One of the most heated debates in lawn mowing today involves whether it is better to purchase a sit down or a stand-on mower. In this post, we review some of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
For years, the sit down lawn mower has been viewed as the industry standard, and people continue to swear by it as the best option for those who have to mow lawns that are larger than ½ an acre. The advantage to the sit down mower is that it is incredibly easy to use and really no different from riding any other stationary vehicle—this is a huge perk for anyone new to the business. Also, if you are not in good physical shape, the riding lawn mower may be your only option; you really do need to clear a baseline standard for physical conditioning to operate a stand-on mower, as you need to be able to be on your feet for extended periods of time. On the other hand, if you are in decent enough physical condition to drive a car, chances are you can proficiently operate a sit-down mower.
The overriding benefit of the stand-on mower is that it is easier to steer and you get more torque. Because it’s less cumbersome, the stand-on mower is also easier to maintain and lighter on the rear tires. Also, even though this might sound counterintuitive, proponents of the stand-on mower contend that it is actually easier on the body, since your legs absorb the shock of the mower and your back doesn’t get as sore. The stand-on mower is also much easier to get on and off to pick up debris than if you’re using a sit down mower. Another benefit is that if you have a business where you need to transport lots of mowers, you can fit more stand-on mowers on your trailer than sit down ones.
Stand-On Mower
Finally, if you have a small lawn (less than ½ acre), a stand behind mower is probably the way to go. You’ll get the best cut (they’re cheaper) and you’ll actually get a pretty good workout while operating them—it has been estimated that a 150-pound person will burn over 400 calories from an hour of mowing. In the end, your decision has to come down to how much you want to spend, how large your yard is, and how much physical exertion you’re willing to take on.
