Are Riding Lawn Mowers Worth It?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Riding lawn are ideal for large yards and commercial use as they cover more ground than push mowers in a shorter time frame. While more expensive,

riding mowers are an investment worth considering if you have a significant amount of grass to mow

.

What is the life expectancy of a riding lawn mower?

Riding lawnmowers build to last many years. Our research shows that you can expect a life

greater than 10 years

. In hours this will be around 500 to 1000 hours. With proper care and maintenance, many can last even 15 to 20 years.

Are riding lawn mowers better?

Rather than doing the hard yards with a push ,

riding are far more suitable for large and hilly lawns

. In fact, once you're in the driving seat, all you need to do is start the engine, steer, and use features such as adjustable cutting heights or deck positions to your advantage.

Does a 1/2 acre need a riding mower?


For lawns over 1/2 acre, we recommend upgrading to a riding mower

. If cutting time is important and you have a lot to cut, you need a fast riding mower with a 40-60 inch+ cutting deck.

How do you mow grass with a riding mower?

  1. Before you mow, set your mower to the recommended height for your type of grass.
  2. Cut only 1/3 of the grass blades at one time. …
  3. Don't mow while the grass is wet from rain or dew. …
  4. Change your mowing pattern each time you mow.

When should you use a riding lawn mower?

An average man's stride is about 30 inches and a woman's stride is about 26 inches, or measure your own stride for the most accurate measurement. An acre is 43,560 square feet, so one-fourth acre is 10,890 square feet.

Anything above that threshold

, and you'll likely want to get a riding mower.

Is 500 hours a lot for a riding mower?

As a rough rule of thumb,

a single-cylinder mower with 500-750 hours would be considered a high miler

, but that's not to say it's all worn out. A well-maintained mower will go on and on, as said earlier, my own ride-on mower has about 1000 hours and still pulls its weight around here.

How much is a ride-on mower?

Ride-on lawn mowers can cost you anywhere between

$2,500 to over $25,000

depending on the brand, model, features and retailer you purchase through.

How much is a John Deere D130 worth?

The price of a John Deere D130 Tractor is

$1899.00 US Dollar

which is very cheap and reasonable.

What is the most reliable lawn tractor?

In Consumer Reports' 2017 survey of 11,217 subscribers,

John Deere

takes the top prize as the most reliable brand of lawn tractors and among the more reliable zero-turn-radius mowers.

What is the difference between a riding lawn mower and a garden tractor?


Lawn tractors have a mid-mounted cutting deck, while a riding 's cutting deck is under the front of the vehicle

. Riding lawn mowers are more maneuverable with the cutting deck at the front. Maneuverability is essential when a lawn is dotted with shrubs and trees.

Does a zero turn cut better than a lawn tractor?


Zero turn mowers are designed to cut grass 50% faster than traditional lawn tractors

, so your straight line mowing speed is improved. A typical lawn tractor cuts at about 3-4 mph while a typical zero turn cruises along at 5-8 mph.

Is hydrostatic mower better?

A hydrostatic transmission works like an automatic transmission, but uses fluid rather than belts to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. This transmission

offers a smoother ride, requires less maintenance and lasts longer

.

What type of lawn mower is best for uneven ground?


Hover lawnmowers

hover above the ground, making them easier to push and adept at mowing uneven surfaces. They are a good choice for unusual-shaped lawns and cheaper than other types.

How powerful of a lawn mower do I need?

Look for a mower with

at least 14-16 hp

and a wide mowing deck – at least 38 inches – to get your lawn work done quickly. Yards larger than three acres are best handled by a larger zero-turn rider or a garden tractor. Look for models that have at least 18hp engines and mowing decks in the 44-54 inch range.

Can riding mowers tip over?

When operating on a slope, the rear wheels should be on the uphill side. You might think that riding mowers and lawn/garden tractors are small and low to the ground so overturns are not a problem. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Riding mowers and small tractors can overturn to the side or rear fairly easily

.

Can you tip a riding lawn mower on its back?


The absolute best way is to tip it straight back on its back wheels

. But as it's at a 45 degree in this position, access to the underside of the deck can be tricky, which is why I like to tilt it on its side. Just make sure the carburetor and air filter are facing up.

What is the fastest way to mow a lawn?


Mowing in rows

is usually the fastest, most efficient way to cut your lawn. But the direction of your rows plays a role in how quickly you mow. If your lawn is wider than it is long, you should mow in horizontal rows.

What should I look for when buying a riding lawn mower?

Look for

a mower with at least 14-16 hp and a wide mowing deck – at least 38 inches

– to get your lawn work done quickly. Yards larger than three acres are best handled by a large zero turn mower or a garden tractor. Look for models that have at least 18hp engines and mowing decks in the 44-54 inch range.

How much does a small riding lawn mower cost?

The smallest and simplest rear engine riding mowers can be

as affordable as $1,299

, while the largest tend to be closer to $4,539. The average cost across all rear engine riders is about $2,080.

Do ride on mowers have catchers?

Even though

most tractor style and zero turn ride on mowers can have a catcher fitted

, nothing performs as good as a ride on mower designed especially to catch the grass. Catcher ride on mowers are designed like a walk behind mower, where the grass is cut and thrown out the back straight into the catcher.

Are John Deere mowers good?

According to Consumer Reports (an unbiased company that tests products),

John Deere mowers are the best-ranked mowers out there

. They were given an Excellent on both accounts for reliability and customer satisfaction. When well maintained, John Deere mowers can last a long time.

How long do Briggs and Stratton engines last?

How Long Should A Briggs And Stratton Engine Last? Generally, a Briggs or Stratton engine with the right maintenance is able to last from

25 to 30 years

.

How long will a lawn mower run on a tank of gas?

On one tank, with a medium load, you'll end up riding

between 2.06 and 2.13 hours

, a good middle-ground average for most homeowners' riding lawn mowers.

Who makes John Deere ride on mowers?

1.

MTD (Modern Tool and Die Company)

MTD is an American company specializing in the mass production of outdoor power tools such as tractors, lawnmowers, etc. The firm produces a series of smaller, cheaper non-commercial models for John Deere (and other brands).

Are any ride on mowers made in Australia?


COX Mowers Australia

| Engineered for Life. and produced the first Australian made ride-on lawn mower – the COX MowMobile. through our extensive range. Find out more.

How wide are ride on mowers?

The average riding lawn mower, also referred to as a garden tractor, is

between 48 inches and 63 inches

wide with the discharge chute in the upright position. Add 8 to 15 inches to the width when factoring the discharge chute in the downright position.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.