Have you ever thought of what you can do with a riding mower besides mowing your lawn? While the primary function of a riding mower is to cut grass and maintain landscaping, many other activities can be done with one.
From maintaining a garden to creating an outdoor oasis, riding mowers can make all of these tasks easier and more efficient. These can also help you save time and money while keeping your yard looking great.
According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects, using a riding mower is the most popular method for maintaining a lawn or garden. This is because riding mowers have become more efficient and easier to use in recent years. Riding mowers can also be used to help you take care of a variety of other tasks such as trimming shrubs and trees, edging, and cleaning up debris.
Here we’ll discuss some of the most creative and fun things you can do with a riding mower to make the most of your investment. So sit back, relax, and learn about all the cool things you can do with a riding mower.
10 Creative & Cool Things to do with Riding Mower
Mowing the lawn is one of the most essential chores that homeowners must do as part of their regular lawn care. But it doesn’t have to be a chore, with a riding mower, you can have some fun with it!
1. Cart Race
Sports races have been a hit in the US and UK for quite some time now. The fun-loving sports fans have been showing off their tractors in some pretty exciting races.
All you need to do is a few simple modifications to your mower, and you’ll be ready to go! Don’t worry about having to replace or modify the engine, just take off the blade for safety and you’ll be good to go.
This thrilling sport is for all ages, so if you or kids in your home are over 11, then you can join in the fun with a few safety precautions and speed control.
2. Care For Your Pets
Animal lovers rejoice! Instead of using your riding mower for grass alone, you can use it for taking care of your beloved pets. With a small-scale mover, you can easily and comfortably clean manure and dirt grading.
Plus, you can attach a front loader to the mower to make your job easier. You can even use the lawn mower to feed animals that are located in further areas of your farm.
All you need to do is replace the blades with a loader and use it like a trolley. So, don’t just use your lawn mower for grass, be creative and use it for your pets too!
3. Remove snow from the driveway
Take the winter weather head-on and enjoy the snow with a unique spin: removing snow from the driveway with a riding mower! Not only will you get to enjoy some fresh air and exercise, but you’ll also be doing something useful and practical.
To get started, ensure that you have a riding mower with wide tires and a powerful engine to plow through the snow easily and quickly. If your driveway is on the larger side, a snow plow attachment may be a great addition.
Now you’re ready to go! Drive back and forth in a straight line, pushing the snow off to the side. This will help create a clear path and improve it easier to maneuver. Just be sure to stay away from any icy patches so you don’t risk damaging the mower.
4. Tow a trailer for hauling
Tired of schlepping materials around your property by hand? Upgrade to a new and innovative way of hauling, by a riding mower with a trailer attached. With the right setup, you can easily transport items like topsoil, mulch, firewood, tools, equipment, and furniture.
First, make sure your mower is equipped with a tow hitch. If not, you can purchase a hitch assembly that is compatible with your mower. After connecting the trailer to the hitch, you may need to use a tongue jack or other stabilizing device to ensure a secure connection.
To evenly distribute the weight, place heavier items at the back and lighter items at the front of the trailer. This will prevent the mower from losing traction. With your new setup, you can quickly and easily move materials around your property.
5. Transform the mower into a mini-float plane and go flying
Turning an ordinary riding mower into a mini-float plane is a simple task that can be achieved with a few simple steps.
Start by removing the grass-cutting deck and replacing it with a couple of sturdy and lightweight pontoons made of aluminum or fiberglass. Attach a small engine to the back of the mower and connect it to the pontoons using a propeller shaft.
After that, the mower is ready to be customized with wings, a tail section, a rudder, elevator controls for the handlebars, a control panel, a fuel tank, and other necessary components.
Once everything is in place, it’s time for a test flight! Before taking off, ensure the engine and other features are properly tuned. Soar above the clouds and reach new heights with your very own mini-float plane!
6. Make a Boat Motor
For those seeking an inexpensive and effective way to get out on the water, repurposing a mower engine for a boat motor is an excellent option.
Not only is it a fun and creative project, but it can also save you quite a bit of money. By attaching a discarded outboard or a propeller directly to the engine, you can easily create a motor with the power to move a small boat.
While it may not be able to reach high speeds, it’s perfect for a leisurely ride out to your favorite fishing spot. Even if it seems a bit risky, many have been able to successfully turn their mower engines into boat motors with minimal effort and expense. And in the end, the rewards are worth the effort.
7. Construct a Ball Launcher
Athletes can hone their craft as a result of this crazy project. By having balls hurled at them at high speeds, athletes can develop their reflexes and refine their technique. It’s an effective way to push them to their limits and test their ability to stay calm under pressure.
You can build one of these contraptions with a mower engine, but be warned, it could be a bit too powerful for some applications.
If you’re looking for a way to help your beloved pup brush up on their agility, then this might not be the best option.
However, if you’re looking for a way to give your human athletes a challenge, then this could be the perfect solution. Just make sure they’re wearing the proper protective gear because a fast-moving ball could leave them with more than just a few bruises!
8. Transform the mower into a makeshift parade float
Take the first step to transforming a riding mower into an eye-catching parade float! Start by making sure all loose parts are secure and the brakes are in good working order.
Once that’s finished, it’s time to get creative! Drape a tarp or large piece of material over the mower and secure it with bungee cords or rope for a strong base.
Then, cut out shapes from cardboard or wood to decorate the sides and represent the theme of the parade. Tape or glue them onto the mower and you’re ready to roll!
Next, it’s time to get festive and spice up that float! Light up the mower’s perimeter with some sparkly Christmas lights and secure them with gaffer’s tape or zip ties. Add some extra pizzazz with banners, flags, and other decorations.
Make sure your float design allows for the driver and riders to interact with the crowd. To make it extra special, hook up a sound system to a portable power source and place it on the float to play music. And if the mower has a cup holder, why not add a beverage dispenser to keep parade-goers hydrated?
9. Alter your Riding Mower to Robotic Mower
Altering your riding mower to a robotic mower can be a cool and fun thing to do. The process involves replacing the existing engine and controlling system with a robotic system and motors.
This task requires a lot of technical knowledge and the right tools, but it can be done relatively easily if one is willing to put in the effort.
Once the robotic system is installed, the mower can be programmed to mow the lawn at a specific time and in a specific pattern. This means that the mower can mow the lawn while you are away, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Additionally, since the robot is programmed to mow in a specific pattern, it can ensure an even cut all over the lawn, resulting in a more even and aesthetically pleasing lawn.
The robotic mower will also be able to detect obstacles such as trees, rocks, and other objects, so it can avoid them and mow around them. This ensures that there won’t be any damage to the lawn or the objects.
Also, the robotic mower can be equipped with a variety of sensors, so it can detect different types of grass and adjust its mowing pattern accordingly. In lawns and gardens with multiple types of grass, this is especially helpful.
10. Create a mobile concession stand by attaching a small trailer to the riding mower
Utilizing a riding mower’s versatility by attaching a trailer to it is a wonderful idea to make a mobile concession stand. It’s a creative way to make extra money or bring convenience to an event.
The first step is to find a suitable trailer to attach to the riding mower. It should be lightweight and easy to tow, with a frame strong enough to support the weight of the concession stand. It should also be weatherproof and able to withstand outdoor conditions.
Once the trailer is attached to this, it’s time to stock it with the necessary equipment. This could include a refrigerator, a deep fryer, a griddle, a sink, and storage shelves. It’s also important to make sure that the trailer is equipped with a generator to provide power to the equipment.
The next step is to decide what types of items to sell. Consider the type of event that the concession stand will be attending and the types of items that will be popular with attendees.
Some common items include hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, sandwiches, and other snacks. Once the concession stand is stocked and ready to go, it’s time to hit the road.
Closing Thoughts!
Riding mowers are a convenient way to get out and enjoy nature while also taking care of your lawn. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can turn your mowing experience into a fun and productive day.
From removing snow from the driveway to making a boat motor, you can use your riding mower to create beautiful scenes and enjoyable experiences. Your lawn can become an extension of your personality, offering a beautiful way to express yourself and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.
So the next time you get on your riding mower, don’t forget the possibilities of all the cool things you can do with it. With the right attitude and a few creative ideas, you can turn your lawn into a beautiful and enjoyable area to spend time with your family and friends.
