It’s almost that time of year again - time to break out your mower and manicure your property! But all mowers are not made the same, and if you’ve come into a new piece of property, or your current mower has decided to retire, you may be wondering what mower will work best for your needs. At Wood Splitters Direct, we understand your situation, and we’re here to help. The trusty graphics below will help you tell the difference between an electric start mower and a recoil start, as well as the type of mower or cutter you need to get your job done right.
The type of mower or trail cutter you purchase will largely depend on the terrain you intend to use it on. Do you have a large size backyard with mostly grass? Or do you have a field full of thick undergrowth and saplings? Knowing your terrain is the first step in choosing your mower.
Check out the graphics below for the next steps in your mower purchase process:
Are you having trouble viewing the images above? Here's what you missed:
Electric vs. Recoil Start
Recoil Start:
- Engine start by pulling a rope coiled around the crank shaft
- Starter can be damaged if rope is not released gently - may get tangled
- Generally cheaper and easier to repair for those with engine knowledge
Electric Start:
- Engine start with a switch or key
- Repairs can be more costly and complex than recoil start
- Starter battery must be charged regularly to keep power supply optimum
Key Takeaway: The only difference between electric and recoil start is the way they start. Both recoil and electric start mowers/cutters run and perform the same.
Large dense area with thick undergrowth
For these cutting jobs, you will need a trail cutter.
General Trail Cutter Specifications:
- 44" to 57" cutting range
- Run well between 4 and 10 mph
- Should be pulled with an ATV or some kind of tractor
- Best used for overgrown, wild property such as forests or overgrown fields - should not be used on lawn grass
Swisher 52 Inch Rough Cut Tow Behind Trail Cutter:
- Cutting Height: 4 to 7 inches
- Easily attachable to an ATV or lawn tractor
- Available with electric start
Swisher 44 Inch Rough Cut Tow Behind Trail Cutter:
- Cutting Height: 2.5 to 6.5 inches
- Will cut brush and saplings up to 3" thick
- Easily attachable to an ATV or lawn tractor
- Available with recoil or electric start
Large grass lawn
For these cutting jobs, you will need a trail mower.
General Trail Mower Specifications:
- 40" to 66" cutting range
- Runs well between 6 and 10 mph
- Should be pulled with an ATV or some kind of tractor
- Can mow up to 32 acres of lawn a day
- Will easily shred twigs, pine cones, and other minor obstacles on your lawn.
Swisher 66 Inch Finish Cut Pull Behind Mower:
- Cutting Height: 1.5 to 5.5 inches
- Increased cutting path dramatically reduces mowing time
- Available with electric start
Swisher 60 Inch Finish Cut Pull Behind Mower:
- Cutting Height: 1.5 to 5.5 inches
- Easily attachable to an ATV or lawn tractor
- Side discharge spreads cut grass evenly and prevents engine choking
- Available with electric start
Small to medium area with dense undergrowth
For these cutting jobs, you will need a rough cut mower.
General Mower Specifications:
- 7" to 44" cutting range
- Walking Speed
- Best used for small to medium overgrown, wild property such as forests or overgrown fields - should not be used on lawn grass
Swisher 24 Inch Walk Behind Rough Cut Mower:
- Self-propelled
- Will cut brush and sapling sup to 1.5" thick
- Four-speed transmission and reverse make climbing and cruising easy
- Available with recoil start
Swisher Commercial Pro 24 Inch Walk Behind Rough Cut Mower:
- Self-propelled
- Will cut brush and saplings up to 1.5" thick
- Four-speed transmission and reverse make climbing and cruising easy
- Available with recoil and electric start
Medium to Large Lawns
For these cutting jobs, you will need a finish cut trail mower.
General Trail Mower Specifications:
- 40" to 66" cutting range
- Run well between 6 and 10 mph
- Should be pulled with an ATV or some kind of tractor
- Generally needs 249cc to pull safely
Swisher 44 Inch Finish Cut Pull Behind Mower:
- Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches
- .7 Gallon Fuel Tank
- Used as a "wing mower" with increased cutting path
- Great for cutting under low hanging trees and other obstacles
- Available with recoil or electric start
Commercial Size Lawns
For these cutting jobs, you will need a zero turn mower.
Zero Turn Mower Specifications:
- Two small swiveling front tires, and two large drive tires in the rear
- Rear tires rotate independently of each other depending on driver's input
- Steering is conducted with two throttles, a joystick or a steering wheel depending on the model
- High class maneuverability allows smooth & easy 360° turns
Swisher 27 HP 66 Inch Briggs & Stratton Commercial Pro Zero Turn Mower:
- Cutting Height: 1.5 to 5 inches
- Duel 4 Gallon Fuel Tank
- 8 MPH forward or reverse
- Front & Rear Hitch
- Available with electric start
Swisher 24 HP 54 Inch Briggs & Stratton Zero Turn Mower:
- Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches
- Comes with a cup holder!
- 8 MPH forward or reverse
- Front &a Rear Hitch
- Available with electric start