With its super-compact 60cm cutting-width – not much wider than that found on the largest walk-behind mowers – the Lawnflite 60-SDE Ride-On will come into its own on grass areas with awkward corners and restricted access. It boasts a six-speed change-on-the-move transmission that works with its compact design and tight-turning radius to optimise manoeuvrability. It comes equipped with a 2-in-1 deck with mulching and side-discharge. Power for this model comes from a high-performance 196cc OHV unit from MTD.

A compact 70cm cut and a 140cm turning-radius combine to make the impressively manoeuvrable Mountfield 1328H a great choice for the smaller garden. It’s capable of either bagging or mulching clippings, so it can handle a range of grass-conditions; and it boasts a seven-step cutting-height that means you’ll have no trouble creating your preferred finish. Other practical and convenient features include high-traction drive-wheels and a handy ‘collector full’ alert. Power is supplied by a 414cc OHV engine from Mountfield themselves.

Thanks to its compact dimensions, this mini ride-on mower from Lawnflite is remarkably agile, and will therefore come into its own on lawns where movement is restricted by trees, ornaments and flowerbeds (it has a 60cm cut). It has a shift-on-the-move transmission, so you’ll save time by not having to stop every time you wish to change gear; and it offers five preset cutting-heights that work with its three-in-one design (collect; mulch; rear-discharge) to ensure it’s exceptionally flexible in use. A roomy 150-litre catcher is included.

The compact but powerful Feider FRT-75BS125 is a logical step-up from a larger walk-behind mower and will enable you to cover a sizeable area quickly and in total comfort! Its five-speed gearbox (+ reverse) ensures there’s a suitable ground-speed for a range of terrains and grass-conditions; while its multi-stage cutting-height range combines with its three-in-one design (collect; rear-discharge; mulch) to confer excellent versatility. This 340cc model is supplied with a 170-litre grassbag and has a 76cm working-width.

If your lawn measures around 3000m2 or less and has lots of closely-spaced obstacles and/or tight corners, then the compact 66cm Mountfield 827H is worth serious consideration. It boasts numerous high-specification features, including a foot-pedal controlled hydrostatic drive for superior manoeuvrability; a premium-grade Mountfield engine (224cc) with an effort-saving electric key start; and a high-capacity 150-litre grass-collector, which can be dumped from the driving position. A mulch-kit can be purchased separately.

A smooth, gear-shift-free hydro drive, a compact 72cm cut and a 140cm turning-radius combine to make the impressively manoeuvrable Mountfield 1328H a great choice for the smaller garden. It’s capable of either bagging or mulching clippings, so it can handle a range of grass-conditions; and it boasts a seven-step cutting-height that means you’ll have no trouble creating your preferred finish. Other practical and convenient features include high-traction drive-wheels and a handy ‘collector full’ alert. Power is supplied by a 414cc OHV engine from Mountfield themselves.

As its name suggests, the Lawnflite 76SDE Mini Rider is compact machine, and as such is perfect for lawns where there are narrow access routes and/or awkward corners to deal with (it has a 76cm cut and a 46cm turning-circle). It’s both mulch and side-discharge capable, with a large-capacity grass collector available as an accessory; and it features a floating cutter-deck that has been offset so you can mow flush to lawn edges. This high-performance ride-on is fitted with a powerful 11.6hp engine with an electric starter for trouble-free starting every time. There’s also a five-position height-of-cut for enhanced flexibility-of-use; and a Transmatic drive that allows for smooth control of the grounds-speed with no need to stop to change gear.

One of the most compact ride-on lawnmowers in production and boasting an infinitely variable hydrostatic drive, this European-built machine from Stiga is aimed larger lawns with obstacles and/or narrow access points. Its very high-powered 223cc Briggs & Stratton OHV engine has been equipped with an electric key ignition for effort-free starts; while its six-step cutting-height provides the flexibility you’ll need to cope with changing conditions. The Stiga Combi 1066 HQ offers both collection and mulching as standard, so you can choose the mode that will get the best results on the grass-length you’re faced with. It’s recommended for areas up to around 3000m2.

Combining a narrow 60cm cutting-width with a tight 46cm turning-circle and an infinitely-variable hydrostatic drive, the Lawnflite Mini Rider 60RDHE offers exceptional manoeuvrability. It gives you the choice of either bagging, mulching or rear-discharging cut-grass, so it’s capable of handling a wide range of conditions; and it comes powered by a premium Briggs & Stratton OHV engine that’s characterised by its durability and superior fuel-economy. 150-litre collector included - mulch-kit and rear-deflector optional.

Highly manoeuvrable, easy to store and able to fit through the average garden gateway; the compact Lawnflite 76-RDE Mini Rider is the ideal first step-up from a walk-behind mower. It features a 12-speed Transmatic drive; a high-spec feature that does away with the need to stop each time a gear-change is required; and it benefits from a five-step height-of-cut that ensures whatever finish you’re looking for is easily achievable. This impressively versatile machine comes equipped with a complete grass-management package, including a rear-discharge chute and a grass-collector (mulch-kit optional). Power comes from a 382cc Thorx OHV engine from MTD.

If you’re looking-after a large lawn and are tired of trudging up and down behind a conventional mower, the agile little Stiga Combi 3072 H Ride-On Mower is a serious contender for lawns.