Purchasing Advice for Riding Mowers

Shopping for a riding mower can sometimes be overwhelming. With so many makes and models available, how do you know which one is right for you? Here is some advice to make shopping for a riding mower a little easier.

First, only look at riding mower models that are size appropriate. You certainly don't want to buy a mower that is too small for your yard and then have to upgrade in year or two. Nor do you want to overspend on a mower that is too large for your needs. Experts agree on a few basic guidelines for determining what size to buy. If your yard is less than one acre the engine should be at least 14 horsepower and have a 42 inch swath. If your yard is between one and two acres, you should be considering a mower with 14 to16 horsepower engines and a cutting width between 42 to 46 inches. Yards larger than 2 acres require a riding mower with approximately 18 to24 horsepower engines and a swath of at least 46 inches. Another factor to consider when shopping for size appropriate riding mower models is the amount of storage space it will require.

You shouldn't overlook the comfort features when shopping for a riding mower. While a seat with a high back and adjustable lumbar support may seem frivolous, it may actually be a necessity. Consider the amount of time you will be spending mowing your yard. The larger the yard, the more important your comfort of a riding mower becomes. Cup holders are another feature that you will enjoy, particularly on a hot summer afternoon. Features like cruise control may also be worth spending a little extra on. Riding mower models with cruise control are especially convenient when mowing wide open areas.

Don't forget that a riding mower can help you complete tasks other than mowing the lawn. Certain riding mower models can be purchased with snow plow attachments if you live in an area with cold winters, making snow removal a snap. Many riding mower models also come with a rear hitch to easily attach things like trailers, spreaders, tillers or aerators. Trailers are especially handy for cleaning up debris in your yard each spring and fall. If you enjoy gardening, you may want to consider riding mower models with shafts or hitches with power take off. Using PTO attachments for your riding mower enables you to easily cultivate and prepare your soil for planting.

For many of us, our budget is our biggest constraint when purchasing a riding mower. One last piece of advice is to shop the off-season. Most retailers have sales at the beginning of the lawn mowing season. If you find that the riding mower models are still priced higher than you are comfortable with, you may want to wait until the end of the season. You can frequently find discontinued riding mower models on clearance or even deeply discounted demo models at the end of the season. You won't have as large of selection shopping this time of year, but if you aren't dead-set on a specific model this is a great way to get more cut for your cash when purchasing a riding mower.

Riding Mower