Ride-on Lawnmowers
For really large areas of grass, a ride-on mower or lawn tractor is the most sensible maintenance option. If you’ve ever tried to cut half an acre of grass using a standard walk-behind mower, you will appreciate the work involved. Not only will a ride-on lawnmower save you time, they can also be great fun!
What’s the difference between a Ride-on lawnmower and a lawn tractor?
A ride-on lawnmower has a rear mounted engine which is normally positioned underneath the drivers seat. Depending on the engine size, ride-on lawnmowers are suitable for lawns up to an acre in size.
A lawn tractor (or garden tractor) has a front mounted engine similar to a conventional tractor. These machines are better suited to mowing larger areas between 1 and 5 acres in size. Lawn tractors offer the option of adding a variety of attachments such a trailers and scarifying equipment. If you own a large plot of land, it may be worth purchasing a lawn tractor for this very reason. Companies such as Agri-Fab supply a vast range of attachments specially designed for garden tractors and ride-on lawn mowers.
What are the different types of ride-on lawnmower and lawn tractor?
Smaller models of ride-on lawnmower have engine sizes of around 6.5hp rising to 15hp+ for the largest models. Cutting widths are typically between 25-33 inches. Ride-on mowers usually have 3-5 forward gears and a reverse although some brands do offer a variable transmission whereby you just select forward or reverse and put your foot down.
Ride-on mowers nearly always use the rotary method of cutting and the steering can be via either the front or rear wheels.
Some models are classed as ‘3 in 1’ mowers. This basically means that you have the option of either collecting the grass clippings, discharging the clippings back onto the lawn, or mulching and discharging the clippings. Some ride-on lawnmower and lawn tractor models offer a mulching kit as an add-on.
Lawn tractors are true work horses and offer more in the way of options and power than ride-on lawnmowers. Engine sizes range from around 13hp (ideal for gardens 1-2 acres in size) and grow to 25hp+ for the biggest machines. Some lawn tractors are dedicated mulching machines and will discharge all of the grass clipping back into the lawn whilst others will offer collection.
Many larger models will have twin blades for maximum cutting width - enabling fast ground coverage in large gardens and paddocks. For easy cleaning, look out for models that feature a deck nozzle - this allows you to attach a hose pipe to the deck (the housing that encloses the blades) and enables quick and easy cleaning.
The other major benefit of a lawn tractor is that they are designed to accept wider variety of attachments including trailers, sprayers, rollers and leaf sweepers.
Are the bigger engines hard to start?
Even the cheapest models will usually feature an electric key start so you’ll have no problems getting the machine started.
My garden has many obstacles, does this matter?
If your garden has lots of trees, flower beds and other obstructions, you will be better off with a front mounted deck ride-on mower. Often referred to as ‘deck out front’ ride-on lawnmowers, these machines offer a much better view of the cutting deck and are better suited to difficult lawns.
What is a hydrostatic drive?
Many ride-on lawnmowers and lawn tractors feature a hydrostatic drive. This basically allows you to maintain a consistent power supply to the cutting deck even though the actual engine revs may vary.
How do ride-on lawnmowers collect the grass clippings?
There are two basic methods of grass collection.
Rear collection. The airflow created by the cutting blades forces the grass clippings into a collection container mounted on the mower. The rear collect ride-on mower is by far the most popular type in the UK and is available in a huge variety of engine sizes and specifications. Many regard the fan assisted Lawnflite “Direct Collect” as the most effective collection system.
Rear Sweeper. This method involves towing a powered sweeper behind the mower which collects the clippings from the turf. Powered sweeper ride-on mowers and lawn tractors are more expensive than their rear collection counterparts. The rear sweeper collection method is very well suited to damp or lush grass. Lawn tractor manufacturer Westwood are well known for their powered rear sweepers.
How much do ride-on lawnmowers cost and where can I buy one?
Prices start at around £900 for a basic ride-on mower and rise to over £3000 for a powerful, well featured lawn tractor. To compare prices from the major UK suppliers, use the menu on the left to select a brand.