The ride-on mower, or tractor-mower, is lawn mowing equipment for large lawns. Unlike the self-propelled mower which requires a pushing effort, you only need to sit on the ride-on version to start mowing. Comfort and ease of use come at a cost, however, and a ride-on mower is considered quite expensive equipment. On average, a lawn tractor is 1 m wide by 2 m long, for about 200 kg. Its first price starts at 1000 euros, and can easily reach 5000 euros. The solution ? Maintain your ride-on mower with suitable accessories (scraper spatula, back-up battery, etc.) to use it for 15 or 20 years. Also make its use profitable by providing yourself with a universal hitch kit:you will attach useful equipment to the garden such as a scarifier or a trailer. Soon you will not be able to do without your lawn tractor!
our selection
Lawn roller ME3314450, WilTec
Scraper 06506, Ribiland
Rain cover, ValueHall
Super Power AGM Battery 12V, Tashima
Mowerlifter mower lift jack, WilTec
Lawn scarifier, Wiltec
Spreader, Wiltec
VidaXL trailer
How to choose a riding mower?
A ride-on mower is required if your lawn is larger than 1,500 m² and typically between 3,000 and 8,000 m² (the area of a football field). For smaller surfaces (from 1000 m²) or trees, prefer the rider. Close to the quad, it is more manoeuvrable, but also less powerful. The ride-on is propelled by a battery or thermal engine (gasoline) with a minimum of 11 HP and up to 20 HP, coupled to an automatic or manual transmission. On the cutting side, a blade width of between 60 and 75 cm is recommended for less than 1,500 m², from 75 to 90 cm up to 3,000 m² and up to 120 cm for 8,000 m² max. The rider housing can be ventral (under the driver) or front (at the front). Once mowed, the grass is ejected using three systems:a side discharge (projection on the sides), mulching (the grass is crushed and then left in place) or a large capacity bin. Tip: test the comfort of the tractor-mower (adjustable seat with suspension, headlights, etc.), the ease of driving or the noise level before buying it by renting it. Indeed, a ride-on mower represents a long-lasting but substantial investment, some models being able to reach 5,000 euros.
Maintaining a riding mower and its accessories
To ensure that it lasts a long time, wash your mower thoroughly after each mowing: lift it with a mower lift and clean the grass catcher, blades and housing with a squeegee and then with a jet.
Check the lubrication of the axles and cables, the air filter and the tire pressure.
Before wintering, carry out more in-depth maintenance and drain your ride-on following the recommendations in the maintenance manual.