Lawn tractor bagger system. 8 Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers of 2023 Reviews

Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers of 2023 [Reviews]

Zero-turn mowers are the most efficient style of lawn mower available today — they’re fast and maneuverable, make short work of large lawns, and they are trusted by pros and homeowners alike. But what is the best zero turn lawn mower for your yard?

We reviewed over two dozen zero-turn mowers to come up with our top eight picks based on power, cutting deck size, deck height, special features, and price. We’ve also included a handy buyers guide and FAQ to help make your shopping experience easier.

But first, what is a zero-turn lawn mower? Using hydraulic transmissions, the engine of a zero-turn lawn mower supplies power independently to the two drive wheels. This lets the operator spin the machine on a dime, or stop a wheel to create a seamless U-turn.

Zero-turn mowers aren’t cheap. Compared to other riding lawn mowers, zero turns generally fall at the higher end of the cost spectrum.If you plan to invest in a high-quality zero-turn mower, it’s important to choose the right one.

Because of zero-turn mowers fluctuate with sales and availability, we’ve provided a general idea of price.

• “Inexpensive” – Under 3,500
• “Moderate” – 3,500-4,000
• “Expensive” – 4,000 and above

We also have listed multiple buying options, when available, to make it easy to compare prices.

Top 8 Zero-Turn Mowers — Reviews

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

A top-of-the-line zero-turn mower for residential markets, Cub Cadet’s Ultima series makes short work of the largest lawns. Driven by a 22-horsepower Kohler engine, this machine can reach a forward speed of 7.5 mph.

The ZT1 provides ultimate comfort with a fully adjustable racing-style seat. The lap bar control is also adjustable to ensure precise maneuverability. Dual LED headlights help you cut in low-light conditions, and the rubberized cockpit floor reduces vibrations.

The 20-inch rear wheels and 11-inch front wheels offer enough traction to tackle gentle hills, and are engineered to protect your turf while pivoting. A 3.5-gallon gas tank lets you spend more time mowing and less time refueling.

Cub Cadet offers a three-year, unlimited hour powertrain warranty and a lifetime warranty on the frame. The ZT1 also comes in a 50-inch version for added efficiency and coverage. Cub Cadet has also recently released the Ultima ZT1 56V Max 60 electric zero-turn.

Specifications

Power Source: 22 HP 725cc Kohler 7000 series twin-cylinder engineTop Speed: 7.5 mphTransmission: HydrostaticDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 15 positions, 1 to 4.5 inchesPrice Range: Inexpensive

Pros

✓ Powerful 22hp engine✓ Fully adjustable seat and controls✓ Best-in-class warranty

Cons

✗ No gas gauge✗ Attachments sold separately

Are Lawn Mower Bags Universal?

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If you are looking for a bagger or grass catcher for your rider mower, one question that is probably stuck in your mind is, which one do I choose? Is the bagger you have in mind compatible with your mower? Or can you choose any type of bagger and it will work just fine? In this guide we will answer that question and other related subjects about lawn mower baggers.

Lawn mower bags are not interchangeable. While you should be able to attach almost any bagger to your mower, it may not run effectively. Always choose a bagger that is compatible with your lawn mower make and model.

Why Lawn Mower Baggers are Not Universal

Can you connect any type of bagger to a lawn mower rider? Probably. Most baggers are hooked up to lawn mowers the same way. But it is not 100% guaranteed. Even if you can plug any bagger to any rider, you should look for on that is fully compatible. Here is why.

Mower bagger mechanisms are not identical. If you shop for lawn mower bags online, look at the specifications. All the mower makes and models the bagger is compatible with are listed.

Take the MTD Double Bagger for instance. It is compatible with Craftsman, Troy Bilt and Cub Cadet rider mowers with 50-54 inch cutting decks. Can you hook this up to another mower brand? Maybe, but why take the risk when you can buy a bagger that is guaranteed to work with your lawn mower?

Capacity requirements differ. Lawn mower bagger capacities range from 3 bushels up to 10. The number of bins can be two for small mowers and up to 3 for larger models.

If you have a large yard, a 10 bushel, 3 bin bagger is ideal. If you have a small yard, a 3 bushel grass catcher will be enough. From a practical viewpoint, there is no need to us a 10 bushel bagger if you have a small to mid-sized yard. If you have a big yard it does not make sense to use a small bagger.

Another benefit of installing a certified compatible bagger is peace of mind. If you know that the bagger is compatible, you can feel confident about installing it. If the bagger is not and something goes wrong, fixing will be harder.

What Lawn Mower Bagger Do I Need?

The simplest way is to check your owner’s manual. There should be information detailing what grass catcher type and size works best with your mower. You can also go to the manufacturer website. Chances are the company sells baggers that are guaranteed to work with your rider.

If you are in a hurry, use this quick guide to get started. These are the typical bagger sizes for these mowers, but yours might be different. To be certain, refer to the manufacturer.

Suggested Bagger Size for Mowers

These are the most common mower deck sizes. If yours is not included, go with the next larger bagger. But that should not be necessary because most manufacturers make their own grass catchers.

The size given above is for rider and tractor mowers only. Walk behind lawn mowers use simpler ones like the Braveboy Grass Bag. It is usually made of nylon mesh. As the mower cuts the grass, the clippings are sent into the discharge chute and into the bag. When the bag is filled up, you detach it from the mower and empty the contents.

The baggers or grass catchers used on rider mowers are made from hard plastic or composite materials. Like those found on walk behind mowers, the clippings are sent to the discharge chute and into the bins.

As technology advances, more and more types of lawn mower baggers will appear. The compatibility may improve as well. As it is, there are third party baggers that work with many poplar lawnmower brands.

What to Look For in a Lawn Mower Bagger

Aside from the capacity, there are a few more things you need to consider.

Leaf bag attachment. If your lawn mower has an existing bagging system and you work exclusively with leaves, a leaf bag is the best option. These are basically just bags with a large capacity – 40 bushels or more – and compatible with any rider mower. This will only work with a bagging mechanism in place, but if yours has one this is worth considering.

Efficiency. The larger the grass catcher, the more debris it can hold. This also means fewer times required to empty it. This is something to consider if you have a large yard. The same applies to the bins: the more bins the less time needed to empty.

Ease of use. A well-made bagger should be easy to install. Use a discharge chute to connect the bag to the mower deck. If necessary, point it to the bins at the back of your mower so the debris and clippings fall straight in.

Ventilation and handles. A good bagger system should have well-ventilated bins for air circulation. Ergonomic and comfortable handles are also essential. This might not seem important, but if you have to empty the bins reputedly, comfort becomes paramount.

Chute size and transparency. The larger the chute opening, the less likely it will clog up. Transparency is optional, but it does make it easier to check if debris are blocking it.

Durability. What material is the bagger made of? Can it withstand rigorous use? Check the product description. This is important if you have a large lawn and have to conduct several mowing sessions.

Are Lawn Tractor Baggers Universal?

Buying a lawn bagger for your tractor can be a tricky affair, especially if doing so for the first time. Similarly, using it comes with its share of challenges, such as the bag failing to collect grass. Is your bag the right fit for the tractor or mower, or is it universal?

Lawn tractor baggers are universal. Although their decks come in different discharge cut sizes and depths, you can configure them to work on various types of tractors and lawnmowers. Baggers fail due to clogging, driving the mower too fast, using the wrong blades, or mowing wet grass.

This article will explain how baggers work, why they may not collect the expected amount of grass, and the critical factors to consider when buying them. Let’s cut to the chase and get started.

How a Lawn Tractor Bagger Works

A lawn tractor bagger, which is called a grass catcher, is part of a collection system used to collect grass clippings. It’s usually attached at the back and features fabric construction, meshes, plastic housings, and wireframes to hold it in place. As you drive your tractor across the lawn, the clippings pass through the mulching door at the back and into the bag.

Why Your Lawn Bagger Isn’t Collecting Grass

If you recently changed your lawn tractor bagger and discovered it doesn’t collect the grass as expected, you might be wondering if it’s a compatibility problem. However, that could arise from any of the following:

Mowing Through Wet Grass

One of the fascinating facts about humans is that we’re creatures of habit. You probably set a specific day or time aside for mowing, regardless of whether it’s rained or not.

If so, you may have a challenge collecting the cuttings, because wet grass is heavier, making it harder to push through the chute. Besides, it’s sticky, so it tends to stick, clogging the collection system, so it’s best to wait until the grass dries to mow and collect it.

Using the Wrong Mower Blades

The blade type you’re using could prevent your bagger system from collecting grass properly. Typically, bagger systems require high-lift blades that can cut grass and create enough lift for the clippings to be propelled into the collection chutes.

For example, if you’re using mulching blades, chances are you’re not creating the lift required to push the cuttings into the collection bag. Instead, the chute may become clogged, or the clippings may not be pushed into the bagger at all.

Clogs and Snags

While you’re mowing, debris may accumulate in the bagger system, blocking the clippings from getting into the collection bag. It could be that parts of the system are misaligned by snugs, such as burs or dents, which can cause the grass to clog the system, hurting its performance. To avoid this, inspect the system regularly.

Driving Your Tractor Too Fast

Driving too quickly is a sure-fire way to collect less grass, creating the impression that your lawn bagger isn’t effective. Most notably, the cutting speed increases when you’re cruising fast, so the bagger system may miss most of the clippings, which then shoot out at the rear. To ensure the chute collects as much grass as possible, drive at a steady, sustainable pace.

The Bagger Isn’t Secure

Improper fitting of parts and gaps in the collection system can create a mess as you cruise through the lawn, because the grass cuttings may get caught up or ejected from the system. To fix this, ensure there are no holes in the bagger system, and everything is snug.

The Bagger Belt Tension Is Faulty

Bagger systems come with belts that run from the mower to the blower system. These belts keep the cuttings flowing from the ground to the collection bag. If the belt is faulty, slips off, or is not adjusted correctly, the grass may not flow smoothly. Instead, you risk damaging the entire system. Therefore, ensure the belt is in place and neither too tight nor too loose.

How To Clean Your Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag

Proper maintenance can help solve some of the problems mentioned above. Notably, you can keep your bagger system free from debris and clogging by cleaning it regularly.

Here are the steps to follow when cleaning your lawn tractor bagger:

• With the lawnmower turned off, remove the bag and empty it.
• Check the bag’s interior carefully, ensuring all clippings have been emptied.
• Hose off the bag’s interior and exterior, then scrub it with a soft brush.
• Rinse the bag with clean water and rest it in the sun until it dries completely.

What To Look For in Bagger Systems

If you’re just starting out with lawn tractor baggers, you might be interested in knowing the criteria to use when choosing one, besides their universality.

• Material: The material determines the durability of your bagger. Without a doubt, a poor-quality fabric is costly, which means you may end up looking for another bag sooner than expected. To avoid that, it’s best to pick one made of tough polyester material.
• Capacity: Undoubtedly, you wouldn’t want to be removing your bag and emptying it every other minute while mowing. Therefore, you should pick a larger bag to save you time and energy.
• Price: Although this may depend on how deep your s are, it’s best to avoid cheap, low-quality bagger systems. Instead, check the specific options’ features to determine if they’re worth the price and pick the fairly-priced, high-quality ones.

The Best Universal Lawn Tractor Baggers

Knowing what to look for in a grass catcher is the first step towards choosing the best available option, but researching the available products could be time-consuming. To save you from that hassle, here is a list of the best three universal bags. They are:

Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag

This universal bagger system features a durable polyester construction, a dual hood system to prevent leaves from blowing out, and is compatible with leaf vacuum blowers. You can increase its capacity by attaching it to the clippers. It’s also easy to empty – you just detach and lift it.

The main con is that its fittings are not as sturdy as the competition. Therefore, you may need a strong set of clamps to tighten it. Despite that, it’s a worthwhile purchase.

A Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag

The A is a universal bag that works perfectly with your lawn mower and tractor. It comes with durable, tear-resistant polyester fabric, a generous capacity to hold more grass cuttings, and two drawstring clips for easy leaf collection. Since it disconnects easily, emptying the bag is a breeze.

The only con is that it doesn’t come with directions. However, using this leaf bag becomes a walk in the park once you’ve mastered how to attach and detach it.

MAYTHON Grass Catcher Bag

This bag is made of durable, quality polyester fabric that doesn’t wear or tear as it gets dragged on your lawn. It offers a generous capacity, holding up to 54 cubic feet (1.53 cubic meters) of leaves, and it has two drawstrings for secure mounting. Because of this bag’s enormous size, you may need a helping hand when emptying it.

Tip: If you’re stuck installing any of these baggers, watch the following video, which explains how to install a bagger to a riding lawn mower:

Final Thoughts

A grass catcher for your tractor is a must-have if you’re mowing a large lawn, as it offers convenience by allowing you to collect as many clippings as possible within a relatively short period.

Although you probably expected a negative answer, the reality is that, with the proper setup and a little creativity, you can mount any bag on any tractor or lawnmower. Grass bagger systems sometimes fail due to reasons apart from incompatibility with your mower or tractor, such as clogging, mowing wet grass, and using the wrong blade types.

Murray / MTD Brands 38 Riding Mower Bagger OEM-190-180A

FSA and HSA eligible Details

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Customer reviews ratings

Most helpful negative review

the chute falls apart even though it has snaps to hold in place. but it does well picking up leaves and grass. design could be much better. like the original murray bagger. that one for my old tractor outlasted the tractor. it was 14 years old. new design is just very thin and cheap.

This was very easy to assemble and put on my 2006 Huskee SLT 4200 42 inch cut yard tractor. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. I had NO issues with the chute clogging while using my tractor to pick up damp leaves and pine straw. I ran the mower at higher speed to make sure it picked up debris and filled the bags. The design of the bags made it easy to empty the debris into a 39 gallon plastic leaf bag. I would definitely buy this again if I needed another bagger.

The product does not fit snugly on my mower. The elastic Band stretched and it is continually getting clogged. Overall, I do like the product, but I do have to find it back up mechanism to attach it to the deck.

quick delivery, product instillation had a few challenges due to the compatibility with our tractor, after a few adjustments works great picking up leaves reducing the number of leaf bags needed from 12 to only 4 bags, our tractor mulched leaves they were sent up into the bags and were ready to go

The only piece of this bagging system that I don’t like is the point where it connects to the mower itself. It does not have a good seal at all and that tends to plug up the tube. I will have to make my own modifications in order for it to seal and have a good vacuum so that it does not plug up every time I use it. The rest of the unit is good.

the chute falls apart even though it has snaps to hold in place. but it does well picking up leaves and grass. design could be much better. like the original murray bagger. that one for my old tractor outlasted the tractor. it was 14 years old. new design is just very thin and cheap.

I bought a 38 inch lawn tractor from Montgomery Wards back in 1985 and I have been looking for a bagger for it for many years. I always assumed it was a Murray lawn tractor. This looked close enough to fit even if I had to do some modification so I bought it. I read where the seller says it only fits a 2002 and up. that is wrong. I went by the directions for the 700 Series and it fit perfect with no modifications but one little thing. I had to make the hitch ball hole a fraction larger to hook the mounting bracket to the tractor. I don’t call that a modification. It works perfect and I am very happy. The weeds are over running my property and the only way to stop them is with a bagger so my mower will pick up the weed seeds when I mow. The weeds die off every year but the seeds just grow more weeds back and now there won’t be seeds scattered all over when I mow.

My entire experience was fantastic. From ordering online to delivery to installation. When I ordered the Twin Bagger, it was delivered sooner than I was told. I opened the carton and all the parts were there! And the installation direction were great. It took me about 30 minutes to install on my Bolens 38 cut riding mower. Once installed I cut my yard. The Bagger worked great. No clogging in the tub, and the bags are easy to removed to empty. I would recommend this product to anyone looking to buy.

The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.

Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.

While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

• 24HP engine
• 54-inch cutting deck
• Automatic transmission
• Attachments and accessories available

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.

The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

• 2.5 acre max range
• Quick-charge batteries
• LCD heads-up display
• USB charging ports

Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres

Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.

This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

• Mows up to 7 acres at once
• Highly maneuverable
• 10-gauge steel construction
• Tool-free air filters

Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres

Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.

Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

• Battery-powered
• Great for yards up to 1 acre
• Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
• Push-button cruise control

Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre

Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.

It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

• Mow up to 10 acres
• 5.5 gallon gas tank
• Dual hydrostatic drive
• Great for hills and inclines

DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres

The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.

With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.

What is the best riding mower?

I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.

You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.

Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.

An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.

A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.

A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.

How did we choose these riding mowers?

I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:

• Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
• Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
• Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
• Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.

The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.

And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.

How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?

Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.

If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.

How long should a riding mower last?

No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.

Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

What is the cheapest riding mower?

Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.

Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:

John Deere Z530M

The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.

Husqvarna YTH1942

The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.

Murray MT100

For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.