What to look for in a new lawn mower

(ARA) - Ready to get the lawn in shape, but your mower isn't?

If it's time for a new companion on your lawn maintenance missions, there are a few things to think about before buying. If you choose a new lawn mower wisely, you won't have to worry about hearing a sputter when you pull the cord or turn the key for years to come.

Everyone has a different vision for how their lawn should look and finding a lawn mower is a lot about choosing something that fits the personality of your lawn.

The following are a few things to think about when choosing your most important lawn maintenance tool:

* Walk or ride? If you are physically capable and can mow your yard in less than an hour, it's probably not worth spending the money for a riding mower. Plus mowing your lawn is a good way to get some exercise while getting something accomplished. If your yard is so big that using a walk-behind mower would take all afternoon and most of the evening too, then a riding mower is a good alternative. Also consider storage space for both types of mowers. If you have a big lawn, but don't have the budget or desire to get a riding lawn mower, consider landscaping options like rain gardens or rock gardens that will cut down on the area you'll have to mow.

* Push or coast? When deciding between a self-propelled and push mower, take into account your personal preference, as well as the characteristics of your yard. If you like the feeling of controlling the mower's speed with your own momentum, go with a push mower. If you feel like you need a little extra boost getting up that big hill in your yard, a self-propelled mower will help. Self-propelled mowers will work whether you are using the function or not, but the extra hardware usually makes them heavier than a push mower when you are not using the self-propelled function.

* What to do with clippings? Different mowers out there allow you to do a variety of different things with your lawn clippings. Mulching mowers offer the convenience of processing the clippings and depositing them back on your lawn, which both moisturizes and fertilizes your yard. Other lawn mowers allow you to bag clippings as you mow. If your mower doesn't mulch or collect your clippings, you may have to rake your yard after you are done to collect them.

* Better engine, better mower. Tough starts, stalls, clumping grass, inconsistent cut quality, inability to get through thick grass without bogging down - most likely, at least one of these ailments has prompted your search for a new mower. While it's fun to explore the special options offered by today's mowers, keep in mind an engine is the heart of a lawn mower. As the life force of a mower, the quality and dependability of the engine heavily influences your mower's ability to create a great looking lawn, while making the cutting experience easier for you.

It might be wise to consult your local lawn care expert when selecting a mower, as their staff will be able to give you specifics on a mower's engine quality to help identify a model with the proven reliability and exceptional durability to keep your lawn lush and green for years.. Along with a durable lawn mower engine, you may also want to consider one that runs cleaner and greener. For example, each engine produced by Kohler Engines meets both EPA and the more strict California exhaust emissions standards.

* Scheduled maintenance is key, especially changing the oil, spark plug and air filter. Again, if you're buying a new mower, you don't want to have to make another purchase any time soon. Buying a mower from a retailer that offers continued maintenance could help achieve that end. Also, take a look at resources offered by manufacturers of your mower's parts. Kohler Engines offers extensive lawn mower engine maintenance tips as well as a series of small engine maintenance videos on its website. Additionally, all of their user manuals can be accessed online to ensure by-the-book maintenance.

Keep these tips in mind when selecting your mower and you'll spend years to come enjoying your yard rather than fretting about fixing or replacing your mower. For more information on lawn mower engines, visit www.kohlerengines.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent