Tools on test
If you have a large lawn and find mowing a chore, is it worth investing in a ride-on mower? Sue Fisher climbs into the test driver’s seat to find out
Ride-on mowers go head to head
A ride-on mower can make light work of large areas of lawn and grass, transforming a laborious, tedious job into a quicker and more enjoyable activity. It’s a big investment, though, and choosing the right one for your individual needs can be a confusing process. To help you make the right decision we’ve carried out a comparative trial highlighting the pros and cons of a selection of ride- ons. A mower needs to suit your garden layout and lawn type, as well as yourself and your budget – and there’s no shortage of choices. Ride-ons are predominantly aimed at gardeners with half an acre or more of grass, although for those with smaller lawns there are compact models that are no larger than a big walk-behind mower, but easier to use, especially if you're not strong. Sites that won’t suit a domestic ride-on are rough ground, steep slopes, narrow entrances (although mower width varies) or where access is restricted by steps. Storage is an important issue too – you need somewhere dry and secure, such as a large shed or garage, although weatherproof covers are available if you can’t provide permanent shelter. These big machines don’t come cheap, with prices from nearly £2,000 up to £6,000 for the models we tested, but a decent one should last many years with correct use and maintenance. The beauty of buying at this time of year is that you’ve got plenty of breathing space to try out various models and make a considered decision, then get fully hands-on with your new mower before the growing season starts, rather than having to panic-buy later, when your lawn is already getting out of control.