The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.

Consumer Guide To Environmentally Helpful Outdoor Power Equipment

Rear Engine Riding Mowers

Larger urban or suburban residential property owners may prefer the time-saving convenience of a rear engine riding mower for cutting lawns from one-half to one acre in size. Riding mowers are larger than standard walk-behind models but smaller and more compact than lawn and garden tractors. Since the operator is essentially riding above the mowing deck, the engine is usually mounted under and to the rear of the operator's seat.

Riding mowers are powered by 8hp to 14hp four-cycle gas engines with mowing deck widths ranging from 25" to 38". Optional attachments allow some riding mowers to tackle chores other than grass-cutting. For example, a front- mounted dethatcher combined with a rear-mounted lawn sweeper can remove and clean up dead grass and matted clippings.

Rear bag collection systems can be added to keep yards free from grass clippings by collecting them for a compost pile.

Safety Features

Riding mowers are equipped with an OPC (Operator Presence Control) that automatically stops the engine and powered attachments (rotating blades, tillers, etc.) when the operator leaves the seat. Owners should always refer to the operator's manual provided by the manufacturer to read about important safeguards and special safety instructions before operating a rear engine riding mower.

Zero-Turn Radius Riding Mowers

Another type of riding mower (usually a rear-engine type) is the highly maneuverable zero-turn radius riding mower. These mowers are operated by left and right steering levers linked directly to the mower's transaxles. This enables the operator to pivot 360 degrees in one spot for highly maneuverable precision cutting, especially when there are many trees, shrubs or other obstacles.

Zero-turn mowers are usually powered by larger 14hp to 16hp engines with cutting deck widths ranging from 38" to 48". Because of their time-saving convenience and maneuverability, these types of mowers are used quite frequently by professional lawn cutting services.

Mulching Decks

Many outdoor power equipment manufacturers design and manufacture rear engine riding mowers with a mulching deck. The mulching deck of a rear engine riding mower is engineered like a walk-behind mower. Aerodynamic forces keep grass clippings inside the deck, where specially designed blades cut and re-cut clippings into fine particles.

These mulched particles of grass are quickly absorbed into the soil to hold moisture and to provide nutrients needed to maintain a healthy lawn.

Conversion kits (blades, discharge baffle, hardware) are also available at relatively modest cost to convert a standard rear engine riding mower deck into an adequate mulching deck!

Remember when using a mulching deck, it is important to mow grass frequently and follow the "one-third rule." Cut no more than the top third of the grass blade at each mowing -- preferably before it is 3" high.

Safety Reminder

REMEMBER: When you use a riding mower on a slope or hillside, be sure to mow up and down (except for zero-turn radius mowers) instead of across the hill to prevent the mower from tipping over! And, never carry passengers -- especially young children.