Quality riding lawn mowers. Best Riding Lawn Mowers for 2023

Best Riding Lawn Mowers for 2023

There are just too many benefits of riding lawn mowers to mention here, and we’re sure you already know what they are anyway. If you don’t currently enjoy these “luxuries”, then you’re definitely not alone in pining for them in the hot summer sun. So, the staff at OPE has assembled our recommendations for the best riding lawn mowers of 2023.

Homeowners and commercial professionals alike, or those on the hunt for a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower, this one’s for you.

Editor’s Note: If you’re considering walk-behind mowers, check out our Best Lawn Mower main page.

Best Commercial Riding Lawn Mower

Hustler Hyperdrive Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

Affectionately known as “mow and blow” crews, this managing editor likes to call them grass-conquering professional lawn care crews. These guys and girls FOCUS on hitting a lot of properties every day during the mowing season, and they can be rough and tough on their gear.

Exmark, Hustler, and Scag all come up frequently in conversations about the best commercial mower, and our top choice is the Hustler Hyperdrive series.

While the Super Zs are likely more popular, the Hyperdrive series has a more durable transmission system, lessening downtime.

Deck sizes range from 60 to 72 inches, and there are 35 to 40 HP engine options from Kawasaki and Vanguard. The Dale Earnhardts out there who prefer to blast through lawns can run up to 16 MPH on this model.

Regardless of your mowing style, Hustler’s hydraulic system carries a 3,000-hour warranty, and also 5-year/1200-hour coverage on the overall mower.

Contact your local dealer for a price.

Best Residential Riding Lawn Mower

Toro Timecutter Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

We recommend Toro’s Time as the best residential riding lawn mower for a variety of reasons. It comes down to the fact that you get an excellent balance of performance, comfort, and reliability for the price.

Currently, this line includes 17 models along with CARB-friendly options. Deck sizes start at 34 inches for small lawns. They also run up to 60 inches for those of you with acreage to maintain.

The base-level models are an excellent value for most people, but if comfort is a high priority, step up to the MyDrive models to get an upgraded suspension and an easier ride.

Best Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX6 Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

While Toro earns our pick as the best overall riding mower for residential use, Cub Cadet’s Ultima ZTX6 series is the best-of-the-best for those of you with more bread in your wallets. Earning our choice as the best residential zero-turn riding lawn mower, the ZTX6 is at the top of Cub Cadet’s residential Ultima line.

These mowers bridge the gap between consumer and professional needs, giving you a ride and performance that feels high-end, but without premium professional mower prices.

The ZTX6 comes with a 25HP Kawasaki commercial-grade engine and either a 54- or 60-inch deck size. If you prefer a steering wheel over lap bars, there’s the ZTXS6 option.

Price: 8999 – 9299 (10299.00 for the 60-inch ZTXS6)

Best Lawn Tractor

Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro FAB Series Lawn Tractor

Cub Cadet lawn tractors have been around for quite a while, and they have a strong reputation with homeowners. If you’re looking for the best lawn tractor among them, we recommend the XT1 Enduro FAB series.

Although they’re more money than other models in the XT1 line, they upgrade from a 13-gauge stamped steel deck to an 11-gauge fabricated steel version for enhanced long-term durability.

Available with a 50- or 54-inch deck, these mowers are suitable for larger lawns than 30- to 48-inch lawn tractors. What’s more, their Kohler 24HP engines offer better overall performance than most of their competition.

And in spite of the fact that they don’t have as tight a turn as a zero-turn, they do have a 16-inch turning radius that gives them tighter turn handling than others.

Best Electric Riding Lawn Mower

It was simply too hard to choose just one electric ride-on lawn mower as the best. However, we did find three that stand out from the rest.

Commercial: Greenworks Commercial 82V OptimusZ Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

Greenworks has actually played a big role in blazing the trail within the realm of commercial electric zero-turn lawn mowers. And it’s years’ worth of experience and today’s best technology that come together in the Greenworks OptimusZ zero-turn.

That’s why it’s our choice as the best electric commercial riding lawn mower.

The line includes both ride-on and stand-on models. In terms of the ride-on models, there are 48–60-inch deck sizes with either 18KWh or 24KWh battery packages. On the 60-inch mower, the larger battery bank can run up to an impressive 8 hours on a charge.

It boasts a max speed of 16 MPH with the blades running. Security is already onboard thanks to the combination of 4G and GPS connections, really bringing this model into the 21st century.

And remember, Greenworks backs these mowers with a 5-year/2,000-hour warranty.

Residential: EGO 56V E-Steer Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

EGO is playing a pretty big part in the shift from gas to battery power, including in the zero-turn market with the 56V E-Steer riding lawn mower. Instead of the traditional lap bars, this model uses a steering wheel, making for a much more approachable mower if you’re not used to typical ZT steering.

Beyond that, the design team shifted the controls and performance screen onto the airplane yoke-style steering wheel, where they’re easy to monitor while mowing.

The mower has a 42-inch deck with cutting speeds between 4 and 8 MPH and matches the power of a 22HP gas engine. For power, EGO uses the same 56V batteries that drive its other mowers and handheld tools.

With a full load of six 12.0Ah batteries, you should get four acres of cutting on a charge. Meanwhile, the four batteries that come with the mower will allow you to cover 2.5 acres.

Price: 5999 with four 12.0Ah batteries and onboard charger (scheduled for May 2023 launch)

Residential: Ryobi 80V iDrive Series Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

If you like video games (or fighter jets), you’re really gonna like the Ryobi iDrive zero-turn lawn mowers, which utilize, not a steering wheel, but rather a joystick. While it certainly parts from the norm, it’s surprisingly easy to adjust to this more unusual way of steering.

There are three deck sizes covering 30 to 54 inches, and they primarily use 80V suitcase-style batteries for power. These mowers also have slots to use Ryobi’s 40V batteries if you need to extend your runtime beyond what the 80V packs offer.

The power ranges from a 28HP–42HP gas equivalent with runtime covering 1–4 acres, depending on which model you choose. Furthermore, this mower uses the CrossCut stacked blade system to give you a higher quality cut than you’d get with single blades.

Price: 5999 – 7999 ready to mow

Take a look through our full list of Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower recommendations!

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Small Lawns

John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor

John Deere lawn tractors are great for small- to medium-sized lawns, and the S130 lawn tractor is our choice as the best riding lawn mower for small lawns. The S100 comes in at a lower price, but moving up to the S130 is worth it.

Both feature a 42-inch mowing deck, but the S130 has a much stronger 22HP V-twin engine. Also, it has John Deere’s super-easy 30-Second Oil Change system.

The S130 also upgrades with cruise control and an electronic PTO system. Overall, it balances ease of ownership and performance while keeping a safe distance from the price of zero-turn mowers.

And as always, Deere is incomparable when it comes to getting parts.

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Medium Lawns 1 Acre to 5 Acres

Husqvarna Xcite Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

The Husqvarna Xcite is the best riding lawn mower for medium-sized lawns. There are two models that feature a 54-inch, 10-gauge deck ideal for properties up to 5 acres in size.

We’re particularly jazzed about the combination of innovative features and a more Pro-like design, despite the fact that they target residential users.

Starting from the top, your start/stop and blade engagement controls are on the lap bar ends where you can easily reach them with your thumbs.

Then there’s the suspension system. Four bar links and 10 adjustment settings let you customize the setup based on your size, weight, and preferences to dial in a comfortable ride.

Depending on the model, you get either a 24HP or 26HP Kohler engine with a top speed of either 7 or 9 MPH. Husqvarna also offers stock blades that can cut for up to 5 years without needing to be sharpened–and trust us, that’s a time saver.

In short, we think Husqvarna knocked it out of the park with this one.

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Large Properties

Exmark Lazer Z Series Diesel Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

When it comes to maintaining sprawling areas with a clean cut, there are a few large-deck options leading the pack. One of them–the Exmark Lazer Z Diesel–is our choice as the best riding lawn mower for large properties.

When we say large, we mean large. The Lazer Z diesel line includes 60, 72, and 96-inch options along with a monstrous 144-inch model. And Exmark touts the largest cutting rate at up to 11.5 acres per hour! That makes this model a formidable competitor in its market bracket.

However, these mowers come with a behemoth price tag, starting at just over 27,000. The 144-inch model is over 35,000.

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Hills

Cub Cadet Pro Z 972 Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Power and traction are critical to mowing effectively on slopes and hills. In our opinion, the best riding lawn mower for hills is the Cub Cadet Pro Z 972 series SD/SDL models. What sets these mowers apart is a combination of their rear wheel and steering wheel designs.

Four rear wheels help prevent the back end from slipping, even in wet conditions. The steering wheel makes it easier to negotiate slopes, and there’s an option for a pivoting seat that keeps you more upright on those hills.

As part of Cub Cadet’s commercial mower lineup, you can expect a commercial-level build and high-end comfort features as part of the package.

Best Riding Lawn Mower For The Money

Toro Timecutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

What riding mower gives you the most bang for your buck? For that, we return to the Toro TimeCutter 42-inch 75746.

This isn’t the least expensive 42-inch in the line, and it’s not the most expensive, either. By upgrading from the entry-level version (3299), you’re moving from a 15.5 HP Briggs Stratton engine to a much stronger 22HP Kohler engine.

If your lawn’s less than two acres, this model offers performance, durability, comfort, and price.

Even if you have more than 2 acres, stick with the Toro TimeCutter and move up in deck size to match your lawn.

What We Look For In The Best Riding Lawn Mower

Lawn Tractor or Zero-Turn?

The stye you’re looking for is an important factor when you’re choosing the best riding lawn mower for your lawn. So, the first thing to decide is which style you want.

Lawn tractors have several advantages.

They tend to be a smaller overall size, are less expensive, and are easy to use with their steering wheel and control systems. The downsides are that they tend to be slower and don’t reach larger deck sizes. On top of that, they aren’t as efficient in your mowing pattern because they require a larger turning radius.

Zero-turn lawn mowers make it easier to efficiently mow straight lines. While they’re more expensive, larger, and can take some time to get used to lap bar controls, you can get larger deck sizes, they have higher speeds, and they’re better for large properties. If comfort is a high priority for you, you’ll find better options with ZTs and lawn tractors.

If there are any real drawbacks to a zero-turn, it’s that they can tear up your lawn in spots if you’re not careful (especially with new treads). This is because, when turning, the rear wheels perform a screw-like action that digs into the grass.

Of course, with some driving practice and a bit of patience in your mowing, you can minimize or altogether avoid this problem.

Gas or Battery?

Now that battery-powered riding lawn mowers are at a point where they can replace gas, the conversation is shifting away from just power and runtime.

Gas mowers tend to be less expensive and you can usually find someone to service and/or repair them. The trade-off is the noise, emissions, managing fuel and oil, and more required maintenance.

Battery-powered mowers have a push-button start system that’s ready when you are. They’re remarkably quiet compared to gas and have no emissions. Maintenance primarily boils down to blowing off the deck and maybe rinsing underneath.

The primary downsides at this stage are that you don’t have as wide a selection as gas, they’re more expensive, the batteries need replacing every 3–5 years, and service technicians aren’t a hop-skip-and-a-jump from your home.

Durability and Reliability

As you go up in price from entry-level riding lawn mowers to mid-range and high-end models, there are significant changes. A more powerful engine is only part of it.

Not surprisingly, the design of the engine, the features included, and its quality usually improve. So, as you move up the line, you get a more reliable engine to go along with the higher horsepower performance.

You also see the strength of the build improve. Some of it is the thickness of the metal or moving from stamped steel to fabricated steel on the deck. Other components come into play as well, with higher quality transmissions and electronics packages improving.

If you’re looking at an entry-level model, see if your budget has room to move up into the middle or even high end of the line. The durability and reliability you gain will pay off in the long run.

Deck Size

Again, not surprisingly, your property size will by and large dictate the deck size you need. Riding lawn mowers with 42-inch decks are a good starting point for lawns up to an acre, especially those with tight areas like gate entrances.

If you have more than an acre, look at models up to 60 inches.

When you get down to it, it’s a matter of finding the right balance between how much lawn you have to cut, how much storage space you have available, and your budget.

Speed

Professional lawn crews who need to move quickly from one property to the next are the ones typically concerned with speed. The same goes for campus maintenance personnel working with expansive travel distances between the shop and where they’re mowing. They’re usually looking for models with top speeds of at least 10 MPH.

Even homeowners can make their mowing chores more efficient with some decent top-end speed. A good benchmark for those models is 7 MPH.

Where speed is neither an asset nor a desire, 5-6 MPH will do.

Comfort

Ah, now here’s something that’s also really important. The good news is that despite extended periods in the driver’s seat, you won’t have to go looking for the nearest rest stop.

But with larger lawns come longer jobs, making comfort all the more important.

Entry-level mowers are going to bounce you around more than mid-range and high-end models. Look for a seat with plenty of cushioning, an adjustable tension knob, and enough travel for you to sit without having to scrunch up.

In other words, do your best to avoid feeling as though you’re on a mechanical bull.

Why You Can Trust OPE Reviews

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We’ve been in business since 2016 covering outdoor power equipment, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the landscaping, heavy equipment, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers have lots of experience in these fields as well as the skills and experience to know whether these products can perform well on the job.

Each year, our team reviews and gets their hands on hundreds of additional landscaping tools and equipment at our shop and at media events and trade shows.

We work with dozens of professionals around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

We’ll provide hundreds of pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of lawn care tools, products, and accessories.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a product.

Best Riding Lawn Mowers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Built to Endure

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

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

Surprisingly Agile

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

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

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

Additional Info

Ride On

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sleek but Imposing

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

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

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

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

Additional Info

A Bargain on Wheels

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

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

A Smaller Frame

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

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

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

Additional Info

A Tough, Rugged Machine

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

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

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

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

Chop-Chop

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

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

THIS IS BIG!! Husqvarna riding mower and Zero Turns HAVE CHANGED! Review/Vlog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Info

Gotta Go Fast

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

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

Low Maintenance

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

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

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

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

TOP 5 BEST RIDING LAWN MOWERS 2023

Additional Info

What Is a Riding Lawn Mower?

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

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

What Features to Compare

Engine

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

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

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

Performance

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

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

Conveniences

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

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

Did you know?

Ride Your Own Ride

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

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

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

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

Sources:

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

Lawn Mower Tractor Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. September 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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The 14 Best Lawn Mower Brands of 2023

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.

Andrew Hughes is a certified arborist, member of the International Society of Arborists specializing in tree heal care, and reviews tree content on The Spruce’s Gardening Review Board. He founded and runs Urban Loggers, LLC, a company offering residential tree services in the Midwest and Connecticut.

Shereen Jegtvig is an author, fact-checker, and expert with over two decades of experience in health and wellness in the lifestyle space. In addition, she is a Developmental Editor for Dotdash Meredith where she reviews the work of other fact checkers.

A healthy lawn requires regular mowing, and that means sorting through the many lawn mower brands, along with the various types of mowers, that are available. There are walk-behind mowers, self-propelled mowers, riding mowers, and even robotic lawn mowers. Some lawn mower brands specialize in just one or two types of mowers, while others offer them all.

To sort through the many options, we spoke with three landscaping experts: Alex Tinsman, gardener and founder of How To Houseplant; Brock Ingham, gardener, landscaper, and founder of website Bigger Garden; and gardener Henry Bravo, founder and editor-in-chief of Smart Garden Home. The three were unanimous in naming Toro, Honda, and Robomow as top brands, and praised many others, including Greenworks, Cub Cadet, and Husqvarna.

We’ve come a long way since the first lawnmower was invented in 1830, Ingham says. It weighed over 100 pounds and had to be hand cranked! Now there are many brands of lawn mowers on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The best brand of lawn mower depends on the type of mower you are looking for and your specific needs. That’s why it’s important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.

We evaluated lawn mower brands based on reputation, quality, durability, range of products and types of mowers offered, and value, as well as input from our three landscaping experts.

Honda

• Powerful and reliable
• Manufactures gas push and self-propelled mowers
• Easy to start
• Many innovative features

Founded in Tokyo in the 1940s by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, Honda Motor Company started off as a maker of motorcycles, but today, of course, they are a global powerhouse that manufactures a wide range of automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles, as well as engines used by other brands in their own gas-powered products. Honda first started making lawn mowers in the late 1970s and quickly became one of the top brands for both commercial and residential use. All of the experts we spoke with named Honda as one of the top gas lawn mower brands for push mowers and self-propelled mowers. We especially like the Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, which like other Honda mowers, is easy to start, powerful, and very effective in making even, clean cuts across the lawn.

Honda mowers, notably the HRX series, are well-regarded for their powerful engines, reliability, and innovative features like the Versamow system, which allows you to easily mulch, bag, discharge, or shred leaves, Bravo notes. Honda’s mowers also have a patented two-blade system, rather than the usual single blade, which further increases the cleanness of their cuts through all types of grass.

Honda mowers have few downsides, other than being somewhat expensive. And the company only offers gas mowers, not electric. Depending on the model, the warranties on Honda’s lawn mowers range from one to five years.

Toro

• Powerful and reliable
• Manufactures gas, battery, self-propelled, riding, and zero-turn mowers

Another brand recommended by all of our experts, Toro was founded in 1914 as a maker of engines for farm tractors. The company invented the first golf-course mechanical mower in 1919, and introduced its first power mower in 1924. Thanks to many innovative ideas and features, Toro became a dominant brand of lawn mowers and other landscaping equipment by the 1950s and continues to hold that position today. Toro mowers are known for their durability and ability to handle tough mowing conditions, Ingham says.

While Toro is best-known for gas push mowers, it also manufactures self-propelled mowers, battery-powered mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn mowers, all of which are considered tops in their categories. We especially love their self-propelled Toro 22-Inch Recycler, which includes the Personal Pace system praised by Bravo, who says, The Personal Pace system, found in Toro’s TimeMaster and Super Recycler series, automatically adjusts to your walking speed, providing a more comfortable mowing experience.

Like Honda, Toro mowers can be expensive, but their quality, power, and great features make them worth the extra cost. Depending on the model, warranties on Toro lawn mowers range from three years to five years.

Husqvarna

• Powerful and reliable
• Manufactures gas and electric push mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and robotic mowers

Swedish company Husqvarna was founded more than 300 years ago as a maker of rifles (it exited the weapons industry a couple of centuries later), but over the hundreds of years since, the comany expanded its range to include many products for the home and landscape, including top-rated chainsaws. Husqvarna has been making lawn mowers since 1918 that, according to Ingham, are known for their powerful engines and versatility, making them a great choice for large lawns. Along with highly rated gas push-mowers, Husqvarna makes some of the best riding mowers and zero-turn mowers, including our favorite, the Z254F 23-HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower.

Husqvarna has also entered the robotic mower market with its Automower line. Bravo notes, Husqvarna’s Automower series is known for its cutting-edge technology, GPS-assisted navigation, and weather-resistant design. These mowers can handle complex lawns with various obstacles and slopes, providing a consistently manicured finish with minimal human intervention.

While Husqvarna makes a wide range of powerful, effective mowers, it is also one of the more expensive brands. Husqvarna mowers are covered by a three-year limited warranty.

Greenworks

• Reasonably priced
• Innovative technology
• Offers battery push mowers, self-propelled mowers, riding mowers, and corded electric mowers

Greenworks was established in 2002. Bravo praises the company, saying, Greenworks, a pioneer in battery-powered lawn equipment, offers a comprehensive line of cordless mowers, including their Pro 60V and 80V series. These mowers provide excellent cutting performance, lightweight designs, and superior battery life, making them a top choice for homeowners and professionals alike. Greenworks also offers very reasonably priced corded mowers, including the 25022 3-in-1 20-Inch Mower, although as batteries become ever-more powerful, the popularity of corded electric mowers is fading.

Along with electric push mowers, Greenworks offers several self-propelled mowers. The innovative SmartCut technology lets these mowers sense the thickness of the lawn grass and adjust the speed and power accordingly, thus extending battery runtime. We especially like the 40-volt, 21-inch self-propelled mower, which has the SmartCut feature. Along with push and self-propelled mowers, Greenworks also offers battery-powered riding mowers.

While Greenwork mowers are not the most powerful, Ingham Комментарии и мнения владельцев, Greenworks mowers are known for their affordability and wide range of features, making them a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. Greenworks lawn mowers are covered by a limited three-year warranty.

BLACKDECKER

• Reasonable prices
• Makes corded and cordless push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and some gas mowers
• Good for small lawns

Named for founders S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker, BLACKDECKER has been around for over a century, during which it has become one of the leading brands of power tools. It patented the first electric drill in 1917, was the first company to offer electric garden tools to homeowners in the 1950s, and was one of the first companies to sell battery-powered tools to DIYers and homeowners when it came out with a cordless drill all the way back in 1961. While BLACKDECKER does also have gas lawn mowers, those are falling by the wayside in favor of electric models.

BLACKDECKER offers a range of affordable and lightweight battery mowers with features like folding handles for easy storage and adjustable cutting heights. Their lithium-ion batteries provide long run times and charge quickly, Tinsman says. Along with reasonably priced push mowers, the company also offers self-propelled electric mowers at budget-conscious and is one of the few brands that still offer corded electric mowers, including the MM2000 20-Inch Push Mower.

Don’t expect the highest power or performance from a BLACKDECKER mower, but if you are looking for a reasonably priced lawn mower to keep a relatively small lawn under control, this is a reliable brand that you can count on. BLACKDECKER lawn mowers have a two-year limited warranty.

RYOBI

• Reasonably priced
• Makes corded and cordless push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and riding mowers
• Good for small lawns

Founded in Japan in the 1940s, today Ryobi in North America is a brand name of Techtronic Industries. The company is a top name for a wide range of power tools, including outdoor products such as edgers, trimmers, snow blowers, and of course, lawn mowers. While Ryobi does not make gas mowers, it does offer corded electric push mowers as well as cordless push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and even battery-powered riding mowers. Ryobi mowers are known for their innovative features, such as adjustable cutting heights and mulching capabilities, Ingham notes.

While Ryobi electric mowers aren’t the most high-powered, they are reliable and reasonably priced, making them excellent options for homeowners who don’t have a very large lawn. We especially like their 40-volt, 20-inch push mower, which has a long battery runtime and is easy to store. Like other Ryobi battery mowers, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making mowing less of a chore. Ryobi offers a three-year limited warranty on lawn mowers.

Robomow

• Very innovative features
• Can mow large lawns
• Models that are controlled through Amazon Alexa

Israeli company Robomow was founded in 1995 as Friendly Machines. As the name suggests, the company is a top manufacturer of robotic lawn mowers with ever-increasing advanced technology and useful features, such as their RC312 Pro S, which can be controlled through Amazon Alexa. The Robomow RS series can handle lawns almost an acre in size. All Robomow mowers return to their charging docks when necessary, can handle rugged terrain or slopes, are undeterred by tall grass, are easily programmed and controlled, and remain within the perimeters set by you.

All three of our experts listed Robomow as a top brand for robotic mowers. Robomow Robotic Mowers are known for their advanced technology and precise cutting capabilities, Tinsman says. Their models feature weather sensors and a mobile app for remote control and monitoring. Bravo adds, Robomow, a pioneer in robotic mowing, offers a range of models designed for different lawn sizes and complexities. Their RS and RC series features intelligent navigation, customizable mowing schedules, and smartphone app integration, allowing you to monitor and control your mower remotely.

Like all robotic mowers, these are very expensive machines. And they are not always easy to find; few brick-and-mortar stores carry them and you might have to hunt to find them online. Websites Wellbots and Autmow regularly carry current models. Most Robomow products are covered by a three-year warranty.

WORX

• Manufactures corded and cordless push and self-propelled mowers, as well as robotic mowers
• Reasonably priced

Chinese company WORX was founded in 2004 and manufactures many electric corded or cordless tools, including chainsaws, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, and of course lawn mowers. While WORX offers some corded electric mowers, its main FOCUS is on battery mowers, including push and self-propelled options. Most WORX mowers include the patented IntelliCut technology, which automatically increases the power when mowing through thick grass and then dials it back to increase battery runtime. WORX mowers are known for their affordability and ease of use, making them a great choice for small to medium-sized lawns, Ingham says.

WORX has recently entered the robotic mower market with Landroid mowers, including our favorite, the WR155 Landroid M. Like other robotic mowers, it depends on you to set its perimeters, but once inside them, it tirelessly follows your orders to keep your lawn looking its best. And while still expensive, the Landroids are generally not quite as pricey as robots from other brands, making them a good choice for an entry-level lawn robot. Most WORX lawn mowers have a three-year warranty.

Cub Cadet

• Manufactures gas and electric riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, robotic mowers, push mowers, and self-propelled mowers
• Powerful, reliable performance
• Many innovative and premium features

When it comes to riding lawn mowers, all three of our experts are in agreement that Cub Cadet is one of the best in this category, although Cub Cadet does also make push mowers and self-propelled mowers, and has even released a line of robotic mowers. The American company has been making riding mowers since 1961, though it is now owned by Stanley Black Decker. Ingham likes Cub Cadet riding mowers for their excellent performance and easy maneuverability, which makes them especially well-suited to yards with slopes or rough terrain. You can choose from many models, including gas-powered, electric, and zero-turn.

Tinsman especially likes Cub Cadet’s gas riding mowers, praising their powerful engines, self-propulsion feature, rear-wheel drive, and high-performance cutting decks that provide a smooth and even cut. Bravo specifically praises Cub Cadet’s XT Enduro and Ultima series: They provide excellent cutting quality, powerful engines, and a variety of attachments for versatile landscaping tasks. We agree with him—the XT1 Enduro LT is our favorite gas-powered riding mower.

On the downside, you’ll pay more for the premium quality of Cub Cadet mowers. They are covered by a three-year limited warranty.

John Deere

• Reliable, powerful, and great features
• Makes gas riding mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers

Another brand that’s renowned for riding mowers, this company has a history that goes back to 1837, when blacksmith John Deere invented a steel-bladed plow that revolutionized farming. The company continued to expand its agricultural offerings and began manufacturing tractors in the early 1900s. But it wasn’t until 1963 that the company began selling lawn tractors specifically for tending residential lawns. John Deere riding mowers are known for their durability, comfort, and versatility, making them a great choice for large properties, Ingham says.

The company makes powerful, reliable, and innovative riding mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers, almost all of which are gas-powered. Bravo particularly likes the company’s X300 and X500 series of gas lawn tractors, saying they deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and comfort. We also recommend the S120 22HP 42-Inch Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor, which is a very sturdy and versatile mower that even has cruise control.

As with other high-end riding mowers, you’ll pay quite a bit for a John Deere, but in return, you’ll get quality you can count on. Depending on the model, the warranty on a John Deere mower can range from two years to five years.

EGO

• Excellent power and battery runtime
• Offers cordless push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and riding mowers
• EGO batteries can be interchanged among all EGO products

EGO has established itself as one of the top names for battery-powered outdoor tools, including leaf blowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and lawn mowers. Thanks to powerful batteries, which Ingham says are known for their long runtimes and quick recharge, an EGO lawn mower—whether push, self-propelled, or even riding—can be almost as powerful as a gas mower.

EGO’s Power series boasts industry-leading battery technology, offering Rapid charging times, impressive runtimes, and compatibility across multiple tools, Bravo says. These mowers are powerful, quiet, and environmentally friendly, with the added convenience of being virtually maintenance-free. We agree—we love the EGO Power LM2102SP self-propelled mower, which matches your walking speed and runs for up to an hour, even on hilly terrain.

While EGO mowers tend to be some of the most expensive battery options, they are also some of the best. Plus, you can use any EGO battery in any of their tools, making the brand highly versatile. The warranty on an EGO lawn mower is five years.

Craftsman

• Reasonably priced
• Makes gas and electric push mowers, self-propelled mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn mowers

Now owned by Stanley Black Decker, Craftsman was established in 1927 as a brand name for tools sold at Sears department stores. This iconic brand is well-known for its extensive range of basic hand tools, such as hammers and screwdrivers, as well as power tools. The company offers a wide range of lawn mowers, as well, including both gas and electric push mowers, self-propelled mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn mowers. We like the Craftsman gas-powered M110 21-inch push mower, which is easy to start and powerful.

Craftsman lawn mowers are known for their affordability and reliability, making them a great choice for budget-conscious buyers, Ingham says. While these aren’t top-of-the-line mowers, for the most part, they are more than sufficient for the average homeowner who wants to keep the lawn looking good, yet not spend a fortune on the tools to accomplish that goal. Craftsman mowers come with a three-year limited warranty.

Sun Joe

• Reasonable price
• Offers corded and cordless push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and manual reel mowers

Snow Joe started selling snow blowers in 2004, but later added on Sun Joe lines of various outdoor landscaping tools, including chainsaws, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and lawn mowers. Sun Joe Battery Mowers are known for their eco-friendly design and easy maneuverability, Tinsman says. They offer a range of models with features like instant start and detachable grass bags for easy disposal of clippings. The brand does not have any gas mowers, but does have a wide range of electric mowers, both corded and cordless, as well as manual reel mowers, an uncommon offering in the lawn mower industry.

Geared toward homeowners, not professional landscapers, Sun Joe mowers are reasonably powerful and have good battery life, but they aren’t heavy-duty tools intended for large lawns or rugged use. They aren’t exceptionally expensive mowers, which adds to their appeal. For a budget-priced model, we like their corded MJ401E-PRO push mower, which performs well for the price and is easy to maneuver and store. The warranty period for a Sun Joe mower is two years.

Troy-Bilt

• Powerful and reliable
• Makes gas push and self-propelled mowers, gas and electric riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and manual reel mowers

Yet another brand now owned by Stanley Black Decker, Troy-Bilt was originally founded in 1937 with the first residential rototiller. It went on to manufacture a wide range of outdoor landscaping tools, including excellent gas-powered push and self-propelled lawn mowers and even manual reel mowers. But it’s riding mowers, both gas and electric, that the company is best known for. Tinsman especially likes this brand, saying, Troy-Bilt offers a range of versatile riding mowers with features like cruise control and adjustable cutting heights. Their models feature a range of attachments for year-round use.

While Troy-Bilt riding mowers might not be quite at the level of those made by Honda or John Deere—but they also aren’t as expensive as those brands—these are still popular machines that have many innovative features, are comfortable to ride, and handle well even on large lawns or rugged terrain. And Troy-Bilt push mowers are definitely worth a look as well; we recommend the gas-powered TB110 21-inch mower, which starts easily, is very powerful, and gives a clean, even cut to the lawn. Most Troy-Bilt mowers come with a two-year warranty.

What to Look for in a Lawn Mower Brand

Types of Lawn Mowers

There are quite a few types of lawn mowers available to homeowners these days, so along with choosing a brand, you need to choose a type of mower.

One of the biggest considerations is whether you want a gas-powered mower or an electric mower. Gas mowers tend to be more powerful, but are also louder and emit fumes. Electric mowers, which can be corded or cordless, have come a long way; today’s batteries are more powerful, run longer, and charge faster, making battery mowers a very appealing option to the average homeowner looking to tend a small to medium-sized lawn.

There are brands that offer only electric mowers, including Greenworks and WORX, and brands that are known for their gas mowers, such as Honda and John Deere. Many lawn mower brands, however, offer both gas and electric models. EGO takes it a step further by making only battery lawn mowers; they do not have corded electric mowers as do the other all-electric brands.

There are two basic types of walk-behind mowers: push mowers, which require you to use your own power to push the mower across the grass, and self-propelled mowers, which use their own power to keep the mower in motion. Tor is especially acclaimed for its walk-behind mowers. Most companies that make walk-behind mowers, whether gas, electric, or both, offer both push and self-propelled models.

Riding lawn mowers, also called lawn tractors, are ideal for very large lawns. Several companies on our list offer riding lawn mowers, although Cub Cadet and John Deere are especially renowned in this category. Zero-turn mowers are riding mowers that can make 180-degree turns on the spot. Just about all companies that make riding mowers, including Craftsman, also offer zero-turn mowers.

Robotic mowers are the newest additions to the lawn care scene. These battery-powered devices independently work their way around your lawn, mowing as they go, and are controlled by onboard controls or by an app. Robomow specializes in robotic mowers, but a few other companies, including Husqvarna and WORX, also make them.

Customization Options

When choosing a lawn mower, there are various features that can make your mowing experience easier and faster. Just about all mowers allow you to adjust the height of the blades, which lets you tailor the cutting height to your variety of lawn grass. The brands on our list make this adjustment easier by using a single lever or dial to move the blades higher or lower.

Some battery brands, including WORX and Greenworks, have sensors in their mowers that can detect especially thick grass. These mowers then automatically increase the power of the blade’s spin while tackling the tough spot, and then decrease it again once past the difficult patch of grass, thus saving on battery power.

All brands of self-propelled mowers let you adjust the speed of the mower to more comfortably match your own pace, usually by squeezing a lever; the harder you squeeze, the faster the mower moves. Some brands, though, including Ryobi, have mowers with cruise control so you can set a comfortable speed without having to keep a grip on a lever.

Most walk-behind lawn mowers have just one blade, which spins very quickly to lift and slice the grass. But Honda and EGO both offer mowers with twin blades, which give a more precise, clean cut.

Walk-behind mowers usually give you three choices for handling the grass clippings: bag them, mulch them, or discharge them back onto the lawn. Some mowers, however, only let you bag or mulch the clippings. Always read the description carefully before buying a particular mower, because this is a detail that can vary from model to model within the same brand.

Durability

Nobody wants a lawn mower that only lasts a season or two before failing. While all of the brands on our list are known for making quality mowers that should stand the test of time, as a rough rule of thumb, gas mowers tend to last longer than electric mowers, and top brands Honda, Toro, John Deere, and Cub Cadet are especially known for the durability of their mowers, all of which are used by professional landscaping companies as well as homeowners.

Where You Can Shop

With the exception of Robomow, which is only carried by a handful of specialized dealers, you can buy all of the other brands on our list at large home improvement centers or through the big home improvement center websites, including The Home Depot and Lowe’s, you can buy them from brick-and-mortar lawn care shops or from tool-and-garden websites, or you can find them on Amazon, Overstock, or similar outlets.

While buying a lawn mower online makes it easier to shop around for the best price, as well as have the mower shipped directly to your home, shopping in person gives you the opportunity to ask questions, touch and handle the lawn mower to get a feel for it, and usually take it home that very day.

The frequency of mower maintenance depends on the type of mower and how often you mow your lawn with it. But as a general rule, you should check the oil and fuel level before each use with a gas mower, and be sure the battery is fully charged before powering up your electric mower. After mowing, once your lawn mower has cooled down completely, remove any clots of grass from the blades and the bottom of the deck. Wipe away mud, wet grass, and other grunge from the deck. You’ll need to sharpen the mower blades at least annually, and more often if you mow very frequently or have tough or thick grass. Gas mowers require more maintenance than electric mowers, generally. At least annually, you should give your gas mower a complete oil change, replace the spark plugs, and replace the air filter.

Gas mowers usually measure their level of power in cubic capacity, which is a measure of the amount of air and fuel that can push through the cylinders. For walk-behind mowers, this generally translates to somewhere between 2 and 6 horsepower. Riding mowers are far more powerful; the engines in these mowers usually have between 12 and 20 horsepower. Battery mowers do not use horsepower or cubic capacity measurements. Instead, the battery voltage indicates the power of these mowers. You’ll find battery mowers ranging from 20 volts to 80 volts, but residential mowers most often use 40-volt batteries.

As lawn mowers are powerful tools with very sharp, rapidly spinning blades, they can cause injury if not used properly. There are some safety features required on all lawn mowers today, including a safety brake that stops the blade from spinning within three seconds if the user releases their grip from the controls and a foot shield that prevents the mower’s foot from being able to slip beneath the cutting deck. Common sense is also an important part of using your mower safely. Never mow barefoot or without full foot coverings. Don’t mow in floppy pants or clothing that could become entangled in the mower blade or wheels. Never put your hands or feet near the deck of the mower when it’s on, and never pull a running lawn mower backward toward your feet. Pick up toys, rocks, or other debris from the lawn before you begin to mow. Never mow when you are feeling unwell, overly tired, or otherwise impaired.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Michelle Ullman, who is a writer specializing in home and garden products. She has been a commerce writer for The Spruce since 2020, covering a wide range of home improvement products including power and hand tools, painting supplies, landscaping tools, and tool organizers. To choose the best brands of lawn mowers for this article, she consulted dozens of customer and third-party reviews, as well as websites specializing in landscaping, lawn care, and lawn mowers.

She also received extensive, helpful input from Alex Tinsman, gardener and founder of How To Houseplant; Brock Ingham, gardener, landscaper, and founder of website Bigger Garden; and gardener Henry Bravo, founder and editor-in-chief of Smart Garden Home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How We Tested the Best Riding Lawn Mowers

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

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

Our Top Picks

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

John Deere 42-Inch S130 Lawn Tractor

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

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

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

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

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

Product Specs

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

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

Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Riding Lawn Tractor

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

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

Product Specs

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

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

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

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

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

Product Specs

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

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

Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 Enduro Lawn Tractor

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

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

Product Specs

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

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

Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower

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

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

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

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

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

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

Product Specs

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

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

Ego Power 42-Inch Z6 Zero-Turn Riding Mower

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

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

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

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

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

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

Product Specs

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

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