Outdoor power equipment for homeowners: it’s a necessary investment.
You know, the best part of mowing a lawn is when it’s all done. Is there anything better than standing back, admiring your neat and tidy lawn, with a cold beverage and the scent of fresh-cut grass in the air?
If you’re tired of fighting with old hand tools and an ancient mower, I’m here to tell you that the right outdoor power equipment for homeowners can help you get to that whole “relaxing” part of the weekend a lot faster.
Having the right outdoor power tools is essential for anyone who loves their outdoor space. From mowers and trimmers to chainsaws and pressure washers, each tool plays a unique role. Understanding the how, when, and why behind these tools can help homeowners tackle any outdoor challenge with confidence.
Homeowners should have a good selection of outdoor power equipment to make yard work easier. You may be asking, “What lawn equipment do I need?”
Let’s explore the must-have outdoor power equipment for homeowners. You’ll learn about different types of mowers, blowers, trimmers, and more. Having the right outdoor power tools is key to maintaining your property, from beautiful garden beds to a healthy lawn.
Outdoor Power for Homeowners: The Right Mower for Your Needs
Every homeowner needs a lawn mower. There are three main types: push mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn mowers. When choosing the right mower, consider factors such as your lawn’s size, terrain, and the specific features you need. Also, think about your fuel preference—gasoline or electric—since electric mowers are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and low maintenance.
Push Mowers or Walk-Behind Mowers
A push mower, also known as a walk-behind mower, is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns. It’s great for getting a little exercise while you mow, and you can find models with variable-speed self-propulsion to help make it a little faster and easier for yourself. The usual speed of a push mower is 1-2 mph, so expect the average in-city lawns (backyard and front yard) to take between 45 minutes to an hour to cut with one of these.
Great gas-powered walk-behind mowers are available from Toro and Cub Cadet, and on the electric side, Stihl, and DeWalt make great battery options that don’t sacrifice power for eco-friendliness.
Some of these brands can’t be found in the Big Box stores, but they’re better quality and last longer, so it’s worth the time to seek them out at a local dealer.
Riding Mowers & Lawn Tractors
For those with larger areas to cover, riding mowers and lawn tractors can be a good choice. Riding mowers save time compared to walk-behinds, moving at about 3-5 mph. Your riding mower or lawn tractor will be able to take care of an average city-size lawn in 20-30 minutes and cut even large double or corner lots in less than an hour.
Riding mowers and lawn tractors also provide a bit more comfort, allowing you to sit back and control the mower from your seat. Many models come equipped with additional features, such as cup holders, adjustable seats, and even speakers.
Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
If your lawn has plenty of intricate landscaping, curving garden beds, or obstacles such as trees, a zero-turn mower could be the perfect solution. These mowers allow for exceptional maneuverability thanks to their unique steering system, which can pivot 180 degrees without needing to lift the wheels off the ground. This agility can help you achieve a professional-looking cut without the hassle of trimming afterward.
Zero-turn lawnmowers are also lightning-fast, running at 6-8 mph without breaking a sweat. Even smaller zero-turns, like the Hustler Dash, can cut an average city-size lawn in 20 minutes without disturbing your plants, trees, rock or gravel surfaces, and lawn & garden decor. Acreages are quick and easy to cut with a zero-turn mower, too; most acreage owners report being done with their lawn mowing in less than an hour on the right zero-turn model.
When it comes to zero-turn mowers, you cannot beat the power and precision of Hustler Turf Equipment. There’s a Hustler model and deck size for just about everyone, too.
If you’re interested in other top zero-turn mowers, we also recommend STIHL’s new RZ series. If your property has serious slopes, you can’t beat the safety and stability of a Cub Cadet Pro model. Don’t forget to consider Grasshopper models, especially if you’re looking for longevity in your machine. Matching a zero-turn mower to your needs and property can be easier if you talk to a professional like the team at Ty’s.
Outdoor Power for Homeowners: Finishing Touches
Once you’ve mowed your lawn, a trimmer (or string weed eater, aka a weed whacker) is crucial for achieving that polished look. These handy tools are perfect for clearing out grass and weeds in areas that your mower just can’t reach, like between pavers and cracks or along your fence line.
You’ll also want an edger, or an edger attachment for your trimmer unit. Your edger can be used to create a crisp, clean edge along sidewalks, driveways, along walkways, and next to flower beds.
Edgers do more than just keep your lawn looking sharp and tidy. You’ll actually save time and money on weed/grass control by using your edger to tightly define a boundary for your grass. This can help keep weeds and grass from infiltrating concrete surfaces and flower beds. Once grass, especially crabgrass, gets in these places, it’s almost impossible to keep it out. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure here.
And while we’re thinking about trimmers, don’t forget a hedge trimmer! If you have hedges, bushes, and even trees, these outdoor power tools can help maintain neat, even lines for these plants.
Controlling overgrowth and keeping edges neat helps with pest control and gives your home a polished look. Overgrowth at the edges of your lawn or along the foundation of your house creates an ingress point for bugs and rodents and is a prime breeding ground for ticks. Better to keep it trimmed and tidy!
Storm-Readiness Essentials: Chainsaws & Generators
Storms can be a real concern in the Midwest, so it’s important to be prepared. A chainsaw is useful for cutting away fallen tree branches after a storm, keeping your property safe and clear. A generator can be a lifesaver when power outages occur. It keeps your home running, providing essential power when you need it most. Having these tools handy ensures you’re ready for any severe weather that comes your way.
Choosing the Right Chainsaw
Chainsaws come in various sizes and types, including electric, battery-powered, and gas options. For lighter tasks like trimming and small fallen limbs, an electric or battery-powered chainsaw may be sufficient. However, for heavier-duty jobs involving larger trees or thick branches, a gas-powered chainsaw is likely your best bet. Ensure you are comfortable and confident operating the chainsaw, as safety should always be a priority.
DeWalt, Toro, and STIHL all make excellent chainsaws for most homeowner applications.
Back-Up Power from a Generator
A generator can be a lifesaver during power outages. It keeps your home running and provides essential power when you need it most.
Wind, ice, thunderstorms, and even tornados commonly cause power outages throughout the Midwest. These outages can last hours, days, or in the case of some historic power outages or natural disasters, even weeks. Having a backup generator on hand can help you keep your essentials running.
For example, if your home has a sump pump, you’ll need to make sure it stays powered in a thunderstorm. If the power goes out and the unit’s battery backup is depleted, you could end up with a basement full of water! With a generator on hand, you’ll be able to plug the unit in and keep the water out.
With options from tailgater generators to whole-house backup power, there’s a generator for every budget out there. Kohler, Honda, and Hustler all make reliable options for backup power.
Clean Up More Quickly with Leaf Blowers & Pressure Washers
Leaf blowers and pressure washers make cleaning up your outdoor spaces quick and easy. A leaf blower efficiently clears leaves and grass clippings from your yard. You can also use it to clean gutters, blow debris off driveways, and keep porches tidy.
Cordless blower models offer the ultimate convenience and freedom to roam without being tethered to a power outlet. These are suitable for small- to medium-sized yards and typically provide a decent battery life to handle most cleanup tasks.
For larger properties or more demanding jobs, gas-powered blowers deliver robust performance and a larger clearing range. Though they require more maintenance, their power can effortlessly handle heavy debris.
Toro and STIHL both make great blower options for any task.
A pressure washer is perfect for washing driveways, outdoor furniture, siding, and even grime-covered fences. These tools save time and transform your outdoor spaces with minimal effort!
Using a pressure washer can dramatically improve the appearance of your home and landscaping. Not only does it help remove dirt, mildew, and algae, but it also prepares surfaces for staining or painting, ensuring a clean slate for any DIY project.
Choosing the Right Pressure Washer
When selecting a pressure washer, consider the following factors:
- Power Source: Electric pressure washers are quieter, require less maintenance, and are ideal for light-duty tasks such as cleaning patios, furniture, or small vehicles. Conversely, gas-powered models provide greater pressure output and are better suited for heavier tasks, such as stripping paint or cleaning large driveways.
- Pressure Rating: Measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), this rating indicates the washer’s cleaning power. For basic jobs, a unit with 1,300 to 1,800 PSI should suffice. For more intensive work, such as prepping surfaces for painting, you’ll want a unit rated between 2,000 and 3,000 PSI.
- Accessories and Attachments: Look for models that come with interchangeable nozzles and specialized brushes or surface cleaners, which can enhance versatility and efficiency.
STIHL and DeWalt make great pressure washers in a variety of models for any power source, pressure rating, and job type you need to tackle.
Get Outdoor Power Equipment for Homeowners at Ty’s Outdoor Power
When it comes time to get outdoor power equipment for homeowners, consider visiting a small, locally owned business like Ty’s Outdoor Power.
Local stores offer personalized service and expert advice tailored to your specific needs. You’ll find quality equipment and a team that truly cares about your satisfaction. Supporting a local business also benefits your community, making it a smart choice for every homeowner.
Plus, at Ty’s Outdoor Power, every new equipment purchase gets the royal treatment: We’ll gas and oil your new purchase, show you all the tips and tricks to get the most out of the unit, register your warranty, and even deliver it to your house!
Before you shop the Big Box, hardware, or furniture superstores, come see the team at Ty’s—outdoor power is all we do, and we’ll do right by you.
