The use of garden riders justifies itself in large areas where various processing tasks are required. Typically, such machines are confused with lawn mowers, making allowance for the presence of a running gear with a place for the operator, but this is not entirely true. That is, the function of the scythe is present, but, in addition to it, the unit also implements the tasks of cultivating the soil, mulching, gathering leaves, etc. The set of tools that the garden rider is equipped with depends on the particular modification.
Varieties of riders
In the market of garden equipment, such machines are presented in three versions - domestic, semi-professional and professional. Models for home use are suitable for plots up to 4000 m2. In terms of functionality, the garden rider in this version is noticeably limited and, as a rule, in addition to mowing grass cover, it can only collect garbage. More productive options are represented by a segment of semi-professional models. Such a rider can be equipped with a wide range of attachments, including tools for cultivation, harrowing, sowing, etc.
Features of professional models
Professional units and at all provide for the possibility of transformation of the structure. The attachment converts a seemingly ordinary lawn mower into a fully functional snow blower or aeration machine. It all depends on the power and design capabilities of a particular garden rider. Tractor, of course, against the background of this technique wins in productivity. However, some professional modifications have the capacity, which is enough for the cultivation of large land plots with an area of more than 10,000 m 2 .
Main characteristics
In choosing this type of technique, one should focus on two categories of characteristics. The first expresses the power of the rider. In particular, the range of models for domestic use is equipped with engines with a potential of 4 to 7 liters. from. average. Professional modifications in terms of power often exceed 10 liters. with., and some premium versions have a return of 20 "horses".
The second category of characteristics is the operating parameters in terms of mowing grass. As for the height of the bevel, the standard garden rider can level the green cover at the level of 80-100 mm. From the point of view of productivity, the bevel width is also important, which varies from 70 to 120 cm. The characteristics of other types of work operations are already determined by the type of specific attachment. The ability to use different in their settings settings is one of the strengths of riders in principle.
Equipment manufacturers
The development and production of riders is mainly done by companies specializing in gardening equipment. Among the leading manufacturers are STIGA, Viking, Husqvarna and Mega. In particular, under the Viking brand, the MT 5097 modification is sold on the domestic market, equipped with a hydrostatic gearbox that facilitates the control process. An interesting option is the garden rider "Husqvarna" performed by PF 21 AWD. This model is suitable for those who plan to work professionally and regularly with large areas.
Regarding prices, it should be noted that there are no strict boundaries in the segment. The lowest link is represented by models worth about 40-60 thousand rubles. Professional equipment can be available both for 100 thousand and 300. The difference is due to the power potential and technical and structural functionality.
Positive rider reviews
Among the owners of riders there are not many private summer residents and owners of personal plots, therefore the main group of users are people who are more or less related to professional gardening. They note that there is no alternative to such models. Both tractors with mounted equipment and traditional lawn mowers are inferior to riders in various parameters. The advantages of such machines include a combination of high maneuverability, versatility, performance and ergonomics. For example, garden lawn mowers are able to serve even a large area in a short period of time, spending a minimum of resources. At the same time, users point to the possibility of fine-tuning the operating parameters, which ultimately provides a high-quality result.
Negative reviews
There are also critical comments about the operation of riders. For the most part, they are associated with the structural complexity of machines. The user is required to know the features of the technical structure of the units, which cuts off a significant part of amateur gardeners from the segment. And this is not to mention the need for repair work, which also occurs regularly, especially in intensive use. In addition, compared to conventional lawn mowers, such machines operate only on liquid fuel. Gasoline is the standard resource that runs a garden rider. Reviews in this context indicate that due to exhausts air is inevitably polluted, and this can negatively affect the state of vegetation. Such negative factors, for example, are absent in conventional electric lawn mowers. However, their power reserve is also an order of magnitude lower, and therefore, productivity is not so high.
Maintenance Nuances
After each operating session, attachments must be checked for structural integrity. Mandatory work surfaces are cleaned and, if necessary, treated with protective greases. The condition of the gearbox and the engine cooling system are also checked. Approximately once a month, the fasteners should be monitored, the level of wear of the knives should be assessed, and their sharpening should be carried out if necessary.
According to the manufacturers, after 100 hours of direct operation, it is necessary to completely replace the cutting elements. It is important to note that the wheels for garden riders and taktors also quickly wear out. These components must be replaced when holes, cracks, cuts, and other defects are detected. It is advisable to update the wheels using a proprietary kit from a "native" manufacturer.
The same applies to the use of attachments, although manufacturers seek to unify its characteristics, and some types of equipment are universal in terms of compatibility with riders.
Conclusion
The practice of operating any equipment confirms that the best deal with work operations are units that are oriented to specific tasks. The versatility of riders contradicts the idea of narrow specialization of technical means, but this also has its advantages. Still, the garden rider saves the owners of large areas from the need to purchase several types of equipment. Of course, first of all, he performs the function of ordinary lawn mowers, ahead of them in terms of productivity. But at the same time, the rider, depending on the modification, can become a replacement for the cultivator, snow blower and leaf blower. Another thing is that for the implementation of these and other working activities will require appropriate attachments.