Maintaining a beautiful lawn requires work and it starts with mowing it properly and regularly. Experts recommend mowing your lawn at least once or twice per week depending on the season and water restrictions in your area. If you're the type of mower who sees mowing as a chore, then the kind of lawn mower you choose makes a big difference in accomplishing your lawn care tasks.
Lawn mowers have similarities to cars such as the presence of spark plugs, transmissions, and engines. There are different types of lawn mowers and choosing the right mower will depend on your lawn size, preference, and budget. At the end of the day, the best riding lawn mowers are those that suit your needs.
Different Types of Riding Mowers
Riding Lawn Mowers. Unlike push mowers, riding lawn mowers resemble lawn tractors where the mower is seated. Lawn experts recommend using a riding lawn mower if you have more than three-fourths of an acre of yard. This type of riding mower significantly cuts mowing time. However, if you have a smaller yard, a riding lawn mower may not be the best choice.
Lawn Tractors. One step down from a garden tractor is a lawn tractor. These are gas-powered machines with an engine mounted in front and a steering wheel. A lawn tractor is the best option for those with large yards because it is easier to maneuver.
Rear Engine Riding Mowers. If you opt for a compact and easy-to-store riding mower, then a rear-engine riding mower could be your best option. This type of riding mower has its engine at the back just below the seat and is perfect for medium-sized yards.
Electric Riding Lawn Mowers VS Gas Mower
When electric riding mowers first came out, everyone wanted to trade their gas riding mowers for these electric mowers. However, those who stayed with their gas mowers realized that it was the best choice. Back then the first electric riding lawn mower came out faulty and full of issues. Over the years, the engine manufacturer fixed these issues, and it turned out that an electric riding mower is now a viable choice for small and large lawns.
Durability is the main selling point of a gas mower. For people with large lawns, a gas-powered lawn is the best choice since it produces higher power output compared to its electric counterpart. However, you can't beat an electric mower when talking about operating costs and eco-friendly features.
Is It Time to Replace Your Riding Mowers?
On average, a lawn mower for residential use can last up to five to ten years, and professional-grade mowers for about four to ten years. Unfortunately, it happens even to the best lawn equipment: your riding lawn mower no longer trims grass like it used to. Now there is a constant debate about whether it is better to just repair or replace your lawn mower.
If you're someone in need of these machines, there is no point in using a riding lawn mower that does not serve its purpose. Replacing is also necessary once you encounter problems with your mower's transmission and your machine is more than ten years old already. Cost is key when determining whether to repair or replace lawn and garden tractors. When the cost of repair is almost the same as a new riding lawn mower, then maybe it's time to buy a new one. However, if fixes are still manageable, then maybe repairing is still the best option.