Buying a new lawnmower is usually a big investment for a homeowner, so you want to ensure you get the best choice for your property. You don't want to overspend on a size of lawnmower you don't need or added features you'll never use, but you also want a mower that will make quick work of cutting the grass as well. Note a few things to look for when you're ready for a new lawnmower for your property.

1. Electric versus gas

If you have a very small yard, an electric model may be all you need. This keeps you from having to store gas cans in your garage and changing the spark plugs of a gas model. However, note the battery life if you choose a cordless electric model. If it's likely to die before you can reasonably cut your grass, you may want to opt for a second, backup battery or choose something more powerful. This can be a more expensive investment but it also means not having to stop your grass cutting and wait until the battery recharges.

2. Transmission

Like your car, you can get an automatic or manual transmission for your mower. The manual transmission can allow you to switch to a lower gear for more power going up hills, or to slow you down when going downhill. An automatic transmission may be easier for lawns that are more level, as it will simply change gears for you. A hydrostatic transmission uses fluids rather than a belt to change gears; this means fewer parts that may require repair and maintenance. It may also mean a smoother ride as the mower won't jar every time the gear changes.

3. Turning radius

This refers to how close or tight you can make turns, which is important if you have lots of landscape features to work around. A zero-turn mower actually spins on its own axis so it offers the tightest turning possible. These are typically used for commercial contracts but they can be a good investment if you need to work around tight spaces and borders in your lawn.

4. Torque

This refers to the actual power of an engine that, in turn, powers the blades. For thick grass, brush, and the like, you want a mower with higher torque. This is also important if you're choosing a riding mower that will work as a tractor so you can pull items behind you; the higher torque will give you more strength so your mower doesn't get bogged down and the engine doesn't suffer excessive wear and tear.