Surprise, surprise. It’s getting colder.
Well it is November (just) even though the recent warm spell has made us think we’re still in the balmy days of late August.
And though the leaves are still hanging stubbornly to the branches, one decent frost and a decent breeze will send them tumbling.
Longer grass needs to be kept in check and lawns still need a trim, though only a very light one, and if you have a larger garden a lawn tractor really earns its corn in the autumn.
For not only can you cut grass, but you can also clear leaves and carry wood, or anything else, with the appropriate attachments.
If you have a larger property but don’t have a lawn or garden tractor, here are a couple of machines to whet your appetite.
First the MTD 2-in-1 Combi Lawn Tractor, a side-discharge model ideal for cutting larger areas like orchards and paddocks.
This comes with a mulch plug so you can use it on the smoother areas as well.
Powered by a 420cc ThorX engine made by the manufacturer, it has been engineered for a long life and has a 96cm cutting so you can deal with large areas in no time.
The cutting deck pivots and, added to the small wheels at the front of the deck, it will follow closely the con tours of the ground without scalping it.
The turning radius is just 46cm giving it great manoeuvrability. And wide tyres give great grip when it’s wet and won’t damage the surface.
It costs £1299 and is a new machine for this year and exclusive to MowDirect. The mulch kit normally costs £79 but this is included in the price.
Our customers have said.. ” …the best ride on mower we’ve had”, “Great! Beats the socks off my old Husqvarna! ” and “Fantastic Machinery….easy to manoeuvre and easy to use. Would definitely recommend this mower.”
Free delivery is normally within two to three working days but for an extra sum you can order as late as 3pm on Friday afternoon for delivery on Saturday.
It has a two year warranty from the manufacturer.
This one, also from MTD, is the ideal machine for autumn as it is a great collector of wet grass clippings.
The MTD Direct-Collect Lawn Tractor has a similar 420cc engine delivering 14hp.
But this one is intended for use on lawns where its twin blades produce a very powerful blast of air to force the clippings into the 240-litre grass box, ideal for damp autumnal days. The box can be emptied from the driver’s seat.
Another advantage is that the cutter deck can be removed without using any tools.
It has small wheels on the front on the deck to prevent scalping and a 46cm turning radius to give great manoeuvrability.
It has a seven speed Transmatic gear box and cutting heights from 30mm to 95mm.
A mulch plug and rear deflector plate are available as optional extras.
It costs £1599, £300 off the maker’s recommended price and has a two year warranty.
Free delivery is within two to three working days but for an extra sum you can order by up to 3pm Friday afternoon and have it delivered on Saturday.
And if the leaves are starting to become a menace on lawns and paths, this is a very simple way of dealing with them.
Keep it Smart: Agri-Fab Smart Sweep 44″ Towed Leaf Sweeper.
The Agri-Fab Smart-Sweep 44″ Towed Lawn & Leaf Sweeper (45-0492) has a 112cm clearing width so you can sweep away the leaves on long drives and extensive lawns very efficiently and quickly.
This machine also has the advantage in that it will not jump or skip as it is being towed, so that some patches are not cleared.
It has heavy-duty brushes and a 710-litre collector which can be emptied without leaving the driver’s seat.
The sweeper can be attached to any make of lawn or garden tractor with a universal hitch pin.
It costs £369, £90 below the recommended price and has a three-year warranty.
Delivery is free, and the next working day. Click to see what our customers think of this handy garden companion.
Please ring us on 020 3026 8712 if you have any queries about lawn tractors or leaf sweepers.
And see our main site for an extensive list of garden machinery.
