FrontMount™ PowerVac™ Collection Systems
With a PowerVac™ Collection System for your Grasshopper zero-turn mower, you’re getting the most powerful, maneuverable and efficient leaf-collecting, grass-catching and debris-removing equipment available for turf. Built on more than 50 years of airflow research, PowerVac™ Collection Systems deliver a professional, finished look every time you mow.
Every PowerVac™ features a deck-driven vacuum that will make a clean sweep through virtually any lawn debris, removing wet grass and high-moisture leaves, pine straw, dethatching debris, small sticks, seed pods and acorns, paper, litter and tough weeds. Simply adjust your mowing speed to your conditions for one-pass perfection every time.
The force of the cutting blades discharges clippings and debris directly into the trash-ingesting steel impeller. The vac-driven impeller reduces and compacts debris in the vacuum collector, so you’ll enjoy clog-free performance, even in wet, lush conditions, to leave a manicured look that will turn even the pickiest neighbors green with envy. Collectors are rear-mounted to retain the mower‘s zero-turn maneuverability.
Grasshopper’s exclusive Quik-D-Tatch® Vac system allows quick conversion to side discharge or Down Discharge™ mulching in seconds without tools, and can be reinstalled just as easily, making PowerVac™ perfect for commercial operators servicing multiple accounts.
| 500V Series |
| 600 Series |
| 700 Series |
| 900 Series |
Explore the range of collector sizes and configurations available for your FrontMount™ PowerVac™ collection system.
PowerVac™ Mesh Bag Collectors
Twin or triple 4-cu. ft. (113.5 L) reinforced PowerVac™ mesh bags easily slide in and out to empty grass clippings, leaves and debris collected while mowing. Bags are made from UV-tolerant, commercial-grade, rip- and tear-resistant mesh fabric, and feature lift-up covers and protective steel side shields to guard bags from abrasions.
Model 8F. Features twin 4-cu.-ft. (113.5 L) slide-in mesh bags and a reinforced fabric top for an 8-cu.-ft. total capacity, and is compatible with 600 and 700 Series Grasshopper FrontMount™ zero-turn mowers.
Model 8HT. Features twin 4-cu.-ft. (113.5 L) slide-in mesh bags and a hinged fabricated metal top for an 8-cu.-ft. total capacity, and is compatible with 600 and 700 Series Grasshopper FrontMount™ zero-turn mowers.
Model 12F. Features triple 4-cu.-ft. (113.5 L) slide-in mesh bags with a reinforced fabric top for a 12-cu.-ft. total capacity, and is compatible with all Grasshopper FrontMount™ zero-turn mowers.
Model 12HT. Features triple 4-cu.-ft. (113.5 L) slide-in mesh bags with a hinged fabricated metal top for a 12-cu.-ft. total capacity, and is compatible with all Grasshopper FrontMount™ zero-turn mowers.
PowerVac™ Metal Hopper Collectors
Metal PowerVac™ hoppers feature tapered bottoms to compact collected debris and speed emptying. Metal hoppers can be emptied from the operator’s seat with power- or lever-actuated controls for productive, uninterrupted mowing and removal of grass, leaves and debris.
Model 15B. Features a 15-cu.-ft. (424.8 L) capacity metal hopper with a lever actuator for easy emptying. Compatible with all 600, 700 and 900 Series FrontMount(tm) zero-turn mowers.
Model 25. Features a fixed-mount, 25-cu.-ft. (708 L) capacity metal hopper with a lever actuator for easy emptying. Compatible with all Grasshopper 700 and 900 Series FrontMount™ zero-turn mowers.
Model 15B HighLift™ Metal Hopper Collector
The HighLift™ 15B allows operators to raise and extend the collector behind the power unit to empty the hopper onto a truck bed or over trailer sidewalls and other elevated spaces without leaving the operator’s seat.
The 15-cu.-ft. HighLift™ 15B collector offers infinitely variable emptying positions up to a maximum clearance height of 72 inches and extends up to 34 inches behind the power unit, controlled by a joystick mounted to the right steering lever. The two-part, upper and lower hose system forms a debris-free seal when collecting and easily separates when lifting the hopper.
The fully fabricated hopper features a tapered bottom that compacts debris for continued productivity with fewer stops, while specially designed Debris Xpel™ arms inside the hopper facilitate easy discharge of compacted debris.
Remote Vac™
PTO-driven Remote Vac™ mounts in place of the deck on FrontMount™ power units for easy cleanup in hard-to-reach areas. A flexible, 12-foot, 6-inch-diameter hose with a hand-held swiveling nozzle rotates 360 degrees to vacuum leaves and debris for easier handling, depositing them into the PowerVac™ collector.
How to deal with leaves this fall
Are you dreading cleaning up leaves this fall? Or maybe you’re trying to decide if you should even deal with leaves this year. We’re here to answer all your questions, from whether or not you need to clean up leaves to how to do it and what equipment to use.
Should you remove leaves from your yard?
That pile of leaves spread across your lawn can be intimidating, especially if you’re planning to tackle it wielding nothing more than a rake. The good news is, there are some cases where removing leaves is unnecessary. Other times, piles of leaves can smother your lawn and cause some serious damage.
As a rule of thumb, leaves covering more than a third of the yard should be removed or thinned out. If the leaves cover less than a third of the lawn and you can see grass blades coming through, it might be okay to keep them there.
Keeping leaves on the lawn can actually be healthy for it. Leaves will decompose over time and provide nutrients back into the yard.
What if your lawn is covered entirely with leaves? Is it still healthy to leave them be?
Grasshopper 41″ PowerVac grass collector
If you want the free fertilizer from leaves without worrying about suffocating your lawn, you can mulch them or thin them out.
Best way to remove leaves from your yard
Some old-fashioned raking and bagging will do the trick, but it may not be the best method. The best way really depends on how you see it. You can save money and put in more time and effort, or spend money to make the job quick and easy.
Besides raking by hand, the cheapest method is the one you already have the equipment for. If you own a blower, piling up leaves for bagging will be much easier. Own a lawn mower? Most walk-behind mowers come with a bagger attachment, so it will do the bagging for you. Riding mowers can also use bagging attachments or tow-behind sweepers, so if you own one of those, you’re in good shape.
If you don’t mind spending a little money, your leaf removal experience can be painless. With a bagger, mulching kit, or tow-behind collection system for your riding mower, the job can be done with very little effort in about the same time it takes to mow. STIHL offers shredder vacuums that will pick up leaves, shred them, and bag them all in one go.
Is mulching leaves good for the lawn?
Absolutely. If the leaf layer is covering your lawn, set your riding mower or walk-behind mower to mulch mode and go over them. Like grass, breaking up leaves into smaller pieces will make it easier for them to decompose. Be sure to follow the best practices when mulching and only mow when the leaves are dry, otherwise they’ll stick to the mower deck and clump together in the lawn.
When should you bag leaves instead of mulching?
Mulching is great, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several reasons why you may choose to bag leaves instead:
- If the leaf layer is too thick, mulching may help some, but there may still be too much for your lawn to handle.
- If you recently overseeded your lawn, mowing will disturb the grass seeds.
- Members of a Homeowners Association may be required to bag leaves.
- You want to use them in a compost pile or bin.
How to use a leaf blower for removing leaves
While leaf blowers are mostly used for clearing debris from garages, driveways, walkways, and patios, they can also help with lawn cleanup. If you’re physically unable to use a rake, blowers can do the heavy lifting for you.
When using a leaf blower to remove leaves, start in the corners of the yard and work your way towards the middle. Lay a tarp down to catch the leaves so you can easily drag them around. It’s counter-productive to worry about every single leaf, so just FOCUS on getting the bulk of them moved.
With the tarp full, you have a few options for handling the leaves. You can fold it up and haul the leaves off, move them to a burn pile or compost bin, or roll up the tarp and funnel them into bags.
Once the majority of your leaves are taken care of, decide if the remaining leaves are worth dealing with. Use a rake if you want to pick them up or, if your blower has it, switch to vacuum mode and bag up the remaining leaves. It’s better to use the vacuum for smaller loads as most leaf blower vacuum bags won’t hold many leaves.
Best equipment for removing leaves from your lawn
If you want to remove leaves in the quickest and most efficient way, you’ll need some equipment designed for the job. Leave the rake in the shed and bring out the big guns.
How to pick up leaves with a riding lawn mower
Using a riding mower is the most effortless way to remove leaves from your yard. You have a few options: baggers, tow-behind lawn sweepers, and mulching kits.
To use a bagging leaf vacuum, you’ll need a compatible riding mower or zero-turn. All John Deere lawn tractors and residential zero-turns can attach bagging systems. With the bagger mounted, drive over the leaves to collect them. When the hoppers are full, remove them and dump the leaves out. The hoppers can also be lined with plastic bags for easier disposal.
Tow-behind lawn sweepers will work on any lawn mower with a hitch. Tow-behinds are cheaper than bagging vacuums, but require a little more labor. Drive around the lawn with the sweeper to collect them, then dump the leaves into a pile. For easier cleanup, lay out a tarp to dump them on.
If you decide to mulch, or don’t want to spend extra money on a sweep or vacuum, most mowers have mulching kits available. To mulch the leaves, close the baffle on the deck and go over the lawn. The chopped up leaves will work their way down between the grass blades and decompose more easily.
Using walk-behind mowers to clean up leaves
Most walk-behinds are capable of mulching and bagging. To bag leaves, make sure the rear-discharge plug is removed and attach the bag. Close the side discharge chute and you’re good to go. To mulch, remove the bag and plug the port, leaving the side discharge chute closed.
There are a couple of drawbacks that go along with using walk-behind mowers for leaves. Processing large amounts of material can be hard for them to handle. You may also find yourself emptying the bag fairly often. Given the option, I’d still choose a walk-behind over a rake any day.
STIHL offers battery-powered lawn mowers with mulching and bagging capabilities. If you’d rather have a gas-powered lawn mower, Honda HRN, HRX, and HRC models also have mulching and bagging capabilities.
Walk-behind leaf vacuums and blowers
If you have a serious leaf problem, you might consider a walk-behind yard vacuum or blower. These machines were build specifically for dealing with debris-covered lawns.
Walk-behind lawn vacuums feature much larger bags than mowers so you can pick up more leaves before stopping. Billy Goat leaf vacuums are designed to pick up other litter as well, so you don’t have to worry about tearing up your lawn mower.
Fall leaf cleanup using a bagger
Walk-behind blowers are more powerful than most handheld and backpack blowers. They’re also closer to the ground to force the leaves out of the way. These machines work great for moving the leaves around, but if you plan to bag them you’ll still have to use a tarp or go back and collect them somehow.
Leaf blowers and shredder vacuums
Earlier I went over the best way to remove leaves with a leaf blower, but didn’t talk much about the equipment. For the a blower with a vacuum built-in, check out STIHL’s shredder vacs. If you want to save money, you can pick up a handheld blower or backpack blower without the shredder option. STIHL has a full line-up of blower and shredders to choose from with battery or gas-powered options.
While you’re clearing leaves from the yard, don’t forget to remove leaves from your gutters. STIHL offers leaf blower gutter cleaning kits for several of their handheld models. These kits include tubes that attach to the end of the blower and extend their reach by more than 10 feet.
Hutson carries the right equipment for all your fall cleanup needs. If you have any questions or would like to try out any of the equipment we mentioned, reach out to your nearest Hutson location.
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Interested in partnering? Please click below to email and discuss more. Prototype systems available for demonstration for well positioned partner candidates.
leaf bagger
How much time do you spend raking leaves each fall?
Several years ago we moved to a tree filled suburban St. Louis neighborhood. The shade is great and the trees are beautiful, but come fall the yard hands down its decree of punishment: 70 yard bags of hard labor. Filling those boogers was a labor intensive, annoying, time consuming chore. I hated raking and filling those bags—so much bending down, picking up, and repetitive tamping trying to get the most leaves into every bag. Mowing wasn’t much better. My grass-catcher turned leaf-catcher completely filled after about 20 yards and I would have to dump it 4 to 5 times to fill a yard bag—spilling and making a mess in the process.
I realized that I was spending almost all of my fall weekends dealing with our leafy bounty: missing kids’ soccer games, missing football on TV, and missing other recreational activities during nice weather because that was prime time to rake and bag.
I knew there had to be a better way: I wanted my mower to fill directly into a yard bag. Several prototypes later, the Direct-Bag-It Power Leaf Bagger came to be and I am bagging leaves in a fraction of the time!
Now I am working hard to bring the same leaf bagging satisfaction to you. The pre-production model Direct-Bag-It Power Leaf Bagger is developed and market testing has been performed.
Top-Down Engineering LLC (TDE), the inventor and developer of the Direct-Bag-It Power Leaf Bagger, is seeking a manufacturing partner to take this time and effort saving system to the masses. If you, or someone you know, is a US manufacturer seeking to add unique capability please get in touch clicking the email link below. This system is absolutely the most efficient method ever invented for bagging leaves (or bagging grass, for that matter), however TDE needs help finding a motivated and capable manufacturing partner to take the next steps. Patent protection runs through 2033 and TDE proposes a very manufacturer friendly, progress royalty arrangement. That is to say, a nil to very low percentage initially, only increasing as sales increase.
Have Questions? E-mail Top-Down Engineering:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the status of Direct-Bag-It?
A: A pre-production prototype has been developed, however TDE is seeking a manufacturing partner to help bring the system to market.
Q: How do I know if Direct-Bag-It would be right for my yard?
A: Do you like saving time and effort? If you rake and bag your leaves multiple times in the fall and push mow your lawn during spring and summer, you should definitely consider Direct-Bag-It. If the thought of buying a lawn vacuum to manage your leaf load has ever crossed your mind, you should absolutely consider Direct-Bag-It.
Q: Does Direct-Bag-It also cut grass?
A: YES! Direct-Bag-It is an excellent lawn mower for grass as well. I use the pre-production prototype year-round, with excellent results.
Q: Is Direct-Bag-It an attachment?
A: No. To ensure high quality performance, it will be sold as a COMPLETE SYSTEM. not as an attachment kit.
Q: Can I see around Direct-Bag-It?
A: Yes. This was the crux of latest design configuration. If I was not satisfied with the line-of-sight, I would not use it. You will still be able to see the line you are tracking, but may need to look to the side on occasion. The trade-off is worth it for the time and effort saved versus raking, trust me.
Q: Is Direct-Bag-It Safe?
A: Yes, the Direct-Bag-It Power Bagger is safe and will be tested against applicable safety standards.
The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster
Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.
Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.
Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.
Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.
Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.
While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP
Best riding mower overall
- 24HP engine
- 54-inch cutting deck
- Automatic transmission
- Attachments and accessories available
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres
The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.
The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.
Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor
Best electric riding mower
- 2.5 acre max range
- Quick-charge batteries
- LCD heads-up display
- USB charging ports
Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres
Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.
This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.
Toro Titan Max
Best zero-turn riding mower
- Mows up to 7 acres at once
- Highly maneuverable
- 10-gauge steel construction
- Tool-free air filters
Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres
Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.
Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.
Cub Cadet CC30E
Best compact riding mower
- Battery-powered
- Great for yards up to 1 acre
- Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
- Push-button cruise control
Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre
Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.
It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.
DeWALT Z160 Commercial
Best riding mower for large properties
- Mow up to 10 acres
- 5.5 gallon gas tank
- Dual hydrostatic drive
- Great for hills and inclines
DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres
The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.
With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.
What is the best riding mower?
I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.
Best riding mower
Cutting width
Transmission type
Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor
Which is the right riding mower for you?
Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.
You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.
Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.
Buy this best riding mower.
If you need.
A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.
Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor
An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.
An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.
A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.
A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.
How did we choose these riding mowers?
I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:
- Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
- Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
- Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
- Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.
How do you decide which riding mower to buy?
Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.
The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.
And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.
How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?
Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.
If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.
How long should a riding mower last?
No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.
Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.
What is the cheapest riding mower?
Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.
Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?
Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.
Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:
John Deere Z530M
The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.
Husqvarna YTH1942
The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.
Murray MT100
For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.