Are you trying to build and maintain a picture-perfect yard? Then lawn mowers are must-have tools for this purpose. You can choose from a variety of different models, which come with various features to cater to all your backyard-related needs. However, you should pick a machine that works for your yard, its size and terrain, and the kind of grass you want to cut.

Type and features
Before making a purchase decision, you should know about the different lawn mower models that are available. For example, the two main types of mowers are riding and walk-behind mowers, each meant for different lawn sizes. Riding mowers are usually tall and narrow, meant for bigger yards, which also includes a zero-turn mower that can be used to mow multiple sides of your yard at the same time. Walk-behind mowers are easy-to-use machines meant for smaller lawns and ideal for beginners. Additionally, you should also choose between electric and gas lawn mowers. Electric ones require less maintenance and are ideal for tinier lawns. So, to choose the best type and model for your yard, you would first need to measure the lawn. Then, you can begin looking at the different models and brands.

Cost
The key to choosing a suitable mower is to ensure that you check out the features and functions of the various models and compare them based on your needs. The more features and advanced tech a tool offers, the more expensive it will be. So, while you may think a cheaper model is a great deal, it may not actually save you money in the long run. A cheaper model may make you incur expenses in repairs and replacement, making it more expensive. Further, you should check if the lawn mower has readily available parts that you can replace in the future. A walk-behind mower can cost anywhere between 200—600 dollars, depending on the features it offers. You can also go for second-hand machines if you are a beginner and need to try using a mower before buying an expensive one.

Performance
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a lawn mower is its performance. The engines of most walk-behind mowers have a range of 140cc to about 190cc. The engine size will determine the kind of tasks the mower will be able to perform. Those with bigger engines will be able to cut through tall grass, and you might even be able to use them on wet grass. Leaf mulching and bagging are other features that bigger engines can facilitate. The machines also come in various styles, such as overhead-valve engines, side-valve engines, and ones with direct overhead valves. The style of your engine would have an impact on the cost of the lawn mower. For instance, an overhead valve engine offers better fuel consumption and is quieter but is more expensive.

Size of the blade
The size of the blade is determined more by the type of mower it is than the size of the blade itself. The blade size can determine the size of the cut you want. The bigger the area, the bigger the machine and blade you need. Further, a bigger blade can reduce the overall mowing time significantly. Most mowers have 16–22-inch blades. You can also find 42-inch blades.

Durability
When it comes to deciding which model to buy, you should choose one that will last you a long time. The best way to choose a durable model is to look at reviews and ratings online and see what other buyers have to say about the model. Look at the warranty the manufacturer offers and see what it covers. This could help to save you money in case your mower needs repair or maintenance work. Some brands may not have service centers near your home, and this would make it difficult to fix issues in the future. Include service centers in your research before you choose a lawn mower.

First-time users should learn about the upkeep of lawn mowers and how long these machines will last with proper maintenance. Additionally, some mowers are designed to be used a lot more than others, which means they use more fuel and cost more as well. Further, also consider factors like the type of grass in your yard, online reviews and popularity of the machine, safety and easy-to-use features, and brands before making a purchase decision. It is important to do your research before choosing a suitable machine for your yard.