The Complete Lawn Mower Guide: How To Choose & Maintain the Right Mower For Your Lawn (Get Safety Tips Inside)

Summer is around the corner, and you woke up to a wild and not-so-well-kept lawn. Well, you’re not alone! For most homeowners and gardeners, the beginning of the summer season is the time to think seriously about lawn care. A major aspect of your lawn care is picking the right mower for your backyard.

Maybe you’ve been using the same clunky mower for years. Maybe you’re moving into a new place and shopping for your first one. Or maybe you're just tired of patchy cuts and sputtering engines. No matter where you're starting, the right lawn mower can change how you feel about yard work altogether.

Today, we’re breaking it all down - how to pick a mower that fits your lawn, what accessories are actually worth the money, and how to keep your equipment running like new. We’re also throwing in safety tips that most people skip until it’s too late.

Ready to get your weekends back and your grass under control? Let’s get started.

How to Choose the Right Lawn Mower for Your Yard?

Picking a lawn mower isn’t about grabbing the flashiest machine on the shelf. It’s about understanding what your yard actually needs, and choosing something that matches your space, budget, and how much time you want to spend mowing.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of mowers and when they make the most sense:

Push Mowers

Push mowers are the most straightforward option you can get. They rely entirely on you to push them around the yard, making them great for flat, compact spaces. With no engines to maintain and no fuel to buy, they’re simple and low-cost.

• Easy to store and lightweight
• Quieter than gas mowers
• Ideal for small spaces with minimal obstacles

Self-Propelled Mowers

Unlike push mowers, these come with a drive system that moves the mower forward on its own; you just steer. If your lawn has uneven terrain or modest inclines, this type saves your back and cuts your mowing time in half.

• Makes mowing less physically demanding
• Great for mid-sized yards
• Easy to maneuver, even on uneven ground

Riding Lawn Mowers

These are the heavyweights of the mower world. Designed for large properties, riding mowers come with a seat, steering controls, and often more cutting power. They're more expensive but are a huge time-saver if you’ve got serious square footage to cover.

• Best for half-acre or larger lawns
• Comfortable for longer mow sessions
• Ideal if you’ve got a lot of ground to cover

Robotic Lawn Mowers

These are automated machines that trim your lawn on a schedule. You set up a perimeter wire or app controls, and the robot mower handles the rest. Great if you value time or just hate the task altogether.

• Fully automated and low noise
• Best for small to medium lawns
• Higher upfront cost, but minimal effort after that

Battery-Powered or Electric Mowers

Cordless electric mowers offer a clean and quiet alternative to gas models. They're usually lighter and easier to maintain, which makes them a favorite among homeowners who want something simple but effective.

• Cordless and eco-friendly
• Perfect for suburban lawns
• Make sure the battery capacity suits your yard size

Before buying, measure your lawn area and think about how often you mow. DK Hardware offers a curated selection of electric and gas-powered lawn mowers that are ideal for most standard residential lawns.

Electric vs Gas Lawn Mowers - What’s Best for You?

You’ve probably seen the growing popularity of electric mowers, but does that mean it’s time to ditch gas? Not necessarily. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both so you can figure out what fits best with your yard, lifestyle, and budget.

Power and Performance

Gas mowers are built for power. If your lawn gets wild fast or you deal with thick grass, gas can muscle through it without slowing down. Electric models? They're quieter, cleaner, and totally capable of handling small to medium lawns, but don’t expect them to bulldoze a jungle.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Gas mowers demand a bit more attention: oil changes, air filters, spark plugs- you get the idea. Electric ones? Charge the battery, wipe it down, and you’re mostly set. They're the lower-maintenance pick.

Noise and Emissions

If you fire up a gas mower on a Sunday morning, your neighbor will hear it. And smell it. Electric mowers, on the other hand, barely make a sound, and you won’t be breathing in fumes while you trim the front yard.

Operating Costs

Gas prices go up and down, and those maintenance parts add up over time. Electricity tends to be cheaper and more consistent. Over the long haul, electric mowers usually cost less to run.

Convenience Factor

Electric mowers win big here. No pull cords, no fuel mixing. Just press a button and go. Gas models might take a few tugs to get started and need more storage considerations, especially for fuel.

So What’s Right for You?

If your yard is modest and you want less fuss, electric is probably the way to go. But if you’ve got a big property and want raw power without worrying about battery limits, gas still holds its ground.

DK Hardware has both options, electric and gas mowers, and they are ready to ship, so you can choose based on what matters to you: convenience, power, or price.

Must-Have Lawn Mower Accessories & Upgrades

Let’s be honest- mowing a lawn is a tedious task! But the right accessories can make it a whole lot faster, cleaner, and less frustrating. Here are a few add-ons that actually make a difference, especially if you're looking to get more life (and better results) out of your mower:

Replacement Blades

Dull blades make your mower work harder and leave your grass looking torn and ragged. Keep an extra mower blade or two handy so you're not stuck mid-mow.

• Choose high-carbon steel if you want something that lasts
• Sharp blades mean cleaner cuts and a neater lawn

Lawn Mower Oil & Fuel Stabilizers

If you're using a gas mower, oil changes aren’t optional. And if it’s sitting through the winter? A good stabilizer can save you from a springtime headache.

• Always double-check your manual for the correct oil type
• Fuel stabilizers help prevent gunked-up engines

Spark Plugs & Air Filters

These are the small, often-overlooked parts that can totally mess with performance when they wear out.

• Changing them is quick, cheap, and DIY-friendly
• Better airflow and clean ignition mean easier starts and smoother mowing

Grass Catchers & Mulching Kits

Not into raking? A catcher can save you that hassle. Prefer to feed nutrients back into the soil? Mulching might be more your style.

• Great for keeping lawns tidy or giving back to your grass
• Just make sure the kits fit your mower model

Covers & Storage Hooks

After mowing, you don’t want to just leave your gear out tangled in a pile of extension cord, or worse, in the rain.

• A waterproof cover protects from rust and weather
• Storage hooks keep garages and sheds neat (and safe from stubbed toes)

DK Hardware has all these and more, so whether you’re fixing up your current setup or upgrading your gear, you’ll find everything you need in one place.

Lawn Mower Maintenance & Repair Tips

A well-maintained mower works better, cuts cleaner, saves you from mid-season breakdowns, and lasts longer. Whether you're rolling out your mower for the first time this year or you're halfway through the season, a little care goes a long way.

Pre-Season Prep

Before your first cut of the season, give your mower a quick checkup. Clean off dust and debris, inspect for worn-out parts, and top off or replace the oil if you’re using a gas mower.

• Check the air filter and spark plug, they’re easy to swap and make a big difference
• Tighten any loose bolts or wheels
• Sharpen the blades so you’re not tearing the grass

Mid-Season Upkeep

It’s tempting to just mow and go, but doing a few small checks every month keeps your mower humming.

• Clear out grass clippings from the underside after every few uses
• Check blade sharpness, dull blades slow you down and leave ragged edges
• For gas models, monitor fuel levels and oil cleanliness

End-of-Season Wrap-Up

When mowing season winds down, store your mower properly so it’s ready to go next year.

• Drain leftover fuel or add stabilizer
• Wipe down the machine and store it under a waterproof cover
• Remove the battery (for electric mowers) and store it indoors

Need the parts or tools to handle these tasks? DK Hardware carries spark plugs, air filters, blade sharpeners, oil, and everything else you need to keep your mower in peak condition.

Additionally, we curated ways to keep your lawn and garden tools clean and rust-free throughout the year. Take a look!

Lawn Mower Safety Tips Every Gardner Should Know

No matter how powerful or well-built your mower is, it still comes with sharp blades and spinning parts, so a little caution goes a long way. These quick safety reminders can help you avoid common mishaps and mow with peace of mind.

Don’t Skip the Gear

We get it! Mowing in flip-flops might feel like summer. But all it takes is one loose rock to turn into a flying hazard. Always wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and safety glasses.

• Goggles protect your eyes from debris
• Gloves improve grip and protect your hands when clearing clogs or changing blades

Watch Your Surroundings

It’s easy to zone out while mowing, but stay alert.

• Keep kids and pets indoors or well away from the mowing zone
• Pick up sticks, toys, and stones before you start
• Avoid mowing on wet grass, it’s slippery and can clog the machine

Handle Fuel with Care

If you’re using a gas mower, fuel safety is non-negotiable.

• Always refuel when the engine is cool
• Store fuel in approved containers, away from heat sources
• Never smoke near your mower or gas can

Unplug Before You Touch Anything

Need to clean the blade or remove a clog? Disconnect the spark plug (for gas mowers) or remove the battery (for electric) before you do anything with your hands near the deck.

Whether you're mowing your front yard or a full acre, these simple habits can prevent accidents and extend the life of your equipment. Need safety gear? DK Hardware has you covered with gloves, goggles, and fuel storage solutions that put safety first.

PS: Before you get into mowing, a leaf blower will help get a clean lawn to mow! Our guide will help you pick the right leaf blower for you.

Start Mowing Today with DK Hardware Supply’s Mowers & Accessories

Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or just starting on your first lawn, one thing's clear: the right mower and a little know-how can turn a dreaded chore into a quick weekend win. From understanding the types of mowers to keeping them sharp, clean, and safe, you've now got everything you need to mow smarter, not harder.

Need to upgrade your setup? Looking for blades, oil, or just a better way to store your gear? We’ve got it. Head to DKHardware.com to find electric and gas lawn mowers, accessories, parts, and everything else you need to keep your yard looking sharp this summer.We work to make your home improvement journey easy & fun! Our weekly blogs will help you give direction to your project. Keep a check on this space, and follow us on Instagram & Pinterest for quick updates on the home improvement world!