Main Features of Lawn Tractors and Ride-On Mowers
Transmission
Manual transmission: Most come with this as standard- just like driving a car, so easy to get the hang of.
Hydrostatic transmission: While this option is more expensive, it gives better control. Therefore more suitable for navigating anything in your path. Plenty of hydrostatic models also include cruise control to make it easier to mow larger areas of grass.
Cutting width: This determines how quickly you can get the job done. When it comes to mowing however, you should consider whether your mower will be able to get through any gates and other small spaces before you automatically buy the mower with the greatest cutting width. This will also be important when it comes to storing the mower.
Engine size: How powerful your engine is, will determine whether or not you can use your mower for additional purposes, such as pulling a trailer or tilling your ground. You should also think about your terrain- it will take a more powerful engine to get up a steep hill. Engine power is often measured in terms of “displacement”, or how much fuel the engine uses up each time the crankshaft completely rotates. The larger this measurement, the more powerful your mower.
Cutting-deck position
Cutting blades come in two main positions:
Out-front mowers: with these mowers, it’s easy to see where you are cutting. They are perfect for areas that are difficult to reach, as well as mowing under trees and low hanging plants. However, they are unable to collect grass clippings, meaning you will have to clean them up yourself.
Mid-mount mowers: These models have blades directly under the seat. Many of them are “offset” to one side, meaning that it’s easier to cut to the very edge of your lawn.
Practical considerations Often, it’s the tiniest details that are the most important. Make one small mistake when choosing your mower, and you could find that it completely ruins your mowing experience.
There are a range of factors to consider when trying out a mower for yourself. Some of these include the comfort of the seat, how easy it is to get on it, changing the cutting height, how much fuel it can take, how simple it is to empty the clippings, and whether you can easily clean the cutting deck.
Storage wherever possible
you should store your machine safely inside, instead of leaving it under a tarpaulin out in the open. However, you’ll need to make sure the entrance is big enough to safely get your mower in and out and that you can easily turn around.
For added security, you can also buy wheel clamps so that it doesn’t get stolen. You should check with your home and contents insurance provider whether your mower will be covered by this.
Servicing and maintenance
When buying a new mower, you’ll likely be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. These vary in length- Honda. For instance, offer a five-year warranty, on the condition that you get your mower serviced every year. Whatever the warranty, though, you’ll be responsible for maintenance- this will all be detailed in your user’s manual. A full service can cost around $200, but will depend on your particular model.
Mower wheels can be tough to puncture, but some large thorns will do it. If you have any of these on your property, then you might want to treat your tires with a puncture-proofing solution. Ride-on mowers come with very low-pressure tires. It’s vital that you get the pressure right for yours to work properly.
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References:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/lawn-mowers/buying-guide.htm
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/how-to/a127/1273661/