Choosing a riding mower. Choosing a John Deere ride-on mower

Choosing a John Deere ride-on mower

At Balmers GM, we know that maintaining a beautiful lawn can be challenging, especially when you have a large area to look after. If you’re tired of pushing a heavy mower around or spending hours maintaining your grass, a ride on mower may be the perfect solution for you.

However, we know that choosing the right ride on lawn mower can be a daunting task, given the variety of options available today. We have put together a simple guide of our top picks and can help guide you through the factors to consider when buying a ride on lawn mower. From engine power to cutting width, you’ll be sure to find the right mower to meet your specific needs and budget.

The benefits of using a ride on lawn mower / lawn tractor

Homeowners and landscapers with large grassed areas that require frequent maintenance can greatly benefit from ride on lawn mowers. These mowers offer various advantages, such as improved comfort and convenience, better performance, and increased safety. Time saving is also a significant benefit, as ride on mowers can cover more ground in less time than push mowers, saving time and energy for those maintaining a large lawn.

Choosing your ride on mower

When choosing a ride on mower, It can be a challenge to figure out which one is the perfect fit. With a large variety to choose from, we appreciate that choosing the perfect one for your needs and wants may be a little difficult to say the least.

You should consider the size of your lawn, the mower’s cutting width and deck size, and its comfort features. Look for attachments that may increase the mower’s versatility and choose a reliable brand with good customer support and easy maintenance requirements. By considering these factors, it will be easier to find the perfect ride on mower.

John Deere lawn tractors and mowers

Balmers offers an extensive range of lawn tractors and mowers to choose from. Our commitment to providing a wide range of options means that you can find the perfect lawn mower to suit your specific needs and preferences. Amongst this comprehensive offering, John Deere‘s range is known for it’s exceptional quality, durability, and performance. With a variety of John Deere lawn tractors and mowers to choose from, you can be confident that you’ll find the perfect tool to keep your lawn looking beautiful and well maintained.

The best ride on mowers for smaller jobs

The John Deere X100 series of lawn tractors are a range of ride on mowers designed for homeowners with medium sized lawns. These mowers are built for superior performance, with powerful engines and easy to use controls that make lawn maintenance a breeze. The X100 series comes with a variety of features that make it a popular choice among homeowners, including the comfortable and ergonomic design, designed for maximum comfort and ease of use. The mowers come with adjustable seats, ergonomic controls, and comfortable grips that reduce fatigue during long mowing sessions. This range also offers a versatile cutting deck that allows you to choose from a range of cutting heights, so you can achieve the perfect lawn length for your needs. Teamed with high performance engines and easy to use, the X100 series is the perfect choice.

The X107 tractor is a top-performing model that offers excellent value for its price. Equipped with a hydro-static transmission, a powerful overhead valve engine, and a 42 edge mower deck, it is designed to deliver superior performance and efficiency.

In addition, there is a wide range of optional equipment available for other lawn care tasks, as well as snow work, making this tractor an ideal choice for year-round use. Check out the range of accessories here.

The best ride on mowers for medium to large lawns

The John Deere X300 series of lawn tractors are ride on mowers designed for homeowners with medium to large lawns and more demanding mowing conditions.

Similar to the X100 series, this group of mowers are also designed with you in mind, providing a comfortable and ergonomic design as well as having the ability to add optional attachments.

The X380 ride-on mower is a dream to drive and delivers exceptional cutting performance. With its convenient height adjustment dial, you can easily customise the cutting height without leaving your seat. The mower’s twin touch hydrostatic transmission control pedals also provide easy and precise control over the direction and speed of travel, allowing you to operate without lifting your foot off the platform.

The best high performance lawn tractors for larger lawns

If you’re looking for a high-performance lawn tractor, the range of John Deere X500 lawn tractors are the perfect choice. With the smooth running V-Twin engine and exceptional levels of comfort, these mowers are designed to deliver uncompromising performance, making them ideal for larger properties that require more extensive mowing. A little more expensive than the alternative series we have mentioned above, the models included in the X500 series offers you the highest quality for versatility, comfort and performance.

The X590 premium lawn tractor is unmatched for quality. with its 22hp V-Twin Kawasaki engine featuring the exclusive iTorque power system, it provides maximum output and performance. Complete with colour coded controls for ease of operation and powered steering with 5 position tilt steering wheel, it has everything needed for a seamless, comfortable operation.

Here to help

Balmers GM have one of the largest lawn and garden tractor displays in the North of England, stocking all the best ride on lawn mowers from top manufacturers. We have a team of product experts who can help guide you through the decision making process and offer valuable advice on all aspects of choosing the right ride on lawn mower for you and your needs.

With over 100 machines in stock, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one! And, for extra peace of mind, our ride on mowers come with 2-3 year manufacturer warranty to ensure your investment is safe. Find our range of ride on mowers here.

Choosing The Right Lawn Mower For Your Lawn

Curb appeal is what separates you from your neighbors. You want your lawn to look its very best every year. Get the most for your money by selecting the right lawn mower to begin with! Let Blain’s Farm Fleet help you find the right one for your yard and your budget.

A lawn mower is an investment. The money you put into this piece of equipment is as important as the yard around your home. Make this task easy and maybe even enjoyable by purchasing the right lawn mower for your property.

Here are some key features to look for in a push lawn mower, also known as a walk behind mower.

Gas, Electric or Reel Mowers

Reel Lawn Mowers

Reel lawn mowers have almost become obsolete with new technology. However, they are a wonderful option for home owner with smaller yards. A reel lawn mower is a manual push mower for a very small and flat yard as you are the power behind generating the mower to cut the grass. For some, push reel mowers can be nostalgic.

They are quiet, economical, and require little maintenance and no gasoline! Manual reel mowers are also environmentally friendly as they do not release any emissions into the atmosphere like gas powered mowers do. Grass clippings can also be used in composting.

Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric lawn mowers are great for the environment as they are quiet, produce no emissions, and tend to be easy to start. They run cordless and off of a battery. However, as the battery life depletes, the cut quality declines.

There are also corded electric lawn mowers, but they are best for smaller, flat lawns.

Gas Lawn Mowers

Gas lawn mowers are for larger yards and tend to be more high powered than electric lawn mowers. They have wider cutting swaths and can handle much more grass. If your yard is small and flat, a gas mower with a standard engine will give you enough power to get the job done.

An engine that features an overhead cam, or OHC, is more powerful than standard engines. OHC engines have more power to them and tend to run quieter than standard engines.

However, if you have a lot of uneven or hilly lawn to mow, you may want to find an engine that has an overhead valve or OHV. OHV engines tend to be the most powerful option on push mowers and provide an easy start and run efficiently. OHV mowers are also known to run cleaner, causing fewer pollutants.

Self Propelled Lawn Mowers vs Manual Push Lawn Mower?

If you expect any member of your family to use the mower, and not overexert themselves doing so, it’s a good idea to buy a mower that is self-propelled. These mowers move automatically at speeds of one to three miles per hour when the drive is engaged.

Front wheel drive is best for yards that are flat. It is easier to maneuver around corners and obstacles in a yard without letting go of the drive and helps avoid tearing up your yard.

Rear wheel drive is best for hilly yards, so when you are going up a hill and your mower tips back, the mower will still pull you up the hill.

Most mowers only go one speed, but some do offer variable speeds.

Riding Lawn Mowers vs Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

This decision comes down to a few factors, including the square footage of your lawn, the amount of storage space you have available to store your lawn mower, your budget, and your physical fitness or desired level of activity when mowing your lawn.

If you have a small lawn, limited storage space, a smaller budget, and want a little bit more of a workout when you use your lawn mower, then a push mower is probably a better fit for you.

If you have a larger lawn, a shed or garage to store your mower in, a higher budget, and you don’t want your lawn mowing to be physically demanding, then get yourself a riding lawn mower.

If you’re somewhere in between these two descriptions, think about what’s most important to you.

If you want to get the lawn mowed quickly, a riding lawn mower will let you cover more area and finish the job quickly. If you enjoy working out in the sun and breaking a sweat like the old days when you used to mow lawns for spending money as a kid, a push mower might be the right fit for you!

It’s a matter of preference, and there is no wrong answer!

Grass Disposal

This will largely depend on how you want to use your mower. A 2 in 1 mower will side discharge the grass clippings, or turn them into mulch. A 3 in 1 will let you do both of those things, while also allowing for the bagging of clippings.

If you are going to use a bagger or lawn vacuum, keep in mind this may lead to extra stops to empty the bag. If you’re going to use a tow-behind lawn sweeper for lawn cleanup, make sure you get a mower with a little extra power to handle the weight of towing the sweeper attachment.

Mulching mowers are a great alternative to bagging as the grass clippings are chopped into fine pieces that do not clump. However, mulching mowers require a more powerful engine.

Pull or Electric Start Lawn Mower?

Most gas lawn mowers will come with a pull start mechanism. This means that you have to pull a cord to get the lawn mower to start. While reliable, it can be a tedious and strenuous task to get the mower to start this way.

and more lawn mowers now feature an electric start. This eliminates the work to start your mower – simply push a button or turn the key and you’re set!

Other Considerations:

Deck Size and Cutting Width

The standard deck size for push mowers is 21 inches in cutting width. This is the cutting path your mower will leave. Non-commercial riding lawn mowers have decks up to 54 inches in cutting width to help you mow your lawn that much faster.

Wheels

High wheels in the back will make it easier for you to turn your mower and go over bumps.

Repair Costs

If you choose a self propelled mower, the rear wheel drive options cost a bit more to repair. To fix a front drive lawn mower, you’ll simply need to replace a belt.

Cutting Height

Depending on the thickness of your grass, you will want different options for the cutting height.

If you are trying to cut very thick grass down in one swipe, this can greatly slow down your mower and be hard on your engine. You also want to be able to adjust the cutting height of your mower if your yard is particularly bumpy. This will cut down on the scalping of the grass. Never cut your grass too short.

We hope that these tips from Blain’s Farm Fleet has helped you get an idea on which mower is best suited for you. For more tips and information on lawn mowers and other outdoor equipement, check out our Outdoor Power Equipment blog.

First Lawn Mower Buying Guide

You’ve bought your first home. Congratulations! For as much fun as being a homeowner is, though, it’s not without its responsibilities. Chances are you now have a yard to take care of and keep pretty, which is why picking out a lawn mower to suit your needs is incredibly important. Here’s my lawn mower buying guide to help inform your decision.

Pain Now, Less Pain Later

The type of mower you pick determines whether lawn care will be a drag or an easy, delightful task.

If your decision is 100% based on price, or if you pick a mower that isn’t right for your yard, then you’ll have to work harder every other weekend during the time of year that weekends matter most.

But if you invest in a good mower now, and choose the best mower for your property, you’ll hardly notice the task.

Hopefully as you read this lawn mower buying guide, this point will be the main take-away you leave with. Buying a lawn mower is a long-term investment, so don’t think short-term when you make the decision.

Three Factors That Guide The Decision (for pretty much everyone)

The three factors that are most important when picking a lawn mower are your:

The type of yard you have will guide you toward which type of mower to get initially.

When you buy a shirt, you choose one that fits. The same is true with mowers.

Is your new yard small, or is it large? For small, flat yards, like the kind found in more urban areas, a walk-behind self-propelled, push, or reel mower is perfect.

If your lawn can double as a golf course on weekends, though, you probably need to invest in a riding mower.

So, What Works for Your Yard?

The size of your yard is probably the biggest deciding factor you’ll need to consider when considering the advice in this or any other lawn mower buying guide.

You need to pick a mower that can contend with the size of your yard.

A walk-behind mower is perfect for small yards, but if you have hills, or even a modest incline you’ll want to invest in a self-propelled model that can handle the terrain.

If your yard is big, think of the purchase for what it actually means long-term. Investing more in a solid riding mower is, in essence, buying back your time on every weekend for the next 5 years.

How much more would you pay for that? I know I’d pay quite a bit, but we all have a budget we’re working within, and if you can’t buy new, check out my used lawn mower buying guide.

Riding mowers, like the lawn tractor or commercial-quality zero-turn mower, are sturdy and can mow up to 4 ½ acres of land easily.

However, they’re also very expensive.

You can find one on sale at your local box store for 1,800, but most high-quality models go for upwards of 3,000.

Best Electric Zero Turn Mower

The Zero Turn Mower I Recommend

Once you try this electric zero turn mower from Greenworks you’ll never look at battery powered tools the same way again.

• Mows up to 2.5 acres in a single charge.
• Fully charged in 90 minutes.
• Equivalent power to 24 HP gas engine.
• Quiet, no fumes, and faster than competitors (8 MPH max speed).

Save 10% on your order with promo code LAWNCHICK

Walk-Behind Lawn Mower Buying Guide

The walk-behind mower is the most common, and it’s also the most diverse. These will typically cost 300 to 900, but that price is incredibly variable. Nice models can go well over 1,000 or as low as 100. Their standard deck-width is 22-inches.

Reel Mowers

The reel mower is a manual mower. It is a set of horizontal blades that turn as the wheels turn. It cuts the grass by manpower alone, and you as the homeowner put in all the muscle to cut your lawn.

If your lawn is small and level, they’re perfect. Inexpensive, reliable, quiet, and a joy to use (on flat lots), reel mowers are usually only about 100, like this high rated one on Amazon.

If you can get away with spending so little, go for it.

Electric or Gas-Powered Push Mowers

The next step up are motorized push mowers. These are either gas or electric, and the motor turns the blades to cut the grass.

Electric Mowers

Electric mowers are further split between cordless and corded.

Cordless electric mowers use batteries to power them, which is great for many users, but if you have a large yard you may not be able to mow the entire lot on a single charge. EGO makes a nice self-propelled model.

Corded mowers avoid the risk of running out of power, but they make you drag a cord around (I’m not a fan … I hate dragging a cord around the carpet when I’m vacuuming and don’t want to do it on my lawn).

Gas Mowers

Electric mowers overall tend to have weaker motors than gas powered mowers, and that’s why I chose a gas powered mower for my home.

But that’s a personal choice and if you want something quiet and eco-friendly, go electric.

And while you can get a gas-powered push mower, I’m of the mindset that if you’re going gas you may as well consider …

Self-Propelled Mowers

A self-propelled mower, on the other hand, powers itself (you just steer).

That means that instead of having to muscle your mower around your property, the wheels of your walk-behind mower are propelled by the engine. You may have to do some light pushing, but for the most part you’re just going for a walk and steering a bit.

If you have a small yard, or a mid-size yard with some hills this type of mower is what I recommend, but there are some nuances and particular considerations within this category.

Front-Wheel Drive

The front-wheel drive mower is the least expensive, typically, of the driving mowers. The propulsion is at the front, which makes them perfect for level yards. They are easily navigable and can maneuver around obstacles, like wheeling around corners or shrubs.

Rear-Wheel Drive

Rear-wheel drive mowers are more complicated, but if your yard is hilly, they’re a lifesaver. The rear propulsion carries the weight of the engine and doesn’t risk the front wheels losing traction while pulling. They work against the gravity dragging them down the hill to help you control your mower. It’s a good choice for hilly yards.

All-Wheel Drive

There is a growing trend of all-wheel drive mowers for people with the steepest, most unforgiving lawns. These mowers have the best propulsion and ease for the user, but they also tend to be the most expensive of the walk-behind mowers.

Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Buying Guide

The zero-turn mower is a fantastic, more maneuverable mower for lawns that are just too large to mow by foot.

They’re smaller riding mowers with caster-wheels for better navigation, and offer the driver an un-obstructed view of the terrain as they mow.

Steering is done using two lap bars over the riding seat that act as throttles. Each bar controls one side of the propulsion, so if you propel on one side and not the other, it makes a smooth turn.

The deck of a zero-turn mower ranges from 32-inches to 60-inches wide.

Zero-turn mowers also tend to have stronger engines and hydraulic transmissions that make them particularly popular for commercial use.

Their reliability does make them pretty pricey, but the improved performance is very much worth the cost if your lawn is large, flat, with a number of garden beds, trees, and other obstacles to maneuver around.

Models by brands like Toro, Ariens, or Honda are incredibly reliable, and the mid-range options deliver more than enough quality for most lawns.

Riding Lawn Mower Buying Guide

Riding lawn tractors and other riding mowers are more traditional in their steering mechanics since most riding mowers have a steering wheel and brakes.

Lawn Tractors

Similar to the zero-turn mower, riding lawn tractors have blade decks from about 42-inches to 54-inches in width. For large properties this is great because you can take fewer trips to mow the same amount of land.

The biggest variety in riding mowers is in their engine capabilities.

Basic models use lever-operated gear transmissions while high-end models use a pedal hydrostatic transmission.

Both riding mowers and zero-turn mowers have either single-cylinder or V-twin motors.

Rear-Engine Riding Mower

If you don’t want to spend the dough for a quality lawn tractor, a smaller, budget-friendly option is the rear-engine riding mower.

These are smaller than the lawn tractor or zero-turn, but still offer impressive capabilities for a standard homeowner in the suburbs.

They have smaller decks, about 30-inches to 33-inches wide, and their price tag reflects their more limited power and mowing capacity.

These riding mowers typically fall within the 1,200 to 2,400 range.

Most Trusted Brands

Making sure you get a quality mower in many cases comes down to picking a quality brand, and avoiding lawn mower brands that have a bad reputation.

Honda and Toro offer great mowers for home users and can be found at all standard hardware stores. Personally I use a Honda self-propelled mower that’s a beast and I would never trade in.

Craftsman is also a trusted brand, though it’s sold primarily at Ace Hardware, so if you don’t have an Ace near you that could be tough to buy and service.

John Deere and Husqvarna are higher-end brands and tend to have to match their quality.

However, you can get more options in choice by paying attention to which engine is in the mower. For instance, Briggs Stratton create quality engines, and many brands of mowers use them, even if it’s not a name-brand that you recognize right away.

Common Accessories Features

There are some supplemental things to consider when choosing a mower for extra functionality. You can purchase a number of quality accessories for your mower, but in my view the features your mower has out of the box is the most important consideration.

So consider first: what are you going to do with the grass clippings?

Your mower can come with a side-vent to spread your clippings across the yard. If you mow regularly, this works well, since the clippings add nitrogen into your yard as a fertilizer while decomposing, and you won’t be producing large clumps that could smother your lawn.

You can get an additional mulching function that cuts clippings smaller. My Honda mower has this function, and also has the option to bag my grass clippings, and I use both options on my yard depending upon the needs of my lawn at that time.

I can say that buying a mower with the capacity to bag your clippings can be very handy if you want to compost your grass clippings. And I use mine as a tool when cleaning up leaves in my yard every fall.

Whichever type of mower and model you decide, make sure you get the right mower for you and your yard.

Buying a quality mower that’s a good fit for your property will make a huge difference in the quality of your yard and (though it sounds trite) your life.

And after you buy your mower, learn how to properly maintain it (my spring checklist and winterization guide are a great place to start).

Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower Buying Guide

Every yard needs a reliable lawn mower. one that’s built to help make yardwork less of a chore. Investing in a lawn mower is an exciting time and there are many factors to consider. Troy-Bilt® is here to help you learn the different types, specifications and features. But before you dive in, consider these tips with everything you need to know on how to choose a lawn mower:

Yard size: The most important consideration when searching for a lawn mower is lawn size. Walk-behind mowers will work well for yards of less than an acre, but if you live on a property larger than that, then you’ll want to narrow your search to riders.

Mow time: How much time you want to spend mowing, combined with the size of your yard, will FOCUS your lawn mower selection. Riding lawn mowers can significantly reduce your mowing time compared to walk-behind mowers, which is why they are generally recommended for large properties. A rugged and reliable Troy-Bilt walk-behind mower will get the job done for smaller yards, but you might also consider a small riding mower if you’re looking to get the job done quickly.

Terrain type : A small yard might be hilly – a large yard might be flat. The kind of terrain you’ll be mowing over will help guide you in deciding which features will be most helpful in making the task easier.

Obstacles : If your yard has a lot of trees or obstacles to maneuver around, a mower with a tighter turning radius or one that is self-propelled will come in handy.

Storage space : Whether it’s in the garage or a shed, you’ll need space to store your lawn mower. Take stock of your available capacity and make sure there’s enough for the new addition. Also measure the width of your gates and other entrances you’ll need to maneuver your machine through so that the mower will fit with ease.

Mow frequency : If you only like to mow when you need to and want to avoid raking grass clippings from your yard, consider purchasing a mower with a rear bagger included, such as the TB200 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. Alternatively, you might be able to purchase a rear bagger attachment for your mower to collect clippings for easy disposal. Mulching grass clippings puts nutrients back into the soil for a healthy lawn and may be best accomplished when you mow more frequently. (See “How should I dispose of grass clippings?”, below, for more on discharge options.)

What are the different types of lawn mowers?

Walk-behinds and riders are the two general types of lawn mowers, but they come in many shapes and sizes. Get to know some of the most common ones:

Reel mowers : With no engine, reel mowers, such as the TB18R Reel Lawn Mower. are powered entirely by operator effort. They also provide a quiet operation, allowing you to mow earlier or later depending on your schedule.

Push mowers : These predominantly use gas-powered engines to propel the blades, requiring the operator to push the machine forward.

Self-propelled mowers : Some walk-behinds feature a transmission that propels the machine forward with two primary speed types. Single-speed offers a set speed that can be engaged or disengaged. Variable-speed systems allow you to set your pace more precisely by squeezing on a lever or the handles. Troy-Bilt self-propelled mowers also come in two different drive types — front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. (See “What kind of drive system do I need?”, below, for more on the different drive types.)

Wide-area walk-behinds : If you’re looking to get the job done more efficiently than a walk-behind with a standard deck, a wide-area walk-behind mower comes with a larger deck. Available in 23 or 28 deck sizes, such as the TBWC28B Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. these self-propelled mowers can make the job a little easier than standard deck mowers by reducing cut time because they can cut more grass with each pass.

Mini riders : A more compact riding lawn mower with a 30 deck, mini riders such as the TB30B are ideal for smaller properties because of their smaller size; however, they still offer many of the same features as a standard riding lawn mower. They’re great if you’re tight on storage space or have a smaller gate you’ll need to regularly maneuver through.

Lawn tractors : These riding mowers, such as the Pony® 42 Riding Lawn Mower. are great for larger properties and designed to accept lawn mower attachments like grass baggers, dump carts and other pull-behind accessories like aerators and sprayers so you can use your machine for more than just cutting grass.

Zero-turn mowers : Named for their turning radius, zero-turn lawn mowers are ideal for large properties of at least 1 acre or more. Zero-turns like the Mustang™ Z42 are designed to turn on a dime, helping you to trim close to all lawn edges quickly, and navigate around trees and other obstacles with relative ease. All Troy-Bilt zero-turn mowers are attachment capable.

What size lawn mower do I need for my yard?

A general rule of thumb is: The bigger the yard, the bigger the cutting deck you’ll need. If your yard is less than an acre, a walk-behind lawn mower should do just fine. Reel mowers are great for homeowners who have virtually no yard to worry about, or less than one-fourth of an acre. A push or self-propelled mower is ideal for yards less than a half-acre to ⅓ acre. If your yard is bigger than a half-acre, consider a wide-area self-propelled lawn mower with a 23 or 28 deck. People often wonder whether they need a riding mower for a ½-acre yard; however, a mini rider (30 deck) would also be a good choice, bringing many of the advantages of a rider in a compact size that saves on storage space.

Lawn tractors or zero-turn mowers are ideal for properties of 1 acre or more. These come in a variety of deck sizes and powerful engines, allowing you to easily tackle the task.

Size is not the only factor. For example, your yard may be less than a half-acre, but if it consists of mostly uneven terrain and lots of obstacles, then you might want to consider a self-propelled lawn mower or a model with high rear wheels, such as the TBWC28B Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. to help you navigate it.

When is the best time to buy a lawn mower?

Like with most other necessities, it’s best to think about buying before you actually need one. The best time to buy a lawn mower is in early spring, as it means you should have a larger selection of available products with the features you’re looking for. And you’ll be ready to go the moment your grass is ready to be cut.

What specifications should I consider when buying a lawn mower?

Your perfect fit is striking a balance between your needs and preferences. Here’s a closer look at some of the key features of Troy-Bilt lawn mowers.

Engine size : Bigger yards need bigger lawn mowers, and bigger lawn mowers need more power to get the job done. A lawn mower with an engine that features higher horsepower or larger cylinder volume capacity (measured in “cc”) is designed to handle tough grass conditions.

Deck size : Like engine size, the bigger the deck, the more grass you can cut in one pass, allowing you to work efficiently. Technically, large decks will work on small yards, but that may make it hard to get around tight spaces. It’s important to choose the right deck size based on your yard size, the number of obstacles, and how quickly you want to get the job done.

Drive type : As explained above, there are three primary drive types for Troy-Bilt self-propelled walk-behind mowers. Troy-Bilt riding mowers also have different drive types available (explained further below.)

Discharge options : Disposal of grass clippings is an important part of cutting grass. Many mowers feature side discharge or rear bagging, while others are also compatible with a mulch kit (explained further below).

Attachments : Many Troy-Bilt lawn tractors and zero-turns are attachment capable. allowing you to use them for more than just cutting grass. Not all attachments are available on all models – so consider what else you want to use your lawn mower for. (See “What are some must-have attachments for my riding lawn mower?”, below, for a list of available attachments.)

What kind of drive system do I need?

Troy-Bilt self-propelled walk-behind lawn mowers are designed to allow you to put minimal effort into pushing your machine and can make mowing over uneven terrain easy. Here’s a look at some of the advantages:

Front-wheel drive : FWD helps deliver traction to the front wheels and helps you maneuver easily around beds and trees. Since the drive controls the wheels up front, FWD is engineered for smooth handling.

Rear-wheel drive : RWD helps deliver traction to the rear wheels and will help provide handling for excellent performance on hills.

InStep™ : Troy-Bilt’s drive control system – InStep – makes the job easy by adjusting to your pace so you can mow at a speed that’s comfortable to you. Available on select walk-behind mowers.

Riding mowers are more involved than walk-behinds, so naturally they’ll operate differently, utilizing a speed adjuster, levers, pedals or a combination of all three. Whatever set of controls you’re most comfortable with will guide your decision among these options.

Shift-on-the-Go® : This is the entry-level transmission that sets your speed and direction prior to mowing. You don’t have to constantly have your foot on a pedal, and there is a brake to stop.

Continuous variable transmissions : CVTs utilize a shifter and a pedal to give the user control over direction and speed. Troy-Bilt AutoDrive™ allows you to shift into forward, reverse or neutral, then press down on the pedal. Like driving a car, your speed is determined by how much you press on the pedal.

Hydrostatic transmissions : A drive system that allows the operator to directly control the speed of the mower through the pedals (one for forward and another for reverse). The more you press on the pedal, the faster you’ll go, allowing you to customize your speed to your liking.

How should I dispose of grass clippings?

There are three primary ways most Troy-Bilt lawn mowers process grass clippings: side discharge, rear bagging and mulching. During your search, you’ll probably run into terms like 2-in-1 and 3-in-1, particularly when looking at walk-behind lawn mowers. A 2-in-1 mower generally will be side discharge- and bagging-capable, while a 3-in-1 mower also will generally be compatible with a mulch kit.

Riding lawn mowers typically do not use the 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 vernacular, but they still predominantly rely on the same three methods to process grass clippings. There are advantages to each option:

Side discharge : This is the most common method of disposal, as the grass clippings will discharge out from the mower’s side chute as you mow, allowing them to circulate across the yard. It’s quick, easy and efficient – ideal if you have a small lawn, short grass or mow frequently. Keep in mind that this method may come with some additional cleanup work if your grass is on the longer side, as clippings could spray onto your driveway and on the sidewalk. And if the grass is too long, side discharging may create lumps in the yard.

Bagging : Instead of discharging the grass clippings all over your yard, the mower sucks them into a bag, usually attached to the back of the mower. If you’re looking for a clean-cut, well-kept look, bagging is the way to go as most grass clippings will be collected with the bag. You’ll also be able to clear certain other debris – like weeds and leaves – from the yard while you mow, saving you time by integrating multiple tasks into one. Just be sure you don’t accidentally clear debris that is too big for your mower to handle, as that could cause damage to the machine. Keep in mind, you may need to empty the bagger multiple times throughout your cut, adding time to the task. A bag that can handle more bushels of debris will mitigate the number of times you need to stop and empty it.

Mulching : Both side discharge and mulching methods return grass clippings to your yard. However, using a mulching blade in your mower may create finer pieces of grass that provide natural nutrients to your lawn. To utilize this method, you will need to install a mulch kit to replace the standard blade and block the discharge chute. This allows the mower to recut the clippings multiple times, creating a fine mulch that helps fertilize your soil. It is important to note that, as with side discharge, frequent mowing is necessary when mulching to avoid large clippings that may not decompose quickly enough. This is especially true for tall or thick grass, which may not be chopped finely enough for effective decomposition.

Not sure whether to mulch or bag grass clippings? Read our tips to learn whether mulching or bagging grass clippings is best for your lawn.

What features should I consider for my lawn mower?

Don’t forget to consider what you, the operator, need out of your machine. Troy-Bilt lawn mowers can come engineered with various features to help make the task easier. Some helpful and time-saving features to consider include:

Convenient height adjustment : On a walk-behind, look for dual- or single-lever adjustment if you want to quickly adjust the cutting height with no tools required. On Troy-Bilt riding mowers and zero-turns, this is done by a hand lever.

Deck wash : Decks with a deck wash allow you to simply attach a standard garden hose to help clean debris from the cutting system.

Traction : If your yard has uneven terrain, consider a walk-behind mower with high rear wheels or front caster wheels, as this will help you navigate it smoothly. Riding lawn mowers often come with automotive-inspired wheel options with tread patterns designed to deliver a smooth ride and help prevent turf damage.

Auto choke : A feature built into the engine that eliminates priming, auto choke is designed to provide quick and easy starting.

Blade engagement : Riding lawn mowers with this feature will allow you to disengage the blades so the rider can be used for more than just cutting grass. This is generally done with a power takeoff clutch (PTO), either with a hand lever or with an electric knob/button.

Headlights : These enhance visibility to help you see better. On many Troy-Bilt riding mowers, they automatically turn on when you start the machine.

AGM batteries : Many Troy-Bilt lawn tractors and zero-turns are equipped with AGM batteries, which are designed to provide a longer life span, lower maintenance and improved starting performance compared with traditional lead acid wet cell batteries.

What are some must-have attachments for my riding lawn mower?

Many lawn tractors and zero-turns are designed to do more than just cut grass and are engineered to accept a variety of attachments and accessories. Not all attachments are compatible with all models, so be sure to look closely to make sure the attachment works with the mower you’re considering. A few options to consider for getting the most out of your lawn mower are:

Baggers : Twin- or triple-bagger attachments save raking time and allow for quick cleanup and easy leaf pickup in the fall. Troy-Bilt’s twin bagger system has up to a 6.5-bushel capacity, while triple baggers have up to a 10-bushel capacity, allowing for long mowing time before emptying is needed.

Mulch kits : These are helpful for various types of lawn mowers. Recycling grass clippings back into your lawn through mulching is one of the best ways to help your lawn stay healthy. Help reduce yard waste by mulching frequently during the mowing season.

Striping kit : Adding patterns to your yard gives it the well-manicured look of a golf course or a professional sports field. Striping kits allow you to mow and stripe at the same time, making it easy to get the lawn you’ve always wanted.

Sun shades : Shades help to shield the operator from the sun while mowing. Designed for easy installation and removal, the Troy-Bilt sun shade features a heavy duty frame for long-lasting quality.

Hauler : The Troy-Bilt EZ-Stow Hauler can hold up to 10 cubic feet of soil or mulch, brick, stone, shrubs, plants, or even garbage bins. This versatile two-wheeled cart features four collapsible sides, so it can be folded flat and stored vertically to take up less storage space in a garage or shed.

Snow plow : Plow blade attachments, like the Troy-Bilt 52 All-Season Plow Blade Attachment. are designed to move snow, dirt, gravel, mulch and other commonly used materials that you need to remove in order to maintain your yard.

Are there any additional tips on finding the right lawn mower for my yard?

Troy-Bilt lawn mowers are designed to meet a variety of needs and are built to withstand the demands of yardwork. Whether you’re in the market for a sturdy walk-behind mower or a reliable riding mower, Troy-Bilt has you covered. Visit our website, troybilt.com. and use our Virtual Shopping Assistant to easily identify the ideal mower for your yard.