Standard lawn mower dimensions. 9 BEST Riding Lawn Mowers of 2023 Reviews
Lawn Mower Blades: The Ultimate Guide (Types, Measuring, and )
Purchasing replacement blades for your lawn mower is a relatively easy task if you know your lawn mower blade’s part number. If you have your lawn mower’s model and serial number, referencing that mower’s model and serial number parts diagram is another fool-proof way to purchase the correct blade.
But, what if you don’t have any of these part numbers to reference? How do you determine which blades will fit your mower?
By the time you are finished reading our Ultimate Guide to Lawn Mower Blades article, you should have all the info you need to purchase a blade that will work perfectly with your lawn mower.
How to measure lawn mower blades
We’ll get into the various types of lawn mower blades further into the article (skip to view types of lawn mower blades). First, we will walk you through measuring the blade on your lawn mower to determine which size blade you need.
Measure mower blades diagonally
The most common mistake we see when people are attempting to measure their lawn mower blade is measuring straight across the blade. This is going to give you an inaccurate measurement!
To properly measure a lawn mower blade, measure the blade diagonally.
Center hole diameter
The next measurement you will need is the diameter of the center hole of your lawn mower blade.
If your mower blade has 3 holes, make sure you are measuring the center hole!
To measure the diameter, measure straight across.
If your mower blade does not have a circle for the center hole, you will need to determine what the shape in referred to. on mower blades without circle-shaped holes in just a second.
If your mower blade has outside holes
If you notice 2 holes on either side of the center hole in your lawn mower blade, you will also need to take some measurements here.
Many push lawn mowers and some other types of mowers utilize these outer holes to ensure the blades do not hit each other while in use. Many commercial lawn mowers use 2 or 3 blades, not just 1 blade.
A perfect example of this is the Exmark Commercial 30. This is an oversized 30 wide commercial push mower that utilizes the center holes to ensure each blade is mounted in the correct position.
Once again, you will want to measure the diameter of these holes.
You will also need to measure the distance between the center of these 2 outside holes. This measurement is referred to as center to center.
Lawn mower blade center hole types
Most lawn mower blades have circles as the center hole shape. If your blade does not, here is a quick reference of other possible mower blade center hole types.
Less common but not pictured center hole types include a square and a 7-point star center hole.
Measuring your mower blades width
The width of a lawn mower blade is usually not relevant to the fitment of the blade but we wanted to make sure you knew where to measure if this is applicable to your mower.
To accurately measure the width, make sure you are measuring straight across and measuring at the widest section of your blade.
Right-hand cut vs left-hand cut blades
Believe it or not, the cutting edge is not on the same side for all lawn mower blades.
Right-hand cut lawn mower blades are overwhelmingly the most common type.
Left-hand cut blades can be found on some mower’s manufactured by Kubota, Woods, Walker, and others.
Lawn Mower Blade Thickness
It is recommended to stick with the specs of the blade that came stock on your lawn mower. If for whatever reason you cannot determine the OEM blade part number, don’t stress about the thickness of the blade. It is not a huge deal, although using a blade that is too thick could lower the RPMs to a point where cut quality is lost.
As you might expect, blade thickness is measured by measuring the top of the blade to the bottom.
If you are bending a lot of blades, you may want to purchase a thicker lawn mower blade or just stop hitting rocks! Believe me, I’ve had 100 employees in my lawn care business over the years and completely understand if you are not sure if your employees are looking at what they are cutting as they are working!
Types of lawn mower blades
Now that you understand how to measure lawn mower blades properly and the various types of center holes you may find, let’s take a look at the different types of lawn mower blades and when you may want to consider each type.
We should mention you may see standard blade in the description of some lawn mower blades. This is basically the middle ground between high lift and low lift lawn mower blades. It is pretty suitable for any type of cutting.
High lift lawn mower blades
High lift lawn mower blades create a lot of lift due to the exaggerated fin on the non-cutting edge side of the blade.
When to use high lift lawn mower blades:
- When you are cutting tall grass ( Grass over 3 tall )
- When you are cutting flimsy grass such as turf-type tall fescue
When not to use high lift lawn mower blades:
Low lift lawn mower blades
Low lift lawn mower blades c reate little lift due to the exaggerated fin on the non-cutting edge side of the blade.
When to use low lift lawn mower blades:
- When you are cutting short grass (Grass under 3 tall)
- When you are cutting rigid grass such as Bermudagrass
- In sandy soil conditions (see flat blades too)
When not to use low lift lawn mower blades:
Gator blades
Gator blades are also referred to as 3-in-1. Gator blades are often used by professional mowing companies in the fall to shred leaves as they mow. S ome companies run gator blades all year long.
Gator blades also shred longer grass blades before being discharged from the mower’s deck. Gator blades do create some lift.
When to use gator blades:
When not to use gator blades:
Mulching blades
Mulching blades mulch the grass clippings to allow for returning the grass clippings to the soil as natural nutrients.
It is important to note, you can certainly discharge the clippings from the mower’s deck back into the lawn without mulching blades as long as you are cutting your grass on a frequent enough basis.
When to use mulching blades:
- When you are not discharging the clippings or bagging
- When you are following the 1/3 rule (only remove 1/3 or less of the grass blade each time you mow)
When not to use mulching blades:
Flat lawn mower blades
Flat lawn mower blades create zero lift due to the blade being completely flat.
When to use flat lawn mower blades:
When not to use flat lawn mower blades:
- Most of the time! Only use flat lawn mower blades when in extremely sandy soil conditions and cutting a rigid grass type
Self-sharpening lawn mower blades
To ensure this article covers all the bases, we wanted to include a new option when it comes to lawn mower blades.
Self-sharpening blades use patented technology to literally sharpen themselves as you mow. The early adopters seem to agree that these blades do in fact sharpen themselves.
Of course, these blades come with a hefty price tag as far as lawn mower blades are concerned. It will be for you to determine if they are worth the investment.
When to sharpen lawn mower blades
Factors such as how much use, what type of grass you are cutting, the length of grass you are cutting, soil conditions, and other factors will determine how often you will need to sharpen your lawn mower blades.
After finishing this article, check out our guide on sharpening lawn mower blades.
The best way to determine when you need to sharpen your lawn mower blades is by simply looking at the cut quality. This refers to the sharpness of the cut you are getting out of your blades. In the picture above you can clearly see the blades on the lawn mower that cut this grass need to be sharpened as they are tearing the grass instead of cutting it.
How to tell if a mower blade has been sharpened too many times
If you read the manuals, most lawn mower blade manufacturers recommend replacing the blades when there is 1/2 left between the cutting edge and the fin, sail, or lift. The fin, sail, or lift is referring to the part of the blade that is angled up.
If you continue to mow with less than 1/2 of material left, you are putting yourself and others in danger as there is a great possibility this blade could fail and send a piece of the blade flying from your mower. Please take this recommendation seriously!
Even if no one is hurt if this occurs, you very well could be on the hook for property damage costs.
When to replace lawn mower blades
At some point, lawn mower blades can no longer be sharpened and will need to be replaced.
You may need to replace your lawn mower blades because you have sharpened them too many times and have removed too much material from the blade.
Other reasons you may need to replace your lawn mower blades are much more obvious.
For example, if you bend your lawn mower blade, it should be replaced. Please do not attempt to bend it back to being straight once again. The integrity of the blade was lost as soon as it was bent.
Other reasons to replace your lawn mower blades include large chunks missing due to hitting an obstacle or hairline fractures. You should always inspect your lawn mower blades when sharpening or if you know you just hit an object you shouldn’t have!
OEM vs Universal Lawn Mower Blades
Something worth noting about lawn mower blades is that you do not have to stick with the OEM blades that came with your lawn mower!
Some stock blades simply do not provide a great cut quality. The 2 most important factors when purchasing aftermarket blades is that you purchase blades with the same length and center hole diameter. If your blade has the additional outer holes, you need to account for these specs as well.
Above is an example of a universal replacement blade that has an elongated hole instead of a circle. You will often see this on universal blades that account for outer holes because they want the blade to fit as many makes and models of mowers as possible.
Where to purchase lawn mower blades?
Great question. You are in the right place!
iGoPro Lawn Supply has over 900 lawn mower blades in stock.
We more than likely have the blade you need and have the best price you will find online.
Go ahead and shop lawn mower blades now. We recommend searching for the blade you need by part number, but by now you are fully prepared to measure your blades and purchase the perfect replacement blade.
Lawn Mower Blade Conclusion
To wrap this up, let’s just summarize the most important information we covered.
The 2 most important things to note when purchasing lawn mower blades is the length of the blade and the center hole diameter.
Make sure you purchase a blade with the appropriate outer holes as well if your mower requires them.
Use high lift blades if you are mowing cool-season grasses.
Use low lift blades if you are mowing warm-season grasses.
Try gator blades if you are mowing long grass or would like to shred leaves as you mow.
Mulching blades should only be used with a mulching lawn mower or a lawn mower with a mulching kit installed.
Ryan Sciamanna
Ryan is the owner and founder of Lawn Crack, LLC the parent company of iGoPro Lawn Supply. He has worked in almost every capacity within the lawn and landscape industry for small local companies, nationwide companies, and of course, owning his own lawn landscape business which he sold in 2018 before starting selling lawn and garden products online. Learn more about Ryan by subscribing to the LawnCrack YouTube Channel.
BEST Riding Lawn Mowers of 2023 [Reviews]
Old-fashioned push lawn mowers are great for small urban and suburban lawns – but they don’t cut the mustard for rural and exurban homeowners. Ride-on mowers are the standard for keeping large lawns beautiful and tidy.
Riding mowers come in all shapes and sizes: commercial-grade zero-turn mowers, compact rear-engine designs, high-tech electric models, and more. Finding the right fit for you can be a hassle.
That’s why we’ve reviewed over two dozen ride-on mowers, and found the top 9 today. We looked at power, width of cutting deck, weight, special features of riding mowers to come up with our ranking. We’ve also included a helpful buying guide and FAQ to make your shopping experience a breeze.
Riding mowers range in cost from less than 2,000 to 4,000 or more. To make your choice easier, we have listed the general price (fluctuate) for each riding mower on our list:
- “Inexpensive” – less than 2,000
- “Moderate” – 2,000 to 4,000
- “Expensive” – Above 4,000
Here are Lawn Love’s picks for the top 10 riding lawn mowers:
Top 10 Riding Lawn Mowers — Reviews
| 1. Best Overall: Husqvarna YTH18542 |
| Category Winners |
| 2. Best Electric Riding Mower: Ryobi RY48111 |
| 3. Best Zero-Turn Mower: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 |
| 4. Most Bang for your Buck: John Deere S120 |
| Runners-up |
| 5. Cub Cadet XT1 |
| 6. Troy-Bilt Pony |
| 7. Ryobi 42-inch Zero Turn Mower |
| 8. Husqvarna Z254 |
| 9. Toro 42-inch Timecutter |
Best Overall: Husqvarna YTH18542
Husqvarna’s YTH18542 riding mower is designed to be compact and durable while providing enough power to cut any medium-to-large sized lawn.
Designed with maneuverability in mind, this tractor-style mower has a tight 16-inch turn radius. A single foot pedal controls a hydrostatic drivetrain for smooth transitions between forward and reverse.
The 18.5-horsepower engine is made by Briggs Stratton, America’s most reliable small engine manufacturer. The YTH18542 can reach a top speed of 7.4 mph, making it one of the fastest tractor-style mowers on the market.
Despite its compact size, Husqvarna has packed a ton of features into this machine. The 42-inch deck uses air induction to keep your grass from flattening under the mower, ensuring a clean cut every time. Dual anti-scalp wheels protect your lawn from the mower deck when passing over uneven terrain.
Husqvarna offers a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty on new mowers.
A clipping bag and mulching kit are sold separately to increase this lawn tractor’s utility. The YTH18542 is also compatible with Husqvarna’s whole line of tow-behind accessories.
Specifications
Power Source: 18.5 HP Briggs Stratton Intek engineTransmission: Foot-operated hydrostatic transmissionTop Speed: 7.4 mphDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 6 positions, 1.5 to 4 inchesPrice Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Compact for storage and maneuverability✓ Durable steel construction✓ Reliable Briggs Stratton engine✓ High-end hydrostatic transmission✓ 3-year warranty | ✗ Attachments sold separately✗ No fuel gauge |
Best Electric Riding Mower: Ryobi RY48111
An improvement on the original RY48110, Ryobi’s new generation of riding mowers features a state-of-the-art 100 amp-hour battery, allowing for up to 2.5 hours of continuous mowing on a single charge.
The 38-inch cutting deck can fit into tight spots and create precise cuts around garden beds and landscape features. Three separate brushless motors power the wheels and two blades, delivering cutting power comparable to a gas-powered mower. The Ryobi RY48111 has a top speed of 8 mph, making it the fastest mower on this list.
The RY48111 also is the quietest riding mower on the market, never exceeding 70 decibels. What this means: You can mow bright and early without disturbing the neighbors.
Other things we liked about this riding mower:
- Active cruise control delivers consistency on long stretches of lawn.
- Mulching capability: This mower comes equipped with mulching capability, with an optional collection bag sold separately.
- Cool features: The RY48111 has LED headlights, a cupholder, and a USB charging port.
- Battery charges overnight with a standard 120V power outlet. This mower is the most energy-efficient choice for yards under 2.5 acres.
Specifications
Power Source: 100 Ah battery, 3 brushless motorsTransmission: NoneTop Speed: 8 mphDeck Width: 38 inchesCutting Height: 12 positions, 1.5 to 4.5 inchesPrice Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Low-maintenance – no gas, filters, belts, or spark plugs✓ Zero emissions✓ Quiet✓ Compact for storage and maneuvering✓ Mulching included | ✗ Can cut only 2.5 acres per day |
Best Zero-Turn Mower: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
A top-of-the-line mower for residential markets, Cub Cadet’s Ultima series makes short work of the largest lawns. Driven by a 22-horsepower Kohler engine, this machine can reach a forward speed of 7.5 mph.
A fully adjustable racing-style seat provides ultimate comfort while operating the ZT1. The lap bar control is also adjustable in three dimensions to ensure precise maneuvering. Dual LED headlights help you cut in low-light conditions, and the rubberized cockpit floor reduces vibrations.
The 20-inch rear wheels and 11-inch front wheels offer enough traction to tackle gentle hills, and are engineered to protect your turf while pivoting. A 3.5-gallon gas tank lets you spend more time mowing and less time refueling.
Cub Cadet offers a three-year, unlimited hour powertrain warranty and a lifetime warranty on the frame. The ZT1 also comes in a 50-inch version for added efficiency and coverage. Cub Cadet has also recently released the Ultima ZT1 56V MAX60 electric zero-turn.
Specifications
Power Source: 22 HP, 725 cc Kohler 7000 series twin-cylinder engineTransmission: Dual hydrostatic transmissionsTop Speed: 7.5 mphDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 15 positions, 1 to 4.5 inchesPrice Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Powerful 22 HP engine✓ Fully adjustable seat and controls✓ Best-in-class warranty | ✗ No gas gauge✗ Attachments sold separately |
Most Bang for your Buck: John Deere S120
If you have thick grass or heavy brush on your property, the 22-horsepower John Deere S120 delivers heavy-duty power at an affordable price.
The high-torque engine makes the S120 great for cutting thick grass and hauling heavy loads. John Deere makes a wide range of tow-behind and front-mounted accessories, such as spreaders and snow plows. This little lawn tractor does the work of more expensive models with ease.
The S120 has large 22-inch rear wheels and an 18-inch turning radius. The high-back seat is fully adjustable, including lumbar support.
The 100-series also includes the inexpensive S100 and the highly acclaimed S180. The entire line is compliant with the CARB California emissions standards and is backed by John Deere’s 2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Specifications
Power Source: 22 HP V-twin engineTransmission: HydrostaticTop Speed: 5.5 mphDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 13 positions, 1 to 4 inchesPrice Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ High horsepower engine✓ California-compliant✓ Easy-to-read gas gauge | ✗ Slow✗ All accessories sold separately |
Runners-up
Cub Cadet XT1
The XT1 is Cub Cadet’s most popular lawn tractor. Powered by an 18-horsepower Kohler engine, this machine is designed with comfort in mind. It features a wide-bottomed, high-backed seat with adjustable back support and an ergonomic, anti-vibration steering wheel.
A smooth hydrostatic transmission, responsive steering, and cruise control make the XT1 easy to operate. A proprietary paint protects the tractor from corrosion. A quick-connect deck wash system lets you plug in an ordinary garden hose for easy cleaning.
This Cub Cadet has long-lasting LED headlights and is backed by a three-year powertrain warranty and five-year chassis/axle warranty.
Specifications
Power Source: 18 HP Kohler 5400 Series single cylinder engineTransmission: HydrostaticTop Speed: 5.5 mphDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 5 positions, 1 to 4 inchesPrice Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Best-in-class warranty✓ California-compliant✓ Comfortable | ✗ Slow✗ All accessories sold separately |
Ryobi Joystick Zero Turn Mower | How does it work?
Troy-Bilt Pony
If you’re looking for a budget option but still want a tractor-style mower, the Troy-Bilt Pony is your best bet. Though the Pony isn’t the most powerful mower on the market, it has all the features you need to keep a medium- to large-sized lawn neatly mown.
Built around a reliable 15.5-horsepower Briggs Stratton engine, this Troy-Bilt lawn tractor can easily tackle regular mowing jobs. The 7-speed “shift-on-the-go” manual transmission is designed to smoothly move from one gear to the next.
- Automatic headlights that adjust to low-visibility conditions
- A cupholder to help you stay hydrated on hot summer days
- 2-year limited warranty
Specifications
Power Source: 15.5 HP single cylinder Briggs Stratton engineTransmission: 7-speed manualTop Speed: 5.5 mphDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 5 positions, 1.25 to 3.75 inchesPrice Range: Inexpensive
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Reliable Briggs Stratton engine✓ California compliant✓ Affordable | ✗ Low power output✗ Manual transmission✗ Few cutting height options |
Ryobi 42-inch Zero Turn Mower
Ryobi’s mastery of electric power doesn’t end at rear-engine mowers. Ryobi went all-out to design an eco-friendly zero-turn mower that can hold its own against its gas competition.
Powered by four separate motors, one for each driving wheel and one per blade, this zero-turn mower distributes exactly the right amount of power to the components that need it most. The 75 amp-hour battery can last up to 2.5 hours of constant mowing, making short work of yards up to 3 acres.
A 7 mph top speed and fast, responsive turns let you mow farther and faster than other electric mowers. The battery charges overnight from a standard 120-volt outlet. A digital meter keeps track of the battery level and hours of use. This zero-turn mower has powerful LED headlights, two cupholders, and a USB charging port.
This Ryobi mower doesn’t quite produce enough power to tackle thick brush or wild growth, but it is perfectly capable of handling standard grasses. This mower comes with mulching capability, and a bagging system is sold separately.
Specifications
Power Source: 75 Ah battery, 4 brushless motorsTransmission: NoneTop Speed: 7 mphDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 12 positions, 1.5 to 4.5 inchesPrice Range: Expensive
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Low-maintenance – no gas, filters, belts, or spark plugs✓ Zero-emission✓ Fast and powerful✓ Mulching included | ✗ Narrow mowing deck✗ Can run for only 2.5 hours a day |
Husqvarna Z254
This Husqvarna zero-turn mower is ready for heavy-duty work with a 26-horsepower engine and a 54-inch cutting deck. With the most powerful engine on this list, the Z254 makes short work of lawns and fields.
Though the Husqvarna Z254 costs more than the Cub Cadet mentioned above, customers with massive yards or dense, wild growth areas can benefit from the added power.
Because of its FOCUS on cutting power, the Husqvarna Z254 is a little slower than other zero-turn models on the market. It has a single-lever deck height adjustment with six positions. The Z254 uses Husqvarna’s air induction system to keep grass upright for a cleaner cut. This zero-turn mower also is equipped with a “ready start” system for easy operation.
Specifications
Power Source: 26 HP Kohler engineTransmission: HydrostaticTop Speed: 6.5 mphDeck Width: 54 inchesCutting Height: 6 positions, 1.5 to 4 inchesPrice Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Powerful 26 HP engine✓ Wide cutting deck✓ Easy-start | ✗ No gas gauge✗ Seat not adjustable |
Toro 42-inch Timecutter
The last entry on our list, the Toro Timecutter series features a “Smart Speed” system that automatically adjusts the lap bars’ sensitivity to your operating pace. How cool is this? It has three modes of operation that redirect engine power:
- Mow mode is focused on speed, topping out at 7 mph.
- Tow mode focuses on wheel torque, with a top speed of 5.5 mph.
- Trim mode directs power to the cutting deck, reducing the top speed to 4 mph to plow through thick brush.
Other things we like about Toro’s Timecutter:
- Cupholder and an under-seat storage cubby in the cab.
- Tire fenders, which protect the engine and the operator from mud and debris.
- Shock-reducing dampers that keep the steering bars steady when you hit bumps.
Toro offers a 3-year, unlimited-hour residential warranty. The Timecutter is compliant with California emissions standards. Owners of larger yards should check out their 23hp 50-inch version and 23hp 54-inch model.
Specifications
Power Source: 18 HP Kawasaki V-Twin EngineTransmission: HydrostaticTop Speed: 7 mphDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inchesPrice Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Multiple operation modes✓ Comfortable cab | ✗ Low engine power✗ No gas gauge |
Buyers Guide: Riding Lawn Mowers
Buying a ride-on mower is a big decision. With so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This buyers guide will walk you through the types of riding mowers on the market and outline the important factors to consider. We’ll also explain how we came up with our rankings.
Types of Riding Lawn Mower
Riding lawn mowers are not all the same. While most ride-on mowers run on gasoline, several electric mowers have hit the market in recent years. Whether gas or electric, riding mowers tend to come in three general body shapes.
Rear-Engine
Rear-engine riding mowers are the most compact and least expensive model. The engine (or electric motor) is mounted behind the operating seat. This gives rear-engine mowers great front visibility but can affect their turn radius. With smaller cutting decks, rear-engine mowers can fit through gates and are great for medium-sized lawns.
Lawn Tractor
The standard riding lawn mower for over a century, the lawn tractor has a front-mounted engine that powers the wheels and cutting deck. Lawn tractors typically have cutting decks around 42 inches, though higher-horsepower tractors may be larger. Recent models may have automatic or hydrostatic transmissions, though many are manual.
Zero-Turn
The zero-turn mower has been around since the 1960s and has risen to prominence in the last 20 years. These high-tech machines use a hydraulic system to control the two powered wheels independently, allowing them to rotate on a dime.
Zero-turn mowers are typically controlled by a pair of levers across the operator’s lap and can be tricky to maneuver without practice. Their shape allows zero turns to sport wider decks. Zero-turns are usually a little more expensive but are the best choice for large yards.
Electric
With fossil fuels on the decline and rising gas prices, it may be the right time to invest in a battery-powered riding lawn mower. New advancements in green technology have led to some truly impressive eco-friendly lawn mowers from several manufacturers. With batteries that last up to three hours on a single charge, electric mowers can deliver similar power outputs to gas models.
What to Look for in a Riding Lawn Mower
Riding lawn mowers are complicated machines, and it’s important to consider a variety of specs when comparing them. We looked at several details and features to determine utility and cost-effectiveness for our top 9 picks.
Power
An important stat for any tool, the power of a riding lawn mower’s engine will determine your top speed and your blade torque. Gas engines of this size usually measure in terms of horsepower (HP), while large batteries measure amperage per hour of use (Ah).
Consider a higher-horsepower engine if you plan to cut thick brush or wild growth. Low-to-medium power is usually adequate for standard grass lawns.
Cutting width
A wider machine increases your coverage on each pass across the yard. Wider machines are more efficient, but require more power to operate and are therefore more expensive.
Deck Height
Adjustable decks are standard in modern lawn mowers. Most of them can cut grass between around 1.5 inches and around 4 inches, with several increments in between. This feature is usually more a matter of preference than necessity.
Special Features
Manufacturers like to add comfort and utility features to their riding lawn mowers to make them stand out. Features like cupholders, USB chargers, and anti-vibration steering wheels are great for getting more enjoyment out of mowing. Some models include mulching kits or leaf bags, while other manufacturers sell them as separate attachments.
Price
The most important factor in choosing the right mower is your budget. Riding mowers are a big purchase, and we recommend you shop at a few different vendors and local dealers to find the best deal. We quantify the above features and compare them to cost, to help you get the best value.
FAQ About Riding Lawn Mowers
Our research shows that the best riding lawn mower is the Husqvarna YTH18542. We chose this as our top riding mower for its reliability and utility relative to price. Other standouts: We also found that the best zero-turn mower is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 and the best rear-engine mower is the electric Ryobi RY48111.
Hydrostatic drivetrains rely on hydraulic fluid to transfer power from the engine to the blade or wheels. Because there are no gearboxes involved, power can smoothly increase and decrease along the drivetrain without the need for manual shifting.
This increases engine efficiency and allows power to flow differently to each part of the machine. Zero-turn mowers use this method to supply power to both wheels independently.
Riding lawn mowers are a big investment. Although some budget riding lawn mowers will cost under 2,000, the majority of residential-use models are priced between 2,000 and 4,000. Plan to spend around 3,000 on a new ride-on mower, or shop around local dealers for discounted on pre-owned machines.
When to Call a Lawn Care Pro
Riding lawn mowers are a hefty investment and they take up space in your garage. If you’d rather a lawn care pro keep your grass green and healthy, we can help. Lawn Love pros can give your yard a professional manicure at affordable prices. Call 800-706-4117 to see how a professional lawn care crew can show your yard some Lawn Love.
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
Main Photo Credit: Shutterstock photo with text overlay
Getting the Best Lawn Mower Cut Quality
Cutting the lawn has more purpose than making tall grass short. It’s about crafting landscapes that bring pride, landscapes that host parties and landscapes that literally work for you. By delivering superior cut quality for your clients, your reputation as a sharp landscaper will help retain current clients and be a selling point for new ones.
Read the following tips to learn how to get the sharpest looking landscapes. On a zero turn lawn mower, there are both adjustments and techniques landscapers can make and perform to ensure a smooth, even and appealing result with each mowing.
Adjust lawn mower deck pitch
Fine tuning a mower deck enables the aerodynamic design of the cutting chamber to lift grass, cut it evenly and discharge it effectively.
What is mower deck pitch?
Lawn mower deck pitch, or sometimes referred to as, rake, is the tilt of the mower deck from front to back. Forward deck pitch creates an air seal at the front of the deck when the blades are rotating. This seal limits air entry into the cutting chamber to the rear of the deck, allowing the aerodynamic design of a Gravely lawn mower deck to maximize grass lift and cut evenly. This design results in a superior cut quality and an even discharge that’s less likely to clump.
For most effective results, a lawn mower deck should have a pitch, or height difference of 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch between the front of the deck to the back of the deck. Naturally, this makes the sweet spot about 1/4-inch of pitch, depending on the mower model. In any case, the front of the deck should be pitched lower than the deck rear. Be careful not to pitch too much that you start scalping lawns.
How to adjust lawn mower pitch
All Gravely decks are built so their owners can adjust deck pitch quickly and easily. There’s no special tools or mechanical training required to complete this procedure, either. Just a couple wrenches and a few pieces of hardware. Before you begin, park the mower on a flat, level surface, stop the engine, remove the key, check that the tire pressures are equal and grab a tape measure.
Check pitch
As directed in the operator’s manual:
- Raise the mower deck to a cutting height of 3.5 inches.
- Manually and carefully turn the blades so they’re positioned front to back. When manually turning blades, always grab the dull edge of the blade.
- Measure:
- The distances between the front tips of the outer blades and the ground.
- The distances between the rear tips of the outer blades and the ground.
- If front measurements are lower than the rear measurements by less than 1/8 inch or more than 1/2 inch, adjust pitch.
Adjust pitch
Deck pitch can be adjusted by lowering the front of the deck, raising the rear of the deck or a combination of both. Be sure to make adjustments so that the distances of your final measurements at the front of the deck accurately reflect the cutting height of 3.5 inches that was set earlier.
To lower the high side of deck:
- Loosen jam nuts against deck lift links.
- Turn adjustment bolts counterclockwise.
- Retake measurements and continue adjustment, if necessary.
- Tighten jam nuts against deck lift links.
To raise the low side of deck:
- Loosen jam nuts against deck lift links.
- Turn adjustment bolts clockwise.
- Retake measurements and continue adjustment, if necessary.
- Tighten jam nuts against deck lift links.
After pitch adjustment is complete, check deck level.
Leveling your mower deck
Level the mower deck to ensure grass cutting height is even across the width of the deck. This will help ensure a smooth and seamless side-by-side blend between each row of freshly cut grass.
What is lawn mower deck leveling?
This is easier to understand than deck pitch. Deck leveling is simply making the cutting height on the left side of the deck even with the cutting height on the right side of the deck. In all cases, decks should be level with as little variance between each side of the cutting deck as possible. No variance between the left and right side of the deck is best.
How to level the mower deck
Leveling a Gravely lawn mower deck is done the same way as pitching a Gravely mower deck, except it’s adjusting the deck height from side to side, not back to front. Same components and tools with pitching a mower deck, and as before, start with the unit parked on a flat, level surface, inflate the tires to specification and grab a tape measure.
Check mower deck level
As directed in the operator’s manual:
- Raise the mower deck to a cutting height of 3.5 inches.
- While wearing thick, sturdy gloves, manually and carefully turn the blades so they’re positioned side to side. When manually turning blades, always grab the dull edge of the blade.
- Measure:
- The distance between the left blade’s left cutting edge and the ground.
- The distance between the right blade’s right cutting edge and the ground.
- If the distance between the left blade tip and the ground is 3/16 inches greater than or less than the distance between the right blade tip and the ground, level the deck.
How to level your lawn mower deck
As directed in the operator’s manual
- Loosen jam nuts against deck lift links.
- Turn adjustment bolts counterclockwise.
- Retake measurements and continue adjustment, if necessary.
- Tighten jam nuts against deck lift links.
- Loosen jam nuts against deck lift links.
- Turn adjustment bolts clockwise.
- Retake measurements and continue adjustment, if necessary.
- Tighten jam nuts against deck lift links.
How to sharpen lawn mower blades
Same as with dull knives or scissors – they don’t cut efficiently and results in duplicate effort. On a mower, dull blades leave behind stragglers and require the terribly inefficient practice of mowing the same rows twice.
Dull blades may require a total replacement, which isn’t bad since new blades are relatively cheap and easy to replace. However, if the blades aren’t worn too far, they can be sharpened without spending money on new blades. Be aware that blades should not be sharpened if more than a half-inch of the blade material is worn away (by previous sharpening or wear) or if the air lift is eroded. If the air lift is eroded, blades can no longer lift grass effectively and cut evenly. Blades that are bent or broken should be discarded.
- Read the safety instructions and the procedure instructions in the unit’s operator’s manual.
- Remove the mower deck according to the instructions in the operator’s manual.
- Remove the blades according to the instructions in the operator’s manual.
- File or grind an equal amount of blade material from each cutting edge until sharp. Do not change angle of cutting edge or round the corner of the blade.
- Slide the blade onto an unthreaded bolt and hold the bolt horizontally. Position the blade horizontally and check for blade balance. This is critical. If the blade moves, sharpen the heavy end until the blade remains balanced in a horizontal position on the unthreaded bolt.
- When the blade is sharpened and balanced adequately, reinstall it under the mower deck and torque it to the specification listed in the operator’s manual.
- Reinstall the mower deck.
Cleaning your mower deck
Mower decks packed with grass clippings, dirt and debris can damage your mower, affect cut quality and hurt lawns. Grass, dirt and debris holds moisture that corrodes bare metal on the spindles and mower blades, weakening them. Additionally, grass-packed cutting decks can harbor fungi and bacteria that can spread to other lawns and damage them.
Grass buildup around the discharge area can prevent clippings from discharging evenly and could lead to clumping. Grass buildup under the deck can also affect the aerodynamics of the cutting chamber, disrupt the air lift under the deck (detailed in What is mower deck pitch?) and affect the cut quality.
Good lawn mowing techniques
Sometimes, getting a better cut quality can be achieved by breaking a few bad habits like mowing too fast, mowing in the same pattern and cutting grass too short.
Why you shouldn’t mow too fast
For busy landscapers, efficiency is important. And while landscapers will find many creative ways to shave time off each job, patience on the jobsite yields better results. Driving faster than the mower blades and deck can process overwhelms the deck and leaves behind stragglers and clumping. Slowing down the drive speed of a mower allows the blades enough time to lift, cut and discharge grass clippings evenly.
Why you should mow in different patterns
After mowing the same properties, landscapers will learn the best way to navigate through their clients’ properties and will sometimes stick to one efficient mowing pattern. However, mowing in the same pattern is bad for lawns.
Grass is like hair. If it’s accustomed to being pushed in the same direction, it learns which way to fall. After mowing in the same paths cut after cut, grass falls to one direction and doesn’t stand straight up, making it more difficult for the mower to lift the grass and cut it evenly.
Additionally, mowing in the same pattern creates ruts. The weight of a mower driving over the same rows with each mowing causes the soil under a mower’s wheels to become compacted. As soil compacts, it restricts water, air and nutrients from reaching grass roots, leading to grass discoloration in those mower tracks.
To avoid these issues, landscapers should mow in a different pattern that crisscrosses the pattern of the previous mowing.
Why you shouldn’t cut grass too short
Grass that’s kept longer grows healthier.
Grass that’s cut too short becomes stressed because it uses its energy re-growing what was just cut instead of growing its root system. Longer grass makes healthier lawns because longer grass has deeper root systems which access moisture and nutrients more effectively. Additionally, longer grass helps prevent the ability for weeds to take hold in the soil and germinate because tall grass blocks sunlight from those weeds.
Landscapers should cut no more than one-third of the length of grass with each mowing.
Best mowers for good cut quality
Performing service and adjustments on any lawn mower makes a big difference in cut quality, but you’ll never get the best cutting quality without having the right equipment. Consumers have numerous choices in a commercial lawn mower, but they’re not built alike.
Gravely commercial lawn mowers are designed for landscapers. Not only is a Gravely durable, reliable and comfortable, but each Gravely is designed to deliver superior cutting results.
Strong deck stability
As opposed to decks that shake excessively when cutting, Gravely decks are sturdy and move with the contours of each landscape, ensuring an even cut.
Cutting deck dimensions
The deep depth of a fully fabricated Gravely commercial mower deck processes greater volumes of grass faster with reduced need to compromise speed for quality on the jobsite.
Superior deck aerodynamics
Grass is lifted and discharged evenly and effectively, meaning there’s less chance for stragglers and clumping.
Constant belt tension
Gravely’s trademarked constant belt tension, or CBT, applies the same tension to a brand new mower belt than it does to an older, stretched mower belt. This ensures consistent blade tip speed and cutting results throughout the life of the belt, even as it wears.
Lawn mower dealers near me
Ready to learn more about the machines that have been shaping the American landscape for over a century? Stop by your local Gravely dealer to explore Gravely’s full product lineup and to get replacement parts like belts, blades and more. Add a Gravely lawn striper kit this season to enhance each lawn by giving it that professional, finished look.
The Ultimate Guide for Lawn Mower Types – Explained Clearly!
Lawn mowers are the perfect equipment to maintain your yards, gardens or landscapes in good condition without straining yourself.
They are available in different types to satisfy a wide range of requirements and budgets.
It is essential to know the difference between these types to make the right investment. If not, you may end up either investing more or having a wrong product that doesn’t satisfy your requirements.
To help you have clear understanding, we have come up with a detail explanation of lawn mower types in this article.
If you are thinking to invest in a lawn mower, then read through the information clearly to make an informed choice.
Different Types of Lawn Mowers
Since there are several types of lawn mowers, we have categorized them based on its moving style, power type, driver type and others.
Ride-On Mower
Walk Mower
Power Type
Driver Type
Detail Review of Each Lawn Mower Type
Ride-On Mowers
This lawn mower is perfect for people who have large landscapes to maintain regularly. They make easy job of cutting lawns, significantly reducing the time needed to trim your grass. Mostly, it creates a simpler and enjoyable the experience. When it comes to effectiveness of these mowers are better than walk-along lawn mowers, however they do come with higher expense.
These lawn mowers are further categorized into four types. They are:
Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
These mowers have evolved into premium section of lawn mowing category. The working mechanism of these mowers is quite simple – the lap bars located near the front seat control the two hydrostatic transmissions located at both rear wheels.
They can take sharp turns, pivot, and provide the best cutting performance. They are able to get closer to obstructions compared to others. They are capable of cutting with precision against the edges of landscapes that will produce an improved appearance on the majority of lawns.
Their ability to steer makes a competent mowing experience, particularly for lawns with irregular shape. They are capable of cutting large amount of grass in the shortest amount of time.
Zero-turn mowers come with deck widths typically ranging between 32 and 60 inches. They are estimated to have a horsepower of around 12-25 with engine sizes that range from 452 and 700 cc. The price of these lawn mowers varies based on its model and specifications, with the price ranging from 1000 to 6000.
Rear Engine Lawn Mower
These riding mowers are an ideal option for lawns with moderate size which are small for the use of a lawn mower, but too large to use the walk mower. They have the engine in back of the mower beneath the seat of the driver while the deck sits beneath the driver’s seating.
They’re typically operated with the lever that operates the continuous transmission. It comes with single-cylinder engines that range between 344 cc to 38 cc.
The horsepower is measured between 10 and 11. The deck dimensions of these mowers can vary between 30 inches and 33 inches, which makes them ideal for lawns that have fewer than 2.5 an acre in all.
A lawn this large will cause quite a bit of wear on the mower, so a thorough maintenance program is crucial and the riding mower with a rear engine is able to deal with the task.
Lawn Tractor
Lawn tractors are common to the majority of people and these front-mounted machines are what most of us envision when we think of riding mowers. They’re an excellent option for big lawns, with deck widths that typically range between 42 to 54 inches.
An effective method to figure out the size of lawn mower you require is to split the deck’s width by 12, and the result is the amount of grass it can manage. For instance, a 42-inch deck width would be ideal for lawns up to 4 acres.
In terms of the size of engines, lawn mowers are available between 18 and 25 horsepower starting with only one cylinder, with more expensive models featuring twin cylinders.
The basic lawn mowers will come with gears operated by levers, whereas higher-end models can have a continuously variable transmission. This is a pulley-driven automated transmission controlled with a shift-on-the go hand lever.
They’re excellent all-rounders to manage large lawns however, their biggest disadvantage is their restricted manoeuvrability.
If you’re looking to exceed your budgetary limits it is possible to purchase one that has a pedal-driven hydrostatic transmission. Lawn tractors typically ranging from 1000 to 3000, which makes them affordable when compared to other varieties of riding mowers.
Articulating Lawn Mowers
They are like zero-turn radius mowers. However, their blade decks are located at the forward of the lawnmowers. The seat behind the deck seats the user so that they can look directly down to the point at which the deck is guided.
Behind the riding position is the engine which allows you to easily reduce edges and climb into corners and under other obstacles.
They are generally longer mowers to provide the rider with this view point. It has all the advantages of a zero-turn mower with regards to precision (but not with zero-turn capability). It’s a simpler control than the other lawn mowers with similar functions.
With the cutting deck that is mounted on the front and the articulated steering, it’s tough to find areas that the Husqvarna Rider won’t be able to reach.
The combination of comfort, control and performance will not just simplify your work but also make you feel more comfortable during the journey.
Walk with Mowers
The walk-along lawn mower is one of the mowers that require driving, however they are operated by the person who is who is walking behind them.
Because of the work these mowers demand they should be reserved for lawns of not more than half of an acre and for owners who aren’t averse to the effort involved.
Walk-along mowers are versatile and have more options than ride-on mowers. They also come with features and qualities to suit any budget.
Cylinder Mowers
Cylinder mowers have circular blades that turn in a vertical direction (anywhere between 3 and 12 blades) cutting with a blade fixed in rear of the mower.
The blades entrap grass between them and cut them up like how cutting tools work. They are suitable for flat lawns. They can make the terrain difficult to manoeuvre.
Cylinder mowers offer clean cuts, and specialize in creating distinct stripes. They’re the most efficient when you use soft grasses that are short and soft.
This means it isn’t a good idea to let your grass get too long because your mower isn’t able to cope with it. Therefore, you will need to trim your lawn regularly (at minimum, every other week or once).
In addition to their flaws These mowers are often high maintenance and require regular servicing and are not as adjustable than other mowers. It can be difficult to locate replacement parts because of their rarity. But their cost and effectiveness cannot be questioned.
Most likely to be the most well-known walk-along mowers. They come with single blades that turn horizontally at high speeds, similar to how blenders function.
Rotary Lawn Mowers
Rotary mowers are ideal for lawns that have medium or long grass. It’s fine to go two weeks without mow. These are various kinds of lawn mowers, which appeal to those who do not need to worry about gas and engines, and all the other demands.
They aren’t as precise as bowers on cylinders which results in less precise or uneven cutting. But this inaccuracy and unevenness is only evident to the experienced eye, in particular in the typical uneven lawn, with its bumps and slopes.
Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
This type of lawn mowers moves forward by a motor which means that, unlike the push mower it doesn’t require pushing it, but instead steer it. Self-propelled lawn mowers are usually easy to operate and can allow quick mowing of the lawn, no matter how small or large.
The primary reason to buy them is that they do not require any the use of a person to push them forward, as well as being more consistent and steadier in their speed. But they require regular maintenance and come with the price.
Push Mowers
Push mowers require that you manually push them from behind. There’s no other method to get the wheels moving.
These lawn mowers are extremely well-loved however, helped by their low cost and light and easy-to-use design that allows for easy maneuverability to move around obstacles and corners, or even reverse.
Naturally, these mowers demand physical effort, so invest in them only if are a fan of your morning exercise or don’t have any health concerns. They’re also ideal for lawns that are small and level. You do not want to push them down the hill or force them up an uphill.
In addition, since the mowers don’t emit emissions and operate using manually-generated power, they’re incredibly green; they’re non-noise-pollution, unlike motorized lawnmowers.
Hover Lawn Mower
Hover mowers hover above ground because of the air cushion that helps keep them suspended. They are extremely easy to steer around due to the decreased interaction with ground, and the resultant lower friction.
They can be easily moved all directions, sideways as well, making them ideal for large, unevenly-shaped lawns. These are the most unique models that are lawn mowers.
Hover mowers, aside from being easy to handle and maintain, are also very affordable. But since they are typically powered by electricity they do not have the power that other mowers have and are therefore not suitable for large lawns.
Power Type
The kind of source of power that is most suitable for your lawn mower will be determined by how big your yard is, the power, and other requirements. The choices available in terms of lawnmowers power sources include:
Manual Lawn Mower
This type of mowers is basically push mowers. Although they might come with an engine, it only controls the blades but doesn’t generate any motion.
Users are the sole source of motion using their muscles unlike the other options. the energy is provided through the engine while the user provides only directional direction. They are quietest and most eco-friendly, and most affordable.
They’re also among the most difficult to operate, and require an adequate strength and endurance to run. They’re ideal for smaller lawns.
The 3 Best Lawn Mowers Under 5,000 (2023)
Electric Powered Lawn Mower
Mowers are also distinguished by the power they draw from. Like the name implies electric mowers operate on electricity, not batteries or gas. They’re typically corded and are the most popular and most common types of lawn mowers suitable for medium and small-sized yards.
Electric mowers are generally light, simple to operate and easily maneuverable. Also, they are compact compared to gas-powered mowers which makes them easy to store.
They’re also very economical. The only disadvantage is that they’re tied to a wire so the amount of freedom you can move is limited by the length of the wire.
Battery Powered
Batteries powering mowers are powered by lithium-ion batteries which are light and last for long. These mowers offer the power of electric mowers, but without the cables-length limitation. This means you can maneuver better as well as more comfort and is suitable to lawns of all sizes.
However, they are expensive, ranging from 500 for an excellent model. Another issue is the limited time of operation, usually lasting one hour before needing to be charged.
It is also important to keep a watch for the batteries and change them whenever it is needed (generally every couple of years).
Gas Powered
Gas-powered lawn mowers operate on petrol and can therefore be able to reach places that corded mowers aren’t able to reach. They also have more power and cut grass more quickly and generally do the job faster.
They’re in a position to cut through long or thick grass. They are also simple to maneuver, even though they are massive and heavy.
However, these machines are very polluting and require regular maintenance and service. They’re also polluting and one of the priciest walk-mowers available, with ranging between 200-800.
Driver Type
The driving system of your mower is a significant factor which can affect the performance dependent on the terrain you are in. We have mentioned them clearly below for your reference.
Rear Wheel
They are driven forward by the movement of the wheels present at the back. They are great for large-open areas, but they are difficult to move around which is why you might have trouble in smaller or oddly-shaped landscapes. They aren’t easy to turn around for changing the direction, and in particular difficult to reverse. But they’re great for uneven or unstable terrain because they are capable of advancing over any steeps or bumps.
Front wheel
Front wheel lawn mowers are driven using front wheels using their rotating motion. They work best with lawns that do not have any hills or steeps because they do not do well on slopes or inclines. The front-wheel driven mowers are simple to move, and are able to maneuver well through any obstacles or odd-shaped lawns.
All wheel
These lawn mower types come with four wheels which are connected to the power source. When turned on, all the wheels are equally propelled parallelly to move in unity. The main advantage of using all wheel driver lawn mower is the speed. However, it lacks mobility that comes with front-wheel drive lawn mowers.
Robotic Lawn Mower
Similar to the one mentioned above, but they don’t require you to drive to use them. Similar to Roomba vacuum cleaners that recognize the form of your flooring and effectively vacuum it, these machines do similar things with lawns.
It is necessary to establish an area for them to walk around Sometimes, it’s simply a wire, or train them using GPS coordinates. Beyond that, they’ll run around the yard by themselves and can tell if they’ve cut lawns in this region in the first place, then then continue moving until they’ve completed.
These lawn mowers are yet another useless invention so far. They have some way to go before it’s worth the effort.
Rough-Cut Mowers
They can be thought of as industrial lawn mowers. They have very strong powerful blades that reduce brush, as well as small trees. They’re designed to let you continue to move with no anxiety about what’s going on in front of you.
These are called rough-cut mowers since they’re not made to make beautiful clean lawns. They’re designed to get lots of work done quickly.
Flail Lawn Mowers
Flail mowers are made to cut brush that does not have a lot of branches or trunks. They can be attached to the rear of a tractor although there are walk-behind alternatives too.
One reason why they’re referred to as “flail” mowers, is that they don’t throw objects which they aren’t able to cut. They simply bounce off them and continue to move. This is why it’s safe to cut through thick brush you cannot be able to see through.
Bush hog
Bush hogs, also known as a brush hog is a rotary mower usually driven behind a tractor due to their weight due to their large size. They are engineered to cut through even the densest branches and trunks made of heavy brush.
Small saplings, trees broken branches on the ground grass, brush and… Nothing can stand up to the strength of these. Their length helps you get big jobs accomplished much faster as you will require less runs across the field.