Lawn tractor weight kit. The 8 Best Riding Lawn Mowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Riding Lawn Mowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Michelle Ullman is a home decor expert and product reviewer for home and garden products. She has been writing about home decor for over 10 years for publications like BobVila.com and Better Homes Gardens, among others.

Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

For lawns that are 1 acre or more, a riding lawn mower can make turf maintenance less of a chore. Instead of sweating behind a push mower, you’ll ride in comfort while keeping your lawn in tip-top shape. Marc Mayer, Director of Technical Operations at TruGreen, says, Commonly, homeowners choose a riding lawn mower to save time and/or energy if they have a large lawn area that is too much work to utilize a walk-behind mower. Most ride-on mowers can also be used for other chores around the yard to improve efficiency, such as pulling a trailer or aerator.

Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance, adds, A riding mower gives you the precision you need to make straight lines and even cuts. Plus, with options like zero-turn technology, you’ll be able to trim around obstacles and corners like a pro. Riding mowers have the power, agility, and versatility to handle it all with ease.

We’ve tested over a dozen lawn mowers in our own lawns across the country including six riding lawn mowers, using each for three separate mowing sessions. During each session, the mowers were evaluated for ease of operation, comfort while riding, intuitiveness of the controls, battery runtime where applicable. and of course, how well the mower cut the grass. We considered how well the mowers maneuvered around obstacles, the range of accessories available for separate purchase, and the overall value of each mower before compiling our final list of winners.

Best Overall

John Deere S100 42-Inch 17.5 HP Gas Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor

• Very easy to maneuver even around tight turns
• Excellent performance cutting both wet and dry grass
• Smooth, comfortable ride
• White Glove Service

Our top-scoring riding mower performed like a Champion on all three mowing sessions at our 10-acre New Jersey yard (although the manufacturer recommends it for yards up to 1 acre in size). We were amazed at how easy it was to maneuver even around tight corners or close to trees. And it did a great job of cleanly cutting both dry and wet grass; remarkably, it did not leave any ruts on the wet grass, just small indentations. The mower provides a comfortable, smooth ride; we drove it down a 500-foot gravel path to reach the lawn without any discomfort or difficulty. This mower has 13 cutting levels ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches, and we found it very easy to set the desired cutting height. Even better, it was delivered already assembled and ready to go thanks to its White Glove Service.

The cutting deck is 42 inches, which is a good size for making quick work of the lawn, yet not so large that it’s bulky or hard to steer. It has a tight 18-inch turning radius. And with its 17.5-horsepower Briggs Stratton engine, this is a powerful mower that won’t struggle with slopes, tall grass, or thick weeds. It discharges the clippings to the side, and we found that it also easily cleared away fallen leaves from the grass. John Deere sells clipping bags, mulchers, and several other yard maintenance accessories separately. Like most gasoline-powered riding mowers, you will need to occasionally perform oil changes, but the process is not too difficult. And thanks to the electric start, it’s very easy to power the mower up and get right to work.

We found the seat to be quite comfortable, and you can adjust the position to suit your height. All of the controls are easy to identify and use, although it took us a few minutes to get used to the side-by-side foot pedals for going forward or reversing. The mower’s top speed is 5.5 mph going forward, and 3.2 mph in reverse. It can cut the grass in either direction. It has headlights if you want to mow at dusk or dawn, and a cup holder to keep your favorite beverage close at hand while you work.

This riding mower is covered by John Deere’s 2-year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty. And it’s quite reasonably priced for a riding mower; overall, it’s hard to go wrong with this hard-working mower.

Price at time of publish: 2,399

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gasoline | Weight: 414 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: Up to 1 acre

Best Electric

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

• Excellent performance
• Comfortable and fun to drive
• Long battery runtime
• LCD screen and app for tracking battery life

If you are looking for an electric riding lawn mower with all the power of a gas model, but without the fumes or bother of a gas engine, the RYOBI 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Riding Lawn Tractor is our top choice. We found it fun to ride; with a maximum forward speed of 7 mph, this is a zippy mower that speeds up or slows down almost immediately when adjusting your foot on the lever, but we did find it a bit jerky at times. It also was somewhat tricky to assemble, taking us over an hour to have it ready to go. The mower has a 42-inch deck and four steel blades with 13 different cutting height positions to choose from (within 1.5 to 4.5 inches), so you can really fine-tune the look of your lawn. It did a great job cutting the grass, whether wet or dry, at our third-acre Iowa test garden, and even chopped up small sticks, leaves, and weeds very easily. It even features a warning beep when backing up; while we appreciate this safety feature, it admittedly did become tiresome to hear the beep every time we reversed.

According to the manufacturer, it has the equivalent of a 21-horsepower engine, but it runs on the included three 80-volt, 10Ah batteries which allow you to cut up to 2 acres on a single charge (about 60 minutes of runtime) and quickly recharge in less than 2.5 hours thanks to the onboard charger. In our test sessions, the batteries never dropped much below 80 percent capacity, and we appreciated the LCD touchscreen that lets you keep tabs on the battery runtime and charging speed, as well as blade speed, driving speed, and blade height. Other extra features we like include LED headlights, front and back storage compartments, two tow hitches, two cup holders, and two USB ports to charge your phone.

Of course, the most important feature of a lawn mower is how well it cuts grass, and this one left our test lawn looking great, without creating ruts, ridges, or unevenly chopped grass. The mower discharges clippings to the side, but you can purchase a bagger and mulching kit separately, as well as various lawn care attachments. This is a powerful, feature-packed riding lawn tractor so it comes at a bigger price tag than other picks. If you don’t need all of these features, you may want to choose a more budget-friendly model. However, we think if you are looking for a great electric riding mower with all of the features and power you need, this is your best bet. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Price at time of publish: 4,999

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Battery | Weight: 557 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres

Best Gas

Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower

• Excellent cutting performance
• Very comfortable, smooth ride
• Easy maintenance
• Zero-turn radius
• A bit of a learning curve to handle
• Bagger and mulching kit must be purchased separately
• No headlights

While we did have a bit of a learning curve with this powerful gas riding mower from Toro, once we got the hang of using the hand levers to control our speed, braking, direction, and blade engagement, we found that it was easy to maneuver between trees and other obstacles on our half-acre Iowa lawn. But if you have a larger property, you’ll be happy to know that this mower is rated for yards up to 4 acres in size. It has a hefty 50-inch cutting deck, so the zero-turn capability comes in handy when swiveling such a large mower around flowerbeds, between trees, or near retaining walls or other obstacles. We also found it very easy to set the cutting height, which ranges from a low of 1.5 inches to a high of 4.5 inches.

On our first mowing session, the grass was wet and the mower’s tires slipped a bit while moving down a slope, but on subsequent sessions, we had little problem in mowing over wet grass, thick grass, leaves, and other small lawn debris. The mower left the grass very evenly cut, with a lush, full appearance. Like many riding mowers, the clippings discharge to the side; if you want a bag or mulching kit, you’ll have to buy them separately. We definitely appreciated Toro’s MyRide suspension system, which keeps the ride smooth and pleasant even when the terrain isn’t completely level. And with a top speed of 7 mph, this mower can get the job done quickly. It has a cup holder to keep a cold beverage close at hand but does not have headlights, unlike many other riding mowers.

One great feature of this gas mower is that while it does require annual oil changes, it’s designed to make the task as easy as possible, so you won’t have to waste your afternoon on maintenance. It also has wash-out ports underneath the deck, so you can quickly blast away caked-on grass, mud, and grunge with your garden hose. And the sturdy construction, including the steel deck, means that this mower can take a beating and keep right on mowing without a pause. It comes with a 3-year residential limited warranty.

Price at time of publish: 4,299

Cutting Width: 50 inches | Power Type: Gasoline | Weight: 694 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: Up to 4 acres

Best Lawn Tractor

Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 46-Inch Hydrostatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor

• Comfortable, adjustable seat
• Reasonable price
• Excellent performance in cutting grass

We put this gas-powered lawn tractor to the test on a 6-acre Iowa property that once housed horses, and so is rather bumpy, and also has many trees and other obstacles. The mower was easy to assemble, but the instructions for starting it were somewhat unclear, and it took us several tries to get it up and running. Still, once we figured it out, we were very pleased with the mower’s performance. It operated beautifully over wet grass, thick grass, and uneven spots, plus, it maneuvered easily around all obstacles. The mower has a 23-horsepower/725 cc Kohler engine with plenty of power, and the 46-inch deck is big enough for getting the job done quickly but not so large that it’s hard to slip between trees and other obstacles.

The mower has 12 cutting settings ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. We found it very easy to adjust the cutting height, as well as other controls on the mower. It has a 16-inch turn radius, which is tight enough for most lawns, although we couldn’t get quite as close to some trees as we would have liked. The maximum forward speed is 5.5 mph, which is a bit slower than some other models, but more than sufficient for most users. Overall, we felt like our lawn looked great once we finished mowing, and the mower spewed the grass clippings evenly from the side chute. Like most riding mowers, if you want a bagger or mulching kit, you’ll need to purchase them separately. There are quite a few other attachments available for this mower as well.

The seat can be adjusted, which was a definite plus for us, along with the smooth ride. On the downside, this mower does require periodic oil changes, but the process shouldn’t be too difficult or time-intensive. And on the plus side, the mower has cruise control, so once you find a speed that you like, you can easily set the mower to continue at that pace. It also has headlights for mowing in shady spots or at dusk. While riding mowers are undeniably expensive, this one is reasonably priced for the quality and performance it provides. It’s rated for use on lawns up to 4 acres in size and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: 2,574

Cutting Width: 46 inches | Power Type: Gasoline | Weight: 575 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: Up to 4 acres

Best Battery Zero-Turn

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

• Intuitive and easy to use
• Joystick for steering and speed control
• Long battery runtime
• Very clean cut on all types of grass
• Initially received a defective mower, although customer service was excellent
• Expensive

We tested this mower on a half-acre property in Iowa. While it was fairly straightforward and quick to assemble the mower and give the batteries an initial charge, it turned out that our first test mower had an electrical problem that required several phone calls and a technician’s visit before determining that the mower was defective. However, we were quickly provided a new mower, which was already assembled and ready to go. Despite this unfortunate start to our testing sessions, we were very impressed with the manufacturer’s customer service, and we loved the performance of this zero-turn mower, which has a 42-inch deck and power that Ryobi claims is equivalent to 31 horsepower.

Unlike many other riding mowers, which have levers, pedals, or steering wheels to control the motion of the machine, this one has Ryobi’s iDrive joystick, which lets you set your speed in forward or reverse, as well as turn and maneuver the mower. Not only was this fun, but it was also very intuitive and easy to use. The mower also has an LCD screen that shows battery life and runtime. This mower comes with four batteries: two 80-volt, 10-amp hour and two 40-volt, 12-amp hour batteries, which can all be charged simultaneously. In our testing sessions, the batteries still had plenty of charge left once mowing was finished. Ryobi claims that you can mow up to 3 acres on a single full charge.

Setting the cutting height, which ranges from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches, is easily accomplished with a single lever, and with four blades, this mower easily handled wet grass, thick grass, and tall grass, leaving our lawn looking great. The clippings discharge from the side, although you can purchase a bagger or mulching kit separately if desired. While riding the mower, we especially appreciated how quiet it is in comparison to gas mowers—we could actually talk to nearby family members while riding it—and how smooth and comfortable a ride it provides, thanks to the superior seat suspension that absorbs a lot of the bumps and vibrations. The mower also has some nice extra features, including headlights, cup holders, and USB charging ports. While this mower is undeniably a big investment, we felt that its performance, power, and ease of use make it well worth the cost for those with big yards. It has a 5-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: 5,999

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Battery | Weight: 700 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: Up to 4 acres

Best Gas Zero-Turn

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

• Seat can be fully adjusted for a comfortable ride
• Zero-turn
• Relatively reasonable price
• Easy to control

Top 3: Best Riding Lawn Mower Under 2000 2023 [Tested & Reviewed]

While all riding mowers are fairly expensive, particularly zero-turn mowers, the Cub Cadet Ultima Series ZT1 Zero-Turn Mower is relatively reasonable in price, making it even more of a great option for yards up to 4 acres in size. While testing, It took us around 30 minutes to assemble, but it did take us a little longer to figure out the choke. However, once we understood the instructions, we got started mowing a third-acre Iowa lawn that includes hills, several obstacles, and areas of very thick, tall grass. Initially, we took it easy and went slowly while we got used to the handling of the mower, which was a bit touchy. However, once we got the hang of it, we did find the mower to be easy to control, and we really liked being able to make sharp turns around obstacles. We did report some rattling from a belt that needed to be tightened, but that didn’t affect the performance.

While mowing, we found it very easy to adjust the cutting height, which has an impressive range of 1 inch to 4.5 inches. We mowed right through very tall patches of grass without a hitch and liked the way the clippings were ejected far to the side of the mower, so there was no annoying buildup of clumps. It’s easy to speed up or slow down; the more you push the handlebars, the faster you’ll go, up to a top speed of 7 mph. Plus, you can mow both forward and in reverse, which made it easier to reach some trickier spots on the lawn. The mower felt very stable and safe even while mowing on slopes. Initially, we found the ride to be somewhat bumpy, but once we had the fully adjustable seat set to our ideal position, the ride became quite smooth.

With a 22-horsepower Kohler engine, this is a powerful mower with a very sturdy build. Like other gas mowers, it does require periodic oil changes. While we liked its side-discharge function, you’ll have to purchase a bagger or mulching kit separately if that’s your preference. Cub Cadet also sells various attachments that can be added to the mower for other lawn care functions. It has a 3-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: 3,499

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gasoline | Weight: 580 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: Up to 3 acres

Best for Hills

Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 in. 19 HP Automatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Mower

• Automatic transmission
• Good traction on hills
• Extra leg room
• Compatible with a variety of accessories

While we were not able to personally test the Bronco 42, we still recommend this 19-horsepower, 42-inch gas mower for yards up to 2 acres in size, especially if your yard has a lot of slopes. This sturdy mower has an automatic transmission and uses a simple foot pedal to control your speed, just like your car. That means you are likely to feel comfortable handling the mower from the start, even if you have never used a riding lawn mower before.

The mower has anti-scalp, 20-inch all-terrain wheels, making it much easier to mow smoothly over uneven terrain or up and down slopes without bogging down or damaging your turf. Note that as with all riding mowers, you should always mow from side to side across a slope, not up and down the slope, to maintain stability. There are five cutting height settings, which are easy to adjust with a single lever, and range from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches. That’s a smaller cutting range than many other riding mowers, but it easily handles most common lawn grasses, and the double blades, large wheels, and sturdy construction of the mower allow it to plow right through tall or thick turf without a problem.

The Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 has a step-through frame that offers more leg room, and the mid-back seat and rubber footpads keep you comfortable while you work. Its 18-inch turn radius is tight enough to maneuver around most yard obstacles, such as trees, fences, flowerbeds, or playsets. The machine has a rear hitch to pull garden carts, sprayers, and spreaders. It comes with a side-discharge chute for clippings, but if you prefer to bag or mulch the grass clippings, you’ll need to buy those accessories separately. Like all gas mowers, you’ll need to carry out periodic oil changes, usually recommended after every 50 hours of use or annually. It comes with a 2-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: 2,199

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gasoline | Weight: 520 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres

Best Small

Cub Cadet 30 in. 56-Volt MAX 30 Ah Battery Riding Lawn Tractor

Not everyone needs a beast of a mower that can handle yards up to 4 acres in size. If you have a lawn that’s 1 acre or less, or you have a lot of obstacles on your property that require a smaller mower to maneuver between and around them, we recommend this battery-powered mower from Cub Cadet. It has a 30-inch deck that can slip through a 36-inch gate, and which won’t take up a lot of space in your garage or garden shed. While we were unable to test this mower ourselves, it’s still our top choice for smaller yards.

The mower comes with a 56-volt MAX 30 amp-hour battery that can mow up to 1 acre, or for 1 hour, before needing a recharge, which takes roughly 4 hours. It’s supremely quiet compared to gas mowers, and the ride is smooth and comfortable. Plus, no need for oil changes, pouring gasoline into a fuel tank, or smelly fumes. You can adjust the cutting height within a range of 1.5 inches to 4 inches, and no bogging down on tall or thick grass. The 18-inch turning radius is tight enough to easily work your way around most obstacles.

One feature that we especially approve of, and yet isn’t offered on many riding mowers, is this model’s cruise control, which allows you to set your speed up to a maximum of 5.5 mph and then let the mower keep your pace steady; no need to concentrate on maintaining an even speed by pushing pedals or gripping levers. Plus, it has a very comfortable high-back seat with armrests, LED headlights, a cup holder, and two onboard USB ports to power up your phone or music while you ride. Additionally, unlike every other mower on our list, this one includes the mulching kit—all others require you to purchase that separately—so you can turn the grass clippings into fine mulch to help feed your lawn. It comes with a 3-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: 3,600

Cutting Width: 30 inches | Power Type: Battery | Weight: 362 pounds | Cutting Options: Mulch, side-discharge | Size of Yard: Up to 2 acres

Our top recommendation, the gas-powered John Deere S100 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mower, is supremely easy to maneuver around obstacles while creating a very smooth cut even on thick or tall grass. It comes with “White Glove Service” delivery, so you won’t have to assemble it, and it is easy to operate and maintain. However, if you prefer an electric mower, then we recommend the Ryobi 80V 42-Inch Battery Riding Mower, which has a lot of power and excellent battery runtime; you can get up to an hour of mowing done before needing to recharge. That’s enough for most people to complete the task on just one charge.

How We Tested the Riding Lawn Mowers

After testing eight walk-behind lawn mowers across the country, we tested six riding mowers, including gas, electric, and zero-turn options, each tested on a different property with varying terrain and lawn conditions, including slopes, rough spots, tall grass, and wet areas. We started by recording how long it took to unbox and assemble the riding lawn mower, as well as the difficulty or ease of assembly. (Two of the mowers were delivered assembled and ready to go, however.)

Once the grass was long enough to require mowing, we tested the riding mower on three separate occasions. For each session, we recorded the date and weather conditions, the size of the area to be mowed, the height of grass to be cut, and the length of time it took to accomplish the mowing. At the end of the session, we noted how cleanly and evenly the lawn had been cut, as well as how well the side-discharge chute shot the clippings back onto the lawn. (Only one of our tested mowers included an option other than side-discharge of the clippings; commonly clippings bags and mulching kits are not included with a riding mower, but must be purchased separately if desired.)

As we rode the mowers, we noted how easy it was to speed up or slow down the machine in both forward and reverse, the ease of raising or lowering the cutting height, how well the mower maneuvered around obstacles, and how evenly the mower cut all types of grass, including tall or thick patches as well as wet turf. We also paid attention to the comfort of the seat and the overall comfort of the ride, noting if it was unusually rough, had excessive vibration, or was in any other way uncomfortable to use the mower. We also tried out any extra features on the mowers, including headlights, cupholders, USB charging ports, or onboard storage areas.

At the end of each mowing session, we noted how much battery charge was left on electric mowers, as well as the length of time required for a full recharge. Finally, we summed up each experience with the mower, noting whether or not we felt it was a good value for the performance delivered.

What to Look for in a Riding Lawn Mower

Power Source

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a gas- or electric-powered riding lawn mower. Marc Mayer, Director of Technical Operations at TruGreen, says, Like in the automobileworld, battery-powered equipment is popular right now. Electrical mowers on both the residential and professional/commercial side are becoming more preferred over gas powered. You have to take into account that they both require different maintenance schedules, and it’s important to ask questions like ‘How long does the battery last, and what is the cost of a replacement battery’ before making a commitment to electric.

As a general rule, gas mowers, including our Best Overall choice, the John Deere S100, are more powerful than electric models, but they’re louder, less eco-friendly, and require more maintenance, including regular oil changes. Plus, in some locations, gas mowers have very stringent requirements for emission levels that some models can’t meet. However, Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance notes that the power of a gas mower can be especially useful if your lawn has rough areas, thick weeds, or especially tough grass.

Electric mowers, on the other hand, like our Best Electric Riding Mower, the Ryobi 80V Brushless Electric Riding Mower, are typically less powerful and require you to keep an eye on the battery charge level, but they’re also quieter, easier to start, and better for the environment. Still, while electric mowers require consistent charging, they often don’t require as much maintenance as gas models that have spark plugs, belts, and filters that must be maintained over time.

Deck Size

The deck size of a lawn mower dictates how wide a path it cuts—larger decks cut wider paths on each pass. Most residential riding mowers have decks that are around 42 inches, but if you have a very large property, you might want to consider a mower with deck that’s considerably bigger, like our Best Gas Mower pick, the Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower, which has a 50-inch deck. And of course, small properties, or lawns with many obstacles, might do best with a mower that has a smaller deck.

Keep in mind that the larger the mower, the harder it will be to maneuver through gates and other obstacles, plus the more space it will require in your garage or shed. Also, a mower’s deck size will impact its turning radius—except for zero-turn mowers, which can manage wider decks thanks to their overall design—and will also make it more challenging to navigate uneven terrain. Our Best Battery Powered Zero-Turn Mower, the Ryobi 80V Electric Zero-Turn Riding Mower, turns on a dime even with its 42-inch deck.

Engine Power

While the typical push mower’s engine is just 2 to 5 horsepower or the equivalent in battery power, a riding mower requires considering more oomph, with most having engine power or equivalent battery power of 13 to 30 horsepower. Noah James says, Make sure the riding mower you’re considering has enough horsepower to handle your specific needs. A larger engine will be able to handle thicker grass and steeper hills with ease.

As a rough guideline, a lawn that’s less than an acre can be handled by a riding mower with at least 13 horsepower, but a 3-acre lawn needs at least 18 horsepower to get the job done, and even more if your lawn has slopes or rugged terrain.

Grass Clippings

Don’t forget to consider how the lawn mower handles grass clippings. Just about every riding mower has a side-discharge chute to spit the clippings back out onto your lawn. But many brands also offer mulching kits or clipping bags for their riding mowers; note that you’ll generally have to purchase these separately. However, our Best Small Mower, the Cub Cadet 30-Inch Battery Mower, does include a mulching kit. If you want to mulch or bag your clippings, be sure that any riding mower you are considering offers these options, and remember to add the price of the accessories to the cost of the mower itself.

The defining feature of zero-turn mowers is a zero-degree turning radius, but these mowers are generally also much faster than regular riding mowers. However, keep in mind that it’s easier to maintain control around obstacles at lower speeds, so unless you have a very large, flat lawn, you’re unlikely to be running your mower at top speed very often. Plus, zero-turn mowers are much more expensive than regular riding mowers.

According to Marc Mayer, a riding lawn mower is suited to any type of turf, but because these machines are heavy, they can cause soil compaction, which can affect the health of your grass. You can help prevent this by not mowing when the ground is wet, and by trying to avoid mowing over the same area more than once.

The top speed for standard riding lawnmowers ranges from 4 to 6 mph. Zero-turn mowers are much faster, with some going 8 to 10 mph at full speed. While speed is a great factor to consider if you prefer to quickly complete outdoor tasks, a speedy job does not always result in a better cut, so don’t automatically assume that you need the fastest mower available.

The easiest way to transport a riding lawn mower is with a trailer. Mowers can be driven up a ramp into a low trailer and towed behind a vehicle. You may also transport riding mowers in the bed of a pickup truck, but special ramps are required. Of course, if you are merely loaning the mower to a neighbor or somewhere very close by, you may be able to ride the mower to the location, as long as the terrain permits this and you keep the blade turned off and elevated.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Michelle Ullman is the home improvement/tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard.

For this roundup, she relied on input from our team of testers, but also considered dozens of other riding lawn mowers of various types, evaluating each for features, power, effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, as well as reviews and information on landscaping websites. Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance, and Marc Mayer, Director of Technical Operations at TruGreen, also provided additional expert input.

What Is The Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.

The best cordless lawn mowers in 2023

Looking for the best cordless mower? Browse our experts’ pick, from budget to premium models.

A lawn mower may be one of the first purchases we make when getting a garden of our own, but that doesn’t mean finding a good quality one is easy. There are so many models and brands on the market to choose from, including corded electric and petrol, but as their range increases and fall, cordless, battery-powered models are an increasingly popular option.

Light and compact compared with traditional petrol models, cordless mowers are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre around the garden, and have none of the maintenance and servicing needs or costs of petrol lawnmowers. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which charges up quickly and won’t lose power in storage, they’re also quiet and emission free.

To compare these cordless mowers against other types of mower, we’ve reviewed the best lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers and push mowers, too. And if your lawn needs a bit of attention, our experts have tested a range of the best manual and powered aerators and scarifiers.Keep edges looking neat with our pick of the best strimmers, the best garden shears and the best lawn edging, and if you’re thinking about somewhere to store your new mower, our comprehensive guide to choosing the best garden shed will be helpful.

For your next DIY project, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best cordless mowers to buy at a glance

Cordless mowers. Buyer’s Guide video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

Getting the best cordless lawn mower for you means ensuring it has the correct cutting width, range of cutting heights, and weight plus a battery run time that matches the size of your lawn. We’ve tested a range of cordless push mowers, putting them through their paces across a range of grass and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

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Best Buy cordless mowers

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Quiet
• Cuts even long grass with ease
• Battery level visible while mowing
• Small and compact for easy storage
• Part of the POWER FOR ALL cordless range

Part of the new Husqvarna Aspire cordless range, which includes a hedge trimmer, pruner and leaf blower, this 34cm mower is powered by an 18V POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE battery and charger. These are interchangeable with tools in other leading brands such as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch so if you also invest in tools in these ranges, you’ll only need to buy the bare tool and won’t have different batteries and chargers taking up space in the shed.Great for small gardens the mower comes ready to go, there’s no assembly or handles to attach, and it folds down to a compact size when you’re finished, with a telescopic handle that folds completely flat over the body of the mower. It can then be stood up against a wall or hung up, and even comes with a handy hook. The 30l grass bag also flattens down to take up very little room and can be hung on the mower. The Aspire is light, with a carry handle so that lifting it up steps or into other areas is easy and it has an adjustable handle to suit different height users. It’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around the garden and has just four cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 25-65mm and changed easily with a single lever on the body of the mower. It cuts grass quietly and smoothly and has an automatic boost that increases blade speed when you’re mowing in tougher, longer areas that works well. You can hear it kick in when you push the mower into longer grass and unlike other cordless mowers that can cut out, just carries on cutting the grass. While you mow the battery charge level is always clearly visible so you know how much battery you have left and when it needs charging. It comes with a two year warranty and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 95 mins; run time. 500sqm. Cutting: width. 34cm; height. 25-65mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Buy the Husqvarna Aspire C34-P4A cordless mower from Husqvarna and Sam Turner

Greenworks GDG24LM33

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Easy to assemble and use
• Comfortable padded handle
• Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
• Interchangeable battery with Greenworks 24V family

Ideal for smaller gardens this sturdy, great value cordless mower is easy to put together, well thought out and simple to use. Thanks to a padded handle it’s comfortable to push, although it did feel a little short for our taller tester, and it’s light and easy to manoeuvre around trees and beds and borders. There are five cutting heights to choose from, adjusted with the simple lift of a lever and it offers the choice of collecting clippings in the 30 litre fabric grass bag or inserting the mulching plug and leaving them on the lawn to break down and feed the grass. It mows well but doesn’t like very long grass, with the battery cutting out occasionally but its long lasting brushless motor offers a a decent run time of 46 minutes and it charges in two hours. Plus, as part of the Greenworks 24V family, both the battery and charger are interchangeable with all the other tools in the range, saving you money if you invest in more in the future. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless mower in 2023.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 120 mins; run time. 46mins. Cutting: width. 33cm; height. 25-70mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Yard Force LMG37A 40v 37cm

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Rear roller
• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Quickest charge time
• Part of the Yardforce GR40 cordless range

This sturdy mower has a 37cm cutting width and useful features including a rear roller for those much desired stripes. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for small to medium lawns, clippings are collected in the large 40 litre fabric grass bag. It offers a wide choice of seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm, and is easy to fold away at the end of the day. The 40V battery is quick to charge, taking just 50 minutes and when full it has the capacity to cut a 400m2 lawn.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 50 mins; run time. 400sqm. Cutting: width. 37cm; height. 25-75mm. Grass box. 40 litre.

Buy the Yard Force LMG37A 40V 37cm cordless mower from Yard Force, Amazon and Wickes

x370 lawn tractor

18.5-HP (13.8-kW) V-twin engine

The tractor is powered by a John Deere iTorque™ power system, a combination of engine features and an exclusive hood design that provides superior lugging ability, even cooling, and durability.

Key engine features include:

• 18.5 HP (13.8 kW)
• Large 603-cc displacement
• V-twin air-cooled design that provides smooth, quiet power
• Quality features include:

• Cast-iron cylinder liners
• Overhead valves
• Full-pressure lubrication
• Replaceable oil filter
• Dual-stage air cleaner

• Excellent power and performance
• Easy starts
• Smooth operation

Flywheel alternator

A flywheel alternator provides plenty of capacity to quickly recharge the battery and power electrical equipment, such as lights or a sprayer:

• 15-amp capacity
• Regulated to keep the battery at full charge without risk of overcharging

Fuel tank has large, 3.3-U.S. gal. (12.5-L) capacity

Fuel tank

Electronic fuel gauge

Large fuel tank and convenient fuel gauge minimize the number of stops for fuel and chance of running out of fuel:

• Fuel tank has a large, 3.3-U.S. gal. (12.5-L) capacity for more hours of operation between refills.
• Large, 3-in. (7.6-cm) diameter fuel tank filler opening makes adding fuel easy.

• Located on the left fender
• Helps eliminate spillage

The 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep™ (42A) Mower Deck cuts clean and is versatile

X370 with Accel Deep 42A Mower

Accel Deep 42A Mower

The 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep Mower Deck provides the performance advantages of a two-spindle mower in a wide 42-in. (107-cm) size:

• Resilient four-point mounting system suspends mower from tractor for a smooth and level cut
• Wide mower wheels easily adjusted just above ground level to help prevent scalping
• 0.25-in. (6.4-mm) cut-height increments allow mower to be set at the desired cut height
• Onboard deck-leveling system makes keeping mower properly adjusted easy
• Compatible with optional MulchControl™ mulching system
• Compatible with efficient 7-bu (247-L) two-bag cut-and-throw material collection system
• For use on X330, X350, X354, and X370 Tractors

The 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep mower deck is a stamped-steel, deep, flat-top design that delivers excellent cut quality, productivity, cleanliness, durability, and versatility. Optimal performance and dispersion of clippings is provided, even at faster mowing speeds:

• 4.97-in. (12.6-cm) depth throughout the entire deck shell for optimum mowing, mulching, and bagging performance

80V HP Brushless Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

• Optional lever-action or electric one-touch MulchControl attachment for superior mulching performance and versatility

• Adjustable mower wheels, positioned just above ground level, for reduced scalping

Excellent cut quality

42A Mower

42A Mower

Deep mower-deck stamping gives excellent cut quality. It allows the cut and suspended material room to exit the deck without getting recut:

• Reducing the amount of re-cutting enables more power to be used to cut incoming grass, which greatly improves mower capacity.

• Helps maintain excellent cut quality at faster mowing speeds

Productivity. gets the job done fast

Side-discharge chute on Accel Deep 42A Mower Deck

Deep mower-deck stamping gives high productivity, which gets the job done fast. It allows the cut and suspended material room to exit the deck quickly, reducing the amount of re-cutting so more power is available to process incoming grass:

• Greatly improves mowers capacity to maintain excellent mowing performance in difficult mowing conditions and at higher speeds

Large discharge opening is both high and wide to handle more material:

• Gives a smooth, even discharge of clippings at all mowing speeds
• Reduces the chance of plugging, especially important when operating in wet, thick, or dense grass and when bagging
• Cut-and-throw chute has a large, optimized inlet which aids in collecting material by using airflow from the large deck opening

Cleanliness. for the mower and the operator

Accel Deep 42A Mower Deck

Accel Deep 42A Mower Deck

The flat-top shape of the deck stamping is optimal for keeping itself and the operator clean:

• There are few places to catch and hold material on top and underneath the deck.

• Top of deck stays cleaner, reducing time and effort needed for cleaning and service
• Underside of deck is self-cleaning to maintain optimum performance without buildup of material to interfere with the flow of air and clippings
• Less need to clean and remove buildup of material from underside deck

• Limited amount of material to drift onto the operator and mower deck
• Even flow of material discharged out the chute, less re-cutting results in larger pieces that are less likely to end up on the operator
• Mulching prevents the discharge of material completely and a MulchControl attachment makes mulching a practical solution for most mowing situations.

Cleaning a mower deck, both top and bottom, is one of the most frequent maintenance activities:

• The flat-top design reduces places for material to build up and makes material that does collect easy to remove.

Mower wash port

Mower wash port with hose connector

A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy.

Lever action MulchControl handle

Electric one-touch MulchControl switch

• With the lever-action MulchControl attachment, the MulchControl handle on top of the mower deck is used to engage or disengage mulch mode.

• The operator is required to get off of the tractor in order to engage or disengage mulch mode with the lever-action system.

MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:

• Usually mulch, but side discharge when grass gets too long
• Usually side-discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings
• Always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• Bag clippings, but want to go farther before emptying bags

Superior durability is designed in

Hinged spindle cover on the 42A Mower

Mower wheels are double-captured for durability

The 42A mower deck has strong spindle s, to keep the blades aligned, even after years of tough service:

• Ribs in the deck shell add strength where it is needed.
• The 42A has a 16 percent heavier overall weight than the Edge™ Xtra 42-in. (107-cm) mower deck.

Mower wheels are double-captured:

• Provides greater strength and durability for longer, trouble-free life.
• Single-bolt adjustment makes setting wheels to the correct height for the cutting height quick and easy.

Low-tension belt-drive design reduces the side load on the engines lower bearing and mower deck bearings for longer life.

Rolled outer edge of the deck provides extra strength and protection.

Dual-stage E-coat and powder-paint coatings provide extra protection from rust.

Versatility. easy to change between side discharge, mulch, and bagging modes

Rear MulchControl baffle (A) that must be removed for bagging

Rear MulchControl baffle removed to allow for chute installation

The 42A Mower Deck is designed for excellent versatility:

• The mower’s cut-and-throw design allows bagging with just the addition of the bagger chute, once the special bagging blades have been installed.

• The 42A cut-and-throw chute is easy to install and securely held in place at the front and rear to provide a tight seal between the mower deck and the chute.

• The rear latch is adjustable to allow for the optimum setting for easy use and a tight seal.

• For ultimate side-discharge performance this baffle can be removed.

• Must be removed for installation of the rear bagger chute, a 13-mm (0.51-in.) wrench is required (the bagger chute cannot be installed without removing this baffle)
• Can remain removed for side discharging material
• Must be re-installed for mulching

MulchControl lever action or electric one-touch options

A MulchControl attachment for the 42A Mower Deck makes mulching more practical for many mowing situations because it not only does an excellent job of mulching but it also allows the mower to be easily converted for times when it is more desirable to side discharge the lawn material. Advantages of mulching grass clippings include:

• A beautiful looking lawn
• Grass clippings not blown onto the operator, driveways, or flower beds
• Less fertilizer use
• Elimination of the effort needed to dispose of clippings

How MulchControl works

MulchControl baffle open

MulchControl baffle closed

MulchControl is an innovative, simple design that is easy to use and maintain:

• The MulchControl attachment includes baffles to control the flow of material under the deck.

• When the MulchControl baffle is open, most of the material passes through the discharge opening.
• When the MulchControl baffle is closed, the material stays within the deck and gets chopped into mulch and deposited in the turf.

MulchControl limitations

While in the side-discharge mode, MulchControl will still mulch about one third of the material. Therefore, the side-discharge mode is essentially a partial-mulch mode. This can be an advantage when side discharging or bagging, as it helps to reduce the amount of material being discharged. Other times this could work as a disadvantage:

• When cutting strong southern grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermuda
• When cutting in wet, high-growth conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest United States
• When optimum bagging and lawn clean-up is desired
• 42A Mower Deck requires a MulchControl baffle be removed to install the bagger chute; see explanation in the Versatility section for more information

Mower blades

Mower blades shipped with the rear bagger chute

High-lift bagging blades are included with the bagger chute. They provide optimum performance when bagging in difficult conditions, such as when the grass is moist, dense, or long:

Mulching blades are included with the MulchControl attachment. They can be used for mulching, side discharging, and bagging in most conditions.

Mower blade use chart

7-bu (247-L) rear bagger

Optional rear bagger

Lower chute installed

An optional 7-bu (247-L) cut-and-throw rear bagger material collection system (MCS) is available for use with the 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep Mower. It provides an efficient means of collecting grass clippings and leaves.

The hopper design provides modern styling, great bagging performance, cleaner operation, and easy-to-empty bags:

• 7-bu (247-L) capacity
• Easy-to-attach lower chute (ordered separately)
• Air exhaust duct
• Convenient spring-latch
• Airflow fill indicator
• Quik-Tatch mounting
• Sealed hopper top
• Loose-knit bags available

Four-year or 300-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard

An exclusive 4-year or 300-hour (whichever comes first), single-source, bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard for all John Deere X300 Series Tractors.

• The warranty is hassle free, with one company handling all of the paperwork.
• Premium features of X300 Series Tractors allow for this longer warranty period, with more coverage than comparable tractors.

Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.

Power steering and hydraulic lift enable easy operation

Power steering cylinder

Tilt steering lever (X390 and X394 only)

Hydraulic power steering is standard equipment:

• Provides effortless, automotive-like control
• Reduces operator fatigue and increases productivity
• Enables a tight turning radius for great maneuverability
• Adjustable-tilt steering wheel for optimum operator comfort (X390 and X394 Tractor)

Hydraulic lift system is easy to operate

Hydraulic lift

The hydraulic lift control lever is positioned on the dash near the steering wheel for quick, easy, and precise fingertip control of equipment. Implement float, which allows an implement to follow the ground contour, is built into the lift linkage.

Lever-action or electric one-touch MulchControl™ options are available for extra mowing convenience

Lever-action MulchContol lever

Electric one-touch MulchControl switch

Lever-action or electric one-touch MulchControl attachment is available for Accel Deep™ 42-in. (107-cm) (42A), 48-in. (122-cm) (48A), and 54-in. (137-cm) (54A) Mower Decks used on X300 and X500 Select Series™ Tractors.

MulchControl advantages and benefits

MulchControl enhances versatility and productivity. A mower deck equipped with MulchControl not only does an excellent job of mowing and mulching, but it can also be quickly converted from side discharging to mulching or vice versa:

• In mulch mode, it controls clippings dispersion in unwanted areas (driveways, landscape beds, near buildings, Windows, parking lots, etc.).
• Reduces cleanup time needed to dispose of clippings.
• Reduces the amount of material entering a material collection system because, even in the side discharge mode, MulchControl will mulch about one third of the material due to the additional baffles under the mower deck and the unique design of the mulching blades.

Electric MulchControl has the additional advantage of being controlled from the tractor seat by a switch on the dash to operate an electric actuator that moves the baffle to close off the discharge area of the mower deck.

Electric one-touch MulchControl switch

Electric one-touch MulchControl actuator

• Operators can convert between modes without interrupting the mowing process, making it practical to change between modes as conditions require.

• When approaching clean areas like driveways or flowerbeds where clippings would be undesirable
• When a breeze might blow clippings back onto the operator
• For side discharge mowing only the areas of the property where grass is too thick for mulching
• With 48A and 54A Mower Decks, for collecting only the areas of the property where grass is too tall or thick for mulching

• With 48A and 54A Mower Decks, the MulchControl baffle can be opened or closed with the Power Flow™ blower installed. The Power Flow blower will run without material when the baffle is closed.
• Models equipped with a 42A Mower Deck require a MulchControl baffle be removed to install the bagger chute; see 42A Mower Deck versatility explanation for more information.

How MulchControl works

A mower equipped with a MulchControl attachment delivers unprecedented levels of productivity and versatility. The operator has the ability to quickly change between side discharging and mulching. A heavy-duty baffle opens and closes to convert the mower from side discharge mode to mulch mode or vice versa.

MulchControl baffle open (similar mower deck shown)

MulchControl baffle closed (similar mower deck shown)

MulchControl is an innovative, simple design that is easy to use and maintain:

• The MulchControl attachment includes baffles to control the flow of material under the deck.
• When the MulchControl baffle is open, most of the material flows freely out the discharge deflector or into a material collection system.
• When the MulchControl baffle is closed, material stays within the deck and gets chopped into mulch and deposited in the turf.

MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:

• For operators who usually mulch, but side discharge when grass gets too long
• For operators who usually side discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings in some areas
• For operators who always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• For operators who collect clippings, but want to go farther before emptying the material collection system

MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings. The operator can have all the benefits of mulching with the ability to easily change to side discharging when desired.

Advantages of MulchControl include:

• Performance is improved.

• Mulching is beneficial because it returns the clippings to the ground as fertilizer, which promotes lawn growth.
• Clippings are much smaller, which allows them to fall into the grass and be removed from view.
• Unsightly grass clippings are not blown onto driveways or into flower beds.
• Fertilizer use is reduced and provides associated environmental benefits.

• Operators can convert quickly between modes, making it possible to change between mulching and side discharging as conditions require.
• Mulching heavy, thick material can significantly reduce mower productivity. The ability to switch from mulch to side discharge mode ensures productivity, especially in grass too tall or thick to mulch effectively.

• Controlling clipping dispersion reduces cleanup time.

MulchControl limitations

While in the side discharge mode, MulchControl will still mulch about one third of the material. Therefore, the side discharge mode is essentially a partial mulch mode. This can be an advantage when side discharging or bagging, as it helps to reduce the amount of material being discharged. Other times this could work as a disadvantage:

• When cutting strong southern grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermuda
• When cutting in wet, high growth conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest United States
• When optimum bagging and lawn clean­up is desired
• 42A Mower Deck requires a MulchControl baffle be removed to install the bagger chute

MulchControl compatibility

Each MulchControl attachment includes everything needed: baffles and mulch blades for all attachments, and the actuator, wiring, and switches for the electric one-touch attachments.

Lever-action MulchControl attachments

Electric one-touch MulchControl attachments

NOTE: Model year 2016-2017 X300 and X500 Series Tractors (X300 serial number 10,001-50,000 and X500 serial number 110,001-130,000) require replacing the tractor wiring harness and dash panel to use an electric MulchControl attachment.

Snow removal is a strength of lawn tractors

44-in. (112-cm) Front Blade

Snow blower, weather enclosure, and chains on an X300 Series Tractor

An advantage of lawn tractors is their ability to use equipment for snow removal. Lawn tractor owners can add a John Deere snow blower or front blade to make quick work of moving snow whenever the need arises. Weather enclosure and tire-chain attachments add comfort and performance.

Equipment available for snow removal includes:

• 44-in. (112-cm) Snow Blower
• 44-in. (112-cm) Front Blade
• 48-in. (122-cm) Front Blade (X394 Tractor only)
• Tire chains or TerraGrip traction belts
• Weather enclosure (available for all X300 Series, except the X350R)
• Weights

Integrated hydrostatic transaxle efficiently transmits power to wheels

Kanzaki® K46 transaxle (X330, X350, X354) Kansaki K57 transaxle (X370)

Kanzaki K58 transaxle (X380, X384, X390, X394)

The Tuff Torq® hydrostatic transaxle encloses the hydrostatic pump and motor rotator groups in the same housing with the differential and axle housings. This design is very efficient and reduces the number of sealing surfaces to minimize the potential for leakage.

Combined with the foot controls, the hydrostatic transmission functions similarly to that of an automatic transmission in an automobile, so the term automatic is often used to describe it:

• Use of the latest valve designs has significantly reduced the sound level.
• Large pump and motor rotating groups ensure long life and efficient operation.

Freewheeling valve

Freewheeling valve

A freewheeling valve control is conveniently located near the tractor rear hitch plate for good visibility and easy operation.

Kanzaki and Tuff Torq are trademarks of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Company.

Controls are convenient and easy to find

Convenient operator station

Separate throttle and choke controls

The contoured dash has clean, attractive styling and ergonomic controls for easy use:

• Controls are color coded for easy identification by the operator.
• Controls are logically placed and easy to reach.
• The power take-off (PTO) switch allows the operator to get fingers underneath it, like a T-handle, to pull up for easy activation.
• The reverse implement option (RIO) switch is a yellow button.
• The hydraulic-lift control and the park brake latch are pivot levers for low effort.
• Cruise control activation is handled by an automotive-style button.
• Separate engine speed and choke controls make starting and warming up the engine easier in cold weather.

• The choke lever is spring loaded to eliminate the chance the tractor will be unintentionally operated with the choke partially closed.

Functional design of the throttle and choke controls provides good appearance and a comfortable feel.

Easy-to-use key switch and controls

Tilt steering lever (X390 and X394 only)

• The hydraulic-lift control and the park brake latch are pivot levers for low effort.
• Cruise control activation is handled by an automotive-style button.
• Separate engine speed and choke controls make starting and warming up the engine easier in cold weather.

• The choke lever is spring loaded to eliminate the chance the tractor will be unintentionally operated with the choke partially closed.

Display panel

Display panel illustration with descriptions

Display panel

Instrument display has the look and feel of a modern automobile. A power-up sequence cycles lights and gauges to indicate they are working:

• Display features dark-cockpit design to minimize operator distractions.
• Display is back lit for night visibility.

• Night visibility is especially useful with snow blower use.

• Target-zone graphics inform the operator of the engine speed range to use for best cut quality.

• Damage can be prevented and repair costs reduced by addressing problems early.

• The indicators are also useful to identify the reasons the PTO or engine may have shut off when an interlock is unsatisfied.

• Onboard diagnostics provides trouble codes for use by trained technicians.

• For example, a technician will be able to test switch functionality and circuit continuity without tools.

Twin Touch™ foot control

Twin Touch foot control

Cruise control

Twin Touch foot pedals control the speed and direction of travel:

• Automotive-type accelerator control ensures easy operation.
• Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
• Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.

Cruise control

Cruise control is standard equipment:

• To engage, push the cruise-control button and hold until the foot is removed from the forward pedal.
• For emergency stop, the cruise control can be released by pushing on the brake pedal or the forward pedal.

Mower deck height adjustment

Conveniently-located deck height adjustment knob

Mower cut-height adjusting knob

A rotary dial knob makes adjusting the mower cut height quick and easy:

• Provides mower cut heights in 0.25-in. (6.4-cm) increments from 1 in. (2.5 cm) to 4 in. (10.2 cm)
• Returns the mower deck to the same preset height each time it is lowered

Storage tray under tractor seat

Exact Adjust tool used to level mower deck

Storage for the onboard deck-leveling gauge and the Exact Adjust tool is provided in the storage tray under the tractor’s seat.

• Exact Adjust ports allow for easy and accurate leveling of the mower deck for optimum mowing performance.

Deck-leveling gauge placed under deck

Deck-leveling gauge is placed at the appropriate location under the left rear, right rear, and front of the mower deck as the cut height is adjusted using the Exact Adjust tool and front draft arm adjusting nuts.

Parking brake control

Parking brake

Depressing the brake pedal applies internal wet-disk brakes (increased durability and longer life) for safe stopping.

A parking brake control is conveniently located for easy access; it holds the brake pedal securely in locked position.

Electric power take-off (PTO) clutch is easy and convenient to use

Electric PTO switch

The heavy-duty electric PTO clutch is operated with a convenient dash-mounted switch.

Heavy-duty PTO clutch

PTO clutch

The PTO clutch is designed to operate through many on/off cycles.

Reverse implement option (RIO)

Reverse implement switch

Mower engagement power take-off (PTO) switch

Using RIO

CAUTION: Children or bystanders may be injured by rotating blades. Before traveling forward or rearward:

NOTE: Operating the mower while backing up is strongly discouraged. RIO should be used only when operating another attachment or when the operator deems it necessary to reposition the machine with the mower engaged.

• Stop forward travel. Allow attachment to run.
• Look down and behind the machine to be sure that there are no bystanders.
• Push and hold in the reverse implement switch while depressing the reverse pedal slightly.NOTE: If the attachment stops while positioning the machine, return mower engagement (PTO) switch to off position. Repeat this procedure from the beginning.
• Release the reverse implement switch and reposition the machine as the machine begins to move rearward.
• Resume forward travel. The attachment should continue operating.
• Repeat procedure to position the machine again.

Frame is reliable heavy-duty welded steel

Welded, heavy-duty frame

The frame is made of heavy formed and welded steel, reinforced in critical areas for even greater strength:

• The frame is formed from 12-gauge, 0.105-in. (2.66-mm) thick material for long life.
• Standard front bumper and hitch plate are formed from 9-gauge, 0.15-in. (3.8-mm) steel and complete the frame assembly.
• Rear hitch plate can support two 42-lb (19-kg) Quik-Tatch weights.

• Weight bracket is built into the frame of two-wheel-steer models.
• Four-wheel-steer models require the optional weight bracket.

Front axle and wheel spindles are heavy-duty

Cast-iron front axle

Front axle is made of nodular cast iron:

• Cast-iron front axle is strong and shock-resistant.
• Cast iron will not yield under heavy loads or impact.

A replaceable bushing is used at axle mounting:

• The bushing provides excellent wear resistance.
• Grease fittings at each spindle are easy to service.

Front steering spindles

Steering spindle

Front steering spindle diameter is 0.75 in. (19 mm) for strength and long life:

• Have strength to handle heavy implements
• Provide long life at bearing surfaces
• Use sealed precision bearings in front wheels

Rear equipment-mounting system is heavy-duty and easy to use

Rear equipment mounting system

A heavy-duty equipment mounting system is used:

• Includes strong frame mounts with a combination of mounting holes in the tractor hitch plate that accept pins or shoulder bolts to support heavy rear-mounted equipment.
• Easily attach optional equipment to the tractor
• Can bear the load of heavy rear-mounted equipment, such as material collection systems

Modern styling with functional design enhances appearance and performance

Attractive styling

Hood air-intake louvers

Smooth, rounded contours present a modern, styled appearance:

• Hood styling incorporates efficient full-length air-intake louvers on each side, rather than on the top.

• Cooler engine operation
• Lower operator station sound levels

• Reduces sound
• Will not rust or dent

Two high-quality headlights give excellent visibility

Optimum lighting pattern

Headlights are standard equipment on all models:

• Two 27-W bulbs provide excellent lighting for good visibility during evening operation.
• A headlight position on the ignition switch makes it easy to operate the headlights.
• The headlights are designed to provide an optimum lighting pattern for mowing and snow removal.

Operator station is comfortable and convenient

Operator station

Operator station

The operator station is designed for operator comfort and ease of using controls:

• A large, 14-in. (36-cm) diameter steering wheel is comfortable to use and minimizes steering effort.
• Full-length foot mats provide comfort for the operator and protect the footrest area.

Comfortable seat

Comfortable open-back seat

An open-back 15-in. (38-cm) high-back seat provides a comfortable, smooth ride and good support for the operator:

• Seat travel of 7 in. (18 cm) with 15 positions allows the operator to be seated comfortably and easily operate the controls.
• Seat can be easily adjusted fore and aft by the operator while sitting on the seat.
• Open-back design allows air circulation to keep the operator’s back cool and dry for a more comfortable ride.
• Grasp at the top of the seat is conveniently located for use when tilting the seat up to protect it from the weather.

Seat suspension

Seat suspension

The seat suspension is adjustable, without tools, for the weight of the operator:

• Springs are adjustable fore and aft to any of three positions.

• No tools require
• Allows fine-tuning of the suspension for the operator’s weight
• Back position for more support for heavier operators

• Can be used to store gloves, small tools, etc.
• Provides storage location for Exact Adjust tool and deck-leveling gauge (tool and depth-leveling gauge not shown in photo)

Cup holder

Cup holder and tool tray on fender

A cup holder and tool tray are located on the fender for operator convenience:

• The cup holder holds a variety of container sizes.
• Tool tray provides convenient storage.
• Cup holder and tool tray are constructed of durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.

Removable plug for optional 12-V outlet

Location for optional 12-V outlet

A removable plug on the console, in front of the operator, provides a convenient location for the optional 12-V outlet and makes installation easy.

• Convenient for plugging in cell phone charger and other electric devices

• Can be used to operate electric rear equipment, such as a sprayer or spreader

12-V fast connector

Illustration of fast connector location

A mid-vehicle, 12-V fast connector, located under the tractor’s fuse box, is included as standard equipment to reduce initial installation time for some attachments that operate on 12-V power from the tractor:

• The four-cavity connector includes battery, ground, and key switch terminals and is turned on and off with the ignition switch.

Serviceability is convenient with easy-open hood

One-piece hood is easy to open

Service interval decal located under hood

The one-piece hood opens easily to permit checking and servicing the engine:

• Important service points are located within easy reach.
• A service-interval decal is provided inside the tractor hood for convenience when servicing the tractor.

• The high-quality engine used in the X300 Series does not require an 8-hour oil and filter change because improvements in the manufacturing process and quality of parts, components, and oils have eliminated the need for the short interval oil change requirement.

Easy-to-service engine fuel and oil filters

The engine fuel and oil filters, the oil check/fill tube, and the oil drain tube are exposed for serviceability when the hood is opened.

Exact Adjust ports and onboard deck-leveling tools make precise deck adjustments easy

Deck-leveling gauge and hex adjusting tool stored under tractor seat

Exact Adjust access holes

A mower deck must be level side-to-side and properly adjusted front-to-rear to give the best cutting performance. A removable onboard deck-leveling gauge and a hex-key tool are provided to make adjustment easy. They are securely stored under the tractor seat.

Exact Adjust leveling ports are provided on each side of the operator platform above the mower-level adjusting bolts. With the hex-shaped tool, they provide convenient access to allow quick and easy adjustment of the mower for the best-cut quality of cut.

The Exact Adjust feature is standard on all Select Series™ X300 and X500 Tractors:

• There is no need to reach under the fender deck while making the mower-level adjustment.
• Onboard deck-leveling gauge, Exact Adjust ports, and the hex tool work together.

• Level the mower deck side to side
• Set the correct amount of rake (front-to-back deck orientation)
• Calibrate the cutting height to the cut-height adjusting knob setting

• To give the best cut, mower level should be adjusted if alternately mowing with and without blower installed. The Exact Adjust feature makes this easy.

Deck-leveling tool placed under deck

Using included ball-hex tool to level mower deck

Consult the operator’s manual for the correct adjusting procedures for each tractor model. Basic adjusting steps to properly level the mower deck include:

• Park the tractor on a level surface.
• Inflate tires to the correct pressure.
• Consult the label for the cutting-height knob that is located on the console of the machine. This label shows deck-leveling position and location of deck-leveling adjustment points.

Cut height adjusting knob

• Set mower cutting-height knob to the correct deck-leveling position.

• For X300 models, use position 2.75
• For all other models, use position 2.5

• Left- and right-rear adjustment points are under the deck rim near the rear mower wheels, if equipped.

• Loosen rear nuts equally on each side of front lift rod.
• Turn front nut equally on each side clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower it until gauge just slips under the front adjustment point.
• Tighten rear nuts after adjustment is complete.

NOTE: The adjusting tool supplied with the tractor is an 8-mm ball-hex key, part number M162737. The rounded end allows for some misalignment with the bolt as the deck is adjusted.

The MowerPlus™ app helps maintain the tractor and lawn

MowerPlus app screen

MowerPlus app maintenance screen

Keep a John Deere riding lawn mower running its best and know how it mows with the John Deere MowerPlus app. Simply scan the lawn tractor’s barcode to get custom information. The app helps determine the best time to mow, communicates expert pre-mow tips, offers maintenance reminders, and provides walk-through guides.

Look for the MowerPlus app on the mobile device’s app store.

The app supports residential lawn equipment such as 100 Series, S240, X300, X500, X700, Z200 through Z600, and many similarly-sized older products. It does not presently support tractor models numbered 1000 and larger, such as 1025R.

NOTE: Some product image variation may exist.

Also available is the John Deere MowerPlus Smart connector (sold separately).

Smart connector

The John Deere MowerPlus Smart connector wirelessly links a Select Series™ X300 or X500 Tractor to the MowerPlus app on a mobile device. The Smart connector transmits engine usage to the app, making it easy to track maintenance intervals. It also transmits the fuel level to the app—when thinking ahead about Saturday morning mowing, the operator can make sure the tractor is fueled and ready to go.

Specifications

Compare the specifications of up to 4 models

.9% APR fixed rate for 48 months 1

on New John Deere X300 Select Series Lawn Tractors

• 1.9% APR fixed rate for 48 months 1 OR
• 4.9% APR fixed rate for 60 months 2 OR
• No Interest if Paid in Full within 9 Months 3
• Offers available 02 May 2023 through 31 July 2023

Buy Online for Free Delivery 1

on Residential Lawn Tractors

• Only valid for purchases made through Buy Online.
• May be combined with other promotions.
• Offer available 02 May 2023 through 31 October 2023.

1 Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 02 May 2023 through 31 July 2023. Subject to approved credit on a Revolving Plan account, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For consumer use only. No down payment required. 1.9% APR is for 48 months only, regular Revolving Plan rates will apply after that. The regular Revolving Plan rate, which varies over time, is currently 23.0% APR (as of 01 May 2023). Available at participating U.S. dealers. and models may vary by dealer. Offer available on new equipment and in the U.S. only. and savings in U.S. dollars.

2 Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 02 May 2023 through 31 July 2023. Subject to approved credit on a Revolving Plan account, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For consumer use only. No down payment required. 4.9% APR is for 60 months only, regular Revolving Plan rates will apply after that. The regular Revolving Plan rate, which varies over time, is currently 23.0% APR (as of 01 May 2023). Available at participating U.S. dealers. and models may vary by dealer. Offer available on new equipment and in the U.S. only. and savings in U.S. dollars.

3 Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 02 May 2023 through 31 July 2023. Subject to approved credit on a Revolving Plan account, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For consumer use only. No down payment required. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at 17.90% APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within 9 months or if your account is otherwise in default. Available at participating U.S. dealers. and models may vary by dealer. Offer available on new equipment and in the U.S. only. and savings in U.S. dollars.

1 Free Delivery offer is available on the following new products when purchased directly through the John Deere Buy Online site from participating John Deere dealers in the United States between 02 May 2023 through 31 Oct 2023: 100 Series Lawn Tractors; 200 Series Lawn Tractors; Select Series™ X300 Lawn Tractors; Select Series™ X500 Lawn Tractors; X700 Signature Series Tractors; Z300, Z500, and Z700 Zero-Turn Mowers; Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers; 600 Series QuikTrak™ Stand-On Mowers; Z900 Series ZTrak™ Zero-Turn Mowers; Gator™ Utility Vehicles; and 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series Compact Tractors. Delivery not available from all dealers. See the ‘Select a Dealer’ screen to find a participating dealer in your area. Valid in the U.S. only.

Utility Cart, 7P Poly. LP21935

7P Poly Utility Cart

Every owner of a John riding lawn and garden product is a potential customer for a high-quality, affordable utility cart. Utility carts can be used to haul a variety of materials including firewood, lawn debris, sand, dirt, mulch, garden tools, plants, and bushes.

Utility carts are designed, painted, and decaled to be compatible with other John Deere equipment.

NOTE: For proper braking and operation, the loaded weight of the cart should never exceed the weight of the tractor, or other towing unit, plus the operator. The loaded weight of any equipment towed by an EZtrak™ or ZTrak™ mower should not exceed 250 lb (113.4 kg). See the appropriate vehicle pages for the weight of the vehicle and the mower deck.

7P Poly Utility Cart

Compression molding process allows polyethyl­ene to be the optimum thickness in all areas for superior strength and durability.

0.75-in. (2-cm) x 2-in. (5-cm) stake s are molded in to make the addition of side extensions easy.

Two vertical 0.75-in. (2-cm) molded channels on each side allow easy use of dividers to separate the box into two or three compartments.

Ribs in the box bottom add strength and prevent the shovel from hitting bolts when emptying the cart.

Pneumatic tires provide turf tread for good flotation, shock absorption, and minimal rolling resistance.

7P Utility Cart wheel

Wheels are mounted on a solid, one-piece axle for durability.

Iron and Oilite® wheel bearings with grease fittings provide lubrication for long life.

The pneumatic tires offer the following:

Sloped tailgate

A sloped tailgate design makes emptying the box easier; there is no tailgate to loosen or remove.

Tractor hitch

A large-diameter hitch pin provides plenty of strength:

• Fast, easy attachment to the tractor hitch
• Spring pin to ensure the pin stays in place

Tilt latch

Tilt latch

An easy-to-use, spring-loaded dump latch allows tilting the box for easier unloading. A steep dump angle makes emptying the cart easier.

Model comparison chart

Comparison with similar models

The total weight of the cart and payload. For proper braking and operation, the loaded weight of the cart should never exceed the weight of the tractor, or other towing unit, plus the operator. The loaded weight of any equipment towed by an EZtrak or ZTrak mower should not exceed 250 lb (113.4 kg). The maximum weight for the 21 Utility Cart is rated at 20 mph (32.2 km/h).

HDPE is compression molded for optimum thickness in all areas and maximum durability.