Which lawn tractor for which area?
There is a suitable lawn mower for every area. While a traditional push lawn mower is generally ideal for a few hundred square meters, a lawn tractor makes mowing large areas much easier.
Lawn care can take a lot of time depending on the size of the garden. While a push lawn mower may be adequate for up to about 1,000 m² (10,764 ft2), a ride-on mower makes the job much easier for larger lawns. Mowing with a lawn tractor is not only less physically demanding but also much quicker than a push lawn mower. So which lawn tractor is particularly suitable for which area?
The area performance of the lawn tractor
When choosing a lawn tractor from Cub Cadet, the recommended area plays a significant role. While push lawn mowers, even with a powerful gasoline engine, are typically only suitable for areas up to 1,000 m² (10,764 ft2), lawn tractors display their strength in parks and gardens typically 6,000 m² (64,583 ft2) and more. Zero-turn mowers designed for the professional sector generally impress with area outputs of 18,000 m² (193,750 ft2) and more.
Nonetheless, the manufacturer's specification for the area output of a lawn tractor is not the only criterion. It generally states the maximum area that a tractor can mow in one hour under ideal conditions. Typically, if you invest a little more time, you can manage a larger lawn area than specified even with a more compact model.
Side or rear discharge
Lawn tractors with rear discharge transfer the clippings along the shortest path from the mowing deck to the grass catcher. This helps to save time, as the clippings can simply be disposed of in a central location either via a lever from the driver's seat or electrically. What’s more, some accessories for a grass catcher are also available for lawn tractors with side discharge. When making a purchase, be sure that the lawn tractor can be retrofitted if necessary, as not all models support grass catcher attachments.
The situation is similar with a mulching kit. While already integrated in the scope of delivery for some lawn tractors, other devices can be retrofitted accordingly. For maximum flexibility, a lawn tractor that can handle all variants is recommended.
The cutting width of the lawn tractor
The cutting width also determines how quickly and efficiently a lawn tractor can mow large areas. Conversely, a large cutting width also usually comes at the expense of maneuverability. Therefore, a device with a smaller cutting width may be the better choice on angled areas.
Lawn tractors for uneven surfaces
If the ground is uneven, the mowing deck can have difficulty following its contour. The result is usually an irregular lawn cut with an imperfect appearance. In order to help achieve a uniform cut pattern on uneven terrain, a lawn tractor with an oscillating front axle is recommended here, designed for optimal ground contact.
Engine power also plays a role in performance, especially on slopes and inclines. If the device is to cope with slopes, it should definitely have enough HP for the job. On a flat surface, engine power is usually less important. Keep in mind that a lawn tractor with less horsepower may then travel slower.
On inclines, it is also important to have a lawn tractor with a wide track spacing. Generally, the farther apart the wheels are, the more securely the machine will operate.
Gasoline engines for demanding areas
As with push lawn mowers, gasoline engines are characterized by that extra bit of power. Lawn tractors are usually equipped with gasoline engines designed for demanding garden work. However, Cub Cadet has now expanded its range to include a lawn tractor with a rechargeable battery, designed to perform as well as Cub Cadet’s gasoline models.
Low cutting heights for golf turf
Not every type of lawn has the same cutting tolerance. While lawn tractors generally meet cutting heights for sport and utility lawns, low-cut golf lawns can put extraordinary demands on the device, as may meadows whose cutting height is 10 cm (4 in) and more. Therefore, when purchasing, it is helpful to take a look at the possible cutting height including the level settings.
Maneuverability and agility
A lawn tractor that has a considerably small turning radius can be advantageous, especially on winding areas or meadows with numerous trees. In combination with a precise steering system, you can maneuver easily around obstacles and avoid time consuming turning actions.
Practical accessories for extended functionality
Many lawn tractors are by no means only suitable for mowing the lawn. If you need to clear parking lots or other areas of ice and snow in winter or use the lawn tractor to till small arable fields, Cub Cadet offers a wide range of different accessories to expand the functionality of your lawn tractor.
Accessories are not the only thing important for performance. It is equally worthwhile to use a lawn tractor with a powerful engine for challenging tasks in order to help achieve excellent results when clearing snow and the such.
Tank volume for greater scope
The tank volume helps determine how long you can use the lawn tractor without having to stop for fuel. If it is necessary to drive to a lawn area or your lawn is particularly large, a model with a generous tank is recommended.
Lawn tractors are generally suitable for areas about 1,000 m² (10,764 ft2) in size. A model with a powerful engine is recommended for special challenges such as inclines or clearing snow in winter. The option to attach accessories is also particularly important in this case. Models with a grass catcher (optional) and a mulching kit (optional) can also provide that extra flexibility. If you pay attention to versatility when buying, you can use your lawn tractor on a variety of surfaces.