How does one decide which lawn mower to purchase that will meet their needs? First determine how much grass you have that requires cutting, and then, how much work you want to do. You can do the first part by measuring the total square yardage of your lawn; and the second part, you probably already know the answer to. If cutting grass is an option that includes your exercise for the day that gives you one group of choices, but if your preference is making the job easy, that gives you another set of options.

If you live in an area where the lawns aren't much bigger than the proverbial postage stamp, you could use a reel mower. These come in a variety of sizes and are usually available as small push mowers. They work by the blades of the reel mower turning and cutting the grass; however, if you do not trim the yard often, this method can become problematic, as the blades will get caught on longer grass – and will be slowed down by grass piles. Keep your lawn cut regularly and this type will be just fine.

If your lawn is average sized, an electric lawn mower is an option. Not only do these mowers cut well, and come either with a long cord or a rechargeable lawn mower battery. They are also good for the environment since they don't pollute as they cut – unlike most gas mowers, which create a plume of exhaust.

Perhaps you live somewhere that you have a couple of acres. If this is the case for you, then a riding lawn mower may be the answer. These enable you to cut a larger area without as much physical effort. You simply need to be able to drive it. It will do the rest. This is definitely a good option if you live in a place with a hot climate, as cutting your yard with a labor-intensive mower can result in heat exhaustion.

There's a method of cutting that's even simpler: use a robot lawn mower. Although these tend to use more gas than does the average mower, they have the benefit that you won't have to do anything but relax while the machine cuts the grass. Consumer reports claim it can cut the grass in a tennis court sized area in about two hours, which is considerably faster than a push mower.

What if you need something to work on your hobby farm? If you're growing an acre of hay for the couple of animals you keep, then a sickle mower is the answer, even though these mowers are sometimes portrayed as outdated or only available as antiques. These machines are still used to cut hay. They are available in different sizes so there will be no problem finding one right for you. The other need on a small farm can be trying to keep the growth of brush under control. This is done with a brush mower. You'll be impressed as it tears through the overgrown brush that you want to be rid of.

Consumer reports will show the lawn mower rating of the machine you're eyeing. Just remember to put aside something for mower repair and maintenance. That's the cost of doing the mowing yourself. If you don't bother to hold money for this purpose, you may find yourself out of luck – and with an out-of-control lawn – in a matter of weeks. If you can't afford to hold money for mower repairs, you may want to consider hiring a landscaping business to do this for you. If you shop around, you may be able to find one that is relatively affordable.