Tractor and lawn mower. Riding Mowers and Lawn Tractors: What is the Difference? (Explained)

Riding Mowers and Lawn Tractors: What is the Difference? (Explained)

Do you need a riding mower or a lawn tractor? You need to know the difference first before you can determine what you need for your lawn or yard.

Read on to find out the difference between riding mowers and lawn tractors.

What Is The Difference Between Riding Mowers And Lawn Tractors?

The main difference between a riding mower and a lawn tractor is the location of the cutting deck. Riding mowers have the cutting deck under the front of the vehicle, a lawn tractor has a mid-mount cutting deck. Lawn tractors also tend to be more expensive, mainly as they tend to be more suitable for larger lawns.

Similarities

Riding mowers and lawn tractors are the same in the sense that they are kinds of lawn mowers that have the person riding on them rather than pushing them.

This revolutionary idea is a vertical food garden that lets you convert those unwanted kitchen scraps into organic fertilizer you can feed back into your garden.

Riding Mowers vs Lawn Tractors

The main difference between the riding mower and lawn tractor is the location of the cutting deck.

With riding lawn mowers, the cutting deck is under the front of the vehicle. On the other hand, the lawn tractor has a mid-mounted cutting deck.

This difference in the location of the cutting deck also provides an advantage.

On the part of the riding mower, for example, the cutting deck being in front of the vehicle makes it a better device in terms of maneuverability.

Let me expound

If a lawn has more shrubs or is dotted with trees, maneuverability becomes an issue.

Generally, lawn tractors are more powerful than riding mowers. There was even a blog that described a lawn tractor as a riding mower on steroids.

An even more powerful and bulkier vehicle-mower is the garden tractor. Of course, the more powerful the machine, the more expensive it is.

A lawn tractor is largely more expensive than the riding mower, and the garden mower is more expensive than a lawn tractor.

The garden mower is capable of mowing a field that is over five hectares. It is also a preferred machinery for commercial use.

If you have a lawn that is over an acre in size, the riding mower is great. But for more than that, the lawn tractor would be better.

For even larger areas, then you will need the garden tractor.

Battery vs Gas

There are two kinds of riding lawn mowers: battery-powered and gas-powered. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Battery-powered mowers are quieter and environmentally friendly.

There was a time when they were considered inferior to their gas-powered counterpart.

Not anymore

After much innovation, battery-powered mowers now cut grass just as well as the more popular gas-powered ones.

The downside has always been its run time. No matter how long you charge the battery, they will never last as long as the gas-powered mower.

Having said that, the battery-run mower will only be good for smaller lawns.

You can always have another battery with you and just change it when the other one has drained. But that’s just too much of a hassle, right?

You should know

Electric mowers are actually quite easy to operate. You mostly just press a button and it will run.

Even your 12-year-old child can operate this machinery–not that it is advisable at all!

You can save on tuneups and change-oil on this particular device, too.

While this type of riding lawn mower is also pricier, you will be able to recoup the amount in no time since you don’t need to buy gas regularly.

The gas-powered mowers have been tried and tested with time. It was popular decades ago and continues to be so.

It is still dependable and can last for quite some time–depending on the gas you have in your tank.

There is also more power in the gas so that you won’t have trouble moving through bumpy grounds or even through a slightly uphill yard.

The gas-powered riding lawn mower is really noisy. You might need ear protection if you operate this machinery.

Also, because it uses fuel, you are going to have a carbon footprint.

Not only that

You need to change the oil of the vehicle as well as send it for regular tuneups. The mower should be properly maintained so it can work well.

If you have a yard that is difficult to mow–if it is dotted with trees with some tight spaces, you definitely need a zero-turn mower.

You just press a lever and the mower will turn in place. A zero-turn mower is also quite fast.

When to Buy a Riding Lawn Mower

If you just want a simple cut for your home lawn or backyard, a riding lawn mower will do. The size of the machine is smaller, which makes it more convenient.

It won’t take up a lot of space in the shed or wherever you plan to store the mower when not in use.

Even if the lawn tractor is more powerful than the riding lawn mower, when it comes to suburban use, the latter is just right.

Anybody in the household could easily maneuver the mower.

You may even attach a small wagon onto the riding mower.

Any other accessory that’s bigger than a small wagon may not be applicable. But you wouldn’t need anything more than that if you just need to cut the grass on your lawn.

When to Buy a Lawn Tractor

If you have a lawn that is more than an acre or around two acres, the lawn tractor would be a better option.

A lawn tractor can cut grass as well as tow light trails. If you really want tool attachments, check out the lawn tractor with hydrostatic transmission.

What it can do

The average lawn tractor has the capability to mow 42- to 48-inch wide in every pass. Still, the bigger and more expensive ones have wider capacity.

It can also bag and mulch.

Lawn tractors use a steering wheel just like a car. So if you know how to drive, this is very easy to maneuver for you.

Lawn tractors have wider turning radius.

Summary

There is not a lot of difference between riding mowers and lawn tractors. However, there is a difference among riding mowers since they could be battery- or gas-powered.

So when you are shopping for a mower for your yard that is at least half an acre or more, you really ought to try different kinds–whether it is a riding mower or lawn tractor. Find something that is comfortable for you and easy for you to handle.

If your yard has trees and flower beds, then you will need a zero-turn mower. If you need heavy-duty attachments, then you will need a garden tractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what height should you mow your lawn?This is actually dependent on your preference and on the season of the year.

If it’s spring, the grass should be really short. If it’s summer, you want the grass to be longer because it can help with the heat. Lawns can actually help keep the air temperature cooler.

Do you need to scalp your lawn?As long as your lawn is healthy, you don’t really need to scalp it. Scalping is a lot of work. It is usually done after winter so you could scrape off winter debris on your lawn.

This way, your soil will be exposed to direct sunlight. But if it’s summer or spring, there is actually no need to do some scalping because it would just reduce the amount of nutrients the root of your grass will receive.

How often should you mow the lawn?The normal rule of thumb is weekly. However, grass always grows faster during the summer, so you might have to do some mowing before the week is up.

During the colder months, you might not need to mow until two weeks later.

You Might Also Like

A riding mower that has a 60-inch cutting deck? Awesome, right? Check out my review of the Toro TimeCutter riding mower.

Check out my more extensive list of the best riding lawn mowers.

If you have a small yard, perhaps a push lawn mower is just right for you. Here is our list of the best push mowers this year.

Useful Resources

• How to Find the Right Mower for You – Pasadena Now
• Best Ride-On Lawn Mower 2020: Mini Tractors Built for Levelling Larger Lawns – T3
• 14 Mowing Mistakes Everyone Makes – BobVila.com

The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.

Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.

While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

• 24HP engine
• 54-inch cutting deck
• Automatic transmission
• Attachments and accessories available

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.

The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

• 2.5 acre max range
• Quick-charge batteries
• LCD heads-up display
• USB charging ports

Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres

Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.

This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

• Mows up to 7 acres at once
• Highly maneuverable
• 10-gauge steel construction
• Tool-free air filters

Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres

Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.

Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

• Battery-powered
• Great for yards up to 1 acre
• Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
• Push-button cruise control

Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre

Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.

It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

• Mow up to 10 acres
• 5.5 gallon gas tank
• Dual hydrostatic drive
• Great for hills and inclines

DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres

The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.

With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.

What is the best riding mower?

I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.

You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.

Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.

An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.

A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.

A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.

How did we choose these riding mowers?

I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:

• Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
• Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
• Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
• Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.

The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.

And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.

How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?

Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.

If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.

How long should a riding mower last?

No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.

Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

What is the cheapest riding mower?

Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.

Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:

John Deere Z530M

The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.

Husqvarna YTH1942

The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.

Murray MT100

For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.

Which Lawn Tractor is Best for Hills?

Not all properties are level, which means most people have to mow on slight slopes or hills. While this might not be the first thought when looking to purchase a new mower, it should be. Not all mowers are created equal when it comes to mowing on slopes or hills and safety should be a priority in those situations. Continue reading for tips, insights, and mower recommendations for mowing hills.

How to choose the best lawn tractor for hills

The first option that comes to mind when needing to mow a slope or hill is usually a push mower. While push mowers are the best options in some situations, that may not always be the case. The versatility of a John Deere lawn tractor or residential mower makes them the best mowers for hills. John Deere lawn tractors and residential mowers are built with durability in mind and can cover different terrain while maintaining a clean, even cut to keep your lawn looking its best.

Tips for operating a riding mower on a hill

When operating a riding mower on a hillside or slope, it is important to make sure you do so safely. Here are a few tips for making sure you are safe while mowing a hill or slope.

• Only mow when the grass is completely dry.
• Turn around or change directions at the top or bottom of the hill where the ground is flat.
• Operate at a slower speed for better traction and response time.
• Mow vertically, not horizontally, to avoid rolling over.
• Ensure the area is cleared from toys, rocks, wires, and other obstacles, so it doesn’t get thrown by mower blades.
• Add weights to the front of the lawn tractor.
• Do not stop in the middle of the hill.

Best riding mowers for hills

John Deere offers a full lineup of lawn and garden tractors to help you tackle the hills on your property. The models within the X300 Series, X500 Series, and X700 Series mowers offer power and stability to get the job done. Some specific model recommendations include:

The larger wheels and tires on the John Deere X380 make it a great choice for varied terrains, including slopes. With a 54-in. Accel Deep™ mower deck and 22 HP engine, the X380 is designed with maneuverability in mind. This model is for homeowners that mow up to 3.5 acres and is built to handle light-to-moderate duty tasks around the yard.

The John Deere X570 model comes with heavy-duty tires and a hydrostatic transaxle with traction assist, both of which provide safety and durability for mowing slopes. The X570 is perfect for helping you tackle various landscaping jobs with a steel frame, low-effort steering, and 24 HP engine.

When it comes to steeper mowing jobs, the John Deere X739 lineup reigns supreme with four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, electronic fuel injection, and heavy-duty tires. All of these features, along with 25.5 HP make the X739 mower a fit for some of the steepest slopes. With the addition of heavy-duty attachments, the John Deere X739 makes landscaping jobs throughout the year a breeze.

Where can I find riding mowers for hills around me?

At Koenig Equipment, our priority is making sure you have the right mower that works best for you and your terrain to ensure you can get the job done, all while being safe. Our trained sales staff will work with you to understand your needs and the terrain of your property to help you select the best mower for any slopes or hills you mow. Visit your local Koenig Equipment to learn more about the mowers we have to offer to help you mow your hills today!

Zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors provide the wide decks and speed needed to maintain large yards. However, they have their pros and cons, which could make one a better choice for your yard.

By Stacey L Nash and Bob Vila | Updated Jun 9, 2020 3:58 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Lawns over half an acre give you plenty of space to play and lounge in the great outdoors. However, when it’s time to mow, you’re looking at a major commitment. Factor in landscaping like flower beds and trees, and you’ll likely add some trimming and spot mowing to your to-do list. The power machines of the landscaping world—zero turn vs. lawn tractor—can keep you from spending the better part of every Saturday behind a lawn mower.

A lot of factors go into determining which type of mower would be best suited for your lawn. Your yard’s size, incline, and landscaping all come into play. Before choosing between the two most common lawn mower types for large yards, get to know the biggest differences between zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors. This guide lays out the pros and cons of each to help you avoid making a mowing mistake with the wrong mower.

Zero-turn mowers are better for lawns with curves.

If your yard spans ½ an acre or more and is dotted with trees, bushes, and flower beds, a zero-turn mower will save you time when it comes to your lawn care routine. Zero-turn mowers have dual-hydrostatic transmissions controlled by two levers, which are key factors in their responsiveness and tight turning radius.

To move forward in a straight line, you press both levers forward, making sure to keep them even. To turn the mower, you either slow or stop power to one side by pulling the lever back, while the other side continues to move forward, giving the mower the ability to do a zero (or near zero) radius turn. This gives zero-turn mowers a mowing pattern that leaves far fewer missed patches of grass at the end of the swath or around curves and corners.

In comparison, lawn tractors have a wide turn radius, which leaves a patch of grass at the end of every swath. You can either come back around on a second pass to get those missed patches or stop and reverse to cut every blade of grass.

Lawn tractors power over slopes and hills.

Lawn tractors have a front-wheel drive that allows them to inch up slopes and hills with relative ease. In contrast, a zero-turn mower’s rear-wheel drive may be difficult to control or lose traction on uneven ground.

However, a word of caution: Both types of mowers can tip over on extreme slopes, which is anything over 15 degrees. Some lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers have roll bars and seat belts, but you’re better off using a push mower or a trimmer on extreme slopes.

A lawn tractor’s steering wheel provides intuitive control.

For those who want to jump on the lawn mower and go, a lawn tractor’s familiar steering wheel and gas pedal will take little if any time to get used to. Basically, you push the gas pedal and go, just like you would in a car. When you want to slow down, you release the gas and press the brake.

The differential speed control offered by a zero-turn machine’s dual-hydrostatic transmission, on the other hand, can take some practice. On these models, you control the speed by pressing the control levers forward rather than using a foot pedal. Hydrostatic transmissions can be touchy, so there may be some lurching and sudden stops until you get a feel for the speed control.

You also have to learn how to time the manipulation of the levers (one pressing forward, the other pulling back) when making turns. Considering that zero-turn mowers can go faster than lawn tractors as well means you’ll be trying to learn how to control the machine at higher speeds.

If you’re nervous about controlling a zero-turn model, a few newer machines have joystick control, which is much easier to use but still requires practice to master.

Deck size makes a difference, but the winner will depend on your yard.

The wider the deck, the fewer swaths it will take to cover the lawn, and the faster you can mow your full property. Lawn tractors have decks that range from 42 to 54 inches, while zero-turn mowers have decks from 42 to over 60 inches.

Choosing the appropriate deck size (and the mower or tractor that provides it) not only involves considering the size of your yard but also the width of the narrowest spaces you’ll need to mow in between or around. To maintain tight spaces between trees or flower beds, you’ll need a narrower deck. However, if you have a flat yard that’s 2 or 3 acres without obstacles, choose the machine with the widest deck you can afford.

Zero-turn mowers go faster, but slower speeds leave a cleaner cut.

Zero-turn mowers offer clean cuts at 5 miles per hour (mph) and can reach speeds of more than 10 mph. In comparison, lawn tractors mow at about 4 mph with a top speed of around 7 mph. However, in some circumstances, such as on sloped or hilly terrain, lawn tractors may be able to maintain their traction and speed better and, therefore, may occasionally mow faster under certain circumstances.

Know that cut quality goes down the faster you mow, whether you’re on a zero-turn or lawn tractor. Even if you have a zero-turn mower, the top speeds are generally used for traveling to another part of the yard rather than actually mow the lawn.

Both types of mowers are pricey, but zero-turn models rise to the top.

When it comes to price—zero turn vs. lawn tractors—both top the price charts. However, lawn tractors are the more affordable of the two, and they’ll earn their keep. They may also be used to pull carts, sprayers, spreaders, and other yard equipment. For the right buyer, a lawn tractor may be a Smart investment. A base model starts around 1,200, but any extra accessories like a bagging kit, trailer, or sprayers must be purchased separately.

Zero-turn mowers start around 2,500 and go well above 5,000, and you may have to buy a bagging kit separately. If your yard spans several acres and/or has a wide range of trees and flowers you need to mow around, a zero-turn model may be well worth it for the time it saves.