First-Time Lawn Tractor Buyers’ Questions Answered

Buying lawn care equipment for the first time can be overwhelming. You might start by Googling questions like, “What mower is the best deal?” or “Lawn mower reviews.” You may also wonder, “Which lawn mower is the easiest to maintain?” 

Be aware of your ever-expanding Google searches that can take you down unwanted rabbit holes. Before opening another tab, check out our customer-curated guide to buying John Deere lawn tractors. No matter your budget, familiarity or ignorance of lawn care, this guide will answer questions to select the best lawn tractor based on your needs.

Determine Your Lawn’s Size

Your lawn’s size and terrain directly affect a lawn mower’s durability, maneuverability and overall efficiency. Walk-behind mowers can work well for small lawns with trees, while a riding or zero-turn mower may be best for larger lawns. Let’s quickly review the different lawn mower types.

Walk-Behind Mowers 

These machines are compact, maneuverable lawn mowers that allow the operator to walk behind the machine while cutting grass. With a variety of engine options, including electric, these machines can navigate lawns with many obstacles such as trees, flower beds or garden decorations. Buyers can choose from various deck sizes from 36 to 61 inches and additional attachments like the following:

• Mulch and Grass Catcher Kits
• ShadePro Canopy
• Jack Kit 

Riding Mowers

Options from John Deere riding mowers come in two-wheel, four-wheel and zero-turn (ZTR) steering varieties. A larger riding mower or lawn tractor includes either two or a four-wheel-steer setup. Lawns with naturally occurring obstacles to navigate like trees, shrubs and hardscapes, are usually better suited for four-wheel steering.

Zero Turn Mowers

Just as the name implies, a zero-turn mower has a zero-turn radius, meaning it can turn on a dime to hug tight corners and curves. Homeowners with properties that include gardens, hardscapes, and several plants, shrubs and trees may find this mower delivers the best results and faster than other mowers. One potential downside, however, is that zero-turn mowers don’t perform as well on hilly terrain as two- and four-wheel-style mowers, making them best suited for flat land with minimal slopes. 

Ask yourself questions like the following:

• Does the yard have a fence with a narrow opening/gate?
• Does your lawn’s size warrant a riding mower?
• How much time do you have to spend on lawn care?
• Are there trees or shrubs close enough to one another that it could be a tight fit for the mower to get through? 

While every person’s answers will vary, here’s a quick example of lawn mower types and their corresponding yard size and John Deere lawn tractor models.

Watch this product review video to learn the differences between a John Deere riding mower and zero-turn.

Lawn Mower Attachments

After choosing the size and model, a first-time buyer should consider which attachments will help them save time and increase the versatility of their first lawn care machine. Let’s consider the lawn care challenges addressed by certain attachment groups.

• Clean up lawn clippings: John Deere has developed Bagger attachments and Mulching Kits in varying sizes and prices to match the first-timer buyer’s needs.
• Maneuver the machine with ease: Tire chains, Wheel Weight, Weather Enclosures or Canopy attachments or Tow-Behind Carts help people operate lawn mowers in many weather conditions.
• Remove snow or ice: Front Blades or Snow Blower attachments transform John Deere Lawn Tractors into powerful snow removal machines.
• Control weeds and unwanted growth: Aerators, Dethatches, Sprayers and Spreaders attachments can remove invasive weeds or overgrown bushes.

Check out the table below to consider which attachment type is compatible with certain John Deere lawn mower models.

Maintenance Requirements for Lawn Mowers

All machines require maintenance, even if it’s just a yearly inspection. A trusted dealer like RDO will be able to provide detailed information, but here are three basic tasks every first-time buyer should do.

• Change the Oil: Regular oil changes after 25 to 50 hours of use, depending on the model, will keep engines lubricated.
• Clean or Replace Air Filters: Check after 25 hours of use. Dirty air filters will decrease fuel efficiency.
• Sharpen Blades: Good for grass and the machine, a sharp blade will reduce stress on the mower. 

Some dealers like RDO may offer annual inspections. RDO even offersMobile Maintenance for customers’ lawn care equipment. Offered only in select areas, Mobile Maintenance brings lawn mower and compact tractor service from a certified RDO service technician to customers, whether at home or on the job site, and scheduling is easy and convenient. Understanding these tasks an d finding a trusted lawn care equipment expert will give any first-time buyer peace of mind and the right tools to be prepared to keep their lawn looking green, fresh and without any mess.

For more information on choosing the right lawn mower, tractor, or attachments, call or visit your local RDO Equipment Co. store.