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If your property is on the larger side, or over a half an acre, opting for a riding lawn mower over a push-style saves time, energy, and frustrations. There are three basic categories on the market. This includes lawn tractors, rear-engine riding units, and zero-turn models. However, these styles offer a wide selection of options. Determine which one is right for your lawn by evaluating the following three qualities. 

Deck Width

Owning more land doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a significant amount of time mowing. The size of the deck, which is the bottom space that covers the blades, determines how much of an area that the lawnmower cuts per strip. For that reason, a wider deck can help you finish the task faster. 

Riding mower decks are much wider than push mowers. Yet, they still vary drastically, usually from 30 to 60 inches, with lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers boasting the largest options. If your grass area is over an acre, opt for the larger end of the spectrum for convenience. 

Engine Size

lawn mowersThe mower's engine size impacts two key qualities, power and speed.  The bigger the engine, the more horsepower it offers. As with deck width, larger units can help you finish the chore quicker because the machine can move faster. 

Engine power also impacts the mower's ability to complete the job. Rough terrain, such as thick-growing brush, is challenging to get through and can even kill the mower repeatedly. Such a situation makes for a frustrating and time-consuming mow. 

Rear-engine systems usually offer around 10 to 11 hp, while zero-turn models range from 12 to 25 hp, and lawn tractors boast between 18 and 25 hp. Mowers on the lower-end of the hp spectrum can easily handle flat, well-manicured yards. However, models that feature mixed foliage or experience overgrowth frequently need a larger unit. 

Transmission Type

The transmission can impact the usability of the machine. You should choose the transmission style that best matches your physical and operational capabilities. There are three main styles to choose from, including: 

  • Manual: This requires the user to manually switch gears. While it's responsive, it does demand more physical work from the operator. If the driver isn't skilled at manual shifting, it can damage the unit and require frequent repairs or premature replacement. 

  • Hydrostatic: This model offers the same quick reactivity of a manual unit, but makes adjustments automatically. Most higher-end models utilize hydrostatic transmissions because it's incredibly user-friendly. 

  • CVT (continuously-variable transmissions): This is a less common automatic system that relies on a pulley drive. CVT units aren't as easy to operate as hydrostatic units, but they're more budget-friendly. 

 


If you aren’t sure which lawn mower is best suited for your property, reach out to the team at All Seasons Honda & Ski-Doo in Homer, AK, for assistance. The local business provides residents across the Kenai Peninsula with an impressive selection of high-quality outdoor clothing and equipment. From mowers to ATVs, learn more about their offerings online and direct questions to (907) 235-8532.

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