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Depends. Do you currently do some larger lawns that you could use a ride on with (what size rideon?). If you don't then no don't buy one until you have the work because you might not get the work for it and have your investment sit around doing nothing.
I only have one large lawn at the moment, which takes 2 hours to do with a 21" mower all the other lawns take less than 1 hour.
I'm looking at finding bigger jobs for next season.
I would definitely steer clear of a ride on until you have the work to justify using it. Even on our largest sites, a ride on would save minimal time, we used a Toro 30" Timemaster (you either love them or hate them it seems!!) which keeps us fit also!!
Using a 21" Honda at the moment biggest lawn so far takes 2 hours, looking at getting bigger jobs for next season.
You could try a decent Hire Shop and see what they can supply? It would give you a chance for a "dry run" at a site without committing a huge outlay and you'll see the Pro's & Con's... You do need the right sites, suitable van/trailer and importantly access/size to make it work.
I thinking the same, try hiring one and seeing how I go and then purchase if it goes well.
So if you want to be doing large areas of grass you need to buy one.
Good luck Ashley - some pretty diverse replies there!!
I remember being in the same situation a few years back.One of my regular mowing customers moved from having a small lawn to a couple of acres. They asked me if I could still do the grass so I bit the bullet and spent around £1500 on a decent second hand ride-on. Things just snow balled from there and we now do a day a week with a Kubota G21.
Often,you just have to state your intention (without being wreckless) and life takes care of the rest.