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Mower Cutting Width vs. Cutting Height: Understanding Both Features

Whether you’re looking for a gas riding mower, electric riding mower or zero-turn riding mower, common considerations are the cutting width and cutting height. Understanding the difference between these two features is critical for finding the right mower for your needs. Cutting width refers to the size of the mower deck, which houses the blades, while cutting height indicates how tall the grass should be after mowing. 

Tractor Supply is home to an impressive lineup of riding lawn mowers for sale, including gas riding mowers, electric riding mowers and zero-turn riding mowers (both gas and electric). We’re here to help you determine the ideal cutting width and height for your terrain. Learn more about cutting width vs. cutting height and how the two work together to give you a pristine yard. 

What Is Mower Cutting Width?

Also called mower deck size, cutting width refers to how many passes it takes to mow grass to the height you desire. Narrower cutting widths mean more mowing time, whereas wider cutting widths cut more in less time.  

At Tractor Supply, our inventory is stocked with options for most terrains, as well as flat, uneven and sloped properties. You can begin to narrow your search by shopping within your ideal mower yard size range, which may include:

What Is Mower Cutting Height?

The cutting height refers to how tall the grass will be after mowing. In other words, the cutting height indicates how much grass will be cut. Your ideal mower cutting height depends on the unique needs and conditions of your grass. Generally, grass should be kept at 2” to 2.5” high in the warmer months and 3” to 4” high during the cooler months. If you live somewhere that requires year-round mowing, consider riding mowers with adjustable cutting heights, as well as zero-turn adjustable cutting height models. 

How Cutting Height and Width Work Together

On any given riding or zero-turn mower, the cutting width and height team up to deliver benefits to the user, such as:

  • Convenience: The cutting width never has to be adjusted since it is predetermined upon manufacturing. Meanwhile, the cutting height may either be preset or, depending on the model, easily adjustable using a lever found on the front or side of the machine. 
  • Customization: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to yard maintenance, and every land owner needs a mower that can give them the custom results they desire. Finding the ideal cutting height and width can yield the pristine-looking yard you want while keeping your mowing times under control.  
  • Efficiency: Whether your lawn is overgrown or you’re sick of wasting time on cutting grass, the right cutting width and height matter for overall mowing efficiency. Wider cutting widths tackle more grass in less time, and knowing the right cutting height for your conditions prevents having to take multiple passes over the same area. 
  • No more frustration: When it comes to lawn care, there are few things worse than buying the wrong riding mower. If the cutting height and width are not right for your property, you’ll waste precious time that could be spent elsewhere. 
  • Supporting grass health: The right cutting height and width will support the healthy growth of your grass, keep your lawn as green as possible and prevent damage. When grass is too long, not only does your curb appeal suffer, but the grass itself will be weaker. If the grass is too short or scalped, it can become stressed and prone to unwanted weeds, pests and diseases. 

Determining Your Mower Cutting Width and Height

When shopping for a new riding mower, you should first figure out your ideal cutting height. Mower cutting heights can range anywhere from 0.5” to 4”. Which cutting height is best for your lawn depends on the season, your terrain type and other considerations. If you already have a riding mower but are looking to upgrade, you can measure your ideal cutting height before shopping for a new model. You can do so with a ruler or measuring tape by following these steps:

  1. Place your measuring tool on a flat surface, like a pathway or driveway. 
  2. Lower your mower’s blades to your desired height. 
  3. With extreme care, position your mower directly over the measuring tool, allowing the blades to rest on it. 
  4. Ensure the mower is stable and level. 
  5. Measure the space between the bottom of the blades and the ground to find out your cutting height. 

When it comes to cutting width, the range you should choose comes down to your yard size and preference. As discussed earlier, there are various options depending on how many acres you have, ranging from 21” to 60”+ in cut width. 

Find the Right Riding Mower with Tractor Supply

Get help with picking the right lawn mower at Tractor Supply. Whether you’re curious about cutting widths vs. cutting heights or have other specific questions, our team is backed by over 85 years of experience and lawn mowerknowledge. We’re proud to offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) riding mowers, rear-wheel drive (RWD) riding mowers and front-wheel-drive (FWD) riding mowers from top brands, including:

Visit your local Tractor Supply store today, or shop our extensive inventory online now.