Cutting Half An Acre of Grass
Let's say that your property is on the average North American sized lot - either 33X100 or 50×130. For homes this size, you really don't need anything else but a walk behind mower. Properties larger in size would do well to handle a riding mower for sure.
This year, the biggest lawn mower study ever done was completed by Consumer Reports. They put together a review of the 50 top brands, styles, designs and types (push, walk behind, riding, zero-turn, reel, etc.). This study, review - or whatever you want to call it was the most comprehensive I've ever seen and it remains on my shop wall for all my customers to see.
Anyway, I've always liked Consumer Reports. They're kind of a grass roots organization that people trust …sort of. The reason I say "sort of", is because there were some shortcomings in this study. For example, it didn't address noise or any eco-friendly considerations of the gas mowers.
What they found (and you don't have to go and find the article) is that price isn't a major factor when it comes to reliability! Big surprise - because the old adage that you get what you pay for doesn't seem to be a consideration here.
Most reports (including this one) state that the average lifespan of a lawnmower should be about 5 years. At which point you could buy a new/ used one or get your old one rebuilt. This is why the dealer and service network is so important to whatever brand you buy.
The report stated that the best option was a push mower. They last the longest and do the best job in small areas. Plus they are good for you.
In the top brands of gas category - you won't be surprised to find that Honda, Toro and Lawn-Boy; which is owned by Toro were the best rated. However, I have found that people still think John Deere is the best brand over the long term.
All the reports and anecdotal user feedback tells me that each brand has its issues. If makers of these mowers could just focus on making their mowers better (Honda does a good job of this), rather than trying to out-do the other competitors with features that consumers don't really need, then we'd all be happier.
For small lawns, I happen to really like push or "reel" mowers because they are eco-friendly and they actually CUT the grass with a scissor like effect. Whereas the rotary blade sort of whacks the grass off, creating less of an accurate cut.