Depending on how big your yard is, you can usually get away with a walk-behind mower. Typically a walk-behind mower is enough for a 1/2 acre lawn. However, anything bigger than that most likely requires a riding mower.

Most recently, Consumer Reports did a big study (and I mean BIG) with 50 mowers that included electric and gas. The reviews had a ton of factors including how well and evenly the mowers cut the grass. Included in this landmark study were the maintenance histories of the various brands by type of mower.

Many people have said online that this was the best study ever done on lawnmowers – even though no study or review is perfect; including this one. The biggest complaint was that CR failed to talk about the noise levels of the lawn mowers or which ones meets California’s very strict new emissions requirements.

However, you don’t have to go and read the whole report because it’s all on the web. The key take away is that more money won’t necessarily get you a better mower. Price had very little relationship with quality, grass cutting ability or longevity.

Mowers usually only last about 60 months anyway. That’s 5 good cutting season. Kind of lame when you think about it. At this point people either re-build or buy new.

If you really want a lawn mower that will last – then buy a reel mower. It’s what I use and I love it. It’s good for your health and makes for an awesome work out. My lawn is just over half an acre and I take a few hours to get it done twice a week.

Of the best gas powered brands, we came to learn that Toro, Honda and Lawn-Boy got top ratings. Even still, I personally think that the best brand I’ve ever used over the years for both commercial and residential applications is still John Deere.

Of course every lawn mower is going to have its issues. Some are too loud, some have rear-bag issues, some don’t hold enough gas. Some are really easy to start – other aren’t. None are perfect.

Anyway, if you want to deal with small lawn, go for the “greenest” option and get a push mower. If you have larger than the average lawn, get a riding mower. Both have issues and good points. I’ve used them both and know this is true.