Which Lawn Mower is Right for You?

Deciding which lawn mower you need is not always an easy task. With a variety of property sizes and landscapes, every homeowner looks for different features in a mower. When deciding which type of lawnmower you want to purchase, you will want to consider these 4 things: Property Size, Landscape, Operation & Versatility.

Property Size & Time

A larger property comes with more time required to maintain it. If you are looking for the faster option, you would choose a zero-turn mower. Zero-turn mowers can cut at higher speeds, and have a larger range of deck sizes. If you have a standard residential lot, a lawn tractor may suit you better. Lawn Tractors move at a slower speed, which typically makes for a cleaner cut.

Landscape

Properties can vary in layout, size and terrain.  It is important to consider these aspects when choosing your mower. 

If you have an odd-shaped property with a lot of obstructions you will need to cut around, a zero-turn mower will work best for you. A zero-turn mower will allow you to maneuver around objects and sharp corners easier and will allow you to better cut edges with ease. 

If you have a property consisting of different inclines, a lawn tractor may be the better option. A lawn tractor offers better stability when cutting on an incline/decline; with front-wheel drive, lawn tractors can work their way up hills whereas zero-turns may lose traction.

Operation

Choosing a lawn tractor will provide you with intuitive operation. The standard steering wheel and pedal will provide you with familiarity and comfort. The twin pedal design will allow you to control your speed and direction easily. This option is for grass cutters looking to get on and go.

On the other hand, the differential speed control provided by a zero-turn machine's dual-hydrostatic transmission can take some getting used to. Instead of using a foot pedal, you regulate the speed on these versions by pressing the control levers forward. Because hydrostatic transmissions can be finicky, expect some lurching and abrupt stops until you develop a feel for the speed control. 

When making turns, you must also learn how to time the manipulation of the levers (one pressing forward, the other pulling back). Because zero-turn mowers may also travel quicker than lawn tractors, you'll have to learn how to manage the equipment at higher speeds.  

Durability & Versatility

At Podolinsky Equipment Ltd., we offer a large range of John Deere attachments that allow you to take on any job your yard presents you. Many of these attachments are available for both lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers, providing ultimate versatility.

In terms of durability, the lawn tractor is the choice of reason. It can be used all year round for chores that are presented to you, and offers a wider range of attachments and accessories for those tougher tasks. 

When it comes down to the decision, both lawn tractors & zero-turn mowers are reliable, versatile and durable machines that will help you get the job done. Each homeowner has different needs and will need to consider the landscape they are buying for and the unique needs they are trying to satisfy. To learn more about these machines or test them out yourself, contact a Podolinsky Equipment Ltd. specialist today!