Upgrading Your Home Mower

Traditional push mowers just can’t handle expansive lawns or properties without wearing out operators, especially if there’s a bit of overgrowth. Push mowers are slow and laborious, and they also don’t regularly produce refined results like you’d want in a more professional or commercial setting. Suburban lawns are easy compared to the kinds of properties we’re used to seeing with our customers. Fortunately we carry all kinds of great upgrades and new mowers to make your lawn care needs a breeze.

At Brinson Powersports of Athens, we know our customers want the right machine for their needs.

Zero Turn Mowers

Zero turn mowers are like many riding mowers you’ll see but with two major differences: a wide cutting deck and the ability to turn with an effective radius of zero. With a zero turn mower, you can make a run across the lawn, turn, and be right there for the next run, all lined up and ready to go. No gaps, no going back over what you’ve already done, just neat and professional cuts every time with no touch-ups necessary. Zero turn mowers are often faster than lawn tractors, too. Zero turns often average 5-8 mph cutting speed and professional models can sometimes go as fast as 13 mph. If you have grass above 6 inches, though, you’ll need to look elsewhere because zero turn mowers aren’t designed to cut tall grass and if they hit anything like a rock or stump that’s hidden by grass, it can cause serious damage. Because of their superior performance, zero turn mowers are often more expensive than comparable lawn tractors.

Lawn Tractors

Lawn tractors offer reasonable prices and reliable operation. They’re a popular choice among homeowners looking to upgrade from a push mower, as they’re reasonably priced relative to other riding mowers and usually produce a good result. Because of the traditional steering wheel design and conventional steering system, they don’t have the tightest turning radius on the market. You might need to reverse and realign to start long lines next to the line you just mowed, which wastes time and produces a less precise result. Lawn tractors are often slower than zero turn mowers, and usually average about 3-4 mph. Like zero turn mowers, they aren’t particularly well-suited for cutting grass above six inches.

Pull Mowers

Pull mowers are small implements that can be, as their name suggests, pulled behind a tractor or other sufficient tow vehicle. These are a great solution for grass and other vegetation that has grown too tall for lawn tractors or other less powerful mowers. Usually these mowers have a set of spinning blades that are powered either by a power take off (PTO) or an independent engine located on top of the mowing deck. The speed and maneuverability will depend on the vehicle towing them, but they’re usually less maneuverable than a zero turn or lawn tractor. Price can vary greatly, but if you have a large plot of overgrown property, this could be your best bet.

Clippings and Mulching

After you find a mowing solution for your property, you have another decision to make: what to do with your lawn clippings. There are a range of clipping collection systems preferred by landscaping professionals. This can leave a clean, manicured surface that looks great in any heavily landscaped area. Since these areas often have their own irrigation systems, they can keep the grass sufficiently hydrated to not produce any adverse effects such as browning and spotting.

However, for those who don’t need a totally clean mowing surface, a mulching blade might be the better option. With a mulching blade, the grass clippings are shredded up and left on the grass to insulate the turf from heat and sunlight. These clippings also get composted back into the grass, meaning their nutrients aren't lost. One important consideration to keep in mind is that a clipping collection system is also much more expensive than a mulching blade.

Upgrading your push mower to a riding model can make all the difference in the world. Whatever kind of help you need with lawn care, don’t hesitate to call or head into Brinson Powersports of Athens. Our team of knowledgeable and courteous professionals are ready to answer all your questions and help you find what you’re looking for in a mower. We’re located in Athens, Texas, near Tyler. Come in today and discover the true meaning of customer satisfaction.