These mowers are for large lawns and large wallets.

Most machines are fitted with a rotary mower deck; cylinder models are available, but are far more expensive and consequently the preserve of green-keepers and ground maintenance staff. However, you could tow a triple gang of cylinders behind a tractor mower. The extra cutting width makes quick work of wide open spaces, but sweeping curves are essential, because trailed accessories cannot be reversed easily into tight corners.

Ride-ons and tractors are interchangeable terms with no hard and fast definition, but where both types are referred to by the same company, expect the ride-on to be the smaller machine, with a small engine, which is usually beneath or behind the driving seat. This arrangement gives you a good view to the front. Garden tractors resemble farm machines, with the engine at the front.