The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.

Matching Lawn Sizes To Mower Sizes

Select The Proper Equipment For Completing The Task

Walk-behind mowers, rear-engine riding mowers, lawn tractors and garden tractors are all designed to cut grass; however, the engine power, cutting widths, and other capabilities of these products are very different. Don't select a product that may be too small or unsuitable for the job. Ask your retailer/dealer for assistance.

Walk-Behind Mowers are available as push type or self-propelled with side or rear discharge capabilities with optional attachments for bagging. Cordless electric mowers are now being offered along with corded electrics for smaller lawns.

These types of mowers, used for the medium to small yards, make up the majority of America's mower population.

Rear-Engine Riding Mowers and Lawn Tractors are self-propelled riding vehicles generally designed for mowing lawns. Nearly 50% of rear-engine riding mowers are used for lawns 1/2 to 1 acre in size, while lawn tractors are generally used for areas larger than 1 acre. Although both may offer options such as sweeper or snow thrower attachments, they are not powerful enough to pull a plow.

Garden Tractors are designed to supply sufficient power for home lawn, garden and yard attachments: moldboard plows, tillers, cultivators, snow throwers, sweepers, leaf mulchers, etc. Fifty percent of garden tractors are used for areas larger than 2 acres.