There are many different categories of names and phrases to do with ride-on lawnmowers, sit-on mowers, garden tractors and lawn tractors that can get thrown around. Therefore, this can become quite confusing for gardeners themselves – not to mention manufacturers and suppliers also. We hope that the following information, split up into simple and easy-to-follow categories will go some way into helping you understand the differences between models and any questions that you may have.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Front Cut Ride-On Mowers
Also known as ‘out front riders’ and ‘sit-on lawnmowers without front decks’. These machines offer great visibility for the user with articulated steering, can cut in difficult circumstances, most notably underneath bushes and over-hanging tree branches. They are specifically designed for large scale mowing jobs and consist of high performing engines and with a mulching capability nearly always built in also. Some models also come with a four-wheel drive capability, to allow work on uneven slopes and terrain.
Heavy Duty Garden Tractors
These tractors are also referred to as ‘estate tractors’. As the name implies, these are powerful large-scale garden tractors that are predominantly, commercially used by large estate owners. They have cutting decks which can range between 127cm and 152cm. Also, like a lot of the other varieties mentioned, it comes with a mulching capability. This particular type of large-scale ride-on lawnmower is fitted with metal rollers at the rear so that if you are mowing in alternate directions, you can produce a well-defined striped finish on your lawn.
Rear Collect Tractors
Other names for this category include ‘garden tractors’, ‘lawn and garden tractors‘ and ‘lawn tractors’. These machines are quite large and are considered ideal for mowing lawns which have an approximate size between 1 and 2 acres. They have cutting decks that can range anywhere between 75cm to 125cm, highly powerful engines and a variety of different drives, ranging from multi-geared systems to hydrostatic. Some even come with a mulching capability if need must.
Rear Engine Riders
Sometimes referred to as ‘riding mowers’ or ‘ride-ons’, rear engine riders are the ‘base’ model in the ride-on mowers and tractors category. Their sole purpose is to maintain and mow your lawn, especially smaller ones. They differ from ride-on tractors in the sense that these are designed primarily for which larger mowing tasks, not necessarily though on large gardens/lawns. They can also be used for towing and attaching extra features, such as grass clipping collectors and trailers. Furthermore, you can get them with rear or side discharge.
Side Discharge Tractors
‘Garden tractors’ or ‘tractor ‘mowers’ are other names associated with side discharge tractors. These are very similar in terms of scale and specification in comparison to rear collect tractors, but their main difference to them is that their side discharge decks mean they’re more suited to cutting ‘domestic’ gardens and lawns rather than professional ones, due to its capabilities and its ability to adapt to long, rough grass. The tractors also come with a mulching option, much like the rear collect tractors. It’s also important to note that they should only be used to collect lawn clippings in dry conditions as the distance from the deck to the collector doesn’t make it ideal to use in wet conditions.
Zero Turn Ride-On Mowers
Sometimes identified as ‘zero turn riders’ or ‘zero turns’. These ride-on lawnmowers are easy to manoeuvre and literally turn on-the-spot when in use, so eliminates the possibility of un-cut patches forming on your lawn, saving both money and time later down the line. Key things to note include; they are usually controlled by two levers/paddles, which control both forward and reverse motions. In recent years, some models now even come with zero-turn steering wheels and drives which are always hydrostatic, giving the user full autonomy over the speed that they want to mow at, allowing for a more efficient and better looking final cut.