Circles vs Passes: Which Way Cuts Grass Faster?

Mowing is an art, and every gardener or landscaper has their preferred method. But when it comes to efficiency, which technique truly stands out? We decided to put this to the test, comparing the time it takes to mow in circles versus mowing in straight passes.

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To kick off our experiment, we started with mowing in circles. The yard wasn't a perfect circle, but we aimed to simulate a scenario where one mows continuously, only stopping to navigate corners. The result? A total time of 26 minutes and 38 seconds.

Fast forward a week, and we were back on the field, this time adopting the back-and-forth pass technique, or mowing in a striped pattern. Starting from one corner and making our way across, we timed the entire process. The clock stopped at 30 minutes and four seconds.

Unexpected Results

Now, let's talk numbers. We had previously conducted a poll on our YouTube channel on which method people believed was faster. A certain percentage vouched for the back-and-forth passes, while another group stood by the circular method. To those who bet on circles, hats off to you! The circular method proved to be faster by a margin of over three minutes.

But why is this the case? One might argue that with a zero-turn mower, turning around is swift, making the difference negligible. However, even with such efficient equipment, the need to stop and turn at the end of each pass adds up. Continuous mowing, as seen in the circular method, reduces these interruptions, leading to a quicker finish.

Of course, yard conditions, obstacles, and the type of equipment used can influence the outcome. But in our controlled experiment, with the same mower and identical conditions, mowing in circles emerged as the champion.

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In the world of mowing, every second counts, especially when you're aiming for efficiency. Our experiment shed some light on this age-old debate, proving that mowing in circles offers a time advantage. While individual yard conditions and personal preferences play a role, it's clear that continuous mowing minimizes interruptions and speeds up the process. So, the next time you're out in the yard, consider giving the circular method a spin. Not only will you save time, but you might also find a new rhythm in your mowing routine.

If you have questions about any of the steps outlined above or are just more of a visual learner, head over to our YouTube channel and watch our step-by-step video (also attached below)! Leave a comment or question and receive a personal reply from Brent, our resident John Deere expert. Be sure to subscribe!