Lawnmowers for Lancaster County: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit
Written by, Jalluri
Updated August, 15, 2023
If you want to purchase a new lawnmower, don’t immediately go to Google and start with a generic search— trust me. There are so many options that it’s easy to get lost in the results, page after page of companies trying to hawk their products or salesmen trying to get that sweet commission. Instead, start by narrowing down what you want before you head to the internet, or at least focus on advice pages and review sites first.
Understand the Extent of the Task when Choosing a Lawnmower
You have a lot of options when it comes to mowers, starting with the most basic decision: type. You have your choice of manual push mowers, walk-behind mowers, stand-on mowers, and riding mowers.
Then you break down further: riding mowers can be garden tractors or zero-turn. Mowers can run on gas or electricity, have varying cut widths and horsepower, and even have different attachments for further lawn care.
Next, you have transmission style, safety features, and steel gauge. The list really can go on and on. That’s why it’s important to have at least a basic idea of what both you and your lawn need most before approaching sales floors and hunting around online.
Things to Consider When Finding the Best Mower for Your Lancaster County Lawn
The first and most important questions are how large your yard is and what you can handle physically. Walk-behind and stand-on aren’t great for everyone, as they require leg endurance and stamina, strong backs, and an overall healthy condition. A riding mower is best if you have a larger yard or trouble walking long distances.
The size of your yard will also determine what cut-width works best. The cut width is tied to how many blades the mower has, resulting in how wide of a strip you can mow with each path. The larger your yard, the bigger the cut width is ideal so you can mow efficiently.
Next is to consider what you want your mower to do. Are you looking for one with a bagger so you don’t have to rake up your grass clippings or risk a stray pebble cracking your windows? Do you want attachments that can handle dethatching, seeding, or aerating your lawn? Do you want something you can hitch heavy-duty equipment to, like a snowblade? Many attachments only work with specific models, so you need to find a model that offers each of your must-haves.
Invest in a Mower You Can Maintain
Mowers can come with pretty hefty price tags, especially when you start adding up fuel and attachments. However, these are long-lasting investments that have an important impact on your yard.
You can cut costs by choosing mowers that have more maintenance needs, but you must keep up with the maintenance. You may decide it’s better to pay for that all-in-one oil filter option or upgrade to a hydrostatic transmission since they can last longer than belt transmissions.
Most places offering lawn mowers for sale will break down details and features, but you can also look up the user manual from the manufacturer to get an idea of what the mower will need for upkeep. You should also look into proper storage and winter prep for your mower.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Lawnmowers are complicated machines. They’re almost as complicated as cars. There’s no shame in visiting your local garden center or calling a mower sales team to ask for advice. Just be sure you talk to someone who understands Lancaster County. Grass health can vary by region, so advice will differ for a homeowner in Missouri than in Pennsylvania. Seasonal advice will differ between the South and the Northeast. Soil health, grass types, and more change with your region; local authorities know your area best and can tailor their suggestions.
You also want to let them know what kind of yard you have. This includes details like acreage, flat or bumpy terrain, empty or filled with planters and other obstacles like trees, and so on. They may have extra questions for you that you need to figure out and return later. This is all to ensure you get the best fit for your lawn.
Most mower teams know the ins and outs of their selection and can help you choose the right model for your yard, as well as any attachments or suggestions for other lawn care equipment. If you ask questions they can’t answer, then it’s ok to politely end the conversation and go somewhere else. You want to be sure you’re making the best decision for your lawn— and yourself. After all, you’re the one who’s going to be using the mower. You deserve to be confident in your decision.