Popular riding lawn mowers. Explore Riding Lawn Mowers

The best riding lawn mowers in 2023

The best riding lawn mowers let you tame your property in comfort, no matter the size of the yard.

Cutting grass with ease doesn’t have to mean sacrificing valuable garage space.

This gas-powered pick makes even large yards manageable.

An affordable option with plenty of power.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more

Riding lawn mowers are a powerful, durable machine that makes cutting grass as effortless as possible. Lawn equipment has come a long way since the days of a sickle and elbow grease. Modern riding mowers cram the power of a farm tractor and the maneuverability of an ATV into one fun-to-ride, easy-to-control tool.

If you’ve never bought a riding mower, or are upgrading and replacing an old mower, you will be surprised and potentially overwhelmed with today’s options. Front engine? Rear engine? Do you need the best riding lawn mower for hills or zero-turn agility? And what about the transmission? Where do you start? And how do you know if you’re getting the right size mower with all the features you need or the best riding lawn mower for the money? That’s why we’re here: to take the mystery out of this lawn care equipment and find the best riding lawn mowers for every yard, lawn, and field.

The best riding lawn mowers: Reviews Recommendations

Best small: Toro 42″ TimeCutter 452cc Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed

If you have a smaller yard, this Toro lawn tractor is the versatile lawn slicer to keep your grass in check quickly. While riding mowers can be smaller, the smaller models are slower and feel underpowered. If you want a ride-on mower with strength and speed, go straight to a lawn tractor instead of a riding mower. It’s a great riding lawn mower for yards up to two acres. It’s not a huge, monstrous machine but still gives you plenty of cutting power. The steering is smooth and responsive. Plus it can be easily stored and maintained. For backyards, front yards, and small sidelots, the Toro riding lawn mower is the perfect fit.

Best for hills: Husqvarna TS 354XD 54-inch Garden Tractor

Husqvarna riding lawn mowers are some of the best on the market, including for hills. And the Husqvarna Garden Tractor is the mighty lawn mowing tool used by professional landscapers and backyard amateurs alike. The hydrostatic transmission makes the ride feel smooth and comfortable, even up and along hills. Its three strong blades, housed in the 54-inch cutting deck, can chew through anything in its path. And a 24 HP engine gives you the oomph needed to safely traverse inclines and wet surfaces. If you’re tasked lawn maintenance of a space larger than three acres, you need a garden tractor made of durable, dependable materials, and this Husqvarna lawn mower checks all the necessary boxes as the best riding mower for hills.

Best zero-turn: Husqvarna MZ54F 54 in. 24 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower

The best riding lawn mower must have what it takes, and then some. The power of the Husqvarna MZ54F riding mower is obvious: its 24 HP Kawasaki engine is more powerful than most consumer riding mowers. All that power helps the 54-inch cutting deck mow through a five-acre lawn with one tank of gas. The zero-turn steering allows for quick, smooth pivots making the heavy-duty steel frame feel light and nimble. It’s easy to use, after reading the instructions and taking it out for a few test cuts. For any lawn that creeps past the three-acre mark, the Husqvarna riding mower is the best beast to tame the suburban jungle.

Best budget: Troy Bilt 30-inch 382cc Riding Lawn Mower

The 30-inch cutting deck of the Troy Bilt riding mower makes it the best riding mower for yards smaller than one acre, and the best riding lawn mower for the money. It’s a small riding lawn mower that’s easy to store and maintain. And the 382cc single-cylinder Troy Bilt engine is powerful enough to chew up and spit out just about any lawn. Maneuvering around trees and along fences is fluid and comfortable, thanks to the Soft Touch steering wheel. While not as versatile as a lawn tractor, you can add mulching attachments to help keep the yard looking sharp. For anyone with a smaller yard, who doesn’t need a monstrous machine, the simple yet effective Troy Bilt riding lawn mower is the perfect fit.

Things to consider for picking the best riding lawn mowers

The best riding lawn mower is the one that efficiently mows your specific patch of grass because not all lawns are created equal. Even in your own neighborhood, one type of mower works best for one yard and another riding mower works best for the house next door. The right mower in the right hands can greatly speed up the grass-cutting process.

Before you rush out and buy the most expensive mower on display, however, take a close look at your own yard. Take measurements of the area that needs mowing (your property minus the footprint of your house, driveway, decking, landscaping, etc.), so you know how big an area you will maintain. As a general rule, riding lawn mowers work best on yards larger than one-half acre (anything less can be mowed more effectively with a gas-powered, walk-behind mower).

Also, know what type of terrain you will drive over, and know the difference between the types of lawn mowers. A ride-on lawn mower is an investment, so you want a machine that lasts. These are motorcycles with blades; understanding and respecting the engine and cutting mechanism is important to making sure your riding mower keeps going season after season. Regular maintenance will be required, but there are riding mowers that are easier to care for than others.

Safety and comfort are also important factors to consider when browsing any lawn or garden tool. Lumbar support and armrests on a riding lawn mower can reduce sore muscles and eliminate next-day chore hangovers. And comfortable steering not only helps your arms and legs, but also gives you greater control to chop grass in eye-catching patterns. Arm yourself with the knowledge (and our handle selections below) and you’ll find the best riding lawn mower for your property.

Calculate what you need to find a riding mower for small yards

The key to finding the best riding lawn mower is to get the right amount of power with the most effective cutting deck. If your yard is smaller than two acres, don’t waste money on horsepower you don’t need and cut widths too large to work in small areas.

There are four types of ride-on mowers to choose from: riding mower, lawn tractor, garden tractor, and zero-turn mower. While they all cut grass, they do so in different ways. A riding mower with a rear-mounted engine will be the least expensive option, but also the slowest and weakest. Riding mowers are the smallest of the bunch and have a maximum cut width of 30 inches. That’s a plus for small lawns (anything up to an acre).

A lawn tractor, however, is what most people envision when they think of a “riding mower.” Lawn tractors have the engine in the front, the cutting deck is between the front and rear wheels and they can be modified to do more than just cut grass. Garden tractors are bigger, more powerful, more versatile versions of a lawn tractor. And zero-turn mowers have a rear-mounted engine with their unique push bar steering to sharply maneuver around any obstacle.

If you have a yard too large for a push mower, yet smaller than an acre, a riding mower or small lawn tractor is the most efficient grass chopper to get. If you want horsepower and functionality, go for the lawn tractor. A lawn tractor can do more than cut grass and has the power to drive on any lawn.

Tackle tough inclines with the best riding lawn mower for hills

The best riding mowers are fierce vehicles with the handling of a car. But not all mowers can be the best riding lawn mower for hills. If a yard has a wide variety of inclines and valleys, trying to mow it can be frustrating and dangerous. Even small hills can be a hassle. Zero-turn mowers are notoriously horrible on hills, and low-powered riding mowers lack the strength needed to mow up and along a sloped lawn. A garden tractor with powerful maneuverability is the only ride-on mower that can safely keep your entire yard in order, even on hills.

Garden tractors are bigger than lawn tractors, making them better for yards larger than three acres. But these beasts can be more complicated. To make the larger tractors easy to control, it may use a hydrostatic transmission, which provides better speed and steering but can be more expensive to maintain and repair.

Still, the difference between a manual transmission and a hydrostatic transmission can be felt immediately as you simply, safely drive the mower up and along hills. With greater control comes tighter turns and quick maneuvering around the terrain. A high-quality hydrostatic garden tractor gives you commercial-grade cutting power in a user-friendly package, making it the best riding lawn mower for hills.

Zero-turn riding mowers cut the largest lawn with a twist

The benefits of a zero-turn riding lawn mower are clear: maneuverability and speed. These powerful lawn mowers can zip around trees, rocks, decks, pools, fences, or anything else that dots your landscape. They shift from forward to reverse in a snap and are ideal for making intricate patterns on the lawn. And the quick speed and wide cutting deck make them perfect for large lawns, fields, and anywhere else grass needs to be taught a lesson.

For lawns larger than four acres, you want a cutting deck wider than 54 inches. Generally speaking, a 54-inch cutting deck on a riding mower traveling at medium speed can cut four acres in an hour. Besides a large cutting width, you also want good horsepower to efficiently travel across the yard. A mower with 25 HP will provide enough muscle for large yards and fields. You can go higher, but most consumer models are between 11 HP to 25 HP. Anything above that may be too much muscle for one home.

The agility comes from the unique steering of a zero-turn riding mower. The left and right push-bar accelerators control each rear wheel independently. Push both forward and you move forward. Pull them back and you slow down and move in reverse. Push one bar forward and you spin around the stationary wheel. It may sound complicated, and there is a mild learning curve to mastering the mechanism, but your brain will pick up the steering and turning will be reflexive with just a few minutes of practice. Of course, take it slow at first and do not try to make sharp turns until you feel comfortable, and always be careful on hills. The weight distribution of zero-turn mowers can make inclines difficult to cut.

The rear-mounted engine gives operators a great view of what’s ahead. And zero-turn mowers are often faster than other ride-on mowers. While they may look intimidating and the steering is not like a car, zero-turn mowers are some of the best tools for cutting grass in big areas and tight corners.

Here’s the best budget riding lawn mower you can get

If the for ride-on lawn mowers give you sticker shock, rest a little easier knowing great and inexpensive riding mowers are out there. While you won’t be able to find anything useful for less than 1,000, once you reach the 1,500 ballpark you can find decent models that get the job done.

Between riding mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers, the traditional riding mower will be the cheapest option. The main tradeoff for the lower price is cutting width, horsepower, and speed. The less expensive riding mowers have a 30-inch cutting deck (as opposed to the 50-inch decks of lawn tractors). These tiny grass gobblers are better for those with less than an acre of ground to mow. In fact, if your yard is smaller than an acre, smaller is better. Anything larger than a 30-inch riding mower is overkill.

A small, inexpensive riding mower performs only one task: cuts grass. They can’t plow sow, haul lumber, or turn on a dime. They are little more than a standard walk-behind mower with a chair, but the low price makes up for the lack of functions.

FAQs

Q: How long does a riding lawn mower last?

A riding lawn mower should last anywhere between five and 10 years. But the years don’t matter as much as the hours of use. Consumer riding mowers are made to last about 300 hours. If you have a two-acre lawn, you may spend 60 hours a year using the mower and the mower will last five years. This varies based on where you live, rainfall, type of grass, type of terrain, etc., so it’s only to give you a rough idea. Make your mower last longer with routine maintenance and storing it properly during the off-season.

Q: What is the best riding lawn mower for one acre?

The Troy-Bilt TB30 (mentioned above) is the best riding lawn mower with just enough power to tackle one acre of grass, and the best riding lawn mower for the money if on a budget. For any yard larger than an acre, invest in a lawn tractor, like the 42-inch Craftsman riding lawn mower (mentioned above). It will be fast and efficient. expensive models and zero-turn mowers won’t be as helpful or efficient on smaller yards, so spending more is not always the best answer. And for anything smaller than one-half acre, a walk-behind mower is the most effective.

Q: When is the best month to buy a riding lawn mower?

The best month to buy a riding mower is April or August. Shoppers are most likely to find the model they want in spring, at the start of the mowing season. The won’t be the lowest, but availability is at the highest. Look for good sales during the summer, especially around Labor Day. At that point, many home goods stores are looking to clear floor space for fall/winter products. Options will be somewhat limited, but you can still find the make and model you’re looking for or something comparable. The cheapest of the cheap riding lawn mowers can be found in the fall, but who knows what stores will have left. And most stores don’t even sell riding mowers in the winter. While it’s not an exact science, stick to the months that begin with the letter A when shopping for a riding mower.

The final word on finishing chores in comfort with the best riding lawn mowers

Finding an effective, efficient ride-on mower isn’t too difficult once you know what to look for. Understanding the difference between a riding mower, lawn tractor, garden tractor, and zero-turn mower will make you a Smart shopper. To inform your lawn equipment decision, think about your lawn: How big is it? How many obstacles are in the way? Are there any hills? Using the wrong mower will make hot days doing yard work in the sun seem endless, but the best riding lawn mower will give you enough time to relax and enjoy the season…before you need to break out the snowblower.

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

Lawn Tractors

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

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

Small to Medium Yards

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.

Medium to large yards

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.

Yards with obstacles

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.

Sloped yards

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.

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.

Find A Dealer

Please obtain a google maps api key and put it in Site Preferences!

Customer Service

We are experiencing high call volumes.

We are available Monday. Friday, 8:30 am. 5:00 pm EST. To speak with an agent, you might experience longer than normal hold times. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Helpful links.

Global Sites

If you experience any problems accessing this website, please call us at 1-877-428-2349 for assistance.

WARRANTY ADDENDUM. IMPORTANT: This addendum defines the start of the warranty period. The applicable Warranty Period will begin on the original date of purchase of the Product or on the date of delivery of the Product, whichever is later. Engine Disclaimer: The engine horsepower information is provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. See your local Cub Cadet Dealer for warranty details.Pricing Disclaimer: Posted price is in USD Dollars and is manufacturer’s suggested sale price. Models and pricing may vary by location. Taxes, freight, set-up and delivery not included. Optional equipment, accessories and attachments sold separately. See your retailer for details. Image Disclaimer: Products may vary from depicted model image in design, required attachments, safety features and non-functional appearance, and may not reflect dealer inventory or unit specifications. Specifications Disclaimer: Specifications subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect retailer inventory and/or unit specifications. Operator’s Manual Disclaimer: The operator’s manual posted is for general information and use. To ensure the download of the operator’s manual specific to your unit, we require a model and serial number. Speed Disclaimer: Actual vehicle speed varies based on load, use and environmental conditions. Battery Disclaimer: Battery and battery powered product performance varies with load, use and environmental conditions. Software Disclaimer: Software available on Company websites is provided on an as is basis without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The download and use of any software is done at the user’s own risk. Professional Products: Cub Cadet commercial products are intended for professional use. UTV: Cub Cadet Utility Vehicles (UTV) are intended for off-road use by adults only. Please see the operator’s manual and the warning labels posted on the vehicle itself for more details. Email disclaimer: Sign up to receive communication on services, products and special offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. Please refer to our Privacy Policy.

The 7 Best Riding Mowers of 2023 to Mow the Lawn with Comfort and Ease, According to Research and Testing

A comfortable riding mower 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.

“For a larger lawn, a riding mower is the most efficient in saving time and energy,” says Brian Feldman, the senior technical director of operations at TruGreen. “Additionally, they serve more than just one purpose; they can also be used as an efficient vehicle for other yard tasks.”

While there are a few different types of riding lawn mowers available to buy—the main ones being 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.

When it comes to choosing the best riding mower for your needs, Bryan Clayton, the CEO of GreenPal, recommends looking at transmission type, steering mechanism, turning radius, comfort, safety features, and attachments. Feldman also suggests researching and evaluating a mower’s safety, durability, and size, as well as its maintenance requirements.

To help you decide the best riding lawn mower for your home, in addition to speaking to Clayton, Feldman, Quinn, and Ben McInerney, the Founder of Home Garden Guides, we researched and tested a variety of models, paying particular attention to each unit’s power, ideal lawn size, speed, deck height, and deck width, performance, usability, safety, design, and general ease of operation.

Best Overall

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50-Inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower

• 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.
• 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

Product Details: 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 Zero Turn

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42-Inch 22 HP Zero-Turn Mower

• It’s a powerful mower that’s easy to maneuver and makes clean and even cuts, even on hilly terrain.

During testing, we found that the best zero-turn riding mower is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 40-inch riding mower. The mower offers a large mowing swath, although slightly less than its 50-inch sister model mentioned above. A little smaller and more affordable, this unit still has many of the same perks as the 50-inch model as well.

It took around half an hour to set up as there were quite a few screws to figure out. Thankfully the instruction manual was easy to understand. We tested it on a third of an acre yard that’s slightly slanted with several obstacles, and found that it performed remarkably well.

After setup, the machine started up right away (as soon as we figured out the choke) and took 3.5 inches off the lawn evenly and effortlessly. We even tried cutting down taller grass and it had no issues whatsoever. The side discharge worked properly, ejecting the grass from the chute far enough away and spreading it around very well so as not to leave chunks of grass near the mower.

It’s easy to adjust the cutting heights on this riding mower—all you do is turn a knob on the left side of the operator, press the foot pedal, and turn the dial to the selection of your choice.

There are two speed adjustment options, even in reverse. The mower provides a pleasant ride that is less bouncy than some other mowers and can make turns faster, too. The seat is adjustable to your comfort level, which could depend on how bumpy your terrain is. Its lower overall height meant we were able to have a clearer view ahead which made riding it and looking where we were mowing a much more pleasant experience.

The mower has a wider body that helps distribute the weight, so you’ll feel safe riding it. There was a little bit of a learning curve to get used to the settings and the whole riding experience, but nothing that a couple of mowing sessions didn’t straighten out.

During testing, we found that this pick is also on the noisier side. While other mowers tend to have a covered-up motor, the Cub Cadet’s is an open engine. All in all, this is a high-quality mower for larger yards that is great value for money.

Price at time of publish: 3,499

Product Details: Power: Gas | Lawn Size: 2 to 4 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches | Deck Height: 1 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 7.5 miles per hour (forward), 3.5 miles per hour (reverse)

Best Electric

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

The RYOBI 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower is ready to go when you are; simply unplug the charging plug and you are off and mowing. You won’t have to deal with gas fill-ups or oil changes or have to choke your gas motor to get it started and warmed up.

We tested this mower on a half-acre backyard with a few hills, some trees, and fencing, and found it chopped 25 minutes off the usual mowing time. It’s much quieter than some other mowers on the market at around 92 decibels–we even managed to have a conversation with someone nearby when the blades were running at high speed.

Set-up took around 45 minutes and was straightforward thanks to instructions that were easy to follow. The battery came partly charged and it took only 70 minutes to fully charge. Just keep in mind that an empty battery takes around two hours and twenty minutes to charge. Luckily, it has an LCD screen that displays the battery life and run time, so you’ll know when you need to recharge.

When we took it for a test run, the ground was somewhat damp due to recent rain but the mower handled it effortlessly. The push-button controls allow you to choose from three travel speeds and three blade speeds, and there’s an on-off button for the headlights, as well as an LCD screen toggle button. The mower is controlled by a single joystick that operates the forward and reverse speeds, and it was easy to get the hang of during testing.

Setting the cutting height is simple as well. Thanks to one conveniently located lever, you can choose from one of 12 height settings up to 4.5 inches. It also comes with a height-stopping key that allows you to quickly drop the mowing deck to the cutting height you want.

The seat is comfortable and features a suspension adjustment knob. The mower has storage compartments and two USB ports that can be used for charging your phone, and a Bluetooth function that allows you to monitor your mower with the RYOBI riding mower app.

During testing, we felt that the mower also feels safe to use as the blades stop quickly as soon as you leave the seat. There are also bright headlights and reflective decals on the sides. The only issue we had was that the tires spun a little when going uphill on damp terrain, but this didn’t happen when the grass was dry.

We appreciated that the mower’s turning capabilities allow you to get very close to objects like fences and trees to cleanly mow around them in a single pass. It’s a very powerful mower and cuts the grass cleanly and evenly, leaving no patch of uncut grass.

Price at time of publish: 5,999

Product Details: Power: Battery | Lawn Size: up to 3 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches | Deck Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 8 miles per hour (forward), 4 miles per hour (reverse)

Don’t spend half the day mowing your lawn when you can purchase a riding lawn mower to better manage your expansive yard.

By Tony Carrick and Mark Wolfe | Updated Jun 22, 2023 11:17 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

For yards larger than a half acre, a push lawn mower just doesn’t cut it. Walk-behind lawn mowers are simply too small to mow the yard in a reasonable amount of time. Unless you enjoy spending the better part of a Saturday cutting grass, you need a riding lawn mower. Riding lawn mowers feature powerful engines and wide mowing decks that allow you to mow a large yard more quickly than with a standard push mower.

A riding mower is an invaluable tool for those who live on large pieces of property. But with so many different kinds of riding mowers on the market at a wide range of prices, how do you know which one is right for your yard? We compiled the following recommendations based on hours of research as well as our own riding mower field-test results. Read on to learn more about choosing the right model for your property, followed by our best riding lawn mower in-depth reviews.

• BEST OVERALL:John Deere 42-Inch S130 Lawn Tractor
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Riding Lawn Tractor
• UPGRADE PICK:Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 60-Inch 24 HP Zero-Turn Mower
• BEST GAS LAWN TRACTOR:Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 Enduro Lawn Tractor
• BEST GAS ZERO-TURN:Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower
• BEST BATTERY ZERO-TURN:Ego Power 42-Inch Z6 Zero-Turn Riding Mower
• BEST FOR SMALL YARDS:Ryobi 30-Inch 50 Ah Electric Riding Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR LARGE YARDS:Toro 54- Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower
• BEST FOR ROUGH TERRAIN:Ariens Ikon 52 Kawasaki V-Twin Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

How We Tested the Best Riding Lawn Mowers

With so many different types of riding lawn mowers to choose from, we compiled our list based on a diverse range of buyer needs. We selected the top models from reputable brands, including options for small, midsize, and large-acreage properties. Our choices include lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers, and we included a compact rear-engine model. With the rise in popularity of battery mowers, and the still-strong performance of gas-powered machines in this category, we made sure to include both.

We tested several of these picks, with more testing to come. Our riding lawn mower tests involve multiple-week trials on varied terrain with slopes and bumpy ground, both rough mowing and finish mowing. Several of the mowers below have already been tested; we have mowed at least 16 acres over at least 8 hours. We scored the mowers using a rubric in order to compare measurable specifications, such as deck width, frame steel gauge, and engine horsepower. We also took into account our subjective observations that describe the overall user experience in terms of comfort and convenience, not to mention mowing results.

Our Top Picks

We’ve compiled our top riding lawn mower recommendations based on brand reputation, spec analysis, and our own hands-on testing results. This list includes riding lawn mowers with powerful engines, wide mower decks, and durable construction from some of the most reputable lawn mower manufacturers.

John Deere 42-Inch S130 Lawn Tractor

Our top pick comes from a brand that is synonymous with durable performance, as it boasts a full range of riding lawn mowers built to last for decades. The John Deere S130 combines dependability with operational comfort and convenience. This lawn tractor comes equipped with a 22 horsepower (HP) Briggs Stratton 44 V-twin engine, a TLT 200 hydrostatic transaxle, and 20×10-8 rear tires that will provide many years of mowing service. It also features a single-lever throttle with spring-return choke, electric blade engagement, a dash-mounted fuel gauge, and the John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil-change system to make mowing and caring for the mower significantly easier.

At a glance, this mower may not appear much different from other lawn tractors, but a few key features set it apart. The mower’s frame is fabricated of full-length welded steel with a cast-iron front axle for decades of reliable operation. The engine features a full pressure lubrication system for extended working life. It is also compatible with numerous attachments, including branded and universal baggers, snow blowers, dump carts, and others that expand its usefulness beyond mowing.

In our at-home test of the John Deere S130, one of the first characteristics that stood out was its comfort. The two-piece seat allowed for cooling air circulation between the seat and backrest, unlike other mower seats with a one-piece design. The seat bottom was positioned 32 inches above the ground, providing a vantage point 3 inches higher than many competitors for improved visibility. We also liked the easy-to-use control layout, including push-button blade engagement and the dash-mounted gas gauge, keeping everything right at our fingertips. Plus, hydrostatic operation, controlled by side-by-side pedals, eliminated gear selection—we simply pressed one pedal to go forward and the other to reverse.

As for maneuverability and mowing performance, we could not have been happier. Top speed was about 5.5 miles per hour (mph), which was good for about 2 acres of mowing per hour. The deck shape allowed for extremely close edge cutting to minimize trimming later on. A spring-assisted lever made it easy to raise and lower the deck to any of the 13 preset heights between 1 and 4 inches high. The large tires cushioned the ride across uneven terrain, and the tight turning radius let the mower make surprisingly narrow turns, leaving an uncut diameter of just 25 inches.

In general, we liked the fast speed combined with the slightly narrower deck because it allows the operator to access tight spaces while still mowing a lot of grass quickly. The comfortable ride, ease of operation, and dependable components make this a great choice for those who have medium-to-large-size yards.

Product Specs

• Ideal power and size for properties from 0.5 acre up to 2 acres
• Tight turning radius with a smooth, comfortable ride
• Seat bottom is 32 inches above the ground, which provides a higher vantage point than other mowers
• Easy maintenance with the John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil-change system; compatible with numerous attachments
• Higher price point than competitors in the same size and power range
• Limited capability on hilly terrain

Get the John Deere riding lawn mower at Lowe’s or John Deere.

Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Riding Lawn Tractor

This lawn tractor from Troy-Bilt features a powerful motor and ample mowing deck at a cost lower than that of other riding lawn mowers. The Troy-Bilt Pony 42 features a single-cylinder engine and a 42-inch mowing deck, which is suitable for 1 to 1.5-acre lawns. A twin-blade deck offers ample cutting power. And while the Pony doesn’t include a hydrostatic transmission, its seven-speed shift-on-the-go transmission is smoother than other manual-transmission lawn tractors. An 18-inch turning radius allows for easy maneuverability in the yard, while a 1.36-gallon tank capacity supplies enough fuel for medium-size lawns.

The Pony has a padded high-back seat and soft grips on the steering wheel for comfort. Additional features include LED headlights for mowing in low lighting, a rear hitch for accessories, and an integrated washing port on the deck.

Product Specs

• Type: Lawn tractor
• Powered by: 15.5-HP 1-cylinder gas engine
• Deck size: 42 inches
• Budget-friendly price point for a lawn mower that is built to last
• Low-maintenance Briggs Stratton gas engine with electric start will provide years of dependable service
• 42-inch deck is suitable for mowing up to 2 acres of grass
• 7-speed manual transmission is less convenient than hydrostatic transaxle
• Does not include an anti-scalping deck

Get the Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower at The Home Depot or Troy-Bilt.

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 60-Inch 24 HP Zero-Turn Mower

This high-performance zero-turn mower has plenty of power and features to take on large yards. With its powerful 24-HP Kawasaki twin-cylinder motor, 3.5-gallon gas tank, and a massive 60-inch deck, the Ultima can mow lawns of 3 acres or more. With its hydrostatic transmission, this zero-turn mower smoothly reaches speeds up to 7.5 mph. The large deck features Cub Cadet’s AeroForce cutting system for a top cut along with 15 height adjustments ranging from 1 to 4.5 inches.

Cut the lawn in comfort thanks to a cushioned seat with armrests, a suspension system, adjustable lap bars, and comfortable hand grips. LED headlights allow you to work in low-light conditions, while Cub Cadet’s built-in SmartJet deck pressure-washing system keeps the mowing deck clean.

Product Specs

• Type: Zero-turn mower
• Powered by: 24-HP V-twin Kawasaki gas engine
• Deck size: 60 inches
• Commercial-grade engine and heavy-duty frame will withstand many years of hard use
• 60-inch deck and 7.5 mph mowing speed; cuts up to 4 acres per hour
• Open frame and hinged floor pan allow easy access to the mower deck for maintenance
• Comfort features include padded high-back seat with armrests, cup holder, and 20-inch wheels for a smoother ride
• Premium price point for a residential mower, but value priced for the quality/capability
• The wide deck is too large to navigate walk-through gates and narrow pathways

Get the Cub Cadet Ultima riding lawn mower at The Home Depot.

Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 Enduro Lawn Tractor

There’s a lot to like about the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 that makes it an excellent all-around riding lawn mower. Let’s start with what’s under the hood: a powerful 24-HP twin-cylinder Kohler engine, which is more than enough to power its 50-inch cutting deck or handle inclines. The engine and deck size make this mower suitable for lawns up to 1.5 acres. A hydrostatic transmission enables smooth speed changes, while a short wheelbase enables an impressive 16-inch turning radius. The cutting deck provides ample cutting power thanks to its three cutting blades and 12 easily adjustable cutting heights. A 3-gallon fuel tank ensures you won’t need a refill, even for large jobs.

Other features that set the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 apart include a cruise-control feature that maintains a constant speed for the perfect cut and a SmartJet deck pressure-washing system, which allows a garden hose to be attached to the mowing deck to power-wash the interior.

Product Specs

• Type: Lawn tractor
• Powered by: 24-HP Kohler V-twin 7000 gas engine
• Deck size: 50 inches
• Wider deck and bigger engine; mows more grass faster than other lawn tractors
• 15-inch high-back seat with 10-degree incline and slide slope adjustment for outstanding comfort
• Extremely tight turning radius of just 16 inches for best-in-class maneuverability
• Features include push-button cruise control, LED headlights, battery indicator, and translucent fuel tank

Get the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 riding lawn mower at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Blain’s Farm Fleet (with stamped deck).

Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower

Owners of large properties prefer zero-turn mowers because they cut grass faster and more efficiently than lawn tractors, and they leave a great-looking finish. The Toro 50-inch TimeCutter MyRIDE zero-turn mower is an excellent choice for anyone mowing up to 4 acres of grass. It comes equipped with either a 24.5-HP Toro Commercial V-twin engine or a 23-HP Kawasaki engine, both of which are engineered and manufactured for the rigors of daily use in the professional lawn care industry. The MyRIDE floating suspension allows 3 inches of travel between the seat and the mower frame for an incredibly smooth ride on bumpy lawn areas.

Numerous commercial features make the Toro 50-inch TimeCutter one of the most dependable and convenient mowers for large properties. The dual hydrostatic HG-ZT 2200 transaxles and 10-gauge steel-fabricated triple-blade deck combine for fast mowing—up to 7 mph—with an incredibly clean finished cut from 1.5 to 4.5 inches high. The 3-gallon gas tank is more than adequate for mowing 4 acres of open ground without stopping to refuel. When it comes to maintaining the mower, the built-in deck washout port and toolless oil-change system make it quick and easy.

As for comfort and control of the mower, it offers a nice mix of professional durability with comfort and convenience upgrades that owners will appreciate. Dual wraparound levers with pro-control dampers offer intuitive steering control that even those new to zero-turn mowing will settle into right away. The 18-inch hand-sewn high-back seat includes padded foldaway armrests and adjusts forward and back to fit most users with the simple slide of a lever. A foot lever assists with deck-height adjustments to eliminate arm strain. And operators can stay hydrated while mowing on hot days thanks to a built-in cup holder.

We tested a Toro 50-inch TimeCutter MyRIDE for more than a month. The model we used came equipped with the 24.5-HP Toro Commercial engine. Although it was packed with commercial details, the mower was not quite as fast as a true commercial mower (which would cost at least twice as much). Still, at or near top speed, we were able to mow our 2-acre test area in about 40 minutes, or roughly 3 acres an hour, which is excellent among residential zero-turn mowers. We mowed the property twice per tank of gas, with a little left in the tank after the second cut, so we can confidently say after mowing four times that it will mow 4 acres per tank.

The MyRIDE suspension system was a unique configuration we haven’t seen elsewhere. The “cockpit” of the mower, including the seat and footrest area, is mounted on a floating platform that is attached to the mower frame by a shock absorber. The adjustable system provided more or less resistance as conditions required. It really did provide an outstanding amount of cushioning compared to the spring-seat systems that most zero-turn mowers use.

While we loved the power and comfort of the Toro TimeCutter, this model was a bit too wide to access a gated area on the property, and it could not navigate a narrow pathway to another isolated spot. Also, as with other zero-turn mowers, this one is not rated for use on slopes steeper than about 15 degrees, or 5.5 vertical feet per 20 linear feet, so we avoided those areas as well.

Product Specs

• Type: Zero-turn mower
• Powered by: 24.5-HP Toro Commercial V-twin engine or 23-HP Kawasaki V-twin engine
• Deck size: 50 inches
• Commercial-grade engine is designed for thousands of hours of hard use
• Fast mowing at speeds up to 7 miles per hour; it can mow about 3 acres in an hour
• MyRIDE suspension system offers an incredibly smooth ride over bumpy ground
• 3-gallon fuel capacity, which is enough to mow up to 4 acres per fill-up
• 10-gauge steel frame and forged-steel deck offer outstanding toughness and durability
• Due to the width of the deck, this mower cannot drive through most walk-through gates
• Zero turns in general, and this one included, are not designed for hilly terrain

Get the Toro 50-inch TimeCutter riding lawn mower at The Home Depot (with 24.5-HP Toro Commercial engine), Mowers Direct (with 24.5-HP Toro Commercial engine), or Tractor Supply Co. (with 23-HP Kawasaki engine).

Ego Power 42-Inch Z6 Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Those who measure their yard in acres instead of square feet may have thought a gas-powered mower was the only option. That is no longer the case. The Ego Power zero-turn riding mower mows up to 2 acres per charge and can easily be upgraded to mow more than 3 acres per charge. Many of the features found on gas-powered zero-turn mowers are also found on the Z6, such as adjustable lap bars to control the drive wheels, heavy-duty front swivel casters, and an adjustable high-back seat. Other features include a 42-inch mowing deck with 10 height settings between 1.5 and 4.5 inches and the option to discharge, mulch, or bag the grass clippings.

Independent electric motors drive the wheels and blades. Blade power is adjustable to conserve battery life during normal maintenance or to power through tougher areas. Powered by the included four 56-volt 10-amp-hour (Ah) lithium-ion batteries, the Z6 delivers mowing performance equivalent to that of a 22-HP gas engine. Four batteries mow up to 2 acres per charge, but the Z6 has six battery ports. Add up to two additional batteries (sold separately) to mow more than 3 acres per charge. The Z6 also features bright LED headlights and a battery-life indicator. The included Rapid-charge adapter is reputed to be one of the fastest available, topping off a set of depleted batteries in just 2 hours.

After a month of testing, we were sold on the Z6 as a viable alternative to gas for larger properties. Our test property featured rolling terrain with about 2.25 acres of grass, including a large open acre-plus, and the rest broken up with landscape beds, walkways, and buildings. We tested in the basic four-battery configuration as well as with two additional batteries in order to learn more about top-end functionality.

We were pleased to note that runtime and acres per charge were as advertised in the four-battery configuration. The Rapid-charge system refueled the four batteries in just 2 hours. To test the six-battery configuration, we mowed the entire property at the highest setting, then dropped the deck three notches and started mowing the big field again. With all six batteries, we mowed approximately 3 acres and recharged all six in about 3 hours.

The overall Ego Power Z6 mowing experience was really good. The mower starts easily and reliably. The controls, gauges, and adjustments are fairly intuitive. The sound level is extremely quiet, especially compared to a large gas-powered zero-turn mower. The suspension seat was quite comfortable, but the relatively small rear tires and overall light weight of the machine made for a bouncy ride on the roughest ground. We also noted that it climbed inclines well.

While the performance was really quite good, we did note a few rough spots. We felt a bit of “slop” or looseness in the lap bars and the front casters, particularly when navigating tight spaces, and the machine seemed to have a slight pull to the right when both bars were at full forward speed. Also, while the mower did a great job in “standard” mode (or medium blade speed) while cutting well-maintained grass, it struggled slightly in overgrown areas. In one patch of 12-inch-high crabgrass, we increased to full blade speed and still had to slow down to get a clean cut. But even with those issues, we still agree that the Z6 would make a rock-solid choice for owners of large properties who are seeking an alternative to gas.

Product Specs

• Type: Zero-turn mower
• Powered by: Up to six 56-volt 10Ah batteries (4 included)
• Deck size: 42 inches
• Includes four 56-volt 10Ah lithium-ion batteries with space for 2 additional batteries
• Onboard Rapid battery-charging system
• 10-position 42-inch deck
• Mows at speeds up to 7 miles per hour
• Bright LED headlights for low-light mowing

Get the Ego Power riding lawn mower at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.