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Before You Buy

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There can be many things to consider before purchasing the lawnmower that will be right for you, including the type and size of your lawn, your budget and life expectancy of the mower. All lawnmowers need maintenance so remember to factor in the expense of maintenance if you don’t have the mechanical abilities to do it yourself.

Take a careful look at your lawn as you begin your research. If you have just moved into your home, determine the square footage of your lawn. Recommendations for many mowers are determined, in part, by the lawn size measured in square feet so this is important information to take with you as you shop. If you are replacing your old mower, you probably already have a good idea of what will work for you but it is still good to know the square footage as you are looking at what is available.

Consider the following as you prepare to purchase:

Take a walk around your lawn. Consider whether the lawn is level or sloped. If the lawn has steep slopes you many want to consider a self propelled model to ease the battle of pushing uphill. You need to look at how much of the lawn is shaded and does that shade prevent the lawn from drying out. Obstacles such as trees, bushes, planters or other landscaping features are important too since these will determine your need for maneuverability.

Take a look at your involvement in lawn care. If you enjoy working in the yard then you may also be comfortable with care and maintenance of the mower. Consider whether you can clean the air filter, change the oil, and check spark plugs. A quality mower will last for many years if it is maintained properly but a badly maintained one will soon have to be replaced.

Consider your budget. Determine what you reasonably afford to buy. Think about how long will you live in this home and how long do you need or want this mower to last.

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