If you’re in the market for a lawn mower and you don’t think you need a riding mower, your options are generally between buying a walk-behind lawn mower or a stand-on mower. Both options have their advantages, especially since the technology behind them has grown so much in recent years. Let’s talk a little bit about each option so you can make a more informed decision when you’re ready to buy your next lawn mower.
Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
As their name suggests, walk-behind lawn mowers are either pushed or guided while you walk behind them. They are relatively easy to use, especially for those with smaller or medium-sized yards. They also handle slopes and hills well since the operator has more control over them. This alone makes these types of mowers popular with landscapers.
The one major drawback of walk-behind mowers is that they do require more work on the part of the operator. Most modern walk-behind mowers are self-propelled, which makes them easy to use whenever you’re going straight across level ground, but you still need to guide it and turn around corners. If you’re not healthy enough to either push or walk behind a lawn mower, you may need to go with a stand-on model instead. Walk-behind lawn mowers also don’t always handle tight corners well, so be prepared to give yourself some extra space when you have to make a 90-degree turn.
Stand-On Lawn Mowers
Stand-on lawn mowers have been the go-to option for those who love riding lawn mowers but don’t have the kind of yard to justify buying one. A stand-on mower has a platform that you stand on and ride while your mower is in motion. They’re particularly popular with landscapers who need to mow several smaller yards since they handle tight corners a little better than walk-behind mowers. Naturally, they’re also perfect for those who don’t want to or cannot walk too much while mowing. Finally, stand-on lawn mowers tend to be more energy-efficient than walk-behind mowers since they are larger and can usually cover more ground.
If there is a drawback to mowing with a stand-on lawn mower, it’s that it doesn’t handle hills as well as walk-behind mowers. Mowing a hilly landscape requires a lot of precision and control, something that a walk-behind mower is more likely to provide. Going up and down a hill on a stand-on lawn mower will certainly be less strenuous, but you need to be able to maneuver your lawn mower in a straight line and be able to slow down if you feel like you’re starting to lose control.
When it comes to choosing between a walk-behind or a stand-on lawn mower, there really isn’t a “wrong” choice. Both types have their pros and cons, so it largely depends on what kind of yard you’re mowing and how much work you’re willing to do. If you’re a landscaper who has to navigate several smaller lawns or turn tight corners, a stand-on lawn mower is best. If you have a slightly larger yard with a lot of hills and you don’t mind putting in a little extra physical labor, a walk-behind mower will suit you just fine.