Summer heat can make lawn care and landscaping work a challenge, but purchasing the right new or used equipment can make every job more manageable. High temperatures, the scorching sun, and dry conditions require equipment tailored for heat tolerance and efficiency.
Before deciding which type of machine best suits your job, it’s important to understand how each one performs under rugged seasonal conditions.
Understanding the Impact of Heat on Equipment
Before purchasing equipment, it’s important to understand why extreme heat affects lawn care:
- Engine stress: High temperatures can cause small engines to overheat, reducing performance and lifespan.
- Shorter battery life: Lithium-ion batteries used in electric mowers and trimmers experience reduced runtime in extreme heat.
- Grass health: Cutting too low in heat stresses the lawn, making it more susceptible to browning.
Pro tip: Raising the mower deck height during summer is recommended to retain moisture and protect grass from scorching.
Choosing the Best Mowers for High-Temperature Conditions
Mowing the lawn in the summer heat is taxing. Selecting the right mower can minimize the strain to get the job done right.
Battery-Powered Walk-Behind Mowers
- Ideal for small to midsize lawns during hot seasons.
- Look for models with long battery life (60+ minutes).
- Consider self-propelled units to reduce operator fatigue under the hot sun.
Zero-Turn Mowers (Gas or Battery)
- Perfect for large lawns needing quick mowing. Zero-turn mowers cut time and exposure to the sun.
- Look into efficient battery options that perform well in high temperatures.
- The Bobcat ZT6000e Electric Zero-Turn Mower offers up to 8 hours of runtime and can mow up to 23.8 acres on a single charge. Its quick recharge time (6.3 hours) and zero-maintenance battery make it a great choice for summer lawn care.
- The Bobcat ZT7000 Zero-Turn Mower is equipped with a 15-gallon dual fuel tank, reducing downtime and sun exposure.
Pro tip: Not sure whether a stand-on or sit-down zero-turn mower is right for you? Here’s a quick comparison from Bobcat's Turf Talks to help you decide.
Selecting the Right Trimmers & Edgers for Heat
Use a trimmer and edger that provides enough power for the job and can withstand the heat. There are options when selecting your equipment.
Battery-Powered String Trimmers
Battery-powered trimmers are excellent for moderate trimming in extreme temperatures. These machines are quieter, require less maintenance, and don’t emit heat-producing exhaust.
Gas-Powered Trimmers
Gas-powered trimmers are best for thick brush or high-heat environments where batteries may drain faster.
Edgers & Hedge Trimmers
Look for focused precision tools that offer clean lines and quiet operation that are ideal for hot-weather detail work.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Sloped or Uneven Terrain
Not all lawns are created equally. If your landscaping project includes hilly, sloped, or uneven ground, choosing the right mower or trimmer becomes even more important — especially during the summer months when traction can be compromised by dry soil or loose grass clippings.
Consider Equipment with Strong Traction and Stability
- Stand-on mowers, like Bobcat’s ZS4000 Stand-On Zero-Turn Mower, offer better slope visibility and control. These machines reduce operator fatigue in the heat and provide better weight distribution than traditional walk-behinds.
- A gas-powered trimmer with a curved shaft offers improved control and balance for trimming steep banks or difficult-to-reach edges.
Pro tip: If safety is a concern on slopes, opt for equipment with a low center of gravity and commercial-grade tires.
Heat-Awareness Maintenance Tips
Maintenance is even more important on hot summer days. Follow these tips for safety and to ensure equipment operates optimally.
- Mower deck height: Keep blades higher to retain moisture.
- Watch battery temperatures: Be sure to store battery units in shaded areas when not in use; allow cooling before charging.
- Clean cooling vents and air filters: Prevent overheating by keeping vents free of grass dust.
- Check oil and spark plugs: This is especially important in hot climates to maintain engine efficiency.
- Hydration breaks: Crew members and operators should take regular breaks and drink water to prevent overheating or possibly heat-related illnesses.
Choosing high-quality equipment is essential, but where you get it from is just as important.
Why Leppo Rents?
Leppo Rents provides the best equipment on the market and the expertise necessary to get the job done right. Contact Leppo for:
- Equipment variety: From electric units to heavy-duty gas-powered options, we have the equipment and tools you need to tackle your summer projects.
- Seasonal tuning: We pre-tune machines for hot climates and offer on-site maintenance and emergency repairs. Our expert technicians provide reliable service and repairs to get your equipment back up and running, so you can focus on what matters most.
- Guidance and delivery: Our team helps you pick the right equipment for your unique needs, yard size, terrain, and task.
Whether you’re tackling a backyard refresh or a large-scale lawn care job, we have the equipment—and the service—to support you.
Your Summer Landscaping Success Starts with Leppo Rents
Summer landscaping isn’t just about cutting grass — it's a balance between choosing the right equipment and caring for your crew and equipment under high heat. Your yard’s size, terrain, and grass type will determine the ideal mower and trimmer/edger. Pair that with smart maintenance — like raising deck height, cooling equipment, and cleaning filters — and all your lawn and landscaping tools will thrive through the heat.
When you choose Leppo Rents, you get well-maintained, heat-tuned machines tailored to your project’s needs. Reach out to our team for expert guidance so your summer landscaping stays cool, clean, and efficient.
Did you know Leppo Rents is your STIHL dealer in Akron and Lake County, Ohio? That’s right — you can find STIHL outdoor power tools, including trimmers, blowers, and more, all in one place.
