Before you splurge on a new riding lawn mower, read this guide to determine which type of machine is best for your needs.

Making your yard look tidy is an important part of owning a house. A well-maintained lawn can not only enhance the attractiveness of your home, but also increase its value. This is why it makes sense to invest in a decent lawn mower. Since the robotic lawnmower is still struggling to gain traction, your options are mainly divided into walking models and riding models.

If you have a small yard, a walking lawn mower is the perfect choice. However, if your yard is more than a quarter acre or you want to spend less time trimming it, then it is worth considering upgrading to a riding lawn mower. This guide will help you find the right one by checking factors such as lawn size, terrain type, and special features you are looking for. 

When choosing a lawn mower, the size of the lawn is an important factor. After all, if you have a large lawn covering several acres, your lawn mower will need to be mowed to handle the work well and save you time. 

An effective way to measure the performance of a lawn mower is its cutting width, which tells you how wide the grass can be removed in one pass. The larger the cutting width, the more grass you can mow at a time.

For yards less than 1 acre, a cut width of 30 to 42 inches is appropriate. Two popular models that meet the requirements are Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro and Craftsman T210 Turn Tight. Both lawn mowers are equipped with an 18-horsepower gas engine, a hydrostatic transmission and a cutting width of 42 inches. 

A lawn of 5 acres or more usually requires a cutting width of at least 54 inches-otherwise you will mow outside all day. One such model is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP. With a gas engine of 24 horsepower and a wide cutting width of 54 inches, it should be able to work quickly on large lawns.  

Does your lawn have many navigation obstacles? If this is the case, consider using a riding lawn mower with a smaller turning radius, which helps to steer in narrow places and corners. A smaller turning radius enables smoother operation and helps ensure uniform cutting. The turning radius of a lawn mower is usually listed in inches, with a smaller number indicating a tighter turn.

At the same time, if you have a lot of flower beds or shrubs in your yard, then a zero-turn lawn mower may be more suitable for you. For a zero-turn lawn mower, you will use a pair of levers instead of a steering wheel to steer. The zero-turn lawn mower rotates one corner and the effective turning radius is 0 inches. They also have a high forward speed. This allows them to provide smooth cuts while tightening the edges.

An example of a zero-turn lawn mower is the John Deere Z355R. It is equipped with a 22-horsepower gas engine with a top speed of 7 miles per hour.

Ride-on lawn mowers can do more than just mowing. For example, some can haul extra items. You can hang up dump trucks and the like, allowing you to easily move lawn debris and other objects. Other convenient options include snow blowers and even snow blower attachments to cope with harsh winters.

You can also look for comfort features in your next lawn mower. Seating is a major concern, especially if you are riding on the lawn mower for several hours at a time. If you have problems with long-distance riding like this, look for lawn mowers with high-back seats, lumbar supports, and armrests, as they can help you stay comfortable during long rides.

Some riding lawn mowers also include a cup holder to keep you hydrated when you are out mowing. There are also options for extending legroom, rubber footrests, etc. 

When you shop, be sure to consider engine design. A single engine is often the cheapest and is very suitable for small sizes. However, if you have a multi-acre yard, then you should consider using a V-twin engine. V-twin can not only provide faster mowing speed, but also help you easily navigate uneven terrain.

Some riding lawn mowers can also mow the grass backwards-this is a useful feature if you need a different angle when circumventing obstacles. In addition, reverse cutting usually helps smooth spots on hilly terrain. 

So now you know some of the key things to consider when choosing a lawn mower. The last step is to weigh the features you want based on your budget. Also, keep in mind that some manufacturers (such as John Deere) provide financing incentives. Even better, if you pay off the loan during the promotion period, you won't get into trouble due to interest expenses.

Financing like this can also give you the flexibility to purchase a more powerful lawn mower, or even the machine of your dreams. With regular maintenance, your lawn mower can provide years of valuable service.