Riding lawnmowers come in a variety of sizes and strengths; some are actually considered tractors and allow you to tow trailers behind them as well as change out their blades for tilling and reaping. However, a lightweight riding lawnmower can often be all you need for your property if you just use it for grass cutting. Note a few features to consider when you're ready to choose a riding lawnmower.

1. Mulching versus bagging

Mulching the grass as you cut it can be very beneficial for your lawn, as it leaves the grass clippings behind. These can keep moisture in the soil; this also cuts down on the waste that you create with each cutting.

However, this may not be a good choice if you have kids or pets who walk on the lawn, as they can drag clippings all over. Your lawn may also not look as pristine when you leave clippings behind. For a very attractive lawn, you might invest in a vacuum mower. This has a high-powered vacuum feature that collects more clippings, twigs, and other debris from your lawn than a standard bagged system.

2. Manual versus automatic transmission

A manual transmission may give you more control over hills and in wet grass or other areas where you need more power to the engine, as you can downshift more readily. However, they can also be more cumbersome to operate as you need to consistently change gears as you mow.

The automatic transmission may offer less control but may be all you need if your property is relatively flat, and it can be easier to operate since you don't need to constantly change gears. They are often more expensive than manual transmissions but they can make mowing the lawn easier overall.

3. Electric versus gas-powered

Typically, gas-powered engines are stronger than electric motors, but if you choose a gas-powered engine, ensure that you're comfortable storing gasoline on your property and adding to the mower. A gas-powered motor is usually louder than an electric motor, so consider the proximity of your neighbors. There is also more maintenance needed for a gas engine; you need to change the oil and give it a tune-up on occasion, just like your car engine.

However, if you need more power for your lawn because the grass is often wet or the property is hilly, you may need a gas-powered engine. Note too that electric engines only last as long as their charge, so if you have a very large property, you may not find an electric model that allows you to mow it all at once.

For more information and options, contact ride on mower companies, such as Cox Mowers.

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