About Riding Lawn Mowers
Riding lawn mowers are a popular choice for people who have large lawns; in general, it makes sense to use a riding lawn mower if you need to mow 1/2 acre or more. In addition to the obvious benefits--riding rather than walking--riding lawn mowers cut grass much more efficiently than their walk-behind counterparts. Although the initial purchase price is quite high, most riding lawn mowers are very reliable and inexpensive to operate and maintain.
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Features
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Mowing deck widths for riding lawn mowers generally range from 38 inches to 54 inches. Mowers in the upper end of this range are usually much more expensive than those with a smaller mowing deck. Riding lawn mowers come with a variety of features pre-installed. Optional equipment can usually be purchased from the manufacturer. Most riding lawn mowers can be fitted with a kit that mulches grass as it is cut and distributes it onto the lawn. Lawn tractors often have many optional attachments available including snow blowers, snow plows, seed spreaders and sprayers.
Benefits
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Riding lawn mowers are much more efficient than walk-behind mowers because of their comparatively wide mowing deck. This makes them far more convenient for maintaining large lawns. Canopies are available for most riding lawn mowers; these improve the user's comfort during the summer months and prevent sunburns. Because the user rides rather than walks, riding lawn mowers require much less effort to operate. They are not difficult to drive, but precautions must be taken to prevent accidental injury.
Considerations
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Riding lawn mowers do have some disadvantages when compared to walk-behind mowers. They are far more expensive; prices typically range from around $1000 up to $5000. Some people prefer to use walk-behind mowers--even on large lawns--because pushing a mower provides exercise. Although a riding lawn mower can be used for most lawn maintenance, it is still necessary to use a trimmer around obstacles. In some cases, a push mower must be used as well, particularly when the lawn includes significant landscaping.
Types
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Riding lawn mowers come in two types--lawn tractors and zero turn radius mowers. Lawn tractors are more versatile because attachments are typically available for this type of mower. They are also far less expensive than zero turn radius mowers; generally, a lawn tractor costs about one-third as much as a comparable zero turn radius mower. Zero turn radius mowers are much more efficient than lawn tractors; their top speed is usually around 9 MPH compared to 4 MPH for most lawn tractors. They are also capable of extremely sharp turns; this may completely eliminate the need to use a walk-behind mower when mowing around objects and in tight areas.
Warning
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Riding lawn mowers are much riskier to use than walk-behind mowers; nearly 75,000 Americans are seriously injured by riding lawn mowers each year. Approximately 10,000 of these injuries involve children. Mowers can tip over when driving on uneven land; the operator's limbs may become caught in the mowing deck when this occurs. To avoid injuries, always follow the safety guidelines provided in the lawn mower's operating manual and never allow a child to ride on your lap while mowing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 not be allowed to operate riding lawn mowers under any circumstances.
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- Photo Credit Creative Commons image by Bethany L. King
