Features Tells You How to Buy a Mower

For mowers: These allow easy 180-degree turns, but they can be tricky on hills. Also, the wheels prevent the front of the deck from cutting close up against foundations and walls.

For mowers: Some models come with a corrosion-resistant aluminum or plastic deck. 

For mowers: Most mowers let you switch to bagging, side discharge, or mulching without using tools.

For mowers: Many mowers let you vary speed with a lever or handlebar control, typically from 1 to 3 1/2 mph withouthaving to shift between set ranges.

For mowers: Rear-bag models tend to cost more, but the bag generally holds more than a side bag and eases maneuvering.

This fitting accepts a hose for clearing clippings beneath the deck. This means you don't have to tip a mower on its side to get beneath it.

For electric mowers: On corded electric mowers, this feature helps you to avoid running over the cord when you turn the machine.

For mowers: An engine with overhead valves or an overhead camshaft should run more efficiently and start more easily than a traditional side-valve mower engine as it ages.

For mowers: When you release the handlebar, the clutch stops the blade but not the engine, so you don't have to restart the engine to empty a full bag of clippings or to move a toy or lawn chair.

For mowers: Standard on some models and optional on others, it eliminates the inconvenience of pull-starting the engine.

For mowers: On self-propelled mowers, it provides better traction than front-wheel-drive, especially uphill with a full bag of clippings.

For mowers: Some mowers have high rear wheels that are larger than the front wheels. Models with same-size front and rear wheels tend to be easier to maneuver and tip back for U-turns at the end of a row.

For tractors: Unlike gear-drive models, which require manual shifts from one ground-speed range to the next, models with automatic drive vary ground speed infinitely via a hydrostatic transmission or other system. Most are now controlled with a pedal rather than a lever. Prices are falling for models with this feature.

For tractors: As in a car, cruise control lets you lock in a ground speed.

For tractors: You'll appreciate this convenience when you're working in the hot sun.

For tractors: Most models require a blade change to mulch, some to bag.

For tractors: This switch lets you engage the blades without pulling a lever. This feature extends belt life.

For tractors: Four-wheel steering lets tractors turn nearly as tight as zero-turn machines. But more two-wheel-steer models can turn more tightly than earlier models.

For tractors: We found a high back more supportive and comfortable than a conventional seat.

For tractors: This meter indicates how long the engine has run since the last oil change or other maintenance.

For tractors: This feature helps to prevent mishaps. You must engage the switch before mowing in reverse. Now standard on most models.

For tractors: No more guessing. You can tell at a glance when fuel is running low.

For mowers: Some walk-behind self-propelled mowers have this feature, which lets you raise or lower the entire mowing deck at once. Most require adjusting each of the four wheels.