Hey y’all, it’s your boy Jeff here and I’ve got a funny story to share with you about my experiences with lawn mowers. So, I used to have this old gas-powered push mower that I inherited from my grandpa. It was a real beast to use – the thing was heavy as hell and the motor always sounded like it was about to explode. But, I was determined to make it work.
One day, I was out mowing my lawn and the darn thing just stopped working. I had no idea what was wrong with it, so I did what any red-blooded American would do – I Googled it. After some investigating, I discovered that the spark plug was the issue. So, I trudged to the store, bought a new spark plug, and set to work on fixing it.
Well, let me tell you – replacing a spark plug is not as easy as it looks on YouTube. It took me hours to get the thing out and then when I finally got the new one in, I realized that I had stripped the threading on the engine. Oops.
Long story short, I ended up having to buy a new lawn mower. And that’s how I ended up with a zero turn mower. It was a bit of a splurge, but it’s been worth every penny. I can mow my lawn in half the time and with half the effort. Plus, it’s a lot more fun to ride around on than push a heavy old mower.
Walk Behind Mowers
So, what exactly are walk behind mowers and what are they best for? Well, as the name suggests, these are mowers that you walk behind as you push them along. They’re typically smaller and more lightweight than zero turn mowers, which makes them easier to maneuver around tight corners and obstacles.
Walk behind mowers are best for smaller lawns or lawns with a lot of obstacles. They’re also a good choice for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a mower. You can find some pretty decent push mowers for under $200.
Zero Turn Mowers
On the other hand, zero turn mowers are a bit more expensive and are best for larger lawns. As the name suggests, these mowers can make a complete 360 degree turn without having to change direction. This makes them really fast and efficient at mowing large areas.
Zero turn mowers are also great for people who want a bit more comfort while mowing. Most models come with a comfortable seat and steering wheel, which makes it feel more like you’re driving a mini-tractor. They’re also a lot of fun to ride around on, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Which is Better?
So, which is better – a walk behind mower or a zero turn mower? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you have a small lawn with a lot of obstacles, a walk behind mower might be the way to go. They’re cheaper and easier to maneuver.
However, if you have a larger lawn and want to get the job done as efficiently as possible, a zero turn mower is probably the way to go. Just be prepared to spend a bit more cash upfront.
What are walk behind mowers best for?
Walk-behind mowers are best for smaller lawns or lawns with tight spaces that cannot be easily navigated with a larger riding mower.
They are also a good choice for people who prefer the exercise of walking behind the mower and pushing it themselves, rather than sitting on a riding mower.
Walk-behind mowers are available in both gas-powered and electric models, and they can be either self-propelled or push mowers.
Some walk-behind mowers also have features like mulching and bagging capabilities, which can be useful for people who want to recycle their grass clippings or who want to keep their lawn looking tidy.
FAQ
How Much Maintenance Do Walk Behind Mowers Need?
Walk behind mowers typically don’t require as much maintenance as zero turn mowers. However, they still need regular care to keep them running smoothly.
This includes things like changing the oil, spark plug, and air filter on a regular basis. It’s also a good idea to keep the blade sharp and clean the underside of the mower regularly to prevent grass build-up.
How Much Maintenance Do Zero Turn Mowers Need?
Zero turn mowers tend to require a bit more maintenance than walk behind mowers. In addition to the regular care mentioned above, they also typically need more frequent oil changes and may require more frequent blade sharpening due to the larger size of the lawn they’re covering.
It’s also a good idea to check and tighten any bolts or screws on a regular basis to ensure everything is in good working order.
Are Zero Turn Mowers Easy to Operate?
Zero turn mowers are generally easy to operate once you get the hang of them. Most models come with a manual that includes instructions on how to use the mower, as well as safety guidelines.
It’s a good idea to read through the manual and familiarize yourself with the controls before operating the mower.
Are Walk Behind Mowers Hard to Use?
Walk behind mowers are generally pretty easy to use. As long as you have a bit of upper body strength to push the mower, you should be able to handle it. Just be sure to follow the instructions in the manual and pay attention to your surroundings while mowing to avoid any accidents.
The Final Cut
In conclusion, whether you choose a walk behind or zero turn mower really comes down to your individual needs and budget.
Both have their pros and cons, but as long as you do your research and choose a mower that’s right for you, you’ll be well on your way to a perfectly manicured lawn. Just don’t forget to put on sunscreen and stay hydrated – mowing the lawn can be a workout!