Sulkies Buyer's Guide

There are many types of lawn mowers, but the most popular are walk-behind and zero-turn mowers. Sulkies are excellent accessories for any motivated lawn care technician. If you're weighing your options about purchasing one of these items for your business, then our buyer's guide will help guide you to make an informed decision!

Undoubtedly, keeping your lawn and landscaping looking fresh and manicured can be quite a daunting and time-consuming task. However, the good news is that we live in a time when property owners have more products and tools available than ever before to make the tasks more manageable.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about sulkies and how they can help you to streamline all of your lawn care and landscaping needs.

What Is a Sulky?

A sulky is an accessory attached to the rear of the lawn mower or another piece of equipment. However, it's important to note that these products get called "sulkies," that there are also sulky carts, and that many people often get those two confused!

However, most people utilize sulkies to quickly and efficiently convert a walk-behind mower into a stand-on riding mower.

What Are the Types of Mower Sulkies?

There are different types of mower sulkies available for property owners and commercial landscapers, and lawn care professionals who wish to streamline their lawn care practices.

• Sulky mowers – Sulky mowers convert a walk-behind lawn mower into a stand-on riding mower so that the user doesn't have to bend over and push.
• Wheelbarrow sulkies – Wheelbarrow sulkies attach to the back end of your wheelbarrow to convert them into riding wheelbarrows, simplifying the process of hauling items like yard waste, grass clippings, or other items to and from on your property.

The sulky is an essential lawn care accessory that is available in several configurations, including single-wheel or dual-wheel configurations.

Single-wheel sulkies offer the user the ability to move a wheelbarrow with one hand, which is helpful for those who want more granular control over their lawn care equipment when in use.

Dual-wheel sulkies are available in various sizes that either feature two wheels or four (less stable) plastic tires. Dual-wheel sulkies offer a higher degree of stability on uneven surfaces, and they're ideal for those who want to haul items that are heavier than what a single-wheel sulky can handle. The most important thing about this accessory is choosing the right size for your specific requirements.

What to Look for in a Sulky

There are several different essential factors to consider when purchasing a sulky, and there is no one-size-fits-all option. Some of the key considerations include:

• How you'll use it – The weight limit that you'll need to carry depends mainly on your strength and how far you're willing to push/pull an object at any given time.
• Features – The features of a sulky can vary from model to model. Some may have a swivel wheel whereas others may not. The height of the wheels is also an essential consideration because it will determine how far you'll need to stop when you're pushing and pulling your load.
• Terrain or landscape – If tending a rugged terrain, some sulky models are better suited and safer to use on these more challenging landscapes; safety features including anti-jackknife technology, grease fittings, ball bearings, and suspension. Weight, trailer space required, PSI on soil, and the ability to use it on paved surfaces are all factors to be mindful of when deciding which model is best for your needs.
• Durability – You want something built to last with durable tires, sturdy construction, and a strong frame. For instance, if you have rugged terrain with hills, uneven spots, heavy ground or cover, or if you are frequently dealing with challenging conditions like sand, mud, and dirt, you may need a sulky that's more durable.
• Weight limit – Since the operator stands directly on the sulky platform, you'll want to make sure the accessory can handle your weight. For instance, if you're a more significant individual or if you’re frequently carrying heavier loads (like mulch), make sure the platform and wheels can handle it and not break down too quickly.
• Adjustability – If you'll need to change how high the load is off of the ground for various projects on uneven terrain, having the ability to make adjustments easily is always preferable. If used for commercial purposes, this is especially important to give you the granular control to work each property more efficiently.

Making an honest and straightforward assessment of your current needs, in addition to forecasting future requirements, can help lead you in the right direction to meeting your lawn care requirements.

Transform a Push Mower to a Rider

Push mowing can get tedious and be very tiring, but looking for an affordable way to transform your push mower into a rider can be surprisingly easy if you're on a budget or if you’re searching for an affordable way to transform your mower into a standing mower.

Single- and one-wheel sulkies are common among lawn mowing companies. All sulkies are relatively simple in design and offer great functionality.

The best thing about a single-wheel sulky is that it has very few moving parts, and there's a minimal number of items that can break on them. Other than neglect or an accident, there are a few things that can go wrong with push mowers. These include flat tires and worn bearings. Preventing other issues is tricky but not impossible.

The downside of single-wheel sulkies is that they create a dark stripe as you mow the lawn. Since it bears the operator's weight, it produces a high PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) on the soil, leading to soil compaction when the ground is soft after recent rain.

A dual- or two-wheel sulky is also a common choice among professional lawn mowing companies. Simplistic in design, these sulkies have two wheels instead of only one. The addition of this wheel helps to stabilize the operator.

Two wheels reduce the PSI of the one-wheel sulkies by half and eliminate the dark line. This is one of the main advantages of this type over its single-wheel counterpart.

However, two-wheel sulkies do have their share of disadvantages. Instead of one wheel, two could potentially experience issues such as flats and problems with bearings from wear and tear. The extra wheel can potentially increase the cost of ownership. Further, there are worries about jackknifing and vibrations.

Why You Should Consider Bradley Mowers for Your Next Sulky

Bradley Mowers is a trusted and authorized distributor of sulky products. We offer a wide selection of sulkies and other lawn care equipment, including Briggs & Stratton equipment, zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, and other essential lawn care accessories.

A sulky has a zero-turn radius and sturdy steel construction. It conveniently attaches to your outdoor power equipment, empowering operators to stand while mowing instead of walking or sitting. A spring shock system absorbs the most vibrations, so you'll be able to enjoy a more comfortable ride. As you steer your mower with its handles, it will glide majestically across your lawn.

Our friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect mower for your needs without breaking the bank!