Lawn, Garden & Landscaping
2009-03-01 14:14:00
Keeping the lawn mower mowing - series
Question: I have a fairly large area to mow this year, and I’m thinking of a riding lawn mower, any tips you could provide before I start this endeavor?
Answer: For homeowners with lawns who are overwhelmed doing regular lawn mowing with a push mower (or if you’re just tired of pushing), it’s time to consider a lawn or garden tractor. These lawn machines can make quick work of your regular lawn mowing. Some lawn tractor models even offer uses that go beyond simple grass cutting.
Lawn mowing tractors come in different horsepower and sizes of cut. Here are a few simple criteria for determining what size tractor you need.
Size of lawn can help determine which size lawn tractor you may need
Make sure you get the right tractor for your lawn size.
•1/2 to 1 acre — For a lawn this size, you’ll want a riding lawn mower with a cutting width of up to 42” .
•1 to 2 acres — For yards in this size range, a riding lawn mower with a 42” or 48” deck
•3 Acres or more — If your estate is in this extra large lawn grouping, you are indeed fortunate. For this size lawn you’ll want a lawn or garden tractor with a 48”-54” or 62” deck.
Besides lawn size, how else do you determine how much lawn tractor you really need?
Riding lawn mowers are a lot like cars — there are basic, no-frills models and feature-laden, power-packed high end models — and everything in between. The next thing you need to consider are attachments such as a bagger, front blade, or snow thrower. If you will need one or more of these now or in the future, you need to buy a lawn tractor that can accommodate them.
What’s the difference between a riding lawn mower and a garden tractors?
If you will be using the tractor just for cutting grass, a riding lawn mower is fine. They have several attachment options, but don’t expect it to do any heavy lifting or pulling. If you will be using the mower to pull ground engaging attachments, such as a plow, disc harrow or tiller, you will need a garden tractor.
A garden tractor has a heavier frame and transmission, larger rear wheels, and is also appropriate for larger mowing jobs. A garden tractor has the highest horsepower (generally 20-27 hp).
Gear Driven or Automatic
Gear driven mowers are being replaced today with automatics (hydrostatic drive). Some automatics have a feature of a cruise control to provide you with a steady speed for mowing large open areas. Automatics are an excellent choice; for you control the speed by depressing the pedal and this gives you full control of how fast or slow you want to go depending on obstacles you have in your yard. Reverse is down the same way. With an automatic there is no clutching or shifting gears making it a lot more user friendly for any family member.
Bagging or Mulching
Many riders do an excellent job of bagging and mulching, any deck of 48” or larger with three blades will require a power bagging system in order to disperse the grass adequately into the bagging unit. A 38” or 42” cut with two blades has enough lift on the blades to carry it back into the bagging unit.
In order to do a good job of mulching it’s best to install a mulch kit. The kit consists of a plug to cover your discharge chute, dividers to keep your material in longer so it can get a second cut, and mulch blades. Remember you only want to be cutting an inch off at a time for this is the ideal amount to keep from thatch build up.
Single Cylinder or Twin Cylinder
Two engine types are available: Twin cylinder engine — (usually 16 HP or larger) these have better balance, more power, then a single cylinder. A single cylinder is offered at a reduced price but offers plenty of power for most lawns.
Getting the best deal when buying a new riding lawn mower.
Getting the riding lawn mower you need at the best price is a fairly simple process if you follow a few simple rules:
1.Shopping in the off-season is always a good choice. However there are good incentives to buy all season long. Most lawn mowers are used in the spring and summer so they don’t sell all that well in the fall and winter but your choices may be limited. 2.Look for close-outs on “last year’s models”. Like cars, lawn mower styles and models change from year to year and stores must move old inventory to clear room for the new models that will be arriving soon. This means deep discounts.
3.Low payment plans or no interest for 90 days to 12 months.
4.Extended warranty and maintenance plans for it will save you several dollars by purchasing this at the point of sale instead of later on.
Prairieland Partners will help you find the right match for you to meet your mowing or gardening needs. There are many other types of mowers that I didn’t mention that we have to offer you so it best to come in and drive them to help determine which would be of better match to meet your needs.
Where to buy a new riding lawn mower.
Buying outdoor power equipment isn’t as simple as it used to be. There are a lot more choices and a lot more people who will gladly sell you a tractor or riding mower. Unfortunately, not all of them are prepared to provide one extremely valuable commodity... knowledge. There’s great value in having a dedicated sales professional answering your lawn mowing questions, making sure you make the right choice and providing years of after the sale service. It’s something you just can’t take for granted.
What to look for when shopping for a new riding lawn mower.
Consider the four important qualities - cutting ability, traction, reliability and ease of use. These are the attributes, too, that will help you purchase a product based on its ability to perform and to last - not just on its price. Focusing on these things will help you remain objective in your purchasing process.
The end result of a great lawn mower purchase should be a great looking lawn
When buying a lawn mower or garden tractor, nothing is more important than its ability to meticulously mow your lawn. And the way your tractor’s mower is engineered will determine whether your lawn will show off a smooth manicure, or a lawn scarred by scalping. There is a science to designing mower decks. The depth and shape of the deck determines if there is sufficient vacuum and wind velocity necessary to lift, cut and evenly distribute clippings. How the deck is suspended determines how the mower rides over your lawn. A mower deck that rides over your lawn independent of the tractor frame follows the lawn’s contours into low areas and rises over high spots. The result? Uncut strips are nonexistent. There is no scalping. Just a smooth, green carpet that showcases your home.
Prairieland Partners will help you find the right match for you to meet your mowing or gardening needs. There are many other types of mowers that I didn’t mention that we have to offer you so it best to come in and drive them to help determine which would be of better match to meet your needs.
