Zyrendral Xythorian 
Shopping for a new mower can be quite overwhelming. There are so many different types of mowers to choose from: wired, cordless, petrol, ride-on and even robot mowers. Where do you start?
The best way to approach buying a mower is to first consider your budget. This will limit you as to what types of mowers you can buy. The good news is that you can buy high-quality at each price point. This post offers tips on how to select the best mower within each budget range.
<$100
This is entry-level territory where you’re only going to get basic mowers for smaller lawns. The two main types of mowers available here are manual cylinder mowers and corded electric mowers.
Manual mowers don’t have an engine, so you need to be prepared to do the work. That said, this makes them very light, and they’re also by far the quietest and most eco-friendly option. They’re a good choice for small, flat lawns.
Basic corded electric mowers will take out some of the elbow grease. They need to be plugged in while in use, so they have limited range. However, you don’t have to worry about charging them up and they’re very low maintenance and economical in the long run.
Some of the most powerful mowers under $100 you’ll find are likely used and refurbished models. You may even find people giving away old gas mowers within this price range. However, the condition of these mowers may not always be great, meaning more imminent repairs and replacement.
$100 to $200
In this price range, you’ll start to see better quality corded electric mowers with stronger motors for longer grass, wider cutting widths to cover more ground and a more robust build. For small to medium sized gardens, you typically don’t need anything more than one of these mowers.
Cordless electric mowers also start to appear within this price range. These run on a rechargeable battery, providing freedom from messy and range-limiting cables. These mowers are lightweight and cost little to run. However, expect more frequent and longer charges than you would with a higher end cordless electric mower.
Again, it’s worth considering used mowers in this category. Most reputable used dealers will start selling used mowers in this price range, which may include some refurbished petrol mowers. A benefit of choosing a reputable dealer is you may be protected by a warranty, which is something you don’t get when buying from a private seller.
$200 to $500
We now enter the petrol mower category. For tackling rougher terrain or longer damp grass, petrol mowers tend to provide more power and capability. Some have wide cutting widths or are self-propelled to help with slopes. Just be wary that these mowers are noisier, heavier and require more maintenance.
High quality cordless electric mowers can often be found in this price range. Compared to models under $200, cordless variants in the $200 to $500 price region have bigger batteries and much longer run times. They have powerful motors that may allow them to compete with some petrol mowers in longer grass. They will also last more years than basic models.
In this price bracket, you start to see a greater selection of additional features on both electric and petrol mowers including mulching features and adjustable heights. Those with a larger lawn or those who are serious about regular mowing will want to choose a mower in this category.
When it comes to used mowers, you meanwhile have endless choice within this bracket. You still need to be wary of the condition, so inspect models before you buy them.
$500 to $1000
Once you’re past $500, you’re looking at high-end domestic mowers. These premium mowers tend to combine top quality engineering and ergonomic design for ultimate reliability and comfort.
Petrol mowers in this price range have self-propelled drives with variable speeds. Many have steel or alloy decks that last for years. These models are excellent for bigger plots and sloping yards due to their extra power and durability.
Cordless mowers that cost over $500 meanwhile have very long run times and may even come with multiple batteries. Some of these mowers have brushless motors, which improves efficiency and lifespan.
Been thinking of getting a robot lawn mower? This is also possible within this price range. These electric mowers are able to digitally map out your lawn and cut it automatically without any human involvement necessary. For people with busy lives (or those that just want to maximize relaxation time) robot mowers can be a great choice. Just be wary that many robot mowers in this price range use GPS, so are best suited for lawns with little to no tree coverage.
>$1000
Above $1000, you’re looking at highly specialized mowers designed for vast gardens or for commercial use.
Ride-on mowers typically cost more than $1000. They vary in size from small buggy-like mowers to huge machines that are akin to tractors. Ride-ons are best suited for large country estates or paddocks, helping to speed up mowing over long distances. Make sure you have enough storage space for them before buying them and avoid these mowers if your lawn has lots of intricate or narrow parts.
Walk-behind mowers at this price range are typically targeted at professionals. They’re produced by top brands and are designed for heavy-duty usage with parts that don’t wear easily. They’re usually petrol but may have an electric start button and have all kinds of useful features like blade brake clutch and variable speeds. Invest in one of these if you’re a professional landscaper.
As for robot lawnmowers over $1000, some of these have useful features like LiDAR – a remote sensing technology that allows them to map out an area without GPS (useful for lawns covered in trees). These robot mowers also have better battery life and may come with extra settings to play around with. For effortless convenience, a high-end robot mower is an unbeatable option – provided you can financially stretch to it.
