This overall score is based on product performance (50%) and ease of use (50%).

We rate the mower's cutting performance: the consistency of cut grass, evenness of cut, and whether the cut grass is spread evenly.

For models with a mulching option, we assess whether the ride-on mower produces fine mulch without undue clumping.

Assessed through seat comfort and control use. Control use includes the ease of starting, controlling speed, engaging clutch or drive, brake use, blade drive, changing cutting height, checking fuel level, and steering comfort.

Ease of use comprises 40% of the overall score.

Measured at the tester's ear level at full throttle, blade engaged. This is not part of the scoring.

We recommend ride-on mowers that score at least 80% overall.

This column shows which products have been discontinued and which are still available in shops. In some instances, at the request of members and when products are still available on the second-hand market and via sites like eBay, we include discontinued models in the tables.

Recommended or average retail, as of November 2013.

For straightforward mowing, a manual transmission is a good budget choice. Where there's a lot of stopping and starting, working around trees, or backing up, an automatic/hydrostatic transmission will allow you to speed up, slow down and reverse without changing gears. You can even get cruise control on some models, to make long mowing sessions more comfortable.

Claimed forward speed range of product from manufacturer.

Claimed reversed speed range of product from manufacturer.

Measured as width of blades, (+/-3mm).

Most domestic use mowers have a pressed or stamped steel mowing deck, whereas commercial mowers have a deck that's welded together out of heavier plate steel. You'll pay more for a mower with a fabricated deck, but the thicker steel should ensure it lasts longer.

HP: Horse power.

Includes location of oil change point.

Physical dimensions of the mower.

Use the size of the mowing area to determine the size of your mower. As a rule of thumb:

For up to 4000m² (1 acre) of grass: a cutting width of 1100mm (42”) and a 16-20HP (horse power) engine
For 4000m² to 1 hectare: up to 1200mm (48”) cutting width and a 20 - 24HP engine
For area over 1 hectare: the largest cutting width possible and at least a 24HP engine.

Is a mulching kit available, included or unavailable?

Note: The Toro Lawn Tractor XLS380 does have a mulching kit available as an optional extra, but the dealer was unable to supply one in time for testing.

This meter indicates how long the engine has run since the last oil change or other maintenance.

Ride-on mowers typically have a pressed-steel mowing deck (the housing that covers the blades). Steel is vulnerable to rusting if you leave wet grass clumps under the deck. A washing port connects a garden hose to wash the underside of the deck (with the blades running), to help keep the deck free of damp grass.

Do the blades stop spinning when the machine is in reverse?

A greater number of positions offers more cutting versatility.

Electric power takeoff switch: This switch lets you engage the blades without pulling a lever. This feature extends belt life.