A Lawn to Make the Neighbors Envious, Starts With the Right Mower

CLEVELAND, Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- That blanket of snow will soon melt, leaving a yard that will desperately need some TLC. What state was your mower in when you put it away for winter hibernation? If you're like most, your mower was probably just turned off after its last cut and wheeled back to the shed.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110202/NYFNSW01 )

In order to get your lawn back to looking its finest, you must get reacquainted with your mower. A few quick steps, and your front yard will soon be the star of the neighborhood.

"Taking the time to tune up your mower before starting it for the season can make all the difference in the look of your yard and save you money in the long run," said Adam Ference, Director of Product Line Management.

Troy-Bilt® offers a few quick tips to help keep your mower running properly this spring:

• Have you sharpened your blades recently? If you've been using your mower for more than one year, it may be time to sharpen the blades. Or purchase a new set of replacement blades.  Also add fresh gas and oil.
• If any parts on the mower feel tight, add some oil to loosen them up.
• Clean your mower once or twice throughout the mowing season by emptying the gas, removing the spark plugs, and spraying it with a hose while the mower is on its side. Also use soap and a scrub brush to remove any dirt or dried grass.
• Replace the air filters once or twice during the season.
• When you're ready to put the mower away for season, make sure to remove the gas and oil.

Buying a new mower

If your mower needs to be replaced, now is the time to start researching and hitting the stores.  There are a few different things to consider, so it's important to know what kind of mower is best suited for your needs.

• Electric, Battery-Powered or Gas: Both electric and battery-powered mowers are great choices for those who are environmentally conscious, on a small budget, and have a smaller yard. However, they can be less efficient and harder to use, because you'll either need a long extension cord or only have an hour to mow your lawn before recharging the battery. Gas-powered mowers are the most common and easiest to use, plus with self propelling technology, all you have to do is guide the mower.
• Walk-Behind vs. Riding: If you have less than an acre of land, a walk-behind mower may make sense for you. Try the new Troy-Bilt TB350XP 21" Self-Propelled, TriAction® Mower. It has MYSPEED™ variable-speed, rear wheel drive transmission for added traction and speed control. It also has 8" front/11" rear wheels for added maneuverability on uneven terrain.
• Mulching vs. Bagging: Mulching can be more time efficient and puts nutrients back into the grass that help keep your lawn healthy. Bagging leaves your yard free of clippings and helps you avoid raking.  

Caring for your grass

Now that your mower is ready to go, here are a few tips for keeping your grass looking great all season long.

• Before you start mowing, make sure to clear the area of any rocks, twigs or other debris to keep them from getting caught in the blades.
• Keep your grass approximately 2" in length and always only take off 1/3" of new growth.
• Alternate the direction you mow each session. If you continually mow in the same direction every time, the wheels will create a rut in the grass.
• Mow your lawn in a pattern by mowing back and forth instead of walking in a spiral. This keeps the grass from becoming permanently bent in one direction. Also, make sure to go at a brisk pace so as not to clog the blades with grass.
• Be sure your lawn gets 1" of water per week to keep it healthy and growing properly.

SOURCE Troy-Bilt