If, like nearly a third of the French population, you regularly mow your lawn, the purchase of a ride-on mower is essential. But which model should you choose? Between the engine, the type of transmission, the grassbox and the mulching function, we help you to find out the most important functions for a successful investment.
Here is our commitment, to make sure that we provide the best user experience and content quality:
You can support us by using our links to make your purchases (at no extra cost to you)! This sometimes earns us a commission which allows us to remain independent. More about us
Our selection
"The MTD OPTIMA 76 SDE Rider - 13B726JD600 of 382cm3 mows 1500m² with a cut of 76cm wide and up to 9.5cm high. Its 4…"
"This model features MTD's patented Transmatic transmission that allows for continuous shifting, and an electric start engine that reduces emissions and fuel consumption for increased…"
"This purely electric mower is ideal for a yard up to 800 m2 and works great on steep hills. The more environmentally conscious will love…"
"Compact and sturdy, this mini tractor can mow a large 8000 m² lawn at a reasonable speed. It offers a cutting width of 106 cm…"
"The Oleo Mac APACHE 92 EVO 4X4 is perfect for mowing even in the most difficult accesses thanks to its 627cm3 21HP engine. With a…"
The MTD OPTIMA 76 SDE Rider - 13B726JD600 of 382cm3 mows 1500m² with a cut of 76cm wide and up to 9.5cm high. Its 4 wide tires and ergonomic design ensure unparalleled working comfort.
1 199 £ on Gamm vertThe MTD OPTIMA 76SDE ride-on mower has a 382cc ThorX OHV engine, which is battery powered. It is powerful enough and has the performance to make cuts up to 76cm wide and from 38 to 95mm high. The cutting height is adjustable from the driver's seat with 5 levels to choose from for a precise cutting result. It is perfect for mowing an area of 1500m².
The 4.9l tank is quick and easy to fill and easily accessible. You have the option of a side discharge, with collection and mulching. The mower has an ergonomic and compact design and is comfortable to use. Thanks to its 4 wide tires of 13×5 - 16×6.5 and its 46cm turning radius, this mower is perfectly maneuverable and can easily get around all obstacles. Finally, the optional grass catcher allows you to collect the grass quickly and easily.
This model features MTD's patented Transmatic transmission that allows for continuous shifting, and an electric start engine that reduces emissions and fuel consumption for increased performance.
1 039 £ on Gamm vertKeep your lawn healthy and your green space well maintained by choosing this high performance mower. The 60 cm cutting width of this MTD petrol ride-on mower allows you to work quickly on large lawns of up to 1000 m² in just 37 minutes.
The manually operated Transmatic transmission control system allows you to choose from six speed ranges for incredible performance and control. In addition, this patented MTD Transmatic transmission allows you to continuously vary your speed. Finally, the adjustable sliding seat and cup holder add comfort to the operator while the machine is cutting grass finely.
This purely electric mower is ideal for a yard up to 800 m2 and works great on steep hills. The more environmentally conscious will love it!
4 399 £ on Gamm vertIf you have a small yard and the maintenance of a gasoline engine seems burdensome, an electric lawnmower like the Ryobi RM480 is the perfect choice for you. This is because of the fact that the unit does not emit fumes. The Ryobi uses a 48 cm double blade, driven by two motors. It also comes with great and practical features such as LED lights, speed control, 12 cutting heights, a cup holder and the icing on the cake: a cell phone holder!
In addition, the unit can be recharged via a standard 120V outlet and is equipped with an all-electric motor that promises a much quieter and again, environmentally friendly mowing experience.
Compact and sturdy, this mini tractor can mow a large 8000 m² lawn at a reasonable speed. It offers a cutting width of 106 cm as well as very practical features that are sure to please.
2 309 £ on Manomano
The Oleo Mac APACHE 92 EVO 4X4 is perfect for mowing even in the most difficult accesses thanks to its 627cm3 21HP engine. With a cutting width of 92cm, the vehicle is perfectly suited for thick brush.
8 650 £ on ManomanoThe Oleo Mac APACHE 92 EVO 4X4 is robust and powerful. Its Briggs & Stratton engine of 627 cm3 with a power of 23 horsepower allows it to work on even the roughest and thickest ground. Its large tires of 16×6.5-8 at the front and 20×10-8 at the rear grip the ground perfectly. The speed of the machine can be varied thanks to its hydrostatic 4 wheel drive. Its 19l tank is located at the front of the machine and is easily accessible. Thanks to its low consumption, it ensures a great working autonomy.
With its Microdrive cruise control, you can also maintain a constant speed without having to manipulate the forward control. The 4x4's adjustable seat, easy-to-maneuver steering wheel and folding armrests offer the operator optimal comfort. The mower makes a cut ranging from 92cm wide and 50 to 100mm high. The cut can be set on 5 different levels thanks to a control lever. The tractor is equipped with safety shields at the front and rear, side guards and a robust roll bar.
Any specific needs?
Best entry-level riding mower in 2021
Best premium riding mower in 2021
Your guide :
Rate this buying guide :By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!
| TOP OF THE TOP | NOT EXPENSIVE | EXCELLENT | Best high-end alternative | ||
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
6/10 |
9/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
MTD OPTIMA 76 SDE Rider - 13B726JD600
|
MTD SMART 60 SDE Ride-on mower with side discharge
|
RYOBI 48V battery rider mower
|
Oleo Mac OM107 / 16 KH tondeuse autoportée éjection latérale
|
Oleo Mac APACHE 92 EVO 4X4
|
|
The MTD OPTIMA 76 SDE Rider - 13B726JD600 of 382cm3 mows 1500m² with a cut of 76cm wide and up to 9.5cm high. Its 4 wide tires and ergonomic design ensure unparalleled working comfort.
|
This model features MTD's patented Transmatic transmission that allows for continuous shifting, and an electric start engine that reduces emissions and fuel consumption for increased performance.
|
This purely electric mower is ideal for a yard up to 800 m2 and works great on steep hills. The more environmentally conscious will love it!
|
Compact and sturdy, this mini tractor can mow a large 8000 m² lawn at a reasonable speed. It offers a cutting width of 106 cm as well as very practical features that are sure to please.
|
The Oleo Mac APACHE 92 EVO 4X4 is perfect for mowing even in the most difficult accesses thanks to its 627cm3 21HP engine. With a cutting width of 92cm, the vehicle is perfectly suited for thick brush.
|
|
|
Engine displacement
|
382 cm3 displacement
|
196 cm3 displacement
|
48V - 100 Ah battery motor
|
452 cm3 displacement
|
627 cm3 21 CV
|
|
Cutting width
|
76 cm
|
60 cm
|
96 cm
|
106 cm
|
92 cm
|
|
Cutting height
|
38-95 mm
|
5 positions, 38 - 95 mm
|
12 positions from 35 - 115 mm
|
-
|
50 - 100 mm
|
|
Mowing capacity
|
1500 m²
|
1000 m²
|
2.5 hours of mowing with a single charge
|
8000 m2
|
All terrain
|
|
Collection bin
|
optional
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!
We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.
We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.
To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!
Almost all riding mowers, regardless of their type (rider, ride-on, tractor mower, or zero turn), run on a 4-stroke engine. The engine's power is divided into two essential tasks: moving the riding mower and turning the blades. A more powerful engine will allow the mower to move faster and turn larger blades (and therefore have a larger mowing area).The power of the engine depends on the type of engine, its origin, its construction and its torque. Note that to obtain the maximum torque, it is necessary to take into account the power and speed of the engine. In most cases, the power of the engine will adapt to the width of the cutting deck. A 300 cc engine will offer 10 to 13 HP, while a 600 cc engine will offer 18 to 20 HP.
In any case, the more powerful the engine, the better!
The wider the cutting width, the less time it will take to mow your lawn. Count:
For professional use, know that there are cutting widths up to 170 cm! But for most people, 100 cm will comfortably mow the largest areas.
When it comes to grass processing, you can choose from center cut (also called belly cut) and side discharge, front cut, and center cut and rear discharge models.
Maneuverability is key when choosing your riding mower. If you have a small area to mow and need a very maneuverable machine, look for a rider or minirider model. If you have a large area to mow, look for a zero turn mower
. Other riding mowers and tractor mowers are versatile but less maneuverable. It's up to you to choose what you need most.
There are three main types of transmissions: manual, automatic and hydrostatic. Many owners prefer a machine with a manual transmission (simply because that's what they're used to using). Today's best riding mowers offer clutchless shifting, so you only have one lever to manipulate. But automatic transmission mowers offer the advantage of smooth power transmission - you just push the throttle harder or softer and the machine does the rest! The best type of transmission is the hydrostatic transmission. A machine with hydrostatic transmission uses hydraulic oil in a closed system to transmit power. Riding mowers with hydrostatic transmissions are expensive but durable, and they require very little maintenance.
Here are the main features we think you should consider when buying your riding mower:
In addition to these main functions, there are many useful accessories and options that most riding mowers and tractor mowers can be equipped with:
There are two schools of thought. You can either buy online or in a physical store.
In addition to the selection criteria we've already mentioned, one of the main aspects of choosing your riding mower should be its reliability. The problem is that even for the same brand, reliability varies greatly from model to model.
The beauty of buying online is that you can see what other users have to say about specific models. Of all the online sites we looked at (Leroy Merlin, ManoMano, etc.), we found that AgriEuro.co.uk had both the most reviews, the most useful information and competitive prices for riding lawn mowers.
To most people, there seems to be only one type of riding mower, which they refer to interchangeably as a "riding mower" or "tractor mower. However, there are four distinct types of riding mowers: riders, riding mowers, tractor mowers and zero turn mowers.
Rider mowers are entry-level riding lawn mowers with the engine located at the rear of the chassi. This placement limits the size of the rider, making them compact riding mowers, ideal for residential use and small gardens.
There are also even more compact rider called minirider.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
The riders are perfect if you have a garden of 1000 to 3000 m². Below that, you'll want a standard lawn mower. Above that, look for another type of riding lawn mower.
The most obvious choice for most people is the riding lawnmowers, for which the entire range is named. They have an engine at the front of the machine (up to 500 cc and 16 hp). As for the cutting deck, it is located in the center, under the riding mower, which allows for a much larger cutting diameter than with a lawn mower or rider. Finally, because its engine is more powerful, this type of riding mower can run more accessories than a rider (trailer, double collection box, blunt towing, etc.).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
The riding mower is an ideal choice if your land is between 3,000 m² and 1.5 hectares. It's also a good choice if your yard is a little smaller but you need to use a trailer or accessories that don't exist for riders.
Tractor mowers are high-end, more powerful riding mowers (from 500cc and 16hp). They offer a cutting diameter of up to 140 cm and the widest range of accessories. They can even use heavy attachments like plow blades. In short, they can truly act as multipurpose tractors, hence the name.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
Tractor mowers are best suited for those with yards larger than 1.5 or 2 hectares. It is therefore a type of ride-on mower generally reserved for professionals.
Zero turn mowers are designed to be able to turn 180 degrees and easily avoid all obstacles. They are the best riding mowers in terms of maneuverability and speed. However, they are not suitable for difficult or sloping terrain.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
If you have a flat lawn and are looking for the ultimate riding mower to mow your lawn (and do nothing but mow), the zero turn mower is the ultimate choice!
Zero turn mowers are excellent choices, but they are also too expensive for most people (at least 5000 € for good models). Their price is therefore mainly reserved for professionals. Since our site aims to recommend products that are best suited for "most people", we will not include zero turn mowers in our buying guide.
Once you have chosen the type of ride-on mower you want, it's time to decide how you are going to manage the mown grass. There are 3 options available to you:
Side discharge is the default choice for most people: not only is it a good way to spread the clippings over the lawn (which provides natural fertilizer), but it also saves the hassle of going back and forth to empty your grass catcher.
The problem with side discharge is that the grass clippings are coarser and less evenly distributed than with the mulching technique. The grass clippings remain on the lawn longer and make your lawn look unattractive. In addition, the projection of debris (stones, branches, etc.) entails the risk of injury and can damage your flower beds.
Rear discharge into a collection box is ideal for people who want to collect grass clippings, especially for composting. It's also a good choice if you don't want to throw grass and clippings into your flower beds.
The capacity of the collection bins generally varies from 150 to 250 L, but there are even larger double collection bins!
The only disadvantage of the grass catcher is that it deprives your lawn of an immediate natural fertilizer. You will have to take the time to spread your compost on it or fertilize it in some other way.
Most riding mowers have a mulching function. Mulching is a system that shreds the grass as you mow and deposits it back onto your lawn as a nutritious and protective mulch.
Mulching has many advantages: it is practical, more visually appealing, and above all good for your lawn. As the grass clippings are shredded more finely than with a traditional cut, they are better absorbed by the lawn. Better still, in addition to being nutritious, the mulch thus created protects the lawn from the excessive heat of the heat wave and prevents it from yellowing in the sun.
The only problem with mulching is that it requires regular mowing and more frequent cleaning of the deck.
Fast and safe mowing
The ride-on mower allows you to mow large areas of lawn quickly. Compared to an electric mower or a thermal mower, you can divide the mowing time by 2! The mowing is done quickly and this, whatever the type of ground (sloping or with obstacles). And that's not all, the collection of the cut grass is also facilitated (the collection bins of ride-on mowers are on average 3 to 4 times larger than those of lawn mowers).
Safety
Safety is a priority because the engine and blade stop instantly when the operator gets up from the seat. In addition, compared to a conventional mower, your feet are farther away from the cutting deck and you have less risk of being injured by stones or branches.
Maintain your lawn with ease
By using a riding mower, you won't have to put in much physical effort to mow your lawn. All you have to do is sit comfortably behind the wheel of the machine and drive it across the mowing area. Its ease of operation makes it convenient and usable for most people.
Mowing large areas
In addition to its ease of operation, the tractor mower can be used to mow large areas of lawn. The only requirement is that the slope must be less than 30%. This machine is suitable for an area of more than 7000 m². And as mentioned above, the cutting width and engine power should be chosen according to the size of your garden.
Clean and neat mowing
Almost all existing models offer a clean and neat cut, especially those with a grass catcher. However, to prevent your lawn from suffering from dryness, make sure you use a good cutting height, such as about 8 cm. Don't forget fertilizers and daily watering.
In our opinion, the best brands of ride-on mowers in 2022 are :
Wolf is a French brand specialized in garden tools. For 60 years, this brand has been highlighting French know-how and producing tools and appliances that are true references in terms of innovation and robustness.
McCulloch has been manufacturing power landscape equipment since 1949. The brand is best known for its powerful engines, innovative technology and ease of use. Its ride-on mowers are no exception: they are reliable, well thought-out and offer excellent value for money.
Husqvarna was founded in 1689 and initially specialized in the manufacture of weapons, then kitchen equipment and motorized vehicles before devoting itself to motorized garden equipment since 1919. It is a brand whose quality is no longer in question, and its ride-on mowers are among the most sought-after and most popular on the market.
Founded in 1932, MTD is one of the world's leading manufacturers of outdoor and gardening equipment. The company was founded in 1932, and in addition to its 89 years of experience, MTD also owns a number of other well-known brands such as Troy-Bilt, Robomow and Cub Cadet, and Arnold. MTD makes excellent ride-on mowers and is one of the most popular brands in the UK.
Honda is the 8th largest automotive brand in the world, but it is also known for its garden equipment, including riding lawnmowers. With 74 years of experience in manufacturing motorized vehicles, Honda offers you machines for life: powerful, reliable and above all durable.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Measure the height carefully.
Be very careful not to mow the grass too short or too close to the ground for several reasons. The first reason is that if you cut the grass too short, you may damage the crown. The crown is the area that produces new grass growth. If you accidentally cut it, your grass will suffer. Each type of grass should be cut at a different height. So check which one is best for yours.
Find the right time.
Be
careful about when you mow your lawn. Avoid doing it in the middle of a hot, sunny day. The best time to mow the lawn is in the late afternoon or early evening, when the weather has already cooled a bit. You might think that early morning, before the day has had time to warm up, is the ideal time. But grass is often wet with dew early in the day, which can cause problems, especially with your mower's operation.
Never mow wet grass.
Mowing
a wet lawn is inconvenient. It can also be dangerous. Wet grass can be slippery, so it's a source of accidents, especially if your land is not flat.
Maintain your mower.
Dull blades don't mow grass as well as you'd like. Cutting with dull blades also increases the risk of "injury" to the grass. Have the mower blades sharpened regularly.
Leave the grass clippings.
As long as
the clippings are laid out on the short side, it is usually best to leave them in place. The grass clippings are rich in nitrogen, so when they decompose they will provide the nitrogen your lawn needs. If you collect your grass clippings, try composting them or using them as mulch elsewhere.
Make
an initial pass around the edge of your yard with the side discharge inward. Then you can mow your lawn as you see fit without the risk of sending grass and rocks off your property.
Clean
under the deck with a stream of water after each use, sharpen the blades regularly and change the engine oil at least once a year
.
Check theengine ignition from time to time. If it is in poor condition, it may cause the engine to fail. If the spark plug is dirty, it must be cleaned. Check the drive system (belts, tensioner, blade clutch...) if the engine starts but the blades do not work. If the engine runs, but does not start, make sure that there is fuel in the tank, that the fuel tap is open and that the safety devices are on.
he problem is usually with the blade: not properly sharpened, bent. Incorrect tension can also cause the drive belt to slip and cause this irregularity. Or the cutting deck may be partially jammed or unbalanced. Make sure it is straight and secure.
A ride-on mower cannot be started without a starter and a battery. You need an external battery of at least 12 V. A starter booster can also do the trick, by connecting it to the + and - terminals. This allows it to provide the impulse needed to start your machine.
Take the belt off and make sure the gearbox is swinging back and forth. You will notice that if the pulley is not in a horizontal position, it is normal that your belt is slack. A spring will help you to tighten it again. If your belt is defective, consider replacing it with a new one.
If the mower is registered, it is authorized to circulate on the public highway. The driver must have a B licence. Otherwise, it must be transported by a suitable vehicle. You must be at least 18 years old to drive this type of machine because of its multiple functions and have undergone appropriate training beforehand.
Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.
Copyright © 2022 - Made with ♥ by buyingbetter.co.uk
Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!
