If you’ve been using a push or walk-behind mower to maintain your property, upgrading to a riding mower can significantly improve. However, don’t stop there! The world of riding mower accessories is vast and varied, offering many options to specialize your mower or tackle tasks you may not have considered possible.
While a riding lawn mower is technically complete with just its mowing deck, it’s capable of much more with the right attachments. At Harvest Savvy, we understand the importance of a well-manicured lawn in property management. We offer a range of riding mowers and accessories to help you tailor your equipment to your specific needs.
Whether you already own attachments or are considering purchasing some, knowing which ones are worth the investment is significant. While some are essential and will improve your efficiency and productivity, others may not be used frequently enough to justify the required expense and storage space.
This article will explore the most common riding mower attachments and help you make informed decisions when upgrading your equipment. So let’s dive in and discover the possibilities for customizing your riding mower and achieving the best results for your lawn.
Tips for Choosing the Right Attachments for Your Riding Mower
When upgrading your riding mower with attachments, several factors must be considered before purchasing.
First and foremost, ensuring that the attachments you choose are compatible with your specific model is essential. Countless people make the mistake of buying an attachment that doesn’t fit, only to discover they’ve wasted their money on something they can’t use.
But why bother with attachments in the first place? The answer is simple: to make your life easier and get more done in less time. Lawn equipment is meant to be a helpful tool in maintaining your property, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without spending all your free time working on it.
The right attachments can transform your riding mower into a multi-functional machine capable of much more than just cutting grass. However, it’s essential to consider your property’s size and specific needs before investing in any add-ons.
For instance, a lawn sweeper may only be helpful for those with a vast lawn, while others may not find it worth the cost and storage space.
It’s also worth noting that many attachments are pretty sizable, so you’ll need to be selective in your choices unless you have unlimited storage space. For those with a zero-turn riding mower, the available attachments may be more limited than garden and lawn tractors.
In summary, when upgrading your riding mower with attachments, take the time to ensure compatibility and consider your specific needs and property size. Choosing the right attachments saves time and effort, giving you more opportunities to enjoy your well-maintained lawn.
So let’s explore the options and transform your riding mower into a versatile workhorse.
Attachments & Accessories Your Riding Mower Needs
As any seasoned gardener knows, having the right tools and equipment is essential for a well-manicured lawn. And when it comes to riding mowers, the options are endless. With the right attachments, your mower can become a versatile machine capable of handling various lawn care tasks.
So, let’s look at some of the top accessories that can take your mowing game to the next level.
Aerator
Is your lawn looking a little lackluster? One way to give it a boost is through aeration. And luckily, with the proper attachment, your riding mower can be a crucial player in the process.
Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil, which helps improve air circulation, water drainage, and fertilizer absorption. This results in stronger, healthier grass roots and a lusher, more vibrant lawn. While you can rent or hire professionals for aeration, having your aerator attachment is a wise investment to save you money in the long run.
With a riding mower, you can purchase an aerator attachment, which is not an option with a walk-behind mower. Aerator attachments for riding mowers vary in size, but 40-48 inches in width is the norm. Before purchasing, consider where you will store it in your garage, as they can take up quite a bit of space.
Costs for aerator attachments also vary, ranging from around $100 or $150 to $750. I recommend the 48-inch wide aerator attachment from Agri-Fab for a reliable and efficient model. It does an excellent job and is worth the investment for a healthy, vibrant lawn.
Bagger
A neat, well-manicured lawn is a sight to behold. But after mowing, gathering and disposing of the clippings can be daunting. Fortunately, this chore becomes a breeze with a bagger attachment for your riding mower.
These accessories come in twin- or triple-bag designs, with a capacity of up to 10 bushels, making collecting and disposing of grass clippings and leave quickly and easily. By keeping the clippings in a container mounted at the rear of the mower, baggers make it possible to keep your lawn neat.
Plus, you can use the collected clippings as mulch or fertilizer in your garden.
When shopping for a bagger attachment, it’s essential to consider the size of your lawn and the amount of debris you need to collect. Baggers come in different sizes; some can be large, requiring adequate storage space.
Additionally, some baggers can be costly, so it’s crucial to factor in the price before purchasing.
In some cases, a simple bagging attachment may not suffice. For example, you may need a more robust solution if you have a large lawn with trees that shed many leaves. In such instances, a leaf bagger attachment that fits over your factory bagger may be a better option.
And if you don’t have a large lawn, investing in a quality leaf blower may be a better use of your money. Many backpack blowers are on the market, but the Echo PB-770T is a top-rated model worth considering.
Lawn roller
Lawn care enthusiasts know that a well-maintained lawn is beautiful, and the secret to achieving a lush green carpet is the right tools.
Among these tools, a lawn roller attachment is an absolute must-have for any homeowner who wants to get their lawn back into shape after the harsh winter months. With the ability to even out any lumps or bumps in the ground, this attachment can work wonders on your lawn.
To achieve this, the lawn roller is filled with sand or water, providing the necessary weight to press down and level the lawn as you drive over it. I recommend using water for this purpose, as it can be quickly emptied when you’re finished, making the roller lightweight and easy to handle as you put it away.
In addition to leveling out your lawn, a lawn roller attachment can also be used for other tasks, such as preparing the ground for laying sod or ensuring good soil-to-seed contact for optimal germination. With different sizes and abilities available, you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Dethatcher
Another necessary attachment for any lawn care enthusiast is the dethatcher. This attachment helps remove matted grass and debris from your lawn, blocking essential nutrients, water, and air from reaching the soil.
Using a dethatcher attachment, you can quickly and effortlessly perform this task, ensuring your lawn is free from any obstacles hindering its growth.
While dethatcher attachments can be pretty significant and unwieldy, there are options available that are better than anything else on the market.
With a width of about 40 inches, a dethatcher attachment is an excellent investment for any homeowner who wants to keep their lawn healthy and beautiful. By dethatching just before overseeding, you’ll see remarkable results, and your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Disc Harrow
Every gardener dreams of a garden ready for replanting, and the disc harrow attachment is the perfect tool for achieving that dream. It can prepare garden beds for replanting and help break up hard ground when you want to start a new garden or renovate your lawn by killing your existing lawn and starting afresh.
Although it’s not an attachment you’ll wish to unless you have a vast garden area, its time-saving ability and ability to avoid wrestling with a rototiller make it worth including in your tool collection.
Spreader
Maintaining the health and beauty of our lawns requires regular fertilization, and a spreader attachment is a great way to make the task easier, especially if you have a large lawn.
With a tow-behind broadcast spreader, you can quickly and easily fertilize your lawn whenever you need to, and you can also use it to spread good seeds over your lawn and distribute lime, iron, and other soil amendments, making it an excellent investment for any property owner.
Spreaders come in various sizes, some smaller than different types of riding mower attachments, and Agri-Fab makes a great one.
Snowblower
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter, a snow blower attachment for your riding mower may be a worthwhile investment. Clearing your driveway or pavement will be a breeze, and it will extend the value of your riding mower, making it a year-round asset to your property.
Although snowblower attachments can be pretty heavy and oversized, especially compared to other riding mower attachments, the cost and garage space will be worth it if you live in a northern climate with a large driveway.
Investing in snow chains for your tires is also a good idea if you’re buying a plow kit or snow blower for your lawn tractor. Most riding mower tires are not designed for snow, and good traction is necessary to avoid frustration with your investment. The snow chains sold on Amazon will work for most riding mowers, so measure your tires before ordering.
Maximize the full potential of your Cub Cadet riding mower with the unbeatable power of the 3-Stage Snow Blower Attachment. This three-stage powerhouse can tackle everything from heavy snow too deep drifts.
Built to weather even the toughest of winter storms, this seasonal attachment combines unyielding strength with superior comfort for a job well done. Its sturdy reinforced brackets and braces, augmented by a thicker auger housing and enhanced control ergonomics, makes clearing snow a breeze.
Experience the ultimate in riding mower performance with the Cub Cadet XT Enduro Series. Its top-notch power, durability, and versatility will provide an exceptional mowing experience.
And adding attachments and accessories like this 3-Stage Snow Blower Attachment can unlock even more significant potential from your riding mower. Get ready to achieve a perfect cut every time.
Sunshade/Canopy
A long day of mowing can be daunting, especially in areas that experience prolonged sun exposure. This is where the Sunshade/Canopy attachment comes in handy. With a canopy, you can keep the scorching sun at bay while enjoying the comfort of your riding mower.
These attachments are designed to be attached to the mower’s roll bar, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much storage space.
Moreover, with the collapsible design of most canopy attachments, storage, and transportation become more manageable. Whether you have a large or small property, a sunshade or canopy is a wise investment that will make a significant difference in the comfort of your outdoor experience.
You can opt for a manufacturer’s recommended model or choose from the various third-party universal canopies available. Make the smart choice and enjoy the great outdoors without being overwhelmed by the sun’s heat.
Brush Guard
If you want to add extra protection to your riding mower, then a brush guard or bumper is the way to go. Despite the ease of use of riding mowers, the work involved can produce a lot of debris that can cause damage, mainly if your radiator is behind the grill.
A stray branch can easily puncture and ruin it, causing extensive damage. By installing a brush guard or bumper, you can ensure that your mower’s exterior and interior components are well protected from any potential harm.
While we’ve covered some essential attachments for creating the ideal riding mower setup, plenty is available. For a more comprehensive look at some great accessories or to find your perfect riding mower.
Lights
Imagine you could mow the lawn no matter the time of day or light conditions. Early mornings or late evenings won’t limit your productivity when you upgrade your riding mower with lights.
With a reliable lighting system, you can work when you want, regardless of the lighting conditions. And why not consider upgrading to LED lights for an even brighter, energy-efficient experience? Illuminate your mowing experience and take on those after-dark tasks with ease!
Attachments & Accessories for Large Properties
When investing in attachments for your lawn mower, it’s important to consider the size of your property. While some attachments are essential for any size property, certain ones are more appropriate for those with larger expanses of land. Remember that purchasing these attachments for a smaller property may not be the most practical use of your resources.
Trail Cutter or Trail Mower
One such attachment is the trail cutter or trail mower. Not only does this attachment speed up mowing time but it can also be used to clear paths through dense brush and saplings. Swisher’s trail cutter, for example, is a reliable and sturdy option that can make quick work of even the thickest vegetation.
Tank Sprayer
Another attachment to consider is the tank sprayer. This attachment is handy for those with large properties, as it allows you to treat large areas without constantly refilling the tank. Although tank sprayers tend to be smaller than other attachments, they are still a luxury tool that only a few homeowners have in their arsenal.
Lawn Sweeper / Leaf sweeper
If gathering debris like dead leaves, acorns, or pinecones is a struggle, a lawn sweeper might be worth the investment. This attachment gathers debris with a rotating sweeper brush and stores it in a hopper bag, making it easy to empty when full.
A tow-behind leaf sweeper is particularly helpful for keeping your yard leaf-free in the fall, especially if you have deciduous trees on your property. Plus, you can repurpose the gathered leaves as fertilizer for your garden beds.
Remember that lawn sweepers come in various sizes and can cost anywhere from $150 to $700, so it’s essential to determine if it’s worth the investment for your property size.
Cart / Towable Cart
As a lawn care specialist, I recommend investing in a cart attachment for your riding mower. This attachment, a utility trailer or dump cart, provides a convenient and efficient way to transport garden tools, mulch, soil, and other supplies. With towing strength and easy maneuverability, this attachment is an excellent asset to any large property owner.
The benefits of a towable cart attachment are countless. Not only can it help you save time and energy, but it can also make your yard work more productive and enjoyable. Whether you cover a lot of ground with your lawn mower or need to haul the debris away from fallen tree branches, a cart attachment can be a game-changer.
It’s also ideal for efficiently transporting hay bales, feed bags, water, rocks, bricks, and potted plants.
While a cart attachment is a valuable addition to any property, it may not be necessary if you already have a wheelbarrow or don’t have an oversized garage for storage. However, if you have a farm or an expansive garden, it’s an investment you won’t regret.
For a quality towable cart, I recommend the Agri-Fab 45-0101. This cart is sturdy, easy to maneuver, and has a deep container for bulky items. It may be significant, so it’s best to have enough storage space before purchasing. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to streamline your yard work and invest in a towable cart for your riding mower today.
Mulching Kit
Efficiently managing large properties can be an arduous task, especially when it comes to dealing with grass trimmings. Often, property managers find themselves spending too much time disposing of clippings.
But what if we told you that a mulching kit could significantly reduce the time and effort required to deal with this problem while recycling the waste?
By attaching a mulching blade and plug to your mower, you can easily break down the clippings into small pieces that can be later used to nourish the soil. This helps cut down the time spent emptying collection bags and enriches your lawn with vital nutrients.
If you mow your lawn regularly, recommended every few days, and keep the grass from growing too tall, replacing your standard blades with mulching blades should be seriously considered. In the long term, using mulching blades is better for your lawn than bagging clippings, which removes nutrients from the soil.
Transforming grass clippings into a nutrient-rich fertilizer is eco-friendly for achieving a vibrant and healthy lawn. Not only does it help eliminate yard waste, but it also promotes the growth of lush and vibrant grass.
Incorporating mulching into your mowing routine is a fantastic way to keep your yard looking its best all season. Luckily, mulch kits are available for XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series decks, making the process even easier.
Don’t let grass clippings bog you down – let a mulching kit do the work for you and watch your lawn thrive!
Choosing the right riding mower attachments
Choosing the right riding mower attachments can be challenging, as several factors must be considered. While none of the attachments are necessary, they can be instrumental in maximizing the capabilities of your mower and keeping your lawn in top condition.
The size of your property is an essential consideration, as it determines the type of attachment that would be most suitable. Your soil type can also influence your decision, with sandy soils benefiting from spreaders and clay soils requiring aerators.
Trees are another factor to consider when choosing attachments, as lawn sweepers can help remove leaves in the fall. Storage space is also crucial, as you don’t want to purchase attachments you don’t have space for. And don’t forget to leave room in your garage for maintaining your mower every spring, even if it means sacrificing your car parking space.
