Mower Advancements

In recent years, manufacturers have targeted comfort during operation and ease of use when designing new mowers. With this in mind, some models are available with the ability to adjust blade height while driving, improved power steering, stronger suspension, and easy access to decks. Some manufacturers feature floatation tires to help to reduce compaction and make it possible to drive in wet conditions. Other models have the ability to cut on slopes of up to 45 degrees. Additional features available on current models are: adjustable discharge baffles, heat-treated steel blades, flat-free caster tires, flexible rubber discharge chutes, and flip-up seats for easy access to the hydraulic systems.

To reduce pit stops for refueling, riding mowers also now are being equipped with larger fuel tanks. With some capable of holding up to 14 gallons, your crew can be much more efficient.

Creature Comforts

Spending hours on top of a bumpy, noisy machine can take its tool on your crew members. To ease the sore joints and muscles of your drivers, manufacturers have added creature comforts once only found in cars. Many models feature arm rests, cupholders, auxiliary power ports, high-back adjustable seats, added leg-room, and improved footrest angles.

 

Weighing in at 710 to 790 pounds, this Stander RH?EUR??,,????'?????<

Riding Mowers

Standard ride-on mowers are ideal for mowing large flat areas with multiple acres. These mowers vary in cost depending on manufacturer, model, engine type and size and other features. Designed with comfort in mind, they are generally easier on the bodies of the riders, have larger gas tanks, and are built to run all day.

Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are smaller and more versatile than standard ride-ons. With a zero-turn radius, they have become a must-have for superintendents looking to reduce mowing time. Most zero-turn mowers have dual handles for steering and cutting widths of 36, 48, 52, 60 and 72-inches. Their small turning ability enables them to mow areas close to objects such as trees, flowers beds and buildings. This eliminates the need for smaller walk behind mowers and cuts labor costs. In addition, the availability of wider decks on these mowers has made them even more attractive to those with larger landscapes. Now Zero-turn mowers can mow wide-open spaces in addition to the tight spots.

Nimble and lightweight, push mowers are useful on high visibility areas to do the detail work larger ride-on mowers can?EUR??,,????'?????<

Walk-Behind Mowers

Walk-behind mowers are useful for areas that are too small for conventional ride-ons. Generally available in two or four-cycle engines, they are also available in convertible types, which can bag, mulch or side discharge grass clippings. (Bagging the clippings will take more time, as you must dispose or recycle the waste). These may not cut as much area of the rest of your mower stable, but they are still extremely important for manicuring high visibility areas.

Before purchasing walk-behinds, take into account the type of area you are cutting. When cutting on fairly steep slopes of 15 to 20 degrees or more, a mower with a two-cycle engine will ensure the engine is lubricated.

On fairly flat areas, a lawn mower with a four-cycle engine with an oil pump or pressure lubrication can work well. The two-cycles require less maintenance but in most cases do not have as much horsepower.

Overhead valve engines (four-cycle) are easier to crank, run cooler and burn less gas. In addition, the cooler an engine runs, the longer it will normally last. Most brands of walk-behinds come in the following cutting widths: 36, 48, 52, and 60-inches. Available from most engine manufacturers, the four-cycle engines require more maintenance and oil changes.

While two-cycle engines do not need oil changes, they need more frequent air cleaner maintenance.

When you are ready to make your purchase, make sure to compare prices of multiple dealers, because just as in car shopping, mower prices can vary between dealers for similar models.

Walk-behind mowers like this one from Walker are useful for hard to reach areas such as berms, rolling contours, irregular areas, curbs, and street dividers that would be too dangerous for ride-ons.

Stand-On Mowers

The stand-on mower splits the difference between ride-on and walk-behind machines. Safe on hills because of the ability to easily get off when unsteady, they are also easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Probably not the best option for extremely large areas, they are an attractive alternative to walking mid range landscapes. A day?EUR??,,????'?????<

With a 15 mph top speed, this Hustler Super Z is one of the faster riding mowers on the market. Available with catchers and snow-removal attachments, it also features a patented automatic park brake system. Other features include: 14.4 gallon fuel capacity; 54?EUR??,,????'?????<

Tractors

Another mowing option on large landscapes may already be in your garage.

The improvement of pull-behind mowing decks has made tractors a viable option for mowing large areas. With quality and size of decks comparable to standard commercial mowers, and the number of available attachments increasing yearly, tractors now are able to perform a wide variety of grounds maintenance tasks.

Tractors, like this Jacobsen are a viable alternative to conventional riding mowers due to the improvement of pull-behind mowing decks. In addition, the wide variety of attachments available gives tractors the versatility to do the jobs of multiple machines, leaving you budgetary room to spend on other important areas. photo: Guy Nelson

Purchasing Tips

Long gone are the days of simply going to a dealer or getting a catalogue in the mail to find out about new mowers. Today, you can visit trade shows?EUR??,,????'?????<

With detailed specs and colorful pictures, you can check them out in the comfort of your office. With each passing year, the number of mowers and manufacturers increases. With plenty to chose from surely there is a mower to fit your institution?EUR??,,????'?????<

When you are ready to make your purchase, make sure to compare prices of multiple dealers, because just as in car shopping, mower prices can vary between manufacturers for similar models.

For more information see: A New Generation of Mowers, Cathy Walker; Lawn Mowers, Walk Mowers, Riding Mowers and Zero Turn Mowers!