|
Post by aidenhallstrom on Jun 29, 2020 4:35:36 GMT -5
I’d previously been borrowing my dads riding mower but it’s a lot to haul it back and forth every week or 2 all summer long. Im trying to figure out if a push mower is doable for that size or if I’m better off continuing to borrow his.
|
|
|
Post by desertwoman on Jun 29, 2020 9:44:23 GMT -5
It depends..... on your age, stamina, strength; depends on is it a power push mower or reel push mower.
I would have thought nothing of it with a power push mower in my 30s, 40s, probably even 50s. Might even have still been doing it into my 60s but sure wouldn't be doing a half acre now.
If you already have the mower, give it a go and see how you feel. If not, does your Home Depot or some other business have a tool/equipment lending department you could borrow from and see how it goes? Or a friend's?
It's doable. The question is will you want to? ;)
|
|
|
Post by emmsmommy on Jun 29, 2020 12:04:44 GMT -5
I agree with desertwoman, depends on age, stamina, strength and definitely the mower. Also consider the heat when tackling the job. If it's 90 degrees in tha shade, do you really want to be pushing a mower around? Can it be done? Yes, I've done it many times with a gas powered mower when the riding mower was down and still do the front and back yard with one. I find it good therapy for my back which used to give me a lot of trouble. When we were between mowers we used to borrow my in-laws which my brother-in-law and his family borrowed often and abused. Seems like it waited until we were using it for something to fall off or break and I believe in returning something the same or better as you found it. Unfortunately it was costing us money just about every time we used it.
|
|
|
Post by tom 🕊 on Jun 29, 2020 12:31:44 GMT -5
Do you need that much yard? You could plant part of it in trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, self-sowing flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Vegetables can be grown spotted among flowers. I prefer a more colorful and dynamic yard, but need some grass as a firebreak.
|
|
|
Post by reuben on Jun 29, 2020 12:51:09 GMT -5
If it's fairly flat and you're in decent shape it's quite doable.
Planning ahead, you may want to start looking for a good used riding mower.
|
|
|
Post by Mumsey on Jun 30, 2020 5:05:36 GMT -5
I used to walk to mow an acre. Way back when. I still could. We are now 1/4 acre and it's very easy.
|
|
|
Post by James on Jun 30, 2020 9:41:59 GMT -5
is your lot half acre, minus house, drive, trees, bushes? Or is your actual lawn size to be mown a half acre? If the later is the case, I would go for a riding mower.
|
|
|
Post by gardendmpls on Jun 30, 2020 20:07:31 GMT -5
No law says you have to cut it all in one day. Spend 15 or 20 minutes at a time and when you hit the end, wait a bit and start over.
|
|
|
Post by nathan125 on Jul 3, 2020 15:37:40 GMT -5
save up for a riding mower.....
|
|
|
Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Jul 7, 2020 12:02:42 GMT -5
When I first moved in and before I began converting lawn to a garden, I was adamant about using manual vs. power tools, and mower, and maintaining clean air in my little piece of paradise, so I used a reel mower for my yard, which was about 1/3 of an acre. After some years (I think about 4 or so), I got tired of spending 4 hours or so trudging across the yard. I was in my mid 30's at that time.
The issue wasn't just the fatigue; it was the alternate use to which my time could be better spent, such as in gardening (I was in the process of converting the large lawn at that time).
In this heat, I would choose the safest and quickest option for me, especially since 1/2 of the yard gets sun all day long.
My new neighbor still uses a push mower, but he's probably 30 - 40 years younger, and mows it in stages. But his whole yard is in shade.
Before investing in an expensive riding mower, try out the options suggested in other's posts, then make a decision.
|
|
|
Post by datgirl on Jul 7, 2020 13:08:48 GMT -5
SpringRain🕊️,Where you been? Glad you're back posting. As far as the mowing, I say do as much as you can at a time or hire someone to do it for you.
|
|
|
Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Jul 7, 2020 13:21:17 GMT -5
datgirl, thanks for the concern. I've been working on the house, doing a lot of thinking (major effort for me as my mind wanders a lot), and planning for the rest of my life...usually. Sometimes I'm just lazy and read a lot. I'm reconfiguring the garden, which was probably 2/3 of the mowing area, so there's a lot less now, and I plan to keep it that way. I did hire a company to mow when my lawn mower's self propelled mechanism failed, and for awhile it was nice. I've been thinking more and more how to convert the small area of lawn that's left to ground covers, and eventually eliminate mowing entirely.
|
|
|
Post by derekshellman66 on Sept 20, 2020 16:18:31 GMT -5
I’d previously been borrowing my dads riding mower but it’s a lot to haul it back and forth every week or 2 all summer long. Im trying to figure out if a push mower is doable for that size or if I’m better off continuing to borrow his. Thanks for this post Aiden Hallstrom! I think that choosing a mower depends a lot on the size properties that I am mowing.
|
|
|
Post by shadetree on Sept 26, 2020 21:26:05 GMT -5
I cut an almost entire acre with a push mower for the longest time. I enjoy cutting grass and it was good exercise. It sure felt good when I finished (hours later, with breaks, of course) and rewarded myself with a shower and cold beer. Felt great. Not gonna lie, it was pretty tough when the temperature was in the 90's Lately, I've been having someone come out and cut it. I used to have a Sear Craftsman, but realized that I was wearing myself out making the turns because the motor was quite heavy. When I needed a replacement, I bought a small Bollens. It was so light I could turn it with one arm, lol, and it was cheap to where replacing it if necessary was doable. I could even fold up the handle and lift it and put it in the back seat of my car to take to someone's who was willing to work on it if necessary. For the price, a great little mower. But yes, a riding mower would be ideal. : )
|
|