Best Riding Mower: New or Used - A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to choosing between a new or used riding mower, the decision can often be more complex than a simple yes or no. The choice depends on several factors including the type of lawn you need to mow, your needs for teaching others, and the specific features you require.

Choosing a Riding Mower

For a typical lawn with nice grass, there are plenty of quality mowers available both new and used. However, if you're planning to teach teenagers how to drive, a riding lawn mower with a steering wheel and adjustable mowing height is an excellent choice. These mowers can help teach safety and control, ensuring that the learners take proper care around the lawn and its features.

Teaching and Safety

Using a riding mower can be a great way to teach young adults about basic lawn care. By operating a steerable mower, they can learn to navigate around objects, watch the rear wheels when turning corners, and understand the relationship between the deck and the tractor. This helps them avoid damaging plants or structures, such as flower beds, which are often a concern during mowing.

Options for Various Scenarios

However, the choice between new and used mowers depends on the specific needs of your lawn. If your lawn has steep slopes or varying terrains, a zero-turn mower with a brake pedal and a lock can be more advantageous. Zero-turn mowers are designed to handle such challenging terrains and are ideal for maintaining areas with changes in grade and level.

For Steeper Terrains

For steep slopes or areas with varying terrain, a zero-turn mower is highly recommended. These mowers feature a brake pedal and a lock, which helps maintain control and safety when mowing on uneven surfaces. They are particularly useful for areas where the grade changes, as they can side-mow on reasonable slopes with ease, ensuring that the deck does not interfere with the rear wheels.

Specialized Mowers for Specific Tasks

For particularly weedy areas that require occasional mowing, a mower with more specialized features might be the best choice. For instance, the DR Power Brush Hog, which I purchased in 1995, is an excellent option. Despite its appearance and some welded areas, it runs exceptionally well and cuts through stubborn weeds like a butter knife through cheese. This mowing tool is perfect for clearing blackberry bushes and other overgrown areas.

Multiple Mowers for Various Needs

I currently own four mowers to suit different needs. A large one that attaches to my John Deere Compact Tractor with a 60-inch mowing width is ideal for steep slopes and rough terrain. The blade is nearly half an inch thick, making it effective for cutting through anything, and it's perfect for maintaining greenbelt areas in my subdivision. Another John Deere mower, with a 12-hp engine and a 32-inch cutting width, was used to teach my children the basics of driving a riding mower. A Cub Cadet zero-turn mower offers faster mowing and is particularly useful for steep areas, although it lacks the brake pedal.

Used Mowers as a Cost-Effective Option

Used mowers can be purchased at various yard sales and other second-hand markets for reasonable prices, making them a cost-effective option. If you're deciding based on price, a used mower can provide excellent value without compromising on quality. However, if your lawn has specific challenges, such as steep slopes or changing terrain, a new zero-turn mower might be a more practical investment in the long run.

Personal Experience with a Mounted Mountain Mower

While I can provide you with insights and options, let me share my experience with a specific mower. I once owned a Mountfield twin-blade 1 hp ride-on mower, and it was an excellent choice. The mower never malfunctioned, and the only required maintenance was changing the oil and spark plug, along with annual sharpening of the cutting blades.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best choice between a new and used riding mower depends on your specific lawn conditions and needs. Whether you opt for a used mower or a new one, consider the features and capabilities that will best suit your lawn for the best mowing experience.