Which Type Of Ride On Lawn Mower Is Best For You?

Choosing the right ride on lawn mower can save hours of work, improve the appearance of your lawn, and make grass cutting far more enjoyable. There are many options available - from compact rear engine riders to powerful garden tractors and zero turn mowers.

Our buying guide explains what you need to know before purchasing a ride on lawn mower, including mower types, petrol or battery models, engine sizes, cutting widths, transmission options, grass management systems, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

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Ride On Lawn Mower Area Coverage - Guideline Only

Types Of Ride On Lawn Mowers

Rear engine riders have the engine mounted behind the driver and are typically the smallest and most affordable ride on lawn mowers.
Tractors are the most common type of ride on lawn mower in the UK. They feature a front-mounted engine and mid-mounted cutting deck.
Front cut mowers have the cutting deck positioned ahead of the operator and best suited to areas with trees, flower beds and obstacles.
Zero turn mowers use independent wheel motors to achieve an extremely tight turning radius, often allowing a full 360° turn and are ideal for commercial use.

Rear Engine Riders

Benefits
Smaller Footprint.
Easier Storage.
Lower Purchase Price.
Good Manoeuvrability.

Best For
Smaller gardens.
Simple lawn layouts.
Upgrade from a push-along mower.

Tractors

Benefits
Balance of Price and Performance.
Wide Range of Cutting Widths.
Comfortable Operation.
Suitable for Towing Accessories.

Best For
Medium to Large Lawns.
Residential Properties.
Mixed Mowing Conditions.

Front Cut

Benefits
Excellent Visibility.
Cuts Under Obstacles.
Outstanding Manoeuvrability.
Reduced Edging Work.

Best For
Gardens with Obstacles.
Large, Complex Lawns.
Areas with Overhanging Branches.

Zero Turn

Benefits
Extremely Fast Mowing.
Outstanding Manoeuvrability.
Zero Turning Radius.
Professional-Quality Finish.

Best For
Large Properties.
Commercial Users.
Complex Lawns with Obstacles.

Ride On Lawn Mower Options

When choosing a ride on lawn mower, the main features to need to think about first are the engine type, grass management, transmission type and cutting deck width. Modern ride on lawn mowers offer a range of other features and options that can significantly improve performance, comfort, efficiency, and ease of use.

Engine Types

Single-Cylinder Engines

Benefits
Lower Purchase Price.
Simpler Design.
Reduced Maintenance Costs.

Best For
Flat Gardens.
Regular Mowing.
Small Gardens.

Twin-Cylinder Engines

Benefits
Smoother Operation.
Less Vibration.
More Torque.
Better Performance in Thicker Grass.

Best For
Larger Gardens.
Hilly Terrain.
Frequent Mowing.

Battery Powered

Benefits
Zero Emissions.
Smooth, Ultra-Quiet Operation
Reduced Vibration.
Low Maintainence.

Best For
Flat Gardens.
Regular Mowing.
Medium Gardens.

Grass Management

Collection

Benefits
Clean Appearance.
Ideal for Formal Lawns.
Leaves No Clippings Behind.

Best For
Decorative Lawns.
Properties where Appearance Matters.

Side Discharge

Benefits
Handles Longer Grass Well.
Fast Operation.
No Collector to Empty.

Best For
Large Area.
Paddocks.
Rough Grass.

Mulching

Benefits
No Emptying Required.
Returns Nutrients to Soil.
Faster Mowing.
Time-Saving.

Best For
Regular Mowing Schedules.
Healthy Established Lawns.

Transmission Types

Manual

Benefits
Simple.
Reliable.
Lower Cost.

Best For
Flat, Open Lawns.
Smaller Budgets.

Hydrostatic / Automatic

Benefits
Smooth Operation.
Infinite Speed Control.
Easier Around Obstacles.
More Comfortable.

Best For
Moving Around Obstacles.
Frequent Direction Changes.
Hilly Terrain.

All our Ride On Lawn Mowers are Delivered Fully Assembled & 'Ready To Mow'. Click here for Full PDI & Delivery Information.

Stiga Battery Ride On Lawn Mower

Husqvarna Petrol Ride On Lawn Mower

Time To Choose Your Husqvarna Automower
Now you know the basics of how Husqvarna Automower's operate, follow the step-by-step guide to help find your perfect gardening partner!

Please Note that the prices shown on the step-by-step guide are Husqvarna's RRP, our prices at ToolsToday.co.uk are much lower and very competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How big of a lawn do I need for a ride-on mower?
A: Generally, for gardens over 0.5 acres (about 2,000 square metres), a ride-on mower becomes a major time-saver.

Q: Collection vs. mulching vs. side-discharge?
A: Collection boxes give a tidy finish but require designated space for emptying. Mulching (chopping grass finely to return as fertiliser) is great for manicured, regularly mowed lawns. Side-discharge is best for taller grass or paddocks.

Q: What cutting width do I need?
A: The wider the deck, the faster you can mow open areas. However, if your garden has tight gates, trees, or lots of flowerbeds, opt for a more compact rider (66 to 72cm).

Q: Are they easy to use?
A: Yes, most modern ride on lawn mowers feature a smooth automatic hydrostatic drive (using a single pedal for forward and reverse), making them very intuitive to operate.

Q: Can I mow on slopes?
A: It depends on the model. While standard mowers are suitable for gentle inclines, steep slopes may require All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for traction and safety. Always mow up and down slopes rather than across them to prevent tipping.

Q: Are they noisy?
A: Yes, traditional petrol ride on lawn mowers are noisy. They typically produce between 88 and 100dB, ear defenders are recommended. However, modern battery-powered ride on lawn mowers are generally much much quieter. They typically operate between 75 and 85dB making them highly suitable for noise-sensitive areas.

Q: Can a trailer be added?
A: Yes, depending on the model. Many ride on lawn mowers are fitted with a trailer hitch so can be fitted with trailers, spreaders, or rollers to help with other landscaping tasks.

Q: Does the battery self-charge?
A: Unlike a car, petrol ride on lawn mowers do not produce enough electrical output while running to adequately recharge the battery. You will likely need to occasionally use a trickle charger in between uses, especially over winter and colder months. Battery-powered ride on lawn mowers operate the same way as a mobile phone for example. When the battery starts to run low, simply plug it in and charge it ready for next time.

Q: What routine checks should I do?
A: Always check your tyre pressure, check under the deck for grass build-up after each use, and ensure moving parts are greased. Annual servicing by an authorised dealer is required to maintain the warranty.

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Explore our full range to find the ideal ride on lawn mower for you and your garden. A perfectly cut lawn – no matter the size, shape or terrain.​