A writer for the United Kingdom’s Daily Mail, Quentin Letts, published the following comments a few years ago and we, at BS Power are sure it will resonate with most people:
“Ferraris? Jags? No, the ultimate boy’s toy is a ride on lawn mower:
Hut doors open — check. Petrol levels topped — check. Oil gauge scrutinised, throttle to choke — check. You make sure your rotors are raised; your right foot is down on the clutch pedal. You turn the ignition and there comes that satisfying, chugging cough before the engine barks into furious action. It is at this moment that, sitting on my ride on mower, I start humming the theme tune to Thunderbirds and reverse my orange Husqvarna out of her lair. Gently does it over that ramp. Then, after a final A-Ok with my imaginary ground staff and a word with International Rescue control tower, full revs! Or as the great Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story says: ‘To infinity and beyond!”
Whilst this might ring true for many, a ride on mower is actually not just a fun ‘toy’ it is a very practical and worthwhile investment for anyone with a large property, either commercial or residential. This type of mower is ideal for anybody that has a garden with an extensive lawn. It is also perfect for commercial grounds due to the fact they cover more ground than push mowers and can do the task in a far quicker time frame. While more expensive, a ride mower is an investment worth considering if you have a significant amount of grass to mow.
The Ride On Mower – Where did it all begin?
Caring for lawns goes is a long-held historical tradition. The word “lawn, is derived from the Middle English word “laundes,” which basically refers to a clearing in a wood or glade. As these grassed areas grew and expanded into wider stretches, the name laundes held strong. These grassed areas originally existed around castles and forts in England and France. They served a proper purpose as they allowed the castle guards to catch sight of any approaching armies of enemies.
Lawns also became practical common ground where the residents of the villages allowed their sheep and cattle to graze. This also meant that the grass was therefore always kept nice and short due to the animals eating it. It was only much later, in the 16th century, that lawns were actually used more as an aesthetic and pleasing part of properties and by the 17th century lawns were being maintained for this reason alone. This was done first by sheep and then later with scythes.
Whilst it can be argued that the first mobile lawnmowers were indeed cattle and sheep, the first proper mechanical lawnmower was invented in 1827 by a man called Edwin Beard Budding. In his patent, he described this machine as ” A new combination and application of machinery for the purpose of cropping or shearing the vegetable surfaces of lawns, grass plants and pleasure grounds.” Budding then joined forces with a partner called John Ferrabee and together they built a machine in 1830 that still resembles the manual push mowers that we still have to this day with blades attached to a cylinder and a push handle. It is clear that these became a big hit as they managed to sell in excess of 5000 manual push mowers right up to 1863 when their factory closed down.
Following this, two companies, JP Engineering of Leicester, and Ransomes’ Automaton, created chain-driven mowers of their own that proved popular between 1900 and 1920. These mowers could be towed behind horses whilst the operator would ride the machine itself. These could definitely be considered as the first adaption of ride on mowers.
The next step came about in 1919 by Colonel Edwin George. who invented a mower powered by gasoline. Due to the Depression and then the onset of the next World War, this gasoline mower was slow in sales during its early marketing days but its popularity increased rapidly following the end of the second Great War, from the late 1940s onwards, much of this new found popularity may be attributed to the ex-military men who returned home to begin mowing their own lawns.
At this time, rotary mowers also were invented by a company called Power Specialties Ltd and C C Stacy. This consisted of a round blade that was mounted horizontally on a vertical shaft. These mowers paved the way for creating mowers propelled by combustion engines.
Why Choose a Ride On Mower
A ride on mower is obviously far more powerful, and heavier than traditional push mowers, plus they provide far more convenience and efficiency when it comes down to cutting large areas of lawn. They also range from small, beginner-level models to hefty commercial-grade machines. This means that no matter the size lawn you have, today the market can provide you with the right sized riding mower. So, if you have backache issues or just want to make mowing an easier process, then the ride on mower is for you. Here just a few of the many benefits you may come to enjoy when buying a ride mower.
- The ride on mower is now more popular than ever before due to their increased affordability as prices for these convenient mowing machines have reduced dramatically in recent times, making them a more realistic purchase for a wider sector of the consumer market. Those who have already purchased one say that they are most certainly something worth investing in.
- Another massive advantage of a ride on mower is that it can plough through thick weedy patches of grass, overgrown lawns, and even damp or wet grass with absolute ease. Making them overall a more versatile option. Meaning you won’t have to purchase other power tools to fill the gap your push mower may leave.
- A ride on mower is also the ideal solution for saving time when working on your grounds and garden. You can even sit back and enjoy a cruise control option on certain models, which makes the job even more convenient.
- The top-quality ride on mower ranges offered by BS Power also has a tight turning radius, which makes easy work of driving around bushes, trees, pools or any other obstacles in your path. This manoeuvrability-friendly factor is another major benefit.
- Some ride on mowers has an automatic transmission, so if you prefer controlling your ride on mower by steering it rather than shifting, then this is the ideal solution for you.
- Another huge advantage of our ride on mowers is that they offer a large selection of additional features that make mowing easier such as a very comfortable seat and adjustable cutting height options.
Depending on the size of the terrain, the type of grass, and the amount of landscape that requires maintenance, a ride on mower may or may not be needed. Nevertheless, if the grass is tall, or the terrain has hills, a ride on mower will most certainly be the best option to tackle that space. At the end of the day, the decision should be based on the size of the property as well as the amount of work that is required.
BS Power: Ride On Mowers
BS Power has a large range of ride mowers to suit each and every property or person. Let us look at what we have on offer:
The Husqvarna TS138L
This mower is simple and effective and is ideal for gardens that are of a smaller to medium size erf. The TS138L has a sleek design, great ergonomics and side ejection of the lawn you have cut. This Husqvarna Series comes with the added benefit of a chokeless starting engine and a transmission that is operated by a lever.
The Husqvarna TS142
A mower with an intelligent design that is perfect for those people who have smaller or medium-sized properties. The TS142 comes highly recommended and is a very popular option. Like the TS1238L above, this efficient ride on mower also features smart ergonomics, and side ejection of the lawn you need to dispose of. It has an impressive Husqvarna Series engine with a chokeless starter along with a convenient pedal-operated transmission.
The Husqvarna TS148
This mower has been engineered from the ground up so that it can deliver superior operator comfort, incredible longevity, and absolute efficiency. Each of the models available within the 100 series is created to not only look the part but to be a workhorse of note. Everything about this mower means it is a pleasure to ride including an unbelievable ergonomic steering system, premium seating to an indestructible cutting deck.
The Husqvarna TS242D
Perfect for those with larger grounds or gardens than the previously discussed options. The TS242D is ideal for those of you who require mowing bigger properties that therefore require a comfortable durable drive with high maneuverability options. This superior machine is driven by a very impressive and powerful engine known as a V-Twin. This engine works via a pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission and a front cast axle which relates to an easy, trouble-free operation. It also offers a locking differential transmission that will give you undisputable traction on any slops, hard ground or even in slippery conditions.
The Husqvarna Z248F Zero Turn Mower
This is the new offering in the Husqvarna range. The Z200 Series Zero Turn Mower brings not only power but panache to your lawn. With this option you can transform your grounds or garden whilst having fun at the same time due to its reliable performance, state-of-the-art design and incredible innovations.
The Husqvarna TC 242TX Ride On Tractor
Both practical and suitable for tackling gardens and grounds that are both small and medium in size. It is an extremely comfortable ride with ample strength to get the job at hand done with ease. This tractor also boasts a low-vibration deck drive, a pedal-operated hydrostatic gearbox and a 320-litre rear collector.
The BS Power Difference
As a Husqvarna Gold Dealer, B&S Commercial Power stocks an extensive range of their industry leading machines as well as their newer range of Zero Turn Mowers. We are situated in Cape Town and encourage you to contact our product specialist team if you should require advice on the purchase, use or maintenance. Be sure to take a look at the full range on the BS Power website today and find out which mowers we stock and the specifications.