Riding Lawn Mowers| Small Riding Lawn Mowers | What is the best riding lawn mower for you?

It's that time of year again for many people around the country. Riding lawn mowers can help you keep your turf in great condition. Homeowners with at least ¼-acre or ½-acre areas might want to consider joining the ranks of folks across the country that own riding lawn mowers. Maintaining a healthy lawn will enhance the beauty and curb appeal of your home, whether you live in the country, city or suburbs.

The American Society of Agricultural Engineers has established a classification system for small riding lawn mowers, making it easier for potential buyers to make an educated decision. Riding lawn mowers, also known as ride-on lawn mowers, are the smallest machines on the market, in their class. They're designed specifically for mowing grass,and have a permanently attached deck, and don't accommodate other implements. Some of these basic machines resemble small tractors, with the engines in front, whereas others feature rear engines. These riding lawn mowers have a cutting swath of 38 to 42-inches wide.

Homeowners who have several trees, bushes, or other landscaping features in their mowing area might want to consider the small riding lawn mowers that feature a zero-turning-radius movement. A ZTR turns around on its own track, which translates into no wasted movement. Most ZTR mowers can also reach speeds of up to 9 mph, as opposed to the conventional riding lawn mowers at about 4 mph. A zero-turning-radius mower has two steering handles that control the two rear wheels separately, instead of the traditional steering wheel. John Deere's 717A Z-Trak is a popular model of a ZTR riding mower.

Other top brands of riding mowers include Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Snapper. These reputable companies carry both the conventional and zero-turning-radius models.

You'll want to visit your local gardening or retail store to take a closer look at a riding lawn mowers before making a decision on which brand, size, and power of mower will work the best for you. Know how much square footage of lawn you'll be mowing regularly. Have a budget in mind so you don't go crazy when you see all the bright, shiny, cool riding mowers at the store!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking at small riding lawn mowers:

• Are the controls conveniently located? Is the steering mechanism easily reached? Is the seat comfortable?
• Do you have the space to store it?
• How big is the deck? (This refers to the cutting swath.)
• Do you prefer the engine to be in the back or the front? Rear engine mowers allow better visibility, but front engines typically give you "more power".
• Will you be mulching, bagging or throwing the clippings out of the side? 
•  How difficult is it to switch between the controls and modes of use? 
•  Is the fuel gauge easy to read? 
•  Is it relatively simple to access the gas tank?
• Do you have ample leg room?
• Can you easily remove and reattach the bag?

Be sure to inquire about the warranty for the particular machine you wish to purchase. Ask about a 30-day money back guarantee (trial) on the mower, so you can be certain after using it that it's the best choice for you. Prices range from $1,100 to $6,500, so you'll want to look carefully prior to purchasing your riding lawn mower. We here at SilverEdgeLawnmowers.com want to help you with all the information and resources so that you can find the perfect lawn mower for all your specific needs.