Caring for your lawn can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. You can achieve a lush, healthy, and beautiful landscape with the right mower. However, with so many types and models of lawn mowers available today, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your needs and property. This guide covers everything you need to know about the different types of mowers, key factors to consider when choosing one, and best practices for getting the most out of your machine.
Types of Lawn Mowers
There are several main types of lawn mowers, each with its own set of pros and cons. Consider your lawn size, terrain, desired features, and budget when deciding among them.
Walk-Behind Mowers
Walk-behind mowers are compact and maneuverable, making them well-suited for small to medium-sized lawns. Their lighter weight also makes them a good choice if your property has lots of slopes or hills. Options include gas-powered, electric corded, electric cordless, and manual reel mowers.
Riding Mowers
For managing large properties, riding mowers are efficient and comfortable to operate. With a seat and controls similar to a car, the operator can mow for extended periods without fatigue. Riding mowers utilize gas engines and require space for storage and maintenance.
Zero-Turn Mowers
True to their name, zero-turn mowers can pivot instantly to change direction, allowing superior mobility around landscaping features. Their dual hydrostatic transmissions offer variable speed control on each wheel. While more expensive, they are extremely efficient for handling large, complex landscapes.
Robot Mowers
Robot lawn mowers take convenience to the next level by operating fully autonomously once set up. After mapping your lawn, they intelligently mow on a schedule you determine, returning to their station to recharge. These battery-powered wonders can handle basic lawn maintenance on their own with no effort on your part.
Why Choose a Cordless String Trimmer?
In addition to choosing a lawn mower, many homeowners utilize string trimmers to detail lawn edges the mower cannot reach. The best battery string trimmers provide an appealing cordless option that offers many advantages over gas-powered models.
Convenience
Cordless battery operation allows you to maneuver easily around your yard without dealing with power cords or refueling gas. Trimmers are very portable, and you can charge the batteries anywhere.
Quiet Operation
Gas trimmers generate noisy combustion from their motors, while electric models operate very quietly for less bothersome trimming. Cordless tools allow early morning or late evening use without disturbing neighbors.
Lower Maintenance
With no fuel or oil mixing required, battery-powered string trimmers have fewer parts and maintenance requirements overall. Their electric motors are extremely reliable, while gas engines are more prone to eventual issues.
Lightweight and Easy to Use
Leading cordless trimmer models utilize lithium-ion batteries, providing excellent power in a compact, lightweight package. They are very comfortable for extended trimming jobs. Intuitive controls and ease of starting also facilitate simple operation.
Environmentally Friendly
Cordless electric tools like string trimmers have a clear environmental benefit over those burning fossil fuels and emitting exhaust. Their long-lasting batteries recharge from your home’s electric grid without ongoing waste or pollution.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cordless String Trimmer
With various cordless string trimmers now available, choosing the right one for your needs warrants some careful consideration around performance and features.
Power
Higher voltage batteries, typically ranging from 40V to 80V, deliver more torque and maintain rpm for challenging thick grass and weeds. Make sure to select adequate power for your lawn’s demands.
Battery Life
Optimal trimmers will run on a single charge for 30 minutes to over an hour. Useful features like battery charge indicators and rapid chargers help ensure you can work efficiently.
Cutting Swath
The cutting swath determines the maximum width of vegetation you can trim in a single pass. Wider heads around 15-18 inches minimize passes needed for most average lawn edging applications.
Line Type
Common line types include:
- Nylon: Budget-friendly and good for light grass
- Polymer: All-purpose strength for most trimming tasks
- Metal: Heavy-duty line for thick weeds and brush
The line advances from the spool automatically when it wears down for consistent cutting. Look for fast, jam-free feed systems.
Weight and Ergonomics
Since you’ll be wielding the trimmer for extended periods, balance and comfortable handle placement help avoid hand strain and fatigue. Well-designed cordless models weigh under 10 pounds today.
Additional Features
Helpful extra features can further improve the functionality of your cordless string trimmer:
- Variable speed control: Allows you to fine-tune cutting power as needed
- Bump feed: Quickly advances fresh line on demand
- Telescoping shaft: Adjusts length to suit users and conditions
- Edging capability: Allows vertical trimming along hard surfaces
Best Practices for Using Your Cordless String Trimmer
Follow this advice when using your cordless trimmer to maximize its safe operation and longevity:
Read the Manual
Even for experienced users, reviewing safety guidelines and recommended techniques ensures you operate the trimmer properly right from the start.
Wear Safety Gear
Use protective eyewear and closed-toe shoes at a minimum when operating your trimmer. Thick gloves, long pants, and ear protection are also smart choices.
Start the Trimmer Safely
Initiate the tool in an open space, pointed away from people and objects, to prevent possible injury or damage if the line spins unexpectedly.
Maintain Proper Posture
Stand upright using both hands to control the trimmer for best leverage and control. Bending over leads to premature fatigue.
Trim with Care
Work systematically around the edges by moving the trimmer deliberately in wide sweeping motions rather than aggressively whipping it around. Let the spinning line do the work.
Clean After Use
Remove debris accumulation and clean the trimmer according to manual directions after each use. Proper cleaning helps prevent corrosion and keep it operating smoothly.
Store Properly
Allow the tool to fully cool prior to storage, then keep it sheltered in a clean, dry location out of direct sun and extreme cold.
Charge Batteries Regularly
Recharge trimmer battery packs promptly after use and every few months during off-season storage to maintain optimal battery capacity.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal lawn mower and tools like a cordless string trimmer ensures you can maintain your landscape efficiently and achieve the healthy green results you desire with minimal effort. Now equipped with a full understanding of the types of mowers available and factors to consider when selecting models suited to your specific needs and property, you can shop confidently. Referring frequently to the best practice recommendations will keep your new mowers and trimmers performing their best for years of reliable service. Most importantly, take time to relax and enjoy your beautiful yard this season!