Engines, Power and Manoeuvrability

Mowers will generally be fitted with engines up to 25 horsepower. A more powerful, and usually larger model will often be referred to as a ride on tractor mower. Mowers will usually run on gas or diesel, although some electric models are available. Cutting speeds will tend to average around 3600 rpm. The engine and blades can be configured in various ways and will be positioned differently by different manufacturers.

The standard number of wheels is four, with the rear wheels often being considerably larger than the front ones. A machine may be referred to as a zero turn ride on mower, and will be able to perform very tight turns and manoeuvres. These mowers will often have additional wheels on their flanks to increase manoeuvrability. As a general rule a small ride on mower will be easier to handle than a larger one

Most ride on mowers for sale will need to be started using an ignition key. Much like a manual drive automobile, the machine will usually need to be placed in neutral gear before the key is turned. The blades should also be disengaged when the mower is not in use. When the machine is running, the blades are re-engaged and height adjusted by the user as required. This procedure can differ for an electric ride on mower.

Using the Mower

Make sure you are familiar with a mower and its controls before you begin using it. The area which is to be mowed should be cleared of any obstructions such as large rocks, children’s toys, balls and any outdoor furniture. Also be sure to move anything in a plant pot or garden urn. You really want the area to be as clear as possible. It is also vital to ensure that no children or animals are in the area where the mower is going to be used. If these rules are not followed, serious accidents and injuries may occur.

There are also other safety precautions that need to be noted and adhered to. The mower should never be left unattended while it is still running, some machines will automatically cut out if you dismount, this is not true for all models though. Slopes and uneven ground should be approached with caution on a ride on mower as there will be a real risk of tipping over. Always mow slopes from top to bottom, rather than sideways.

There are several different techniques you can use when mowing a lawn. It is important to have some kind of plan as to what order the area will be mowed in. Driving around randomly and hoping to cover the whole lawn will seldom work, even when you manage to cut the whole area it will not look good. The most popular methods seem to be starting around the outside and working your way inward, or mowing in rows. This is down to personal preference as well as the size and shape of the area where you will be working.

We will now take a look at some of the ride on mower parts that are available.

The Ride on Mower Trailer

One of the most popular accessories for garden mowing machines is the ride on mower trailer. These can be purchased relatively cheaply and will allow your mower to be used for a variety of new tasks. Many trailers will be able to convert between wheel barrow like devices which can be pushed by a person, to trailers to be pulled by your mower. This will allow you to make the most of your ride on mower and use it to transport materials such as sand, gravel, patio slabs and other patio flooring options around your large garden. These low priced accessories allow you to get a whole lot of extra value from your machine with only a small investment.

Ride on Mower Dozer Blades

These can be attached to the front of your mower allowing it to be used to push snow, gravel or earth around. This can save you a great deal of time and effort as you will not need to move these heavy materials manually. Snow chains can also be purchased for extra grip when shifting snow or working in icy conditions.

Towed Sprayers

A towed sprayer can be an easy and efficient way to spray water or any liquid around your garden. It will allow you to avoid the work involved with using watering cans to water large gardens, while at the same time avoiding any hose pip bans.

Aerators and Dethatchers

Use an aerator to penetrate into your lawn in evenly spaced holes. All you need to do is ride around on your mower with the attachment being pulled behind you. Similarly, to remove any moss or dead grass, just attach a dethatcher to the rear of your mower. Some devices are also equippmed to rake leaves from a lawn, doing the job of a commercial leaf blower.

Towed Spreaders

Spreaders can easily be attached to a ride on mower, allowing you to distribute fertilizer, grass seed or granules easily and evenly over your lawn. A large area can be covered quickly with minimal effort required by the operator. Even distribution will also be automatic.

Towed Rollers

Attach a towed roller to your ride on mower to provide an easy solution to dealing with mole hills, uneven ground or newly laid grassed areas that need to be compacted. Fill these attachments with sand or water for added weight.

Ride on Mower Parts

All leading brands will make parts for their ride on mowers easily available. For example, you may need a new ride on mower engine or battery during a repair. For these kinds of items you will want to contact the manufacturer or the supplier who sold you the machine initially. They may also offer ride on service plans, so you will not need to carry out any repairs or track down parts yourself.

Yardman MTD Ride on Mowers – Zero-Turn Riders

The first model is the 42” Yardman Select. This MTD ride on mower is designed to be used on lawns which are up to two acres in size. It can deal with difficult to navigate areas with many obstacles. The cutting deck is 42” in size and is mounted on a pivoting front axle. This allows the operator to carefully cut around curved areas and also to follow the natural ground contours. This mower is fitted with a powerful Briggs & Stratton 21hp engine and dual hydrostatic transmission. A three gallon fuel tank ensures you can mow for hours on end. For safety and comfort, a high back seat comes as standard.

The remaining Yardman ride on mower in the Zero-Turn Riders range is the larger 50” model. This mower is ideal for use in lawns up to three acres. A 50” triple blade cutting deck gives great results and can save you a lot of time. A 22hp Kohler Courage V-Twin OHV engine is fitted in these mowers which should make light work of large open spaces. Zero-Turn manoeuvrability provides a very tight turning circle for precise mowing. This machine also has a three gallon fuel tank and dual hydrostatic transmission.

Yardman MTD Ride on Mowers – Lawn Tractors

All of these lawn tractors come with optional mulch kits, 1.5 gallon fuel tanks and 2 year limited warranties.

The Yardman MTD ride on lawn mowers in the lawn tractor range begin with the 12.5hp/38” tractor. The engine is produced by Briggs & Stratton so you know it will be of the highest quality. This mower has six gears which can be shifted without stopping. With a 38” cutting deck and an 18” turning circle, this mower is surprisingly effective at cutting around obstacles considering it is a lawn tractor.

The next MTD Yardman ride on mower in the lawn tractor range is the 22hp/46” model. The engine is a Kohler Courage model with 22hp, it is very efficient and does a good job of keeping noise to a minimum. The 46” cutting deck and 15” turning circle is also impressive for a machine of this size. The transmission is foot controlled and fully automatic, cruise control also comes as standard.

The final MTD ride on lawn mower in the Yardman lawn tractor range is the 15.5hp/42” machine. The engine is a powerful Briggs & Stratton one. This mower has an impressive 7 speed transmission that can be shifted on the go. The cutting deck width is 42”, this model also has a steel front axle and StepThru frame. An 18” turning circle allows the mower to remain agile.

X15

The entry level model is the X15. This ride on mower features a Briggs & Stratton single cylinder 501cc engine. The 97cm Combi deck is front mounted, giving the operator a full and clear view of the area they are working on. The steering system is a fully articulating one which offers great manoeuvrability and control. The way this Countax ride on mower is designed to incorporate a counterweight system gives it near perfect weight distribution for excellent stability and all round usability. Transmission is smooth due to the hydrostatic foot controls, one forward and one reverse. The other models in this range, the X16 and X20, are upgrades of this machine with various improvements.

X16

Moving on up the range of Countax ride on lawn mower models we have the X16. This machine is much the same as the X15 but is fitted with a 530cc Honda twin cylinder engine. The cutting deck is also larger at 112cm with an option to purchase a mower with a 92cm HGM deck at a small extra cost. Again, Hydrostatic transmission ensures smooth and easy operation.

X20

Finally we have the X20. This has the highest specification of the standard Outfront Countax ride on lawn mowers with a Honda twin cylinder 614cc engine for extra power. As standard the cutting deck supplied with this mower is a 112cm Combi deck. For a small additional fee your machine can be fitted with a 107cm HGM deck.

X Series 4WD

The X16 and X20 are also available as four wheel drive mowers using 4TRAC technology. This is great for working in tough grass or in muddy and unstable environments. Traction control is also included, as is electronic slope alert which will warn you of any danger of tipping over on slopes.

X25-4WD

The X25-4WD is the ultimate Countax ride on lawn mower. A twin cylinder 675cc Honda engine provides the highest performance of any of the mowers discussed here. The standard cutting deck is a 127cm Combi deck, with the option of a 107cm HGM deck upgrade.

Other Features

Some other features that are common to all of the mowers mentioned above include manual deck lift for cutting height adjustment, with an option for electric lift. The deck can also be adjusted and placed into another position where washing it is easier. A park brake is included to increase safety. The operating management system in the dashboard provides information about the mower’s performance and operation. This will help ensure your mower is operating at optimum levels.

The new 100-series

This series is made up of the Husqvarna Rider 111B5 and the 111B. The former is the base model with manual transmission, whereas the 111B5 utilises hydrostatic transmission technology. Both of these mowers are articulated, with the operator seated on the front section. This gives great control and manoeuvrability. With the cutting deck and the front and the engine at the rear, the operator has a great view. This setup also reduces noise and emissions for anyone using one of these machines.

Rider 11C, 13C and 16C

These Husqvarna ride on mowers feature Combination cutting decks and rear discharge as one single unit. The 94cm cutting deck can be easily be tilted into a position which allows it to be serviced, enabling quick and convenient cleaning. All three models feature articulated steering for precise turns and cutting. The Rider 11C has a manual transmission with the 13C and 16C mowers coming equipped with variable hydrostatic transmission. Each Husqvarna ride on lawn mower in this range is fitted with a powerful, low emission Briggs and Stratton engine. The top model (Rider 16C AWD) also comes with all wheel drive, giving surprising traction on slippery and uneven surfaces.

Rider 18 and 18 AWD

When talking about these Husqvarna ride on lawn mowers we are starting to move towards the top of the range. These are high specification mowers fitted with CombiClip cutting decks between 94-112cm. These machines are powered by Briggs & Stratton Engine OHV-engines. The Rider 18 AWD also features all wheel drive for maximum power and grip in less than favourable conditions. These two mowers combine agility, large deck sizes and power for a great all round performance.

Rider 15T, 15T AWD and 15Ts AWD

These three machines are the most powerful in the Husqvarna product range. They come with CombiClip cutting decks between 94-112cm in size. Fitted with two cylinder Kawasaki OHV-engines, they can outperform most ride on mowers. When combined with the all wheel drive of the 15T AWD and 15Ts AWD models, the engines offer truly fantastic performance. In order to place it at the very top of the Husqvarna range of mowers, the 15Ts AWD also comes with power steering. With all of its other features, this fact makes it the ultimate ride on mower.

More detailed Husqvarna ride on mower reviews will be coming shortly.

Keeping your tools where you can easily find them not only keeps your yard or work area neater, but it saves time when you are gardening. You can walk right to where you have them stored and get to the task at hand. A good tool rack helps immensely with this. It can be as simple as nails in a wall, or in a pegboard mounted on a wall. You can then hang the tools by the holes in the ends of the handles. Another option is store bought metal spring loaded style that allows you to simply press the tools into the gripper; the pressure keeps the tool in place until you remove it.

Your tools should be kept clean and dry to prevent them from rusting. Rusting not only makes the tool look bad, but it eats away at the working surface or end. If allowed to rust your tools will need to be replaced more frequently, costing you more money in the long run. Once weakened by rust, tools tend to bend or break more easily; this could interrupt a nice afternoon of gardening. A simple cleaning and drying, and perhaps a spray with lubricating oil, will prevent most rust.

The type of garden tools you decide to get will depend on the type of gardening you choose to do, and the type of soil you are working in. Soft aluminum tools will not hold up to a heavy clay soil as well as a steel tool would.

Take care of your garden tools, and they will take care of you.

The Mid Engine Murray Ride on Mower

Murray’s mid engine mowers are some of the most popular of all mowers, and for good reason. These machines are extremely versatile. The 3-in-1 cutting system makes sure of this. This system collects grass clippings but can also be used to perform the function of a mulching mower, returning the grass back to the lawn in fine pieces. Side discharge is also an option with these mowers. The machine is capable of carrying up to 176 litres of cuttings at any one time.

The Engine – Briggs & Stratton

When it comes to mower engines, Briggs & Stratton’s are as good as any you will find. The Murray mid engine mowers come with a 10.5hp OHV engine which is more than capable of providing adequate power for a machine of this size. Anti vibration systems also ensure noise is kept to an absolute minimum. This particular model of Murray ride on mower has an impressive six gears, five forward and one reverse.

Handling and Controls

These mowers are famous for their simple and intuitive control systems. They provide easy access and offer straightforward operation, especially for a machine with six gears. These features help you to get the most out of the very tight turning circle typical of a Murray ride on lawn mower, which is less than 30cm. First time users will be able to navigate their way around obstacles and cut right up to the edge of a lawn, even against flower beds and trees. Overall, the mower has a very compact design, further increasing its handling abilities.

Maintenance

A Murray ride on lawn mower will be relatively easy to maintain and keep in good working order. Tool free deck levelling also helps you to adjust the cutting deck with the greatest of ease. The deck can also be set to a cutting height of between 50mm and 115mm. Murray ride on mower spare parts are widely available from a range of different suppliers, many of which sell the actual mowers as well.

Westwood S series

The S series mowers will appeal to a wide range of users. Particularly popular is the S130 Mini, capable of fitting through standard size gateways, perfect for the smaller and easier to cut lawns. Also known for its manoeuvrability is the slightly larger S1300H. The 91cm cutting deck ensuring it remains agile. A bull bar is also available for this model. Moving up in the range we have the S1400H which is suited to mowing larger areas with its 97cm cutting deck. Its 14hp engine makes sure it can deal with the bigger lawns, 97cm or 112cm mulching cutter decks are also available. If you want a lot of power that can be used effectively in smaller areas, try the S1600H. This Westwood ride on mower has 15.5hp making it great in tough cutting conditions. The extra power also makes it better suited to large gardens than the other S series models.

Westwood T series

The tractor mowers that make up the Westwood T series are aimed at the owners of larger gardens, preferably with lawn areas totalling two acres or more. The T series is comprised of the T1600H and the T1800H. The smaller of the two models is the 16hp T1600H. This Westwood ride on lawnmower will cover large areas effectively. There is the option of cutter deck electric height adjustment, along with a high grass mulching deck, making the machine suitable for all kinds of conditions. The T1800H has a slightly larger engine, producing 18hp. Particularly useful where grass has grown the be tough, ride on mower will be able to tame difficult lawns. This model features the high grass mulching deck.

Westwood 4WD T Series

The two Westwood ride on lawn mowers from the T series are also available as four wheel drive machines. These are the T1600 4WD and the T1800 4WD. The Westwood T25-4WD is also a part of this range with a 25hp engine, producing awesome levels of torque. These mowers are perfectly suited to the most demanding conditions including mud, rain and areas where tough weeds are growing. Slopes of up to twenty five degrees can also be mowed safely with these machines. An electronic slope alert device will warn you before there is any risk of tipping over. These mowers are still fine to use on standard lawns as well.

Westwood V Series

For the larger lawns of up to ten acres, check out the Westwood V20/50. These mowers are great all-rounders with 20hp and 127cm cutting decks making them at home in the largest open spaces. The Westwood V50D is a diesel mower which can offer economy and reduced noise levels. You still get great power from the 18hp engine, but low fuel consumption due to it being diesel.

Westwood W Series

The W series offer amazing stability and manoeuvrability with near zero turn steering. There is wide range of front and four wheel drive models with many different engine sizes in this series. From the fast and efficient W15 and W16 models, to the heavy duty W20 4WD and W25 with 20hp and 25hp engines respectively, the W series offers a mower for almost any customer.

Westwood ride on mowers are a great buy and should be considered seriously if you are thinking of buying one of these machines. As an established brand name, Westwood ride on mower spares are easy to come by. They can be purchased from a whole range of suppliers who deal in Westwood ride on mower parts as well as the machines themselves.

John Deere Ride on Mowers – The Models

CR125

A popular machine from the CR Series is the CR125. It is fitted with a 12.5 hp engine and a 5 speed automatic transmission. The mower has a compact, slim line front end, allowing you a clear view of the front wheels. This makes it very easy to manoeuvre around objects and avoid crashes. There is also no side discharge chute on the CR125, meaning you can trim around objects very closely. Access to the engine and 28 inch mower deck is also convenient, allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning.

LR135 & LR175

The John Deere ride on lawn mowers that belong to the LR series are impressive machines indeed. The LR135 and LR175 (13.5 and 17.5 hp respectively) are automatic mowers with 36 or 40 inch cutting widths. Clippings are sent to the rear collector for hassle free storage, until you are ready to dispose of them. These mowers have a warning feature on the dashboard, alerting you to any problems with your machine. This can make troubleshooting very easy. The John Deere engine produces high levels of torque, helping you to mow effectively in poor conditions.

X-Series

The X-Series is comprised of the X100, X300, X500 and X700, all of which are suitable for mowing in many different environments, and performing a whole range of tasks. The X300 is one of the most popular John Deere ride on mowers, it has between 17-22 hp, and 38-48 inch cutting decks. Other features include a tight turning circle with easy steering, automatic transmission with twin touch and cruise control, and John Deere iTorque power systems.

John Deere ride on mower parts are available from a wide range of suppliers, as well as from John Deere themselves. It will be worth checking different retailers online to get the best prices. The same is true when looking at John Deere ride on mower prices in general. Because they are such a well established company, their machines can be bought from many different sources. It is therefore well worth shopping around.

This article covers some of the newest and most popular John Deere mowers. There are also others available such as the John Deere 3010 that will be covered in future posts, so stay tuned.

Types of Accidents

Although many incidents will involve the operator of the lawnmower, such as when a machine tips over, a large number will result in the injury of an innocent third party. A common scenario is one where a careless driver hits another person with the mower. Unfortunately, children are more likely to be victims in these cases than adults will be. This is due to their tendency to run around outdoors and their general lack of awareness as to what is going on around them. As you can imagine, a ride on lawn mower will be capable of doing serious damage to a child.

Many users of these mowers do not seriously consider the risks associated with the people around them being hit by flying objects, which can be flicked up from the ground by mower blades. Rocks and stones are often involved in these kinds of incidents and can cause very serious injuries to people who are unlucky enough to be in their flight path.

Ways to Stay Safe

Firstly, the instruction manual that will no doubt be provided with all ride on mowers will have some important information relating to safety. Most people look at these documents purely as a how-to guide and will often ignore the sections on safe usage. Although they may not be an invigorating read, these manuals will usually provide very good safety information and step by step procedures you can follow. Safety and correct usage may vary if you have an electric ride on lawn mower, so make sure you consider this if you are using to using a gas powered machine.

When you are looking at the different ride on lawn mowers for sale, check the safety features that each model has. Many will cut power to the motor when you dismount, making it impossible to leave a mower running while it is not in use.

Some of the worst ride on mower accidents will involve children. Firstly, you must ensure that children understand that mowers are not toys. This can be difficult as they may have outdoor toy trucks that look similar. To reinforce this principle in the mind of a child, try not to let them ride with you when mowing. Ideally children will be completely clear of the area where you are using a mower. This eliminates the possibility of any injuries. They will also be much less interested in a mower if they cannot watch you using it, making sure children are entertained elsewhere will be the best policy every time. In fact, the fewer people that are around when you are using the mower, the better off you will be.

Care for Yourself and Your Mower

You should look after your own welfare when using a ride on lawn mower. Make sure you are confident using the machine without the risk of losing control or tipping over. Comfort is also important. Do not use a mower when you are ill or tired, and make sure you are dressed appropriately and well hydrated, therefore minimizing the risk of becoming too hot in the sun.

As well as looking after your self, look after the mower too. Maintain it regularly and familiarise yourself with ride on lawn mower parts so you are able to purchase replacements when needed. The manual you have hopefully already looked through may also contain useful information about ride lawn on mower spares.