Ride-On Mowers & Lawn Tractors

Why Choose A Ride-On Lawn Mower?

A ride-on lawn mower is ideal for larger lawns where a walk-behind machine becomes time-consuming and tiring. With wider cutting decks and seated operation, you can cover more ground quickly and comfortably. 

A lawn tractor suits open spaces and regular mowing, while more specialised machines like zero turn mowers or out-front riders offer greater manoeuvrability for complex layouts and varied grass conditions.

Our Ride-On Mower Range

Our ride-on lawn mower range covers everything from compact machines for tighter spaces to high-performance models built for more demanding lawns.

Lawn Tractors

Lawn tractors are the most popular choice for larger domestic gardens. With wide cutting decks, comfortable seating and options for collection, mulching, or discharge – they’re ideal for maintaining open lawns efficiently.

Small Riding Mowers

If space is tighter or your garden layout is more complex, a small riding mower offers the benefits of a ride-on in a more compact design.These machines are easy to manoeuvre around obstacles while still delivering a fast, even cut.

Electric Riding Mowers

Electric riding mowers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for residential use. Quieter and lower maintenance than petrol machines, they offer clean mowing with no fuel or oil to manage.

Out-Front Ride-On Mowers

For maximum visibility and control, out-front ride-on mowers place the cutting deck ahead of the operator. This makes them ideal for edging, working around borders, and navigating obstacles.

Zero Turn Mowers

Zero turn mowers are designed for speed and agility, making them perfect for larger or more open areas where productivity matters – with tight turning circles and responsive control.

How To Choose The Right Ride-On Lawn Mower

Choosing the right ride-on lawn mower comes down to a few key factors:

• Lawn size: A small riding mower suits compact or awkward gardens. For larger areas, a lawn tractor or garden tractor offers wider cutting and faster coverage.
• Garden layout: For tight spaces, borders and obstacles, consider an out-front mower or a Husqvarna ride-on mower with articulated steering for better control.
• Mowing style: Choose collection for a tidy finish, or mulching and discharge if you want faster, lower-maintenance mowing.
• Machine type: A lawn tractor is ideal for general use, while zero turn mowers offer maximum speed and manoeuvrability on open ground.
• Power source: An electric riding mower provides quieter, low-maintenance operation, while petrol models suit larger lawns and longer run times.

Expert Advice, Delivery, and Aftercare

As a family-run business since 1908, Sims Garden Machinery provides expert, independent advice to help you choose the right ride-on mower. We offer delivery across the UK, with machines assembled, tested, and demonstrated where required.

Our on-site workshop supports ongoing servicing and repairs, with a full range of stocked parts to keep your machine running reliably. It’s complete aftercare designed to give you long-term confidence in your investment.

BROWSE THE RANGE

Lawnmower FAQs

What is the difference between a ride-on mower and a lawn tractor?

A ride-on mower is a general term for any sit-on machine. A lawn tractor is a specific type within that category, typically designed for larger domestic lawns with options for collecting, mulching, or discharging grass. More specialised ride-on mowers include out-front machines and zero turn mowers, which are built for manoeuvrability or faster mowing.

What is a zero turn mower?

Zero turn mowers are built for speed and precision. Instead of a steering wheel, they use independent wheel control to pivot on the spot, allowing you to turn within the machine’s own footprint.

This makes them ideal for cutting around trees, borders, and landscaping features without leaving missed strips. They’re especially popular on open lawns where reducing mowing time is a priority.

Which is the best sit-on mower for a small garden?

For smaller gardens, a compact or small riding mower is usually the best fit. These machines are narrower, lighter, and easier to handle around tighter spaces compared to full-size lawn tractors.

Battery-powered models are also worth considering, particularly in residential areas where quieter operation is preferred. The right choice depends on access, layout, and how frequently you mow.

Do you stock battery or electric riding mowers?

Yes. We stock a range of electric riding mower options, including battery-powered models designed for domestic use.

These machines are quieter than petrol alternatives and require less routine maintenance, with no fuel or oil to manage. They’re a practical choice for homeowners who want a simpler mowing experience without compromising on performance.

Is a Husqvarna ride-on mower a good choice for complex lawns?

Yes – particularly if your garden includes obstacles, slopes, or tighter areas. Many Husqvarna ride-on mower models feature articulated steering, allowing the rear of the machine to follow the front closely.

This makes it easier to manoeuvre around trees, borders, and uneven ground. Some models also offer all-wheel drive, which improves traction in more challenging conditions.

Should I choose collection, mulching or side discharge?

It depends on how you want your lawn to look and how you prefer to manage clippings.

Collection gives the most formal finish. Mulching recycles finely cut grass back into the lawn as a natural fertiliser, reducing waste. Side discharge is the fastest option for larger or less formal areas where collecting isn’t necessary. Many machines allow you to switch between these modes.

What size lawn needs a ride-on mower?

As a general guide, a ride-on lawn mower becomes worthwhile once your lawn reaches around 1,000–1,500 square metres. Beyond this, mowing with a walk-behind machine can become slow and tiring.

For very large lawns, paddocks, or estates, a lawn tractor or zero turn mower can significantly reduce the time and effort required.

Can a ride-on mower tow accessories?

Most lawn tractors and many ride-on mowers can tow accessories such as trailers, spreaders, and rollers.

This adds useful versatility, especially if you maintain a larger property. Instead of using separate equipment, you can handle multiple tasks with one machine, making it a more practical long-term investment. We also provide additional decks and implements for a vast majority of our ride-on models, giving you the option to tweak your machine and its capability.