How To Buy The Best Ride
If youve got a large lawn, want to save some time on gardening or youre just fed up of pushing a heavy machine around then a ride-on mower could be for you.
Bearing in mind the cost prices start at over £1,000 it isnt a cheap addition to your gardening toolkit, but it could be the best.
Read on for guidance on the best types, features and brands.
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Q: Whens The Best Time To Cut Your Grass
A: Some people expect that its fine to cut your grass whenever the heck you feel like it and, we guess, you absolutely can, its a free country after all. However, there are many reasons wrong with this. Cutting the grass on a warm, dry summers day may seem like something youd rather not do, but this is in fact the best time to cut your grass.
You cant always predict when this excellent weather will arrive, though, and so instead of waiting around for the good weather to come, you should at least know what the best time of day to cut your grass is. Considering youre trying to avoid dew, damp, and still cool enough not to break a sweat, experts determine that the best time of day to mow your lawn is in the mid-morning, which isnt so great for those who work full time , but good for anyone who wants to take a day off and complete chores around the house.
If youre unable to get it cut in mid-morning, you can always wait until you get home from work and cut the grass on late afternoon – as long as it hasnt rained too much during the day – as it will be as cool, if not cooler than the mid-morning, and there will still be enough sunlight for your grass to recover and repair itself before nightfall.
Riding Lawn Mower Buyers Guide
Grass grows fast and Is there anything worse on a super hot day, than spending hours pushing a lawnmower around the yard? Even with a self-propelled mower, its a workout.
The solution: offering much higher speeds and cutting paths than walk-behind mowers, the best riding lawn mowers featured today, will make cutting your lawn a quick, efficient and dare we say fun job.
Our riding lawn mower buyers guide below explains the most important features to consider, when buying a riding mower:
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Briggs & Stratton 49t877
Are you in search of a top-notch engine for your lawn mower for commercial use? Here is one of the best lawnmower engines by Briggs & Stratton from their Commercial Turf Series. This engine falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, but it is definitely worth the money.
This lawnmower engine is a fantastic commercial-grade option for OMEM and replacement use. Ultimate debris protection is provided by the unique five-step Debris Management System patented by Briggs & Stratton.
So your engine will not give up under extreme debris conditions. This engine comes with cyclonic air filters and not panel-style air filter systems. This difference makes it two times more efficient when it comes to debris protection.
Are you going to be putting your machine through some harsh mowing conditions and worried about the engine overheating? Worry no more! Because the Overhead Valve design of this engine, along with its cast-iron sleeves, makes sure that the cooling operation is running correctly. Its high-quality cylinder block structure ensures the durability and strength of this product.
The charging system is a 16 amp alternator with a regulator on the cylinder. The engine has a heavy flywheel and a twin-cylinder. The starting system is 12V heavy-duty starter. The lubrication of the engine components is controlled by the spin-on oil filter that works on full pressure.
Types Of Lawn Mowers & Tractors
Your options for the best walk-behind or riding lawn mower range from $170 gas push models to lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers that can cost upward of $4,000.
If you’re worried about noise, know that our tests show gas mowers are much noisier than their battery-powered counterparts. Nearly all the gas-powered machines we tested emitted more than 85 decibels at the user’s ear, and only a few were somewhat quieter. For all, we recommend hearing protection.
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Lawn Mower Lift Buying Guide
Lifting your riding lawn mower is essential for maintenance and occasional repairs. If you dont want to use rudimentary methods, such as placing your machine on concrete blocks or logs, and unless you dont want your lawn mower lift to fail, you must learn how to choose the right unit.
The first thing to decide is the type of riding lawn mower lift you need. There are four major categories to consider.
Riding Lawnmower Buyers Guide
Riding lawnmowers are expensive machines, and the last thing you want is to purchase a model that doesnt suit the size of your yard. In this section, well give you everything you need to know when selecting your ideal riding lawnmower.
Check out our frequently asked questions section for some more information on maintaining and using your new riding lawnmower. Here are the factors you need to look out for when choosing your machine.
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Lawn Mower Safety Tips You Need To Know
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 80,000 injuries are treated because of the unsafe operation of gardening machinery. For many homesteaders operating a large gardening machine is a mandatory part of their weekly chores, but by practicing some safety tips, you can stay injury-free.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing The Best Lawn Mower
Property Size
Lawn size is the first thing that you must keep in mind before purchasing a lawn tractor. It will help you determine the amount of horsepower you will require to get the job done quickly and easily. if you have a huge lawn, you should get a lawn tractor with wider wheels and a powerful engine. However, there many other affordable options if you have a small lawn to take care of.
Size of Mower Deck
The size of the mower deck significantly impacts the performance of your lawn tractor. A larger deck will let you cut extra grass more rapidly, but a smaller one will provide more agility. When selecting the mower deck size, make sure your tractor will be able to fit where it needs to go when the mower deck is attached to it.
Storage Space
We know that lawn tractors have a huge footprint. To park a lawn tractor, you need ample and secure storage space. So, think about the parking space before buying a lawn tractor.
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John Deere E1: Best Riding Lawn Mower Overall
Reasons to avoid
This machine makes quick and easy work of cutting any size yard, and it easily navigates terrain other mowers may struggle to traverse. It features a front-mounted V-twin engine that produces up to 26 horsepower and can reach speeds up to 5.5 miles per hour. The fuel gauge sits in plain view as you mow so you know exactly how much gas you have left.The John Deere E180 has an impressively wide cutting path of 54 inches. You can adjust the blades to 11 different height positions, anywhere between 1 inch and 4 inches, and it has a turning radius of 18 inches. These features make it easy to customize the cut to your lawn so it looks just the way you want.
The machines hydrostatic transmission is pedal-operated, so you dont have to take your hands off the steering wheel while you drive. This John Deere mower also has a cruise control that lets you set the speed you want to mow at. Both of these features limit distractions, so you can focus on your lawn and not the lawn mower.
A great value rider lawn mower
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Runner Up: Husqvarna Z254 54 Zero Turn Mower Kohler 26 Hp
Why We Like It
With specs similar to the Husqvarna Z142 mower listed in our Editors Choice section, the Husqvarna Z254 is the Next Level Up in Zero-Turn Mowers. The Z254 model from Husqvarna offers a 54 deck and a whopping 26 HP Kohler Engine.
For those who can afford those features, the Husqvarna Z254 is our pick for the best overall upgrade based on price and performance in zero-turn mowers.
The fast-cutting technology is an especially useful feature when you consider that this mower can top out at 6.5 miles per hour.
Specifications
- Patented Parking Brake System
- Adjustable seat
- 2-year warranty
Our Take Away
The Husqvarna Z254 runs exceptionally well, steers like a dream, and offers a clean, even cut for your lawn every time. If youre looking for an affordable Husqvarna zero-turn mower with a strong engine and a very capable 54 mower deck, we recommend this model as the best upgrade for residential yards.
Husqvarna Z254 54 Zero Turn Mower
Why We Like It
As our best zero-turn residential mower last year, The ZT1 with its 50-inch mower deck includes the dependable and powerful 23 HP Kawasaki engine, with dual Hydrostatic transmission, making the Cub Cadet ZT12 your best choice for any residential lawn up to 2 acres in size. In fact, Cub Cadet rates this zero-turn mower to cut 4 acres of grass per 1.5 hours.
Specifications
Our Take Away
CUB CADET ZT1 50 Zero-Turn Mower
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Best Toro Residential Grade Zero Turn Mower: Titan 54
If youre a Homeowner with a very large yard, a 42-inch or even a 50-inch mower may be a little too small to get the job done efficiently. Thats where a 54-inch model like the Toro TITAN can save the day.
The Toro Titan has all the DNA of the commercial Titan series, minus the forged steel deck, and this mowers size and power make it a natural fit for large yards, and its even suitable for light or limited commercial use.
Specifications
- Ideal For Yards Up to 7 Acres
- TORO patented My Ride Suspension for ultimate comfort
- 54-inch mower deck
- 3-year 300-Hour Commercial Engine warranty
- Commercial drop pin height of cut adjustment
- Canister Filter Rubber Chute
- Shock absorbing dampening ride
Our Take Away
Overall, the 54-inch Toro TITAN is an excellent upgrade for buyers who want the power and convenience of a Toro mower but need a larger mowing deck to deal with more acreage. Because of its size and power, the handling of this mower is of excellent value.
You wont find a smoother ride, or a zero turn mower easier to maneuver around tight obstacles than this one.
Note: Toro has over 3,000 servicing dealers in the United States making this mower far easier to service than some other brands.
Toro 54 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Mojack Pro Lawn Mower Lift
The MoJack PRO is undoubtedly the best you could get your hands on. It is compatible with virtually all residential lawn tractors and zero turn mowers, handling wheel spans between 31.5 and 62.5 inches.
Impressive lifting capacity of 750lbs ensures the possibility to lift even heavyweight equipment up to 28 inches high. Sufficient clearance for routine maintenance and blade substitution.
The drill-turned design is ideal for most lawn owners. It gives you the possibility to lift the mower either with a power drill, but also manually with the included lever. Furthermore, the unit folds compactly for easy transport and storage.
Easy to assemble, easy to use, and reliable, this lawn mower lift is undoubtedly worthy of the best in the class title.
Pros
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Craftsman T225 19 Hp Briggs & Stratton Gold 46
Craftsman makes reliable lawn tools, and this riding mower is no exception. It has a Briggs & Stratton gas engine that starts right up without the need for a choke. It has a 46-inch cutting deck so you can finish mowing quickly.
Why We Like It
54 inches
Our Verdict
This is a power lawn mower with a huge deck. We liked the deck wash system for easy cleanup. The seat is comfortable, and the three-gallon fuel tank means we didnt have to fill it up as often.
Editor Rating: 4/5
Husqvarna Yth18542 Riding Lawn Mower
One of our favorite overall units, Husqvarnas 42-inch beast offers an 18.5 HP engine, an auto-choke feature, and heavy-duty steel construction. This helps it stand up to some of the rigors of mowing on rough terrain. More notably, its also a largely maintenance-free machine capable of working for extended periods without significant trouble.
A rear differential system provides increased traction on wet or inclined areas, while the ergonomic design makes it more comfortable to use for extended periods. A 2.5-gallon fuel tank gives it plenty of stamina, and its easy to refill while in use.
Why We Like It
- User comfort is a priority
- Numerous additional features
Our Verdict
Its hard to beat the Husqvarna in the 42-inch range, and some people even thought this should be our top choice in this category. Its strong enough to cut almost anything, durable enough for commercial work, and somehow more affordable than it has any right to be.
The only real downside is common to all gas-powered riding mowers: the noise. If thats not a problem for you, this is one of our top choices.
Editor Rating: 5/5
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The Best Riding Mowers For Different Yard Types
Small to Medium Yards
For small to medium yards, both lawn and garden tractors are recommended. These are two high-performing, yet cost-effective options for those who dont want to hassle with a push mower. Lawn tractors and garden tractors also allow for much more utility with attachments like snow blowers, leaf collectors, and pull carts.
Medium to large yards
As the yard and the mowing job gets bigger, its worth considering additional options other than a lawn and garden tractor. A zero-turn riding lawn mower will allow you to get the job done faster and with more maneuverability.
Yards with obstacles
For yards with obstacles, such as landscaping, trees, rocks, and so on, we highly recommend a zero-turn mower. Trying to cut around landscaping and trees can be frustrating and time-consuming without the highly maneuverable zero-turn mower. For yards with fences, be sure to compare the deck size of the mower with the fence opening size to be sure it will fit. Even for residential homes, professional mowers can be a great option, as theyre designed for spaces with landscaping and other obstacles. With professional and commercial models, you also have different configuration models, such as stand-on and stand-behind mowers with excellent maneuverability.
Sloped yards
Understanding Cutting Deck Size
The cutting deck size is the width of a strip of grass that will be cut during each pass with your riding mower. The cutting deck size is measured in inches and can range anywhere from 28 inches to 52 inches on a riding lawn mower. Knowing the cutting deck size your lawn needs is imperative to buying the right mower for your home.
Lawns under half an acre generally require a cutting deck up to 40 inches. Lawns half an acre to two acres require a 40-48 inch cutting deck. Anything above two acres will typically need a cutting deck of 48 inches or higher.
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The 5 Best Budget Riding Lawn Mowers Under $1500 In 2022
If youve been thinking about upgrading to a riding lawn mower, but youve been holding off because of the cost you might be surprised to learn that there are actually some great affordable options on the market. It turns out you dont have to break the bank for one of these machines that will make cutting your lawn much easier this summer.
Weve done the research for you and reviewed the best riding lawn mowers under $1500. Our selections include some well known brands that are known for their commitment to quality. We think youll find a riding mower in these selections that will have all of the features youre looking for. Weve also included a best of the rest section which features some more great riding mowers that are just a little bit over the $1500 budget.
Riding Mower Transmission Options
Just like engines, mowers come with all sorts of transmission options. Typically, there are three different transmission options youll find: automatic, gear drive, and hydrostatic. Here are the pros and cons of each.
Automatic
An automatic transmission will switch gears for you. You simply pull the lever or push the pedal and the speed of the mower will increase. There will also be a pedal that allows you to go in reverse .
Automatic transmission riding mowers are great for lawns that require lots of turns and have hilly terrain. The change in direction and power does not require you to manually shift, thus requiring you to work less.
Gear-Driven
Gear-driven or manual transmissions will require the rider to change gears every time they increase or decrease their speed. Much like a car, gear-driven transmissions allow you to have the most control over your mower. Also, the simplicity in the design aids in the overall lifespan of your mower.
The drawback to a gear-driven transmission is that when you make a turn or go up and down a hill, you will need to shift to the proper gear every time to accommodate the speed difference. For some riders, this is too much work. The upside is that the simplistic construction of a gear-driven transmission allows this type of transmission to be the most budget-friendly of all three options.
Hydrostatic
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