Largest lawn mower deck. All You Need to Know About Lawn Mower Deck Sizes

All You Need to Know About Lawn Mower Deck Sizes

I was looking for a new lawn mower and have a lot of ornamental areas in my yard. I need a lawn mower that will fit in between these trees and knew I needed a deck size under 60 inches.

I found manufacturers will list deck cutting width, but they don’t always tell you how wide the actual mower is with and without the discharge chute.

A mower listed as 60 inches usually means the deck cuts 60 inches in width, but the actual measurements are wider.

I definitely needed to know the actual width to be able to mow between these obstacles. I had to make sure it fits into my storage shed opening. Read on and I will explain more about measuring mower the mower deck size and standard deck sizes available by the manufacturer.

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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.

What is the Deck Size on a Lawn Mower?

Lawn mower manufacturers always list the deck sizes on their websites and promotional materials. What are they measuring when they list the mower deck width?

The mower deck width manufacturers are referring to is the cutting width of the deck. The deck cutting width is the actual width of grass that is cut from the outside blade of one side of the mower deck to the outside blade on the opposite end of the mower deck.

How to Measure Lawn Mower Deck Size?

It is good to know what the cutting width of the deck is, but many times you need to know what the actual width of the mower deck is. You’ll be disappointed if you buy a 48” mower deck and expect it to fit through a 48” gate.

largest, lawn, mower, deck

The actual dimension of the width on a mower deck will be wider than the deck cutting width.

You must take into consideration the extra space of the mower deck shell on each end of the mower along with the space the discharge chute and anti-scalp rollers add to the deck width when calculating whether your lawn mower will fit through an opening, on your trailer, or in your storage area.

It is also important to select a mower deck size that will fit between elements in your yard such as trees and ornamental areas.

You will want to add in the width of the discharge chute being in the down position unless you want to continually get off your mower and raise the discharge chute to the mower between obstacles.

Measure the actual mower deck size using a tape measurer and extend the tape from the widest point on one side of the deck to the opposite side of the deck. Make sure you take into account the extra width added by anti-scalp rollers and discharge chute.

How Wide Are Riding Lawn Mowers?

The average riding lawn mower, also referred to as a garden tractor, is between 48 inches and 63 inches wide with the discharge chute in the upright position. Add 8 to 15 inches to the width when factoring the discharge chute in the downright position.

How Wide Are Zero Turn Mowers?

The average zero-turn mower is between 48 inches and 79inches wide with the discharge chute in the upright position. The most common zero turn mower deck cutting widths are 42″, 48″, 52″, 54″, 60″ and 72″.

When measuring your zero turn width, make sure you measure from and to the widest part of the deck. Using the discharge chute will up to an additional 15″ to the width.

While these are the most common mower deck sizes for zero turns. You can also find zero turns as narrow as a 36″ cutting width and as wide as a 96″ cutting width.

How Wide is a Standard Lawn Mower Deck?

Standard push mower or self-propelled mowers are 22 inches to 40 inches wide with a cutting deck width of 21 inches to 36 inches wide.

Most lawn mower manufacturers have standard mower deck sizes they offer. Here is a chart of some of the most common lawn mower brands and their average actual mower deck widths.

It is important you measure the actual width before you purchase your lawn mower if you need to stay within a certain deck size for transportation, storage, or yard obstacle reasons.

What Mower Deck Size Do You Need for Your Yard Size?

It is best to find the right-width mower for the amount of grass you need to mow. Here is a quick chart giving you an idea of the mower deck cutting width that best fits your yard size:

In addition to selecting a lawn mower that fits your yard size, you need to also look at other lawn mower features including engine horsepower, type of mower decks, and other lawn mower functions that will make your mowing experience better.

Do Smaller Mower Decks Cut Better?

Smaller mower decks do not cut better, however, the final cut appearance may look better using a smaller mower deck over a larger mower deck. There are several reasons that may affect the final cut’s overall look:

  • Tire TracksYou don’t really notice the tracks on a small lawn mower, but will see imprints from the tires on heavier mowers.
  • Number of BladesA small lawn mower will show a more even cut because there is only one blade and not multiple mower blades. The engine horsepower will only give you around 3600 RPMs on the engine. A single-blade mower is bolted directly to the engine so it does have quite a bit of blade speed to it.

Can You Put a Bigger Deck on Your Mower?

There are very few manufacturers that make decks interchangeable with the lawn tractor you are mowing with.

With so many changes that will need to be made when trying to change mower decks sizes, why would you want to try? The amount of time and the expense to make the change will not be worth it.

Keep in mind, if you do choose to modify and change your lawn mower deck, you will run into trying to get the correct parts for your lawn mower.

largest, lawn, mower, deck

If you need a bigger deck, I recommend buying a new lawn mower to save yourself the headache.

If you really want to change out decks, check with your lawn mower dealer first to see if the deck you’re interested in will fit your lawn mower. You will also want to make sure it is cost-effective.

Don’t make the purchase before you talk to knowledgeable dealership personnel. An experienced dealer should be able to give you compatibility options along with the parts you may need to purchase to make the mower deck work for your lawn mower.

These parts may include new belts, pulleys, lift brackets, caster wheels, and lift parts.

Are Front Mount Deck Mowers Good?

Front mount mowers are good because their maneuverability is far better than belly mount mowers. The front mount mower will follow contours and trims under trees and split rail fences better than utilizing a belly mower.

Advantages of Front Mount Mower Decks

  • Maneuverability
  • Better contouring
  • Easier to service the deck and sharpen blades
  • Can mow in a wet spot without getting the tractor tires into the wet spot
  • Best to place the mower near a bank of water so the tractor doesn’t need to be close to the water.
  • When climbing a hill, you can lift the deck ever so slightly to transfer weight onto the tractor. This will allow the tractor to climb better without spinning a tire.

Stamped Decks Vs Fabricated Decks

There are two different styles of lawn mower decks: stamped decks and fabricated decks. If you are heavily using your mower, you will definitely want to make sure you have a fabricated mower deck.

Most homeowners using their mowers for an hour or two per week will be fine using a stamped deck.

    Stamped Deck – Mowers with stamped decks are typically less expensive. Stamped decks are literally stamped out of one sheet of steel. One advantage of the stamped deck is that it has good airflow for a good cut. A disadvantage is the thickness of the steel used.

Blade Tip Speed, Deck Depth, and Mower Blades Affect Quality of Cut

Blade tip speed, deck depth, and lawn mower blades all play a significant role in the quality of cut in a mower. A fabricated deck will provide you with a better cut over a stamped deck because the depth of the deck is typically deeper giving you a better lift of the grass.

The depth coupled with high lift blades spinning at a speed of about 18,500 fpm (feet per minute) is what is necessary to create the best cutting results. High lift blades along with the suction created by the depth of the deck lifts the grass tall.

The mower blade then passes by to precisely cut the grass. information on the different types of lawn mower blades on the market today can be found in “This is the Way the Blade Goes on a Lawn Mower“.

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Are Mower Decks Interchangeable?

A mower deck is the main ‘body’ of a mower. It protects the engine and the user from the blades and the debris that follow. So, if it gets damaged, you need to replace it right away.

WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY? CLEAR CHOICE? ZERO TURN VS BELLY MOWER.

There’s just one problem: what if your mower manufacturer doesn’t sell mower deck replacements? Can you use another deck for your mower? Are mower decks interchangeable?

Are Lawn Mower Decks Interchangeable?

While not necessarily universal, lawn mower decks are mostly interchangeable. Mower parts are usually built by the same company but sold under a different name, so lawn mower components, like the engine and the decks, can be replaced with a similar-sized model of a different brand with little to no problem.

Unlike engines, which come in different HP and power, mower decks are nothing but protective covers. In addition, they’re not powered by electricity, so they rarely cause issues when it comes to replacements. Just pay attention to the deck’s size and material; if it matches your current mower deck, there’s a high chance that it fits.

Before you go buying a random part from Amazon, it’s worth browsing through the available replacement parts your mower’s manufacturer has to avoid complications.

You don’t necessarily need to search for your lawn mower’s model. Usually, manufacturers use the same decks for multiple models. For instance, John Deere uses the same mower deck for over 50 different models, including those that belong to the Z3, Z5, Z7, E1, and X3 series.

With that said, keep in mind that mower decks sometimes come in slightly different deck forms. For example, some are square, while others are round or oblong-shaped. But as long as the replacement deck matches the size and shape of your old mower deck, it’ll work as a decent replacement.

If push comes to shove, you may need to get creative and drill additional bolt holes into the mower for the replacement deck. You might also have to replace the mower blade to match the dimensions of the new deck.

How Do You Measure a Mower Deck?

Mower deck measurements are usually written in the manufacturer’s guidebook. If you’ve misplaced the guide or no longer have it, you’ll have to measure the mower deck with a measuring tape manually.

Using a measuring tape, extend the tape from the broadest point on one side to the other, from right to left or left to right. Secure the end of the measuring tape and note the size.

Then, run the tape again along with the topmost point of the deck from front to back or vice versa. If you multiply both numbers, you’ll get the area of the mower deck.

What Size Mower Deck Should You Get?

Ideally, the replacement mower deck should match the size and shape of the old mower deck.

However, the width of the deck is sometimes dependent on how much grass you plan to mow. Usually, the larger the lawn, the wider the required mower deck size. Since larger decks allow you to make lesser passes across the lawn, the time needed for mowing is decreased.

Some manufacturers estimate that a 42-inch deck mounted on a standard garden mower mows around 1 acre of lawn in about an hour. If you replace the 42-inch deck with a 46-inch deck, the time spent mowing the lawn reduces by around 10%. A 50-inch deck reduces the cutting time by 17%.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should buy the biggest available mower deck to replace your old mower deck.

A larger deck doesn’t automatically mean faster mowing time. If your lawn has a lot of obstructions, trees, and flowerbeds, you’ll have a hard time navigating a large mower deck. The same is said if your lawn has several landscape features to mow around, like ponds, archways, pools, and the like.

In such cases, it’s better to buy a smaller deck as it’ll be easier to maneuver. Just make sure the replacement deck isn’t smaller than your original deck.

As a general rule of thumb, a 40-inch mower deck is suited for a small, 1/2-acre lawn. On the other hand, a 42 to a 48-inch deck works well with lawns over the 1/2-acre mark. If your lawn is 3 acres or larger, a 50-inch deck is appropriate.

Can You Put a Bigger Deck On Your Mower?

As long as it’s of the same style, you can put a bigger deck on your mower.

Be warned, though: using an incorrect deck size risks premature wear and engine failure. Because of this, don’t exceed the largest deck size available in the original manufacturing line.

largest, lawn, mower, deck

For example, if your mower model comes in 40, 42, and 46-inch deck sizes and you own the 40-inch model, the maximum replacement deck is 46-inches.

What’s the Best Material for a Mower Deck?

When browsing for mower deck replacements, you’ll come across three different material types: plastic (PVC, polythene, polypropylene, etc.), aluminum alloy, and steel.

Plastic

Plastic decks are affordable, entry-level decks with decent durability. They’re not as tough as steel or aluminum alloy, but they last a proper amount of time.

Higher quality plastic decks, like those made with high-density polyethylene, are impact and abrasion-resistant, making them tougher than regular plastic decks.

Aside from the cost, plastic decks are popular because they’re corrosion and weather-resistant. Plus, they’re relatively lightweight, so they don’t add to the total weight of your mower.

Steel

Before plastic polymers were popularized, most lawn mowers were equipped with steel decks. Today, steel decks are usually only found in petrol-powered mowers and high-end models used for commercial purposes.

Steel is valued for its strength. Because it’s so tough, it’s well-suited for the more rigorous demands of tougher mowing tasks and larger lawns.

While most are pretty thick, you’ll occasionally come across thinner stamped steel decks. Thin steel decks are popular among homeowners because they’re light and work well with regular mowing jobs.

Steel decks are electroplated, galvanized, or treated with powder paint to avoid corrosion and other environmental damage. It is also the most impact-resistant of all three materials. It absorbs impact damage with little to no issues.

Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum alloy is the most expensive and premium choice of all three options. However, it’s the best of both worlds, featuring high strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, it’s about a third of the weight of steel, so it’s about as light as poly plastic.

Although not as impact resistant as steel, aluminum alloy decks are made from premium components. This makes them hard-wearing and long-lasting. Of course, the fact that they’re recyclable doesn’t hurt, either.

Mower Deck vs. Cutting Deck: What’s the Difference?

Cutting decks and mower decks are the exact same thing. There’s no difference between the two; they’re just two phrases that describe the chassis of a mower.

Note that when manufacturers list the cutting deck size of the product, they’re referring to the cutting width of the deck. It’s the actual width of grass that’s cut from the outside blade of one side of the deck to the other.

Final Thoughts

The majority of mower decks are interchangeable. However, before you buy the first replacement deck you get your hands on, make sure the replacement deck and your original deck are the same size and shape.

Measure the actual width of the replacement deck before you purchase it for your mower to make sure it’ll fit your original one. And as much as possible, purchase a replacement mower deck from the same manufacturer as your current mower.

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Lawn Mower Dimensions: How Big Are They?

Of all of the factors to consider when shopping for a lawn mower, size is probably the first one to take into consideration. This is because everybody has a different type of lawn and differing amounts of storage for the machine itself. When it comes to mowers, they really aren’t one size fits all. You might have already looked at a bunch of different lawn mower dimensions, but it’s hard to understand what their sizes mean without any context. Let’s start by taking a look at some of the standard lawn mower deck sizes and what they’re best suited for.

Standard Lawn Mower Dimensions (The Quick Overview)

When it comes to lawn mower dimensions, these are the two most common questions:

  • How wide is a lawn mower/What size mower deck do I need for my yard?
  • What is the right type of lawn mower for my lawn?

To answer these questions, it’s best to FOCUS on the size of the cutting deck. Below is a table with the standard deck sizes for each type of lawn mower and what size of yard they should be used with.

Dimensions for Different Types of Lawn Mowers

Now that you’ve got a pretty good idea of the standard lawn mower widths across the different types of machines, it’s a good idea to consider the rest of their dimensions. I’ll explain more about each type of lawn mower and throw some other standard lawn mower dimensions at you. Though each lawn mower deck size has a recommended yard size, these other details will help you narrow down exactly which lawn mower would be best for your yard.

Riding Lawn Mower Dimensions

When talking about riding lawn mower sizes, the first and most important measure is the deck width. Riding mower deck sizes typically range from 36 to 54 inches. However, the average riding lawn mower deck size is 42 inches. This is also true for lawn tractors. But, ride on mower width isn’t the only thing to consider.

You might be wondering, how long is a riding lawn mower? Well, they vary slightly but on average they are about 6 feet long. It’s important to know this if you are thinking about buying a riding mower because you’ll need to store it. While they aren’t quite as long as a car, they do take up a good amount of space. In addition, riding lawn mowers stand about 4 feet tall.

To determine what size riding mower is best for you, you’ll need to consider how large your yard is and reference it with the table above. Most people recommend riding mowers with a 36 to 54-inch cutting deck for yards that are 1 to 4 acres in size.

Zero-Turn Mower Dimensions

The dimensions of a zero-turn mower are actually pretty similar to most riding lawn mowers. On average, they will be about 4 feet in height, 6 feet in length, and 4 feet in width. The main difference is that some are built with larger cutting decks. This is seen with zero turn mower deck sizes within the 54 to 72-inch range. You won’t be able to find a non-commercial riding lawn mower or lawn tractor with this large of a deck. Since there is a big range of zero turn lawn mower deck sizes, they can accommodate many different yard types.

As seen in the table at the start of the article, 36 to 54 inch zero turn lawn mowers can be used in yards of the same area as riding mowers. However, when dealing with lawns over 4 acres, a zero turn mower width between 54 to 72 inches will give you a huge (and almost necessary) advantage.

Gas Push Mower Dimensions

Gas push mowers have a smaller range of sizes compared to riding and zero-turn mowers. Usually a push mower’s deck size is about 21 inches in diameter. But, there are mowers with slightly larger or smaller decks. Gas push mowers with larger decks tend to be self-propelled because of the added weight. Aside from the width, a standard push mower will be about 3 feet tall and 5 feet long (with the handle extended).

With gas-powered push mowers, you have a couple of options, smaller mowers in the 20-inch range, or wider 30-inch mowers. The best rule of thumb when choosing one or the other is to consider how large your yard is, and how many tight spaces you need to be able to fit into. The added width a 30-inch push mower provides can help a lot if you have a really big yard, but a smaller deck size can be really valuable if you have to do a ton of cornering or squeezing past obstacles.

Electric Push Mower Dimensions

The dimensions of most electric push mowers are almost identical to those of gas push mowers. A standard electric push mower will be about 18 inches wide, 3 feet tall, and 5 feet long. But, like other mower types, there are a bunch of options for mower width if you have the budget for it.

When it comes to the range of electric push mowers, the type of electric mower you get determines how much ground you can cover. Corded electric mowers, for example, are usually better for small to medium-sized yards. Extension cords tend to drop voltage as they increase in length, and can realistically only reach so far. Cordless electric mowers also tend to have a smaller range than most gas push mowers. This is because even the highest quality batteries won’t last as long as a tank full of gas. To combat this, a lot of manufacturers provide two fast-charging batteries to buyers. And because of this, high-end cordless mowers can be used for large yards as well.

Reel Mower Dimensions

Old-school reel mowers are simple but extremely effective. The standard width of a reel mower is 14 inches but there are some wider models. Like push mowers, they are roughly 3 feet tall but are usually only 2 feet in length.

Reel mowers are awesome for small yards but larger models can be used on any lawn up to a half-acre in area. Running solely on elbow grease, you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel.

Implications that Different Lawn Mower Dimensions Can Have

Deciding what size lawn mower you need can be a difficult choice. Let’s run through a few of the biggest implications that size can have when it comes to mowers:

Larger deck size/dimensions means fewer passes

As you can imagine, wider mowers cover ground more quickly. Shaving off an extra ten or twenty inches each pass makes a huge difference in the amount of time required to mow large yards. One of my neighbors made the switch from a lawn tractor with a 48-inch deck to a zero-turn with a 60-inch deck about two years ago and they were amazed how much faster they were able to get the job done. The ease of turning with a zero turn mower made a huge difference too.

But even a 6-inch difference between push mowers is noticeable. Still, if you have a small or medium-sized yard you probably don’t have to worry too much about going way up in size as you might only be able to cut your mowing time down a few minutes at best.

Smaller mowers are easier to store

Easy storage is a huge perk of using a smaller mower, especially if it’s a reel mower. I don’t know many people with a ton of extra space in their garage, so it’s worth considering how much room you want your lawn mower to take up. For instance, If you want a riding lawn mower you will almost need a full extra car stall’s worth of space to store it.

Size affects maneuverability

Taking corners and tackling hills are the biggest factors when it comes to maneuvering a lawn mower. Personally, I tend to prefer push mowers that are on the smaller side. This is because they are much easier to corner and are able to squeeze into tight places. The same is true when it comes to hills. Smaller cutting decks reduce the weight of the mower and are a little bit easier to push uphill.

Since I use my zero turn mower to cover the largest parts of the yard, and my push mower to get into the hard to reach places, I don’t need a push mower with a large deck. However, if you have a medium or large yard with hills and you don’t have a riding mower, a wider mower can be a huge advantage. Self-propulsion helps a lot with hills, and larger rear wheels can make a heavier mower easier to turn.

About Tom Greene

I’ve always had a keen interest in lawn care as long as I can remember. Friends used to call me the lawn mower guru (hence the site name), but I’m anything but. I just enjoy cutting my lawn and spending time outdoors. I also love the well-deserved doughnuts and coffee afterward!

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

TRADE WARNING…Width of mower between tree trunk and curb. We all know how landscapers prefer larger wider professional mowers. Inadvertently resulting in an exponential increase of severe trunk gouging, especially to new Young trees. Regardless if a wide patch of mulch is void of any grass preventing need for mower or weed wacker to get anywhere near several hundred dollar landscape tree. Ironically it’s the very bag attachment bracket permanently affixed to the widest side of mower dimension that creates worst type of trunk tissue wounding. And most landscapers only use attachment to bag clippings in fall. Preferring not to have to haul bags of grass away. On a personal note as a professional arborist I wish I would see more landscapers pulling out the smaller mower. First to prevent said Hardscape damage as mentioned. But especially when having no choice but to cut grass after a rain event. As heavier equipment used creates more permanent soil compaction compared to smaller mowers. I mean we all hate surface tripping tree roots which are a direct result of severely compacted soil. With wetland tree species that more sensitive to root oxygen deprivation. Imagine how bad soil underneath must be if a root forced to grow on top of ground. This is why we purchased our first bright yellow mulching mower in 1976 and change cutting pattern each week to prevent wheels going over same location. Plus it looks cool with our house being on a corner.

Hi Scott, I will agree that sometimes lawn crews don’t show enough care when it comes to trees, whether it be gouging with a lawn mower or weed whacking around trunks. But at the same time, I understand that time is money. It’s not a good excuse, but it seems to be the reality. I guess the old adage “you get what you pay for” is true in this case. The only real way to get exactly what you want is to take care of your own lawn and yard if you can. Thanks for the Комментарии и мнения владельцев. Tom.

Lawn Mower Dimensions: Understanding Mower Sizes In Detail

Lawn mower dimensions comprise the machine’s length, width, and height and the width of its deck, which encompasses the cutting blade. Before you go out and buy a mower for effective lawn care, you need to know how big it is and whether it will even fit in your toolshed.

This article will discuss the dimensions of different mowers in detail and see how much land they cover. You also get to find out how mowers with larger dimensions fare compared to those of smaller dimensions.

  • What Are The Different Lawn Mower Dimensions?
  • – Dimensions of Riding Type of Mowers
  • – Dimensions of Zero-turn Mowers
  • – Size of Push Type Mowers
  • – Size of Electric Mowers
  • – Dimensions of Reel-type Mowers
  • – Elevate the Deck
  • – Measure the Diameter
  • – Check the Deck Shell
  • – Larger Mowers
  • – Smaller Mowers

What Are The Different Lawn Mower Dimensions?

The different lawn mower dimensions you should know are the riding type of mowers, the dimensions of the zero turn mowers, and the different sizes of the eclectic of push types. over, you should also know the dimension of the reel-type.

Lawn mower dimensions depend on the type of mower you own, which, in turn, depends on the overall size of the lawn. Riding mowers and lawn tractors have an average cutting width between 36 and 54 inches, whereas the standard push lawn mower width is around 16 to 30 inches.

– Dimensions of Riding Type of Mowers

Riding lawn mowers and lawn tractors are gigantic mowers that are well-suited for large-sized lawns, parks, gardens, farms, etc. This is because their cutting decks are wide enough to mow large sections of grass in a short amount of time. These mowers are around four feet tall and six feet long from front to back, making them ideal for cutting grass across land that is around one to four acres in size.

For a riding type of mower, the average range of dimensions of the mower deck is around 36 to 42 inches. Most companies sell this mower with a standard deck size of 42 inches. Tractor-type mowers are slightly bigger, and their dimensions range from 42 to 54 inches.

One of the most popular examples of these mowers is the John Deere S120. It is classified as a tractor by the company and is around 44.5 inches tall and 54 inches wide. With a cutting deck width of 42 inches, it boosts a powerful engine making it a beastly machine able to mow down grass within minutes.

– Dimensions of Zero-turn Mowers

A Z-turn mower is upgraded to the standard riding mower but has a much better-turning radius. It is no surprise, then, that its dimensions are similar to that of riding-type mowers. Regarding your average zero turn mower dimensions, its width and height are around 48 inches, and its length is around 72 inches. These are big machines and need a proper parking spot to keep them when not in use.

Z-turn mowers come with a variety of size options for their decks. What you must be keen about is how it depends on the size of the area you aim to mow with this mower, which means that you can opt for a customized deck of your choice.

over, a lawn that is one to two acres in size will do just fine with a standard 36 to 42 inches wide deck. The deck needs to be at least 42 to 54 inches wide for a lawn between three and four acres large.

What is the best mower deck size? Why I have so many mowers?

You can install a deck that is as wide as 54 to 72 inches for lawns larger than four acres, and this would be according to your need and adjustment. You cannot get decks this large in a riding-style mower or a tractor-style one.

largest, lawn, mower, deck

On the other hand, a good example would be a cub cadet Ultima ZT1 mower that is the same size as a tractor-type mower but comes with a much wider deck that cuts wider stripes of grass.

– Size of Push Type Mowers

Push mowers naturally tend to be smaller in size than ridden ones. Gas-fueled engines power these mowers because they come in all sizes and shapes. What you must know is that the average dimensions of the gas-powered push-type mowers manufactured in the US are 36 inches tall and 60 inches long, this is their basic given. On the other hand, the average mower deck size for these is around 21 inches, but you will find mowers with widths.

Usually, when a gas-powered mower is fitted with a large deck, it is engineered to be a self-propelled mower. The extra weight that a larger deck adds makes a mower difficult to push manually.

As a result of this, if you are out on the hunt for the right push-type mower with a deck of larger dimensions, it’s best to look for one that is self-propelled, so that you get the most out of it. Considering these dimensions, these mowers are better suited for lawns less than one acre in length.

– Size of Electric Mowers

Many electric-powered mowers are built on the same dimensions as that gas-powered ones. With a height of around 36 inches, a standard width of 18 inches, and a length of 60 inches, they are more energy efficient and often self-propelled.

Of course, you get to choose the dimensions of the deck yourself, and it comes with that option and specifications. Which means that you can get a decent-sized deck with an electric-powered mower if you are willing to pay a large sum.

Remember that the given and the average dimensions of these mowers are bound by the ground surface area they can cover. If you own a corded mower, then there is no point in using a very large deck because of the mower’s limited movement.

For these, a smaller deck naturally makes more sense, if you think about it. Even if these lawnmowers are cordless, they need to cover more ground than an equally-sized gas-powered mower.

A practical solution is to purchase two batteries and keep them charged whenever you mow your lawn. The dimensions and the mower features make these machines suitable for most small-sized yards in the US.

– Dimensions of Reel-type Mowers

Lastly, we have the reel-type lawnmowers that many of you might have inherited from your parents and still works perfectly. These small and manually pushed mowers are only suitable for some large areas because of the hard work involved by the person pushing them. Their small dimensions make sense as they are 36 inches tall but only 24 inches long.

The cutting width of the deck can only be about 14 inches wide in this case. You can find slightly wider decks but don’t expect them to be larger than 16 or 18 inches. These mowers do not work through any engine, so that you will be the sole power pushing them ahead. A reel mower with big dimensions will be challenging to cut grass with.

How To Measure Mower Deck Dimension?

To measure mower deck dimension, all you must do is to elevate the deck, and take out the mower check. Then, you must measure the diameter of the circle, afterward, you should check the deck shell, make sure you consider the anti-scalping rollers, regarding the dimension.

It helps to know the dimensions of a mower’s deck, and you need to learn how to measure it. These dimensions are always given in the manual specifications, but it still doesn’t hurt to check on your own.

– Elevate the Deck

In the case of a riding lawn mower, you will need to elevate the deck before it can be measured. There is a lever near the control panel that you can push to elevate the deck easily.

Take out your mower jack, a measuring tape, and wheel chocks. The wheel chocks will ensure that the rear wheels stay in place and do not start rotating. If you don’t own wheel chocks, wood blocks would also help. Once the mower is secure, push the jack under it right in the center and use it to lift it at least six inches.

– Measure the Diameter

Once you have clear access to the deck, it is time to measure it. The decks for smaller mowers can be easily accessed simply by turning them over. Measure the circle’s diameter for a circular-shaped deck to find its dimensions.

– Check the Deck Shell

You must know that the deck shell on either side, the chute, and the anti-scalp rollers tend to add extra width to the cutting edge. As you do so, you know has the measurement of the decking shell.

Unfortunately, most manufacturing companies do not allow you to change the dimensions of their mower decks per your preference. If you want to buy a particular mower model, you will have to make do with the dimensions you are being provided.

Some people try to put their DIY hats on and install larger or smaller-sized decks independently. We encourage you to do something other than this. Not only is there a risk of damaging delicate mower machinery by accident, but the process itself could be more manageable. The amount of time and energy this would require is not worth it.

What Are the Significance of Deck Dimensions?

The mower can be large or small, and this size is responsible for accommodating the dimension of the cutting deck. Usually, people prefer larger mowers and cutting blades because they mow faster and cover much larger ground quickly. In reality, mowers with smaller dimensions fare much better in several aspects.

– Larger Mowers

The larger the mower, the more chance of tire tracks developing in the grass. This is an inevitable consequence that people will smaller mowers do not have to deal with.

When the ground is uneven with slight dips and mounds, a smaller mower with a deck less than 20 inches wide will be able to follow these contours much better than a larger one. A larger-sized mower will ride over these spaces and leave behind patches of grass.

Another reason bigger mowers do not give an even cut is that they have multiple blades, and all of them indirectly connect to the engine, which tends to divide the engine horsepower. There is only one blade in single mowers, which is also connected directly to the mower. This property enables these mowers to give a very neat trim to the lawn grass.

– Smaller Mowers

Another major perk of smaller mower dimensions is that they are convenient to store when not in use. You cannot just park mowers outdoors like a car. Finding a large enough storage space for tractors and riding ones is always a hassle, especially during the long winter months.

You will be surprised that a small-sized deck creates a better vacuum to lift the grass blades to cut it. The grass cut by small mowers will be neater and more uniform than a riding one can ever hope to achieve.

Conclusion

Before you go on a mower-buying spree, here is a brief recap to keep in mind.

  • The average deck dimensions of lawn tractors and riding-style mowers are around 36 to 54 inches and are best suited for grass spread over several acres.
  • Z-turn-type mowers are the same size as riding-type mowers but can work with specially designed fabricated decks of much larger sizes.
  • Reel-type mowers are the smallest, with dimensions ranging from 14 to 20 inches.
  • The only benefit of using a mower with big dimensions is that they mow grass faster, whereas smaller mowers cut grass much more finely.

The information in this article will be very beneficial whenever you decide to upgrade your old mower for a new one. The next time you are researching the dimension specs of various mowers, do not hesitate to come back to this article anytime.