As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are subject to change on Amazon. Affiliate disclosure ›
Browse 798 expert reviews and buying guides covering riding lawn mowers and lawn tractors of every type. Whether you are comparing John Deere models, shopping for the smallest riding mower for a compact yard, exploring zero-turn options, or weighing new versus used machines, this category brings together detailed, hands-on guidance to help you choose with confidence. Each guide breaks down performance, cutting width, engine power, and value so you can match the right machine to your lawn size and budget.
No single riding lawn mower fits every yard. This guide breaks down the three key variables , yard size, terrain, and budget , so you can match the right mower type (lawn tractor, zero-turn, or rear-engine) to your property. Includes a 30-second buying guide, spec comparison framework, brand reliability overview, and gas vs. electric trade-offs.
A lawn mower fails to start due to one of six root causes: stale or contaminated fuel, a fouled or dead spark plug, a clogged air filter, a dirty or gummed carburetor, a failed primer bulb or choke, or a tripped safety interlock switch. Work through each in that order, fuel first, spark second, air third, carburetor fourth, primer/choke fifth, safety switches last, and you will isolate and fix the fault in a single session without a technician.
Most lawn mowers use 4-stroke engine oil in viscosity grades like SAE 30, 10W-30, or 5W-30, depending on your climate and engine type. Learn the critical difference between 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines, how to choose the right viscosity for your temperature range, what API ratings mean, and where to find your mower's exact oil requirements.
Mowing wet grass creates clumping, uneven cuts, and safety hazards. Learn why experts recommend waiting for dry conditions and how to protect your lawn and mower.
The best time to mow is when the grass is dry, the weather is mild, and the grass has grown about one-third taller than its recommended height. Mid-morning or late afternoon are optimal times of day. Avoid mowing wet grass, during extreme heat, or when the lawn is dormant.
PowerSmart positions itself as a budget-friendly lawn mower brand offering functional performance for typical residential yards. This review examines the brand's price-to-performance ratio, durability expectations, maintenance requirements, and ideal use cases to help you decide if a PowerSmart mower fits your needs.
Lawn mowing is the process of cutting grass to a consistent height using a mechanical device to maintain the health and aesthetic appearance of a lawn. Learn about its benefits, basic process, and best practices.
To put a riding lawn mower belt on: disengage the PTO, remove the deck or access panel, note the old belt's routing path (or consult your model's diagram), loop the new belt around the blade spindle pulleys and idler pulley, engage the tensioner, reinstall the deck, then run the mower at low throttle to confirm the belt tracks without slipping or squealing.
Repair a Craftsman lawn mower by matching the symptom to the failing component. A mower that won't start usually needs a fresh spark plug, clean air filter, or unclogged carburetor. One that runs rough needs fuel system inspection. A self-propelled model that won't drive needs the drive belt or transmission cable checked. An uneven cut points to a dull blade or unlevel deck.
Yes, mow the lawn before fertilizing. Mowing first removes dead grass and debris, allowing fertilizer to reach the soil more effectively. The optimal sequence is: mow, wait 2-3 days, apply fertilizer, then wait 3-5 days before mowing again.
