Monday, March 25, 2024
HomeWhich Lawn Tractor Should I Buy

Which Lawn Tractor Should I Buy

- Advertisment -

How Much Does A Ride

Should I Buy a Zero Turn or Lawn Tractor?

If you’re shopping for a ride-on lawn mower, be prepared to spend at least £1,000, with prices varying depending on engine size and the machine’s ability to tackle tricky terrain.

Here’s an overview of the different ride-on lawn mower types and expected costs:

  • Ride-on mowers cost around £1,200.
  • Lawn tractors cost around £1,500.
  • Garden tractors cost between £2,000 and £5,000+.

How To Buy The Best Ride

If you’ve got a large lawn and don’t fancy pushing around a heavy mower, a ride-on mower could be a sensible option. But before you part with your money, it’s important to know which key features to look out for, plus how much you should expect to spend.

With prices starting at around £1,000, a ride-on mower won’t be a cheap addition to your gardening toolkit, but it could be the best. Popular models are easy to use and able to navigate slopes and muddy areas.

Read on as we take a clooser look at the various types of ride-on lawn mower and what they offer.

Make more of your garden get our free Gardening newsletter for top tips from our experts

Will A Used Mower Fit In A Trunk

Most medium-size mowers will fit in the trunk of a family-size car. A hatchback will obviously be your best option save maybe a pickup.

Most modern mowers are equipped with a toolless handlebar release which allows the operator to fold the handlebars flat across the body of the mower.

This is usually all thats required to fit a mower into the average family hatchback or sedan. That said here are a few additional transportation tips:

  • Lower the deck to its lowest position

Read Also: Do Battery Powered Lawn Mowers Work

Cub Cadet Ultima Zt: Best Riding Lawn Mower For Tough Environments

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 attempts to ensure maximum durability with its design. That includes its fabricated deck and tubular high-strength frame. It also aims to go the extra mile with comfort, with its ergonomic, fully adjustable chair, as well as lap bars and hand-grips. All of these things should reduce operator fatigue, and make for a more enjoyable riding lawn mower experience.

The zero-turn technology with this riding lawn mower also aims to be faster than competing models and combined with the 50-inch cutting path, itâs safe to say that user reviews are confident in this mowerâs ability to knock the hours off your mowing time. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 also aims to prevent refueling trips, with 3.5 gallons of fuel tank capacity available for use. It can also reach up to speeds of 7.5 miles per hour and has a 23 horsepower dual cylinder engine for providing maximum power.

Why Choose A Lawn Tractor

Lawn Mowers: Which One Should I Buy? / Help &  Advice

From the size of your yard to the obstacles you might encounter to the storage you have available and, of course, your own personal preferences, there are many great reasons to choose a lawn tractor over a push mower. If any of the following apply to you, a lawn tractor might be the right choice:

  • You have a yard that is more than ¼ acre and under 2 acres You have enough space to be able to store it
  • You are looking to get the job done faster and more thoroughly
  • You want a versatile piece of equipment that can do more than cut your lawn, such as towing or plowing snow in the winter
  • You are looking for easier maneuverability around the obstacles in your yard
  • You want to save the physical energy required to push – you rather ride!

The Cub Cadet® lineup of XT Enduro Series lawn tractors are built to handle tough yard work. The all-new redesigned XT1 Enduro Series gives owners quality performance, exceptional control and comfort mow after mow with new Kohler® engines, responsive steering and adjustable cut-and-sew seats. Not to be outdone, the powerhouse XT2 Enduro Series is built for strength and durability to tackle demanding jobs and is loaded with premium features. Cub Cadet® has lawn tractors for all types of yard sizes and the right tractor for you.

Don’t Miss: How Much Is Lawn Service In Florida

Best Riding Lawn Mowers: 7 Convenient Buys For Large Lawns

Invest in the best riding lawn mower if it’s a pristine carpet of green that you’re aiming for in your yard and for easy maintenance

Investing in the best riding lawn mower this spring is a smart idea. Let’s be honest: cutting the grass is one of the chores that we avoid for as long as possible, until the sight of our unkempt lawns visits us in our sleep and we can’t ignore the nagging voice in the back of our head any longer.

Mowing the lawn can take up a lot of time, and can often leave us feeling flat-out exhausted. The best riding lawn mower will make a real difference not only to the state of our outdoor spaces, but to how we feel when the time comes around to trimming them.

If your land covers more than half an acre, we’re sure you already agree that the best riding lawn mower is a must-have, but they can also be a real game-changer for anyone who’s looking to make cutting the grass easier for themselves, whatever your garden looks like. A riding mower will save you hours of time and help you achieve an immaculate finish much quicker than a push mower alternative.

We’ve selected the best riding lawn mowers on the market. There are options with a zero turning radius meaning you cover ground more quickly, and both electric and gas engines to pick from. Browse our picks below to find the best riding lawn mower for you.

What To Look For In A Good Rider Lawn Mower

Thereâs a lot to keep in mind when youâre selecting a great rider lawn mower. One place to begin is with its power, as this will determine how fast your ride is. You can tell how powerful the engine is by checking out its horsepower first and foremost, but itâs also key to look at how long the battery lasts. Most electric mowers will give an estimate as to how many minutes they can last without a recharge. Just be sure to choose a model with an easy-to-access charging port too.

Feeling calm and collected in the driversâ seat is always key with riding lawn mowers, which is where digital or manual user controls come into play. Usually, this boils down to personal preference, but digital user controls can feel more intuitive. Ergonomic chairs that will properly support your spine are another handy design feature, as are grip bars if youâre expecting quite a bumpy ride.

When it comes to the cut quality, cutting width is the number one thing. The higher the number, the more grass you can work your way through in one go.

Recommended Reading: How Much To Get Lawn Aerated

Lawn Tractors: Know Engine Size And Features

Lawn tractor engines are sized to match the mower deck and climb the grade listed in the manufacturers specs. Buying a lawn tractor with a larger engine wont get you a higher top-end speed, but the larger engine is important if you plan to haul a cart or add a snow blade or a snow thrower accessory.

Most tractor engines have traditional carburetors. However, the Cub Cadet model shown above, has electronic fuel injection , which dramatically reduces the starting problems associated with carbureted engines and ethanol fuel. Plus, Cub Cadet claims its EFI system boosts fuel efficiency by 25 percent.

What Are Riding Lawn Mowers Exactly

Should I Buy a Zero Turn or Tractor?

Riding lawn mowers are usually quicker and easier to use than push or self-propelled lawn mowers due to their large engines and wider mowing decks, which can cut a larger area of grass in one pass. The ability to ride the mower around can also be crucial for homeowners who experience any back issues and cant walk behind an average lawn mower without fatigue, said McKenzie.

Experts said that shoppers with more than three-fourths of an acre of yard would benefit from a riding lawn mower since they can significantly cut down on mowing time. However, if your yard is less than a half an acre, a riding lawn mower can make mowing your lawn more tedious than it needs to be because of the size of the machine in comparison to the yard, said Steckel. At that point, its easier to use a push or self-propelled lawn mower these types of mowers also turn the lawn mowing process into an opportunity for exercise and physical activity.

There are three main types of riding lawn mowers to consider: traditional lawn tractors, zero turning radius mowers and rear engine riding mowers.

  • Lawn tractors are gas-powered machines with a front mounted engine and a steering wheel for easy maneuvering you simply sit on top and steer while the machine cuts the grass. This is the most common and price-effective type of riding lawn mower, said Steckel. They also usually have a wide turn radius, making them a good option for big lawns with slopes and hills.
  • Also Check: When Should I Apply Grub Killer To My Lawn

    What Is A Riding Mower

    When looking at a zero-turn or riding mower, a riding mower resembles a small tractor. Though some models can be suitable for larger lawns, with this type of mower, you will not have the maneuverability of a zero-turn, which is required for more complex terrain.

    Pros and Cons of a Riding Mower

    Youve seen the pros and cons lists above. If youre looking at a particularly hilly landscape, a riding mower may be best. But with the proper tires and informed operations and driving, a zero-turn mower could just as easily work on sloped areas. A ZRT is usually top-heavy, so tackling wet lawns or fields combined with steep inclines is not always a good idea.

    Thinking about a tractor or zero-turn mower? Consider this: if you seek a multifunctional mower, youll want to go with a tractor. Zero-turns are designed to fly. Theyre sleek and speedy, but youre not going to be hauling tools and gear with them. You can with a riding mower.

    What Should I Look For When Buying A Lawn Tractor

    There are seven key things to look for when buying a lawn tractor that will ensure the job gets done to your standard, mow after mow.

    #1 Engine sizeThe larger the engine, the better it can handle tough cutting conditions. If you need a mower that can mow often, through wet or tall grasses, cut down weeds or bag and mulch leaves, a larger engine like the Kohler® engines on the redesigned XT1 Enduro Series means handling challenging jobs with ease.

    #2 Deck widthDeck width should increase as yard size increases. A deck size of 40 inches or less is suitable for a smaller yard around ½ an acre. A deck size of 42 to 46 inches is suitable for a yard up to two acres. A yard that is three acres or more typically requires a deck size of 50 inches or greater.

    #3 Cutting performanceLook for a mower that can give you a cut you can be proud of, every single time. Sharp and powerful blades make up the Cub Cadet® Signature Cut, which means our mowers cut cleanly and consistently mow after mow, and help to avoid hacking, pulling on or damaging your grass.

    #4 ComfortNot to be overlooked, comfort is incredibly important for a machine that youll spend hours on over the course of peak mowing season. Is the seat comfortable? Does your back feel supported? What does the steering feel like? Refreshing the XT1 Enduro Series lawn tractors meant upgrading its comfort features, including adjustable cut-and-sew seats and responsive handling.

    Recommended Reading: When To Fertilize Your Lawn In Pennsylvania

    The 6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers Of 2022

    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.

    How To Make Your Garden Tractor Last

    Top 15 best Lawn Mowers you should buy in 2020

    The first step to keep your Lawnmower in excellent condition is by carrying out maintenance on it. This should be done monthly if the machine is used regularly or at least twice a year if not used often. Regular maintenance will help extend the life and ensure it works seamlessly throughout the season.

    The good news is with a few hours of your time and the right tools youll be able to achieve professional-quality lawn mower maintenance. This guide will walk you through what needs to be done every year to maintain your equipment for years.

    Recommended Reading: How To Overseed Your Lawn

    What’s The Difference Between A Riding Lawn Mower And Garden Tractors

    If you will be using the tractor just for cutting grass, a riding lawn mower is fine. They have several attachment options, but don’t expect it to do any heavy lifting or pulling. If you will be using the mower to pull ground engaging attachments, such as a plow, disc harrow or tiller, you will need a garden tractor.

    A garden tractor has a heavier frame and transmission, larger rear wheels, and is also appropriate for larger mowing jobs. A garden tractor has the highest horsepower . Residential garden tractors can pull a tiller, cultivator, thatcher or other ground-engaging tool behind it, but to do so they need more power than typical lawn tractors.

    How Do I Take Care Of A Riding Mower

    Keeping your riding mower in good working order is essential to ensure it operates at its best, and one of the most essential parts of this is simply keeping it clean. Ensure the mower deck is clear of grass and leaves, take a look under the hood to brush off any debris, and do a general check of the outside, ensuring wheels are free of twigs and hazards.

    You can avoid too much wear and tear on your mowers moving parts by using a grease gun to keep them lubricated, while keeping your mower topped up with oil will ensure a good performance too.

    Youll want to carry out an annual change of your spark plugs and air filter to keep your mower running at its best, plus you should keep an eye on your riding mower belts to ensure the correct tension.

    You can do all of this maintenance yourself with some know-how, but you may prefer to find an experienced local dealer who can do it instead, something which would probably save you time in the long run.

    Also Check: How Often Can You Fertilize Your Lawn

    Why Buying A Used Lawn Tractor Makes Sense

    A used mower makes sense at so many levels. The price is of course the most obvious solid reason to buy used. But consider also new mower technology hasnt really moved on that much. Sure some of the top-end models are gone fuel injected and there are all-electric models entering the market. But by and large, a lawn tractor mower bought fifteen or maybe even twenty years ago is mechanically the same, save a few minor improvements.

    I know this because Im a mower mechanic and because I bought a new lawn tractor twenty years ago and it isnt vastly different from the modern customers tractors I work on.

    Consider also the number of tractors out there, lawn tractor sales over the last fifteen years have exploded, the prices came down and any self-respecting homeowner had a lawn tractor at the top of their to-buy list .

    This means theres a plentiful supply of potential mowers and lots of supply is great for used buyers. As said Ive worked on mowers for years, Ive worked on overworked and unloved mowers but Ive equally worked on underworked loved machinery. The latter represents a fantastic used mower, you just need to know what you are looking for, and thats what we cover below.

    John Deere X350 Lawn Tractor

    Should You Buy a John Deere S100 Series or X300 Series Riding Mower?

    No list of ride-on lawn mowers would be complete without a John Deere. While models from this brand do sit at the higher end of the scale when it comes to price, theyre widely considered to be some of the best mowers around.

    More like this

    This one comes with hydrostatic, two-wheel drive with Twin Touch foot controls. Theres a 107cm cutting width, and the cutting heights increase in 6mm steps between 2.5cm and 10.2cm.

    A 13.2L petrol tank, adjustable wheels and a luxury seat are also included as part of the package. Plus, there are a few special additions, including cruise control and a backlit, car-style display.

    • Buy now from B& Q .

    The Mountfield MTF 84M mower is a compact choice – small enough to fit through most standard garden gates, large enough to cover a garden up to an acre and a half in size.

    The ride-on lawn mower is more than capable of giving your grass the treatment you’re after, with seven cutting heights from 25mm to 80mm, and an 84cm cutting width. Plus, it has manual transmission with five forward gears and one reverse gear.

    You May Like: How To Properly Take Care Of Your Lawn

    RELATED ARTICLES
    - Advertisment -

    Popular Articles

    - Advertisment -