If you have an average size lawn or significant acreage, riding lawn mowers can make your mowing job easier. Unlike a typical walk behind or push mower, riding lawn mowers have a seat for the operator to ride on and a more powerful engine to mow a larger area of grass in a shorter amount of time.
Not to be confused with lawn tractors, which resemble a smaller version of a tractor, riding lawn mowers typically have the cutting deck, the area which cuts the grass, mounted in the front of the machine. The engine is located in the back of the riding lawn mower. This setup allows for better maneuverability to cut the grass around landscaping and trees. Many riding lawn mowers have a zero turn radius which allows the operator to make tight turns through the yard. Larger wheels in the rear of riding lawn mowers help prevent getting bogged down in the mud or thick grass, while the smaller wheels up front pivot to allow a 360 degree turning radius.
Riding lawn mowers are designed to efficiently surmount the most daunting mowing task using less time and manpower. Cutting deck widths generally range from 40" to 72" (1.06 to 1.83 meters), giving the average homeowner or the owner of a lawn care business options to configure their riding lawn mower to meet specific needs. Other options include diesel and gas engines with up to 32 HP, power and tilt steering, and automatic transmissions.
For the gardener and landscaper, some riding lawn mowers come with extras to tackle any job. Attachments are available for loading, tilling, plowing, snow blowing, cultivating, heavy blading, hauling, dethatching, mulching, and debris collection. The versatility and efficiency of riding lawn mowers makes them an excellent tool for anyone who has a lawn to mow — big or small.