I have a two-acre yard that needs regularly mowing, especially during the rainy seasons. How wide are most riding lawn mowers?
In this article, I will talk about how to pick the right width for your lawn mower. Many manufacturers list the deck cutting width for you to see. However, they do not usually mention the width of the actual mower width.
A 60-inch mower means that the deck is able to cut 60 inches in width. But it has wider measurements. A mower listed as wide as 60 inches usually means the deck cuts 60 inches in width, but the actual measurements are wider.
A typical riding lawn mower, which is commonly known as a garden tractor, is about 48-63 inches wide with a discharge chute in the upright position. When factoring the discharge chute in the downright position, simply add about 8-15 inches to the width
How Wide Are Zero Turn Mowers?
Basically, the average zero turn mower is anywhere between 48 inches and 79 inches in width with a discharge chute in the upright position.
The deck cutting width of most common zero turn mower are:
- 42″,
- 48″,
- 52″,
- 54″,
- 60″ and
- 72″.
Zero turns are as narrow as 36” cutting width and as wide as 96” cutting width.
To measure zero turn width, measure from and to the widest part of the deck. Using the discharge chute will add about 15 inches to the width.
How wide is a Standard Lawn Mower Deck?
A standard push mower or self propelled mower is about 22”-40” wide with a cutting deck of width ranging from 21”-36”.
Many lawn manufacturers provide standard deck sizes for their mowers. Some common lawn mower brands and their average actual mower deck width is listed below:
Before purchasing any lawn mower for your lawn, it is very important that you first measure the actual width first. With this, you can stay within a specific deck size to make storage and transportation easier for you and for maneuvering obstacles in your yard.
There are other features to consider before choosing a lawn mower. Few of the features to consider are:
- Engine horsepower
- Type of mower deck
- Lawn mower functions
With these functions, you can be sure to have a great mowing experience. If you search online, you can find different manufacturers offering similar models. As a result, you should read about their functionalities before you can make your purchase.
I recommend that you read customer reviews on different platforms to learn more about the model you want to buy.
Advantages of Front Mount Mower Decks
Some of the advantages of front mount mower decks include:
- Better contouring
- Maneuverability
- Easier to sharpen blades and service the deck
- Front mount mowers can mow in wet areas without getting the tires of the tractor in the wet area
- You can easily lift the deck slightly whenever you want to transfer weight onto the tractor when climbing a hill. With this, your tractor can climb the hill conveniently without spinning a tire
Disadvantage of Front Mount Mower Decks
- It is more difficult to change the height of cut
- Find the right PTO attachments could be a challenge
- It can be more expensive
Stamped Decks Vs Fabricated Decks
Generally, there are two different styles of lawn mower decks namely:
- Stamped decks
- Fabricated decks
Fabricated mower deck is a better option for people who use their mowers for a lot of work and regularly. However, for homeowners who make use of their mowers twice a week or for an hour every week, the stamped deck is a much preferred choice.
Stamped Deck
Stamped deck mowers are stamped out of one sheet of steel. They are cheaper than the fabricated deck mowers and have good airflow, which guarantees a good cut.
However, since the deck is constructed using one sheet, the deck shell can be damaged easily once it meets a hard object. Unlike the steel used in fabricated deck, the steel in stamped deck is a lighter gauge steel.
Fabricated deck
The fabricated deck is also referred to as a welded deck and is made and welded together using thicker gauge steel.
With the fabricated deck, the lawn mower deck is much more rigid and can take more impact without getting damaged in the process.
Thanks to the depth of the deck, the quality of your cut is greatly improved and appears better.
FAQs
Are Front Mount Deck Mowers Good?
Yes. Front mount mowers are very ideal as they have maneuvering abilities, which are more effective when compared to belly mount mowers. Using front mount mowers will allow you to trim under trees, follow contours and split rail fences.g
What is the average width of a lawn mower?
The average residential walk mower uses one blade to cut a swath about 20-22 inches wide.
With a wide cut mower, the blade can cut a swath about 26 to at least 30 inches wide.
On the other hand, commercial models have a cut width of about 32-54 inches. Higher cutting width allows you to cut more grass per pass and makes the work faster and easier.
How wide is a John Deere riding lawn mower?
The John Deere riding lawn mower is about 55.2 inches wide.
How wide are most riding lawn mowers?
The average riding lawn mower is between 48 inches and 63 inches wide with the discharge chute in the upright position. You must include 8 to 15 inches to the width when factoring the discharge chute in the downright position.
What are the mower deck size?
The size of your lawn largely contributes to the right width of mower that you will need. Below is an overview of the mower deck cutting width, which is ideal for the size of your yard.
1.For yards of less than 1 acre
Type of lawn mower: Push mower, Self propelled walk behind mower
Deck size:18” – 36”
2. For yards of 1-3 acres
Type of lawn mower: Riding mower, zero turn
Deck size: 36” – 42”
3. For yards 3-4 acres
Types of lawn mower: Riding mower, zero turn
Deck size: 42” – 54”
4. For yards 4 acres and above
Type of lawn mower: Zero turn mower
Deck size:60” – 72”