Experts say April and May are the best months of the year to prep your lawn for the season so using reliable equipment is vital.
Consumer Reports surveyed 20,000 subscribers and found some lawn mower brands more reliable than others.
When it comes to gas-powered push mowers, the survey found that Murray and Troy-Bilt push mowers are more reliable than Toros.
For bigger jobs, a gas-powered self-propelled mower will do some of the work for you.
Among the least reliable are Husqvarna and Snapper. Honda is a brand you can depend on.
If you’ve got more than half a hectare to mow, or you’re mowing for more than an hour, it might be time to consider a riding mower. Consumer Reports’ survey found that John Deere tractors are more reliable and that Cub Cadets are more likely to break.
Each brand has different models, but if you choose one from a more dependable brand, Consumer Reports says you improve your odds of getting a mower that will hold up over time.
Proper maintenance also goes a long way. The most common cause of engine trouble is old, or bad, gas. Gas that’s more than a month old or has ethanol in it can really damage the fuel system and clog up the carburetor.
Chan Ko, owner of Stem N Leaf Landscaping in Vancouver, says it’s important to use fresh fuel and to change the oil, check the filters and sharpen the blades at the start of the season. Sharp blades save fuel and cut cleaner leaving your lawn healthier.
Ko also recommends checking your lawn carefully before you cut it for the first time. There could be hidden rocks or even dead animals in the grass that could damage a mower or nearby property, or worse, injure a person.
He also says proper eye and ear protection should be worn.
