Worth getting a ride on mower for 0.3 acres?

SocialSpud

I'm on the fence about getting a ride on vs a self propelled mower. I have 0.3 acres of mostly flat grass with no obstacles. Any advice?

looksee

Do you have space to store it?
Would you be able to maintain it?
If not, do you have a trailer to take it to a repair/maintenance shop?
Are you happy to make that kind of investment?

If yes to all the above then why not? Quicker and easier than a self propelled.
You may still find you need a small light machine for odd corners and edges, but that depends on your garden.

PhilOssophy

Big enough garden to be fair. Go for it I say.

ec_pc

I would have to say it's not worth getting a ride on for a garden that size really. We had a 1.1 acre garden in our last place and it took about 50 minutes on the ride on to cut that so it was well justified. By comparison I know a lad with a similar sized garden which he cuts with a push mower and it takes 3-4 hours.

We now have a 0.7 acre garden, probably half under grass and I find I rarely use the ride on any more. I have a few obstacles so it's nearly quicker to cut with push mower especially as I always have to trim some edges and spots the ride on can't reach.

Prices for ride-ons are expensive, I have mine 15 years and it's well looked after. It's a Husqvarna and has many more years in it yet. We do have a trailer for our ride-on and we do use that a bit for moving stuff around - blocks etc.

Get a hydrostatic or perferably variable speed, not geared 21" walk-behind with a 75 to 90 litre bag.
If you really want to bridge the gap to a ride-on get an electric start.
Don't complicate your life with a ride-on.

mycro2013

Have you considered a robotic mower, they can be purchased for the same price as a tractor lawnmower.

happydude742

In answer to your query: it is always worth getting a ride on mower :-)

Jim_Hodge

Not for a third of an acre. I have just over a half acre of lawns and don't need a ride on for that.

There will still be spots or edges that a ride on won't reach.

SocialSpud

mycro2013 wrote: »

Have you considered a robotic mower, they can be purchased for the same price as a tractor lawnmower.

I have but this will be for a new lawn, wouldn't you need a proper mower to start the grass off correctly with proper cutting?

SocialSpud

looksee wrote: »

Do you have space to store it?
Would you be able to maintain it?
If not, do you have a trailer to take it to a repair/maintenance shop?
Are you happy to make that kind of investment?

If yes to all the above then why not? Quicker and easier than a self propelled.
You may still find you need a small light machine for odd corners and edges, but that depends on your garden.

Thanks, yes is the answer to all of those apart from I don't have a trailer but in fairness you'd probably have to do the same with a self propelled mower as most wouldn't fit in the boot.

SocialSpud

SocialSpud wrote: »

Thanks, yes is the answer to all of those apart from I don't have a trailer but in fairness you'd probably have to do the same with a self propelled mower as most wouldn't fit in the boot.

A 21" mower when folded will fit in a respectable sized boot.

SocialSpud

ec_pc wrote: »

I would have to say it's not worth getting a ride on for a garden that size really. We had a 1.1 acre garden in our last place and it took about 50 minutes on the ride on to cut that so it was well justified. By comparison I know a lad with a similar sized garden which he cuts with a push mower and it takes 3-4 hours.

We now have a 0.7 acre garden, probably half under grass and I find I rarely use the ride on any more. I have a few obstacles so it's nearly quicker to cut with push mower especially as I always have to trim some edges and spots the ride on can't reach.

Prices for ride-ons are expensive, I have mine 15 years and it's well looked after. It's a Husqvarna and has many more years in it yet. We do have a trailer for our ride-on and we do use that a bit for moving stuff around - blocks etc.

Thanks, this is for a brand new lawn coming soon. I was thinking of a robot one too but I'm guessing you'd need a manual mower to kick start a new lawn. Also looking at perhaps those Ego battery powered ones.

PhilOssophy

How lazy are you OP

I'm working the dimensions out as a 38m each way square. Its a decent enough amount of grass to cut with a self propelled, no?

SocialSpud

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Get a hydrostatic or perferably variable speed, not geared 21" walk-behind with a 75 to 90 litre bag.
If you really want to bridge the gap to a ride-on get an electric start.
Don't complicate your life with a ride-on.

I was thinking of one of those Ego self propelled battery ones alright.

ec_pc

Just be prepared to look after them.

They get punctures which are a pain to deal with. They need to be serviced, batteries need to be trickle charged/ recharged / replaced. The decks must be cleaned regularly or they will rust. Cutting deck belts snap or wear and must be replaced (easy) same for drive belts (real fiddly job that takes ages to do).

Do not loose the keys!!!! We lost both of keys for a month one time, found both within a day and after that I have one hidden away for emergency use only!

Also consider insurance against theft, I have mine specifically listed and valued on the house policy.

SocialSpud

PhilOssophy wrote: »

How lazy are you OP

I'm working the dimensions out as a 38m each way square. Its a decent enough amount of grass to cut with a self propelled, no?

It sure is. I don't mind to be honest but I don't want to be a slave to the lawn either and would probably do other jobs with the time saved. Just not sure if it's worth the price or if I'll really even save that much time.

A good quality conventional petrol mower will last 15 to 20 years. Batteries in an electric will last maybe half that.

SocialSpud

[Deleted User] wrote: »

A good quality conventional petrol mower will last 15 to 20 years. Batteries in an electric will last maybe half that.

Yea, just thinking it would be better for the environment and a lot less maintenance with spark plugs, filters etc. No fumes would also be nice.

SocialSpud

ec_pc wrote: »

Just be prepared to look after them.

They get punctures which are a pain to deal with. They need to be serviced, batteries need to be trickle charged/ recharged / replaced. The decks must be cleaned regularly or they will rust. Cutting deck belts snap or wear and must be replaced (easy) same for drive belts (real fiddly job that takes ages to do).

Do not loose the keys!!!! We lost both of keys for a month one time, found both within a day and after that I have one hidden away for emergency use only!

Also consider insurance against theft, I have mine specifically listed and valued on the house policy.

Yea if anything I'd be getting a battery powered one for a lot less maintenance.

SocialSpud

SocialSpud wrote: »

Yea, just thinking it would be better for the environment and a lot less maintenance with spark plugs, filters etc. No fumes would also be nice.

oil every 50 running hours i.e. over a year. sparkplugs every few years. filters last unless you clog them with oil.
That just leaves a few litres of petrol each year.

MAULBROOK

Its on the small size in my view, a really good push mower would be the best option.

Ms2011

We have an acre mostly under grass and we use 2 petrol self propelled mower.
It takes 2.5hrs if you're doing it alone but mostly myself and the hubby take an end each and meet in the middle in just over an hour.
Headphones on, listen to some music and get some of my 10k steps in :cool:

SocialSpud

Ms2011 wrote: »

We have an acre mostly under grass and we use 2 petrol self propelled mower.
It takes 2.5hrs if you're doing it alone but mostly myself and the hubby take an end each and meet in the middle in just over an hour.
Headphones on, listen to some music and get some of my 10k steps in :cool:

Thanks, I wouldn't mind anything up to an hour to be honest. Have no real issue with walking behind it either, might be good exercise!

MAULBROOK

https://www.agrieuro.co.uk/2x18v-53cm-makita-dlm533pt-self-propelled-electric-lawn-mower-4-batteries-included-p-25436.html

Battery powered could be the way to go.

SocialSpud

MAULBROOK wrote: »

https://www.agrieuro.co.uk/2x18v-53cm-makita-dlm533pt-self-propelled-electric-lawn-mower-4-batteries-included-p-25436.html

Battery powered could be the way to go.

Yea was thinking of Ego as well: https://egopowerplus.ie/products/mowers/lm2135e-sp

NSAman

AHhh heyar,,,, a ride on for 0.3 acre? Why not get a flock of sheep?

A regular mower will do ya fine. You could always tie some string to a stake in the center of the land and let it wind itself in.....(presuming its a self propelled one)

MAULBROOK

SocialSpud wrote: »

Yea was thinking of Ego as well: https://egopowerplus.ie/products/mowers/lm2135e-sp

Personally i would go for a brand that is well known, plus you can us the battery's on power tools and garden equipment.
The Makita gear is very good IMO.

SocialSpud

MAULBROOK wrote: »

Personally i would go for a brand that is well known, plus you can us the battery's on power tools and garden equipment.
The Makita gear is very good IMO.

Ego is actually very well known, probably moreso in the US but they are often seen as just as good as any petrol mower with their 56v batteries. Good shout on Makita power tools though. Ego only do garden tools.

SocialSpud

NSAman wrote: »

AHhh heyar,,,, a ride on for 0.3 acre? Why not get a flock of sheep?

A regular mower will do ya fine. You could always tie some string to a stake in the center of the land and let it wind itself in.....(presuming its a self propelled one)

Would ideally like to not have sheep ****e on my runners when out in the lawn to be honest.

MAULBROOK

SocialSpud wrote: »

Ego is actually very well known, probably moreso in the US but they are often seen as just as good as any petrol mower with their 56v batteries. Good shout on Makita power tools though. Ego only do garden tools.

i think that site link has free delivery

SocialSpud

MAULBROOK wrote: »

i think that site link has free delivery

Yea this one does alright: https://www.dwtoolshop.com/ie/ego-52cm-battery-lawnmower-self-propelled-7-5ah-fast-charger and is actually cheaper.

the_pen_turner

I see it as how much time and energy you have after work or on the weekends. If you have a handy number at work like an office job etc then getting out for a good walk is great and something to look forward to after a mentally tiring day. If you have a physically demanding job then the last thing you want is chasing a lawnmower around for 2 plus hours.

I would get a ride on and mulch it regularly. You will turn a 2to3 hour job into a 30min job and be at your ease.
A lawn that size can get out of hand very quickly and you need to fly around at every opportunity some times

SocialSpud

the_pen_turner wrote: »

I see it as how much time and energy you have after work or on the weekends. If you have a handy number at work like an office job etc then getting out for a good walk is great and something to look forward to after a mentally tiring day. If you have a physically demanding job then the last thing you want is chasing a lawnmower around for 2 plus hours.

I would get a ride on and mulch it regularly. You will turn a 2to3 hour job into a 30min job and be at your ease.
A lawn that size can get out of hand very quickly and you need to fly around at every opportunity some times

Thanks, I do have an office job alright and generally enjoy a bit of strimming anyway. So might not be a bad thing to have a bit of walking in.

What.Now

Ms2011 wrote: »

We have an acre mostly under grass and we use 2 petrol self propelled mower.
It takes 2.5hrs if you're doing it alone but mostly myself and the hubby take an end each and meet in the middle in just over an hour.
Headphones on, listen to some music and get some of my 10k steps in :cool:

Sounds romantic

mycro2013

SocialSpud wrote: »

I have but this will be for a new lawn, wouldn't you need a proper mower to start the grass off correctly with proper cutting?

The robot can be better for a new lawn as the cuttings are deposited acting as a compost. Plus the free time of not having to cut a lawn outweighs any negatives

Fern Bench

mycro2013 wrote: »

The robot can be better for a new lawn as the cuttings are deposited acting as a compost. Plus the free time of not having to cut a lawn outweighs any negatives

This is true. A robot is very light, just what you want for a new lawn. I used it here on a newly seeded patch and it came up fine.

I've the same size lawn. A good self propelled mower works well.

Kewreeuss

Ride on if it’s all flat and you have somewhere to store it safely, as previously mentioned.
If you need some time to yourself, a self propelled electronic start mower is great, you stroll along behind it, gently steering it while you think your thoughts :-)

magicbastarder

SocialSpud wrote: »

Thanks, I do have an office job alright and generally enjoy a bit of strimming anyway.

just watch out for hedgehogs.

and second point - do you want a lawn? you could plant a mini woodland.

Ms2011

What.Now wrote: »

Sounds romantic

It's what lockdown has reduced us to :pac:

SocialSpud

Fern Bench wrote: »

This is true. A robot is very light, just what you want for a new lawn. I used it here on a newly seeded patch and it came up fine.

Nice. Which one do you have? Did you bury the guide wire?

SocialSpud

mycro2013 wrote: »

The robot can be better for a new lawn as the cuttings are deposited acting as a compost. Plus the free time of not having to cut a lawn outweighs any negatives

Looks like I now have to start researching robot lawnmowers :-)

Fern Bench

SocialSpud wrote: »

Nice. Which one do you have? Did you bury the guide wire?

I have a husqvarna one. I paid extra to get the guide wires buried but in in your case I would just lay them down on the clay and maybe just lightly step them in with your foot. They disappear into the growing grass pretty quickly. The robotic lawnmower thread is about 14 kilometres long but everything you need to know is in there.

SocialSpud

Fern Bench wrote: »

I have a husqvarna one. I paid extra to get the guide wires buried but in in your case I would just lay them down on the clay and maybe just lightly step them in with your foot. They disappear into the growing grass pretty quickly. The robotic lawnmower thread is about 14 kilometres long but everything you need to know is in there.

Thanks It's one long thread alright. This one looks to be the right choice for my size: https://www.husqvarna.com/ie/products/robotic-lawn-mowers/automower-315/967673003/

krissovo

My ride on has been nothing but a pain the ass and I hate the thing now, failed batteries, failed carb floats that flood the engine & crank which caused hydrostatic lock, flat tyres, broken belts..... 15 to 20 years life? Not a chance

I run 2 robot mowers now on my ~2 acres, one for front lawn and one for the main garden. They have been brilliant in 2 seasons of using them.

I went with the Worx Landroid to save a few bob as I already invested in a ride on but I liked it so much a got a 2nd one for the front. This would cut your lawn no problem and would cost €1k https://www.myrobotcenter.eu/en/worx-landroid-l1000-wr147-2021

The larger one which I have that easily cuts 1.5 acres is this one at €1200 https://www.myrobotcenter.eu/en/worx-landroid-l2000-wr155e-2021

The cheaper one would be better as it has better wheels for the Irish climate and will not cut up the lawn so much.

Jim_Hodge

the_pen_turner wrote: »

I see it as how much time and energy you have after work or on the weekends. If you have a handy number at work like an office job etc then getting out for a good walk is great and something to look forward to after a mentally tiring day. If you have a physically demanding job then the last thing you want is chasing a lawnmower around for 2 plus hours.

I would get a ride on and mulch it regularly. You will turn a 2to3 hour job into a 30min job and be at your ease.
A lawn that size can get out of hand very quickly and you need to fly around at every opportunity some times

It's a third of an acre. Where are you getting 2 to 3 hours from? It's not a big area by any means. It's just over a 2 km walk.

magicbastarder

a third of an acre is equivalent to a 120 foot square plot. does that include the house/driveway, etc. or is the lawn itself a third of an acre?

BrianD3

Toro Timemaster self propelled would make mincemeat of that lawn. 30 inch cut and IIRC it can be set to go fast enough that you'd have to jog after it. I don't know how reliable or long lasting they are, B&S engine and steel deck but I preusme better than a lot of the crap out there. There is a hose connection for cleaning the deck meaning no excuse for leaving corroding wet grass stuck to it.

I have a Honda HRX 537 hydrostatic, only 21 inch cut but goes pretty fast. Plastic deck and GCV 200 engine. Possibly longer lasting than the Toro and a still decent option for a large lawn.

Roadtoad

BrianD3 wrote: »

Toro Timemaster self propelled would make mincemeat of that lawn. 30 inch cut and IIRC it can be set to go fast enough that you'd have to jog after it. I don't know how reliable or long lasting they are, B&S engine and steel deck but I preusme better than a lot of the crap out there. There is a hose connection for cleaning the deck meaning no excuse for leaving corroding wet grass stuck to it.

I have a Honda HRX 537 hydrostatic, only 21 inch cut but goes pretty fast. Plastic deck and GCV 200 engine. Possibly longer lasting than the Toro and a still decent option for a large lawn.

I have the Toro Timemster, cutting 0.75 acres gross site, perhaps 0.5 acre grass. Its ideal, and I have owned ride-on mowers before. Its a twin cut (two blades) like most ride-ons. I'm now sure how it would handle a hilly site, mine is flat. It fits into a Susuki Swift!

schmoo2k

SocialSpud wrote: »

I'm on the fence about getting a ride on vs a self propelled mower. I have 0.3 acres of mostly flat grass with no obstacles. Any advice?

Do you jog, go to the gym etc.? If so just schedule the cutting as part of your exercise regime - worth noting that if its not self powered then you will get a proper abs / lower back workout (assuming you have flower beds and obstacles)

Keyzer

SocialSpud wrote: »

I'm on the fence about getting a ride on vs a self propelled mower. I have 0.3 acres of mostly flat grass with no obstacles. Any advice?

I'd ride anything. anywhere if there was 0.3 acres in it for me...