NJ Lawns Community

Just bought a house with a 1/2 acre lot - my first lawn to maintain! The previous owner left a push mower but I'm wondering if I should upgrade to a riding mower. It's a big yard and I'm not exactly excited about pushing a mower for an hour every week in the summer. What do you all recommend? Budget is around $1500-2500.

Great question! For 1/2 acre, I'd actually recommend sticking with a quality push mower for a few reasons: 1. **Cost**: $1500-2500 won't get you a great riding mower. That budget gets you a fantastic push mower (Honda, Toro, or Snapper). 2. **Storage**: Riding mowers need garage space - they're big! 3. **Maintenance**: More complex = more expensive repairs 4. **Exercise**: You'll actually get a workout! (Silver lining?) That said, if you have any slopes over 15 degrees, a riding mower is safer. But for flat 1/2 acre, a 22" Honda self-propelled will do the job in about 35-45 minutes. The key is getting a mulching mower - those blade breaks down grass and returns nutrients to the soil.

I'll second the push mower recommendation! I have a 3/4 acre lot and use a Honda HRX217. It takes me about 50 minutes and honestly I don't mind it - podcasts make the time fly. I looked at riding mowers in that price range and they all had terrible reviews. The cheap ones break down fast. If you really want a riding mower, look for used John Deere or Cub Cadet - they're built to last. But for your budget, get a top-notch push mower and save up for a proper tractor if you decide you need one later.