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 maintaining its appearance and performing upkeep, you’ll want to make sure the engine application you rely on is best suited to your unique space. And while our FR Series engines are specifically engineered for residential mowing and neighborhood use, that’s only half the equation. You need the mower to match.

Choosing the right mower can save you time, money, and effort. In this article, we’ll speak to the different types of lawn mowers and lay out factors that will help you match the best option to your lawn size, terrain, maintenance preferences, 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 Your Home Mower

We asked Josh at Kawasaki Engines, for some initial considerations, "The first thing you'd want to determine is whether you're looking for a push mower, something self-propelled, or a rider, meaning a tractor or small zero-turn. From there, you determine what type of yard you have. Do you have a lot of hills? If your turf is more even, a push mower would probably be best."

The general recommendation is walk-behind, push mowers for small- to medium-sized lawns, like townhome or single-family yards. But what about the best mower for large lawns or properties with more acreage to cover? We suggest riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, or lawn-and-garden tractors. Of course, there are additional features to consider that can add convenience and efficiency to any mow, including self-propelled vs. push mowers or baggers for an added touch of convenience and efficiency. No matter what you decide on, just be sure it’s the right fit for your yard size, as purchasing an undersized mower can lead to extended mow times, more frequent maintenance, and increased wear and tear.

Another important consideration when choosing your mower is the terrain of your space, including inclines. Some mower applications are more accustomed to these conditions and should be heavily considered for yards with hilly terrain or frequent changes in inclination.

You’ll also want to keep in mind—mowers, like engines, need routine maintenance to help ensure optimal performance and longevity. Be sure to inquire about features designed to make maintenance a more seamless, efficient experience when shopping for your next mower. Just remember, the engine and mower that form your application will more than likely be from different brands—meaning service for your mower, including warranty eligibility, may need input from an authorized dealer for that brand. Furthermore, while there are some areas in the country where mowing is more of a year-round thing, most people will have seasons where they mow far less frequently or not at all. In these situations, it’s important to consider off-season storage for your mower. Proper storage, whether outdoors or in a garage or shed, can help avoid issues down the road, including rust and fuel contamination.

“Familiarize yourself with whatever mower, whatever engine you buy. Know how to operate it safely and properly upkeep it. And at a dealership, you get that support,” says Josh.

There’s no shortage of factors to consider when selecting the right mower for your yard’s needs—you may even prefer a push or stand-up mower for exercising and cardio reasons! But no matter what you choose, there are some initial tips to consider and pitfalls to avoid.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Mower and Tips for First-Time Buyers

You’ve heard about things that can help find the right type of lawn mower for your unique space—but what about those factors that might impact your purchase negatively? We asked Josh about some of the more frequent pain points he’s seen for homeowners looking for a new mower.

“I think one of the top mistakes a homeowner makes is going to the box store without any information on what they want. The employee there might not know the products as well, whereas an authorized Kawasaki Engines dealer is well-informed on what they're selling and can really direct the customer to the right mower for their application."

From price points to lack of awareness around available resources, consider the following when shopping for your mower:

  • Big box stores aren’t your only option—consider independent outdoor equipment dealers in your community, as they often will have more product information, knowledgeable staff support, and potential access to service should you need it in the future
  • Your local dealer may offer a wealth of benefits—from expert advice and warranty support to technical assistance and competitive pricing, this important resource could be more valuable than you know, such as initial setup and maintenance info
  • Don’t focus solely on price—doing so may lead to overlooking other important factors like long-term support, warranties, and whether or not it’s the right choice for your specific lawn
  • Make sure your mower size matches your lawn’s—as mentioned above, choosing an undersized mower for your lawn can result in extended work time, more frequent maintenance, higher fuel consumption,  and increased wear and tear (this is especially crucial for larger lawns where a riding mower would be more appropriate); consider push mowers for small yards and ride-ons for larger lawns
  • Remember, maintenance is key—proper upkeep, both on your mower and engine, are integral to the long life of your equipment, including cleaning the machine and routinely sharpening its blades (please follow all necessary precautions when performing mower maintenance)
  • Get acquainted with your new mower before you operate it—be sure to read all owner materials and lean on your local dealer for support on any questions or concerns you may initially have

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, “Familiarize yourself. Know your mower, how to operate it safely, and how to properly maintain its upkeep. Your [authourized Kawasaki Engines] dealer will know how to help.”