HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MOW AN ACRE

Mowing an acre can be calculated. The difference in time or effort is impacted by:

• Grass length and density
• Slope or no slope
• Trees and other obstacles
• Mower type (push versus a nimble zero-turn mower)
• Deck Width
• Mower speed
• Other (rocky ground, condensation, fence lines)

Whether you have a small backyard or a sprawling estate, Tractor Bob's knowledge and techniques will help you achieve the perfect lawn most efficiently. The condition of your equipment is an important consideration. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions to optimize your mowing time.

WHAT IS AN ACRE

An acre was initially defined as the area of land that could be plowed by one man with a wooden plow and a team of oxen in one day. Don’t worry. We can help you calculate your lawn without oxen or a wooden plow.

The modern-day measurement of an acre is an area of 43,560 square feet. If your acre were square (most aren’t), it would be 208.7 feet long and 208.7 feet wide.

As most property is not a square, you need to know that the total area of an acre is 43,560sqf.

MOWING EFFICIENCY

Efficiency is vital when mowing large areas, such as an acre or more. Not only does it save you valuable time and effort, but it also ensures that your lawn remains healthy and well-maintained. Regular and efficient mowing helps prevent weeds from spreading, encourages lush grass growth, and maintains a uniform appearance throughout your property.

Very few things in life are 100% efficient. That is why it is recommended that any speed or time-to-complete calculations include a reduction of 20%. It would be great if it took you less time to mow! If it takes longer than 80% efficiency, you can have some ideas of where to reduce mowing time.

SPEED

You can estimate your mower’s speed by using these generic formulas.

GRASS LENGTH

The length of the grass makes a 30% difference. Mowing a short lawn is 30% easier than one with taller grass.

SAMPLE MOWING TIMES

Here are some samples of what it would take to mow a lawn with various mowers using the same lawn condition (short grass - not many obstacles or trees).

Push Mower with a 19” deck: 3.1 hours.

Riding Mower with a 42” deck: 37 minutes.

Zero-Turn Mower with a 60” deck” 20 minutes!!

Please remember that these are generic times. As the car ads say, “Your mileage may vary.”

TIPS AND TRICKS

Tractor Bob has some valuable tips and tricks to help you further maximize your mowing efficiency.

1. Ensure that your lawn mower is properly maintained, with sharp blades and a clean air filter, as this will improve cutting performance.
2. Establish a mowing pattern that minimizes overlap and reduces the time spent turning the mower around.
3. Consider adjusting your mowing height based on the season, as different grass types have varying optimal heights for healthy growth.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOWER - FOR YOU

The type of mower you choose can significantly affect mowing efficiency.

• Push mowers are ideal for smaller areas but can be time-consuming for more extensive lawns.

• Riding mowers offer decent speed and comfort, making them good for medium-sized properties.

• Zero-turn mowers come in a wider variety of shapes and sizes, allowing buyers to find the perfect option for small, medium, and large lawns. Zero-turn mowers also provide exceptional maneuverability for larger areas and can significantly reduce mowing time.

By understanding the advantages and limitations of each type of mower, you can select the one that suits your needs and maximizes your efficiency.

OTHER TOOLS

Apart from the acres per-hour calculator, other tools and technologies are available to enhance your mowing efficiency further.

• Robotic mowers, for example, can autonomously mow your lawn while you focus on other tasks.
• GPS navigation systems can help you map out your mowing patterns, ensuring complete coverage and minimizing the risk of missed spots.
• Additionally, advancements in battery technology have led to the development of cordless electric mowers, which offer the convenience of gas-powered mowers without the emissions and maintenance requirements.

MORE INFORMATION

Tractor Bob has prepared a series of videos with more to come on how selecting the right mower for the job impacts efficiency in mowing.

The first video was about how a commercial zero-turn mower can handle a scraggy tall lawn with few objects to mow around. It features the Altoz TRX 766.

Another video features a residential mower, the Bad Boy ZT Avenger. It has a great perspective of what a rock star this mower is at a small percentage in the price of a larger commercial version. The video demonstrates the importance and value of using just the right mower.

CONCLUSION

It should be clear that selecting the right mower for an acre of lawn is the critical item for happiness in your effort. For example, using a Formula 1 car to race on a local dirt track will disappoint you by lowering your chances of winning and getting your car dirty. The same can be said for using the right mower.

Contact Tractor Bob to select the mower that will work for you and give you the best experience caring for your property.

Tractor Bob is committed to helping buyers find the right solution for their power equipment needs. You can also learn more about using your power equipment on this site.

Reach out to one of Tractor Bob’s product experts to select a machine that fits your needs.