As a homeowner, it’s only natural to want what’s best for your yard. Whether you see it as your personal sanctuary, a retreat for friends and family, or a place for hosting and celebrating—your yard is an extension of your lifestyle. So when it comes to lawn maintenance, choosing the right lawn mower and engine is essential—especially one suited to your lawn’s size, terrain, and mowing needs. And while our FR Series engines are specifically engineered for residential mowing, that’s only half the equation. You need the mower to match.
Choosing the right engine and mower can save you time, money, and effort. So to help you make the right selection, we’re breaking down the different types of lawn mowers and laying out factors that will help you match the best option to your lawn size, terrain, and other key considerations. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, we’re here to help you make a most-informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Residential Lawn Mower
We first asked Josh Vandervest, Field Service Advisor II at Kawasaki Engines, what some of the most important considerations are when selecting a mower for your lawn. "The first thing you'd want to determine is whether you're looking for a push mower or a ride-on. Then, you should consider what type of yard you’re working with. What kind of acreage do you have? Are there a lot of hills or other features to keep in mind?"
We agree with Josh—before you can make the best choice for your yard, you should take stock of its landscape, from its size to any potential obstacles it contains. From there, it comes down to two major categories: walk-behind mowers and riding mowers.
Walk-Behind Mowers
If you own a small- to medium-size yard, roughly half an acre or less, walk-behind push mowers, whether small-area or wide-area, often make for the most suitable choice. But even then, there are additional factors to consider.
Ride-On Mowers
Large lawns, or those that are half an acre or greater, make the best candidates for ride-on mowers. And like walk-behind models, different types exist for different needs.
Additional Considerations
Choosing a mower for hills, thick grass, or uneven terrain requires more than just size—it also means considering traction, power, and ease of use.
There’s no shortage of factors to consider when selecting the right mower for your yard’s needs—but no matter what you choose, there are some pitfalls to avoid.
Top Mistakes When Buying a Lawn Mower for Home Use
You’ve heard about things that can help find the right type of lawn mower for your space—but what about those factors that might impact your purchase negatively? We asked Josh Vandervest about some of the more frequent pain points he’s seen for homeowners looking for a new mower.
“A homeowner might not always know just how valuable a resource their local outdoor power equipment dealer can be. When it comes to Kawasaki engines and the mowers they pair with, an authorized Kawasaki Engines dealer not only has the products you’re looking to purchase—they offer unmatched insight into both the work you want to accomplish and the equipment needed to do it right.”
From ignoring mower sizing to skipping a visit to a local mower dealer, here are some common lawn mower buying mistakes.
When chosen correctly, your mower is a machine with plenty of power and durability. Just be sure it’s the right match for your personal needs. It's the first step in creating the lawn and yard you’ve always imagined.
In the words of Josh Vandervest, "Familiarize yourself. Know your mower, how to operate it safely, and how to properly maintain its upkeep. Your authorized Kawasaki Engines dealer will know how to help."