Lawn Mower Guides: How-Tos, Comparisons and Buying Advice

Find the practical lawn mower article that answers your question, from sharpening a blade to choosing between two types of mower.

This is the index of our practical articles. They sit outside the rankings and cover what you do before, during and after a purchase: setting up a mower, using it, keeping it sharp and deciding which type suits your yard.

Scan the card titles below and pick the one that matches your situation. Titles starting with "How to" walk you through a task, titles with "vs" compare two types side by side, and titles phrased as questions answer a single point, such as blade height or the best time to buy.

Matching an article to your need

Start with where you are in the ownership cycle. If you are still deciding what to buy, the comparison articles are the place to begin, because the choice between electric and gasoline, push and self-propelled, or tractor and zero-turn shapes everything that follows. Yard size, slope and how much time you want to spend mowing usually decide it.

If you already own a mower, look for the task you are facing. Starting problems, dull blades and uneven cuts each have a dedicated how-to, and most of them take less time to fix than to put off.

Upkeep and technique that affect your results

A sharp blade and a sensible cutting height do more for the look of a lawn than most upgrades. A dull blade tears grass instead of cutting it, and a deck set too low stresses the turf, so blade care and height are worth reading about before you consider replacing the machine.

Seasonal habits matter too. Mulching leaves in fall, for example, is a technique question rather than a buying one, and the right approach depends on the type of mower you have and how thick the leaf layer is.

When the question is about cost or timing

Budget questions rarely have a single answer. Price depends on the type of mower, its cutting width, its drive system and its power source, so it helps to settle on a type first and then look at what that type typically costs.

Timing also plays a part. Mower prices tend to move through the year, and our article on the best time to buy explains when waiting can be worthwhile and when it only delays a mower you need now.

Frequently asked questions

Which article should I read first if I am buying my first mower?

Begin with the comparison articles that match your shortlist, such as electric vs gasoline or self-propelled vs push. Once you have a type in mind, read the price and timing articles to set a realistic budget and pick a good moment to buy.

Are these articles the same as your rankings?

No. The rankings compare specific models, while the articles here answer practical questions about technique, upkeep, types and buying decisions. They are meant to be read alongside the rankings, not instead of them.