Tips and Answers to Buying a Riding Mower
Buying a riding lawn mower can make your life easy and your lawn beautiful. But from the best time to buy to the features you should look for, there is a lot to consider when you are shopping. Wondering where to start and how to determine which riding mowing is perfect for you? Here’s what you need to know:
Table of Contents
- Why should I buy a riding mower?
- When should I buy a riding mower?
- How should I buy a riding mower?
- Where should I buy a riding mower?
- What features should I look for when buying a riding mower?
Why should I buy a riding mower?
Long answer short, to make your life easy! If you have a yard or property that’s too big for a push mower to reasonably do within an hour, it’s time to consider buying a riding mower. Riding mowers are a great piece of machinery to help you mow a large property quickly and with considerably less effort. Who wouldn’t want more time enjoying their yard rather than mowing it?
When should I buy a riding mower?
There are often good sales on riding lawn mowers in the spring, as manufacturers are trying to sell units in advance of the peak mowing season. You can often find discounting at retail stores, or competitive 0% financing, depending on the brand you choose.
How should I buy a riding mower?
The most important part when it comes to buying a riding mower is understanding your needs – your yard, your preferences, your comfort.
As a starting point, consider how much grass is there to mow. The size of your yard tends to determine the size of your mower.
After that, it’s simply a matter of deciding what additional features are important to you – bigger cutting decks, more advanced cutting systems, and other creature comforts like high-back seats, easy-to-use pedals and transmissions. Finding something that can get the job done and keep you comfortable all while fitting your budget will be the key.
Where should I buy a riding mower?
Here comes the fun part – shopping for your mower. Riding mowers are sold in large retail stores, at local, independent dealers and online. Here are some things to think about based on where you choose to shop:
At a large retail store: You’ll often see a selection of lawn tractors to buy, and while you will have access to a selection of brands with various features at different price points, you’ll have to know exactly what you’re looking for before walking in as you’ll likely not find in-depth assistance while you’re shopping.
At your local independent dealer: Local dealers often bring a huge amount of knowledge and expertise to help you find a machine that’s just right for you. In most dealerships, you’ll get the opportunity to test drive models you are interested in to really make sure you find the perfect fit. What’s more, when it comes time to service your machine, your local, independent dealer is always there to offer support. Buying a riding mower from your local dealer is a great way to get the best service, and to support local business at the same time.
Online Shopping and buying a riding mower from the comfort of your own home has its upsides – just beware of shipping costs, availability and time for delivery. If you are planning to buy your riding mower online, be sure to understand when the online retailer is promising to ship your machine, the associated costs and any additional costs since it’s such a large item. Another option is to call your local dealer and ask if they offer local buying and delivery. This may be the best of both worlds – a contactless shopping experience, and establishing a connection with your local dealer.
What features should I look for when buying a riding mower?
Reliable and rugged:
Reliability should be a big consideration when you are buying a lawn tractor. A well-built deck, strong axles and rugged transmission mean long-lasting performance. A riding mower should last for years to come, so beyond features, take into consideration how the mowers are built and tested. At Troy-Bilt, we focus on building and testing the most rugged equipment possible so it’ll never let you down in the yard. Even if it means over-testing our machines past their limits just so our owners can mow with that extra peace of mind.
Good horsepower and cutting performance:
Of course, a riding lawn mower has to deliver an excellent cut. When shopping for a riding mower, take a look at how many blades it uses to cut grass, available adjustments to deck positions and cutting height, as well as what the manufacturer has considered regarding deck design and engineering to make it more effective as compared to others. As an example, most Troy-Bilt riding lawn mowers come standard with two cutting blades built out of 12-gauge steel and offer 5 deck positions for maximum flexibility.
Excellent support & warranty:
Buying a riding mower is a long-term purchase. It’s important to pick a brand that is reputable and can offer the right parts, support and warranty. After all, all machines require maintenance, and not being able to find parts or service within a few years of purchase will be frustrating. At Troy-Bilt, all of our equipment is tested for Canadians and supported by Canadians. With our nationwide network of dealers who provide expert support, we’ve always got your back.