Buyers Tips for Riding Mowers

Questions Every Riding Mower Buyer Should Ask...

What size cutting deck do I need?

 

The width of cutting deck needed is determined in part by the size of your lawn.

 

38” or 40” Cutting Decks  Ideal for ½-acre to 1-acre lawns  42” Cutting Decks  Perfect for 1-acre to 2-acre lawns  46” or 52” Cutting Decks   Handle 2-acre or larger lawns with ease

What type of transmission is best?

 There are three main types of transmissions available.

 

	Manual Gear Drive Manual gear drive transmissions control ground speed with multiple gears and require the use of a manual clutch to start, stop or change ground speed.  They are available in both 5-speed and 6-speed versions.
	Automatic Drive Once shifted into forward or reverse, automatic drive controls ground speed with the convenience of a foot pedal.
	Hydro-Automatic Drive Foot-operated hydrostatic drive controls forward and reverse speeds, allowing both hands to remain on the steering wheel; no shifting or clutching is required.

    

What type of engine do I need?

Look for the following engine features to enhance the performance of your riding mower:

 

Cast Iron Cylinder Sleeve Withstands wear and extends engine life Overhead Valve (OHV) Delivers more power, longer life, and improved fuel economy V-Twin Cylinder Offers a well-balanced engine for a smoother, quieter ride

 

 

What engine horsepower do I need?

Generally, the more powerful the engine, the less time it will take to mow your yard. Horsepower is also very important when it comes to getting the best performance from your tractor accessories.

Why is easy handling important?

 

Steering around obstacles such as trees, flower beds, or shrubs can be      difficult.  Dual Independent Steering controls each wheel independently to reduce steering effort.

 

Is getting on and off the tractor a hassle?

 

A high console on tractors can made it very difficult to get on and off the tractor.  Step-through Design provides a low center of gravity, increased leg room, and easy on-and-off access.

 

 

Why do I need to level my cutting deck?

To maintain a well-manicured lawn and level cut, all cutting decks eventually require adjustment.  Tool-Free Deck Leveling adjusts in less than a minute without the use of tools

How will I dispose of my grass clippings?

There are three options available to handle grass clippings:

Mulching

Mulching cuts the grass into fine clippings that are returned to the lawn to act as a natural fertilizer that adds

nutrients to the soil. No need to dispose of the clippings because they are deposited into the lawn.

 

Bagging

Bagging is great for collecting grass clippings or for leaf pick-up. Ideal for those who like to compost.

 

Discharging

Grass clippings are uniformly side discharged onto the lawn.

Should I consider a Garden Tractor?

Garden Tractors are more powerful for heavy-duty usage. They can mow grass, but are specially built for the use of ground engaging accessories like plows, rakes and disc harrows. They feature higher horsepower engines and heavy-duty transmissions.