The Lawn:
The first thing to consider is the lawn or area you will be cutting. In general the larger the lawn you need to cut the larger you want the cutting width. This makes sense, but you need to consider other things too - are there narrow spaces you'll need to get through, between trees or through gates for example. You will need to ensure that the ride on mower you choose will be able to fit through the smallest of gaps on your cutting area. If your lawn is very large you'll also need to consider the storage capacity of the mower (if you're planning on collecting the grass).
Another thing you need to consider is the terrain of the land you'll be cutting. If it is steep in places you'll need a more powerful mower. Will you need to turn the mower on a slope or do you have flat areas on the lawn to be able to do this?
Small Riding Lawn Mowers
Storage:
Another obvious consideration is where you're planning on storing your new ride on mower. You'll need to ensure that the mower will easily fit into it's home when not being used. Do you need to remove the trailer (if it has one)? Do you have somewhere to turn it easily or would you have to reverse in or out a long way? Will you have enough room to carry out simply maintenance?
A shed, garage or outhouse of some kind is preferred to leaving the mower outside under a waterproof tarpaulin or something similar. Storing the mower in this manner leaves little protection against the element, not to mention someone stealing the mower so unless you don't have a choice, a building to store the mower in is always recommended.
Frequency of use:
You will also need to keep in mind how frequently you will use the mower. If you are planning on keep a field trim a few times a year then your requirements will be very different to someone who owns a hotel and wants to keep their front lawn looking professional and well kept.
Deck placement:
One thing you don't want to get wrong is the placement of the decks (the cutters). Decks on ride on mowers are usually in one of two places - either mid-mount (where the operator sits above them) or out in front of the mower.
From a practical point of view you need to consider the area you'll be cutting before making a decision.
Decks placed out in front of the mower allow the user to see exactly what they are cutting and also enable them to get into more difficult places, like under overhanging bushes or trees. They also offer a near zero degrees turning circle and can provide steadier maneuvering on inclines. The decks can be easier to maintain too as most designs turn upwards allowing the operator easy access.
Mid-mounted ride on mowers give the operator an excellent field of view around the machine and are also easy to maneuver. They also will cut grass to within just a few millimetres of an obstruction, such as a rock.
Grass collection:
If you want your ride on mower to collect grass whilst cutting you will want to purchase one that has been specifically designed to do so. Some mowers also have the feature to be able to add on a grass collector if required. If you are not too bothered about collecting the grass you still have a couple of choices to make. Some models of ride on mowers have a side discharge, which, unsurprisingly, means the cut grass is thrown out of the side of the mower once cut. This form of discharge gives a more even distribution of cuttings on the grass and doesn't risk clumps of grass forming, which can happen when the grass is wet.
Mulching is another option you may want to consider. Once the grass has been cut from the ground, mulching basically cuts the grass up again into tiny pieces before it is put back onto the lawn. The advantage of this is that these small pieces decompose quickly, and return a large amount of nitrogen back into the lawn.
Click for larger image and other views
Cub Cadet 49233 Lawn Tractor Seat Cover Feature
- Cushioned seat for extra comfort
- Elastic hem cord for a quick and custom fit
- Two convenient outside pockets keep tools and gear within reach
- Fabric resists mildew and won't shrink or stretch
- Storage bag included
Cub Cadet 49233 Lawn Tractor Seat Cover Overview
This cover protects new seats and renews old seats. It fits medium lawn and garden tractor seats, with backrests up to 15-Inch high.Available In Stock. |