What to know before buying a riding lawn mower
A well-kept lawn improves the curb appeal of your home and may increase its value. There are two types of lawn mowers: walking and riding, and this guide will help you choose the right one by looking at factors like lawn size, terrain, and special features.
How big is your lawn?
When choosing a lawn mower, consider the size of your lawn. A lawn of less than 1 acre will benefit from a cutting width of 30 to 42 inches, while lawns of 5 acres or more will typically require a 54-inch cutting width.
Study your property’s terrain
Zero-turn mowers, which spin on a dime with an effective turning radius of 0 inches, are useful for steering around tight spots. The John Deere Z355R has a 22-hp gas engine and a top speed of 7 miles per hour.
Carts and attachments
Riding mowers are capable of more than just mowing the lawn.
Comfort options
On a mower, high-back seats, lumbar support, and armrests are essential for comfort; some models also include cup holders to keep you hydrated while you’re mowing; and there are options for extended leg room, rubber foot pedals, and more.
Other features and capabilities
Consider a V-twin lawnmower (some riding lawnmowers can also mow in reverse) if you have a large lawn. A V-twin lawnmower provides faster mowing and helps you navigate uneven terrain. Cutting in reverse also helps to smooth out spots over hilly terrain.
Find the right balance
Some manufacturers, such as John Deere, offer lawn mower financing incentives; if you pay off the loan within the promotional period, you won’t be charged interest, and with proper maintenance, your lawn mower could last for many years.
What should I look for in a riding lawn mower?
To get your lawn work done quickly, look for a mower with at least 14-16 hp and a wide mowing deck u2013 at least 38 inches. Yards larger than three acres are best handled by a large zero turn mower or a garden tractor, with engines that have at least 18 hp and mowing decks in the 44-54 inch range.
How do I choose a lawn tractor?
Here are a few simple guidelines to assist you in selecting the best lawn and garden tractor.
- In general, if your garden is larger and more open, a generous cutting width is more important.
- Collector or side ejection?
- Accessories for greater versatility.
- Choosing a transmission.
What is the most reliable brand of lawn tractor?
According to the Lifestory Research 2020 America’s Most Trustedu00ae Lawn Mower Brand Study, John Deere is the most trusted brand among people shopping for a lawn mower, with a Net Trust Quotient Score of 111.5 and a 5 Star Trust Rating among those actively shopping.
What are the top 5 riding lawn mowers?
The Top 5 Riding Lawn Mowers
- Durable Riding Lawn Mower | John Deere E120.
- Powerful Riding Lawn Mower with Automatic Drive | Troy-Bilt Bronco.
- High-Performance Riding Lawn Mower | Husqvarna YTH18542.
- Commercial-Grade Riding Lawn Mower | Hustler Raptor SD.
Does a 1/2 acre need a riding mower?
We recommend upgrading to a riding mower for lawns larger than 1/2 acre; if cutting time is critical and you have a lot of grass to mow, you’ll need a fast riding mower with a 40-60 inch cutting deck.
What mowers do professionals use?
Commercial Lawn Mowers at Their Finest
- SCAG V-Ride II.
- Toro 2000 Series.
- Wright ZK-1 Stand-On Mower.
- Ferris ISX 3300 Zero Turn Mower.
What size lawn mower do I need for 2 acres?
A riding mower with a deck size of 42 to 48 inches wide would be appropriate for a small, 1/2-acre lawn; if your lawn is 1/2 to 2 acres, a riding mower with a deck size of 42 to 48 inches wide would be appropriate; if your lawn is 3 acres or larger, the deck should be at least 50 inches wide.
Do I need a riding mower for 1 acre?
For example, if your lawn is less than one acre, a lawnmower will suffice; you won’t need the extra power of a tractor. However, larger areas can be difficult to maintain with a lawnmower; lawn tractors will be more convenient for cutting areas of one acre or more.
Is John Deere better than Husqvarna?
In comparison, more than 30% of Husqvarna lawn tractors will require repair, and John Deere ZTRs have a 30% chance of requiring repairs in four years, while Husqvarna proved to be the least reliable ZTR on the list, with 55% of mowers requiring repair by the fourth year.
What is the number one rated riding lawn mower?
Even those who have spent their entire lives using gas lawn mowers will be wowed by the RYOBI 42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower.
What is the best budget ride on mower?
Purchase the best value and cheapest ride-on mowers before the summer arrives.
- Allett Buckingham Autosteer Seat 30, u00a3699 from Keengardener u2013 buy here
- Racing 62PR Ride-On Mower.
- Lawn King 60SDE Tractor Mower.
- Lawn-King BT66 Ride-On Lawnmower.
- Husqvarna TS138 Side-Discharge Garden Tractor.
Are Stiga and Mountfield the same?
Mountfield’s mowers and gardening maintenance top quality tools are known for their reliability, and the brand became part of The STIGA Group in 2000. To see the full range, go to the MOUNTFIELD website.