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 Riding
lawn mowers and garden tractors
For homeowners with lawns that are overwhelmed doing regular lawn mowing with
a push mower (or if you're just tired of pushing), it's time to consider a lawn or garden tractor.
These lawn machines can make quick work of your regular lawn mowing. Some lawn tractor models
even offer uses that go beyond simple grass cutting.
Lawn mowing tractors come in different horsepower and sizes of cut. Here are a few simple criteria for determining what size tractor you need.
Size of lawn can help help determine which size lawn tractor you may need
Make sure you get the right tractor for your lawn size.
- 1/2 to 1 acre — For a lawn this size, you'll want a riding
lawn mower with a cutting width of up to 42" and at least a 14 HP engine.
- 1 to 2 acres — For yards in this size range, a riding lawn mower
with a 42" or 46" deck and an engine in the 14 to 16 HP is necessary.
- 3 Acres or more — If your estate is in this extra large lawn grouping, you are indeed fortunate. For this size lawn you'll want a garden tractor with a 46"-54" deck and an engine of 18-24 HP.
Besides lawn size, how else do you determine how much lawn tractor you really need?
Riding lawn mowers are a lot like cars — there are basic, no-frills models and feature-laden,
power-packed high end models — and everything in between. The next thing you need to
consider are attachments such as a leaf catcher, dozer blade, garden plow or snow thrower.
If you will need one or more of these now or in the future, you need to buy a lawn tractor
that can accommodate them.
What's the difference between a riding lawn mower and garden tractors?
If you will be using the tractor just for cutting grass, a riding lawn mower is fine. They
have several attachment options, but don't expect it to do any heavy lifting or pulling. If
you will be using the mower to pull ground engaging attachments, such as a plow, disc harrow
or tiller, you will need a garden tractor.
A garden tractor has a heavier frame and transmission,
larger rear wheels, and is also appropriate for larger mowing jobs. A garden tractor has
the highest horsepower (generally 20-27 hp).
Other options to consider:
Gear Driven or Automatic
If you have few obstacles to mow around, a gear driven tractor is an excellent choice. It will provide a constant, steady speed to cut the grass. If there are a lot of obstacles, you should choose an automatic transmission tractor (pedal drive tractors) that will allow you to speed up or slow down without clutching. An automatic tractor has an infinite number of speeds.
Bagging or Mulching
Many riders do a great job of bagging and mulching, but some larger decks are not designed
to do either.
Single Cylinder or Twin Cylinder
Two engine types are available: Twin cylinder engine — (usually 16 HP or larger) These have better balance, more power, cooler running and longer engine life. Single cylinder engines — These offer plenty of power for mowing smaller lawns.
Getting the best deal when buying a new riding lawn mower?
Getting the riding lawn mower you need at the best price is a fairly simple process if
you follow a few simple rules:
- Shop during the off-season. Most lawn mowers are used in the spring and summer so they
don't sell all that well in the fall and winter - making these the best seasons for buying
a new one! You might also be forewarned that off-season shopping provides few options
- Shop around. The prices of same-model lawn tractors can vary a lot from one store to
another. Compare prices at three or four stores and you can save a $100 or more.
- Look for close-outs on "last year's models". Like cars, lawn mower styles and models
change from year to year and stores must move old inventory to clear room for the new models
that will be arriving soon. This means deep discounts.
- Sticker price doesn't necessarily translate into the price you pay. Take a note pad with you of competitive store prices and ask them to beat those prices. They just might, and if the salesman won't negotiate, politely ask the sales person if you could speak to the manager. Managers are usually in a better position to negotiate pricing options.
Where to buy a new riding lawn mower?
Buying outdoor power equipment isn't as simple as it used to be. There are a lot more choices and a lot more people who will gladly sell you a tractor or riding mower. Unfortunately, not all of them are prepared to provide one extremely valuable commodity... knowledge. There's great value in having a dedicated professional answering your lawn mowing questions, making sure you make the right choice and providing years of follow-up service. It's something you just can't take for granted.
What to look for when shopping for a new riding lawn mower
Consider the four important qualities - cutting ability, traction, reliability and ease of use. These are the attributes, too, that will help you purchase a product based on its ability to perform and to last - not just on its price. Focusing on these things will help you remain objective in your purchasing process. The time to get emotional is after you've owned your tractor for many years, not during the shopping experience.
The end result of a great lawn mower purchase should be a great looking lawn
When buying a lawn mower or garden tractor, nothing is more important than its ability to
meticulously mow your lawn. And the way your tractor's mower is engineered will determine whether
your lawn will show off a smooth manicure, or a lawn scarred by scalping. There is a science
to designing mower decks. The depth and shape of the deck determines if there is sufficient
vacuum and wind velocity necessary to lift, cut and evenly distribute clippings. How the deck
is suspended determines how the mower rides over your lawn. A mower deck that rides over your
lawn independent of the tractor frame. It follows the lawn's contours into low areas and raises
over high spots. The result? Uncut strips are nonexistent. There is no scalping. Just a smooth,
green carpet that showcases your home.
Wheels & transmission
Front wheel diameters range from 8" to 12" and rear wheels are usually 10" to 16", but may
measure in at 20". Pneumatic tires or semi-pneumatic tires are frequently used on lower-priced
models.
Turning radius for riding equipment is usually 32" or above, but can be as tight as 16" and
you should look for both steering ease and a ruggedly constructed steering gear.
All controls, throttle, transmission, positions, brakes, brake lock, blade clutch, height
adjustment and safety clutch (if so equipped) should be easily accessible.
Transmissions vary from one speed forward, neutral and reverse, to five speeds forward, neutral
and reverse, with most models having three forward speeds. Driving speeds range from 1 to 7
mph with 3 - 4 mph is the usual operating speed.
Both the blade and the rear wheels are powered by the engine. A few low-priced riders may
have the blade attached to the engine shaft, like a rotary mower, but most models have a belt-driven
blade, and usually such mowers have a blade clutch.
Another belt usually runs from the engine to transmission and a chain runs from the transmission
to the differential.
On units with trans-axles, the differential and transmission are in one sealed housing. These
usually have two belts and no chain.
Also look at traction
Lawns present many challenges. Some lawns have hills, drainage ditches, berms and mounds. Add rain or morning dew and you can be left spinning your wheels. You want a tractor that won't be spinning its wheels in difficult situations and possibly ruining your lawn's appearance.
Recommended tires for different
terrains
Lawn mower tires for riding
and walk behind lawn mowers are tires which have long wearing characteristics combined with
a high rubber to void ratio (more rubber than gaps). This higher rubber to void ratio helps
insure that your mower is gentle on the turf, yet still provides adequate traction. Ribbed
tires can also be used. With these lawn mower tires minimal turf damage is produced but there
is less traction.
Lawn mower tires are divided up into 4
basic types:
 Classic
rib tires are specially designed to reduce turf damage. Excellent front end tire,
sporting a long-lasting high performance rating.
 Classic
TX makes it easier to mow, rugged, designed to take abuse. The classic TX has more traction
than a standard tire. Wide footprint provides more
stability under heavy loads.
 Multi
Trac C/S features a unique beveled shoulder, turf friendly tread and flat footprint, making
the C/S the longest wearing turf traction tire in the industry.-
 Smooth
tire used where traction is not important. Recommended for its superior
puncture resistance and minimal turf damage. Is ideal
for use as a front lawn tractor tire.
 Studded
tire. Special 2-way traction for this lawn mower tire; offers versatility
for use on residential riding mowers as well as some industrial applications.
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