The first thing you should do when you’ve decided to buy a ride-on mower is to think through a number of questions:
In general, the larger and more open the grass areas, the more important it is that the machine has a generous cutting width, at least 36". If it’s a large area, but with lots of obstructions like trees and bushes, it’s more important that the cutting width is small enough for the mower to pass through the tightest passages.
The difference between a tractor and a Rider is simply that the tractor has the cutting deck under the middle of the machine while the Rider has a front-mounted cutting deck.For large, open areas you can just as well choose a garden tractor with a mid-mounted cutting deck, as a Rider. But if the garden has lots of bushes and obstructions, the Rider, with its front-mounted cutting deck, is a better choice, thanks to its superior manoeuvrability and the superior reach of the cutting deck.
+ shorter distance for the clippings to travel, which simplifies collection+ good weight distribution between front and rear axles, which improves stability+ collecting– not as good at reaching into corners and underneath hanging bushes, etc.– the wheels flatten the grass before it is cut, which can affect the results
+ good at reaching close to obstructions and underneath bushes, etc.+ the driver has a good view of the work+ the grass isn’t flattened by the wheels before it is cut+ easier to maneuver– no collecting– the cutting deck is more at risk of being run into, etc.
How do you want the lawn to look and how often do you want to mow it? Taller, wilder grass and coarser types of grass should be cut with a rear or side ejection cutting deck that can manage large amounts of grass.The BioClip method is especially suitable for well-maintained lawns that are mowed often. The result is a perfect lawn where the finely-cut clippings return to the lawn as fertilizer. And since the clippings contain a large proportion of water, this method means that the grass becomes more resistant during dry periods.Collection makes for a very neat job, and is a good choice for instance if you want to avoid allergic reactions to grass or if you want to avoid spreading weed seeds inadvertently.
+ distributes the clippings better than rear ejection+ can handle larger volumes of grass than collection, rear ejection and mulching (BioClip)– decreased maneuverability because of the protruding side ejection outlet– risk of stone and grass spray
+ better maneuverability than side ejection+ stone spray is very rare+ no grass spray into flowerbeds and the like– the grass cuttings stick to the underside of the machine– risk of clods forming, even in relatively dry weather
+ better-looking results than with side or rear ejection+ less risk of stone spray+ nourishment and water is returned to the grass+ no grass spray into flowerbeds and the like– grass clods can form when mowing tall grass, especially if the mower is traveling quickly– the cutting deck is more sensitive to stones, roots, etc.
+ gives tidy results+ prevents the spread of weed seeds+ reduces the risk of allergic reactions– nourishment must be added to the lawn– the collected material must be emptied, transported away and composted
The steering system can be divided into four types: front-wheel steering, traditional articulated steering, Husqvarna’s Rider steering and rear-wheel steering.Just like cars, riding mowers also have manual or hydrostatic (automatic) gearboxes. Hydrostatic transmission provides a smoother operation, so the job can be done with greater precision. The manual transmission need to be stopped before changing speed.
+ good traction+ good braking– relatively large uncut circle– risk that the machine rears up, when travelling uphill
+ front and rear wheels track+ good traction– instable when turning– minimal uncut circle
+ minimal uncut circle+ stable even when wheel is fully turned– steering on downhill slopes– rear section projects when turning
+ good traction (especially when reversing uphill)+ good braking– inside wheel can skid in sharp turns– large uncut circle when steering wheel is turned fully– rear section projects when turning (risk of collision)
Regardless of whether the mower is a garden tractor or an articulating rider, it can be equipped with a variety of accessories. This allows the products to be used efficiently, based on seasonal requirements, for instance: