Best Stand-On Lawn Mowers

Stand-on mowers are quite popular with homeowners because they can be used to quickly mow small or hilly yards. They're also ideal for those with a bad back, since a stand-on mower usually has armrests, offering more comfort. You can also easily exit from your mower in case of an emergency. Read further to learn about stand-on mowers for your small yard.

Best Stand-On Mowers for Small Yards

Are you looking for a stand-on mower for a small yard? These types of mowers are ideal with smaller yards that have uneven terrain, as they can help you mow your lawn effectively in less time. Bradley Mowers offers different stand-on mower models that can efficiently and effectively mow your lawn. If you can't decide which type of stand-on mower to purchase for your home or business, feel free to get in touch with one of our team members. We'll help you decide which lawn mower is suitable for your yard and budget.

Choosing the Best Lawn Stand-On Mowers for Small Yards

Mowing a lawn can be hard work. Without the right equipment, the task can take hours to accomplish. Too much pressure on your back also isn't good, especially if you're already having back problems. Choosing the right equipment is crucial for a neat, beautiful lawn and to ensure you're comfortable before and after mowing.

Types of Lawn Mowers

The best equipment to purchase depends on the size and condition of your yard. 

Gas-Powered Stand-On Mowers

Gas-powered mowers are more powerful than electric stand-on mowers, making them an ideal choice for yards with a lot of uneven terrain. You don't have to purchase longer cords to help you better maneuver the equipment. If you need parts to keep the equipment in top shape, replacement parts for gas-powered equipment are generally more cost-effective. 

Gas-powered stand-on mowers have more power, but operating them may be a little uncomfortable if you don't like noise. If you're concerned about the environment, gas-powered equipment generates more carbon emissions, making them less attractive. Also, they require more maintenance than other types of mowers. 

Self-Propelled Stand-On Mowers

Self-propelled stand-on mowers are equipped with a drive shaft that connects the mower's wheels to the motor, allowing you to stop the lawn mower quickly. This useful safety feature makes the self-propelled lawn mower one of the best stand-on lawn mowers for small yards. 

Opt for a self-propelled lawn mower if you prefer an easier, quicker mowing experience. These mowers offer consistent cutting that gives your lawn a better look. Self-propelled lawn mowers, which are ideal for larger lawns, can be quite expensive because they contain additional parts. Additionally, self-propelled lawn mowers are heavier than other types. Don't worry, though — their size doesn't affect their maneuverability. However, storing them may be a little more difficult. 

Mulch Stand-On Mowers

Mulch stand-on mowers differ from the regular mowers because of their blades, which are designed to offer enhanced cutting action. This type of equipment is typically easier to use except when it's raining. Avoid using your mulching mower when the grass is wet, as it can lead to clumping. Mulch mowers can efficiently and effectively mow your small lawn, but they're ideal for larger yards. If you have a small yard, a gas-powered or an electric stand-on lawn mower may be a better choice. 

Features to Look For in a Lawn Mower

The condition of your yard is a factor to consider when choosing a stand-on lawn mower. For example, your yard may be small, but if it has a lot of uneven terrain or trees, a zero-turn mower may be the right equipment to properly mow the lawn. A stand-on lawn mower is likely to give you better maneuverability when your small yard has tightly spaced obstacles. 

Commercial lawn mowers typically have more features than residential lawn mowers, and they're designed to operate 12 hours a day. They're also equipped with higher-quality blades that can cut faster. However, commercial lawn mowers are more expensive than residential mowers designed to cut grass once or twice a week. If you have a challenging small yard and mowing it can take hours, you may want to consider buying a commercial stand-on lawn mower. 

Choose equipment that lets you hop on and off quickly, in case of an emergency. Stand-on mowers have isolators that reduce the transfer of vibration from the mower to your body, offering more comfort for people with a bad back. They also give you better visibility than other types of lawn mowers. 

Key Considerations When Buying a Lawn Mower

How should you choose the right lawn mower for a small yard? Don't forget the key considerations below:

Cutting Width

The wider the cutting width, the less time it'll take to mow your lawn. If you want to be more efficient when mowing your lawn, purchase a mower with a wide cutting width. These mowers usually also offer a larger grass collector which means you don't have to empty it as often, which saves you time. 

Cutting Height

How high you should cut your grass depends on the type of grass in your yard. Warm-season grasses should be cut to about 2-2.5 inches high, while cold-season grasses need to be cut to 3-4 inches high. 

Terrain

If your yard is extremely challenging with lots of uneven terrain, we recommend opting for an all-terrain lawn mower. Our experienced team members at Bradley Mowers can recommend the right lawn mower for your small yard. 

Starting Mechanism

The last thing you want when mowing the lawn is to spend more time getting the machine to operate. Choose a stand-on lawn mower that operates quickly to help you save time. We also recommend you read the manual on how to properly maintain the lawn mower to avoid having issues with getting it to start. 

Mulching vs. Bagging

The mulching feature cuts the grass clippings into smaller pieces and evenly distributes them across your yard. This can be beneficial for the lawn because the grass clippings serve as natural fertilizers, which can keep your lawn healthy. Also, compared to bagging, the mulching feature lets you save time. The downside is that mulching may make your lawn mower work harder, which can reduce its service life. 

Bagging, on the other hand, means you mow the lawn and collect the clippings into a bag. This can make your lawn look neater, and you don't have to deal with muddy grass on a rainy day. However, it may not be the best feature if you want to save time.

Lawn Mower Safety

Even more than performance, safety should be your top priority when mowing your lawn, especially when you have children at home. This is why it's important to wear proper footwear and safety glasses. Earmuffs or earplugs can also prevent hearing damage. Always be mindful when there are children playing in the yard, and always remove the sparkplug when it's time to sharpen the blades. You should purchase a stand-on mower with safety features to avoid accidents in the yard.

Thankfully, most stand-on mowers available on the market are equipped with a handle lever that you have to hold down in order to keep the mower running. If there's a pet in front of you, the handle lever can quickly turn off the motor, preventing an accident or injury. 

If you're looking for stand-on lawn mowers for small yards, our staff members can recommend the right equipment. Talk to us today. 

Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips

You can avoid malfunctions and problems with your equipment by thoroughly reading the manual. Unless you've used the same model in the past, we recommend reading the manual first before operating the machine. Otherwise, you may end up having to call in professionals for a costly repair or getting an expensive replacement for your equipment. 

The manual should give you information on how to maintain the equipment, how to troubleshoot common problems, safety tips and how to efficiently operate the machine. 

The tips below should also help keep your stand-on mower in top shape.

Winterize Your Stand-On Mower

Gas-powered lawn mowers typically need more maintenance to keep them efficient and ready for the next season. We recommend that you don't keep fuel in the machine. Instead, use just enough gas to complete each mowing job. After mowing the lawn, continue running the motor until it dies. Add a fuel stabilizer for protection and to ensure your equipment will start quickly. 

If you decide to leave gas in the lawn mower, make sure you store the mower outside of your home, preferably in a detached shed. Only store the machine inside your home once the gas is drained from the machine. Store the machine in a rodent-proof area to prevent small animals from chewing on the wires or nesting on your lawn mower. 

Replace the Air Filter

Air filters can affect the efficiency of your lawn mower and prevent costly repairs or replacements. It's recommended that you clean or replace the air filters after the end of each season to ensure your equipment stays efficient. Always refer to the manual on how to properly remove or replace your machine's air filters. 

Sharpen the Blades

Having good blades can help you properly mow your lawn, keep your grass healthy and ensure your yard looks beautiful. You should sharpen the mower blades with a blade-sharpening tool or follow the manufacturer's recommendation. You need to do this even if your yard doesn't pose a challenge, as motor blades do wear down over time and damaged blades can cause extensive damage to your grass, giving you more work to do. 

Clean the Mowing Deck 

Cleaning the mowing deck can help extend the life of your stand-on lawn mower. If you don't clean the mowing deck after mowing your lawn, debris and dirt can get caked on it. Over time, this may make cleaning difficult to do. Also, the caked-on debris may trap heat, which can eventually cause overheating of your engine. If you want to avoid costly repairs and replacements, make it a habit to clean the mowing deck after every mowing session. 

To do this, disconnect the spark plug, and turn the mower on the side. Use a durable brush to remove all the debris that has accumulated. We recommend doing a deep cleaning periodically by giving the mowing deck a thorough cleaning using soapy water and a brush. Deep cleaning won't be difficult as long as you regularly clean the mowing deck. 

Inspect the Carburetor

A damaged or dirty carburetor can affect the performance of your lawn mower. This is because dust and debris can cause clogging, making your machine less efficient. We recommend cleaning the carburettor every 2 years or as recommended by the manufacturer. 

We also recommend you make it a habit to check the tires after each use, especially when you have a self-propelled mower. If the tires are damaged or chipped, contact a professional for replacement parts. 

The maintenance tips above can keep your lawn mower in excellent shape, helping you better mow your lawn. If you have an electric mower, don't forget to regularly inspect the battery and cord to keep them in good condition. When it rains or if you've recently watered your lawn, make sure to wait until the yard is fully dry before mowing the lawn to avoid problems. 

Our Top Picks

Looking for the right equipment for your small yard? Check out our recommendations below.

Bradley 36" Stand-On Compact Mower

Commercial lawn mowers typically have better blades than residential mowers, and they're designed to be used for up to 12 hours daily. If your yard has a lot of uneven terrain, this Bradley 36" lawn mower has all the features of a commercial lawn mower for half the price. It comes with a 5-gallon fuel tank, two blades and a 7-gauge heavy-duty steel deck. This super tough lawn mower has a lot of power, helping you efficiently and effectively mow your lawn. 

Bradley 48" Stand-On Compact Mower Briggs Vanguard

Be more productive and mow comfortably by choosing the Bradley 48" Stand-On Compact  Mower. It features an adjustable cutting height of up to 4.25 inches, a 5-gallon tank and a 2-year commercial warranty. Talk to one of our representatives today if you need more information about this stand-on lawn mower. 

Get in Touch With Us

Bradley Mowers offers many options to help you mow your lawn. We have stand-on mowers, push mowers, walk-behind mowers and brush mowers available. We also sell equipment parts and blade sharpeners. Get in touch with us today.