Riding Lawn Mowers
Riding lawn mowers are a popular alternative to self-propelled push behind lawn mowers. Riding lawn mowers are the most common type of mower purchased. Riding mowers equipped with a steering wheel are a good choice for large spaces of open land, but can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. A riding mower is a smart choice for properties that don’t have many hills but lots of space.
What other types of mowers are available?
Other mower options include walk-behind and stand-on (surfer) mowers. Walk behind mowers are another great option, particularly for hilly or small spaces. Walk behind mowers are also good for soft ground, as they won’t sink in. Stand-on (surfer) mowers are a great alternative to riding and walk behind mowers. These mowers are fast, easy to maneuver, and fun to operate. Stand-on mowers come equipped with a spring-loaded platform to minimize the shocks to the knee and back and have a cushion to lean the hips and thighs against to help the rider maintain balance. Surfer mowers are also safe on hills and easy to maneuver in small or tight spaces.
What to look for in a riding mower
Engine size is the first criteria to evaluate when purchasing a riding lawn mower. If your yard is less than one acre, an engine with a minimum of 14.5 horse power is idea. If your land is between one and two acres, purchase a riding lawn mower with an engine between 14.5 and 16 horse power. The cutting width is also an important factor. For less than one acre, select a cutting width between 42 and 46 inches. For one to two acres, choose a riding lawn mower with a cutting width between 42 to 46 inches.
If your lawn is bigger than 3 acres, a garden tractor may be preferable. Although garden tractors and riding lawn mowers are capable of completing similar tasks, a garden tractor is better suited for mowing large lots of land. Garden tractors can also be used to plow or blow snow, or to pull implements like a disc harrow, plow, tiller or other lawn and garden accessories.
Next you must decide whether you would prefer a manual or automatic transmission. If your yard has a number of obstacles (gardens, trees, plants, patio furniture), an automatic transmission may be preferable. On the other hand, a manual transmission is generally cheaper and well suited for yards that have wide-open tracts of land.
Popular riding lawn mower brands include Murray, John Deere, Honda and Toro. These brands offer a great selection of riding lawn mowers at a variety of price points that are sure to fit any budget. Used riding lawn mowers are also available. Purchasing a secondhand riding lawn mower from a third party or from a dealer as a reconditioned mower is an excellent way to save money and enter the riding lawn mower market.
Riding Lawn Mower Safety Tips
Always remember to operate your riding lawn mower with caution to avoid injury or fatal accidents. The following guidelines should always be observed:
- Slow down and don’t be over-confident.
- Check the grounds for objects that may cause the vehicle difficulty (pinecones, toys, tools, rocks, branches, limbs, etc.). Smaller rocks, for example may hit the blade and become a flying projectile.
- Wear safety glasses as recommended.
- Do not allow children to ride on the lawn mower or operate it.
- Mow inclines perpendicularly, that is, up and down the gradient rather than across it. While this may sound intuitive, you would be surprised at the number of times people have rolled their vehicle because of this very mistake!
- When turning or going up or down slopes your speed should be reduced to prevent imbalance
- Only use your mower when there is adequate lighting and you can see clearly what is before and behind you.
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