Five things to consider when buying a ride-on lawn mower

Living in the Matakana and Auckland area, you can admit that mowing the lawn can become a task, and the bigger the yard, the more you wonder whether doing it yourself is worth it. 

In this blog, we will discuss the ride-on mower - a tool used by many, envied by some - mainly for their efficiency and making a hard job easy, and for others - a way to get from point a to point b (yes, you know what we mean). The question is, what do you really know about them? Let us take a further look into five considerations when buying a ride-on mower.

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1. Size matters
   Before investing, consider the size of the lawn that would need maintenance, and try to best match this with a suitable mower. It is recommended that yards over one acre in size - are best suited for ride-on mowers. There are three types of mowers, which we will discuss further down. 
   
   If you are unsure whether a ride-on mower is an option for you, you can either measure the size of your yard or take a picture that showcases the acres and take this information to your local store for guidance.

2. Power to the mower

   Overburdening your mower by pushing it past its capabilities could place it at risk of damage and increasing your frustration level. 

   Consider what you want to use the mower for - are you maintaining a tough terrain that needs regular maintenance or a moderate-size garden with lower maintenance. If an underpowered machine is placed in conditions it was not built for, it could lead to a poor finish and shorten the lifespan. Vise versa, if you purchase a beast of a machine to use within a smaller space, it will be more expensive and not worth it. 

   
   There are three types of ride-on mowers and worth investigating further:

   1. Lawn Tractor
      When someone says ride-on mower, this is what you would picture. This mower has a front-mounted engine and looks like a mini-tractor.

      This mower is ideal for larger yards, over one acre in size, with its wider cutting width and engine power. The drawback is with their maneuverability, where you could end up with a patchy lawn, due to it not being able to reach certain areas.

   2. Zero Turn Mower
      A popular option amongst many, they are known for their maneuverability and withstanding New Zealand's conditions. This mower has a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel-brake steering - it is not as effective in wide-open spaces but is suited for Matakana and Auckland lifestyle block owners.
      
      They have a tight turning circle which enables them to get to those hard-to-reach areas and cut against landscaped edges for an all-around clean-cut lawn.

   3. Rear Engine Riding Mower
      For those who have a smaller in size lawn, this will be an option for you. This mower is as it says - the engine sits at the back of the machine underneath the seat. 
      
      They are convenient to use on smaller yards, as they have less power than the zero turns and lawn tractor. A thing to consider is that if you have limited space to the entrance of your garden, this is an option that would be best as this mower has a small frame and can fit through the gate (but we would recommend measuring first). 

3. Quality over cost
   We all are tempted to save money when it comes to buying certain products - but we are here to warn you that the grass is not always greener on the cost-effective side. Ride-on mowers are seen as an investment rather than a quick buy. 

   
   This all goes back to what your needs are and matching this with the machine that you require. Buying a big mower could get expensive, but cutting corners could end up costing you more on fuel and replacements when parts are overburdened.

4. Try before you buy
   Like any big decision, as this is an investment, make sure you try it out for yourself. Consider how it feels - is the seat comfortable to sit on? Do the controls seem easy to use or hard to find? What are the mower bagging options? Is this machine safe to use?
   
   Remember to ask questions when you feel uncertain, do research, and read online reviews of people who have bought the same mower and what their experience was. Consider that you will use this machine often and for a certain amount of time to cut the lawn, so you should feel comfortable and confident when using it. 

5. Where are you storing this bad boy?
   We know it is a lawnmower, but this does not mean it needs to be stored outside. The mower has various parts that could rust and damage when placed in varying weather conditions (as we know New Zealand). Consider sheltering the mower somewhere that it will be protected from the weather, and follow the user manual for regular maintenance to ensure your ride-on mower lasts for a long time. 

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There is quite a bit to think of before buying a ride-on mower. Considering that it will save a copious amount of time and effort - it will be worth the investment. The following steps are to think of why you want the mower, how often you will use it and where will it be stored? Remember, there is also the opportunity to go for a joy ride around the block when you decide to purchase it. 

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