How big of a ride on mower do I need?

Índice Show

Should I get a 42 or 48 inch mower?
Is a 42 inch mower big enough?
What size mower is best for 1 acre?
Is a 16 inch mower too small?

Having the right ride on mower for your property can make quick work of lawn mowing so it’s understandable that one of the top questions we’re asked is “what size ride on mower do I need?” First of all, when we talk ‘size’, we don’t mean the physical bulk of the machine itself, but rather the power of the engine and width of the cutting deck. The ‘right’ size will directly relate to the area you have to mow; the larger it is the more powerful an engine and wider cutting deck you’ll need to handle the job efficiently. Let’s run through what those measurements mean and how much you need for certain sized properties.

Which mower is right for your property? Find out everything you need to know before you start. Get your free guide now.

Types of ride on mower

Lawn and garden tractor or zero-turn mower? Tractor styles have a steering wheel and are the more traditional type of ride-on mower, while most zero-turns have levers and are fast becoming the mower of choice thanks to their exceptional speed and manoeuvrability.

Cutting deck

The wider the cutting deck, the larger the area of grass you’re cutting at any given time. Deck sizes typically range from 38-42” in residential models up to 72” on commercial ride ons.

Another feature to look for in the cutting deck is the number of blades as this is directly related to how much grass is cut in a single pass.

Engine power

Horsepower is how the power output is measured and accounts for the amount of weight and distance the mower is being moved, and how long it takes to do it. However, horsepower can be very deceiving when comparing different brands of engine, with some rated at gross horsepower, and others at net or ‘Critical’ horsepower, and other variances depending on the rating system used. Click here to read more about this important point.

Engine displacement (the size of the cylinder in the engine) is measured in cubic centimetres (cc); the higher the cc, the more powerful the engine.

Engine torque measures (in foot-pounds/ft-lbs) the force that keeps the mower blades spinning; the higher the torque, the better the cut, especially in tall or thick grass.

A V-twin engine (usually found on larger tractors or zero-turns) provides more power than a single-cylinder engine, as well as reduced vibration for less wear, quieter operation and better comfort. A V-twin engine also lasts a bit longer as it runs cooler and burns fuel cleaner.

Mower size vs property size

Under 1 acre:

If your property is under one acre an entry-level mower will be fine, something with a smaller engine (at the front) on a lighter frame will work great. If you go for a lawn tractor over a zero-turn, you’ll also still need a push mower for getting into the spots the lawn tractor can’t.

DECK SIZE: up to 42”

ENGINE: at least 14 horsepower

1 – 2 acres:

A tougher frame, suspension and engine is needed for more mowing. Some mowers in the mid-range grade also come with the option to attach and tow other features such as a dozer blade, garden plow, trailer or leaf catcher, for example.

DECK SIZE: 42” – 46”

ENGINE: 16+ horsepower

Over 3 acres:

If you have a large property consider a model that has features available even if you don’t want to buy those add-ons right away.

DECK SIZE: at least 48”

ENGINE: 22+ horsepower

Before you buy a ride on mower

Ask friends and neighbours (especially those with a similar property to yours) what they use and how they find it, what they wish was better, etc.

As well as being the right size to tackle the job, it also has to be something you feel comfortable and safe using. If the engine is too small you won’t have good results. If it’s too big and powerful you’ll be riding it around super slow and that’s just as bad. We’d be happy to talk you through your options and arrange a free demo, so get in touch with our team to organise this.

You can also download our free guide on how to choose the right mower and learn more about what you need for your property.

There are several things to consider when you decide to purchase a new lawn mower. Here are some tips to help you get the best mower to match your needs.

The Mower Engine.

Purchase a mower with a quality engine, one suitable for the size of job you expect it to do. Quality brand engines like Briggs & Stratton, Kohler and Kawasaki can be found on several brands of lawn mowers. They power mowers ranging from small walk behind mowers to large zero-turn mowers and garden tractors.

Your Yard Size.

The size of your yard will help determine the best mower for your needs. Generally, a walk-behind mower is a good choice for yards that are about 3/4 of an acre or less. The smaller your yard, the smaller the mower deck can be. The mower deck size is the actual width the mower will cut in a single pass. A 20-inch walk-behind mower may be perfect for a small yard, but you will probably want a 21-22 inch mower for a larger yard to cut down on mowing time.

For yards larger than 3/4 acre, consider a rear-engine riding mower or a lawn and garden tractor. Riding mowers with rear-mounted engines provide good visibility and excellent mobility around trees, flowerbeds and other landscape features. They are available with mowing decks that range from 28-42 inches wide and engines from 12-20 hp.

For yards in the one-to-three acre range, a zero-turning rider or front engine lawn tractor may be appropriate. Look for a mower with at least 14-16 hp and a wide mowing deck – at least 38 inches – to get your lawn work done quickly.

Yards larger than three acres are best handled by a large zero turn mower or a garden tractor. Look for models that have at least 18hp engines and mowing decks in the 44-54 inch range.

Your Yard’s Terrain

A small flat yard requires only a typical walk-behind mower. If your yard is sloped or hilly, you will want to consider a self-propelled walk-behind mower rather than one you will have to push. A walk-behind mower with big back wheels is easier to maneuver across rough terrain. All riding mowers can handle varied terrain, although some mowers handle better on slopes than others.

Care must be taken when mowing on slopes and hills. If you are using a riding mower, mow up and down the incline, never across the incline. With a walk-behind mower, always mow across the incline, and never pull a mower backwards towards your feet. Put safety first, and always dress appropriately when using your mower.

Lawn Mower Features

While optional items add to the cost of a lawn mower, they are worth considering. Top among options is a mulching blade for your mower. A mulching mower returns the finely cut grass pieces to the lawn as a natural fertilizer – you won't need to collect and dispose of clippings.

Bagging mowers do what their name implies – you attach a grass catcher bag to the side or back of the mower to collect the grass clippings. You can choose a rear-bagging or side-bagging mower. The rear-bagging models are more maneuverable around trees, landscaping and those tight spaces in your yard.

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Should I get a 42 or 48 inch mower?

A small, 1/2-acre lawn is suited to a deck size of 40 inches or fewer. If your lawn is 1/2 to 2 acres, then a riding mower with a deck that is 42 to 48 inches wide would be appropriate. If the lawn is 3 acres or larger, the deck should be at least 50 inches wide.

Is a 42 inch mower big enough?

A good starting point for a medium-sized yard – an acre to an acre and a half — is a 42” mower. With a larger mower, you'll spend a lot of time maneuvering into position and around tight corners. For homeowners with one and a half to three acres to mow, a mower with a cutting deck between 42” to 48” is a good size.

What size mower is best for 1 acre?

Q. What size mower is best for 1 acre? The most popular deck size of mower for an acre is 42 inches. However, a wider deck, up to 54 inches, could be a great choice if the space is wide open and relatively flat.

Is a 16 inch mower too small?

Small Lawns (Under 1,500 Square Feet) Some of the smallest rotary mowers come in widths as little as 13 inches and are exceptionally light and maneuverable. For lawns up to 1,500 feet in size — or about half the space of a tennis court — you can choose a mower with up to 16 inches worth of cutting width.