Clearing Up Some Misconceptions About Ride-On Mowers

A ride-on mower is a great choice for homeowners because they promise less physical exertion when cutting the grass. Ride-on mowers also typically offer a wider cutting path, so they can reduce the actual time spent mowing. However, you may be hesitant about getting a ride-on mower simply because you have some misconceptions about their operation, or don't know the best type to get for your lawn. Note a few of those misconceptions here, so you can separate the fact from fiction, and then choose the best type of mower for your property.

Ride-on mowers are dangerous

In truth, ride-on mowers may be safer than mowers you walk behind, as a riding mower means you're above the chute that dispenses cut grass; this means less risk of being hit by a flying rock and other debris. You also don't have the risk of accidentally slipping under the mower, and there is less risk of losing control of the mower.

If you're worried about falling off a riding mower, note that many have seatbelts to keep you secure. Also, as long as you move slowly over hills and inclines, a riding mower typically isn't at risk for tipping.

The width of the mower is the width of the cutting deck

When choosing a mower for your lawn, always note the actual measurements of the cutting deck. Some mowers will have very thick, sturdy frames that are needed for when you're cutting rough, uneven lawns, but this will make the frame much wider than the blades underneath. If you need the widest cutting deck for a large lawn, consider the actual blade measurements and not the body of the mower, so you make the best choice for your property.

Ride-on mowers are too big for residential lawns

Ride-on mowers come in a wide range of sizes and widths; some are very compact, and offer a standing deck rather than an actual seat. On these models, would stand on the deck behind the mower and steer it from there, rather than sitting and using a steering wheel. This allows the mower to be shorter and more narrow, since it doesn't need to accommodate a full seat.

Some ride-on mowers are also what's called zero-turn; these actually pivot in a full circle rather than needing to curve to turn. Zero-turn mowers are more convenient when working around narrow pathways, landscaping features, trees, and the like. This makes ride-on mowers a good choice for residential properties, no matter their size.