Best Push Mowers for Medium Yards

Push mowers are lightweight and cost-effective. They require less maintenance than other mower types, and they give you full control over your mowing pace. Read on to learn about push mowers and how to choose the right machine for your yard.

Look for a push mower with all the features you need for your medium-sized yard. For example, if your lawn has uneven terrain, consider buying a mower with a powerful engine. Buy a machine set at the right height to stay comfortable while mowing the lawn. You need a machine that can last several years, so always prioritize durability over price. It's also best to get a push mower that can handle cutting wet and tall grass. 

Before buying a lawn mower, ensure it can handle difficult tasks. Read customer reviews, or talk to experienced homeowners or gardeners to help you decide which is the best push mower for a medium yard.

Features to Look for in a Lawn Mower for a Medium Yard

Mowing a medium-sized yard can take time, so it's ideal to buy a lawn mower equipped with an easy-start feature to get started as quickly as possible. The last thing you want is to spend several minutes starting the machine. 

Look for a rear bagging feature, which gives you a tidy-looking yard after every mow. For homeowners or landscapers who prefer quieter machines, an electric model may be the best option. Gas-powered lawn mowers produce more noise than their electric counterparts. 

Proper maintenance is key to keeping a lawn mower efficient. Well-maintained lawn mowers are likely to last longer. Proper maintenance may also help you avoid costly repairs down the road. 

If you have a flat, medium-sized lawn, we recommend getting a push mower, which is likely to be more cost-effective than a self-propelled mower. A mower equipped with adjustable settings may help you better mow your lawn. Safety features include a reverse awareness system, which alerts you when the machine is put in reverse, and a stop lever, which shuts down the ignition system. 

Choosing the Best Lawn Mowers for Medium Yards 

For a medium-sized yard between a quarter and half an acre, we recommend a battery-powered or gas-powered lawn mower. Either can help you easily mow your lawn in a short amount of time. 

Types of Lawn Mowers

Below are the types of lawn mowers you can purchase for your yard. Always factor in size and terrain in choosing the right machine. 

Push Mowers

Push mowers are manual machines. They're more economical to run than self-propelled mowers and don't require a lot of maintenance. With a push mower, you can have total control over mowing your yard. If you have children or pets at home, a push mower may be a safer option because the machine only runs when you push it forward.

Self-Propelled Mowers

Self-propelled mowers are also a good option for medium-sized or larger yards. However, these types are more expensive than push mowers. They need a motor or engine to function and are equipped with speed control on the handle, allowing homeowners to control the speed of the motor. Running a self-propelled mower takes little effort, making it a good option for lawns with difficult terrain. These mowers may also include added features such as a choice of wheel drive or push-button start system.

Gas-Powered Mowers

For a medium-sized yard, a gas-powered push mower can be the best option. They're usually more powerful than corded lawn mowers. Gas-powered models are more affordable, and their replacement parts cost less. Additionally, they can breeze through dry or wet grass. However, they tend to be louder than electric models. Gas-powered mowers require more maintenance and are significantly heavier. Also, they aren't environmentally friendly. Talk to us if you need help deciding which type of mower to purchase for your yard. 

Mulch Mowers

After mowing the lawn, you have to get rid of the grass clippings, so they don't suffocate the grass. You can put the cut grass in a bag and turn it into compost later by adding organic material, or convert it into instant fertilizer by shredding the grass into tiny pieces. You'll need a mulch mower for this. 

One advantage of mulch mowers is their ability to finely shred grass, which can then be used as lawn fertilizer. Their blades are designed to leave the grass clippings behind, so you don't have to spend more time applying chemical fertilizers. 

Make sure the grass is fully dry when using a mulch mower. Wet grass mowed by a mulch mower can turn into clumps that block out sunlight. Don't forget to clean and sharpen the blades to ensure your machine stays efficient. 

Key Considerations

Starting systems and safety features are a couple of things to consider when choosing push mowers for medium yards. If you're a first-timer at landscaping, talk to our experts to help you make a decision. We're happy to discuss the benefits of our lawn mowers. In the meantime, keep these features in mind when buying push mowers for medium yards.

Cutting Width

The right cutting width ensures efficient mowing. While mowers with narrow cutting widths may be more affordable, they require more time to mow the loan. These mowers are not recommended for medium-sized yards as mowing can become time-consuming. Lawn mowers with wider cutting widths are usually more expensive, though, and can be difficult to maneuver. They tend to be heavier as well. 

You need to also factor in terrain and grass type to determine the cutting width. If your lawn has uneven terrain, a narrower cutting width may be ideal to get a precise cut. 

Push mowers and self-propelled mowers can have adjustable cutting widths. We recommend testing a small area of your lawn and making adjustments as you go.

Cutting Height

The rule of thumb is to cut just one-third of your lawn's height to prevent damage to the grass. The type of grass you're cutting also matters. Some grass may need to be shorter, while other types need to be kept longer. In the summer, we recommend keeping the grass a little longer to protect the grass roots from the sun. When mowing in the fall, grass should be medium length to avoid damaging the roots during winter. In the spring, we recommend cutting the grass to 3 or 4 inches. 

Terrain

If your lawn requires more work due to its terrain or if it has more debris, we recommend choosing a more powerful lawn mower. Make sure the machine can be easily stored, as you may need to mow your lawn more often. Better yet, consider an all-terrain mower, especially if you have challenging slopes in the yard.

Engine Features

For medium-sized yards, buying a lawn mower with a more powerful engine saves time and ensures the job is properly carried out. Choose a lawn mower with higher cubic centimeters, as this means it's more powerful. Gas-powered push mowers may be ideal for medium-sized lawns, though they're noisier than other mowers. 

Starting Mechanism

The last thing you want is to spend a lot of time preparing your lawn mower for use. While a powerful lawn mower is ideal for medium-sized yards, it's just as important to buy a mower that can be used right away. Corded machines usually are quicker, as you just need to plug them in and they're good to go. 

Gas-powered lawn mowers may take longer to start, especially when they don't have enough fuel. If you want to use a gas-powered mower for its power, ensure the spark plugs are working and there's enough gas in the tank. Take care of the engine, or it's going to take a lot of pulls to start the machine.

Mulching and Bags

Mulching requires less effort than bagging. It's also more environmentally friendly because you use the grass clippings as organic fertilizer. Additionally, mulching is useful for preventing weeds. Bagging the cut grass, on the other hand, can prevent pest infestation because there's less debris left after mowing. However, the latter requires more work. Look for the mulch feature if you want to save time or if you prefer organic over chemical fertilizers. 

Safety Features to Look For

Homeowners and landscapers rely on lawn mowers to keep their yards clean and beautiful. Lawn mowers are useful devices but they also come with dangers, including contact with blades or machine rollovers. In addition to adhering to the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer, we recommend looking for these features for added safety. 

Operator Presence Control

Operator presence control is a safety device that stops the blade from running when the lawn mower operator releases the controls. All push mowers in the United States are required to have this safety feature, which is especially important when you have children at home. 

Stop Lever

The lawn mower's engine stop lever has two functions. When it's pressed down, the system starts running and the cutting blade starts to rotate. When the lever is released, the system shuts down. You need this crucial safety feature to prevent injuries and other accidents in the yard. All push mowers in the United States have this feature. Make sure your lawn mowers are well-maintained to ensure the function works. 

Back Flap and Throw Guard 

Debris flying out from the lawn mower can cause harm and damage your property. To prevent objects from flying out from the back or side of the lawn mower, ensure you have both of these safety features. We also recommend you wear protective gear to stay safe.  

Reverse Awareness System 

A reverse awareness system helps prevent accidents and injuries. When the lawn mower is put in reverse, you'll hear a beep alerting you. If toddlers regularly play in your yard, we recommend you purchase a lawn mower that has this feature. 

Maintenance Tips for Your Lawn Mower

Lawn mowers can be expensive, so it's best to keep them in excellent shape. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your mower. It also helps you avoid expensive repairs and replacements. We cover a few maintenance tips below. 

Clean the Deck

Dirt can put a lot of strain on the blades, resulting in poorly cut lawns. Cleaning the machine can also prevent corrosion and rust from the inside. After each use, we recommend flipping the machine over to remove any dirt or debris in the deck. In addition, check the underside of the lawnmower for any grass or weeds. 

Check the Spark Plugs

Check the spark plugs of your lawn mower every few months to prevent costly repairs. When the spark plugs are damaged, your mower won't start. Cracks or poor engine performance are also signs the spark plugs could be failing. If you suspect an issue with your lawn mower, contact a professional immediately to prevent further damage. 

Change the Air Filter

Dirt, dust and other debris can accumulate in the air filter. When the filter is clogged, the machine works harder, potentially damaging the motor or the engine. To maintain a healthy engine, change the filter every season or every 50 hours. Refer to the manual on how to properly change the air filter. If you use your lawn mower more frequently, you may need to replace the filter more often. Signs that it's time to change the filter include reduced power, engine noises and strong fuel smells. 

Replace Oil Every Season 

Without proper lubrication, your mower's engine can become damaged and break down. This can cost you a lot of money on repairs or replacements. We recommend changing the oil every 25 hours or every season. Some homeowners change the oil twice every season to ensure the engine is lubricated properly. 

Use Premium Gas 

You can prevent engine damage by using gasoline recommended by the manufacturer. As much as possible, use gas with a higher octane rating. Although the minimum requirement is usually a rating of 87, we recommend going for an octane rating of 91. 

To prevent damage to the machine, read the manual before operating the lawn mower. Additionally, use the lawn mower properly to keep yourself and your family safe. If possible, wear protective eyewear, and never tilt your mower. The safety features in your lawn mower must never be deactivated. Also, make sure you look 3 feet ahead of you while mowing. 

Get in Touch With Us

Bradley Mowers is an outdoor power equipment manufacturer located on a 14-acre complex one hour south of Chicago, Illinois. With over 300,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, We are well positioned to distribute its products throughout the United States. Please feel free to call 815-935-8383 or fill out our online form with any questions or concerns you may have.