You might have already been considering a ride-on mower for a while or this might be your first research. Regardless, we at Torne Valley think it's important to consider a few key things before splashing your cash. We'll also talk you through ATCO, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, STIHL and John Deere ride on mower to work out which brand is best for you.
Do you really need a ride on mower?
Many users choose ride-on mowers to reduce the time it takes to cut a large section of garden or land. Most people considering ride on mowers are prepared to spend a little more to get the right piece of machinery for the job. Does this still sound like you? Then perhaps ride on mowers are perfect for you.
If you want a ride-on mower to reduce the grass-cutting time but you have a smaller/medium sized garden then a robot mower is your probably best option. This is also great if you don't have too much storage space.
Alternatively, if you have a small/medium sized garden and want to save money, it's worthwhile considering a petrol mower. This can also be known as a walk-behind lawnmower!
Is there a difference between ride-ons, lawn tractors or garden tractors?
In short, yes, there is a difference between ride-ons, lawn tractors and garden tractors. They all have a similar function; to cut grass but vary in size and use.
Ride-ons
Standard ride ons have a cutting deck at the front with an engine at the back. Generally, they're the smallest of ride-on variety available. Ride-ons are best suited for less than an acre of land at a time and can easily move around obstacles.
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are usually larger than a standard ride on mower and much better at larger areas that are a mixture of flat and rough. These are a little bit pricier but can handle rougher terrain much more easily.
Garden Tractors
Garden tractors are much better for areas of land up to 5 acres and can have different attachments added on such as grass collectors, leaf blowers and more.
Handy Ride-on Comparison Table
| Tractor Type | Land Size | Land Type | Suitable for? |
| Ride-on | 1 Acre or less | Flat Garden with obstacles | Mowing |
| Lawn Tractor | 3 Acres | Flat or rough garden without slopes | Mowing |
| Garden Tractor | 5 Acres | Any Land Type | Mowing, leaf blowing, grass collection & more. |
What brand is best for me?
The many major brands to choose from are STIHL, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, John Deere and ATCO. Feeling overwhelmed? So were we - that's why we created this table to help you wade through the masses of information out there on these brands.
| Brand | STIHL | Cub Cadet | Husqvarna | John Deere | ATCO |
| Type of Mowers | Ride-on Mower | Lawn / Garden Tractor | Ride-on Mower | Ride-on Mower / Lawn Tractor | Lawn Tractor / Garden Tractor |
| Range | RT 5097 Z RT 5112 Z RT 6127 ZL RT 4097 SX | LT1 NR92 LT2 NR92 XT1 OS107 | R 112C R 214T R 316TsX AWD R 214TC R 216T R320X AWD | X107 X117R X127 X147R X167 X350R X590 Z530M X167R X380 | ATCO GT 30H ATCO GT 38H |
| Advantages | 5 Year Warranty | Affordable Option | Very Maneuverable | Extremely Reliable (Professionals Choice) | 5 Year Domestic Warranty |
| General Price Range (rounded to nearest £10) | £2250-£4800 | £2200-£3500 | £2795-£7950 | £3150-£10,350 | £2900-£3300 |
Our Recommendations
We've written a list of our recommendations based on key factors you might be considering such as price point, warranty and cutting width.
Low Price Point
For a ride on mower with a lower price point, we would recommend the Cub Cadet LT1 NR92 36" Lawn Garden Tractor. With a step-through chassis design, a tight turning radius of 18″ (46cm), a 240 litre grass box which can be easily emptied from the seat, this garden tractor is as easy to use as it is maneuverable. It's best suited for between 1-1/2 acres of land.
Widest Cutting Width
The lawnmower with the widest cutting width is the Husqvarna R 316TsX AWD Ride-on Mower, which comes with a 112cm cutting width. It's best suited for larger areas that don't feature too many obstacles and is also very high-tech; connecting with an app on your phone to track key data.
Best for larger spaces
The Z530M Ride on Mower Zero Turn 48″ Accel Deep Deck, which happens to be a John Deere Ride-on mower is ideal for spaces over 10,000m2. This mower is also versatile and can easily avoid obstacles due to the subtle frame.
Best for smaller spaces
The Husqvarna R112C Ride-on mower is ideal for smaller garden spaces; with a smaller cutting width it can easily turn corners and obstacles.
Reliability
The STIHL models are generally extremely reliable and the STIHL RT 6127 ZL Petrol Mower is no exception as it has a 5 year warranty.
Final Thoughts
Ride-on Lawnmowers can not only save you time but also provide you with a key tool for keeping your garden looking sharp. Interested in shopping our full range? Click here to see more! Many of these mowers have also been featured on Which? Read more today.
