The type of mower you choose will depend on where you are mowing. For a large flat lawn, zero-turn mowers are fast and easy to maneuver because of the zero-degree turning radius. However, a lawn tractor may be a safer option for lawns with hills, and they are more versatile because of the attachments available. 
Zero-Turn vs. Tractor
Lawn tractors have a front-wheel steering design, which allows for more control when mowing down-hill. They are also equipped with a foot pedal break, while zero-turn mowers stop by bringing them to neutral. This makes it hard to stop them on a hill, which is dangerous when there is a pond, wall, or road at the end of the slope. If there are no hills for worry about, though, zero-turn mowers save time when mowing a large yard. Lawn tractors usually cut at a speed of 3 to 4 miles per hour, while homeowner models of zero-turn mowers cut at 5 to 8 miles per hour. Commercial zero-turn mowers can cut at speeds closer to 13 miles per hour.
Zero-Turn Mowers
On level lawns where speed is important, zero-turn mowers work best. Reliable brands of zero-turn mowers carried by Richardson Saw and Lawnmower include Toro and Scag. Each of these brands offers several models to fit different lawn care needs. Toro’s Timecutter SS series features a Smart Speed system designed to provide superior maneuverability around obstacles in the yard like decks, trees, and landscaping. Mow & Grow speed allows for faster cutting in open areas and driving across the yard. Trim & Tow is a slower range for trimming around obstacles and pulling the cargo carrier attachment. Cutting deck sizes range from 32 inches to 50 inches. The Toro Titan series are commercial grade mowers with larger tires than the Timecutter series and a welded steel deck. They feature larger cutting deck sizes of 54 inches and 60 inches for even faster mowing. Scag’s zero-turn mowers are built for commercial use. The Freedom Z series are American-made mowers introduced in 2007. The newest models, with 52-inch and 61-inch cutting decks, have large ties, faster mowing speeds, and more comfortable seats, handles, and footplates. These mowers have low centers of gravity to increase stability if used on slopes. The Turf Tiger series has been around since 1998, and is designed to be low-maintenance. Cutting deck sizes range from 52 inches to the largest 72-inch model. These mower can cut at speeds up to 12 miles per hour. Several engine options are available, including models that run on propane instead of diesel.
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors work best for mowing lawns with slopes greater than 10 or 15 degrees. They can also be more versatile, since some models also allow for front attachments like snow plows as well as back attachments like wagons. Toro’s LX lawn tractors are designed for quality grass cutting. These mowers have a 15-inch turning radius and move at speeds up to 5.5 miles per hour. The LX423 model has a 42-inch cutting deck and comes standard with cruise control and a medium-backed seat. The LX427 also has a 42-inch cutting deck, but comes with a higher seat back and does not have cruise control. The LX468 model with a 46-inch cutting deck and front bumper is also available. For more heavy-duty jobs, the Toro GT2200 Garden Tractor has a 50-inch cutting deck and an improved hydrostatic transmission. It also comes with cruise control, electric power take-off, and a high-back seat. There are several attachments that can be used with Toro’s lawn tractors. A 10-bushel bag is available for the GT tractor, and 6.5 bushel bags are available for LX models. A 46-inch front blade can be attached to all models for moving soil and rocks, or use as a snow plow. For lawn care that goes beyond mowing, a broadcast fertilizer spreader and a dethatcher are also available.
