Yes There's An Air-Conditioned Lawn Mower, But There's A Big Problem
Imagine mowing your lawn in peak sun on a hot day and not even breaking a sweat. In fact, you bring along a light jacket just in case you get a little chilly. That's exactly what the utility vehicle accessories company Curtis promises with their air-conditioned zero-turn lawn mower cabs. These attachable, enclosed cabs connect with mowers from brands including John Deere, Kubota, Ferris, and more to provide a comfortable ride while protecting you from bugs and the weather.
If that sounds too good to be true, there is one problem that throws a real wrench in the mower of your dreams: These air-conditioned cabs run over $11,000. Granted, they are pretty impressive. The air conditioning unit can lower the temperature in the cab by up to 40 degrees. They are also made with durable, polycarbonate doors and walls with a 50% tint for full, unobstructed visibility.
Still, an $11,000 accessory is no small add-on. Considering that the average cost of a zero-turn mower is around $3,500, an air-conditioned cab on a zero-turn lawn mower will make your mower worth close to $15,000. That's a sizable investment for the sake of mowing the lawn in comfort.
Other ways to stay cool(er) while mowing the lawn
Mowing the grass is a real thorn in the side of many, and there's no shortage of innovations attempting to make mowing the lawn easier. Few have succeeded at striking the right balance between practicality, functionality, and a cost-benefit ratio. The Curtis air-conditioned cabs may offer unparalleled comfort, but they also come at an unparalleled price.
There are some other ways to stay at least a little cooler during your weekly mow. Personal fans can offer some relief, such as the popular Jisulife Portable Neck Fan, which many reviewers report using while they cut the grass. A portable fan like the Dewalt Jobsite Fan may help if you can find a place for it on your ride-on mower.
While the verdict is still out on robot lawn mowers, the technology seems to be coming along rather quickly. There are several hands-free mowers on the market with decent ratings and prices ranging from around $500 to upwards of $6,000. While these innovations are rather cost-prohibitive right now, between air-conditioned cabs and lawn-mowing robots, the dream of making mowing a comfortable and effortless chore may one day be a reality.