Choosing a Ride On Mower

Maintaining a well-kept lawn is a point of pride for many homeowners, but it can be a daunting task without the right equipment. Enter the riding mower – the ultimate ally in the battle against unruly grass. However, choosing the perfect riding mower for your specific needs can be a bit like navigating a lush garden maze. To help you find your way, we've crafted this comprehensive guide to ensure that you make an informed decision. Whether your lawn is a cozy backyard oasis or a sprawling estate, we'll walk you through the key considerations, features, and budget options that will lead you to the ideal riding mower. So, let's embark on this journey to discover the mower that will have your lawn looking its best with every pass.

Assessing Your Needs

Before you set out on your quest for the perfect riding mower, it's essential to assess your specific needs. Every lawn is unique, and understanding yours is the first step towards success. In this section, we'll delve into factors like lawn size, terrain, and the features or attachments you require.

It is vitally important to base the decision on which machine to purchase based on the correct machine for the job and not simply pick a machine that fits your intended budget as potentially you will damage an unsuitable machine almost immediately.

Lawn Size and Terrain

For small to medium-sized lawns (usually up to around half an acre), a compact and maneuverable riding mower might be ideal. These mowers are often known as and are suitable for areas with limited space. They can easily navigate around obstacles like trees and flower beds. If you have a larger lawn, a riding mower with a wider cutting deck is preferable. "Garden tractors" are a good choice for expansive areas as they provide a wider cutting swath, reducing the time it takes to mow the lawn. On flat terrain, many types of riding mowers can work effectively. Lawn tractors and garden tractors are commonly used on level ground, as their larger wheels and power make it easier to traverse without much difficulty. If your lawn has slopes, hills, or uneven terrain, you should consider a mower specifically designed for these conditions. "Zero-turn mowers" are known for their exceptional maneuverability and ability to handle uneven terrain. They can pivot on the spot, reducing the risk of tipping on slopes. Twin-cylinder engines are more powerful and offer better performance on sloping terrains. They provide a smoother ride and greater torque, making them a preferred choice for hilly landscapes.

In summary, the size and terrain of your lawn play a vital role in selecting the right riding mower. It's essential to consider the type of lawn you have, as well as any unique challenges it presents. By matching the mower type to your lawn's characteristics, you ensure that the mower is not only effective but also efficient, making your lawn care tasks more manageable and enjoyable.

Features and Attachments

Riding mowers come with varying cutting deck widths. Common sizes range from 72cm to 132cm or more. The cutting width affects how quickly you can mow your lawn. A wider deck covers more ground with each pass, making it more suitable for larger lawns. Smaller decks are better for small to medium-sized lawns or areas with obstacles. Riding mowers come with engines of varying power, often measured in cubic centimetres. Engines range from  352cc for smaller mowers to 724cc for larger, more powerful models. Engine power determines how well the mower can handle different terrains and cutting conditions. More power is beneficial for hilly terrain and thick grass, while smaller engines are suitable for flatter lawns.

Baggers are attachments that collect grass clippings during mowing. They are ideal for those who prefer a clean, clippings-free lawn and can be useful for larger properties. Mulching attachments finely chop grass clippings and return them to the lawn, providing natural fertilization. They work well for those who want to improve soil quality and reduce waste.

There's a wide range of tow-behind attachments available for lawn tractors, each designed to enhance the versatility of your mower. These attachments include but are not limited to: Trailers, lawn aerators, lawn rollers, lawn dethatchers, lawn sweepers, spreader attachments, plug aerators and more. The benefits of these tow-behind attachments include more efficient lawn care, better soil health, and a pristine-looking lawn. They make it easier to tackle various tasks and maintain a well-kept, beautiful lawn throughout the year. Whether it's aeration, dethatching, debris collection, or seeding, these attachments transform your lawn tractor into a multi-purpose lawn care tool. 

When deciding on which riding mower is suitable, you should consider whether you will use any of these attachments and if you do the you will need a tractor with a tow bar.

Types of Riding Mowers

Riding mowers come in various shapes and sizes, much like the lawns they serve. In this section, we'll explore the three primary types of riding mowers: lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, and garden tractors. Each type has its own set of advantages and best-use scenarios. By understanding the characteristics of these mowers, you'll be well-equipped to make the right choice for your specific lawn. The easiest way to help you decide which type of riding mower is most suitable is to list by pros and cons, so we have done so below.

Collecting Tractors

Pros:

• Clean Lawn Aesthetic: Collecting tractors are excellent for those who prefer a clean and pristine lawn. They gather grass clippings, leaves, and debris into a collection bag or bin, leaving no visible clippings on the lawn's surface.
• Reduced Lawn Thatch: By removing clippings, collecting tractors help reduce thatch buildup, which can contribute to a healthier lawn.
• Bagging Leaves: In the fall, these tractors are highly effective for collecting and disposing of fallen leaves, making seasonal cleanup a breeze.

Cons:

• Frequent Emptying: Collection bags or bins need frequent emptying, which can be time-consuming for larger lawns.
• Nutrient Loss: While clippings are removed, they also take valuable nutrients away from the lawn, requiring additional fertilization.

Side-Discharge Tractors

Pros:

• Efficiency: Side-discharge tractors efficiently mow large areas without the need to stop and empty clippings, making them ideal for expansive lawns.
• No Clumping: Grass clippings are spread evenly across the lawn, reducing the risk of clumping and promoting faster decomposition.
• Low Maintenance: Side-discharge tractors are low-maintenance, as there are no bags to empty or clippings to collect.

Cons:

• Visible Clippings: Side-discharge tractors leave grass clippings on the lawn, which can be unsightly if you prefer a neat, clippings-free appearance.
• Thatch Buildup: Over time, grass clippings can contribute to thatch buildup, which may require periodic dethatching.

Mulching Tractors

Pros:

• Natural Fertilization: Mulching tractors finely chop grass clippings and return them to the lawn, providing natural fertilization. This is a sustainable practice that can improve soil health and reduce the need for external fertilizers.
• Moisture Retention: Mulched clippings help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Less Waste: Using mulching tractors reduces the need for disposing of grass clippings, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Cons:

• May Require Multiple Passes: To achieve an effective mulching result, it may be necessary to mow more frequently or make multiple passes, which can be time-consuming.
• Not Ideal for Tall Grass: Mulching is most effective when grass is not too tall, as trying to mulch excessively long grass can lead to clumping or uneven results.

Zero-Turn Riding Mowers

Pros:

• Exceptional Maneuverability: Zero-turn mowers are renowned for their exceptional maneuverability. Thanks to their independent rear-wheel motors, they can pivot on the spot, making it easy to navigate around obstacles, tight corners, and intricate landscaping features. This maneuverability significantly reduces the need for additional trimming or edging.
• Efficient and Fast: Zero-turn mowers are known for their speed and efficiency. They cover large areas quickly due to their ability to make sharp, precise turns, resulting in reduced mowing time. This makes them an excellent choice for professionals and those with extensive lawns.
• Versatile Deck Sizes: Zero-turn mowers come in a range of cutting deck sizes, typically from 42 to 60 inches or more. This variety allows you to choose a size that suits your lawn's specific requirements.
• Professional Finish: The ability to make precise turns and leave no uncut patches or grass clippings behind ensures a professional-looking, immaculate finish to your lawn.

Cons:

• Price: Zero-turn mowers are often more expensive than other riding mower types, which can be a significant initial investment for homeowners.
• Learning Curve: Operating a zero-turn mower efficiently requires a learning curve. The controls can be sensitive, and it may take some practice to master the art of zero-turn mowing.
• Not Ideal for Slopes: While zero-turn mowers handle flat or gently sloping terrain well, they may struggle on steep slopes. Using them on hills can be challenging and even unsafe, as they have a higher center of gravity and may tip over.
• No Bagging Attachment: Most zero-turn mowers lack a bagging attachment, meaning they do not collect grass clippings. While this is beneficial for those who prefer side-discharge or mulching, it may not be suitable for those who desire a clippings-free lawn.
• Less Comfort for Long Mowing Sessions: Zero-turn mowers often have a less comfortable ride compared to lawn tractors with cushioned seats. This can be a drawback if you have a large lawn that requires extended mowing sessions.

In summary, the choice between collecting, side-discharge, and mulching tractors depends on your lawn care priorities. Collecting tractors provide a clean and tidy appearance but require frequent emptying. Side-discharge tractors are efficient but leave visible clippings. Mulching tractors offer natural fertilization and moisture retention but may require more frequent mowing. It's essential to consider your aesthetic preferences, maintenance habits, and environmental concerns when selecting the best option for your lawn.

Other considerations also include budget and brand. This is where the Just Lawnmowers riding mower experts come in! Simply give us a call or fill in our handy form (on every ride-on mower product page) or chat with us, and one of the team will help you out with any question you might have.