The use of garden riders pays off in large areas where various processing tasks are required. Usually, 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 motokosa function is present, but, in addition to it, the unit also implements the tasks of cultivating the soil, mulching, collecting foliage, etc. The set of tools that the garden rider is equipped with depends on the specific modification.
Varieties of riders
On the garden equipment market, such machines are presented in three versions - household, semi-professional and professional. Models for domestic use are suitable for plots up to 4000 m22. In terms of functionality, the garden rider in this version is noticeably limited and, as a rule, in addition to beveling the 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, seeding, etc.
Features of professional models
Professional unitsand do provide for the possibility of transforming the design. Attachments transform a seemingly ordinary lawn mower into a full-featured snow blower or aerator. It all depends on what power and design capabilities a particular garden rider has. The tractor, of course, against the background of this technique wins in performance. However, some professional modifications have enough power to cultivate large plots of land over 10,000 m22.
Key Features
In choosing this kind of technique, one should be guided by 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 hp. with. average. Professional modifications in terms of power often exceed 10 hp. with., and some premium versions have a return of 20 "horses".
The second category of performance is performance in terms of mowing grass. As for the height of the bevel, a standard garden rider can level the green cover at a level of 80-100 mm. In terms of performance, the width of the bevel 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 settings in their parameters is one of the strengths of the riders in principle.
Machinery manufacturers
Developed andThe release of riders is mainly carried out by companies specializing in garden equipment. Among the leading manufacturers are STIGA, Viking, Husqvarna and Mega. In particular, under the Viking brand, a modification of the MT 5097 is sold on the domestic market, equipped with a hydrostatic gearbox that facilitates the control process. An interesting option is the Husqvarna garden rider performed by the PF 21 AWD. This model is suitable for those who plan to professionally and regularly work with large areas.
As for prices, it should be noted that there are no strict boundaries in the segment. The lowest link represents models costing about 40-60 thousand rubles. Professional equipment can be available for both 100 thousand and 300 thousand. The difference is determined by the power potential and technical and structural functionality
Positive feedback about riders
There are not so many private summer residents and owners of personal plots among the owners of riders, so the main group of users are people who are in one way or another related to professional gardening. They also note that there is no alternative to such models. Both tractors with attachments and traditional lawn mowers are inferior to riders in various ways. The advantages of such machines include a combination of high maneuverability, versatility, performance and ergonomics. For example, garden riders-lawn mowers are able to serve even a large area in a short period of time, spending a minimum of resources. AtAt the same time, users also point out the possibility of fine-tuning the operation parameters, which ultimately provides a high-quality result.
Negative reviews
There are also critical responses about the exploitation of riders. For the most part, they are associated with the structural complexity of the machines. The user is required to know the features of the technical device 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, these machines run on liquid fuel only. Gasoline is the standard resource fueled by the garden rider. Reviews in this context indicate that the exhaust inevitably pollutes the air, and this can negatively affect the state of vegetation. Such negative factors, for example, are absent from conventional electric lawn mowers. However, they also have an order of magnitude less power reserve, therefore, the performance is not so high.
Maintenance details
After each session of operation, it is necessary to check the attachment for structural integrity. Without fail, the working surfaces are cleaned and, if necessary, treated with protective lubricants. The condition of the gearbox and the engine cooling system are also checked. Approximately once a month, check the fasteners,assess the level of wear of knives and sharpen them 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 wheels for garden riders and tractors also wear out quickly. These components should be replaced if holes, cracks, cuts or other defects are found. It is advisable to update the wheels using a proprietary kit from the "native" manufacturer.
The same applies to the use of attachments, although manufacturers tend to unify their characteristics, and some types of equipment are universal in terms of compatibility with riders.
Conclusion
The practice of operating any equipment confirms that units that are oriented to specific tasks are best able to cope with work operations. The multifunctionality of riders is contrary to the idea of a narrow specialization of technical means, but this also has its advantages. Still, a garden rider saves the owners of large plots from the need to purchase several types of equipment. Of course, in the first place, it performs the function of conventional lawn mowers, ahead of them in terms of performance. But at the same time, the rider, depending on the modification, can also become a replacement for the cultivator, snow blower and leaf blower. Another thing is that the implementation of these and other work activities will require appropriate attachments.
