Push Mower vs. Riding Lawn Tractor: Which is Right for You?

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Spring is in full mode; we’re only a couple weeks before summer. Learning lawn care has been my new favorite hobby. So much so, I’ve added to the family of tools a dethatch machine and a lawn tractor to accompany my EGO push mower.

14000 sq ft of lawn, an electric push mower was just fine for me. I don’t mind the exercise at all. So when we purchased the house, I decided to jump on the lithium-ion cordless electric wagon. I purchased the EGO push mower for $376.92 last June. It has served me well and continues to.

However, there are few things I wish weren’t the case.

The downside of the push mower:

The battery lasts for roughly three-quarters of its capacity, which equates to 10,500 sq ft. If you have approximately the same amount of land or less to cover, it should suffice.
The battery needs to be recharged for another 45 minutes in order to complete the task.
If the grass is too tall and thick, my battery powered riding mower struggles to turn to the point where it studdles and stops.

The upside of the push mower:

Cost-effective.
You don’t have to worry about the loud noise.
You’re able to reach tight corners.
You get some exercise done.
You save on gas.
Maintenance is close to none.

Then I realized I couldn’t find the time and energy to work on other projects throughout the day like clearing the back yard slope full of crushed branches. This leads to getting a lawn tractor.

The John Deere L100 cost me $3021.84 with the baggers from Lowe’s. In terms of the money invested, it’s to early for me to say. But when it comes to having more time to work on other projects, it’s worth having.

The downside of the riding mower:

The tractor noise is on a whole other level. Do your eardrums a favor and get yourself a hearing protector; you’ll need it.
Adding fuel to your budget.
Going down a slight slope can be very intimidating.
Keeping up on maintenance.

The benefits of the riding mower:

It saves you a lot of time.
You don’t have to stop a couple times to empty the grass clippers.

So, is a push mower or riding tractor the best investment?

There are some factors you need to consider before making the right choice. First, what is the size of your lawn? Second, can you fit it into your budget? Third, do you have the time for lawn maintenance? If you have a small to medium-sized lawn, a limited budget, and the physical ability to handle the task, a push mower is likely the better choice.

However, if you have a larger lawn, the budget for a higher initial investment, and prefer to save time and physical effort, a riding tractor is a more suitable option. Assessing your specific needs and circumstances will help you make the best decision.

At the end, whatever you choose will get the job done.

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