Things to consider when buying a riding lawn mower
With a wide variety of tractors to choose from, it may seem a bit overwhelming to sort through all of the features, specifications and attachments available. Here are a few simple tips to help you choose the right lawn and garden tractor.
The right size for the job
In general, if your lawn is large and mostly open, it’s more important that your riding lawn mower has a generous cutting width. However, if there are lots of obstructions, like trees and bushes, it’s better to choose a riding mower that is small enough to go through the tightest passages. We offer riding mowers with cutting widths from 38 inches up to 54 inches. For more lawn mowing choices, be sure to check out all Husqvarna lawn mowers.
Collection, side discharge, or mulch?
Husqvarna riding mowers allow you to choose the cutting method best suited to your lawn and your personal preferences. All models are equipped with the ability to side discharge, mulch, or bag.
- Collection or bagging provides tidy results and saves time, eliminating the need to rake clippings after you've finished cutting. Our 2- or 3-bin collection systems may also be used for clearing leaves in the fall. In addition, collection is a good idea if you want to avoid allergic reactions to grass, and decrease the spreading of weed seeds.
- Side discharge is ideal for taller, wilder grass, coarser grass types and seldom-cut lawns.
- Mulching works well if you mow often and want a pristine lawn. The finely chopped grass clippings fertilize the lawn and help make it more drought resistant.
Accessories for greater versatility
Our ride-on tractors can be equipped with a wide range of accessories and mower attachments so that you can use your tractor for more purposes, all year round. Attach a trailer for hauling yard debris, a spreader to seed or fertilize, or attach the two-stage snow blower to clear your way in winter. These are just a few of the many attachments available for our riding mowers, including lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers.
Choosing a transmission
A riding lawn mower with hydrostatic transmission is much easier to operate than a lawn tractor with manual transmission. With a manual transmission, you have to stop the tractor every time you change gears. The hydrostatic transmission gives you seamless adjustment while driving.
There are two different hydrostatic transmission solutions. For maximum comfort, choose a tractor with a pedal-operated transmission, where separate pedals control speed and direction for forward and reverse movement. The other option is the lever-operated hydrostat. The lever is on the fender and is easy to access from the driver’s seat.
