Expect to spend $1,200. to $2,000. for a quality gas-powered reel mower. Gang Reel Mowers Gang Reel Mowers are designed for finely manicured properties over 2 acres. Gang Reels usually consist of 3, 5, or 7 cutting heads which provide extra-large cutting sizes up to 12-feet wide to get the larger jobs done quickly. Gang Reels are towed behind a tractor or ATV and have no engine or drive system to maintain. Expect to spend between $1,200. and $4,000. depending on the features. Rotary Mowers Rotary mowers are available in many different configurations, including push and self-propelled models, and mowers designed specifically to mulch or bag grass clippings. Stay away from mowers which claim to do a good job at several tasks. Generally speaking, the best baggers are not usually the best at mulching or side discharge, although many dealers will try to convince you otherwise. High-Wheeled Rotary Mowers Hign-wheeled mowers, aka "ditch mowers" are designed to cut rougher areas where a manicured look is not a concern. These mowers have the toughest cutting decks available, and are designed for many years of dependable performance. They're also designed for side discharge and should not be used with a bagger, even though some manufacturers offer one. The best machines have a v-belt that runs between the engine & blade spindle to prevent serious damage if the mower blade hits a solid object. High-wheeled mowers are available in push & self-propelled models. Don't be fooled by the cheap department store models with large rear tires which claim to be "High-wheel" mowers. These mowers are built using inexpensive stamped-steel decks and are designed to have a life of only 40 hours or less. Expect to spend $400. to $800. on a good high-wheel mower, depending on features & engine options. Side-Discharge Rotary Mowers If you have no need or desire to bag your grass clippings, buy a mower without a bag. Not only will you save money on the purchase price, but you'll have a mower with a cutting deck which was designed to do a more effective job of dispursing your clippings out of the side chute. Expect to spend $600. to $900 depending on features & engine options. Rotary Mowers designed for Bagging Baggers are designed with blades and cutting decks designed to lift grass clippings into a collection bag, usually located to the rear between the handles. Many dealers and manufacturers want you to believe by removing the bag, this design will effectively mulch or side discharge. Let's just say we don't agree. If you're a dedicated bagger, buy a mower designed especially for bagging and stick with it. Your lawn will Thank You by looking great. Expect to spend $900. to $1,300. depending on features & engine options. Larger 32" to 48" Rotary Mowers Originally designed for professional use, these multi-blade mowers are quickly becoming more popular with homeowners with properties of 3/4 acre or more. 32" & 36" mowers are usually equipped with two seperate cutting blades and a 10 to 15hp Engine. Larger 48" & 52" models have three blades and 15 to 18hp Engines. All of these "mid-sized" mowers are equipped with side-discharge decks, but work well with an optional bagger because they are also side-mounted. Expect to spend $1,800. to $3,500. depending on features and engine options. Riding Lawnmowers If you've decided to buy a riding lawnmower, we have two suggestions . . . don't buy it from a department store, and don't buy it on the internet. Unlike the mowers we sell, a riding lawnmower requires complicated adjustments, special tools, and factory trained technicians to properly service and prepare the mower for use. We will be happy to provide a free and unbiased opinion on a particular brand or model. No matter what type of property you have, or what you're trying to accomplish with your lawn, we have the experience & desire to help you with your purchase decision. Call us Mon-Fri 9am-3pm EST with your questions! Toll-FREE 800-992-0177 |
If you have any questions, or require additional information, phone us Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. ( Eastern Standard Time ) In the USA, Puerto Rico, & US Virgin Islands, contact our Customer Care Department Toll Free at 800.992.0177. In other areas, call 954.785.6514. You may also E-mail Us. Interested in marketing your product with The Lawnmower Shop.com? Make a Request. Copyright 2008. DOLPHIN Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site may be reproduced without express written consent. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Questions? Just ask - We're here to help! Click here to email our Customer Care Department. Customer CARE |