When it comes to maintaining your lawn, choosing the right mower can make all the difference. Whether you are dealing with a small backyard or a sprawling piece of land, the decision between a ride-on mower and a push mower can be tricky. So, how do you know which one is best for your needs?
In this post, we will break down the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you will know exactly which mower is suited to your lifestyle and lawn care routine.
The Basics: Ride-On Mowers vs. Push Mowers
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details, let’s quickly summarise what each type of mower is all about.
Ride-On Mowers
Ride-on mowers Perth are essentially the luxury cars of lawn care. Instead of pushing the mower around you, you sit on top and control it, steering it across your lawn with ease. These mowers are often powered by petrol or electricity and are best suited for large areas where a push mower might not be practical.
Push Mowers
Push mowers are the more traditional option. You walk behind them, using physical effort to guide the machine across your lawn. They can be either manual or powered (usually petrol or electric). Push mowers are ideal for smaller lawns or areas that are difficult to access with larger machines.
Now that you have a general idea of what we are working with, let’s break down the pros and cons of each option.
The Pros and Cons of Ride-On Mowers
Pros
- Time-saving – Ride-on mowers are much faster than push mowers, making them perfect for large lawns or properties. You can cover a large area in far less time.
- Ease of use – Mowing does not have to be hard work. With a ride-on mower, you’re simply sitting and steering, which means less physical strain.
- Perfect for large lawns – If your property is over half an acre, a ride-on mower becomes more of a necessity than a luxury. It is built to handle bigger jobs without tiring you out.
- Variety of models – Ride-on mowers come in many styles, from smaller, more compact versions to full-blown lawn tractors designed for heavy-duty mowing.
- Additional features – Many ride-on mowers offer extra features like grass collection, mulching, and even snow plough attachments, making them versatile all year round.
Cons
- Price – Ride-on mowers are significantly more expensive than push mowers. If budget is a concern, this could be a major factor.
- Storage space – These mowers take up a lot of room. If you are short on storage space, finding a home for your ride-on mower might be tricky.
- Fuel or electricity usage – Running a ride-on mower requires more fuel or electricity than a push mower, making it less eco-friendly and potentially more expensive over time.
- Less manoeuvrability in tight spaces – If your lawn has lots of tight corners, obstacles, or narrow paths, a ride-on mower might struggle to get around them easily.
The Pros and Cons of Push Mowers
Pros
- Cost-effective – Push mowers are generally much cheaper than ride-on mowers. If you’re working within a budget, this is a big advantage.
- Better for smaller lawns – If your lawn is on the smaller side, a push mower can handle the job just fine without the extra expense of a ride-on.
- More eco-friendly – Manual push mowers require no fuel or electricity, making them an environmentally friendly option. Even powered push mowers use less energy than their ride-on counterparts.
- Great exercise – Using a push mower requires physical effort, so you are getting a bit of a workout while taking care of your lawn.
- Manoeuvrable in small spaces – Push mowers are ideal for lawns with tight spaces or lots of obstacles. You can easily navigate them around trees, flower beds, and garden furniture.
Cons
- Time-consuming – Mowing a large lawn with a push mower can take quite a bit of time, especially if you are working with a manual model.
- Physical effort required – If you are not in the mood for a workout or have any physical limitations, pushing a mower around for extended periods can be tiring.
- Fewer features – Push mowers are generally more basic in design and don’t offer the variety of features that ride-on mowers do, like grass collection or mulching.
- Not ideal for large properties – If you have got a big lawn to maintain, a push mower may not be up to the task. The time and effort required to mow a large space could make you regret your choice.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice really boils down to two main factors: the size of your lawn and your personal preferences. Let’s break it down:
For large lawns (half an acre or more)
A ride-on mower is likely the best option. It saves you time and effort, and though it comes with a higher upfront cost, it is built to handle big jobs.
For small to medium lawns
A push mower could be all you need. It is more affordable, takes up less storage space, and doesn’t require much maintenance.
You will also want to consider things like budget, storage, and how much physical effort you are willing to put in. Are you looking for an easier mowing experience, or do you like the idea of getting a bit of exercise while you work? These personal preferences can also tip the scale one way or the other.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a ride-on mower and a push mower depends on your specific needs. If you have got a large property and want to save time, a ride-on mower might be worth the investment. But if your lawn is small, and you don’t mind putting in a bit of physical effort, a push mower could be just what you need.
