Which mower ride on

Riding lawn mowers are usually quicker and easier to use than push or self-propelled lawn mowers due to their large engines and wider mowing decks, which can cut a larger area of grass in one pass. Experts said that shoppers with more than three-fourths of an acre of yard would benefit from a riding lawn mower since they can significantly cut down on mowing time.

There are three main types of riding lawn mowers to consider: traditional lawn tractors, zero turning radius ZTR mowers and rear engine riding mowers. Lawn tractors are gas-powered machines with a front mounted engine and a steering wheel for easy maneuvering — you simply sit on top and steer while the machine cuts the grass.

They also usually have a wide turn radius, making them a good option for big lawns with slopes and hills. ZTR mowers have a rear engine and feature a better turning radius than lawn tractors.

Instead of a steering wheel, these mowers typically have a pair of levers that control which way the machine turns although some newer models feature the familiar wheel. Rear engine mowers have an engine in the back right below the seat. These mowers can sometimes be electric — electric mowers use battery power instead of gas and are typically quieter. To help you decide which riding lawn mower is best for you, we consulted experts on their recommended picks.

This Cub Cadet riding lawn mower features a inch-wide cutter, a steel frame and a 23H twin-engine by Kawasaki. It also features dual hydrostatic transmissions that let the mower accelerate up to 7. It offers a inch cutting width and a battery that has up to 2 hours of run time for cutting up to 2 acres of lawn per charge, according to the brand.

Hill recommended this option from Husqvarna due to its super-wide mowing deck. For comfort, this mower features a high-back seat with armrests and foam-padded levers with hand grips.

It also has easy access points for maintenance: The oil and filters, battery and hydraulic drive system are all within reach, and includes an hour meter that reminds you when to service your mower. This zero-turn mower has a large inch cutting width and can be a good selection for yards up to 4 acres, according to the brand. There are three options, you can mulch or collect the grass cuttings, or some mowers will allow you to discharge to the side or rear.

The advantage of a mulching ride on lawn mower is the return of nutrients to the lawn, with re-cut grass clippings acting as a fertiliser, as well as not having to stop and empty the collector whilst mowing.

However, really tall grass can pose a problem, with clods forming, affecting the cutting capabilities. Lawn tractors with collectors produce a tidier finish, preventing the spread of weeds. Usually these are rear grass collectors, which pass the cuttings between the rear wheels directly into the grass collector.

Side discharge mowers do simply that; the grass clippings are sent out of the blade area as they are to lie on the cut grass. Although messier this method means you can cut the grass quickly in areas where neatness is not necessarily a concern. When it comes to control, many lawn tractors now have a hydrostatic drive which gives much greater regulation of speed. This means you can negotiate tricky areas of the lawn much more easily.

However, many still use forward and reverse gears, just like cars, which some gardeners prefer. However, the hydrostatic systems is easier to use and good for going round obstacles, but is more expensive. Models with hydrostatic transmission also have better speed control and many offer cruise control, which is great for cutting large, open areas.

The wider the cutting width, the quicker the mower will get through large areas of well-maintained grass. Also, what sort of terrain will you be working on? Going up steep ground takes more power. Once you've got all the gear, find out how to use it - how to cut the perfect lawn.

A popular name for ride-on mowers. Husqvarna, which owns Flymo, has a very large range of ride-on mowers with the cutting blades at the front, as well as lawn and garden tractors.

The Swedish brand has a reputation for making easy-to-use lawnmowers. A well-known name for large garden equipment. Kubota manufactures a huge range of garden tractors and ride-on mowers, many of which are aimed at amenity use, such as on golf courses or sports pitches, and have price tags to match. The brand is well known for zero-turn mowers.

Owned by Global Garden Products, Mountfield is the second most popular brand of lawn tractor with members. Mountfield mowers are widely available, so getting them serviced is easy. Stiga is also owned by Global Garden Products, but the range of ride-on mowers is wider and focussed on larger gardens. There are zero-turn models and a large range of mowers with front-mounted cutters to cut close around obstacles. This British firm makes garden tractors and is the second most popular brand of garden tractor with our members.

Its models have some features specifically designed to appeal to a British market. For example, if you buy a machine that collects the grass clippings, it comes with a heavy rear roller to add stripes to your lawn. We survey owners of lawn mowers from the likes of Cobra, Flymo, Gtech, Honda and John Deere to find out which are the best lawn mower brands to buy from. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties and others, such as Honda, offer a five-year warranty, conditional on an annual service.

Punctures are usually only a problem where there are thorny hedges, but tyres can be protected by puncture-proofing products. Now your lawn is sorted - what about the patio?

Read our guide on how to buy the best pressure washer or our full list of expert pressure washer reviews. Test score.