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The Consumer Smart blog is where you will find in-depth smart product reviews, buying guides, and ownership advice. Each article examines durability, long-term value, and software support so you can make a confident purchase decision whether you are buying for the first time or replacing a device that has reached the end of its life.
Discover all the places to rent a riding lawn mower — from big-box stores and equipment rental chains to local dealers and peer-to-peer platforms. Learn what to expect, how much it costs, and how to find the best option near you.
Lawn mower prices range from under $100 for basic manual push mowers to over $5,000 for premium riding or zero-turn models. The most common types fall into these general price bands: manual push mowers ($80–$300), gas-powered push mowers ($200–$600), self-propelled mowers ($250–$800), electric mowers ($150–$500), riding lawn tractors ($1,500–$3,000), and zero-turn mowers ($2,500–$5,000+).
Learn the safe, step-by-step procedure to remove an old lawn mower blade and install a new one correctly, covering preparation for gas and electric mowers, blade orientation, and proper torque specifications.
Learn how to safely remove gasoline from a lawn mower using a siphon pump, turkey baster, or fuel-line disconnect — plus how to drain the carburetor dry and dispose of old fuel legally.
Yes — push mowing the lawn is a legitimate moderate-intensity workout that burns 250–450 calories per hour, engages your core, legs, arms, and shoulders, and counts toward the CDC's 150-minute weekly activity goal. Riding mowers, however, barely qualify as exercise. Here is what the science says, how to maximize the fitness payoff, and when mowing is not enough.
No, new mower blades typically come pre-sharpened from the manufacturer and are ready for immediate use without sharpening. However, quality control can vary, so it is worth a quick visual and touch inspection before mounting to catch shipping damage, burrs, or a dull factory edge.
Learn exactly how to change the wire (nylon cutting line) on a weed wacker or string trimmer. This step-by-step guide covers bump-feed, fixed-line, and easy-load heads, plus troubleshooting tips, line sizing, and safety advice.
Most modern riding lawn mowers have alternators that charge the battery and power electrical components during operation. Learn how mower charging systems work, the difference between alternators and generators, and what to do if yours fails.
Most Craftsman lawn mowers use SAE 30 4-cycle engine oil for warm weather. This guide explains viscosity grades, temperature considerations, and how to find the exact oil type for your specific model.
A mulching plug is a removable cover that blocks your mower's discharge chute, recycling grass clippings back into the deck for finer cutting before they fall onto your lawn as nutrient-rich mulch. Learn how this simple attachment improves soil health and reduces lawn maintenance.
