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How to Choose the Best Ride On Lawn Mower
A ride on lawn mower is a powerful and efficient machine for gardens and areas that require regular maintenance and upkeep.
As opposed to walk-behind lawn mowers, ride ons are perfect for bigger areas that you need to cover. They also allow you to sit comfortably for longer periods of time while the mower does all the work.
Choosing the right ride on lawn mower for your garden is vital. It can directly affect the mowing efficiency, your comfort, the finish on your lawn and most importantly, the life expectancy.
The good news? There are plenty to choose from.
The bad news? There are almost too many to choose from!
With so many choices, exploring and unpacking the different features of each one can help guide your choice and find you the most effective one for your garden.
Are you ready to dive into the world of the best ride on mowers?
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best ride on mower for your garden. We’ll explore key features and prices, and offer extra tips for maintenance and care.
Let’s get into it!
How Does a Ride On Lawn Mower Differ From Others?
When you think of a lawn mower, do you think of the petrol push mowers that will force you to walk the lengths of your lawn? Do you imagine a robotic one taking charge and zooming around your garden? Or, you might imagine a ride on lawn mower that lets you get comfortable, has a sturdy structure, and does the heavy lifting for you.
You can choose from different types of ride on lawn mowers. It all depends on your experience and desired results.
Here are some ways ride on lawn mowers differ from others:
Operation
Ride on lawn mowers are designed with comfort and ease in mind. As opposed to push mowers, you don’t need to physically move the mower yourself and you can let it do all the hard work. This is particularly useful for larger lawns, as it’s a lot less time-consuming than if you were to do it manually.
Robotic mowers take the effort off your hands and collect information from satellites (Active Guidance System) to plan their route. Unlike ride on mowers, they take complete control and can often get stuck on uneven terrain or if there are obstacles in the way.
Coverage Area
The best ride on mowers are good for covering larger areas of grass and extensive lawns.
The main reason for this is simply because you don’t need to manually push it around. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about straining or using up too much energy! They also have much wider cutting widths to reduce time further and further depending on how many acres you have. Selecting the correct “Width of Cut” is imperative to selecting the best ride on mower for your needs.
Furthermore, unlike robotic mowers, you still have direct control over where you’re cutting. This means you can cover a large area of a lawn without leaving it to guide itself.
Precision
When it comes to cutting lawns, precision is vital. Unless you’re aiming for an untamed look, you probably don’t want your lawn to look like it’s half cut with blunt scissors. The same goes for hedge cutting, no one wants that messy look in an ideal world!
Luckily, ride on mowers provide you with complete control and a high level of cutting power. Robotic mowers are more likely to have their performance impacted by obstacles, uneven terrain or even flower borders and walls, that they will not cut close enough too. This means you still need to manually mow areas that they cannot.
Performance
One of the best things about a ride on mower? They’re practically built for high performance. Higher spec models have enough power to tackle thick and tall grass on a variety of terrains, making them suitable for a wide range of situations.
Unlike the other types of lawn mower, ride on mowers deliver a consistent and reliable result, and some even have added features of side-discharge and mulching for added success.
Types of Ride On Lawn Mowers
If you’re already struggling with finding the right ride on lawn mower for you, the amount of options available won’t make it any easier. At GLC, we offer a variety of mowers all with different features and benefits.
Let’s take a look at the different options available:
Mini Riders
If you’re a homeowner with a small to medium sized garden, these grass cutting machines are a great choice of ride on mower.
If you need a compact model that can fit through most gateways, this is the best small ride on mower for you as it’s built with convenience in mind. Being both easy to manoeuvre and store, mini riders are ideal for gardens with restricted access or obstacles.
Key features:
- Compact designs: Their small frames make it easy for them to manoeuvre narrow areas.
- Easy storage: Save space with the mowers’ compact design that facilitates easy storage.
- Efficient cutting: Narrow cutting widths to provide a precise cut in hard-to-reach areas.
Best for:
Smaller gardens with tight corners or obstacles.
Example:
The Stiga Combi 372 Ride On Mower (72cm / 28”) is a reliable choice, equipped with a hydrostatic transmission you can set the drive speed effortlessly. This allows you to drive without having to press a heavy clutch pedals or change gears. Easy!
Take a look at our complete collection of mini riders here.
Cordless Ride On Mowers
Cordless ride on mowers are an environmentally friendly ride on mower option. They produce zero emissions as they operate on rechargeable batteries as opposed to petrol engines. They also require less maintenance and are much cheaper to service.
These models are great for medium to large gardens and are quiet, making them great for residential areas. However, some of them also have a smaller frame and can be the best small ride on mower for more obscure and obstacle-filled gardens.
Key features:
- Eco-friendly option: This type of grass-cutting machine releases zero emissions, making them a great choice for the eco-conscious.
- Cordless technology: Advanced ease for all your cutting needs, taking away the hassle of wires and the potential of power outages.
- Easy to use: Many models have pedals as simple as the ones in an automatic car.
Best for:
Medium to large gardens, particularly for people seeking a sustainable and quiet option.
Example:
The Stiga Estate 384e Battery Lawn Tractor is reliable, durable, and can unleash enough power to tackle up to 3000sqm in just one charge with a 48V 30Ah battery pack.
View our comprehensive collection of cordless ride on mowers here!
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are ideal for larger gardens and can manage a variety of terrains. This type of grass cutting machine can cover a lot of ground and as they progress higher in the range, are larger and stronger for dealing with rougher terrain. With powerful engines, they’re great if you need to cover a lot of ground.
Key features:
- Powerful engines: Lawn tractors have large, powerful engines that cover a lot of ground, tackle thick grass, and manage uneven terrain effectively.
- Versatile attachments: Many models come with attachments, like grass collectors, scarifiers, mulching plugs, and side discharge machines for your convenience.
- Durability: Lawn tractors are durable and long-lasting, making them a sturdy choice of ride on mower that can withstand tough conditions.
Best for:
Larger gardens or areas where efficient mowing is a requirement or additional functionalities.
Example:
The Cub Cadet XT2 QR106 Lawn Tractor offers incredible cutting performance, comes with a range of additional features such as “Xtreme Tight Turn” for incredible manoeuvrability, and is highly durable.
Looking for an efficient lawn tractor? Take a look at our collection here.
Zero Turn Mowers
If you’re looking for a ride on lawn mower that’s the epitome of manoeuvrability and efficiency, a zero turn mower is an excellent choice. These ride on mowers are engineered for maximum control as they can turn a complete 360-degree angle, making them great for complex spaces where ease of movement is key.
Key features:
- Zero-turn radius: Ideal for gardens with obstacles or tight spaces with their ability to perform precise, tight turns.
- Enhanced control: Due to their independent wheel controls, they’re stable and easy to handle during the mowing process.
- Durability: These mowers are highly durable and built to withstand regular use, producing a professional-looking cut each time.
Best for:
Large gardens or spaces with obstacles that require speed and precision.
Example:
The Cub Cadet XZ6 S117 Zero Turn Ride On Mower (117cm / 46″) has an effective zero turn system with a steering wheel for ultimate stability on slopes, a fabricated cutting deck for strength and a powerful engine, making it an ideal choice for larger paddock type areas that still require precision.
Check out our collection of zero turn mowers here.
Out Front Mowers
An out front ride on mower has the cutting deck located at the front, allowing you to see the mowing area clearly. As a result you can achieve a precise and clean cut each time when cutting into corners, under hedge rows and other more inaccessible areas. These kinds of mowers are designed for control, making them easy to use in more challenging settings.
Key features:
- Font-mounting cutting deck: These mowers provide excellent visibility, helping you mow around obstacles with ease.
- Efficient edge cutting: Thanks to this ride on mower’s design, you can achieve a neater finish around flower beds.
- Versatile attachments: Many models have the option of adding attachments or swapping modes, giving you a better and more well-rounded experience.
Best for:
Medium to large gardens where obstacles or challenging spaces require superior precision.
Example:
The Stiga Park 300 M Out-Front Ride On Mower (414cc) has articulated steering for unparalleled manoeuvrability, and can be coupled with different sized cutting decks or even take different implements (Flail / Snow Blower / Brush).
To find the best out front mower for you, visit our website here and explore our collection.
How to Choose the Best Ride On Lawn Mower: Breaking it Down
With so many options of ride on lawn mowers available, it’s a challenge to narrow it down and choose the best one for your needs. However, there are specific factors you can consider to help you make your choice.
Here are some ideas:
Garden Size
Your garden size plays a crucial role when deciding on the ride on mower, as different ones are better suited to various sizes. When choosing your grass cutting machine, it’s important that you opt for one that can handle the space in front of you. Whether you need precision, high power, or additional features, considering the size of garden is vital.
Let’s break it down:
Small Gardens
For smaller spaces, precision should be on your mind.
You don’t necessarily need a ride on lawn mower with extensive power but choose your drive system carefully. Cheaper ride on mowers tend to have clunky “manual” gearboxes which come with heavy clutch petals.
Higher quality models come with “hydrostatic” gearboxes which drive like an automatic car and are very smooth to operate. You should also opt for a ride on mower that prioritises precision and is compact enough to store easily. Mini riders have compact frames, and are often a more practical solution for small gardens.
Medium Gardens
Medium gardens often need a mid-range mower that has a good balance between manoeuvrability and speed. A lawn mower and strimmer set work great together, offering a combination of efficiency and precision.
Lawn tractors and cordless mowers are normally the best option of ride on mower because they’re equally as efficient with a wider cutting width for reduced mowing time, but better for getting to those harder-to-reach sections of a garden.
These are also available with “manual” or “hydrostatic” drive systems with the latter being the smoothest and easiest to operate.
Large Gardens
Larger spaces often require more heavy duty ride on mowers that have even wide cutting decks as this can help to reduce the time cutting takes.
Heavy duty ride on mowers, like lawn tractors, often come with heavy duty “fabricated” mowing decks which are much more robust than standard models and can withstand rougher conditions such as paddocks and similar.
Zero turn ride on lawn mowers are the best ride on mowers for expansive areas because they’re easy to manoeuvre and have high efficiency. Cheaper versions carry standard mowing decks while higher spec versions carry fabricated versions.
At GLC we also supply zero turn ride on mowers with “SyncroSteer” which provides operators with a steering wheel instead of the conventional lap bars. This massively increases stability while working on slopes and also makes the machine much more capable of staying in a straight line compared to older lap bar versions.
Terrain
The type of terrain and quality of lawn you’re working with can impact the best ride on lawn mower for your needs, as some are more equipped than others to handle certain surfaces.
For example:
Flat Terrain
Entry level lawn tractors + cordless and mini ride on mowers are ideal for flat surfaces, as they have plenty of cutting widths for you to choose from. These kinds of mowers are designed for cutting efficiency and have all the basic build quality needed for a flat terrain and formal lawns.
Uneven Terrain
If your terrain is uneven with slopes or bumps, opting for a ride on mower can ensure you still get that neat cut you want is more tricky. Entry level lawn tractors don’t cope with uneven, bumpy terrain so you need to get a higher quality model with heavier build quality (such as Cub Cadets XT1 / XT2 or XT3 range).
However, if the terrain has slopes over 15 Degrees, a zero turn mower with SyncroSteer is a good option or one that has four wheel drive can provide the traction and stability required for inclines up to 35 Degrees.
Lawns with Obstacles
Trees, flower beds, and tight corners can sometimes pose a challenge when it comes to grass cutting.
Therefore, opting for a ride on lawn mower that prioritises precision steering is a great choice. Mini riders offer compact, tight steering but cheaper versions feel a little more cumbersome and heavy compared to higher spec versions.
High spec lawn tractors can provide a turning circle of 17cm while zero turn models are the best ride on mowers for this situation. Equally, out front versions allow you to put the cutting deck in to places others wont go as they’re designed to reach all those hard-to-reach areas to give you the best results.
Key Features to Look For in a Ride On Lawn Mower
When you’re choosing the best ride on lawn mower for you, there are key features to look out for that’ll give you the look you’re aiming for.
Here are some examples:
Cutting Width
The cutting width, also known as the mower deck size, refers to the width and size of the space the mower can cut in a single pass. Depending on the size of your garden, you’ll need a specific ride on mower that can handle the space. For example:
Small Gardens
Compact decks are better suited to smaller spaces, as they can get through the narrow passageways easier. If your space also has flower beds or obstacles, you’ll find a ride on lawn mower with narrow cutting width easier to manoeuvre.
The Cub Cadet LR1 MS76 Ride On Mower (76cm / 30″) is compact and very easy to move around tight spaces, making it an excellent choice for small gardens.
Medium Gardens
Medium gardens likely won’t need a ride on mower with very narrow cutting width, but it’s still a good idea to keep it in mind if you have restricted access such as a gateway. The best option for medium gardens is to find a balance between coverage and precision in tight spaces, as there is generally a combination of open spaces and some obstacles.
The Stiga Park 500 Out-Front Ride On Mower (432cc), for example, works great for achieving an effective combination. It also has the Quick Flip mechanism allowing you to flip the deck easily for cleaning and maintenance, streamlining the process.
Large Gardens
If you’re mowing a lawn in an expansive area, you’ll need a ride on lawn mower with a wide cutting width. By covering a larger area, the task won’t be as time-consuming and the entire process will be more efficient.
The Cub Cadet XZ7 L152i Zero Turn Ride On Mower (152cm / 60″) covers a large space effortlessly, offers unparalleled manoeuvrability, and has a powerful engine to get the job done.
Grass Collection Options
Different grass cutting machines will have varying grass collection options, which can affect the mowing efficiency and overall appearance of the lawn. Here are some examples of what to look out for when finding the best ride on mowers:
Grass Collection
Best for: Achieving the cleanest finish, as all clippings are collected in a bag.
Pros: Leaves a pristine and sleek-looking lawn with no clippings left behind.
Cons: Grass collection bins fill quickly, meaning frequent emptying is needed.
Ideal use: Gardens where a polished, professional finish is a priority.
Mulching
Best for: Fast mowing of short grasses with the added benefit of nourishing your lawn.
Pros: Cuts grass into fine pieces that decompose and act as natural fertiliser.
Cons: Struggles with longer or wetter grass, which can clog the system up.
Ideal use: Regularly maintained lawns where speed and a neat finish are needed.
Side Discharge
Best for: Quick mowing in all conditions, including long or wet grass.
Pros: Efficient and capable of handling thick, challenging grasses.
Cons: Leaves clippings scattered, resulting in the least attractive finish.
Ideal use: Large, expansive areas or lawns where a sleek appearance is less critical.
Comfort and Ease of Use
When choosing the best ride on mowers, comfort and ease of use are worth considering. People generally use ride on lawn mowers for extended periods, meaning usability and basic comfort are important.
Some features to look out for include:
Adjustable Seats
The best ride on mowers have adjustable seats, making them more comfortable to operate for longer periods. Seek ergonomic designs and padded seats for the same reason, as you can focus more on the lawn than how uncomfortable you feel on the mower!
Furthermore, if you’re dealing with uneven terrain, there’s a chance you’ll experience some vibrations. Seek out suspension seats as they’ll help to combat this, allowing you to remain comfortable for longer.
Noise Levels
If you’re mowing lawns in residential areas, it’s a good idea to opt for ride on mowers that have reduced noise levels. Cordless options are generally a lot quieter than petrol mowers.
Steering and Controls
Seek out steering and controls that make operation easy. Higher specification models have intuitive steering that is light and easy to use, even for beginners. Along with electronic cutter controls that completely take away the need to move heavy, manual levers. Some models even feature electronic height adjustment of the cutting deck. Entry level ride on mowers often have fewer cutting height positions than their higher level counterparts. More cutting heights = a more precise cut.
Smart Features
In this modern world we live in, there are always new and interesting smart features appearing to streamline almost everything. Ride on lawn mowers are no different, and some come equipped with decks wash system, reducing the need for you to do it manually.
Cordless models offer programmable features too, meaning you can preset your mowing features and patterns to achieve consistent results. You can also charge your phone and even connect to your cordless ride on mower via bluetooth for a full heads up display dashboard that can even tell you when your blades need sharpening.
Durability and Quality of Build
Ride on lawn mowers aren’t the cheapest item of garden machinery, so investing in a product you trust is important. Seek out robust frames or heavy duty cutting decks that suit the terrain and can withstand regular use with the ability to face the elements.
Seeking out high-quality blades that are sharp and durable will help to ensure they stand the test of time, delivering a clean cut over and over again. Brands like Stiga and Club Cadet are built with durability and strength in mind, making their ride on lawn mowers a good choice of sturdy equipment.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Your Ride On Lawn Mower
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your ride on lawn mower performing at its best for a long period of time. Doing regular upkeep and maintenance can help you avoid the risk of breakdowns, the need for costly lawn mower repairs, and help you to keep mowing while the grass is growing.
Here is a maintenance and care checklist to keep your mower in top condition:
- Check and change the oil: Regularly inspect the oil and make sure there’s enough and that it’s the quality it needs to be. Check with the manufacturer’s guide for assistance!
- Sharpen or replace blades: If your blades are dull, they’ll only tear the grass as opposed to giving it a clean, sleek cut. Sharpen your blades regularly or replace them if you notice that they’re worn.
- Clean the deck after each use: The build-up of grass clippings under the deck can reduce the performance of the mower. If your mower isn’t self-cleaning, a hose will help!
- Inspect the tyres: Like any machine with tyres, regular maintenance is necessary! Make sure they’re properly inflated with the right amount of pressure.
- Replace the air filters and spark plugs: Clogged air filters and worn spark plugs reduce engine efficiency. Replace them when needed for optimal performance.
- Inspect belts and cables: Check for wear or fraying on belts and cables. Replace them promptly to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
- Store the mower properly: During off-seasons, store the mower in a sheltered, dry area to prevent it from rusting and protect it from the elements.
- Charge your battery: Whether you choose a cordless ride on mower or petrol lawn tractor, they all feature at least one battery. Regularly charge and maintain your battery, especially during colder weather to increase life expectancy.
GLC’s Professional Ride On Lawn Mower Maintenance Services
At GLC, we understand the importance of regular lawn mower maintenance and the benefit it can have on your grass-cutting needs.
That’s why we offer a comprehensive and professional repair and winter maintenance service to get your ride on lawn mower in top condition for the cutting season.
- Comprehensive servicing: From oil changes to blade sharpening, we handle all the essential maintenance tasks to keep your mower running smoothly.
- Expert repairs: Our trained technicians can diagnose and repair any issues, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Convenient and reliable: Drop off your mower or schedule a pickup, and we’ll take care of the rest.
- Seasonal tune-ups: Get your mower ready for the mowing season with a thorough checkup, or prepare it for storage during the off-season.
With our expertise and experience, you can rest assured that your ride on mower is in good hands!
How to Choose the Best Ride On Lawn Mower for Your Garden
Are you feeling more knowledgeable about the best ride on lawn mower to help you achieve a beautiful garden?
What you’ve probably gathered from this article is that there is plenty of choice!
By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a seamless and efficient mowing experience.
At GLC, we offer a range of products designed and manufactured by trusted professionals and experts. We trust every brand we work with and stock the industry’s leading models, making sure you achieve the best performance every time. We can also help you choose the right one for your particular garden if you provide us with some information such as photos of the area, size, terrain and the type of features that interest you most.
If you’re seeking a professional maintenance service, our service centre is here to help.
From blade sharpening to engine breakdown, you can trust us to take care of your ride on lawn mower needs thanks to our years of experience and expertise.
For the best ride on lawn mower for your garden, browse our collection today. Or for more information about selecting the right model, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
