Consider yard size and type when looking for the right lawn mower
Big or small, hilly or flat, cutting the grass can be a whole lot easier with the right lawn mower. And who doesn't want a picture-perfect lawn? Consumer Reports tested more than 100 lawn mowers to find the best options.
Posted — UpdatedBig or small, hilly or flat, cutting the grass can be a whole lot easier with the right lawn mower.
And who doesn't want a picture-perfect lawn?
Consumer Reports tested more than 100 lawn mowers to find the best options.
For smaller lawns that are a quarter of an acre or less, a push mower should get the job done. Consumer Reports says the $250 Troy Bilt is very good if you prefer to mulch the grass.
For larger lawns, a half-acre to an acre in size, you probably want a self-propelled mower. The $600 Ego is the only self-propelled electric mower Consumer Reports recommends.
"The EGO will run for about an hour," Consumer Reports' Paul Hope said. "That's enough to mow about half of an acre. After that, you'll need to recharge it for about an hour."
If electric options don't charge you up, check out the $400 Toro Recycler SmartStow gas mower, which offers multiple speeds so you can power through thicker grass and adjust to different terrain.
If your lawn is more than an acre, or you just prefer to ride, testers found plenty of good options.
The $1,900 John Deere D130 cuts grass as evenly as some tractors that cost almost twice as much. And John Deere is a reliable brand.
For lawns with serious hills and bumpy terrain, consider an all-wheel drive mower. Consumer Reports recommends the $550 Cub Cadet SC 700h.
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