5 Things to Consider When Buying a Riding Lawn Mower

Maintaining your yard is one of the essential responsibilities of being a homeowner. If you want it
done right, investing in a riding lawn mower is the way to go, especially for those who have acres
of land that require their attention. But if you’re a first-time buyer, you may not know what to look
for when exploring your options. Fortunately, we can fill you in on the basic considerations you
should make when shopping for a riding mower to keep your lawn looking sharp.

What to Consider When Buying a Mower

There is a lot to consider before purchasing a riding lawn mower, whether you are replacing an
old one or buying your first one. Every riding mower is going to have different capabilities and
offer different features. The best place to start is with the basics.

New or Used

You don’t necessarily have to purchase a brand new riding lawn mower. There are always going
to be a number of high-quality, pre-owned riding mowers available on the market and they will
generally carry a smaller price tag than a new model. But before you start checking Craigslist, you
may want to pay a visit to your nearest dealership. Equipment dealers will frequently accept used
equipment that they can tune up and re-sell. Purchasing a used mower from an equipment dealer
also means you’ll be able to rely on them for parts and service in the future.

Maintenance History

If you do decide to purchase a pre-owned riding mower, be sure to ask the seller about the
maintenance history of the machine. Regular maintenance is critical to keeping a mower in good
condition. That includes checking the oil before mowing, cleaning the air filter regularly and
performing basic maintenance on an annual basis (e.g. changing the oil, replacing the spark
plugs, sharpening the blades, etc.). Not only is it important to ensure the machine has been
properly maintained, but you’ll also be responsible for routine maintenance moving forward.

Yard Size

How big is your yard? The answer to that question will help you narrow down which riding lawn
mower best fits your needs. It is also important to consider the characteristics of your property.
One of the biggest differences from one riding lawn mower to the next is the type of steering with
which it is equipped. The type of steering you need will depend on the size and landscape of

your property. Two-wheel steering, for example, is best suited for residential property owners
with yards of fewer than three acres and no obstacles or tight corners to navigate.

Types of Mower Engines

Under the hood of every great mower is a great engine, which is why the power of the engine is
an essential consideration when shopping for a riding lawn mower. You want to make sure the
mower has enough horsepower to handle the size and landscape of your lawn. If you are mowing
a residential lawn that is fewer than three acres, you’ll likely have mower options ranging from 11
HP to 25 HP. But if your yard is greater than three acres, you’ll need a more powerful mower
engine with horsepower greater than 25. You may also want to look for name-brand engines,
which generally makes it easier to find parts if repairs are ever needed.

Attachments

If all you need is a machine to mow the yard, a riding lawn mower can take care of that. But a
riding mower is also capable of so much more. All you have to do is find the right attachments to
maximize its productivity. Prior to purchasing, consider how you’d like to utilize your riding mower
and what attachments you would need. Not all attachments are available with every type of
mower, so be sure to check what attachments can be used with each specific model you
consider. The cost of attachments should also be factored into your budget.

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