Maintaining a large lawn or garden in Ireland’s diverse landscapes—whether you’re dealing with flat expanses, rolling hills, or even some tricky, uneven terrain—calls for the right ride-on lawn mower. With Ireland’s unique climate that includes frequent rain and lush growth, you need a mower that can handle wet grass, varying terrains, and provide a clean, reliable cut. Whether you’re looking for a compact mower for a smaller garden or a robust model for expansive grounds, there’s a ride-on mower to suit your needs. Let’s explore the best ride-on lawn mowers available in Ireland!
Why Choose a Ride-On Lawn Mower?
Ride-on lawn mowers are a great investment for:
- Large Gardens and Lawns: Efficiently cover large areas without the physical strain of a push mower.
- Comfort: Easy and comfortable to operate, especially on larger properties.
- Efficiency and Versatility: Powerful engines and wide cutting decks save time and provide a variety of cutting options (mulching, bagging, side discharge).
- Adaptability: Handle varied terrains, from flat and smooth lawns to hilly or uneven grounds.
Best Ride-On Lawn Mowers in Ireland for 2024
Here’s a rundown of some of the top ride-on lawn mowers available in Ireland, chosen for their power, durability, ease of use, and value for money.
1. Honda HF 2417 HBE Ride-On Mower
- Engine: 530cc Honda GCV530 V-Twin
- Cutting Width: 102 cm (40 inches)
- Key Features:
- Versamow™ selective mulching system allows easy switching between collecting and mulching.
- Hydrostatic transmission for smooth and variable speed control.
- Large 300-liter grass collector for fewer emptying stops.
- Ergonomic high-back seat and easy-to-use controls.
- Pros: Reliable, powerful, very versatile with mulching option, large grass collector.
- Cons: Higher price point; large size may be challenging in tighter spaces.
- Ideal For: Large gardens or estates, particularly those looking for a premium, versatile mower.
2. Mountfield 1538H-SD Side Discharge Lawn Tractor
- Engine: 452cc Mountfield ST 500 OHV
- Cutting Width: 98 cm (38.6 inches)
- Key Features:
- Hydrostatic transmission for smooth, pedal-operated speed control.
- Side discharge design perfect for handling longer or damp grass.
- 7 adjustable cutting heights from 25 to 80 mm for a tailored cut.
- Optional mulching plug available.
- Pros: Good value for money, smooth operation, handles wet grass well.
- Cons: Side discharge can require additional clean-up; less effective bagging capacity.
- Ideal For: Medium to large gardens with longer or damp grass.
3. John Deere X167 Ride-On Lawn Tractor
- Engine: 22 HP V-Twin Briggs & Stratton
- Cutting Width: 48 inches (122 cm)
- Key Features:
- Hydrostatic transmission for easy speed control and smooth operation.
- Robust steel frame for durability.
- 13 adjustable cutting heights ranging from 25 to 102 mm.
- High-capacity 300-liter grass collector available as an optional extra.
- Pros: Powerful, reliable, excellent build quality; optional rear bagger and mulching kits.
- Cons: Higher price; large footprint.
- Ideal For: Large gardens or estates requiring a powerful, versatile mower.
4. Husqvarna TS 138L Lawn Tractor
- Engine: 452cc Husqvarna Series
- Cutting Width: 97 cm (38 inches)
- Key Features:
- Manual transmission with lever-operated speed control.
- Side discharge design for efficient mowing.
- Comfortable high-back seat and ergonomic steering wheel.
- 6 cutting height options from 38 to 102 mm.
- Pros: Durable build, powerful engine, easy to operate.
- Cons: Manual gear operation can be less convenient; side discharge needs raking.
- Ideal For: Medium to large lawns where side discharge is suitable.
5. Cub Cadet XT2 PS117i Lawn Tractor
- Engine: 547cc Cub Cadet EFI Engine
- Cutting Width: 117 cm (46 inches)
- Key Features:
- EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) technology for better fuel efficiency and power delivery.
- Hydrostatic transmission with cruise control for easy operation.
- Tight 16-inch turning radius for maneuverability.
- Durable cast-iron front axle for stability.
- Pros: Efficient, easy to use, great fuel economy; good for tight spaces.
- Cons: Slightly higher price due to EFI technology.
- Ideal For: Medium to large lawns with tighter layouts or complex landscaping.
6. Stiga Estate 2084 Lawn Tractor
- Engine: 352cc STIGA ST 350
- Cutting Width: 84 cm (33 inches)
- Key Features:
- Manual transmission with 5 forward and 1 reverse gear.
- Compact size and tight turning radius for maneuverability.
- 7 adjustable cutting heights (25-80 mm) for a tailored mowing experience.
- 200-liter grass collector.
- Pros: Compact, easy to maneuver, good value for money.
- Cons: Less powerful engine compared to larger models; manual gear operation.
- Ideal For: Small to medium gardens where space is limited.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ride-On Lawn Mower
1. Garden Size and Type
- Small to Medium Gardens: Opt for compact models like the Stiga Estate 2084 or Mountfield 1538H-SD.
- Large Gardens or Estates: More powerful models like the Honda HF 2417 HBE or John Deere X167 are better suited.
2. Cutting and Grass Handling Options
- Mulching: Returns finely cut grass clippings to the lawn as natural fertilizer. Look for models like the Honda HF 2417 HBE with mulching capability.
- Collection: Essential for neat lawns; larger grass collectors reduce the frequency of emptying.
- Side Discharge: Effective for larger areas or longer, damp grass; may require additional clean-up.
3. Transmission Type
- Manual Transmission: Generally more affordable, but requires more effort to change gears.
- Hydrostatic Transmission: Provides smooth, continuous speed control, making it easier to handle varying terrains.
4. Engine Power
- Higher horsepower (HP) engines are better for larger lawns and hilly terrain, ensuring they don’t struggle or stall on inclines.
Comparison Table of Best Ride-On Lawn Mowers in Ireland
| Model | Engine | Cutting Width | Transmission Type | Grass Handling | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda HF 2417 HBE | 530cc Honda V-Twin | 102 cm | Hydrostatic | Mulching/Collection | Large grass collector, Versamow™ | Large gardens or estates |
| Mountfield 1538H-SD | 452cc Mountfield | 98 cm | Hydrostatic | Side Discharge | Good for damp grass, optional mulching | Medium to large gardens |
| John Deere X167 | 22 HP Briggs & Stratton | 122 cm | Hydrostatic | Collection/Optional Mulching | Robust build, high capacity collector | Large gardens or estates |
| Husqvarna TS 138L | 452cc Husqvarna | 97 cm | Manual | Side Discharge | Durable build, ergonomic design | Medium to large lawns |
| Cub Cadet XT2 PS117i | 547cc Cub Cadet EFI | 117 cm | Hydrostatic | Collection | EFI engine for fuel efficiency | Medium to large lawns |
| Stiga Estate 2084 | 352cc STIGA ST 350 | 84 cm | Manual | Collection | Compact, tight turning radius | Small to medium gardens |
Conclusion
Choosing the right ride-on lawn mower in Ireland depends on the size and type of your garden, as well as your personal preferences for comfort and grass handling.
- Top Choice for Large Gardens and Estates: The Honda HF 2417 HBE offers versatility, reliability, and excellent performance with its mulching and collection capabilities.
- Best for Medium-Sized Gardens with Damp Grass: The Mountfield 1538H-SD provides great value with its side discharge design and hydrostatic transmission.
- Most Maneuverable for Complex Landscapes: The Cub Cadet XT2 PS117i and Stiga Estate 2084 are compact options ideal for tighter spaces and more detailed mowing tasks.
Investing in the right ride-on mower can make all the difference in maintaining a beautiful, lush lawn in Ireland’s ever-changing climate!