Why Buy A Riding Lawn Mower
Buying a riding lawn mower is it worth it?
One of the reasons people are hesitant to buy a riding lawn mower is the price. It is understandably more expensive.
Why?
It is basically a vehicle, so of course it is going to be expensive. And just like any vehicle, it will run with gas or a battery set in the case of electric-run mowers.
If you have the budget for it, the riding lawn mower can really change your life.
Hear me out
Yes, it is more expensive. But you also have to think of the ease by which you can do the work.
Basically, while you are not saving on money, you are saving on time and effort. In the long run, time and effort have a higher value than the hundreds of dollars you are bound to save by not buying a riding lawn mower.
Look
If you have a small lawn, then by all means, buy a push mower. This will allow you to save money and get a free exercise in the process.
Wham!
Yes, you are going to get a lot of exercise considering the walking you have to do. A push mower requires you to walk behind the device and guide it around your lawn.
If you have a medium to large lawn, though, it is just not practical to have a push mower.
However
If you have really tight spaces, the push mower is actually quite practical. This is because you can guide the mower through it.
If there is grass surrounding trees with large roots, the push mower is also quite adept at going through itwith your guidance of course.
Good investment
Also
Which Month Is Best For Cheap Lawn Mowers
Each season has a different range of factors to take into consideration when it comes to purchasing a new lawn mower. Directly after the summer months, its likely that youll be able to find a good deal, as stockists try to sell their last models, as well as when new mowers are being discounted before peak season hits. This off-season lull is the perfect time to swoop in on an affordable lawn mower if you want to save some cash. Wed recommend checking our guide to cheap lawn mower deals to find the latest price cuts.
On the other hand, in the spring there tends to be a greater range of makes and models available to choose from but limited discounts available. Thats because springtime is when most interest tends to build around lawn and garden equipment, and when new models of lawn mowers are released. So, if youre a real lawn enthusiast, and have a specific make and model in mind, then this will be the best time to buy, as stocks will be nicely replenished.
However, if youre looking for a cheap mower, its important to note that the newer the model, the higher the price tag. This makes spring a great time for plenty of choice, but not the best time to bag a bargain.
That being said, just before summer starts, most lawn mower manufacturers will run spring-summer sales, offering a small amount of discount on their lawn mowers but these deals wont rival the bargains youll find after the summer season.
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
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Ryobi Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
Specifications
Gas-powered ride-on lawnmowers might be the go-to for most due to the added power they offer, but electric is worth a look if you prefer lower maintenance, less noise, and better eco-credentials.
The Ryobi 38in is powered by 75Ah batteries and offers up to two hours of runtime. That should be enough to get around a couple of acres with ease, and it can be charged via a standard 120-volt outlet when it needs it, which is handy. Itll take about 14 hours to charge from the flat.
It features three brushless motors and a two-blade 38-inch deck, with 12 different cutting heights. It cuts well too, plus the ride is smooth, quiet, and fume-free.
Cruise control and automatic transmission are on board for an easy ride, plus theres a battery indicator on the control panel thatll tell you how much juice is remaining at a quick glance.
Of course, its worth remembering that for all the time and hassle youll save in servicing your mower as often as a gas one requires, the batteries of your electric mower will need replacing every now and then. They should last a fair few years though, so its far from a pressing concern.
The Troy-Bilt Pony 42-inch riding lawn mower offers all the power and features you need to manage a few acres of lawn, as the high-end versions, but does so at a very affordable price point.
Next, there are additional features: automatic headlights, a cup holder, and a comfortable low-back seat.
Consumer Reports Lawn Mower Recommendations
My new part-time gig, perhaps? Stop by Hawkins to see if you can win a Cub Cadet lawnmower for yourself! -Sarah
Frederictons BOUNCE 105.3
As youre beginning to search for reliable lawn mower suggestions, start with Consumer Reports. The well-regarded consumer product review organization recently published their Best Lawn Mowers and Tractors of 2022 list with some great choices, one of which may suit your preferences and budget.
For example, if youre looking for a gas-powered self-propelled lawn mower, Consumer Reports recommends the $4,400 John Deere X354 for its bagging, cutting, side-discharging, evenness, handling, and mulching capabilities. If youd prefer a gas-powered zero-turn-radius mower, try the $5,300 Gravely ZT HD 48 991152, which also impressed reviewers in all of the above areas.
Perhaps youre looking for a cheaper option. The $1,900 Cub Cadet CC30 H is on the list for compactness, handling, mulching, and side-discharging performance. And if youre looking for a green option, the EGO ZT4204L is Consumer Reports pick. Starting at $5,499, its not cheap. But it charges completely in just 3 hours, is relatively quiet for a mower, and performs well at mulching, side-discharging, and handling.
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Best And Worst Times To Buy Commercial Lawn Mowers
Michigan Equipment Supplier
We understand that a commercial lawn mower is an investment in your business, which is why were always more than happy to answer any questions you might have about our commercial lawn mowers for sale.
Whether a lawn mower in your fleet decided to quit on you unexpectedly or youre planning ahead, you can trust our expertise in the lawn care industry. Continue reading to learn about the best and worst times to buy commercial lawn mowers. For more information, dont hesitate to reach out to our municipal equipment and lawn mower shop in Grand Rapids, MI.
Will I be able to save on commercial lawn mowers if I buy them during the off season? This is a question that may be on your mind when youre shopping for new or used lawn mowers. Ultimately, the best time to buy a commercial lawn mower will depend on how soon you need the lawn care equipment and what youre willing to pay.
Riding Lawn Mowers For Sale Near Me:
If youre interested in a particular mower featured in this article, just click any of our links and you will be directed to Amazon or Home Depot where you can review more details about that riding mower, or place an order, and set up free delivery .
Note: Most riding lawn mowers are shipped within 7-10 business days an exact date will be confirmed at check-out.
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In The End Theres No One Right Answer
Ultimately, the best time to buy a commercial lawn mower is up to you. If youre considering investing in a commercial lawn mower, youll need to determine when youll need it the most and how much productivity itll offer your company.
Whether you buy your commercial lawn mower this spring, summer, or even fall, you can trust us to have the latest lawn care equipment you need for your company.
Shopping for a used lawn mower? Our company often sells those too, so be sure to give us a call to check for availability. Since you cant predict when the perfect used lawn mower will come along, you have to be ready to buy when you see what you want.
How Do I Drive A Riding Mower
Riding mowers are usually simple to operate.The engine powers both the blades and the wheels, although most mowers have theoption to turn off the blades when driving.
As the driver, youll sit on top of the mower in the seat.With rear-engine mowers, the seat is typically in the middle. With front-enginemowers, the seat is usually in the rear, which can create a slight visibilityissue.
Not all riding mowers have brakes and you dontnecessarily need them. Many mowers have a one-pedal operation. When you takeyour foot off the pedal, the mower stops immediately. Other motors are morelike cars with both an acceleration pedal and a brake.
The deck is the circular area, which includes the blades andthe covering. The blades cut the grass, while the deck shields the driver fromgrass clippings and debris.
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When Should You Consider Buying A New Riding Mower
There are signs that your current lawnmower may be giving you that its time to invest in a new riding mower, which will be your cue to get one while they are on sale before your current one breaks down. The most obvious sign is the end of your current lawnmowers warranty or the simple desire of wanting a new or upgraded mower.
Some clues that your current mower could be giving you that its about to break down include transmission issues, engine issues, or problems with other areas of the mower. If your lawnmower has been shutting off on its own or breaking down, thats its way of telling you its time to retire it.
The Worst Time To Buy Commercial Lawn Mowers
The worst time to buy a commercial lawn mower is when your old lawn mower breaks down unexpectedly and you needed a replacement yesterday. To prevent this stressful situation from happening to you, we highly recommend you take good care of your lawn equipment.
That way, itll last as long as possible. If you need to quickly replace lawn care equipment during peak mowing season, give us a call. Our team will do everything they can to help you find the best lawn mower for your companys needs.
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Our Top Pick Is The Ryobi 48v Brushless 38 In Electric Riding Lawn Mower
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Spruce / Camryn-Rabideau
A riding lawn mower is ideal for anyone with a large yard, requiring less time and energy to operate than a traditional push mower. Over the last four years, we’ve spent hours researching and testing riding mowers from the top brands, evaluating maneuverability, safety features, noise level, and overall value.
Our favorite is the RYOBI 48V Brushless 38 in. Electric Riding Lawn Mower, a stand-out for its quiet operation, easy maintenance, and performance, especially on rough terrain.
Here are the best riding lawn mowers.
The Best Times To Buy Commercial Lawn Mowers
According to Consumer Reports, the best time to buy a lawn mower is at the start or end of the mowing season. In other words, start shopping for your next commercial lawn mower in April, May, August, September, or October. In general, we recommend that contractors start looking for the commercial lawn mowers they want in the spring so theyll be ready for the upcoming mowing season.
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Buying A Lawn Mower In Spring
For a lot of shoppers, price is important. However, its also important to consider the selection of new mowers available for the price youre hoping to pay.
February is the month that we see a lot of interest starting to build around lawn and garden equipment, so its probably not surprising that we consider the period from the end February through the beginning of March the best time to buy a mower.
All that interest that we see from consumers? Its largely because they know that early spring is when they can start to see manufacturers new models on the market. Manufacturers ship their latest equipment just ahead of the prime growing season, which means that, come March, our inventory is well-stocked with the latest and greatest options.
Plus, because manufacturers know that spring is when many people have mowers on their minds, some of them offer spring-season promotions between March and May, again to capture that interest.
Best Small: Cub Cadet 30 In 56
Courtesy of Home Depot
For a riding mower that wont take up too much space in your shed, this battery-powered model from Cub Cadet is small yet powerful. It has a 56-volt battery that offers up to 90 minutes of runtime, and it actually charges back up in around 4 hoursmuch faster than larger models. The mower has a 30-inch deck that can side-discharge or mulch grass clippings, and it also boasts a tight 18-inch turning radius that lets you navigate around obstacles with ease.
This compact mower is designed to easily fit through gates, and the brand claims it only takes up the space of two garbage cans. It has a high-back seat for comfort as well as cruise control and two USB charging ports, and you cant beat its low-maintenance design.
Price at time of publish: $3,199
Cutting Width: 30 inches | Power Type: Battery | Weight: 362 pounds | Cutting Options: Mulch, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres
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Why Would Lawnmowers Be On Sale In Spring
Lawn mower manufacturers, much like auto sales, roll out new models each season. They add new features either for performance or ease-of-use, and sell these units for higher prices to increase their profit margins.
Like the old saying out with the old and in with the new goes, in order to make room for these higher priced new mowers, they need distributors to sell the old models. The best way to move product? Lower the prices.
You might also see lawnmowers on sale more frequently in the Spring so that manufacturers and distributors can take advantage of the market. Its been a long offseason, and people might have moved, experienced damage to their mowers while in storage, or just need a new cutter for one reason or the other. When the demand is high, theres more money to be made in volume sales.
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Best Value Electric Battery Powered Riding Mower Ryobi Ry48111 100 Amp Hour With 38 Mowing Deck:
Why We Like It
It may surprise you to learn that battery technology in the outdoor power equipment space has become so advanced that a battery can power a riding lawnmower. Ryobi is sort of an entry-level player in the newer battery mower category, but if youre on a tighter budget, this mower is one to consider.
Nevertheless, the Ryobi 38-inch 100 Amp-hour battery-powered mower achieves precisely this, allowing homeowners to enjoy the low-maintenance convenience of electric power in a piece of equipment that has historically been powered exclusively by gasoline engines.
Specifications
- Mows up to 2 acres per charge
- 12-position deck
- Bagging kit available
Our Take Away
With No gasoline, oil changes, belts, spark plugs, air filters, or other maintenance issues to deal with, the Ryobi 38-inch battery model may just be the single most convenient mower built for todays busy homeowner.
But dont let its size fool you, as this mower can comfortably tackle up to two acres of land on a single battery charge!
If youre looking to avoid exhaust fumes or are someone who doesnt have time to keep up with gas-powered maintenance, the highly-rated Ryobi battery-powered mower could be your best choice to consider.
Ryobi Best Value Battery-Powered Riding Mower
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Best Overall: Ryobi Ry48111 100 Ah 38 Electric Riding Mower
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Great performance, even in thick grass
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Quiet operation
Who else recommends it? Bob Vila also picked the RYOBI Electric Riding Mower,
What do buyers say? 1,300+ Home Depot reviewers rated this 5 stars.
It may surprise some people, but our top pick is this battery-powered model from RYOBI. The zero-emissions model easily matches gas mowers in terms of power, cutting through thick grass with ease while demonstrating impressive maneuverability. Plus, it’s fume-free and practically silent, generating only minimal noise.
The RYOBI electric mower has a 38-inch deck, and its 48-volt batteries can run for two and a half hours per charge, allowing you to cut up to two and a half acres in a single session. The two-blade deck has 12 different cutting heights, and the mower offers convenient features like cruise control, LED headlights, and USB charging. There are no belts, spark plugs, or filters, making it easier to maintain than a traditional riding mower.
Our only complaints? The seat gets uncomfortable if you’re mowing for long periods, and it doesn’t have a mulch setting. Still, if you’re in the market for a reliable ride-on mower and ready to switch to a battery-powered model, this is your best bet.
Price at time of publish: $3,199
Cutting Width: 38 inches | Power Type: Battery | Weight: 678 pounds | Cutting Options: Bag, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres
