{"id":1499,"date":"2012-02-21T10:57:37","date_gmt":"2012-02-21T10:57:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1499"},"modified":"2016-05-12T15:00:16","modified_gmt":"2016-05-12T14:00:16","slug":"tips-choosing-garden-tractor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/tips-choosing-garden-tractor\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips When Choosing a New Garden Tractor"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-1500 aligncenter\" title=\"ride-ons\" src=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/ride-ons-600x152.jpg\" alt=\"Garden tractor and garden rider tips\" width=\"590\" height=\"149\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Tips for choosing your new Garden tractor<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There are many things to consider when choosing a new <strong>garden tractor<\/strong> or rider. In this post we try and cover some of the factors that will influence your decision and enable you to buy a suitable garden rider or tractor that will fit your needs. We will also give you some important buying tips.<\/p>\n<p>Lawn mowing can be time consuming and hard work, especially if the lawn is large, uneven or if you have many obstacles in the way. With the help of a garden rider or tractor cutting these types of gardens becomes a breeze.<\/p>\n<p>Use these tips as a guide, but if unsure or a newcomer to garden tractors always contact a specialist online company or your nearest dealer.<\/p>\n<h3>Budgeting for your new garden tractor<\/h3>\n<p>Under-budgeting or buying the wrong machine can result in poor reliability and high maintenance bills. Choosing a brand named tractor will ensure good build quality and good after care including spare parts back-up for years to come. \u00a0Brands we recommend are;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/honda-ride-on-mowers.html\" target=\"_blank\">Honda <em>Garden Tractor<\/em> Range<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/honda-ride-on-mowers.html\" target=\"_blank\">Husqvarna <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Garden Tractor<\/span> Range<\/a><\/li>\n<li>John Deere Garden Tractor Range<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/front-deck-ride-on-lawn-mowers.html\" target=\"_blank\">Stiga Garden Tractor\/Front Deck Range<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/viking-ride-on-mowers.html\" target=\"_blank\">VIKING Garden Tractor Range<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/mountfield-ride-on-mowers.html\" target=\"_blank\">Mountfield Garden Tractor Range<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Hayter Garden Tractor Range<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All of these garden tractor manufacturers have many years of history in building garden tractors and will offer superior build quality resulting in better functionality and performance and fewer trips to the local dealer &#8211; therefore fewer repair bills!<\/p>\n<h3>Which Garden Tractor or Rider Do I Choose?<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"HF1211_AS2\" src=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/HF1211_AS2.jpg\" alt=\"garden rider garden tractor tips\" width=\"210\" height=\"209\" \/><br \/>\nIf you are thinking of grass collection, ensure that the grass is in good condition and fairly short (not like a bowling green nor like a mole infested paddock). You also need to cut your grass regularly and try not to cut in the wet and not mow too fast. The reason for this is, 90% of garden tractors are direct collection units; this is an effective and efficient way to collect your grass and leaves etc, however if used in-correctly (as stated above) this can result in blocking the internal discharge chute or snapping belts, so think carefully.<\/p>\n<h3>Mulching the grass with a Garden tractor<\/h3>\n<p>The Swedish folk at Stiga find it amazing that we collect our grass. They do have a point because if you mulch the grass it does in fact fertilise and strengthen the look and colour of your grass. \u00a0Mulching basically recycles the grass clippings by finely cutting and re-cutting the grass, hiding cuttings within the standing grass to wilt and decompose thereby feeding the soil.\u00a0However you must not cut your grass too close. Cut at lease once a week but not too often. \u00a0Mulching is a much faster method of cutting your grass if you purchase the right manufacturer. Visit our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/ride-on-mowers.html\" target=\"_blank\"> garden tractor pages<\/a> for a list of manufacturers we recommend and sell.<\/p>\n<p>Another important thing to consider is this. Try and avoid decks that can convert to mulching, only a dedicated mulching mower will create best results.<\/p>\n<p>For mulching tips, read this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/mulching-advice-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\">related article<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Discharging the grass<\/h3>\n<p>These types of garden tractors are badly represented, because if you have a nice area you cut regularly and wish to collect, simply attach the collection system, and if you have a rougher piece like an orchard or paddock then these types of tractors will cope with ease. \u00a0The side discharge action will spread the grass with some force leaving a very clean finish which is often very acceptable to the eye. \u00a0The pulling eye is often much stronger making it a much better workhorse for \u00a0pulling implements like garden trailers, rollers and chemical spreaders etc.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Try the Agri-Fab range of tow behind garden tractor accessories\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/agrifab-range-tow-garden-tractor-accessories\/\" target=\"_blank\">Read this article<\/a> if you would like more information on garden tractor accessories<\/p>\n<p>These are just a few tips that will help you decide on a suitable garden rider or tractor. If you are in the market for a new garden tractor or just need advice, then one of our team can give you detailed and expert advice. You can contact one of our team on <strong>01263 820202<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/ride-on-mowers.html\" target=\"_blank\">Visit our garden tractor pages<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a title=\"To Mulch or Not to Mulch \u2013 Mulching Advice and Tips\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/mulching-advice-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\">To Mulch or Not to Mulch \u2013 Mulching Advice and Tips<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Try the Agri-Fab range of tow behind garden tractor accessories\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/agrifab-range-tow-garden-tractor-accessories\/\" target=\"_blank\">Try the Agri-Fab range of tow behind garden tractor accessories<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many things to consider when choosing a new garden tractor or rider. In this post we try and cover some of the factors that will influence your decision and enable you to buy a suitable garden rider for your needs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5021,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[59,172,19,8,38],"tags":[369,370,371,372,9,345],"class_list":["post-1499","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice-tips","category-buyers-guides","category-lawn-care","category-lawnmowers","category-ride-on-mowers-garden-tractors","tag-garden-riders","tag-garden-tractors","tag-lawn-mowers","tag-lawn-tractors","tag-lawnmowers-2","tag-mulching-lawn-mowers"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/HF1211_AS2-150x150.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":109,"url":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/400-cash-honda-ride-mowers-lawn-tractors\/","url_meta":{"origin":1499,"position":0},"title":"\u00a3400 Cash Back on all Honda Ride On Mowers and Lawn Tractors","author":"Alex Evans","date":"28th April 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Honda are offering \u00a3400 cash back on all Honda ride on mowers and garden tractor mowers bought from participating Honda Authorised Dealers before 28th May 2011.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Manufacturer News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Manufacturer News","link":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/category\/news\/manufacturer-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3848,"url":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/choose-lawn-tractor\/","url_meta":{"origin":1499,"position":1},"title":"How to Choose the Right Lawn Tractor","author":"Alex Evans","date":"13th May 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Read this post to gain an insight into garden tractors. If you need advice on how to choose the correct lawn tractor for you then look no further. Here we explain some vital differences between different ride on mowers.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Ride-On Mowers &amp; Garden Tractors&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Ride-On Mowers &amp; Garden Tractors","link":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/category\/garden-machinery\/ride-on-mowers-garden-tractors\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8457,"url":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/choosing-a-riding-lawn-mower\/","url_meta":{"origin":1499,"position":2},"title":"Choosing a Riding Lawn Mower","author":"Alex Evans","date":"16th March 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"If you are considering purchasing a riding lawn mower but don\u2019t know where to start then this handy guide should help you with the thinking (and purchasing) process.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Buyers Guides&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Buyers Guides","link":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/category\/buyers-guides\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"choosing a riding lawn mower","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/1538h-sd_1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/1538h-sd_1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/1538h-sd_1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/1538h-sd_1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8246,"url":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/the-benefits-of-owning-a-twin-cylinder-tractor-over-a-traditional-single-cylinder-tractor\/","url_meta":{"origin":1499,"position":3},"title":"The benefits of owning a twin-cylinder engine lawn tractor","author":"Alex Evans","date":"29th October 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"So, what are the benefits of a twin-cylinder engine over a traditional single cylinder tractor engine? Well, since you asked (well, some of you did!) you get more power with a v-twin engine than you would with a traditional single cylinder engine. They are quieter with lower vibrations, which means\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Advice and Tips&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Advice and Tips","link":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/category\/advice-tips\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Kawasaki Twin Cylinder Engine","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/ft-400x4008f73.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":8140,"url":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/what-do-i-need-to-know-before-i-buy-a-garden-tractor\/","url_meta":{"origin":1499,"position":4},"title":"What do I need to know before I buy a garden tractor?","author":"Alex Evans","date":"30th June 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Garden tractors are now more popular than ever, and that could be because they are now more affordable than ever before or it could be because the latest designs means they are suitable for more compact gardens. Once you\u2019ve used a garden tractor you will never want to return to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Advice and Tips&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Advice and Tips","link":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/category\/advice-tips\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1538h-sd.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1538h-sd.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1538h-sd.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1538h-sd.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3313,"url":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/advantages-of-a-front-deck-mower\/","url_meta":{"origin":1499,"position":5},"title":"Advantages of a Front-Deck Mower","author":"Alex Evans","date":"28th May 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Ever wondered what's so great about front-deck ride-on lawnmowers? Well look no further! Here we explain some of the main advantages of front-mounted garden riders and what makes them different to mid-mounted lawn riders.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Advice and Tips&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Advice and Tips","link":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/category\/advice-tips\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Front deck mower","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/G_Stiga_Villa_14_HST_85_Combi_3-06-Copy.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1499","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1499"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1499\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7376,"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1499\/revisions\/7376"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1499"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1499"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.justlawnmowers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}