by Kathleen Hennessy

So, you need a new walk-behind lawn mower. The question is: Which one? With so many different types of mowers on the market, choosing the best one to fit your needs takes a little soul searching. How big is your lawn? Do you look at lawn mowing as a household chore or as a hobby? Are you going for the lush, green sports turf look or do you just want to get the job done?

Once you've established your needs there are a few things to know before you head out to the local dealer or home center.

To Push or Be Pulled
Most homeowners are opting for a self-propelled drive system. Self-propelled machines use engine power to move the mower forward. Manufacturers have many different ways to make this happen. You'll want to look for a system that is comfortable to engage. Do you have to grip a bail, move a lever or simply press down on the handle? Variable speed drives - systems that adjust to a pace you choose as opposed to a speed chosen by the mower - are easier to use. They make turning corners, trimming around trees and backing up a simple task

Handling the Clippings
You'll need to decide how you want to handle your clippings. There are three basic cutting systems to choose from.

• You can mulch your clippings back into the soil. This can save you time, because there is no need to bag or rake your clippings. Quality mulching mowers cut the grass into tiny pieces that are then forced back into the turf. As they decompose, the clippings serve as fertilizer for your lawn. When shopping for a mulching mower, make sure you are getting the real thing. Some manufacturers just block off the clipping exit areas in the deck and call it a mulching machine. True mulching mowers feature a closed deck design, and other unique features such as a special blade, front throw chamber and/or baffles on the underside of the deck.
  
• A side-discharge chute directs the clippings out the side of the deck. A good option if you have very tall grass.
  
• Or, you can bag your clippings with a grass catcher that attaches to the mower. Perfect for adding the clippings to your compost pile, or for the times when you let your lawn get a little too long to mulch. Rear baggers are often easier to use and, in most cases, have a larger clippings capacity than side baggers.

Many manufacturers offer 3-in-1 models that give you all three options in one machine.

Choose Your Deck
Most manufacturers use two different metals to create the mower deck. Steel decks are usually a little less expensive and they tend to be lighter. Aluminum decks tend to be a little heavier, but they won't rust or corrode.

Start Your Engine
There is nothing worse then repeatedly pulling on a starter cord with no results. Look for engines that carry guarantees and extended warranties. That way if anything goes wrong within the warranty period you can get it fixed for free. Or, you can forget about pulling that cord and buy a machine with an electric start system. Just turn a key and you're off and mowing.

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