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The 6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers of 2022

By

Camryn Rabideau

Camryn Rabideau

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer specializing in decorating and design. She covers home products for The Spruce.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/15/22

Reviewed by

Barbara Gillette

Reviewed by Barbara Gillette

Barbara Gillette is a master gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

Fact checked by

Nikki Elmwood

Fact checked by Nikki Elmwood

Nikki Elmwood is a fact-checker, editor, and proofreader with over six years of fact-checking experience. Her areas of interest include botany, ornithology, and home improvement. She received a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

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The Spruce / Camryn-Rabideau

A riding lawn mower is ideal for anyone with a large yard, requiring less time and energy to operate than a traditional push mower. Over the last four years, we've spent hours researching and testing riding mowers from the top brands, evaluating maneuverability, safety features, noise level, and overall value. 

Our favorite is the RYOBI 48V Brushless 38 in. Electric Riding Lawn Mower, a stand-out for its quiet operation, easy maintenance, and performance, especially on rough terrain. 

Here are the best riding lawn mowers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

RYOBI 100 AH 38" Electric Riding Mower at Home Depot

Best Gas:

Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. Gas Riding Lawn Tractor at Home Depot

Best Zero Turn:

Toro 42 in. TimeCutter Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower at Home Depot

Best Lawn Tractor:

John Deere 42 in. Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor at Home Depot

Best Small:

Cub Cadet 30 in. Electric Riding Lawn Tractor at Home Depot

Best for Hills:

Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 in. Gas Riding Lawn Mower at Home Depot

In This Article

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Home Depot

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Who else recommends it? Bob Vila also picked the RYOBI Electric Riding Mower,

What do buyers say? 1,300+ Home Depot reviewers rated this 5 stars.

It may surprise some people, but our top pick is this battery-powered model from RYOBI. The zero-emissions model easily matches gas mowers in terms of power, cutting through thick grass with ease while demonstrating impressive maneuverability. Plus, it's fume-free and practically silent, generating only minimal noise. (Our tester put a similar model from RYOBI to work on her 10-acre farm and was blown away by the results.) 

The RYOBI electric mower has a 38-inch deck, and its 48-volt batteries can run for two and a half hours per charge, allowing you to cut up to two and a half acres in a single session. The two-blade deck has 12 different cutting heights, and the mower offers convenient features like cruise control, LED headlights, and USB charging. There are no belts, spark plugs, or filters, making it easier to maintain than a traditional riding mower. 

Our only complaints? The seat gets uncomfortable if you're mowing for long periods, and it doesn't have a mulch setting. Still, if you're in the market for a reliable ride-on mower and ready to switch to a battery-powered model, this is your best bet.

Price at time of publish: $3,199

Cutting Width: 38 inches | Power Type: Battery | Weight: 678 pounds | Cutting Options: Bag, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres

Home Depot

View On Home Depot

What We Like

What We Don't Like

For a powerful—and versatile—gas mower, you can’t go wrong with the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT Lawn Tractor. It’s powered by a 541cc engine that offers 19.5 HP, and its 42-inch deck has a twin blade system that side-discharges grass clippings. The tractor and deck are made from heavy-duty materials, and Cub Cadet backs it with a three-year warranty with no hour limit.

This mower has a hydrostatic transmission that eliminates the need for shifting—just push the pedal and go—and there are 12 cutting height positions to choose from. It has a tight 16-inch turning radius as well as cruise control and LED headlights, and because it’s a lawn tractor, it can be outfitted with a variety of multi-season attachments.

Price at time of publish: $2,499

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gas | Weight: 570 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: 0.5 to 2 acres

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Home Depot View On Tractorsupply.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

The Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower is ideal for anyone who has a large yard with many obstacles. Its zero-turn design gives you the ability to turn on a dime, and it’s powered by a 22.5 HP engine that can handle virtually any condition. Plus, the 42-inch steel deck allows you to cut wider paths, and the brand claims this model can help reduce your mowing time by up to 50 percent. 

This lawn mower offers speeds up to 7 miles per hour in mow mode and 5.5 miles per hour in towing mode, and it’s decked out with features to keep you comfortable, including an under-seat storage compartment, built-in cupholder, and step-through front end. The zero-turn mower comes with white glove delivery, saving you from having to do any assembly, and the brand offers a three-year residential warranty with unlimited hours.

Price at time of publish: $3,599

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gas | Weight: 502 pounds | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres

The 10 Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2022

Courtesy of Home Depot

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Lawn tractors like the John Deere S120 offer more flexibility for homeowners—in addition to mowing, this gas-powered machine can be used to spread grass seed, sweep your lawn, and even snow blow in the winter. It’s compatible with a wide range of multi-season accessories, and it’s also a solid riding mower with a 22 HP engine and 42-inch deck. 

This lawn tractor has a fully-welded steel frame and 13 different cutting heights. The seat can be adjusted to 10 different positions to keep you comfortable, and the tractor’s 30-second oil change system makes it easier to maintain. The mower has a new easy-read fuel gauge, and it even has cruise control for effortless mowing in large yards.

Price at time of publish: $2,599

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gas | Weight: 444 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: 0.5 to 2 acres

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Home Depot

What We Like

What We Don't Like

For a riding mower that won’t take up too much space in your shed, this battery-powered model from Cub Cadet is small yet powerful. It has a 56-volt battery that offers up to 90 minutes of runtime, and it actually charges back up in around 4 hours—much faster than larger models. The mower has a 30-inch deck that can side-discharge or mulch grass clippings, and it also boasts a tight 18-inch turning radius that lets you navigate around obstacles with ease. 

This compact mower is designed to easily fit through gates, and the brand claims it only takes up the space of two garbage cans. It has a high-back seat for comfort as well as cruise control and two USB charging ports, and you can’t beat its low-maintenance design.

Price at time of publish: $3,199

Cutting Width: 30 inches | Power Type: Battery | Weight: 362 pounds | Cutting Options: Mulch, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres

The 6 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2022 | by The Spruce

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Home Depot

What We Like

What We Don't Like

You’ll be able to power up steep hills with ease on the Troy-Bilt Bronco 42-Inch Gas Riding Lawn Mower. It has an automatic transmission (just like a car!) that makes it easy to drive, and its 20-inch rear wheels offer superior traction for sloped terrain. The lawn tractor has a 42-inch deck with anti-scalp wheels to prevent turf damage, and the machine’s 19 HP 544cc engine will make quick work of overgrown grass. 

The Troy-Bilt Bronco has a step-through frame that offers more leg room, and it offers a mid-seat back and rubber footpads to keep you comfortable. The machine has a rear hitch to pull garden carts, sprayers, and spreaders, and there are also bagging and mulching accessories available separately. However, the one downside is that this mower only offers five cutting heights, with the lowest setting at 1.25 inches.

Price at time of publish: $2,099

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gas | Weight: 520 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres

The 10 Best Lawn Mowers of 2022

Final Verdict

The RYOBI 48V Brushless 38 in. Electric Riding Lawn Mower is a top choice among riding lawn mowers thanks to its two-and-a-half-hour runtime, powerful performance, and ease of maintenance. If you prefer a gas mower, consider the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. 19.5 HP Gas Riding Lawn Tractor, which boasts a hydrostatic transmission and can be used with a variety of multi-season accessories.

Power Source

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a gas- or electric-powered riding lawn mower. Gas mowers are generally more powerful, but they’re louder, less eco-friendly, and require more maintenance. Electric mowers, on the other hand, are typically less powerful with a shorter run time, but they’re quieter, easier to start, and better for the environment.

Deck Size

The deck size of a lawn mower dictates how wide a path it cuts—larger decks cut wider paths on each pass. A deck size of between 30 to 60 inches is recommended for most homeowners. Bigger decks are better for lawns with few obstacles and turns, while smaller decks will be helpful if you have to mow around trees or garden beds.  

Grass Clipping

Don’t forget to consider how the lawn mower handles grass clippings. Some machines simply spit clippings back out onto your lawn, while others have options to bag or mulch the cut grass. The best option for you simply depends on how you prefer to handle your clippings.

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance contributor for The Spruce. As someone who grew up on a 70-acre farm and owns a 5-acre parcel herself, she’s no stranger to lawn mowers, and she’s written extensively on them. She’s also personally tested the RYOBI 38 in. 75 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower and used other riding lawn mowers from RYOBI and Husqvarna.

While selecting lawn mowers for this list, she looked at factors such as their deck size, power source, special features, comfort, and warranty period. She also spoke with Caroline Skelton, Go-To-Market Manager for Riding Lawn Equipment at John Deere, for insights on choosing and maintaining a riding lawn mower.

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. The best riding lawn mower for hills and uneven yards. Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-riding-lawn-mower-for-hills/

Top 13 Best Ride-on lawn mower/garden Tractor of 2022 → Reviewed & Ranked

How We Did Our Ride-On Mowers Review

Our tests are independently conducted and reflect the test editor's honest and objective opinions. Selection of products and test results are in no way influenced by manufacturers, retailers or other internal or external parties.

We tested all the models over a long duration for at least one summer. We assessed the mowing result both immediately after mowing and after a period of regular mowing to be able to provide consumers with all they need to know. All of the ride-on lawn mowers were tested on several different grass areas with varying grass types, conditions and heights. We also mowed on different grass moisture levels to put each model to the test – within our test!

In our review, we focused on the following characteristics to determine the best riding lawn mower for the money:

The ride-on lawn mowers were also assessed in terms of size, build quality, functionality, noise levels, petrol fumes, fuel consumption and available accessories. All of these factors have been taken into account, and a final score has been awarded on the basis of the lawn mower’s value for money.

We have tested a selection of the market's most popular ride-on lawn mowers. Compare prices of all the listed ride-on lawn mowers on PriceRunner.

1. Husqvarna Rider 214TC - BEST CHOICE RIDE-ON LAWN MOWER 2022

A high-performance mini tractor for large areas with lots of obstacles

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 12.8 kW (at 3100 rpm) Tank volume: 12 l Cutting height: 25-75 mm (10 step) Cutting width: 94 cm Speed: Forwards: 9.5 km/h | Backwards: 9.5 km/h Max. gradient: 10° Weight: 244 kg Noise level: 83 dB Steering wheel vibrations: 2.5 m/s² Gearbox: Hydrostatic

The Husqvarna Rider 214TC is a fast, rear-wheel drive ride-on lawn tractor with a replaceable front-mounted cutting deck. This makes it much more than a lawn mower because it can also be equipped with accessories such as a snow shovel, brush or aerator. The design makes the steering intuitive and gives good visibility of the area you’re cutting. Unfortunately, there are no headlights for mowing in low light.

Accessibility and manoeuvrability are both exemplary and make it easy to mow around bushes and trees. However, you have to remember that if you're not careful, the rear section can swing out and hit fences and walls.

The cutting width is nicely judged for larger areas with lots of obstacles. But it would have been nice if the cutting deck was 5 cm further out from the wheels, as this would make it easier to mow around flowerbeds.

Produces a good result, comfortable to operate

Sit on mowers like these provide excellent comfort for both short and tall drivers. It has a comfortable seat, easily accessible controls, a compartment for drinks/tools and a pedal-controlled hydrostatic gearbox. The hydrostatic transmission is worth its weight in gold in areas that require a lot of reversing.

The cutting result is excellent, and the cutting height can be set very low. Mulching is particularly effective as long as the grass isn’t too tall or wet. It’s effortless to clean off the cutting deck as long as you have a hose. The 214TC is a clearly well-designed ride-on lawn mower, and despite its high price tag shows it is decent value for money, which is why we designate it as our best ride-on lawn tractor of 2021.

Fastmanoeuvrablegood mowing resultcomfortableeasy to clean

No headlightseasy to forget that rear section swings out

Price Comparison

Compare all prices

7 A Husqvarna R 214TC Rider Complete with 94cm(37″) Deck

£3,199. 00

Husqvarna R214TC Petrol Rider Ride on Mower 94cm

£3,229.00

Husqvarna R214TC 37" Outfront Rider

£3,439.00

2. Stihl RT 4097 SX - BEST TRACTOR

A versatile and useful value-for-money tractor with good comfort

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 7.2 kW (at 3100 rpm) Cutting height: 35-90 mm (8 step) Cutting width: 95 cm Recommended grass area: Up to 6,000 m2 Weight: 197 kg Noise level: 86 dB Gearbox: Hydrostatic Manual (PDF):

We selected the Stihl RT 4097 SX mini tractor as the best lawn tractor in the test due to its time efficiency, great cutting result and versatility. For example, the fact that it has a towing hook makes it an excellent tool for moving things in the garden. If you buy a small trailer, the 4097 SX can cope with towing weights of up to 40 kg without problems. The good turning circle and strong drive help you navigate quickly and easily around the garden. It also has lights to see clearly even at dusk, which is a nice bonus. And when it comes to grass cutting, the 4097 SX is very impressive. It quickly and easily cuts large surfaces. The cutting result is uniform, even in tall, wet grass. It also does a perfect job of grinding up the grass, which means that the lack of a mulching function isn't as noticeable (you can buy attachments and kits for about £40). The cutting head is centred underneath the machine as is always the case on garden tractors. This means that the 4097 SX doesn't find it as easy as front-mounted ride-on lawnmowers to access everywhere. It's therefore best suited to larger, uncomplicated lawns. In more complicated gardens you'll have to do quite a lot of additional cutting around raised vegetable beds, bushes and in tight corners.

Comfort levels are high. You have a very comfortable position on the well-padded seat, which effectively counteracts problems with vibrations when driving. It's easy to reach all the levers and pedals. In addition, it has twin bottle holders. It's also easy to read the cutting head's height level. However, it can be a little fiddly to get the right level on the first try. The button for cutting while reversing is also a bit stiff. We'd also have liked easier removal of the cutting head. These are minor points by and large, and generally, user-friendliness is top-notch. For example, you can see what speed you're moving at, and the machine reacts smoothly to speed alterations. One disadvantage for lighter users is that the ride-on lawnmower is equipped with a non-adjustable weight lock to prevent use by children. It should activate at 35 kg, but it also started for a tester weighing almost 50 kg. Overall, however, the 4097 SX is an extremely good value for money tractor that gives you a lot of ride-on lawnmower for the money. And let’s not forget how fun it is to ride sit on mowers, particularly in larger, uncomplicated gardens.

High cutting capacitygood cutting resultshigh comfort levelsversatile

Fiddly cutting head mountingno mulching functionoversensitive minimum weight system

Price Comparison

Compare all prices

Stihl RT 4097 SX Ride on Mower 95cm

£2,186.00

Stihl RT4097SX 37" Tractor

£2,502.00

STIHL RT4097SX Ride On Mower

£2,502.00

3. Husqvarna R 216T AWD - BEST PREMIUM CHOICE

A potent garden riding mower that does the job well!

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 12.8 kW (at 3100 rpm) Tank volume: 12 l Cutting height: 25-75 mm (10 step) Cutting width: 94 cm Speed: Forwards: 9.5 km/h | Backwards: 9. 5 km/h Max. gradient: 10° Weight: 244 kg Noise level: 83 dB Steering wheel vibrations: 2.5 m/s² Gearbox: Hydrostatic

The Husqvarna R 216T AWD is an extremely competent and versatile ride-on lawn tractor for anyone seeking high build quality, a strong motor and incredible manoeuvrability. It’s like your very own mini tractor and probably won’t fit in the standard garden shed.

This is a four-wheel-drive sit on lawn mower that doesn’t merely give great mowing results but also copes with pulling heavy loads too. For example, the lawn mower had no problems pulling a heavy pallet of limestone. The 216T is so strong that our testers used it to pull things rather than bother using its four-wheel drive.

As we've said, the mowing result is very good. It's quite similar to that of its smaller sibling, the 214TC in that, thanks to the rear-wheel drive it's very efficient and easy to manoeuvre. You can easily navigate around obstacles, and the response is excellent.

But you do need to remember that the back end sticks out when you manoeuvre, so if you're turning in a narrow area, you need to stay alert. This means that small, winding areas can be rather time-consuming to mow. But as long as you're aware of this, you’ll be fine. It's rapid on open spaces and, despite the speed, succeeds in mowing the grass thoroughly.

A true workhorse

The 216T AWD mini tractor is easy to start throughout the season, even when it's cold. It doesn't have a choke, and it's nice not to have to deal with one of these, while it doesn't seem to negatively affect the machine's ability to start.

The ergonomics are also decent. You have a comfortable position, there are few controls to deal with, and of course, there's a cup holder. One advantage is that you can adjust the wheel, so the lawn mower suits both tall and short users.

The Rider 216T is easy to maintain and has a counter so you know when it’s time for the next service.

The front LED is powerful. It's beneficial for anyone also using the sit on lawn mower to pull things. Most people cut their lawns in the daytime, but it's useful to work in the garden in the early morning or late evening.

But of course, all this means it costs more. This is far from a cheap ride-on lawn mower, but as a premium mower, it's quite simply in a class of its own. If you're looking for a machine that can replace both a four-wheel drive and a lawn mower on an undulating, large plot – even one with lots of obstacles – you should consider this mower. The 216T is a real workhorse.

Powerfulphenomenal terrain-handling abilities & drivingoutstanding cutting resulteasy to start and user-friendly

Easy to forget that the rear section swings out

Price Comparison

Compare all prices

Husqvarna R216T AWD Petrol Rider Ride on Mower

£4,149.96

Husqvarna R216T AWD Rider 94-103cm

£4,599. 00

HUSQVARNA R 216T AWD Rider

£4,891.50

4. Al-KO Solo T 22-111.7 HDS-A V2

Fast and efficient mini tractor perfect for larger green areas or paddocks

Motor: AL-KO Pro 700 Motor power: 13 kW (at 2900 rpm) Cutting height: 30-80 mm (6 step) Speed: Forwards: 9 km/h | Backwards: 4 km/h Max. gradient: 10° Weight: 234 kg **Noise level:**72,3 dB (measured) Gearbox: Hydrostatic

The Solo by Al-KO T 22-111.7 HDS-A V2 is a garden tractor mower with low vibrations thanks to its combination of a plastic chassis and stable sheet metal frame. However, the plastic chassis is a little rigid, which means the hood is rather stiff to open. You sit relatively high up on this machine, making it difficult to get close to trees and bushes with low hanging branches. At the same time, the height gives you a perfect overview of the area you're cutting. The turning circle is good, and the steering bites immediately, even with minimal movements. The V2 motor makes the HDS-A V2 powerful, and it handles both tall and coarse grass easily. Cutting even a meadow with this machine is no problem. The tyres also give you a good grip. The comfortable seat combined with the low vibrations makes mowing the lawn a pleasant experience. The seat is easy to adjust and there's plenty of legroom.

The Solo by Al-KO T 22-111.7 HDS-A V2 spreads the grass well from the discharge and has a large petrol tank that lasts a long time. The noise level is higher than average, even when the cutting deck is turned off, so you need to use hearing protection. The tractor doesn’t have a towing hook, which is a shame as it would have given it many more applications because it's such a powerful machine. However, you can buy one separately. The pro transmission provides a good speed, which is most useful over large areas. In combination with the strong motor and the large petrol tank, this means that the AL-KO T 22-111. 7 HDS-A V2 is best suited to rough lawn mowing over larger green areas.

High performanceefficientfair distributioncomfortable seat

No towing hooknoisy

Price Comparison

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5. Stiga Park 420 P

Agile giant riding mower with great ergonomics and good mowing results on flat areas

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 8.82 kW (at 3200 rpm) Tank volume: 12 l Cutting height: 25-85 mm (electronic) Speed: Forwards: 10 km/h | Backwards: 7 km/h Max. gradient: 10° Weight: 237 kg Noise level: 86 dB Steering wheel vibrations: 2.5 m/s² Gearbox: Hydrostatic Transmission: Can have a combi cutting deck from 95 to 105 cm with multi clip and rear discharge

The Stiga Park 420 P is a relatively large but still convenient ride-on lawn mower that's quite quiet and easy to manoeuvre thanks to articulated steering. The significant advantage of articulated steering is that the back wheels follow in the front wheels' tracks. In other words, you don’t need to line up the back axle with the obstacle before you start turning – if the front wheels get around the obstacle, the back ones will too! This means that it’s straightforward to manoeuvre even if you have a garden with many obstacles. And that makes it ideal for use around paddocks too!

Even though it's relatively large, it never feels clumsy. One advantage of the size is that you're relatively high up, which gives you a good overview around you – even right in close to the machine.

However, we weren’t keen on the cutting deck's front frame. The design means that you can’t get access to mow right up to something. Struggles to grip, but a premium height adjustment system

The most significant disadvantage of the 420 P riding mower is that it skids very easily. This is most noticeable when reversing on a slight slope or rough ground, but it also happened frequently on occasions when starting from a stop or when reversing. We suspect that the tyres have poor terrain-handling abilities. We tried deflating them a little, but it didn’t help.

Its tendency to slip makes this model less suitable on undulating ground.

Otherwise, the 420 P is very nice to operate and has a high-quality feel. It has electronic cutting height setting, instead of a lever or other solution. Even if this doesn’t make much difference in purely practical terms, it gives a more premium experience.

Comfortable to operate

The seat has holes in it, which keeps it dry as any rainwater or dew runs away quickly. The seat is also comfortable to sit on, even when using it for a more extended period.

All of the controls are easily accessible, and the sit on lawn mower has headlights so you can mow into the evening. It also has a reasonably sized cup holder.

The accelerator pedal is a little stiff – if you're going to change between going forwards and backwards often, your foot might get tired.

Efficient on large, flat surfaces

The 420 P delivers a reasonable mowing result. The substantial cutting width means that it mows large surfaces quickly. Other models shred the cut the grass better, but the bits left over are still small enough to disappear into the lawn quickly.

One negative thing we noticed is that the cutting deck “jumps” a bit on uneven ground because of how it's suspended. It should be a much springier movement but doesn't always succeed. If you have an uneven lawn, this means that the mowing result will also be a bit inconsistent in places. But if your lawn is well trimmed, this won’t be a problem.

If you have a large, flat and relatively even garden, and want to manoeuvre around bushes and trees easily, the Stiga Park 420 P is a very comfortable and easy to steer option.

Very easy to steergood visibilityaccessible controlscomfortable seat

Slips quite oftenuneven cutting result on uneven lawnsedge cutting not the best

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6. Stiga Tornado 3108 HW

Useful garden tractor mower with a large cutting deck

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Intek 7200 V-Twin Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 11. 45 kW (at 2800 rpm) Tank volume: 6 l Cutting height: 25-80 mm (7 step) Cutting width: 108 cm Max. gradient: 10° Weight: 180 kg Gearbox: Hydrostatic Miscellaneous: Towing hook

The Stiga Tornado 3108 HW is a relatively strong and compact ride-on lawn tractor. For example, it has no problems pulling a small trailer full of soil on a flat surface. Starting on an uphill slope sometimes tends to end up with the lawn mower skidding, so it’s essential to keep the tyres free of grass to ensure the best possible grip.

The tractor goes quite fast, so when you’re not mowing the lawn but merely moving things from one place to another, it’s quite efficient.

The 3108 HW can sometimes lock up because of the seat (which needs to sense there’s enough weight on it for the lawn mower to start). If this happens, you have to sit down again with a little more force to press the seat down. You can’t tell by looking that it’s locked – the only way you can tell is when the sit on lawn mower doesn’t start. Otherwise, the lawn mower runs very well throughout the entire season.

Broad cutting deck makes for efficiency on open spaces

It’s easy to control the speed of the 3108 HW, and at least as easy to set the cutting height. The lever on the left is rather heavy to adjust, but this also makes it more childproof. From a safety viewpoint, it’s great that the ride-on lawn mower is so quick to shut off when you stand up. At one point, our tester happened to step the accelerator as they climbed off the lawn mower, and this could have been very dangerous if the engine hadn’t stopped so quickly.

However, the tractor is sluggish to react when you’re trying to mow while reversing. If you accelerate fast with the cutting deck down the lawn mower cuts out immediately. But, if you accelerate slowly to a higher speed, you can continue mowing even while moving backwards without holding the button in, you're actually supposed to need to mow in in reverse.

The advantage of a garden tractor mower is that they're so easy to manoeuvre over problematic areas and you don’t have to think about a cutting deck at the front. Moreover, the 3108 HW struggles a little with mowing uneven ground because it has a relatively large cutting deck. The grass isn’t cut evenly if the ground level varies, which becomes quite visible. However, it's very efficient on large, relatively flat areas because of the speed, a good turning circle, and a strong cutting motor.

Space for your gear!

Unfortunately, the petrol tank isn’t huge so you have to top it up quite often. According to the specification, it should hold 6 litres, but we don't even get a 5-litre can's worth in it. Given the tractor's price, we’d have also liked to see the level in the fuel tank without opening the hood.

It has a cup holder, a smaller square compartment just behind it and a larger compartment between the driver’s feet. The larger compartment could have been a bit deeper, but it’s nice to have so many places to put your things in general, mainly if you often carry tools and so on.

If you’re looking for a garden tractor mower that you're only going to use as a lawn mower, there are more affordable alternatives to the 3108 HW. But if you have a relatively flat and large lawn and want an efficient and versatile machine for more than just mowing, the Stiga 3108 HW is a good buy. Partly because it's stable and well-balanced, but also because it’s so user-friendly.

Efficient on large areascan pull a trailereasy-to-useseveral storage compartments

Uneven cutting result on uneven surfacescutting deck doesn’t always switch off in reversesmall fuel tank

Price Comparison

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Stiga TORNADO Special Edition (SE) Ride-on Mower

£324,833.00

7. Husqvarna R 112C

Neat and robust, but some design issues

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 6.4 kW (at 3000 rpm) Tank volume: 4 l Cutting height: 25-70 mm (7 step) Cutting width: 85 cm Speed: Forwards: 7 km/h | Backwards: 3 km/h Weight: 190 kg Noise level: 89 dB Steering wheel vibrations: 1. 6 m/s² Gearbox: Hydrostatic

The Husqvarna Rider 112C has a good drive and outstanding terrain-handling abilities, making it suitable for many different garden types. It’s also quite neat and equipped with articulated steering, which means that you can mow into awkward nooks and crannies, and have reasonable control when turning. We have no problem running it up slopes, cutting on a gradient etc., either in wet or dry grass.

Forward and reverse are controlled by two different pedals, instead of a single pedal, as is the case on many other ride-on lawn mowers. We like this solution as it means you have to move your foot when you change direction.

The construction has both advantages and disadvantages

However, a clear disadvantage with the R 112C riding mower is that you have to get off it to change the cutting height. The height setting is at the front, and thus, you can’t reach it from the seat. Over time this quickly becomes irritating, at least if you're used to adjusting the cutting height as you mow.

In addition, the height adjustment is meant to consist of seven steps, but we can only find five and a service position. The service position is used to tip the cutting deck, and unlike the cutting height adjustment, the position of this is useful because you can stop the machine and are then immediately ready to start cleaning.

The petrol filler cap is also well positioned. However, we see it as a disadvantage that you can’t easily see how much petrol is left in the tank from the outside.

Build quality leaves a lot to be desired

The R 112C gives a good result, but it only has two blades at the front, plus two front wheels. This means that you can’t get close in when you're mowing around obstacles. However, it leaves your lawn nice and neat.

The ergonomics are pleasant, too. You have a comfortable position and there’s a handy cup holder immediately in front of the seat.

The biggest disadvantage with this ride-on lawn tractor is the design and build quality. The seat is formed so that rainwater collects in it, which could have been handled better. It also has a tendency for parts underneath to break if you lower the cutting deck too quickly. Over a test period several months long, it manages to chew through both belts and plastic housings underneath. A drive wheel also broke, and had to be replaced after we lowered the cutting deck too quickly. We’d have liked to see a solution either where the cutting deck couldn't be lowered too quickly or a design that could stand up to it.

The machine is also equipped with plastic clips which lock very cleverly, but these aren’t very good quality. They break easily and cost quite a lot to replace.

However, it gets a bonus for having a towing hook.

If you’re careful when you lower the cutting deck, the R 112C is still quite a handy and neat ride-on lawn mower. Because it’s easy to manoeuvre and navigate obstacles, it’s ideal for a winding or smaller garden. Of course, you can use it on an open lawn too, but the design is most suitable for spaces where larger garden tractor mowers would have problems.

Good terrain-handling abilitiesneat sizeeasy to manoeuvre

Rather patchy designfiddle cutting height adjustment

Price Comparison

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Husqvarna R 112C Outfront Rider Ride on Mower (85cm)

£2,399.00

Husqvarna R 112C Rider 85cm cut

£2,499.00

Husqvarna® Rider 112C

£2,851.37

8. Stiga Park 320 PW

Comfortable and very quiet ride-on mower

Cutting: Width 100 cm Motor: Twin cylinder Stiga ST 550, total 586 cc Gearbox: Hydrostatic Noise: 78.6 dB (measured)

Stiga Park 320 PW is a comfortable and silent fuel-powered ride-on mower with electronic cutting height adjustment. Being able to adjust the cutting height with your foot – and without having to get off – is terribly flexible. However, it is a bit difficult to see which setting you have chosen. It would have been good if Stiga had colour coded the scale on the front, or showed on the display which cutting height it is set to, so that it is clearer from the driver’s position.

You can also raise the deck using the foot pedal when you have finished mowing, so that you do not have to drive around with it close to the ground.

Excellent cutting results as long as the sensor does not kick in

The best thing about this ride-on mower, in addition to the smooth cutting height adjustment, is how good the cutting results are. Firstly, it’s powerful. Secondly, the lawn becomes even and pretty.

You sit quite high up when mow. The advantage is that you get a very good overview of the garden, the disadvantage is that Park 320 PW is slightly unbalanced. If you are travelling at full speed and part of your body goes above the steering wheel slightly, a sensor that switches off the cutting unit reacts. As the mower is so quiet, you do not notice this when you are sitting with ear muffs, which results in uncut areas.

Of course, you have an indicator on the right-hand side that lights up if the cutting deck is running, but you don't look at it while you’re driving around and mowing. And if you’re a little bigger, you won't see it.

Another clear disadvantage is that Park 320 PW slides a bit. If you have a lighter slope on the plot and stay in it, there will be a great risk that it will then slip on the surface when you start to drive again, which will damage the lawn. The same applies if you go too fast between reversing and then drive forwards, or vice versa – which is very easy because you control this with a pedal and it has a narrow span.

It has hydraulic steering, so the servo is very light, and you can basically keep your finger on the knob and steer. However, it does not turn very tightly. Some other ride-on mowers leave a 15–20 centimetre ring when you turn around, but this one leaves just over 40–50 centimetres instead. However, you can easily get around a bush, so it is mostly just something we noticed.

You only have two blades on this one that mulch and such. It has time for that. But you can't get to it in the same way as with a Husqvarna. There is also a blade further forward, so it can reach better than Stiga's.

The seat is also comfortable, although Park 320 PW does not have a drink holder, which is a bit of a shame. There is a compartment in front of the seat where you can place small items if you need them.

Stiga Park 320 PW is in many ways a really good ride-on mower. It is easy to control and delivers excellent cutting results with good performance. It also has several convenient functions.

Good performanceexcellent cutting resultseasy to navigateelectronic cutting height adjustment

Slides easily on slopes & when reversing too quicklyshuts off the cutting unit on steep turnsdoes not have a drink holder

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9. Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200 T

Fast, powerful garden tractor mower with a few unusual construction choices

Motor: Toro V-Twin, 708 cc Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 12. 8 kW (at 2850 rpm) Tank volume: 11.3 l Cutting height: 38-114 mm Cutting width: 107 cm Speed: Forwards: 9.6 km/h | Backwards: 9.6 km/h Max. gradient: 10° Weight: 254 kg Noise level: 87 dB Drive: Double hydrostatic transmission

The Toro Timecutter ZS 4200 T is a very powerful ride-on lawn tractor with several exciting construction choices. It’s remarkable in that you control it with joystick controls. If you're used to operating a digger, you may appreciate the joystick controls because it means that you accelerate and steer with your hands. At the same time, we can’t see why it wouldn’t have been more user-friendly – and reached a broader target group – if Toro had instead chosen to give it a steering wheel (this model is also available in a steering wheel version). However, if you're used to operating machinery with joystick controls, it’s easy to manoeuvre as a whole.

Unfortunately, the choke controls, ignition and other controls are beneath the armrest, so you have to lean over the machine to access them. The choice of positioning for the cutting deck is also somewhat unusual. It isn't underneath like a tractor model, but nor is it at the very front like a standard front-mounted sit on lawn mower. This means that it doesn't benefit from the front-mounted design’s advantage – better access. Instead, you have to squeeze a large part of the machine – and yourself – into larger bushes. This makes it more like a tractor model.

However, you get a splendid view when the cutting deck isn’t directly beneath you like it is on a tractor model. So there are both advantages and disadvantages to this design. However, we would have liked the large wheels on the cutting deck positioned differently or made smaller to increase accessibility. As it stands, it’s challenging to get in around trees and other obstacles if you don't approach them on precisely the right angle.

Good mowing result despite the quick speed

The TimeCutter ZS 4200 T riding mower does an excellent job on large, flat surfaces. The cutting deck is large, and you can drive quite fast with it so you can get through a large area of lawn quickly. It’s evident that the motor is 24 hp because it's so powerful. This is very clear when you're going uphill and even when you’re reversing on a slope. There are a total of three speeds, and you choose between these with a centrally placed lever.

The TimeCutter ZS 4200 T moves forward at high speed and has no problems mowing the grass. Despite working at high speed, the mowing result is exceptional. The only times we notice it struggling a bit is if we allow the lawn to grow taller – 10 cm or more. And we also appreciate that it offers plenty of options when setting the cutting height.

Difficult to manoeuvre

However, it could have had better terrain-handling abilities. We notice several times that it continues to slide forward when we brake on a gentle slope. The wheels lock, and there’s a risk that it will skid into obstacles.

However, it gets a bonus for having a towing hook. It also gets bonuses for the soft, comfortable seat with armrests on the sides, the fact you can see the fuel level from the outside and the fact that you have a good view over the motor.

Overall, the TimeCutter ZS 4200 T is best on large, flat and open surfaces where its speed and power come into their own. In smaller or winding gardens it quickly becomes clumsy.

Very powerfulgood mowing resultwide cutting widthlots of cutting height settings

Sometimes slips on brakingcutting deck position with large wheels at the frontawkward control positions

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AA Toro ZS 4200T TIMECUTTER (74687) 107cm Cut Smart Speed Zero Turn

£3,888.00

10. AL-KO T 15-110.6 HDS

A strong garden tractor that clears undergrowth

Motor: AL-KO Pro 450 Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 8. 5 kW (at 2900 rpm) Tank volume: 7 l Cutting height: 30-90 mm (6 step) Cutting width: 110 cm Recommended grass area: Up to 10,000 m2 Speed: Forwards: 9 km/h | Backwards: 4 km/h Max. gradient: 10° Weight: 224 kg Measured noise level: 92 dB Steering wheel vibrations: 2-4 m/s² Gearbox: Hydrostatic

The AL-KO T 15-110.6 HDS is a substantial garden riding mower that can quickly cut large areas. One of its main strengths is how easily it can mow down everything from regular grass to tougher undergrowth. For example, we gave it a try in an overgrown area with large numbers of bushes, and it had no problems chewing up the branches – although it's primarily intended as a lawnmower. Like other garden tractors, the T 15-110.6 is primarily intended for larger, uncomplicated gardens. The cutting deck is centrally placed, so it doesn't reach into corners or right out to the edges. The T 15-110.6's hydrostatic transmission is a little jerky, and it doesn't come equipped with direct steering. This means that manoeuvrability is a bit lacking. At the same time, it has a strong drive, a good turning circle and doesn't slip. It's also easy to understand how to operate the machine. The controls and pedals are easy to adjust, and the lawn mower reacts swiftly.

The cutting result is good. The T 15-110.6 does a good job of grinding up and spreading out the grass cuttings, both on short lawns and very tall grass. The results are so neat that it's hardly noticeable that you've just cut the lawn – it just looks well-tended. And when it comes to maintenance, the bodywork is easy to clean. However, the cutting deck is a little bit awkward to remove and we would have liked to see a flush nozzle. Nor are the comfort levels brilliant. The seat on this sit down mower is quite hard, and you have to put up with a lot of vibration. The construction quality is rather plasticky in parts and some aspects of the product come across as unnecessarily stingy. One example is that there is glass for lighting and lighting wires under the bonnet, but no bulbs. That seems misleading. We would also have liked a towing hook, which we think should be standard on a garden tractor. The T 15-110.6 is undoubtedly good at its core function of cutting grass. But given that it's a garden tractor, we would have liked greater versatility.

Strongmulching functiontime-efficient

Mediocre comfort levelsnot very versatile

11. MTD Smart RG 145

Primarily suitable for large open spaces

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 9.1 kW (at 2800 rpm) Tank volume: 3.8 l Cutting height: 30-95 mm (5 step) Cutting width: 107 cm Max gradient: 10° Weight: 175 kg Noise level: 82 dB

The MTD Smart RG 145 is a low-priced ride-on lawnmower that we expected to be quite simple in design – not particularly strong perhaps, but with a few, basic functions and producing a good cut. What we got, however, was something completely different from that.

For example, this mower isn’t particularly easy to use. MTD have messed things up with a complicated set of levers. You control speed, reverse and neutral using the pedal, but you set maximum speed and RPM with two other levers. And for example, if you set the RPM to the lowest level and the speed to the highest, the machine will become sluggish and the engine likely to cut out.

You also have to depress the clutch each time you select a new speed mode. So you can’t just pull the lever steplessly. The whole solution feels unnecessarily time consuming and complicated.

Generous cutting width

The mower's construction is fairly basic and in line with our expectations. All the same, we think that the solution whereby MTD has mounted the fuel tank using cable ties is perhaps too simple - even on a budget machine.

But the Smart RG 145 does have an attractive design overall. The mower features a sporty steering wheel, which is comfortable to hold. The seat is also comfortable, enabling you to sit up straight. In addition, the mower also has lighting – albeit a rather weak lighting. Unfortunately, the anti-slip protection for your feet becomes slippery immediately it gets damp, so you need to be a bit careful when you step on and off the mower.

If you want to adjust your seat position, you also have to use a few tools and loosen some screws. It's normal for other models to hold a lever and move the seat forwards or backwards, so the MTD solution doesn’t feel very user-friendly. On the other hand, tank caps and filters are easily accessible for filling and maintenance. It’s also easy to set the cutting height.

The engine is powerful for the price, and it seems to us that this is where MTD have focused. The machine can handle reasonably tall grass and even some brush with good results. The cutting width is substantial so the mower is efficient on open and straight areas. It also has a solid, tight turning circle.

Overall, the MTD Smart RG 145 is suitable for anyone who owns a large, open, obstacle-free lawn and has a limited budget. However, you need a pretty good understanding of how engines work to continuously find the right setting in strength and speed.

Good cutting widthcomfortable steering wheelsporty design

Unnecessarily tricky to operateslippery anti-slip protection when dampfuel tank mounted with cable ties

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12. MTD Smart RF 130 H

A budget model that affords a lot of power for a reasonable price

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 6.3 kW (at 2800 rpm) Tank volume: 3.8 l Cutting height: 30-95 mm (5 step) Cutting width: 96 cm Speed: Forwards: 0-9 km/h | Backwards: 0-5 km/h Max. gradient: 11% Weight: 150 kg Noise level: 98 dB Steering wheel vibrations: 5 m/s² Transmission: Hydrostatic (hand control) User manual: PDF

The MTD Smart RF 130 H is a compact riding mower of a garden tractor type. The motor is strong and chews through metre high grass without problems. It’s also extremely fuel-efficient.

The accessibility and manoeuvrability are both good for the price, as long as there aren’t too many obstacles, and the terrain isn’t too bumpy. However, reversing could have been more straightforward. The lawn mower reverses slowly, and you also have to switch off the cutting deck when you reverse because otherwise, the motor stops for safety reasons.

The 130 H has hydrostatic transmission, which means stepless speed adjustment and you don’t have to stop when you change gear. However, the transmission is controlled by hand controls, which aren’t as straightforward as pedal controls. This makes fine adjustments difficult in practice, and the speed tends to end up either fast or slow.

Many accessories available

The cutting height and parking brake are easy to adjust.

The way the petrol tank is suspended feels somewhat improvised and not as reliable as you’d like. A headlight improves visibility in darker conditions.

It’s straightforward to clean the cutting deck, even though it’s located beneath the driver and can’t be folded up. However, a flush nozzle would have made this easier.

The seat could have been softer, but overall the comfort levels are adequate.

The 130 H has no integrated collector, but you can buy one separately. You can also purchase a mulch plug, and many other attachments for towing, such as a trailer.

Low pricerelatively strong motorgood mowing resultheadlight

Fiddly reversingsuspension of petrol tank

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13. Stiga Park 220

Easy to clean ride-on lawnmower with electronic height setting

Motor: Briggs & Stratton Motor type: Petrol Motor power: 7.4 kW (at 3200 rpm) Tank volume: 4.2 l Cutting width: 85-95 cm Recommended grass area: Up to 4,000 m2 Speed: Forwards: 9 km/h | Backwards: 7 km/h Max. gradient: 10° Weight: 212 kg Measured noise level: 88 dB Steering wheel vibrations: 0.3 m/s² Gearbox: Hydrostatic

The Stiga Park 220 ride-on lawnmower has articulated steering and a front-mounted cutting deck with electronic height setting that makes it easy to adjust the cutting height. The fact that it's front-mounted makes it easy to access even more complicated gardens. You don't have to do so much additional cutting as you would with a garden tractor. However, it does have a problem achieving a uniform cutting result on uneven lawns, because it follows the unevenness. It also leaves an unnecessarily large amount of grass uncut for a front-mounted ride-on lawnmower due to a relatively long distance between the blades and the front edge. This ride-on lawnmower is also limited by a relatively jerky hydrostatic transmission and small wheels. In addition, it has a half steering wheel, which makes it more complicated than necessary to navigate around your lawn and yard. Combined with the fact that it struggles with slopes, this means you're relatively limited in how you can drive it. When we cut a lawn in a tighter space, it felt heavy to drive. Another disadvantage is that it sometimes slips when reversing and that this risks damaging the lawn. However, the tyre pattern means that it doesn't leave any marks when you drive forwards. We also feel that it's useful to have direct steering, as this improves manoeuvrability.

The noise level is below average, but above all, the noise profile is relatively pleasant, with a low growling noise. Nor did we experience any problems with vibrations. The only disadvantage regarding its comfort is that larger people may find it challenging to get at some buttons as their buttocks and thighs may tend to hide them. It's easy to clean both the bodywork and underside of the Stiga Park 220. We would have preferred it to be possible to tilt the cutting head a little more to avoid having to bend your back during high-pressure cleaning, but on the whole, it's easy to wash and keep clean. It also has economical fuel consumption and a good turning circle.

Electronic height settingeasy to cleanlow noise levelarticulated steering

Poor cutting result on uneven groundjerky drivinguser-friendliness

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Stiga Park 300 ( 220 ) with Combi 95 Q 95cm Deck

£3,499.00

Different types of ride-on lawn mower

There are several different types of ride-on lawn mower, and the type you should choose depends on your lawn.

There are two main types of ride-on lawn mower: those with front-mounted cutting decks, usually categorised as a traditional ride on mower, and what is often called garden tractors, which have the cutting deck mounted in the middle of the body.

The advantage of a front-mounted mower is that you can easily get in everywhere, especially on winding areas of grass. On the other hand, these mowers are almost exclusively built for mowing lawns and not for any other task.

By contrast, the garden tractor is more versatile. As its name implies, you can use a garden tractor to tow a trailer or even clear snow, as well as for mowing the lawn. But precisely because they are intended for other uses, they aren't always as good at cutting your grass correctly. For example, it’s difficult to get in everywhere because of the cutting deck's positioning. Then again, garden tractors are also often a little cheaper.

Lap bar mowers are another type that it’s worth knowing about. You control these ride-on lawn mowers with levers instead of a steering wheel. Zero-turn mowers (about which more below) are usually lap bar mowers.

Ride-on lawn mowers can also be divided based on their power source – either battery or petrol.

Petrol-powered ride-on lawn mowers run on four-stroke fuel. These have the advantage that you can always use them immediately you need them, provided you have petrol at home. You also get good performance at a reasonable price. The downside is that these machines emit exhaust fumes and make a lot of noise.

Battery-powered ride-on mowers are, of course, battery powered, and these have to be charged before you can use them. The advantage of these machines is that they don’t emit exhaust fumes, that they're quieter than petrol-powered models (you could always buy a quiet muffler is this is an issue) and you don’t have to buy fuel. The downside is that you have to remember to charge the battery between uses, and you’re limited to your machine's battery life. Once it runs out of juice, you have to wait before you can finish mowing your lawn. They are also – at the time of writing – still quite expensive in terms of what sort of performance you get for your money. This will probably change with increasing sales volumes and interest in the product.

As well as these different terms, manufacturers sometimes have their own names for lawn mower types. For example, rider, mini-rider and zero-turn.

Other lawn mower terminology includes articulated steering and rear-wheel steering. Mowers with front-mounted cutting decks often have articulated steering. This means that they pivot around the centre of the construction and no part of the machine protrudes very much. Rear-wheel steering means that the turning circle is determined from the rear of the machine.

In recent years, four-wheel-drive ride-on lawn mowers have also begun to appear. These offer better terrain-handling abilities. Four-wheel drive means that all four wheels have power, not just two of them as is the case with traditional ride-on lawn mowers. This makes them better on uneven lawns and when the grass is wet. Four-wheel drive mowers are often referred to as AWD or 4WD.

Finally, it's useful to know the different techniques ride-on mowers use to deal with your grass.

For example, some come with collectors that are useful in the autumn if you have lots of leaves you don’t want lying all over the lawn. You can simply collect up the leaves in the collector and empty it into your compost bin.

Mulching, sometimes also called bioclip, is another essential concept. This means the ride on mower doesn’t spray out the cut grass from the discharge but instead chops it so finely so that it quickly breaks down into nutrients for your lawn (instead of you ending up with deep piles of grass clippings all over the lawn).

In addition to these two techniques, more traditional mowers simply spray the cut grass out through a side discharge.

A ride-on lawn mower or robotic lawn mower?

Usually, people buy a ride-on mower because they have a fairly large lawn. Robotic lawn mowers for large areas are quite expensive if you compare them with walk-behind mowers. But if you compare them with ride-on lawn mowers, they’re quite similar in price.

You can find cheap ride-on lawn mowers for large spaces for around £1,500-£2,000, and you can even find some robotic lawn mowers for larger gardens in the same price bracket. Of course, there are extremes at either end of the spectrum in both categories. You can find expensive robots for small lawns, or fairly cheap robots for large lawns.

The critical thing to keep in mind is that whichever you choose, the mower must be able to cope with your lawn. For example, ride-on lawn mowers can seldom mow gradients that are anything but subtle. They typically have a maximum gradient of 10 degrees. This is one area where many robotic lawn mowers (at least those with good terrain-handling abilities) have an advantage. Another advantage of the robotic lawn mower is that you don’t have to get involved in the mowing process because the machine does everything itself.

On the other hand, a ride-on lawn mower is very efficient. A robotic lawn mower has to be out and about for quite a few hours each week if your lawn is large - at least a couple of hours a day, almost every day of the week. But the mowing result is excellent, and the lawn will look fantastic after the robotic lawn mower has had time to graze all the grass down to a neat level. After that, it only mows your lawn for maintenance. If you want the same result with a ride-on lawn mower, it needs to boast a mulching function.

If you have a vast garden or lawn, you're pretty much stuck with a ride on mower, as that will be much more budget-friendly. Plus, let’s be honest, they're quite fun to drive.

Things to remember when you buy a ride-on lawn mower

If you’ve decided to buy a ride-on lawn mower, there are a number of factors to consider.

How much does a ride-on lawn mower cost?

The price of ride-on mowers varies between about £1,500 up to several thousand pounds. For example, at the time of writing, you can pay around £5,000 for a four-wheel-drive sit down mower for private use, while you can find basic garden tractors for as little as £ 1,500. You might even find a mini rider for £200-£300 less than that.

So, if you’re looking for a cheap ride-on lawn mower, a mini rider or a tractor is your best option. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for maximum mowing results and efficient mowing, the front-mounted mower is your best bet, but they're also a little more expensive. Even the cheapest front-mounted ride-on mower usually costs more than £2,000.

When comparing prices, always check what’s included in the package. Many people sell mowers, excluding the cutting deck, which means that the price should be compared with other mowers without a cutting deck. You can calculate the total price by checking what the cutting deck costs for that particular mower.

An alternative to buying a brand-new mower is to buy a used one.

Front-mounted mower or garden tractor?

We’ve already touched on this earlier. If you are only going to use the machine for mowing, you should probably have a front-mounted mower. Some of these can even have accessories added to them, although this isn't as common with garden tractors.

But anyone looking for a more versatile machine that can also plough or tow a trailer should choose the garden tractor. These are better options for those on a limited budget.

Which mower is best for you depends entirely on your needs, your budget and your garden. Read our tests to ensure that the model you’re looking at matches what you need.

What is the age limit for driving ride-on mowers?

The minimum age for driving a ride-on lawn mower (in the UK) is 13 years.

Which lawn mower is better - Articles and reviews

Imagine: your own plot, a cozy house, the sun warms, flooding with rays ... tall grass, weeds, thickets of nettles. Of course, you can get rid of all unwanted vegetation on the site with the help of a scythe, but it is painfully laborious and time consuming.

If you want your lawn to always remain well-groomed and pleasing to the eye, a lawn mower will come to the rescue, a device so simple that even a child can operate it, with proper safety precautions.

So, you are thinking about buying a lawn mower, but the question immediately arises: which one to choose? Which lawn mower is best? What are they and what should you know?

After reading this article, you will find answers to your questions and, hopefully, you will be able to choose a lawn mower easily and simply.

Lawn mower type

Mechanical lawnmowers are quite inexpensive because they are not equipped with an engine. The movement of the knives is due to the drive of the wheels. Such a lawn mower needs to be pushed forward so that it mows the grass.

Mechanical lawnmowers

Wheeled mowers are more complex than mechanical mowers. Their knives work with a drive leading from the engine to the wheels.

Wheeled lawn mowers

Self-propelled mowers drive themselves, you only have to change direction. Of course, it is more convenient to mow with them than with mechanical or wheeled devices.

Self propelled lawn mowers

mower robots are battery operated. It is enough to define for these smart devices the boundary of the area required for maintenance, and they themselves will mow, recharge and even understand when it is raining and, therefore, it is worth postponing work.

Robot mowers

Engine

The petrol engines make the mower extra heavy and noisy, but have a lot of power. These lawn mowers are designed for use in large areas, as they have a large capacity.

The disadvantages of gasoline engines include the fact that they have to be periodically refueled, and they are harmful to the environment and evaporate corrosive gases during operation. They must be refueled away from the lawn, as gasoline that has fallen on the grass can destroy it.

Lawn mowers with electric motor can be mains operated and/or battery operated. They are lighter and quieter than gasoline, but also less powerful. They are suitable for mowing grass on small lawns. If you take such a mains-powered lawn mower, make sure that the wire is the right length, since their range is limited and depends on the location of the outlet.

When operating an electric lawnmower, care must be taken not to let the wire get under the blades. These mowers can only work on dry grass, because wet grass will not only damage the mechanism, but can also give the owner an electric shock.

Lawn mowers without engine are, as we already know, mechanical. They do not require charging or fuel, so they are economical options. They are also completely silent. In addition, it is believed that mechanical lawn mowers injure young grass less.

Mowing modes

There are mowers that can only handle one mowing mode, but there are also those that can handle all three.

When mower is equipped with grass catcher and the appropriate mode is activated, the cut grass is sent directly to a special container, where it remains until it is shaken into a compost pit or given to animals for food.

Grass catchers are available in rigid plastics and soft fabrics. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Rigid grassbags are easier to empty and clean, but the slots in them can become clogged with grass. Soft grass catchers are not as easy to clean from grass, but they have a larger volume.

Grass throwing can be sideways or backwards. In any case, later it will have to be removed manually with a rake.

Mulching is the chopping up of mowed vegetation and then spreading it evenly as the mower passes. Mulching is a great option if you are mowing a dry, soft lawn that, when shredded, acts as a fertilizer for the soil. When working with wet grass, it clumps into clods that clog the roots of the grass, preventing its further growth, or create a carpet of rotten grass substance.

Mulching lawnmowers

Cutting width

This parameter is understood as the width of the grass area, which is mowed in one pass.

It is worth noting that rather expensive versions of self-propelled mowers swing at 90-120 cm, it is generally better to focus on 40-60 cm.

adjustments.

Let's summarize. We learned what types of lawn mowers and their engines are, modes and mowing width. Now we can answer question which lawn mower is better.

The answer is simple:

If you need an inexpensive lawn mower and you prefer to do everything yourself, but not have the additional expense of recharging or refueling - the mechanical mower will be ideal for you. .

If you want to save money, but are looking for a fairly powerful mower - choose wheeled.

If you want your lawnmower to do most of the mowing work, 9 is for you.0079 self-propelled.

And finally, for those who are not going to spend time mowing grass at all, but are interested in a smooth lawn, there are robotic mowers.

You can buy a lawn mower in the SebeVDom online store by choosing one of the options at an affordable price.

with front or rear drive

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Petrol lawn mowers come with front, rear and all-wheel drive. Each model is suitable for certain conditions. When choosing, it is most important to look at the wheel drive of the lawn mower. Be guided by the area and topography of your site. Let's take a closer look at models with different drives and decide which lawn mower is better.

While driving, the operator presses the handle with force, which raises the front wheels. The driven rear wheels allow this to be carried without compromising the quality of the mowing.

Working close to solid objects will be difficult. It is difficult for the operator to cut grass in hard-to-reach places.

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Front-wheel drive equipment is useful for owners of uneven areas of medium and large areas. It maneuvers around trees and problem areas.

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Powerful model with high engine speeds and four drive wheels will perform the most voluminous and complex tasks.

The drive of self-propelled lawn mowers combines the advantages of both types of models.

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Engine Benefits:

ReadyStart® Easy Start System: ReadyStart engine starting system without pre-priming or choke manipulation. The system detects engine temperature and delivers the exact amount of fuel to the carburetor. The non-contact Magnetron® ignition system provides stable electrical generation, both cold and warm engine. All you have to do to start is pull the starter cable.

The EXi engine does not require an oil change - just check and top up if necessary. Read the instruction manual carefully before use.

Service friendly: Tool-free air filter change, extended oil filler neck.

For more than 100 years Briggs & Stratton has been designing, manufacturing and servicing motors for small-scale mechanization. Reliability, easy starting and simple maintenance of the motor will save you energy for rest.

30 990c

RedVerg RD-GLM410G petrol lawn mower is an excellent combination of performance and affordable price. It is able to put in order a small or medium-sized area in the shortest possible time. This equipment does not depend on the electrical network. Maneuverable and stable, it will provide its owner with maximum comfort when working. The operator's hand does not slip off the handle, and he himself makes almost no effort to move the RedVerg gasoline lawn mower around the site. Easy to use, powerful and affordable, it will be an excellent choice for every customer.

15830c

The RedVerg RD-GL40P gasoline lawn mower with a reliable four-stroke engine model GP145-F, 2.7 l/s power is a practical and easy-to-use tool, an indispensable assistant in the care of lawns in the adjacent garden area.

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