What to Look for in a Ride-On Mower: A Simple Buying Guide
Cut through the confusion and choose the right ride-on mower with confidence
When your garden gets too big for a standard walk-behind mower, it might be time to upgrade. Ride-on mowers are perfect for larger lawns, estates, paddocks, wild flower meadows or areas with uneven ground. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, we’ll break down the key features to look for, using real examples from our range at MowersUK.
Cut through the confusion and choose the right ride-on mower with confidence
When your garden gets too big for a standard walk-behind mower, it might be time to upgrade. Ride-on mowers are perfect for larger lawns, estates, paddocks, wild flower meadows or areas with uneven ground. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, we’ll break down the key features to look for, using real examples from our range at MowersUK.
What to Consider When Buying a Ride-On Mower
When buying a ride-on mower, it’s important to match the machine to your specific needs – whether that’s the size of your garden, the terrain or the finish you’re aiming for. Here are the key things to look for to help you choose the right model:
- Cutting Width – Consider the size of your garden and how much ground you need to cover.
- Engine Type & Power – Your engine choice affects performance, fuel type, and maintenance needs
- Drive Type – How your mower moves makes a big difference in comfort and control.
- Cutting Options: Collection, Mulching, or Side Discharge? – Different lawns need different finishes.
- Comfort & Features – A ride-on mower should be comfortable to use, especially for longer sessions.
- Terrain & Purpose – Not all ride-ons are designed for lawns alone.
- Maintenance and Build Quality - Check durability, maintenance ease, and parts availability
- Attachments and Versatility - Think about attachments for year-round tasks.
Here are the main features to think about
1. CUTTING WIDTH / HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
One of the first things to check is the cutting width. A wider deck means you can mow more in less time.
- For larger lawns, look for models with 30″-54″ (85–135 cm) decks.
- Smaller decks around 66–86 cm are great for tighter spaces or narrow access points.
- Choose a mower with adjustable cutting heights so that you can tailor the cut to seasonal conditions or grass type.
2. ENGINE TYPE & POWER
Your engine choice affects performance, running costs and how much maintenance your mower will need over time.
- More horsepower means better performance, useful if towing attachments or mowing long, damp grass
- Petrol engines offer high power and long runtime. Great for tougher jobs.
- Battery models are quieter, lower-maintenance, and eco-friendly.
- V-Twin engines deliver extra torque and smoother operation.
3. DRIVE TYPE
How your mower moves plays a key role in both comfort and control, especially when working around obstacles or mowing larger areas.
- Hydrostatic drive means smooth, gearless speed changes. It’s ideal for complex gardens, slopes, tricky turns or working around trees.
- Manual gearboxes are simpler to operate and often come at a lower cost, making them a good choice for smaller gardens, flat lawns or those on a tighter budget.
- Zero-turn mowers pivot on the spot, offering the tightest turning radius. Perfect for gardens with obstacles, beds, or awkward spaces.
4. CUTTING OPTIONS
The best cutting method depends on your lawn type and how tidy you want the finish to be.
- Grass collection keeps your lawn tidy by storing clippings in a collector (which can be composted later). Great for formal or well-kept gardens.
- Look for high-capacity collectors for fewer emptying stops.
- Mulching finely cuts clippings and feeds them back into the lawn, ideal for regular mowing, improved soil health and more vigorous grass.
- Side discharge throws clippings out to the side, useful for longer grass or less formal areas.
- Many ride-ons offer all three options.
5. COMFORT & FEATURES
A ride-on mower should be comfortable to use, especially for longer sessions.
Some of the key features to look for are:
- Adjustable, high-back seats with lumbar support make a big difference on longer jobs
- LED headlights for evening use
- LCD dashboards for clear readouts
- Tow hitch points for using trailers or lawn care attachments
6. TERRAIN & PURPOSE
Not all ride-ons are built just for lawns – for slopes, fields, or rough terrain, you’ll need something tougher.
- Garden size – for lawns under 1 acre a small ride-on or rear-engine mower may be enough
- Slopes or uneven ground – choose all-wheel drive or low-centre-of-gravity models for better traction and stability. Look for a wide wheel base and possibly a differential lock for stability
- Rough or overgrown areas – brushcutter ride-ons or front-mounted decks handle long grass and tough terrain with ease.
- Tight spaces or obstacles – zero-turn mowers offer tight turning and easy navigation around trees and borders.
7. MAINTENANCE AND BUILD QUALITY
- Deck Construction: a steel cutting deck is more durable than plastic, especially for regular use.
- Service Access: easy-access filters, belts and blades make maintenance quicker and more cost-effective.
- Parts Availability: choose a well-known brand with good support and spare parts availability.
- Protection from the elements: a rain cover gives added protection for longevity.
8. ATTACHMENTS AND VERSATILITY
Some ride-on mowers can be fitted with:
- Trailers
- Snow blades or sweepers
- Lawn rollers
- Scarifiers
This adds value, especially for year-round use.
Choose the Right Ride-On Mower For You
EGO 107cm/40" Ride-On Z6 Zero-Turn Battery Lawn Mower Kit (ZT4201E-L)
£250 cashback AND 4 free 10 Ah batteries
£4,799.00
Stiga Estate 9122W 122cm/48″ Garden
Tractor
Save £400 on this mower
RRP £5,399.00
NOW £4,999.00
Cobra LT86HRL 86cm/34” Lawn Tractor with Hydrostatic Drive
£150 cashback
RRP £2,649.00
NOW £2,449.00
Honda HF 2417 HME 107cm/40″ Garden Tractor, Versamow® Mulching
Save £400
RRP £5,280.00
NOW £4,880.00
Husqvarna R216T AWD Petrol Lawn Mower (Rider only)
Save a massive £1,000 whilst stock last
RRP £5,799.00
NOW £4,799.00
Toro ZS 4200T 107cm/40" Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Save a massive £800 whilst stock lasts
RRP £5,299.00
NOW £4,499.00
Need Help Choosing?
There are so many options to choose from, and remember to make sure the mower will fit in your shed, garage or access gate!
If you are baffled by everything to consider, why not chat to a friendly member of our staff. As a dealer for the most popular and best brands, whether you’re looking for power, precision, or eco-friendly mowing we can help you choose the right mower for your land, and support you long after purchase. We offer a no-hassle full Pre-Delivery Inspection and set-up service along with full a demonstration and instruction on delivery.
Have a look at our range now, or simply give us a call.
For professional advice call us on 01256 851166.
*T&C’s apply.
Prices correct at time of publishing
