Lawn mowers have gone a long way, evolving from clumsy and bulky equipment to lightweight, easy-to-use machines. A self-propelled lawn mower won’t mow your lawn for you, but it will save you time and energy, making weekly lawn maintenance more pleasurable and less physically demanding. So what does a self-propelled lawn mower mean?
Learn more about how a self-propelled lawn mower functions, which properties are most suited for this mower, and why so many individuals who mow their lawns choose self-propelled versions.
What is a Self-Propelled Mower?
The engine powers some or all of the wheels of a self-propelled mower, giving forward propulsion and spinning the blades. This is similar to shifting an automobile into drive mode with an automatic transmission. It will drag itself ahead until you hit the brakes or, in the case of the lawnmower, until you reverse it.
How Do Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Work?
Self-propelled mowers work similarly to battery-powered mowers or gas mowers. The only difference is that the self-propelled models can push themselves forward instead of someone or something pushing them from behind.
Self-propelled mowers are available in different types, including an all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive, just like cars. Here’s how the different types of self-propelled mowers work.
1. All-Wheel Drive
It doesn’t take much to get an all-wheel-drive mower rolling in the right direction. Mowers with all-wheel drive (also known as a four-wheel-drive) offer exceptional grip and balance on all four wheels.
Use the simple handlebars to swap between the three drive systems for excellent traction on hills and virtually any terrain. AWD is the most expensive of the three drive options and the most uncommon.
2. Front Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive is less costly than the other two types of drive systems and is best suited to flat lawns. This is why: The front wheels bounce when the lawn is uneven. You lose propulsion when this happens.
This isn’t always a negative thing. It means you’ll have to put forth a little more effort physically. You’ll have to supply the forward momentum yourself if the front wheels fall off the lawn (high grass, an incline, or during turning).
3. Rear-Wheel Drive
The most common of the three drive types is the Rear Wheel Drive mower. Do you have a large number of trees to mow? Because the front wheels generally come off the ground when you start a new row or curve around trees, RWD helps you push through corners.
This drive is great for big lawns with uneven or sloping terrain. RWD delivers excellent traction and requires minimal effort to navigate practically any terrain.
Push Mower Vs. Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Self-propelled and push walk-behind mowers are the two most common varieties. Push mowers are just what they sound like- lawn mowers that you have to push ahead manually.
On the other hand, self-propelled mowers do not go forward until the bail is engaged, which is the bar at the end of the handle that you must squeeze while mowing. By pressing the bail, the gearbox will change gears.
Both mower kinds are quite popular, with compact riding mowers, zero-turn machines, and robotic units most frequent. Self-propelled lawn mowers are more expensive, but self-propelled mowers are relatively affordable compared to lawn tractors or zero-turn riding mowers. However, you can always find a lawn mower for as low as $200 or $300.
These self-propelled mowers are often heavier, but their simplicity of operation compensates for this. A push lawn mower is easier to maneuver. A push mower is ideal for flat or small yards.
Pros and Cons of Self Propelled Lawn Mowers
Pros
- Variable speed control
- A reliable hose attachment
- An extra-wide cutting deck
- Affordable
- Allows one to finish without the need to stopping
- Great for older people and people with bad backs
- Easy to use controls even on uneven ground
Cons
- Use more gas because of their self-propulsion system
- Heavy
Things to Consider When Picking the Self Propelled Mowers
1. Cutting Width
The size of your yard will determine the mower’s cutting width. If you have a larger yard, you will need a model with a broader cutting width.
Keep in mind that the greater the cutting breadth of a mower, the larger it is. Consider this if you don’t want a machine that takes up too much space in your garage or shed.
2. Mower Speeds
When buying self-propelled mower pay attention to whether the mower has a single or variable speed. For a regular walking pace, single-speed machines are ideal. Variable speed may be a better alternative if you want more flexibility in your walking speed or if you need to mow through curves, dense grass, uneven terrain, or hills.
3. Weight
While it is not necessary to push a self-propelled mower, its weight is still an important consideration. If the weight of the machine prevents you from maneuvering it effectively, you should choose lighter variants.
4. Blade Override
Blade override systems are a common safety feature on self-propelled mowers. When the operator lets off the mower’s handle, this feature allows the blades to stop rotating while the engine runs.
5. Capacity
The majority of mowers are made to handle small to medium yards properly. However, for larger lawns, you should choose a machine with more power to efficiently trim the grass.
6. Other Features
If your yard is difficult to mow owing to impediments such as trees and flower beds, models with swivel wheels come in helpful since they allow the mower to easily pass obstructions.
Recoil starts involve tugging the device’s cord to start running, but electric starts allow customers to start the mower’s motor with only one touch of a button.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Self Propelled Lawn Mower
1. How long do self-propelled mowers last?
Depending on how often you use it, a self-propelled mower should last eight years. A self-propelled mower has no clear advantage over a regular push mower in service life.
2. Is a push or self-propelled mower better?
Self-propelled mowers are often heavier than push mowers. They also use less gasoline and require less maintenance and oil changes. They are not only easier to push than self-propelled vehicles, but they are also far more straightforward. That implies they’re also simpler to deal with.
