In New Zealand, the three primary fuel options for ride-on mowers are petrol, electric, and diesel. Meanwhile, biofuel is rapidly gaining traction globally as a sustainable alternative and is anticipated to become more widely available in New Zealand in the near future.
In this article, we take a closer look at these key lawnmower fuel types, exploring their benefits, drawbacks, and overall impact on performance, efficiency, and suitability. Whether you are a homeowner maintaining your property or a contractor tackling large-scale projects, understanding the pros and cons of each fuel option can help you make a more informed decision for your equipment.
Choosing a ride-on mower by fuel type
When purchasing a ride-on mower, selecting the right fuel type is a key part of the decision-making process. As mentioned, the main options available today in New Zealand are petrol, diesel, and electric, each offering unique advantages depending on your needs. While biofuel is not yet widely available, it represents a promising option to keep an eye on for the future.
Diesel lawnmowers
Diesel-powered mowers are renowned for their durability and efficiency, making them ideal for large mowing areas and commercial use. With higher torque than other fuel types, diesel mowers can tackle tough terrain and handle heavy workloads with ease. Additionally, you can expect a longer lifespan from a diesel engine, with some manufacturers claiming up to twice the expectancy of a petrol engine. However, they produce higher emissions compared to electric models and tend to be noisier, which may be a consideration for residential use.
EFI Petrol lawnmowers
Petrol mowers are the most commonly used option, offering reliability, power, and versatility. Like diesel models, they are suitable for large lawns and tough terrain. However, petrol mowers emit substantial greenhouse gases, usually even more than diesel models, and require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Despite these drawbacks, petrol mowers remain a dependable choice for many homeowners and contractors.
Electric lawnmowers
Electric lawnmowers, powered by rechargeable batteries, are emerging as an alternative to traditional fuel-powered models. They produce zero emissions during use, operate more quietly than petrol and diesel models, and have lower running costs. These attributes make them appealing to some lifestyle property owners who prioritise sustainability and reduced noise levels.
However, electric mowers have several drawbacks that may limit their suitability for many users. The technology is relatively new and still evolving, with some performance claims - such as runtime - not always aligning with real-world results. The availability of electric mower models is also more limited compared to petrol and diesel options, which dominate the market. Additionally, electric mowers often require specialised servicing and repairs, and their reliance on lithium batteries raises concerns about the environmental and ethical implications of battery production.
For those needing reliable, high-performance equipment for large-scale or heavy-duty tasks, traditional petrol or diesel mowers remain the preferred choice.
Biofuel lawnmowers
Biofuel-powered mowers represent an exciting step toward sustainable lawn care. Running on renewable fuels derived from plants, algae, or other biological sources, these mowers offer a greener alternative to traditional fuel types. While biofuel is not yet readily available in New Zealand, its global adoption is growing.
For those interested in sustainability, models like the Ferris IS6200 - which can run on HVO biofuel once it becomes available - are excellent options to consider.
What is the best ride-on mower?
Your choice of ride-on mower should balance performance and efficiency. Until biofuel becomes more readily available, the most sustainable option is to purchase an energy-efficient mower, maintain it properly, and where possible, opt for a fuel-injected engine over a carburetted engine to minimise fuel consumption.
The size of your mowing area, terrain, climate, and type of grass will all play a role in determining the best mower for your needs. Our ride-on mower selector tool makes it easy by telling you which mower suits your needs best.
Product Recommendation — Ferris IS6200
The Ferris IS6200 is a versatile ride-on mower designed to run on both diesel and biofuel. It has a CAT C1.7 diesel engine but can also run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil or HVO, which is a form of re-refined waste oil. The IS6200 also features a diesel particulate filter (DPF) traditionally not seen on mowers, which also works to reduce overall emissions.
Future-proofing your business
Currently, HVO is not commonly available in New Zealand. However, it is becoming more commonplace in Australia and we expect it to become more widely accessible here in the near future. With that in mind, the Ferris IS6200 is a great way to be future-proof, enabling diesel operation for now and then biofuel when the HVO becomes available.
No CO2 emissions
When running on HVO, the CO2 emissions are reduced by 100%. That makes the Ferris IS6200 one of the most sustainable ride-on lawnmowers on the market.
No well-to-wheel emissions
Well-to-wheel emissions refer to any emissions related to fuel production, processing, distribution, and use. In the case of HVO, these emissions are extremely low because it is derived from waste products.
In comparison, petrol and diesel emissions are much higher because they require extensive refining and distribution. Even an electric mower has higher emissions because the battery relies on Lithium, a mined product known for producing emissions and ethical problems.
Operating time
The Ferris IS6200 has a massive 56L fuel capacity spread across 2 separate tanks. This means it can run all day, improving efficiency and eliminating the need for a spare battery. This is particularly valuable for commercial operators seeking to reduce downtime between battery recharges.
When to use the Ferris IS6200
The Ferris IS6200 is ideal for mowing large areas like schools, airports, commercial sites, farms, lifestyle properties, and parks. It is popular with government agencies, municipalities, farmers, and anyone wanting a balance of speed, operator comfort, and cut quality.
Ride on mowers NZ — TurfForce
TurfForce is a division of NC Equipment, specialising in industry-leading ride-on mowers. As New Zealand’s largest stockist of ride-on mowers and over 50 years of experience, we provide trusted advice and high-quality machinery to help you maintain your turf efficiently.
- Expert advice.
- New Zealand’s largest stockist.
- Unbeatable service.
- Residential and commercial options.
- Finance available.
- Free demonstrations.
You can find more information about our range of ride-on mowers in the TurfForce Guide. Download your free copy by clicking below.
