WHEN it comes to maintaining acreage, having the right equipment to cut and maintain the lawn is vital.
In the last decade, farmers have made the surprising choice to downgrade equipment, choosing to manage their grass with zero-turn ride-on mowers rather than tractors and implements.
Dubbo Mowers and Chainsaws managing director David Brett said zero-turn mowers were invented by Hustler in the 1960s, however their popularity had only started to increase in the last five years.
"In the last five years zero-turn ride-on mowers have gotten back to a price point where they are an option over a tractor," he said.
"They get the work done quickly with minimal effort."
Dubbo Mowers and Chainsaws offer a range of brands, including Toro, Cox and Hustler.
Mr Brett, an ex-farmer himself, deals with a range of clients around the Central West and western NSW districts however farmers represent a large portion of his clientele.
"For anyone with acreage, you really need a fabricated deck not a pressed deck," he said. "Pressed decks are great for lawn but they don't handle heavier work."
Mr Brett said fabricated decks handled mowing in thicker, longer grass outside the house yard better.
"On farms, you don't just mow inside your house yard, you mow around your sheds and up your driveway as well."Not only do fabricated decks offer more strength, they help lengthen the working life of the machine.
Ride-on mowers used to have a similar shape to tractors with a steering wheel control however clients are becoming more accustomed to the dual lever controls featured on modern ride-on mowers.
"There were some people who struggled to use the levers when they first came out but people have gotten used to them now."
Some companies, such as Toro, are bringing back the steering wheel controls on their zero-turn mowers.
"They can still turn on a dime just like any other zero-turn mower," he said. "They suit older people who may struggle with the dual lever controls."
What used to one of the toughest jobs around the yard has now become the most comfortable according to Ron Spice, Frank Spice Auto, Forbes.
Mr Spice, who deals in Ferris equipment, said the make's suspension attracted buyers.
"The suspension is great for anyone with a bad back, as the ride is so smooth," Mr Spice said. "It allows you to mow flat out with no bumping or bouncing."
"I liken it to sitting in an armchair," he said.Maintaining the lawn is no longer seen as a stereotypical "man's job", he said."I have noticed that a lot of women are also using the Ferris mowers as they are so comfortable to drive. They are easy to operate and super easy to control."
The mowers are so popular, even the local deputy mayor has one.
Forbes deputy mayor Graeme Miller purchased a Ferris IS 3200Z mower from Frank Spice Auto recently.The Ferris IS 3200Z is a commercial zero-turn mower, making it perfect for maintaining all types of grass around the home and farm however the comfort and easy controls made it an easy decision for Cr Miller.
"I'm not getting any younger but the lawn will always get longer," he said.
