Nothing is more frustrating than trying to push an underpowered lawnmower through a tangle of tall grass. But you don't have to battle forever. There are a variety of lawnmower upgrade options available to make the job easier. Whether you have your own tractor already and want an implement to cut the grass, or you want a new riding mower to get the grass under control, your options are many.
Zero Turn Mowers
Zero Turn Mowers have a level of maneuverability you don't usually see in lawn tractors which gives you the ability to make tight turns and cut lines faster than usual. One of the main time wastes while mowing a yard is having to realign yourself when you get to the end of a line because most mowers can't simply turn back on the direction from which they just came. A zero turn mower can double back without missing a blade of grass. Another benefit of zero turn mowers is that they cut much faster than lawn tractors. Often, consumer models reach speeds of 5-8 mph while professional models can get well above 10mph. It's worth noting that zero turn mowers aren't meant to clear fields of tall grass. Not only can fields like this disguise rocks and stumps, they're also much harder on the mower blade and don't cut cleanly.
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors can be found in garages around the country and they're popular for several reasons. One reason they're so popular is that they are reasonably priced. By comparison to zero turn tractors, they can be significantly cheaper. Lawn tractors use a steering wheel design for driving, which makes them easy to pilot. Their turning radius can leave something to be desired, though, if you're used to using a zero turn mower. On top of that, lawn tractors are also slower than zero turn mowers, and most models are poorly suited for clearing fields and mowing tall grass.
Pull Mowers
If you already own a small tractor, a pull mower is another option available for mowing your lawn. Pull mowers excell cutting tall grass and wild fields, and since they attach to tractors, you'll have plenty of traction for going over rough terrain. For people with large amounts of property that needs to be kept in check (such as acreage of fields that need to be cleared for fire season) a pull mower might be the best option. Some models use their own engine to power the mower blades while other models use the power take off (PTO) from the tractor they're pulled behind. It's harder to compare prices with pull mowers because they vary in size and features. But if you already have a tractor and a large quantity of grass to mow, they work great.
Clipping Collection Vs. Mulching
When purchasing a mower, you'll want to decide if you're going to go down the clipping collection route or the mulching route. Mulching is designed to redistribute grass clippings back over the grass. This helps to shield the fresh-cut grass from sun, keep moisture locked in, and return nutrients back to the soil. Clipping collection is used in scenarios where a clean cut is desirable. For professional landscaping or just a lawn that you want to keep looking presentable, clipping collection is the way to go.