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Three Tips for Choosing the Right Mower

(Family Features) If you're looking for ways to tighten your budget, make landscaping and lawn care a DIY project. If you need to invest in a mower, finding the right piece of lawn equipment makes all the difference. Beyond the basic criteria for matching the mower to your needs - yard size, slope and terrain, grass type - understanding value, service and safety can help you make the most of your investment. Use the following three tips as a starting point for your research.

Look For Proven Reliability
Manufacturers offer dozens of models with different specifications and features. But don't let the bells and whistles determine the machine for you.

It is a good idea to understand what you may expect in terms of a brand or a particular model's performance over time. Choose brands or models that have a proven track record when it comes to reliability. For a closer look at the durability of certain equipment offerings, check independent sources such as Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org).

Choose the Right Features
When shopping for riding lawn equipment consider your needs as well as those of your yard. Some of the most important features will provide an even cut, better ease of use and handling, and bagging and mulching capabilities. Added maneuverability features like four-wheel steer will improve up-close trimming.

If you plan to use your riding mower for projects other than cutting grass, look for a model that accepts a variety of attachments. Several manufacturers offer useful selection tools to help match you and your lawn with the best mower. To explore the John Deere mower selection tool, please visit www.JohnDeere.com/homeowners.

Also, specific safety features are designed to help prevent the risk of injury, so remember to look for, understand and compare these among different brands and models. General safety reminders and safety standards are also available through the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute at www.opei.org.

Think About Service
Service plans and after-sale support are available from most retailers to guarantee quick repair or maintenance. Ask your retailer about common service and warranty issues experienced with the models or price point you are considering, as well as the recommended maintenance schedule.

For added convenience, John Deere offers Mobile Service that brings a trained technician to your home to perform a 14-point inspection on all brands of riding lawn equipment. To schedule an appointment or find a local Mobile Service dealer, visit www.ReadyToMow.com

Courtesy of Family Features
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Source: John Deere