Best Ride-On Mowers

What different types of ride-on lawn mowers are available?

The tractor-style ride-on mower you probably remember from shows like King of the Hill or Home Improvement is the most common type of ride-on lawn mower available. These are typically suitable for properties around 4,000 square metres or bigger, particularly those with few trees or obstructions like garden beds. Tractor-style ride on mowers are controlled by a steering wheel and pads and can be automatic or manual transmission.

These mowers can be further divided into two styles - lawn and garden. Lawn ride on mowers are smaller, more agile and more likely to be able to navigate through tight spaces, while garden ride on mowers are more powerful with bigger cutting widths for larger jobs.

Your other option is a ride-on lawn mower with a zero-turn radius, and they work a little differently to your standard ride-on lawn mower. Zero-turn radius lawn mowers are controlled with left-right steer-drive handles. The controls take a little getting used to, but they also offer great manoeuvrability which can be better for trickier jobs.

Additional ride-on lawn mower features to consider:

• Grass disposal: Ride-on lawn mowers either operate with an on-board mulcher or a standard catcher. Catching can suit small lawns, while mulching can be better for bigger yards where you don't want to be running to the green bin every five minutes. Ultimately, its a matter of personal preference and how you want the finished product to look.
• Transmission: Ride-on lawn mowers can have automatic or manual transmission, which can greatly impact the mowing experience. Automatic ride-on mowers are more expensive, but much easier to use. On the other hand, manual ride-on mowers give the driver a greater degree of control, which can be handy for those dealing with trickier yards.
• Comfort: With ride-on lawn mowers especially, its important to try before you buy and take a minute to see how the drivers seat feels. If you feel as though the seat doesn't offer enough support or that you'll be stretching to reach the gears, you might want to consider looking at another ride-on lawn mower model.