What Is the Most Efficient Way to Mow Large Properties
Large lawns may feel daunting for landscapers or home gardeners to tackle. How do you know where to start? What is the proper equipment? With these tips on how to mow large properties, along with a list of companies to purchase whatever mowing equipment you need or want to upgrade, you can feel more confident and ready to tackle your lawn care like a pro.
How to Mow Efficiently
Mowing any property, particularly a large one, requires a high level of preparedness and a well-thought-out process to complete the task efficiently. This intensive, time-consuming work can be made easier with the right planning and equipment. Here are some key considerations and actions to take before, during and after the lawn mowing process.
Choose the Right Mower
The equipment you use can make all the difference when cutting a big lawn, and the type of fuel is an especially important consideration. Gas is the most efficient option for large lawns due to the power required to cover such a vast area, although it does release harmful pollution into the environment. You can weigh the pros and cons of opting for electric or battery-powered mowers instead to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise.
Mowers can be ridden or pushed. For large areas, riding mowers are often the preferred choice. Some additions to consider include a grass collector and a built-in roller, which aid in the yard maintenance process.
Create a System
Establishing a system or routine to simplify things is critical. Once you have a clear approach, completing each step will seem easier.
Before mowing, ensure your mower is set to the correct cutting height for your specific type of grass. Cutting it too short can damage the base of the plant, leaving it susceptible to diseases that disrupt your efforts to maintain a lush, green lawn.
As a starting point for the mowing process, survey the lawn’s perimeter by trimming along the edges. This allows time to get them straight, as well as gathering a sense for when to stop mowing and turn around during the bulk of the work.
Once mowing is complete, pack up your machine and return it to its shed or van, if you work for a mowing company. You can blow the lawn one more time to ensure all loose debris and stray pieces of grass are cleared, giving it a fresh, clean look.
Limit Turns
When mowing in rows, turning takes the most time. A unique way to mow the grass with the least amount of turns is by using a circular pattern — beginning in the center, mow in a spiral pattern to keep momentum up and cut the lawn more evenly. Large properties make circular patterns easier because there is more ground to form a coherent circle. Taking this approach also provides a visually pleasing result.
Assess Before Starting
Several factors can affect the efficiency of a mower. Check the sharpness of the blades before you start. Dull blades cut grass more slowly. You should also survey the cutting deck. Remove any loose grass clippings from previous jobs and regularly clean cutting decks to avoid unexpected clumping. Also, be sure to check for any obstructions in the yard, such as dog toys, sticks or trash that may interfere with your mowing.
The weather significantly impacts the efficiency of mowing large lawns. Wet grass slows the mower down and creates clumps in its blade system. Therefore, dry conditions are the best time to mow.
Sustainable Mowing
It’s important to consider sustainability in your lawn care practices. It might actually be better for the environment to mow less frequently. Utilize a two-week schedule or no-mow areas to maintain growth and biodiversity. Allowing parts of your yard to grow over with vegetation and wildlife can improve the health of your local ecosystem. If you’re worried about the yard looking unkempt, you can mow the edges to make the overgrowth look intentional.
Do not mow in the same pattern every time. This can create ruts in the yard and damage the grass. Varying the pattern keeps the lawn healthy and the ground flat. During the mowing process, you can also collect the grass debris or use it as mulch clippings, which replenishes the yard and eliminates the tedious work of removing grass clumps.
Best Companies for Purchasing Mowing Equipment
With mowing best practices in mind, consider the top companies to purchase the highest-quality equipment tailored to your specific needs. Lawn mowers are the most critical aspect of efficient mowing and will be highlighted. Some key features to look for include the variety of mowers and the efficiency associated with each one.
- RC Mowers
RC Mowers is the best overall place to purchase an efficient mower. It’s run by experts and industry leaders, delivering high-quality service throughout the United States and globally. RC Mowers promises to give expert guidance, hands-on support and access to advanced remote mowers with a customer-first attitude.
RC Mowers offer a unique set of mowing equipment designed to increase efficiency. Its remote control mower is intended for brush cutting on steep slopes and hazardous terrain. The autonomous machine possesses self-driving capabilities that enhance efficiency by operating independently, thereby eliminating the need for a human operator. It is designed to safely handle challenging slope mowing and address labor shortages for landscaping companies.
| Key Features |
| Hands-on support |
| Customer-first attitude |
| Remote mowers |
- Toro
Toro is another popular lawn mower brand. It is known for its esteemed walking mowers, which are loaded with features and offer easy operation. Durability and ease of maintenance are other key attributes of Toro machines.
The walking mowers are available in both gas- and battery-powered options, and offer self-propelled features for those who prefer less manual labor. Toro also offers riding lawn mowers, some of which feature zero-turn technology to reduce mowing time. Toro’s TITAN Mowers are ideal for large properties, designed with strength, precision and power in mind for extensive areas.
| Key Features |
| Popular walking mowers |
| Easy to operate |
| Riding lawn mowers for large areas |
- Ego
Ego is a company that prides itself on its battery-power capabilities. Since batteries are often safer for the environment, the primary color of its products is green. Beyond lawn mowers, Ego also offers a range of trimmers to keep the edges of your lawn neat and make each mowing job look more polished.
Ego boasts more than 10 years of experience developing what it calls POWER+ products, and it now ships its products globally. Its mowers are available in push and ride models, with series ranging from 600 to 1300, offering a variety of options for interested customers. If you want more than just a lawn mower or trimmer, Ego sells chainsaws, snow blowers and portable power blocks.
| Key Features |
| Battery-power focus |
| 10 years of experience |
| POWER+ products |
- John Deere
John Deere is another popular company that manufactures and sells lawn mowers. It has products for multiple needs, including tractors, mowers and bulldozers. It has experience designing products for many industries, including food, fuel, infrastructure and fiber.
John Deere offers lawn tractors for large properties with extensive overgrowth. The zero-turn mower provides increased efficiency, and its riding options are enhanced with numerous attachments to make them even more compatible. Some models can even transform into snow plows for cold winter months when traditional ones are usually not in use.
| Key Features |
| Lawn tractors |
| Zero-turn mowers |
| Snow plow attachments |
- Kubota
Kubota sells various construction equipment but also offers lawn mowers for both construction workers and everyday homeowners. There are many programs available to finance large purchases, ensuring you can still get the best quality lawn mower at an affordable price. Kubota also offers a program called Kubota Genuine, which sells parts for its products to keep them running for longer without requiring an entirely new purchase.
The company sells zero-turn mowers, which reduce the time spent mowing, as well as stand-on models that are operated while standing up, rather than sitting down or pushing from behind. Its walk-behind mowers are available in different series, and its front-mount options can tackle more heavy-duty jobs. IT also sells lawn and garden tractors with a variety of features to make your property look presentable.
| Key Features |
| Financing plans |
| Kubota Genuine |
| Zero-turn and front-mount mowers |
- Troy-Bilt
Troy-Bilt sells mowers and additional lawn equipment. It boasts extensive testing to ensure its products are of good quality and are durable. There are numerous offerings on its website for customer assistance, locating a service center and downloadable manuals, all designed to keep information on its products easily accessible for all customers.
It sells lawn tractors for big yards and heavy-duty areas. Zero-turn mowers are another one of Troy-Bilt’s products, increasing efficiency by not allowing turns with its dual hydrostatic transmission. Some features of the zero-turn riding mower include its two-way adjustable lap bars and high-back, cushioned seats with foam-grip lap bars, which provide a more comfortable ride.
| Key Features |
| Accessible manuals and assistance |
| Zero-turn mowers with dual hydrostatic transmission |
| Cushioned seats and foam lap bars |
- Snapper
Snapper has been in business since 1951, boasting 70 years of experience in manufacturing outdoor equipment. It sells products to homeowners seeking standard machinery for lawn maintenance and to landscaping businesses looking for an extensive array of tools. Its newest advancement is the development of lithium-ion battery-powered products, designed to increase efficiency and reduce mowing effort.
Snapper offers riding and zero-turn mowers. Riding mowers are typically sold as lawn tractors and are designed for mowing larger lawns, featuring mower decks, built-in brush guards and comfortable seats. Snapper’s zero-turn mowers include the 360Z Zero Turn Mower and the 360Z XT Zero Turn Mower. The former has an optional cargo bed for holding mulch, and the latter boasts its speed.
| Key Features |
| 70 years of experience |
| Riding mowers with advanced features |
| Zero-turn mowers with cargo beds |
- Husqvarna
Husqvarna manufactures equipment for lawns, forests, parks and gardens. Founded in 1689 in Sweden, the brand boasts 330 years of experience. It offers a range of products, including robotic lawn mowers, chainsaws and trimmers. Husqvarna Advantage provides industry-leading warranty coverage, support through the app, a money-back guarantee, flexible financing options, thorough inspection, and access to new parts and accessories.
Husqvarna offers a wide range of lawn mower options, including residential robotic, gas push, zero-turn, and battery and electric mowers. Potential customers have numerous options to suit their yard’s specific needs, including managing large properties.
| Key Features |
| 330 years of experience |
| Industry-leading warranty coverage |
| Large variety of mowers |
- Craftsman
Craftsman debuted as a brand in 1927 and created its first lawn mower in 1934. It offers a variety of products for every stage of the yard maintenance process, including trimmers and mowers. With a high battery voltage, its V20 outdoor machines and tools are its most notable products.
Craftsman sells trimmers and leaf blowers for the finer touches on a yard. It sells riding, zero-turn, push and self-propelled lawn mowers. Self-propelled models still need guidance, but they take the strenuous work of continuous pushing away from you. Its mowers are powered electrically or by gas, depending on your preferred energy source.
| Key Features |
| V20 battery voltage |
| Self-propelled lawn mowers and others |
| Electric or gas-powered |
Methodology
These mowing companies were selected based on their features, customer reviews and the variety of lawn mowers they offer. They were ranked starting with the best overall and preceded by the other top brands after careful research of their website, products and lists of a similar nature. This resulted in a comprehensive listing of the best brands in the industry.
Mowing Large Areas
Large properties present unique challenges when determining the most efficient way to mow them. Establishing a clear system and taking note of factors such as weather and equipment health aids this task, as well as selecting the right lawn mower from a trustworthy company. Many considerations go into mowing a lawn. However, taking the time to conduct research and develop a process, while also investing in the best-quality equipment, ensures an easier job and a stellar result.
