Owning a home means being responsible for taking care of your yard. No matter the size of your yard, it still needs regular maintenance. You can either hire someone to do the work for you – or get your hands dirty and take matters into your own hands. Choosing the right lawn mower on Craigslist is key to making DIY lawn care easy and stress-free.
So, how do you know which mower on Craigslist is the best fit for your yard? Read on to find out helpful tips and tricks to choosing the right lawn mower, then use our Craigslist Search Engine below to find a great deal!
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Assessing Your Particular Requirements
Choosing the right lawn mower for your lawn can be overwhelming. Before you search Craigslist, it’s important to assess your particular needs. But what do you need to consider?
Grass Density, Zoning Laws, and Noise Restrictions
To get the best mower for your lawn, you need to factor in grass density, zoning laws in your neighborhood, and any noise restrictions. Grass density helps you determine the blade and rotations you’ll need, and zoning laws and noise restrictions can inform the engine type you choose.
Size of Your Lawn
Don’t make the mistake of getting a smaller mower on Craigslist to save money if you have an expansive lawn. Push-type mowers can be too small for lawns of an acre or more. Ride-on mowers, however, let you travel quickly and efficiently across a large area; but you have to take into account obstructions like trees, flower beds, and jungle gyms.
The slope of the terrain is another factor to consider, as a mower with too much gradient can topple over. While you may need a push-behind mower for hilly regions, a ride-on may be necessary for flatter, grassy areas if your total yard size is more than an acre.
Types of Mowers on Craigslist
Here is an overview of the two main types of mowers you will likely find on Craigslist, and the benefits of each:
- Push Mowers: These are the most popular types of mowers, and are typically powered by gasoline or electricity. They are easy to maneuver and operate and are ideal for smaller yards and flatter terrain.
- Ride-On Mowers: These are designed for larger yards, and are powered by gasoline. They are faster and more efficient than push mowers and are ideal for large, open areas.
Read the sections for each type to learn more about how to choose the right mower for your needs.
How to Find the Best Walk-Behind Lawn Mower on Craigslist
Suburban lawns, small to midsized patches of grass are ideally suited to a walk-behind mower. These come in three flavors, namely reel, gas, and electricity powered. The real question to ask here is what do you want from the mower?
Do you want to push it around or need it to propel itself? Then there’s the issue of yard size, as well as grass height and type. To help you decide, I have arranged the three common categories of walk-behind mowers based on cutting width, height, engine power, and price range, with a few short buying tips for each.
Reel Mowers
I’m a fan of reel mowers because of their affordability, effectiveness, and ease of use. Basically, they use a blade spindle that revolves or spins as you push the mower along. They act kind of like large scissors, slicing through grass quickly.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, zero-emission, no-maintenance, easy-to-use, and long-lasting mower on Craigslist, then a reel mower is the perfect choice for you! They use a blade spindle that revolves or spins as you push the mower along – effectively cutting through the grass like large scissors. And for those of us who love a good bargain, reel mowers are definitely budget-friendly.
Coverage Area and Effective Cutting Height
The coverage area for reel mowers ranges from 13 to 20 inches, and the effective cutting height is from 4 to 5 inches. Prices on Craigslist can range anywhere from $10 to $150.
Tips for Buying the Best Reel Mower on Craigslist
- Number of Blades: Most reel mowers use a combination of 4 to 7 blades. The more blades it has, the tougher it is to push – although it can cut through heavy grass types like St. Augustine or Bermuda. Thinner grasses, such as Kentucky or Fescue, require no more than five blades.
- Width: Wider the mouth of the mower, the quicker you can finish mowing. A 20-inch mower will have at least 30 percent more efficiency than a 14-inch mower – but think wisely before jumping at a 20-inch mower, since you’re the one pushing it forward!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Zero emissions
- No maintenance
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
Cons
The downside of reel mowers is that the blades can get entangled in debris and twigs. So if your yard has lots of trees or flower beds, this is not the best choice.
Understanding Reel Mowers
If you’re looking to get a reel mower for your lawn on Craigslist, there are three key factors to consider: the number of blades, the width of the head, and the cut height.
One – Number of Blades
Reel mowers come with anywhere from 4 to 7 blades, so it’s important to know what kind of weeds and grass you’ll be dealing with. If you need to mow thick grass like St. Augustine or Bermuda, you’ll want to go with a 7-blade mower. For thinner grass types like Kentucky or Fescue, a 5-blade mower on Craigslist should do the trick.
Two – Width Of The Head
The cutting width of reel mowers varies from 14 to 20 inches. A wider mower will mow faster, but it might be harder to push or pull. A 20-inch mower can reduce mowing time by up to 30%, but thankfully, it usually only weighs around 50 pounds.
Wider mowers can reduce mowing time, but it’s important to factor in the amount of effort needed to push it around. If you’re a larger person, a larger reel mower won’t be an issue, but for smaller people, it’s best to opt for a lighter mower that’s easier to move around.
Three – Cut Height
The cut height of your mower will depend on the type of grass you have. To avoid damaging the top soil, you should never remove more than 1/3 of the grass. For Tall fescue, St. Augustine, Perennial Ryegrass, Bluegrass, Fine Fescue and Buffalo grass, aim for a mower with a cutting height between 2 and 3 inches. For Zoysia, Centipede and Bermuda grass, a mower with 1.5 to 2.25 inches mowing height will do just fine.
Electric Lawn Mowers on Craigslist: A Quieter, Cleaner Way to Mow Your Lawn
If you’re looking to replace your gas lawn mower with a quieter, zero-emission model, then electric lawn mowers are the way to go. With electric mowers, you can enjoy the same performance as a gas model, but without the noise and environmental impact. What’s more, the operating costs are usually lower than gas models.
But before you search for one on Craigslist, there are a few things to consider when it comes to electric mowers. Read on to learn more about the benefits, coverage area, effective cutting height, price, and tips on buying an electric mower.
Benefits of Electric Mowers
- Much quieter than gas models.
- Zero emissions
- Operating costs are usually lower than gas models.
Coverage Area & Effective Cutting Height
Electric lawnmowers typically have a coverage area of 18 to 22 inches and an effective cutting height of 1.25 to 4 inches.
Price
Craigslist prices for used electric mowers range from $100 to $400.
Tips On Buying An Electric Mower on Craigslist
- Mulching – If you plan on mulching, you will need a versatile mower. Most inexpensive models usually do not provide mulching attachments.
- Battery Vs Cord – Now corded versions have more power and better performance, but they are limited by the cord length. Either get a mower with a long cord length or go with battery-operated units if you have to travel far from a power source.
- Deck Size – With electric models, the deck size matters a lot as it determines the number of passes necessary and the total time required to mow a lawn.
Electric lawnmowers are a great way to keep your lawn looking great, without the noise and emissions of gas models. With a bit of research and careful consideration, you can find the perfect electric mower on Craigslist that fits your needs and budget. Happy mowing!
Corded Electric Mowers on Craigslist: All You Need To Know
Corded electric mowers are the traditional electric mowers that first emerged in the market. With a long extension cord, you can mow up to 100 feet away from the power source. All you need to do is plug it in and start mowing your lawn.
Deck Size and Price
The deck size of a corded electric mower can vary from 14 to 20 inches, and the wider the deck, the faster you can finish mowing your lawn. Of course, a larger deck also means a higher cost. Prices for these mowers on Craigslist can start at $10.
Tips To Buy A Corded Electric Mower on Craigslist
- Grass Clippings – Most corded mowers have a 2-in-1 design, with a side discharge and mulching option. If you want a 3-in-1 model, you can attach a bag and store your clippings, which will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning up.
- Extension Cords – The length of the extension cord of your mower will determine the reach. Longer cords mean you can cover more ground. However, if you want an extension cord of 100m or more, it will add 1/3rd of the cost to the overall price.
Arm yourself with the right knowledge before you buy a corded electric mower on Craigslist, and you will be ready to mow your lawn with ease.
The Benefits of Cordless Electric Mowers
Cordless electric mowers offer all the mobility of a gas mower without the noise and hassle of a corded electric mower. On a full charge, you can get up to one hour of mowing time, depending on the size of the battery – typically 24 or 36 volts. Deck sizes range from 12 to 22 inches and prices on Craigslist can start at $100.
Tips for Purchasing a Cordless Electric Mower on Craigslist
- Battery: The size of the battery will affect both the time you can operate the mower and the torque of the lawn mower. Bigger batteries usually have a greater output and can come as either NiCad or Lead-acid accumulators; both are good but have different charging times. Lithium Ion will be the best battery.
- Self-Propulsion: When buying a cordless electric mower, you can choose either a push type or a self-propelled machine. If you have a large yard with many slopes, a self-propelled model might be a better choice, though it will drain the battery faster and produce less torque in the blades.
- Mulching: If you want to mulch, you’ll need a high-power cordless mower that can rotate a mulching attachment to finely chop clippings for quick decomposition. This attachment usually comes at an extra cost, so consider buying a mower that includes it for free.
Cordless electric mowers are the perfect way to get the job done quickly and efficiently – and following these tips, you can find the perfect mower on Craigslist for your lawn.
Gas Lawn Mowers on Craigslist: More Power, Less Effort
If you have a large lawn and want to tackle the thickest blades of grass with ease, then a gas lawn mower is the perfect tool for you. With powerful yet compact engines, you can push these mowers from behind or walk alongside them. They make navigating hilly terrain a breeze, and you can cover a wider area of up to 24 inches.
The cutting height of a gas mower ranges from 0.75 to 5 inches. Plus, the price range for these mowers on Craigslist can range between $50 and $500, depending on the model and age.
Quick Tips on Buying a Gas Mower on Craigslist
- Self-Driven Vs. Pushed Design – Self-driven units draw power from the engine to propel the wheels forward. They are easier to move around and are great with gradients. Pushed designs, on the other hand, are harder to maneuver but more affordable and easier to maintain.
- Electric Start Vs Recoil – Pulling a cord, using the choke, and starting a cold motor can be quite a hassle. Electric-start is much easier to work with, but it significantly increases the price.
- Additional Attachments – While you may not always use the mulch attachment or the side discharge bag, it’s always a good idea to have them ready. Look for gas mowers on Craigslist that come with such attachments, since they cost more if purchased separately.
So, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient way to mow your lawn, gas mowers are the way to go. With the right set of features, you’ll have a lawn that looks neat and trim in no time!
Push Vs Self-Powered Mowers: Which is Right For You?
When it comes to mowing your lawn, choosing between a push or self-powered mower can be difficult. Push mowers require physical effort to get them moving and turning, making them a great option for smaller lawns. Self-powered mowers, on the other hand, are propelled by engine power and are better suited for larger, more uneven terrain.
If you have a large lawn, you may want to consider searching all of craigslist for a self powered mower. These mowers cost more due to the complexity of the machinery and the power they require to operate. But they can make quick work of large, hilly or uneven terrain.
More Considerations When Choosing a Gas-Powered Mower on Craigslist
- Deck size: Determine the size of your mower deck based on the size of your lawn. Smaller decks will maneuver easier, while larger decks will cover more ground quickly.
- Fuel type: Consider the type of fuel your mower uses. Some mowers use gasoline, while others may use propane or electricity.
- Safety features: Look for safety features such as blade brakes, self-propelled control, and a deadman switch.
Once you have decided on the type of mower that is right for you, you can begin to look for one that meets your needs and fits your budget. With so many options available, there’s sure to be a gas-powered mower that will help you maintain your lawn with ease.
Starting Mechanism
When it comes to mower starters, gone are the days when you had to muster up all your back strength and arm strength to pull that start cable. Nowadays, you have a lot of user-friendly options to choose from. Investing in an electric starting system with a turnkey ignition or a button starter might be pricier, but the effortless start and no kickback from the engine in case it fails to start make it totally worth it.
Wheel Traction
If you’re looking to get a self-driven gasoline mower, there’s one thing you should definitely consider: wheel traction. Rear-wheel drive is great for climbing hills, while front-wheel drive is ideal for flatter surfaces – it helps you pull the mower instead of pushing it. Think about the terrain you’ll be covering most often and make the decision that best suits your needs.
Choosing the Right Lawn Mower for You
When shopping for the right lawn mower, there are many things to consider. Here, we’ll talk through the fundamentals to help you make the best decision for your lawn!
Discharge Options
Are you looking to mulch your grass and use it as the base for your lawn? Or do you need a bag at the rear for disposal? If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, then you should- a mower that offers the option of a discharge bag, side discharge chute, or mulch.
Cutting Dimension
The cutting bottoms for gas mowers usually range from 18 to 32 inches. Wider cutting bottoms and blades are more efficient, but they can be more difficult to maneuver. Consider the dimensions of your lawn or yard when deciding between usability and efficiency.
Height Adjustment
In the past, gas mowers required height adjustment for each wheel individually. Today, you can find single lever designs or push button height adjustment systems. Decide which is best for you based on how many times you will be adjusting the height.
Blades
The blade design can make a huge difference in the quality of your mulch. It’s a good idea to buy additional blades for your gas mower, so you can swap them out depending on the application.
Engine Considerations
Most gasoline lawnmowers use a 2 stroke engine, but some are CARB compliant while others are not. Depending on where you are situated, you may want to look for CARB compliant models. Additionally, think about the engine design, size, and weight. Heavier engines are harder to control, but lighter ones are less efficient.
Ride-On Mowers on Craigslist: A Versatile Small Tractor
I like to think of ride-on mowers as versatile small tractors. For a farm, they can blow snow away, harvest crops in small batches, and more. Designed with a large blade underneath the chassis, they are powered by a large engine that sits either at the back or front of the tractor with a seat positioned on the top and driven on four wheels using power steering controls. Ride-on mowers are ideal for large lands, hilly regions and dense grass growth, although not great around obstacles.
How to Find the Best Riding Lawn Mower on Craigslist
For yards less than 3/4th an acre, investing in a riding mower isn’t worth it due to maintenance costs, low running period, and lack of maneuverability. Here’s an overview of the two basic types of ride-on mowers, highlighting the engine power, deck size, price, and buying tips.
- Rear-Engine Riding Mower: This is the most basic type of ride-on mowers with an engine in the back. It is cheaper and easier to maintain than other mowers, with a smaller deck size and lower speed. Ideal for flat yards and small areas, it can cut through thick grass with ease. It is a great choice for those with a limited budget.
- Front-Engine Riding Mower: This type of mower is a bit more expensive than the rear-engine model, but it is more powerful and has a larger deck size. It is ideal for hilly yards and areas with thick grass. It is a better choice for those who need more power and are willing to pay for it.
And one final consideration you must take into account is your duration of stay. If you are a person prone to move around, whether you purchase a new house or rent one, moving your yard equipment can be difficult. For highly mobile folks, landscaping with rocks is a better alternative than grass. Landscaping is also better for business folks who travel a lot. In either case, it’s better to get the services of a professional lawn care company rather than searching all of Craigslist for a lawn mower.
Garden Tractors on Craigslist: A Versatile Work Horse for Your Yard
If you’re looking for a machine that can do more than just mow your lawn, a garden tractor is a perfect choice. Dependable, powerful, and able to handle heavy attachments, these tractors can sow seeds, harvest crops, and even blow snow off your fields.
Garden tractors typically come with twin cylinder Overhead Valve 15 27 have deck sizes from 35 to 60 inches. Prices range from $1200 and up.
Tips for Buying the Perfect Garden Tractor on Craigslist
- Engine: Base your decision on engine size on the total yard dimension. If you have slopes and plan on using heavy attachments, you’ll need a larger engine.
- Frame: Take a look at the construction of the frame to get an idea of its durability. Entry-level models usually use welded steel axles and frames, while more expensive models use cast iron or forged iron axles for extra strength.
- Attachments: Make sure your garden tractor can take on a variety of attachments, such as a sprayer, tiller, dozer blade, cultivator, and snow blower.
With the right garden tractor, you can get more done in less time. So choose wisely and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come.
Zero Turn Lawn Mowers on Craigslist: What You Need to Know
These high-performance machines can make short work of your lawn, with a top speed of 8mph and the ability to turn on a spot. They can zip around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles with ease, and are great for flat plains. However, you might want to steer clear of slopes and gradients, as the tiny tires on Zero Turn Mowers can have trouble with those.
Deck Size and Engine Options
- Deck Size – 30 to 66 inch
- Engine – 13.5HP to 30HP
- Price – $2000 onwards Tips on Buying a Zero Turn Mower on Craigslist When it comes to choosing the right ZTR for your needs, there are several things to consider. Depending on what you need the mower for, you’ll have to decide between Entry Level, Mid-Grade, Semi Pro, and Commercial models. Entry-level models are basic, and are best for operating like a regular garden tractor with the additional benefits of a ZTR. Mid-grade mowers feature a better construction and smoother ride, while the Semi Pro and Commercial models are great for hauling loads, mowing large areas, and even multitasking like tilling, sowing, and harvesting. You’ll also want to take into account the engine rating and life. Briggs & Stratton engines are often the best choice, as they offer a good return on investment.
Conclusion
For those who are considering taking on the responsibility of lawn care, the right type of lawn mower is essential. With the right mower, DIY lawn care can become much easier and more efficient. From the traditional gas-powered mower to the newer electric and cordless models, there are many options available. Taking into consideration the size of your lawn, the terrain, and the features you desire will help you to find the best mower for your needs. When you’re ready to start your search, use our search engine to search all Craigslist for the best lawn mower for the job!
