It’s been a good year so far for ride-on mowers and tractors with some great new models being released by the leading manufacturers. In this review we shall highlight some of the stand-out models already to have hit the market and shall provide our own recommendations on what’s likely to be ‘hot’ in the coming weeks and months. Part I of our review covers two exciting new releases from opposite ends of ride-on mower market.
First up is a new mini rider from Lawnflite. The Lawnflite Mini Rider-E is one of the most compact ride-on mowers on the market and is ideally suited to those seeking the ease and comfort of ride-on mowing but who don’t have the grounds to justify the expense of a larger sized tractor mower. Its size also makes the Lawnflite Mini Rider-E perfect for manoeuvring in and out of confined spaces and tackling awkward shaped lawns.
The thing which really sets this ride-on mower apart though is its 3-in-1 cutting ability. The Lawnflite Mini Rider-E is the first and only mini-rider which can be used for mulching as well as collecting or discharging grass cuttings. Mulching not only offers you a faster way to mow your lawn (when conditions suit) but also helps maintain a green and healthy look by using the grass cuttings as a natural fertilizer. Its ‘green’ credentials could just make the Lawnflite Mini Rider-E the model of choice for the modern homeowner looking to purchase a ride-on mower below £1000.
Simplicity, America’s leading manufacturer of prestige lawn & garden tractors, this year announced the launch of two new additions to its highly respected Regent range. The two new models are both rear collection tractors and are aimed at those seeking superior build and top-end features in a large sized tractor mower. The two models are distinguished from one another only by the size of their engines. The Simplicity Regent XLRD 19.5/40 Lawn & Garden Tractor has a 19.5 hp single cylinder engine and is suitable for large sized areas of flatter ground. The Simplicity Regent XLRD 22T/40 Lawn & Garden Tractor has a powerful 22hp twin cylinder engine and will tackle large areas including inclines and slopes with ease.
As you would expect there are some real top-end specifications on these tractors including cruise control, electric blade engagement and blade cut-out for when the grass bag is full. The real stand out feature though is the turning radius which measures just 31cm. (This is the radius of that circle of ground which would be left uncut if you did a full 360 degree turn.) The turning circle of a tractor determines its manoeuvrability and with the Regent’s measuring half that of some tractors on the market you simply won’t experience another tractor like it in this price range. Not only will you find it quicker to turn round but you’ll also be able to negotiate obstacles more comfortably as well as getting in and out of confined spaces with greater ease.
In the next part of our review of new ride-on mowers and tractors for 2008 we will be looking at some seriously powerful tractor mowers from Cub Cadet as well as a new ‘Zero Turn’ which looks set to revolutionise the way we think about ride-on tractors.
