Factors To Consider When Buying A Riding Mower
There are a number of features to consider when purchasing a riding mower. Here, well break down the jargon and help you decide which features are best for you.
Cutting Deck Size
Probably the most important spec when it comes to any riding mower tractor, rear engine, or zero turn is the cutting deck size. The deck size is basically how much grass gets cut, and equivalent to the blade length. Smaller riders usually rear engine range from 28 to 36 inches wide not that much bigger than say a 24 inch push mower. Tractors typically have larger cutting decks, usually from 36 to 48 inches. Some such as the Craftsman model we recommend, have 54 inches. Zero turn mowers can have cutting decks from 40 to 60 inches.
The wider the cutting deck, the more grass you cut at once. However, a larger cutting deck means a larger mower, which means its tougher to cut close corners and get into tight spaces. So thats the tradeoff you have to make. Additionally, wider cutting deck generally means a higher price.
If you have a half acre lot or less, youre best off going with a cutting deck on the smaller end, simply because you wont have a whole lot of wide swaths that need cutting compared to all of the various corners and edges. If you have a 1+ acre lot, or a smaller lot with long straight-a-ways, go for a larger cutting deck. Only go for an extremely large deck if your lot is giant and regular.
Mulching and Discharge
Maneuverability
Top Lawn Tractor Accessories
Your mower can do more than mow! Here is a list of the top lawn tractor accessories that will help you maximize the use of your machine through the spring, summer, fall and even winter.
BaggerEasy to attach to your mower, a bagger collects grass clippings and other debris that your mower runs over, instead of redistributing them onto your lawn to keep your lawn tidy.
Leaf collection systemDesigned to handle more debris than a bagger, a leaf collection system makes for a smooth and efficient collection of leaves, clippings and other debris. No more raking.
Sunshade/snow cabThe interchangeable sunshade/snow cab ensures the ultimate comfort for the operator in any season keeping you out of direct, harsh sunlight in the summer, and protecting you from freezing snow and wind in the winter.
Mulching kitDesigned to help you groom and beautify your lawn, mulching kits cut grass clippings, lawn and leaf debris into finer, small pieces, to be easily reused by your lawn as a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer.
All season plow for dirt, gravel or snowSimply align, latch and lock the all-season plow in place and start moving snow, dirt, gravel, mulch and more. Featuring a single handle with comfort grip, the operator can easily lift, lower and adjust the angle of the blade without leaving the seat.
Brush guardAlign, latch and lock your brush guard to the front of your lawn tractor to protect your tractors front end.
Sun Joe Mj401e Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower Review
The Best OverallSun Jow
If you are looking for an inexpensive lawn mower that has all the features you could need, our top pick Sun Joe MJ401E is the machine for you. It is lightweight, powerful, easy to store, and highly maneuverable. Essentially, this mower is the perfect combination of quality and budget friendliness.
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What Is The Best Type Of Lawn Mower
The two main classifications are walk-behind or riding mowers and the size and slope of your yard will be the main factors for choosing the right option. As a simple rule of thumb, you should get a walk-behind mower if you have less than ½ an acre or 10,000 square feet of grass space. Anything more and youll want to opt for a riding option.
Walk-behinds come in three basic types:
- Manual lawn mowers require you to do all the work without any assist from a motor or engine
- Push lawn mowers have an engine or motor to power the blades
- Self-propelled lawn mowers have an engine or motor powers the wheels and the blades.
Riding mowers are available in both manual and automatic transmissions as well as hydrostatic, which uses fluid instead of belts for power transfer.
- Zero turn tractors are essentially suped-up riding mowers and enable better handling and higher speeds than traditional tractors, as you control rotation with a pair of levers as opposed to a wheel .
For a more detailed breakdown of the types of mowers, check out Popular Mechanics‘ lawn mower buying guide.
Once you determine the type of mower or tractor youll want, there are a slew of other considerations you should be mindful of:
What To Look For In A Good Rider Lawn Mower
There are plenty of features to consider when picking out one of the best riding lawn mowers, so you can get the greatest experience behind the wheel. If youre hungry for power in your new mower, then check out the horsepower of each contender, as this determines how fast you can get around. Most electric models give an indication in minutes how long youll have to go before you charge up too.
Be sure to take note of the cutting width of each mower too, as the higher this number is, the more grass you can cut in one go. You can also get a more pleasant mowing experience with models that have cruise control or zero-turn technology.
Riding experience is also important, as you want to feel comfortable behind the wheel, especially if you have a lot of ground to cover. This covers user controls, which might be digital or manual, and depend on personal preference. Many models also have ergonomic chairs, as well as comfort grip bars that you can glide along with. If youre opting for an electric model, make sure the charging port is easily accessible too.
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Best Garden Tractors Of 2021
by Sean Brendlinger | Apr 24, 2020 | Lawn Mowers, Uncategorized
Homeowners with larger yards and more complex landscaping needs often benefit from garden tractors. The right garden tractor makes it possible to tow and haul a variety of landscaping debris to help with allergies and unsightly clutter. and offer more power than a standard lawnmower.
Whether its gathering firewood, grading a full-sized lawn, or a variety of other lawn maintenance tasks, a garden tractor can ramp up the power and efficiency needed to get them done. This list of eight best garden tractors can help.
Buying Guide For Best Riding Lawn Mowers
A riding lawn mower is a wise investment, but finding the right one can be a daunting process. Advice abounds on the internet and elsewhere, but much of it comes from manufacturers themselves.
When faced with questions about a large purchase like this, it helps to get an unbiased opinion. That’s where the BestReviews team steps in. Were proud to deliver a complete, balanced view of the options available to you.
We identified five riding lawn mowers, also known as lawn tractors, that deliver top performance and superb value. Each hails from a respected manufacturer, and each provides an excellent fit for particular needs. Please see our product list, above, for information about these fine products.
And if you want more in-depth information on the subject, please delve into our shopping guide, below.
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Best Riding Lawn Mowers Of 2021
Buying a riding lawn mower is a significant investment, and figuring out which of the hundreds of options is best for you can be frustrating and time-consuming. To make your decision easier, weve rounded up the 9 best riding lawn mowers based on price point, engine power, and overall performance.
Big yard, small yard, tight purse strings, or bottomless budget whatever your needs, our top picks include a riding mower thats perfect for you. Even if you arent quite sure what youre looking for, we have you covered. We also have put together a buyers guide with everything you need to know when shopping for riding lawn mowers.
What To Consider Before You Buy
Lawn Mowers:
Push vs. self-propelled. Push mowers tend to be more affordable. Self-propelled models draw energy from the engine to power the wheels, which makes them easier to maneuver if you have a larger lawn or live on a sloped lot. All-wheel drive offers the best traction on slopes, followed by rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive, which is standard on most models, is still well-suited for flat parcels though is not the best choice if you bag clippings. As the bag fills, it can cause the front wheels to lose some traction.
Yard size. Consider the size of your yard to find the perfect walk-behind mower. Gas self-propelled mowers will be best for larger yards, and push mowers are better for smaller yards. Check out our guide to finding the right mower for your yard size.
Washout port. You should clean the underside of your mower after each cut. When its time to do so, a washout port makes it easier: It accepts a hose connection for clearing clippings beneath the mower deck without the need to tip the machine.
Electric start. On gas models, this feature lets you start the engine with push-button ease, rather than yanking a pull cord. All electric mowers start this way.
Folding handle. Models with a folding or collapsing handle require less space to store.
Upright storage. Almost all electrics can be stored vertically in a cramped garage. Some gas models have special engine seals that allow for upright storage, too, without the risk of oil or gas leaking out.
Riding Mowers:
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Comfort: Could Be Better
Mowing takes time, and you will be sitting for hours in the seat, so it better be comfortable. The seat in the Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 has an ergonomically-shaped molded plastic frame with padding and a high back that provides extra support. The seat has springs that do a decent job offsetting the bumpy ride of the riding mower.
There are no armrests on this Cub Cadet model, which is disappointing. You’ll have to upgrade to the XT2 or XT3 models if you want this extra level of comfort. Next to the seat within easy reach is a cup holder and a holder for small tools.
The seat has springs that do a decent job offsetting the bumpy ride of the riding mower.
Gas Versus Electric Mower
Many riding lawn mowers are gas-powered, meaning they require gasoline to operate. Others, meanwhile, are electric and use a battery-powered motor that needs to be charged. Though gas riding mowers are more durable and typically better suited for large lawns, Hill cautioned that theyre usually much louder than their electric counterparts and are less eco-friendly since they emit fumes.
Electric riding mowers can be cheaper and easier to maintain since they dont require purchasing or changing out the engine oil, among other upkeep requirements. However, electric riding mowers do have their downfalls: Their functionality is limited to the amount of time they can be used in a single charge if you have several acres of land , the power may not be enough to cut your entire lawn in one sitting.
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The Best Lawn Mowers In Canada In 2021 Reviews And Buying Guide
A reliable lawn mower is a key piece of lawn care equipment for small and large yards alike. Since not all yards are the same, not every lawn mower will work for everyone. Though surely not a favourite chore, mowing the lawn is a weekly obligation during the warmer months that doesnt have to be an annoyance. The right lawn mower can make a world of difference in your mowing experience, and well help you choose the right lawn mower for your yard size and characteristics. Whether youre cutting your backyard or have a side business mowing lawns for extra cash, a good mower is the most important tool of the trade.
Choosing a lawn mower isnt as simple a task as you may first think. There are many categories to consider when making a decision including price, size, weight, customizability, versatility, durability, maneuverability, and storage. We dedicated 54 hours and analyzed 27 different mowers and 1068 consumer reviews to bring you a list of some of the best lawn mowers in Canada. We evaluated each mower in all of these categories to find the absolute best range of options for a variety of yards.
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Ryobi 75ah Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
Most Eco-Friendly Riding Mower
Welcome to the future of mowing! The greenest, most eco-friendly of our riding lawn mower options includes 75Ah rechargeable batteries with incredibly easy charging access at the rear end. It’s virtually silent, gas-free, and fume-free. There are 12 cutting heights to choose from with manual desk adjustment. This modern-looking and convenient lawn mower also includes a USB charging manifold for smartphones, Bluetooth headphones, or speakers. It has a fantastic appearance and impressive cutting power for an electric model! It runs for about 2 hours and roughly mows 2 acres per charge.
Why we liked it: This electric riding lawn mower keeps up with gas-guzzlers. It’s a triple-threat for its sleek appearance, excellent power, and quiet operation. The nature fans will love it!
Engine HorsepowerCutting WidthFuel Capacity
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Common Lawn Tractor/mower Questions:
Husqvarna Mz Series Zero
Our Take Away
This zero-turn mower truly is the ultimate residential mowing machine. WIth cutting height adjustments from 1.5 4.5 inches, tons of options, power and speed, and the reliability of a Husqvarna. If you have a large property, and a larger budget to match This mower should be at or near the top of your list.
Husqvarna MZ Series Zero-Turn 61 Mower
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Husqvarna Ts354xd 26hp Kohler Lawn Tractor
Husqvarna makes excellent lawn equipment, and the Kohler option is no exception. It features a 54-inch cutting deck with ten gauge steel construction. Everything is reinforced to help protect against damage and to provide support for the power of the tractor.
The hydrostatic transmission is pedal-operated while the locking rear differential supports tasks on an incline or otherwise tricky ground. It features plenty of torque and LED headlights for mowing in all conditions.
- 26 horsepower
Cordless Zero Turn Mowers
Recently both Ryobi and Ego have released cordless zero turn mowers. These are large ride-on mowers that have the capability of cutting two or more acres. Ryobi has a number of models available and Ego has one, but looking at the largest and most capable, they come with a price tag of about $5000.
The Ego ZT4204L Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower uses the same style of battery that is in all of their lawn equipment. The mower comes with four 10.0 Ah batteries, but the machine has ports for six, so there is some scalability, especially if you have additional Ego batteries from other tools. The mower also acts as a charger and, according to Ego, once plugged in, can fill all of the batteries in only two hours. Just using the four included batteries, the Ego can cut about 2 acres.
It comes with an on-board USB port, cup holders, and what looks like a comfortable seat. It has a 54-inch cut.
The Ryobi RY48140 Zero Turn Electric Riding Mower has a single internal battery, which can power the mower to cut up to 3½-acres. Like the Ego, it has a 54-inch cut and amenities like the USB port and cup holders. The downside of this model is that charging is an overnight process, so you would want to make sure it could handle your lawn in a single mow.
This is a new category of mower and were watching to see how it progresses. Let us know if its something youre interested in us testing and investigating further.
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