Best Riding Lawn Mowers. Good riding lawn mower

Best Riding Lawn Mowers

In some sense, a lawn is a face of your yard. For keeping it groomed, you should purchase a riding lawn mower. Driving this device, you will be able to serve large areas effortlessly. Read our review and choose the best model! Read more. Read less

Best Pick

The front axle is made of heavy-duty cast-iron. The chassis features a fully robotically-welded frame with a new e-coating corrosion defense system. The LED headlight will allow you to drive this thing around your yard at night. The Cub Comfort high-back seat offers some additional comfort to the user with its 10-degree incline and slide.

If you’re looking for the best riding lawn mower for hills, the Cub Cadet LT46 XT1 Enduro Series Riding Mower is the model for you. If you have a sizable yard and you don’t feel like spending hours mowing it with a less powerful and effective product, this is also the model for you. And if your yard is relatively small and all the ground is relatively even, this is a bit of an overkill.

LED headlight, cruise control, Cub Comfort high-back seat, SmartJet high-pressure deck washing system, Cup holder

The machine allows you to mow in reverse, so you’ll be able to easily maneuver in and out of trouble spots. Its 15-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels give you excellent clearance and easy, long-lasting mobility around the yard. The mid-back seat that keeps you comfortable and delivers extra support.

Top Picks: 5 Best Riding Lawn Mower Review | Perfect For Large Lawns [2023]

With Craftsman T150, you will be able to keep the lawn nice and clean with very little effort on your part. The model will allow you to maneuver around the yard with ease and precision. The tractor is durable and easy to maintain. Plus, it looks sleek but imposing, a nice thing to have in your lawn maintenance arsenal.

Reasonable Price

The 1.3-gallon fuel tank comes equipped with a fuel sight window, allowing you to keep tabs on the gas levels. The compact size of the model will allow you to easily reach the areas that are simply inaccessible to larger mowers. The manual power take-off is there to ensure fast blade engagement without any complications.

What we have here could probably be described as a mini riding lawn mower, so if you have a smaller lawn, this is a model that you might want to consider. And, keeping in mind that this is also one of the most affordable options out there, there’s really no reason not to give it a try if you happen to be on a budget but would still like to enjoy the benefits of a riding mower.

The pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission allows you to manage the speed and direction via pedals, letting you keep both hands on the steering wheel for improved driving control. The Cruise Control feature makes sure the tractor maintains consistent speed, even through the roughest terrain.

There are many things that allow the Husqvarna TS348 riding lawn mower to edge out its competition. You can FOCUS on the robust, highly durable build. You can highlight the overall ergonomic design. You can talk about its ridiculous functionality and ample smaller and bigger details that make the model such a pleasure to work with.

LED headlight, Cruise control, ClearCut fabricated cutting deck, Electric blade engagement, Front bumper, Fuel indicator, Deck washing system, Cup holder

The 75 Ah battery will be able to offer you up to 2 hours of runtime, which should be enough to mow about 2 acres of land. The model is also capable of reaching the speed of up to 8 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest riding lawn mowers on the market. It involves no belts, spark plugs, or filters, so it doesn’t require a lot of attention in terms of maintenance.

This battery powered riding lawn mower is a powerhouse of convenient features and Smart solutions. That said, the price is a bit stiff, so we would recommend this particular model to the environmentally conscious people first and foremost. The vehicle’s virtually silent operation will allow you to mow the lawn in peace and quiet.

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Built to Endure

Taking care of a large lawn requires a lot of time and dedication. And, honestly, it is a monotonous process that bores the hell out of most people. Furthermore, the larger your lawn is, the more of a chance that it includes uneven terrain with a number of bumps and hills. Mowing that kind of lawn can be a nightmare, to put it mildly. That is unless you have the XT1 Enduro Series LT46 from Cub Cadet at your disposal.

What we have here is a front-engine lawn tractor and that alone makes the model suitable for heavy-load jobs. As the “enduro” part of the name suggests, this is a model that is built to endure anything your lawn might throw its way, from some serious bumps to the roughest grass. Though the whole thing is comprised of rugged materials that are as sturdy and reliable as it gets, we would first like to point out the front axle that is made of heavy-duty cast-iron. The people behind the mower in general and this particular component, in particular, are so confident in its endurance that they have decided to extend the warranty of the axle to 5 years. As for the other parts, the cylinders of the engine are made of twin and cast-iron as well, the transmission housing is comprised of cast aluminum, and the chassis features a fully robotically-welded frame with a new e-coating corrosion defense system. Again, not dissimilar to the front axle, the manufacturers have extended the warranty of the frame to 5 years as well.

Surprisingly Agile

When it comes to performance, the 46-inch cutting deck driven by a powerful 22 HP Kohler engine will be able to handle even some of the larger-sized yards and the 3-gallon fuel tank will make sure that you won’t have to refill the tank before getting the job done. The hydrostatic transmission drive offers simple and convenient operation as it essentially eliminates the need for shifting, just push a pedal and get going. And d espite the fact that we’re talking about a sizable vehicle, it offers a 16-inch turning radius, meaning that you will be able to maneuver around all kinds of obstacles with relative ease.

Now, we could talk about the capabilities of this lawn tractor for hours, but everything that’s already been said should allow you to paint a pretty accurate mental picture. So, before wrapping this thing up, we decided to mention a few features that either simplify the operation or make it more comfortable and convenient. First off, there’s the SmartJet high-pressure deck washing system that simplifies the process of maintenance. Then, there’s the Cub Comfort high-back seat that offers some additional comfort to the user with its 10-degree incline and slide. The cruise control option provides soft touch engagement and the LED headlight will allow you to drive this thing around your yard at night.

All in all, this is a fairly simple choice. If you’re looking for the best riding lawn mower for hills, the Cub Cadet LT46 XT1 Enduro Series Riding Mower is the model for you. If you have a sizable yard and you don’t feel like spending hours mowing it with a less powerful and effective product, this is also the model for you. And if your yard is relatively small and all the ground is relatively even, this is a bit of an overkill.

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ASIN B00R82P2TC

Ride On

Craftsman T150 is a really interesting tractor. For the most part, the model is great, easily one of the best riding lawn mowers we’ve seen lately. But we can’t say that this is necessarily the most well-thought-out and well-balanced product on the market today.

For example, the powerful and reliable 19 HP Briggs and Stratton ReadyStart engine leaves very little room for complaints, incorporating an easy and dependable starting system with no prime and no choke.

But, considering the powerful engine, the model’s 1.3-gallon fuel tank is underwhelming and could use some improvement in the volume/capacity department.

That is probably the biggest gripe we have with the product. Apart from that, there are hardly any major issues here.

There are very few riding lawn mowers out there right now that give you the same combination of power and control.

With its 18-inch turning radius, the tractor offers easy and overall impressive maneuverability. You’ll be able to cruise around the yard and turn wherever you want with very little effort on your part.

On top of that, the model boasts an excellent hand-controlled hydrostatic transmission. It allows for smooth transitions in speed and direction, further making the tractor an absolute pleasure to work with.

Sleek but Imposing

At a certain price point, some things are a given but have to be covered regardless. A good example of that would be the machine’s wide 46-inch cutting deck. With its help, you’ll be able to cut, trim, and clip grass in one quick sweep. The deck wash that comes with the tractor saves lots of time when you go for underside cleaning.

Though we have already covered a few, there are other things here that contribute to the model’s practically uncompromising maneuvrability and control. Among other things, Craftsman T150 allows you to mow in reverse, so you’ll be able to easily maneuver in and out of trouble spots. Its 15-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels give you excellent clearance and easy, long-lasting maneuvering around the yard.

Other than that, it’s the little and not-so-little things, like the 46-inch reinforced stamped steel deck that allows the tractor to almost always come out unscathed and the mid-back seat that keeps you comfortable and delivers extra support.

In other words, with Craftsman T150, you will be able to keep the lawn nice and clean with very little effort on your part. The model will allow you to maneuver around the yard with ease and precision. The tractor is durable and easy to maintain. Plus, it looks sleek but imposing, a nice thing to have at your disposal.

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ASIN B07NW8XQL2

A Bargain on Wheels

Though certain people stick with regular lawn mowers due to their conservative viewpoints, it is the question of money that’s the biggest reason most people don’t make the transition to riding mowers. Your standard corded lawn mower generally costs about a hundred bucks, so just about anybody can afford it. Their riding counterparts, on the other hand, could cost you around thirty or even forty hundred dollars, so we’re talking about a major investment here. On that note, we would like to introduce the Troy-Bilt 382cc, one of the most affordable riding lawn mowers on the market that packs quite a punch for such an inexpensive model.

First things first, the vehicle comes equipped with a fairly powerful 382cc OHV engine. Of course, with just 12 HP on board, it has its limitations, and you won’t be able to move faster than 4.5 miles per hour. But we’re talking about a model with just a 30-inch cutting deck, so it should go without saying that it is suitable mostly for small and medium-sized lawns. And when it comes to those, the mower boasts enough power to get the job done. Plus, talking about conveniences, the 1.3-gallon fuel tank comes equipped with a fuel sight window, which is quite an underrated feature as it will allow you to keep tabs on the gas levels.

A Smaller Frame

Though the smaller frame of the mower certainly presents a challenge or two when it comes to medium-sized lawns, it’s not like it comes without its advantages as well. For instance, the compact size of the model will allow you to easily reach the areas that are simply inaccessible to larger mowers. Plus, the fact that it is relatively small, with just about 62 x 34 x 26 inches in overall dimensions, will prove to be a blessing in no disguise as you won’t have any issues trying to find some space for it in your garage or a shed.

As we have implied earlier, this isn’t the most versatile option on the market, but it is a good riding lawn mower in terms of comfort and convenience. The blades include 5 height adjustment options, so as long as you have a relatively even terrain in your backyard, cutting the grass and keeping your lawn clean will be a walk in the park. Plus, the manual power take-off is there to ensure fast blade engagement without any complications. All in all, with an 18-inch turning radius, you’ll be able to easily maneuver around the yard. The 13-inch steering wheel has a soft grip to it that makes controlling the mower a process that is both simple and comfortable. Unfortunately, the only available cutting mode is self-discharge. However, you can easily fix this little issue by acquiring a bag and mulching accessories that are sold separately.

To sum it all up, what we have here could probably be described as a mini riding lawn mower, so if you have a smaller lawn, this is a model that you might want to consider. And, keeping in mind that this is also one of the most affordable options out there, there’s really no reason not to give it a try if you happen to be on a budget but would still like to enjoy the benefits of a riding mower.

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ASIN B01MUDUCNM

A Tough, Rugged Machine

The folk at Husqvarna are often able to do a good job betting on power but without sacrificing functionality and convenience in return. That philosophy very much applies to Husqvarna TS348. Equipped with the 24 HP Kohler engine (44.2 cu. inch), the model is an absolute powerhouse. With its help, you’ll be able to trim and cut any lawn in no time at all.

But, again, it isn’t just about the power but the balance between power and utility. With that in mind, let’s pivot a little. First, there’s the ClearCut fabricated cutting deck. The all-new fabricated design incorporates welded 10 gauge-steel construction with additional welded reinforcement strips giving the lawn tractor exceptional durability.

A similar sentiment can be extended towards the heavy-cast front axle. With its robust construction, the axle offers improved balance and stability, even with a collector setup going on. This pivoting action will help you smooth out the roughest terrain.

We can also mention the robust steel chassis and the cast-iron spindle housings with sealed ball bearing but you get the point, this is a tough, rugged machine that isn’t afraid of any challenge.

Chop-Chop

Husqvarna TS348 isn’t cheap. There are many things that contribute to its price and many things we can cover here.

We can cover the pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission that allows you to manage the speed and direction via pedals, letting you keep both hands on the steering wheel for improved driving control.

We can cover the smaller things, like the fact that the seat comes with armrests so that you’re able to maintain high comfort levels while mowing the lawn.

We can definitely briefly cover the electric blade engagement setup that lets you engage the cutting blades with but a switch pull on the control panel.

Some would argue that the Cruise Control feature is particularly important here, considering how it allows the tractor to maintain consistent speed, even through the roughest terrain.

The large, wide-rear wheels aren’t too shabby either, giving you improved traction and far less risk of damaging delicate grounds.

The Reverse Operating System is great too, disengaging the cutting blades when driving in reverse.

The transparent fuel indicator that makes it particularly easy to check the fuel level is present as well, another nice little detail that separates this tractor from its inferior peers.

Long story short, there are many things that allow the Husqvarna TS348 riding lawn mower to edge out its competition. You can FOCUS on the robust, highly durable build. You can highlight the overall ergonomic design. You can talk about its ridiculous functionality and ample smaller and bigger details that make the model such a pleasure to work with.

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ASIN B07BC5VTJL

Gotta Go Fast

As a rule of thumb, the majority of riding lawn mowers run on gas as the sort of firepower they require to operate can be hard to achieve via other means of energy. Well, there’s an exception to every rule, and the Ryobi RY48110 is one of the best examples of those exceptions. This is a vehicle that has quite a lot going for it and we will try to briefly touch upon every one of its aspects that we deem to be of some importance, but the most defining characteristic is easily the mower’s engine. Instead of your standard engine that runs on gas, the model comes equipped with dual electric brushless motors. By removing fuel and fumes from the equation, the manufacturers present you with a much more environmentally friendly choice compared to traditional mowers.

Of course, you might think that choosing a greener alternative would mean sacrificing performance and efficiency in return, but that isn’t the case here. The 75 Ah battery will be able to offer you up to 2 hours of runtime, which should be enough to mow about 2 acres of land. The model is also capable of reaching the speed of up to 8 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest riding lawn mowers on the market. Now, it probably won’t allow you to successfully compete in NASCAR, but the mower will offer you enough oomph to get the job done as quickly as possible.

Low Maintenance

Before moving on from the electric engine and all that it entails, we would also like to mention one last benefit of this type of setup. low maintenance. That’s right, a gas-powered engine doesn’t just carry with it fuel emissions, but also a number of archaic components that require a whole lot of attention. This electric riding lawn mower, on the other hand, involves no belts, spark plugs, or filters, so you won’t have to constantly take care of those parts in particular and the mower in general. Well, aside from low maintenance, there’s also the model’s quiet operation that may have something to do with the electric engine.

When it actually comes to cutting the grass, the vehicle comes equipped with quite a few features that make the entire process convenient and effortless. We like to believe that riding a mower like this one can be quite a lot of fun. But if you’re not of a similar mindset or you simply happen to be in a less of a joyous mood on any particular occasion, the model has you covered with a cruise control feature that will do the bulk of the job for you. And, as you’re cruising along, go ahead and plug your phone into the USB charger that was thoughtfully added to the control panel, along with a cell phone compartment and a cup holder. Plus, the adjustable seat will help you find the most comfortable position.

Though some people find them less than effective, the LED headlights will help you cut the grass during the nighttime. Finally, not all lawns are created equal, so the company behind this one made sure to implement a 12-position manual deck adjustment option that will allow you to adjust to any terrain and height of the grass in order to deliver that clean cut to your lawn.

All things considered, this battery powered riding lawn mower is a powerhouse of convenient features and Smart solutions. That said, the price is a bit stiff, so we would recommend this particular model to the environmentally conscious people first and foremost. The vehicle’s virtually silent operation will allow you to mow the lawn in peace and quiet.

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Last updated price 3,598.99
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ASIN B07BPM7T8R

What Is a Riding Lawn Mower?

If you are a lawn owner, you know that cutting grass with a handheld lawn mower requires much time and physical effort. To solve this problem, you should ponder on purchasing a riding lawn mower. This device will take minutes to tidy up your grass. In general, a riding lawn mower combines features of a golf cart and a petrol lawn mower. Thus, all you need to do is adjust the height of the grass cut and ride this lawn mower. That’s all! Besides, most lawn mower models allow carrying lightweight cargos and using attached implements for better grass cutting. Sure, even the cheapest options on the market may be more expensive than their stand behind counterparts, but the kind of performance and convenience riding lawn mowers offer you make that price well worth it.

But if you have a small lawn in your backyard and want to keep it groomed, we advise you to consider our electric lawn mowers and gas lawn mowers.

What Features to Compare

Engine

Thinking of the option to trim and mow your lawn effectively yet easy? A riding lawn mower will help. However, before you go buy one, decide on the type of a riding lawn mower you need and the terrain you’re going to groom. Basically, there are three main types of riding lawn mowers. Lawn Tractors, Zero-Turn-Radius and Rear-Engine Riders. The lawn tractors are highly-capable and performing riders, compatible with the variety of attached implements. than other riding lawn mowers, they are suitable for heavy-load jobs. If you own a large, rough lawn, this one is the best to go for. Zero-Turn-Radius riders are designed in a way to easily maneuver and swivel in one place, enabling mowers to mow the areas with lots of all sorts of obstacles. Rear-Engine riders are in many ways similar to Lawn Tractors, but they’re smaller in size. They work brilliantly on medium-sized lawns and terrains.

The type of the engine directly determines overall mowing performance while its capacity specifies what jobs it’ll be best for. You may find quite a number of different configurations, but the most widespread types of engine are one-cylinder and V-twin two-cylinder. The riders powered by the one-cylinder motor are more basic and less expensive but they might not cut the grass as good and efficiently as those powered by V-twin two-cylinder. Still, they’ll do their work at best on half to one-acre lawns. The riders based on V-twin two-cylinder are more performing and capable, they don’t heat up as fast and thus, last considerably longer when used for long-term jobs. The use of additional air filters and oil filtration system will greatly extend the service life of the engine, so beware.

There are also several types of transmission that you just as well may want to consider since it strongly affects the ease of operation. If the lawn is big, flat and smooth, you can opt for a model with a manual type of transmission. It’s well suitable for setting the most accurate speed for short, tall and wet grass. The riders with an automatic type of transmission ideally work on the areas with lots of obstacles, lumps and bumps. As a rule, their turning radius is zero. than any other riding lawn mowers, they are massively purchased by professional mowers.

Top 4 Best Riding Lawn Mowers in 2023 (Buying Guide) | Review Maniac

Performance

Now, there are some other things that are of high importance worth your consideration. Those consumers who’re seeking for a true powerhouse to mow rough lawns should definitely pay attention to the following aspects. the cutting width, the number of blades, tank capacity, cutting speed, height adjustment and working modes.

Consider the maximum cutting width if you want to cut more grass in one pass. The wider it is, the fewer circles you’ll have to ride. The riders with a bigger number of blades will better cut the grass without tearing it up. High speeds ideally suit for mowing big areas and rough terrains while the height adjustment allows varying the optimal angle of cut. The riders can also mulch, bag, side-discharge and collect the cut grass, making the whole process much easier.

Conveniences

Finally, a consumer should pay attention to lawn mower’s conveniences. Seat dimensions, a steering wheel, lever coating material, a footrest, an armrest, and a cup holder are important for comfortable use. Furthermore, a water hose connector allows you to clean the mower after its performance. Take into consideration that a folding floor provides comfortable access to the blades while a fuel indicator helps to control fuel consumption. Besides, an electric blade system provides a quick turning on and prolongs the lifespan of the drive belt. To crown it all, a special indicator alerts you about the necessity to change the oil.

All these conveniences provide comfortable use and timely maintenance of the mower.

Did you know?

Ride Your Own Ride

If you ask us, riding lawn mowers serve as the perfect testament to mankind’s ingenuity, with laziness almost always being the biggest driving force behind that ingenuity. We wanted to keep a pristine lawn but we didn’t want to put in the effort that was required to maintain that lawn, so we came up with these machines that do the bulk of the job for us. They’re effective, they’re efficient, and, honestly, they’re quite a lot of fun. So, aside from the obvious financial question, why so do many people feel reluctant about switching from a regular lawn mower to a much more efficient alternative? Well, a part of it could certainly be attributed to the good ol’ baby duck syndrome, a principle that suggests people often tend to stick with the very first iteration of a particular technology since they believe it to be far superior to everything that came after it. But we all know that, in this case, this is simply false, don’t we? Aside from the fact that about 68,000 people suffer all sorts of injuries while operating a regular lawn mower, you’d be hard-pressed to come up with a solid argument that supports the theory that those regular mowers do a better job of taking care of the lawn than riding lawn mowers. And if you don’t feel like that is actually the case, here are a few advantages of these types of mowers that may just convince you otherwise.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a self-propelled lawn mower, a push mower, a reel mower, or even a robotic lawn mower, none of them is capable of offering the same kind of efficiency as riding mowers do. Frankly, any type of mower that requires you to stand behind it doesn’t even come close when it comes to getting the job done as quickly as possible. The speed with which you can mow the lawn using a riding mower is simply unparalleled no matter how you slice it. if we’re talking about a large yard, one of these vehicles will be able to save you hours every single week.

Well, this one is a bit of a no-brainer, isn’t it? Unfortunately, the majority of yards are not completely flat, and even if they were, you would still be working a lot harder trying to mow your lawn with a self-propelled model or any other stand behind mower. And don’t even get us started on those scorching summer days when it feels like you might evaporate after a few minutes outdoors, so the last thing you want to do is push a heavy piece of machinery around your yard for a minimum of half an hour. Besides, taking care of your lawn is a monotonous, tedious task. But a riding lawn mower makes it as exciting as it can possibly be.

As much as we all would like to be in an optimal, tip-top condition every single day of our lives, we’re afraid the reality is seldom so lenient. Whether you simply do not feel well on a particular day or you happen to have some kind of a long-standing injury, operating a stand behind mower can be simply out of the question. On the other hand, a riding lawn mower is a lot more forgiving when it comes to your health concerns and there’s a good chance you will be able to continue maintaining your own yard in the majority of cases unless, of course, we’re talking about a critical condition situation here. If the latter is the case, you might want to pay your physician a visit before concerning yourself with gardening matters.

Sources:

Roger Cook How to Choose a Riding Lawn Mower, This Old House.

Lawn Mower Tractor Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. September 2016

Kelly Burgess Lawn Tractor Buying Guide, ConsumerSearch. May 12, 2016

Evan Gillespie Diesel Lawn Mowers Vs. Gas Lawn Mowers, SFGate.

Tessa Miller How Often Should You Mow a Growing Lawn? Lifehacker. October 8, 2013.

Roy Berendsohn How to Mulch Leaves With a Lawn Mower, Popular Mechanics. November 26, 2012.

Abby Tripp Heverin Riding Mower Buyer’s Guide, Hobby Farms. April 26, 2013.

Explore Riding Lawn Mowers

A complete lineup of zero-turn mowers, lawn and garden tractors, and electric mowers, all featuring the strength and durability that bring your lawn to life.

Lawn Garden Tractors

Built in America since ‘61 and backed by the industry’s strongest warranty, Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors all come standard with the strongest cutting systems for mowing performance, refined ergonomics designed around you and an array of attachments and accessories for year-round versatility and utility.

Zero-Turn Mowers

Designed with strength, comfort and the ability to get the job done 50% faster than riding tractors, each Cub Cadet zero-turn riding mower is engineered to handle a range of terrain and cover up to 5 acres, with steering wheel options that increase ease.

Electric Riding Mowers

We took the proven strength and performance of our gas-powered machines and combined them with a powerful and convenient lithium-ion battery to create electric lawn mowers with no power fade and reduced noise for a more enjoyable ride.

How to Choose a Riding Lawn Mower

With so many options and features available on riding lawn mowers, how can you make an informed decision about what type of mower to buy? There are two popular options when it comes to riding lawn mowers, both of which provide all-season functionality:

Most lawn and garden tractors look like a traditional riding lawn mower and have an engine mounted in the front and a steering wheel that steers using the front wheels, like a car. Some have the engine in the back with a simple steering column in front, allowing for increased viability and increased maneuverability for the driver. Zero-turn riding mowers pivot on the rear wheels, meaning there is zero-degree turning radius, and the mower can actually spin in a circle to cut one area or maneuver around obstacles.

Zero-turn riding lawn mowers are available in both gas-powered and electric.

Types of Riding Mowers

Looking like the stereotypical riding lawn mower, a lawn and garden tractor is the best compromise between performance and cost. Much smaller than zero-turn counterparts, they’re easy to store in a garage or a shed and have plenty of power and maneuverability for small to medium sized yard, all without breaking a sweat like you would with a push mower or walk-behind mower.

Garden tractors look very similar to a lawn tractor or traditional riding lawn mower, however they are usually a bit larger due to their more powerful engines and transmissions. This added power allows for more utility work and ground-engaging jobs, such as use with plows and other attachments. The added weight of a garden tractor also makes it better on hills, but it will have less maneuverability than a lawn tractor.

Zero-turn riding lawn mowers

If you have a large yard, or a yard with a lot of obstacles and tight corners, a zero-turn riding lawn mower is the right mower for you. Zero-turn mowers are available with a wide range of deck sizes and turn more quickly than both lawn and garden tractors and walk-behind mowers, meaning that mowing your lawn will take about half the time with a zero-turn riding lawn mower. Zero-turn mowers come with a lap bar or steering wheel control. Lap bar steering is the most common way to steer, while steering wheel control has little to no learning curve and is needed for mowing along the side edges of slopes and hills due to increased control in the front wheels.

Gas mowers vs. Electric mowers

No matter whether you decide on a tractor riding lawn mower or a zero-turn mower, either can be purchased in either gas or electric. Our electric mowers have a cutting time of 1 hour or more, making this the ideal choice for small to medium sized yards. If you’re environmentally conscious, or live in a city with noise ordinances, place your trust in one of our electric riding lawn mowers. With no spark plugs, fuel, or oil changes, electric mowers require less maintenance than their gas counterparts.

The Best Riding Mowers for Different Yard Types

For small to medium yards, both lawn and garden tractors are recommended. These are two high-performing, yet cost-effective options for those who don’t want to hassle with a push mower. Lawn tractors and garden tractors also allow for much more utility with attachments like snow blowers, leaf collectors, and pull carts.

As the yard and the mowing job gets bigger, it’s worth considering additional options other than a lawn and garden tractor. A zero-turn riding lawn mower will allow you to get the job done faster and with more maneuverability.

For yards with obstacles, such as landscaping, trees, rocks, and so on, we highly recommend a zero-turn mower. Trying to cut around landscaping and trees can be frustrating and time-consuming without the highly maneuverable zero-turn mower. For yards with fences, be sure to compare the deck size of the mower with the fence opening size to be sure it will fit. Even for residential homes, professional mowers can be a great option, as they’re designed for spaces with landscaping and other obstacles. With professional and commercial models, you also have different configuration models, such as stand-on and stand-behind mowers with excellent maneuverability.

If your yard has a notable incline or decline, there are a couple very important factors to consider: traction control and stability. Meeting these needs will allow you to safely negotiate your yard’s hills and slopes. For sloped yards, you should consider a steering wheel zero-turn as the steering wheel provides more control when mowing along slopes, compared to lap bar steering.

Types of Attachments for Riding Lawn Mowers

There are a variety of attachments for your riding lawn mower to make your lawn care a breeze: Baggers. Double and triple baggers are available for all models of tractor and zero-turn riding mowers. Baggers collect the cut grass from the discharge for easy disposal.

  • Snow blowers. You can attach a snow blower to the front of your tractor and turn your riding lawn mower into a riding snow blower. They have an auger that feeds snow into the discharge, moving the snow away from walking or driving paths.
  • Snow cabs. Snow cabs are like tents that attach to your mower and cover the top and sides so you can plow or snow blow without getting covered in snow. These can also be used in warmer months to help prevent bug bites.
  • All-season plows. Plows are available for tractors and zero-turns, and can push dirt, snow, or gravel. There’s no discharge with a plow attachment, just pushing to displace.
  • Mulchers. Mulchers take the grass clippings that usually come with cutting grass, and instead of collecting the grass from the discharge chute, the mulcher cuts the grass into fine pieces, which falls into the soil and breaks down, giving nutrients back to the soil.
  • Striping kits. On zero-turn mowers, you have the option of adding a striping kit. This adds those classic manicured stripes into your lawn while you cut.
  • Leaf collectors. With a larger chute, a leaf collector picks up leaves and debris from under your mower and collects it all into a bag for easy disposal.
  • Pull carts. These attach to the back of your riding lawn mower, allowing you to transport tools, soil, or mulch.
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Attachments are available for lawn tractors, garden tractors, and zero-turn riding lawn mowers. Be sure to check specifications on the attachments you’re interested in to see what mowers it’s compatible with.

Top 5 Riding Lawn Mowers for 2023 To Gain the Advantage Over Your Grass

Summer is around the corner, and for some owners, riding lawn mowers are the only way to stay on top of lawn maintenance. However, the market is full of options, from EFI-equipped large-deck options to fully-electric mini mowers. Fret not; one of these five riding mowers can deliver what you need to conquer your grass in 2023, like the John Deere S130, S120, and Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT.

What are the top five riding lawn mowers?

When it comes to well-rounded riding mowers for small to medium lawns, these five are some of the most capable on the market.

  • Husqvarna YTH18542
  • John Deere S130
  • Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT
  • John Deere S120
  • Ryobi RY48111

Additionally, the Husqvarna YTH18542 boasts two sets of cutting blades instead of a single cutting surface. However, the deck can be difficult to dismantle for sharpening, per ZDNet. Further, the YTH18542’s 18.5-horsepower Briggs Stratton engine is more than enough to handle challenging lawns and hills. The Husqvarna model starts at around 2,399.00.

What engine is in a John Deere S130?

John Deere’s S130 riding lawn mower packs a 22-horsepower, 724cc Briggs Stratton engine. As a result, the S130 is a more powerful riding mower, albeit more expensive than the Husqvarna YTH18542, per Bob Vila.

over, the John Deere model will mow in reverse, packs multiple blades, and delivers easily controlled throttle via a hydrostatic transmission. Better yet, Bob Vila says the S130 will eagerly handle a two-acre lawn, but anything over three acres might be pushing it for the green machine.

Is a Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT one of the best riding lawn mowers?

With a 19.5-horsepower Kohler engine and a 42-inch deck, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT is an excellent gas-powered alternative to the John Deere S130 and Husqvarna YTH18542. over, with starting price point of 2,399, the Cub Cadet XT1 model is comparably priced in the segment.

Better yet, potential owners won’t be compromising compared to close competitors; the Enduro LT packs a smooth hydrostatic transmission and twin-blade cutting system.

How much is a John Deere S120?

The John Deere S120 starts at 2,699.00, making it a pricier option than a comparable Husqvarna YTH18542 or Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT. However, the S120 shares many of the features of the S130, like the 22-horsepower engine and a 42-inch cutting deck.

Is a Ryobi RY48111 a good electric riding mower for small lawns?

The Ryobi RY48111 is an excellent option for potential owners seeking an electric mower to tackle their small to mid-size lawns. With a low-maintenance, fully-electric 100 amp-hour battery system, the Ryobi model can continuously cut up to 2.5 hours.

The 6 Best Riding Mowers to Mow the Lawn with Comfort and Ease

A comfortable riding mower, like Cub Cadet’s Ultima ZT1, will have you looking forward to your weekly lawn maintenance chores.

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music’s Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

In This Article

A good riding mower is a must for large lawns of an acre or more. After all, it can be the difference between loathing lawn maintenance or actually looking forward to the task. While there are a few different types of riding lawn mowers available to buy—the main ones being either lawn tractors or zero-turn mowers—the best riding mower for you depends on the size of your yard, the type of terrain, and your budget.

“With buying a good riding mower, you are essentially investing in your home, which is one of the biggest and best investments people can make,” says Don Quinn, who has over 30 years of experience handling riding lawn mowers and working on several farms, including his own 1.5- and 3-acre properties. “A good riding mower or tractor is going to make the work that you have to do on your property easier, safer, and more efficient.”

To help you decide the best riding lawn mower for your home, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind each unit’s power, ideal lawn size, speed, deck height, and deck width. We also consulted Don Quinn.

Best Overall

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 in. 23 HP V-Twin Gas Engine Zero Turn Mower

Why You Should Get It: This mower has a large 50-inch deck size that covers more ground in less time, a mid-range price, and an ideal size for residential use.

Keep in Mind: As a zero-turn mower, it has levers instead of a steering wheel, so there’s a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never used one of these mowers before.

Cub Cadet’s Ultima ZT1 50-Inch Gas Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower is the best riding lawn mower thanks to its superior build and handy features. Though it’s a zero-turn mower and requires some practice to get used to if you’ve never operated one before, it’s actually quite user friendly.

The riding lawn mower has a large 50-inch deck with 15 different height position options for a custom cut. It also has an adjustable high-backed seat, so you won’t get sore even if you’re mowing 4 acres of lawn in one go.

It cuts fast and smooth and can turn with ease thanks to its zero-degree turning radius. In other words, you won’t have to switch the mower blades off, circle around, then start them up again to go in the opposite direction to get those straight lines. It performs as well as a much more expensive and professional-grade model and is priced reasonably for a lawn mower that can pretty much do it all.

Price at time of publish: 3,999

Power: Gas, 23 horsepower, 726 cc Kawasaki twin-cylinder engine | Lawn Size: Up to 4 acres | Deck Width: 50 inches | Deck Height: 1 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 7 miles per hour (forward), 3.5 miles per hour (reverse)

Best Budget

Troy-Bilt Pony 42K Riding Lawn Mower

Why You Should Get It: This mower is designed for yards of up to 2 acres and has one of the lowest of the mowers on this list.

Keep in Mind: There’s no rollover protection, unlike other options on the market.

Whether you’re trying a riding mower for the first time or just don’t want to invest in a more expensive option, the Troy-Bilt Pony model is a great riding mower to consider. Ideal for residential use on small- to medium-sized yards, the compact tractor is user-friendly and effortless to mount and dismount, thanks to its handy side step. Plus, for a gas mower, it’s not too noisy, and it doesn’t guzzle fuel either.

Since it doesn’t have any rollover protection, it’s worth noting that it’s better suited to flatter terrain. However, it cuts smoothly and quickly, and it has an 18-degree turning radius to navigate obstacles—for comparison, similar mowers have turning radiuses up to 30 degrees. There are five deck positions, adjustable speed settings, and even a cup holder to hold a cold bottle of water while you mow. Since it’s still a bit of an investment, you’ll appreciate that it comes with a two-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: 2,049

Power: Gas, 17 horsepower, 541 cc Kohler four-cycle engine | Lawn Size: Up to 2 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches | Deck Height: 1.25 to 3.75 inches | Speed: 7 miles per hour (forward), 2.5 miles per hour (reverse)

Best Electric

Greenworks Pro 60V 42-Inch CrossoverZ Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Why You Should Get It: This mower runs on battery power, meaning you don’t have to worry about dealing with fuel or gas fumes.

Keep in Mind: There’s no power steering or cruise control.

Allowing you to zoom up and down medium-sized lawns of up to 2.5 acres at 8 miles per hour, the Greenworks Pro CrossoverZ riding lawn mower is our choice for the best electric riding mower. The unit can turn on a dime to mow clean and straight 42-inch widths of lawn at a time. Plus, it has a padded high-back seat with back support and armrests for user comfort as well as a USB charging port in case your phone runs out of juice and a cup holder for your beverage.

The riding lawn mower can be fully recharged in just 90 minutes, and it features bright dual-LED headlights so you can see clearly in low-light conditions. Whether you have straight terrain or rolling hills with slopes of up to 15 degrees, this mower can cut the grass with ease thanks to its large 20-inch tires. And while the price is an investment, the mower is protected by a four-year limited warranty.

Price at time of publish: 5,500

Power: Battery powered, 60 volts, six 8-amp hour batteries, equivalent to 24 horsepower | Lawn Size: Up to 2.5 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches | Deck Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 8 miles per hour (forward), 3 miles per hour (reverse)

Best Zero-Turn

EGO POWER 42-Inch Z6 Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Why You Should Get It: In addition to a durable design and reliable battery life, this mower has a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour that makes for speedy and efficient mowing.

Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other options on the market.

If you’re looking for a reliable zero-turn riding mower option, the Ego Power 42-Inch Z6 Zero-Turn Riding Mower is worth a look. The battery-operated machine has an impressive battery life, mowing up to 2 acres of land per charge.

The riding mower only takes two hours to fully charge—for comparison, other similar battery-powered riding mowers need around 17 to 20 hours to fill up. Once in use, you’ll appreciate the LED display screen that gives you all the important stats, like your speed and the remaining battery life. Plus, it has strong high-intensity LED lights for superior visibility in low-light conditions.

The seat is cushioned, making it a comfortable place to sit for a few hours. While it’s more expensive than other options, there’s a five-year warranty on the tool, battery, and charger so you know you’re getting a machine that is built to last.

Price at time of publish: 5,499

Power: Battery powered, 56 volts, six 10-amp hour batteries, equivalent to 22 horsepower | Lawn Size: Up to 2.5 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches | Deck Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 8 miles per hour (forward), 3 miles per hour (reverse)

Best Heavy Duty

Toro Titan Max 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower

Why You Should Get It: This fast and durable riding mower has a large 60-inch deck that is ideal for professional-grade results.

Keep in Mind: The model is significantly more expensive than other options.

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The best heavy-duty riding mower is Toro Titan’s Max 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower, which is suitable for yards up to 7 acres. This mower packs 26 horsepower, the most powerful mower on our list.

The riding mower features a padded seat that has back support and armrests as well as suspension, so you’ll hardly feel any jolts even on the bumpiest terrain.

This durable mower provides a professional finish with its superfast blades that cleanly cut the grass, effortlessly eliminating any clumps. While gas lawn mowers can be high maintenance, this riding mower provides a toolless filter change to make maintenance easier. Plus, its 22-inch tires are thick and provide superior traction for added safety without damaging the lawn, and it even has protective tire fenders to shield users from stray mud or flying lawn clippings.

Price at time of publish: 6,999

Power: Gas, 26 horsepower, 747cc Kohler engine | Lawn Size: Up to 7 acres | Deck Width: 60 inches | Deck Height: 1.5 to 5 inches | Speed: 8 miles per hour (forward), 3 miles per hour (reverse)

Best Rear Engine

Ryobi 48V Brushless 42-Inch Electric Riding Zero-Turn Mower

Why You Should Get It: This mower has cruise control and 12 deck heights.

Keep in Mind: It takes 17.5 hours to fully charge up, so overnight charging is recommended.

A rear-engine riding mower mower, like this electric model by Ryobi, is ideal for those who have limited storage space as they tend to be smaller and they’re also typically easier to control. This riding mower provides a quiet and comfortable seated mowing experience, and it can mow up to three acres in a single charge—though just keep in mind it takes 17.5 hours to fully recharge.

best, riding, lawn, mowers

It has a sturdy and durable 42-inch, two-blade deck that adjusts to 12 height positions for more landscaping design options.

Plus, it features cruise control that allows you to effortlessly drive it over all types of terrain, a USB phone charger, and an automatic safety function that limits the speed when going downhill so you don’t lose control of the machine. You’ll also appreciate the rear charging port for easy access.

Price at time of publish: 4,383

Power: Battery-powered, 48 volts, 100-amp hour battery | Lawn size: Up to 3 acres | Deck Width: 30 inches | Deck Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 7 miles per hour (forward), 2 miles per hour (reverse)

The Bottom Line

The powerful, sturdy, and durable Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50-Inch Gas Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower with its 50-inch cutting deck, 23-horsepower Kawasaki engine, and comfy high-back cushioned seat is our top pick for the best riding lawn mower. A zero-degree turning radius means you can easily maneuver around obstacles, get up and down large lawns of up to 4 acres with no downtime, and can create awesome landscaping designs too. For a less-expensive option, consider the Troy-Bilt Pony 42K Riding Lawn Mower. The riding mower is compact and is ideal for up to 2 acres of land.

What to Know About Riding Mowers Before Shopping

Types

The main two types of riding lawn mowers available are lawn tractors and zero-turn riding mowers. Lawn tractors come in a great variety of sizes and options of mower deck attachments. Each model is designed to mow up to a certain size lawn, usually from.5 to 2 acres and beyond. As the mower’s ability to cut larger lots increases so does the price, as well as the overall size of the mower and mower deck.

Zero-turn lawn mowers have two levers (as opposed to the steering wheel on lawn tractors, which most people are familiar with), and there is a little bit of a learning curve if you’ve never operated one before. These levers must be turned in or pushed in opposite directions to steer the mower.

The benefit of a zero-turn mower is that you can maneuver around objects or obstacles quickly and easily and can make perfectly straight rows or intricate patterns that you wouldn’t be able to create with a standard ride-on mower. Zero-turn mowers come in many different sizes to accommodate just about any type or size of lawn. Zero turn mowers are generally much more expensive than lawn tractors, however, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking to stick within a certain budget.

Power

Ride-on lawn mowers either come in gas or cordless battery-powered options. Battery-powered lawn mowers run on batteries, and each mower’s runtime is different depending on its voltage and battery amp. Generally speaking, the higher the voltage, the longer the mower will last on one charge. In addition, the type of terrain, as well as the grass height and its type can factor into a lawn mower’s run time. Some battery-operated models provide quick charging of around one to two hours, but cheaper models could take up to 20 hours to fully charge.

Gas ride-on mowers are powered by fuel, emit fumes, and are usually the most powerful type of mowers, making them the preferred choice of professionals. Gas lawn mowers require more maintenance than other types, and yearly servicing (fuel, oil, and spark plugs) is highly recommended in order to maximize the life of the tool.

Property Size

Buying the right size mower for the job is important so that with proper maintenance, it will last you a long time. Every new riding lawn mower has the ideal property size clearly written out in its description so you can be sure to buy the best riding mower for your yard.

“Many people make the mistake of buying too small of a riding mower and then end up overworking it on a bigger property,” Quinn says. “This can cause major issues with maintenance and shorten the mower’s life in the long run.”

Cutting Deck

The height and the width of a cutting deck let you know how much lawn can be mowed by the machine in a single pass and also how long the grass will be once it’s cut. The cutting width is also known as the swath. Most riding lawn mowers have adjustable height decks with numerous positions that give you the option of different grass lengths, usually ranging between 1 to 4.5 inches.

Accessories

There are many available accessories that can be bought along with, or in addition to, your riding mower, such as kits that can mulch, fertilize, aerate, till, and cultivate the soil. In addition, you can buy snow clearing machinery like snow blowers that can be attached to your mower as well as accessories that can load and dump soil. Accessories allow you to get more use from your riding lawn mower throughout the year.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you clean a riding lawn mower?

Riding lawn mowers are typically heavy-duty machines that are designed to cut grass and get messy and muddy, so thoroughly cleaning them is not a necessity. A hard brush taken to the wheels and around the deck to get rid of thick mud and stray clippings is usually all that’s needed. Hosing the whole thing down with water is not advised. Many riding mowers do come with their own cleaning apparatus, such as deck cleaning tools and an attachment that can hook up to a garden hose for cleaning the deck.

How often should you mow your lawn?

The general rule of thumb when it comes to how often you should mow the lawn is about once a week. This will maintain a healthy lawn and still give you the look of a well-kept property.

“Cut your lawn when it is over 3 inches long,” Quinn advises. “Set your mower height to 3 to 3.5 inches to ensure that you’re cutting it in a manner that allows for a strong root system and creates a healthier, thicker lawn. This will also reduce the number of times you have to water it. Cutting your grass below 2 inches creates a thinner lawn that will be more susceptible to damage from the summer sun.”

In addition, it is highly advisable to not cut off more than a third of the grass blade’s length at a time so as not to damage it.

Are riding mowers safe to use?

Riding mowers are designed to be safe if used properly, but they should be kept away from children. Most manufacturers recommend that children under 16 should not use them without adult supervision. Though these machines look fun and rather toy-like, they can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

“The center of gravity on most riding mowers is very high, so the chance of rollover is greatly increased,” Quinn says. “The user should be aware of what types of hills could potentially cause a rollover.”

To avoid an accident on a hill, Quinn advises mowing perpendicular to the grade of the hill and avoiding cutting parallel to the grade. “In other words, cut uphill and downhill but not across,” he says.

Most modern riding mowers are equipped with rollover safety devices that stop the spinning of the blades and shut off the mower as soon as a rollover occurs, or even if the operator stands up and leaves the seat. Another great feature in some riding mowers is a button that is located behind the driver that must be pushed in order to go in reverse.

“The idea behind this is to create a habit within the operator to look over their shoulder before backing up so that you never go in reverse without looking,” Quinn says.

Who We Are

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading US online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat researched and reviewed multiple riding mowers and considered factors such as each riding lawn mower’s power, cutting deck width and height, speed, comfort, noise-level, durability, and value for money. She also consulted Don Quinn, who has over 30 years of experience handling riding lawn mowers and working on several farms.

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