Are you curious how much does a lawn mower weigh?
The weight of a lawnmower is a significant feature that a homeowner or potential buyer should think about. How effective you are in mowing will depend on how heavy or light it is.
And also, the weight, size, and power of the mower should coincide with how big your lawn is. A yard might only need a light and small push lawnmower, and a massive yard might need a heavy and bigger riding lawnmower.
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What are the two main types of lawnmowers and their corresponding weight?
Lawnmowers fall under two categories: push mower and riding mower. From their names alone, you can guess which is light or heavy.
A push lawnmower
A push lawnmower is the kind of mower that you walk behind and push. It relies on the muscular power of the user and does not have a motor to make it move.
Newer push mower models are powered by gas, batteries, and electricity, thus making mowing easier. These types are often used in mowing small to medium-sized lawns.
- Weight of the push lawnmower – A push mower’s weight will also depend on its subtype. High-powered ones are weighing over one hundred pounds, while uncomplicated models can weigh less than thirty pounds.Gas-powered models are heavier compared to battery or electricity-powered ones because of their bigger engines.
- Cost of the push lawnmower – Compared to a riding mower, a push lawn mower is cheaper. Even the costlier ones are still cheaper than the typical riding mower.
- Using a push lawnmower promotes exercise – Some push mowers have motorized power behind them, which improves the grass trimming abilities. Yet all of them, including the manually operated ones, still need muscular strength to push them. Using it regularly promotes healthy exercise and improves the health of the user.
- A push lawnmower can be easily stored – Compared to larger and bulkier riding lawnmowers, a typical push mower is compact and only needs a small space for storage. Many newer push models are collapsible and foldable, which makes them even smaller that you can easily store in a garden shed or garage.
A riding lawnmower
The riding lawnmower’s distinguishing feature that separates it from a push mower is the seat. It is also heavier, larger, and used in wider lawns and commercial areas.
- Weight of a riding lawnmower – A typical riding lawnmower weighs about three to six hundred pounds. Its engine and mower deck are the heavier components and comprise most of the weight.Larger and heavier riding mowers have the benefit of mowing longer hours, longer lifespans, and enhanced mowing features. However, they are also more expensive and require more fuel.
- The weight of a zero-turn mower – A zero-turn mower is a subtype of a riding lawnmower, and its distinguishing feature is its increased maneuverability. Its name comes from its zero inches turning radius, which means its ability to turn in its footprint. This feature has a complicated design that adds additional weight to the mower.The lightest zero-turn mower weighs about six-hundred fifty pounds, while the heaviest one weighs more than one thousand pounds.
Zero-turn mowers are the most advanced of riding mowers that produce perfectly-trimmed and cleaner cuts in the least amount of time compared to other types. However, along with the added weight and special functionalities, they are also more expensive. But many still prefer it and regard them as worthwhile investments.
- A riding lawnmower is efficient – If you have an expansive lawn and mow it with a push lawnmower, you will have a difficult time mowing the whole area. It will be a backbreaking task and take a long time to finish.Riding mowers are more efficient
since they can cover more ground quicker and provide better-cut grass. - A riding lawnmower is versatile – The newer riding mower models have the capability of installing multiple attachments that transform them into multipurpose machines, which can:
- Grind and store grass trimmings to make into mulch
- Remove snow and any debris from sight
- Transport farm animals feeds and other products
- Aerate and plough soil
- Detach yards
- A riding lawnmower is easy to use – For people who have not tried using riding mowers, they may look daunting. However, they will immediately find out they are easy to and more comfortable to use.As mentioned, riding lawn mowers have become more advanced, which enables the user to make all sorts of adjustments with a simple push of a button. Now you can immediately adjust the mowing speed, cutting decks, and many more that allow you to produce well-manicured, clean, and healthy lawns.
What are the different subtypes of push and riding lawnmowers?
Push mower subtypes
- Gas push mower – It is useful for one-acre lawns. Some models have a pull-start, and some have electric starters. It needs the right kind of fuel to operate, so check on its user manual for the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Electric push mower – It is quieter, needs less maintenance, and operates without gas emissions. There are two sub subtypes: cordless electric mower and corded mower. A cordless one does not need a cord to operate, while a corded one needs a long extension cord to reach far.
- Self-propelled mower – It works well in hilly terrain larger than one-half acre. There are two sub subtypes: FWD or front-wheel drive mower and RWD or rear-wheel drive mower.
- Manual or reel mower – It is the simplest among the other push mowers and entirely relies on the muscular power of the user. It is best used in homes with small yards. It is the compact and does not need oil, fuel, or maintenance because it does not have an engine.
Riding mower subtypes
- Zero-turn mower – As mentioned, it among the heaviest subtypes of riding mowers. It is highly maneuverable, can function with less fumes and noise. It has a mowing speed of seven miles per hour and has lithium-ion batteries that make charging quicker.
- Garden tractor – It is best used for mowing areas several acres large. It has a powerful engine with heavy-duty transmissions and many grass-cutting attachments.
- Electric riding mower – It runs without gas emissions, is much quieter, and with less vibration. It is still a new type of riding mower and is still being developed.
What are the maintenance tips for push and riding mowers?
Maintaining a push mower
Taking good care of the lawnmower blades should be done often to provide the best performance and longevity. But there are extra maintenance steps for the push mower subtypes:
- Reel mower – It has a knife set that needs to sharpened by hand, which are not easy to substitute as other mower blades.
- Cordless mower – It needs frequent battery care and maintenance.
- Gas mower – It needs air filter, spark plug, and oil changes.
Maintaining a riding mower
The maintenance of a riding mower may depend on the model, so read its user manual and follow the instructions. Here are some general maintenance tips:
- Turn off the engine, remove the key for ignition, unplug the spark plug, and disconnect the battery before undergoing maintenance
- Always park the riding mower with parking brake still on
- Be sure all the moving component and blades have ceased functioning
Does learning about how much does a lawn mower weigh matter?
For a push mower
A lawnmower’s weight will only matter if you only use a push mower to cut grass. It is because its weight will influence how difficult or easy it is to handle it.
While its weight is a crucial factor in a push mower’s grass-cutting ability, it should not be used to judge how effective it is. Your strength is only one-half of the mowing performance, and the other more important half is the mower’s capabilities in cutting grass.
For a riding mower
While a riding mower may be heavier, you should not worry too much about their weight. It may only matter if you move it to another location, but otherwise, do not bother.
Heavier riding mowers mean they have many more features that make them more effective in grass cutting. Their hefty weight is an asset that makes them better.