Riding lawn mower switch. 3 Most Common Lawn Mower Ignition Switch Problems

Most Common Lawn Mower Ignition Switch Problems

Let’s thank the ignition switches that manage the electrical system of your lawnmower and let you ride safely. But the problem arises when you deal with Lawn Mower ignition switch problems.

However, don’t worry about it, there are bigger things to be mad about. Leave this one on us. We’ve compiled here everything from a basic understanding of the ignition switch to their problems and fixes.

So, let’s get started without wasting a second!

How Does a Lawn Mower Ignition Switch work?

To deal with the annoying problems of a lawn mower ignition switch, you must know how the ignition switch works in the first place.

Things may seem a bit surprising to you that the ignition switch stays in the off position while the engine is running. Yes, it sounds weird.

And, when the engine is stopped, the switch will turn on and create a path to the ground. When you ride on the mower, previously, the electricity was flowing to the spark plug. But then it starts to flow to the engine ground and finally, the engine stops running.

There is a white wire and a coil inside the solenoid of your mower. And, the ignition system transmits the power through the wire and gives the coil energy when you turn the key to start your mower.

Also, there are red and black wires in the machine. Initially, the coil helps to close an internal contact and it allows the power to flow from the red wire to the black one. And, the whole process provides the power to the starter motor and it spins the engine.

As you might guess, the ignition switch is what allows you to start, run, and even turn off your mower. The sole purpose of the witch is to let you safely engage the whole ignition system as well as activate the electric structure.

When you do not use the mower, the battery of your mower should be safe from draining. In this case, the ignition switch manages the electrical system to make sure of it.

You will find five letters on the back of your ignition switch and you may become confused thinking what they do mean.

The table below will help you to understand.

How To Identify Lawn Mower Ignition Switch Problems

Before going to solve the problem, a basic question ‘how to identify lawn mower ignition switch problems?’ may spring straight to your mind.

Turn the key of your mower to the start position. Then use a multimeter to measure the resistance between S and B terminals. Make sure that the first meter-probe gets in touch with the B prong on the ignition switch’s back whereas the other probe is with the S prong. Check the resistance after starting the engine.

The result should show a resistance near zero ohms. But if there’s an infinite level of resistance, you need to replace the ignition switch.

What the reason for this is, your ignition switch is supposed to close the contact B to S for sending voltage to the solenoid but it’s failed to do the job.

over, the connectors are supposed to make a beeping noise with the multimeter. As long as you hear the beeping noise, it means your Lawn Mower ignition system is working well.

Besides, you’ll want to follow the lights for checking the connectivity and continuity of the Lawn Mower ignition switch.

These are the handy and quick tests you can do to identify if the ignition switch is faulty. If anything suspicious appears, it’s better to give them a professional check. Sometimes, a quick fix/replacement can save your entire tool from getting damaged.

Most Common Lawn Mower Ignition Switch Problems

The ignition switch of a Lawn Mower can get damaged by breaking, corroding, or loosening. These are the most common defects that create significant hassles with your Lawn Mower.

However, here are the consequences you can face for a problematic ignition switch.

• Lawn Mower not getting started
• The mower doesn’t shut off
• Can turn the engine off

Reasons Why Lawn Mower Not Getting Started

Although there are some other reasons as well, a problematic ignition coil is one of the biggest reasons why your mower doesn’t get started.

Because, if there’s an issue with the ignition switch, the starter of your lawnmower will not get current. You may guess that when your engine won’t get the expected power supply, the mower won’t start.

Therefore, when your lawnmower does not turn on or off even if you turn on or off the key relatively, you have to replace the ignition switch. There’s no other way to deal with a faulty power supply, sorry.

However, as we were saying about the other reasons, have your eyes on the points that describe why else you can face the same problem.

• Dirty air filter
• The disconnected or loose spark plug in your lawnmower
• A faulty fuel filter

Reasons Why the Mower Doesn’t Shut Off

Have you noticed that your mower doesn’t shut off at all? Does it only shut off when you disconnect the spark plug?

If this is the case, chances are the ignition switch has gone bad or maybe the ground wire got disconnected.

Can’t Turn the Lawn Mower Engine Off- Why?

A faulty ignition switch can cause this problem. As you know, the ignition switch controls your mower to start, run, and turn off, a dead ignition switch will fail to get the job done.

You can be sure of the problem with the test method we mentioned. Because the other reason to face the same problem is the control cable of your mower is potentially damaged.

You may ask now, what happens when your ignition switch goes bad?

In case the ignition switch fails while the engine continues to operate, chances are it will disconnect the power to both the ignition and fuel systems. It can lead the engine to get blocked. According to the very specific issue, the consequences will be something like your mower won’t restart for a while.

So, you need to know how you can fix the problems to avoid this inconvenience.

How to Deal With a Damaged Lawn Mower Ignition Switch

When it’s about a damaged ignition switch, chances are there are problems with loose wiring connections, spinning motor, or corrosion.

So, when things are that bad, you need to replace your ignition switch. You may think it’s the end of the world but hey, replacing a bad ignition switch is the easiest and the best way to fix the problems.

Let’s see how we can do that.

Step 1: Detach the Battery

Wear gloves before you walk through this step. Turn off the ignition switch and take the key apart from the ignition.

Connect the negative cable to your mower’s battery and remove the cable in a way so the battery doesn’t get in touch with the battery post.

Step 2: Take the Ignition Switch Apart

Manage to access the back of the mower’s ignition switch.

Untie the locking tabs then. Done? Now, push out the switch through the front part of the dash.

You’ll find a wire harness attached to the ignition switch’s back part, disconnect it. You may find it a bit difficult to unplug, but simply wiggling the plug will help you to pull on it.

Step 3: Install a New Ignition Switch

Now, it’s time to connect that wire harness to the ignition switch’s pack part. After that, attach the new ignition switch to the dash. Finally, attach the locking tabs and lower the hood of your mower.

Step 4: Connect the Battery

You started the process by disconnecting the battery. And, now, you have to reconnect it. Remember, the negative cable is supposed to be connected to the negative battery terminal. Then, lower the seat and you’re all set.

How to Avoid Lawn Mower Ignition Switch Problems?

The best thing you can try here is, avoiding such ignition switch problems. You obviously won’t be wanting to damage your entire tool because of some unconsciousness. Here I’ll mention some tips that you can follow for avoiding any ignition switch failure.

• When you’re dealing with electrical tools, try to go for supreme quality. For a better and reliable ignition switch connection, make sure you’re using good quality jumpers, bolts, switches, wirings, etc.

• Don’t overlook the minor engine issues with the tool. Even a tiny broken spring on the switch part can damage the entire ignition switch system. You might not have to spend that much money on the machine’s fault at the primary level. In the long run, these tiny mistakes can cause you to pay more bucks.

• Test your Lawn Mower ignition switch regularly. For that, you can use a digital multimeter/ Dvom machine. If anything suspicious appears, it’s better to replace/ fix the damaged part as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes ignition switch failure?

Many things can cause ignition switch failure. The most common reasons are extreme temperature issues, poor ignition switch installation, forceful prevention of starting the machine, broken spring, and etc.

How much does it cost to replace the ignition switch?

Fixing your ignition switch system is a pretty expensive task to consider. Without the labor cost, you might have to spend around 125 to 275. If you add the labor cost, then it will altogether stand around 220 to 485.

Can you replace the ignition switch by yourself?

It’s true that replacing the ignition key requires good technical knowledge. But you can do it yourself by following our steps properly. Otherwise, If you think that it doesn’t seem like it’s your job, you can get help from professionals.

Conclusion

Yes, we know how irritating it is to face lawn mower ignition switch problems. But hey, we made your path easier with this well-crafted article, right?

Nevertheless, you always should take good care of your lawnmower to have a long journey with it. If you clean, maintain, and operate the machine properly, you can avoid any further hassle for sure.

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How To Test A Lawn Mower Ignition Switch [Step-By-Step]

The ignition switch of a lawn mower is the most crucial component which helps to start the engine. And if your mower fails to turn on, then there is a chance of having an issue in the ignition switch.

To figure out the fault in the switch, you need to understand how the switch works and it’s defective symptoms. And for that you must know how to test a lawn mower ignition switch.

That’s why today I’m here with you. In this article, I will guide you step by step of how you can test a faulty ignition switch. Also, I’ll be providing some symptoms of having a bad ignition switch as well.

In this content you’ll learn:

Symptoms Of A Defective Ignition Switch

If you are facing an issue with your engine, there is a chance of having a faulty ignition switch in your lawn mower. So, if your mower’s ignition switch has any fault, you will notice the following signs.

Key Won’t Turn On

If the key gets stuck and doesn’t turn on to the start state of the engine, then there is a fault in the ignition switch.

Overheating Issue

It’s another prominent issue where one end of the wire might become excessively overheated.

Lawn Mower Stalls

While starting or moving the lawn mower, it might stall after some time.

Engine Won’t Start

Another significant issue is that the engine attempts to start but fails every time. This might be due to faulty or broken ignition switches.

Steps Of Testing A Ignition Switch

Different types of procedure can be followed to test the lawn mower ignition switch with the help of digital and analog multimeter. You can follow any of the methods to test your mower’s ignition switch.

1st Method Of Testing The Ignition Switch

• Get the “fuse panel”, lying under the “steering”, and open it. Now, get the starter signal fuse from the panel and check carefully whether the metal strip is in good condition.
• Change the metal strip with a good one if it’s found to be damaged or defective. Make sure the new one comes with the same amperage as the damaged one.
• Connect the digital multimeter to the positive and negative terminal on the battery. Recheck whether the red lead of the voltmeter is connected to the positive side of the battery.
• The voltmeter marking should be at least 12.6 volt for moving the engine with its full speed. But if it becomes less than 12 volt, then probably the battery is dead.
• To check the ignition switch, start your engine by putting the key to the switch. If the engine fails to start and at the same time, you don’t hear any clicking sound, then the ignition switch isn’t working.

On the other hand, if you are hearing the clicking switch but the engine fails to start, then the issue is in the battery.

Lastly, if the engine starts successfully, both battery and ignition switch are okay.

2nd Method Of Testing The Ignition Switch

Replace the spark plug with an old plug to the end of the boot and power the engine placing the key to the ignition switch.

Now check the ignition switch by checking whether there is a continuous spark to the old plug. If there is no spark, surely the switch of the lawn mower is faulty.

Connect the voltmeter to the coil’s positive and battery’s negative terminal of the lawn mower. If the voltage of the battery is on the positive side, your ignition switch is okay. Otherwise for lower reading, there can be an issue with the switch.

3rd Method Of Testing The Ignition Switch

• For beginners, check the multimeter carefully and turn on the key. Place the multimeter’s positive end to the power supply and the negative end to the distributor’s base.
• Place the key to the running position in the ignition switch and inspect the voltage of the battery using the multimeter.
• If the reading of the voltage is lower than 90% of the main battery’s voltage, then there is a huge chance of having an issue in the ignition switch or wire.

Replacing The Ignition Switch

Once you have done testing the ignition switch, it’s time for taking the necessary steps, depending on the problem. Identify the underlying problem and replace the ignition switch if needed.

Replacing an ignition switch is complex work. However, if you have a good technical knowledge, you can simply change the ignition switch without any trouble. Otherwise, you can visit any nearby engine repair shop to take help from professionals.

Conclusion

In some cases, testing the ignition switch’s issue and resolving it becomes very frustrating and tiresome. But hopefully, following the above method will make your work easier.

Nevertheless, regular cleaning and operating the lawn mower will lessen the tendency of having technical issues in the inner components.

Riding Lawn Mower Won’t Start, No Clicking — Solutions When Your Riding Mower Does Nothing When You Turn The Key

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Dealing with a non-starting riding mower can be incredibly frustrating. However, if you’re experiencing a situation where the engine doesn’t make any clicking sounds, there may still be hope for a simple fix without having to replace the mower just yet.

Below, our experts have put together the potential issues with a riding mower that won’t start or click and provide troubleshooting tips to help your riding mower work again.

How to Fix a Riding Lawn Mower That Won’t Start

“Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key?” The answer is: not always. You should be able to find out the problem with your tractor or mower yourself. But first, ensure you set the parking brakes.

Then check if the blade is still disengaged. Your riding mower won’t work otherwise.

Materials You Will Need

• Work gloves
• Safety goggles
• Multi-meter
• Screwdriver
• Wire brush

How a Riding Lawn Mower is Powered

Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). Some mowers use gasoline as their fuel and a spark plug to combust it. Others are powered by diesel and require no spark plug. In either case, the engine runs the transmission and drive wheels, and rotates the cutting blades underneath the machine.

Like automobile car, riding mower requires to charge a battery, starter motor, and ignition switch. When you turn the ignition switch to the ‘Start’ position, 12 volt of direct current travels from the battery through the starter solenoid to the starter motor. This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine

When you release the key to the ‘Run’ position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. Instead of going to the starter and motor, it moves to the alternator and anti-afterfire solenoid only. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs.

If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the ‘Run’ and ‘Start’ positions. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. On the other hand, when you don’t hear a click from the engine, the starter has failed, or its coil isn’t getting power from the battery.

Although mowers differ from models, they all work on the same principles.

Check and Charge/Replace Dead Battery

Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won’t run or click. A corroded battery won’t start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget to turn off the safety switch. Corrosion can be a usual problem for used riding lawn mower models at cheap of 500 below, so make sure to check this when you buy one.

A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when you’ve got battery troubles. But without one, you can check the battery using a multi-meter by following these steps:

• Turn off the ignition system before accessing the battery.
• Set the multimeter to DC voltage
• Use the multi-meter’s red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal.

If the multitester reads more than twelve (12) volts, the battery is good. Otherwise, it is weak, or dead and you’ve found the problem with your mower.

• Accessing the battery, which is usually under the driver’s seat.
• Connecting the charger clips to the battery terminals.
• Plugging the charger to a power outlet. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred.
• Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above.
• Plugging the charger to a power outlet. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred.
• Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly.

If a simple recharge doesn’t work, you need to replace the battery pack in the mower. Avoid a jump start mower to prevent damages to the on-board system

Check the Ignition Switch

The problem with your mower could be with the switches. When you start the engine and your riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your ignition switch’s contacts complete a circuit. This circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the B-terminal and S-terminal, respectively.

• Pull up the mower’s hood to access the ignition switch.
• Remove its cable harness.
• Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot.
• Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage.
• Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. These terminals are along each other’s diagonal at the bottom of the switch.
• Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this.

The top-rated riding mowers should have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. This means its contacts complete the B and S terminal circuit and can send voltage to the solenoid. On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance.

Other common issues you can experience with a damaged ignition switch include loose wiring and connections, corrosion, or spinning ignition. To fix this problem, check the ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or loose wires

Inspect the Control Module

A control module is a printed circuit with resistors, relays, and a ground side that receive commands from the safety switches. If the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the starter through the solenoid. However, not every mower has one.

Depending on your model, a control module could be anywhere, even under the seat. And if you notice that your high-quality electric riding mower won’t start and no clicking comes from the device, or cranking doesn’t work, then this module could be faulty.

There are two ways to check the control module yourself:

• Wiggle test: Here, wiggle the red and black wires connected to the control module while you start the mower. If everything checks out fine and the wires are connected, visually check the printed circuit for water damage and loose connections. To save time, you may have someone help you with the wires in a wiggle test while you FOCUS on finding the issue.
• Main fuse check: Modules have internal or external fuses, and a blown fuse cuts out the supply from the battery. First, to check the fuse, remove its zip tie and then pull the fuse from its holder. If any element in the fuse is broken or there’s a fault in the ground connection, you should have it replaced. However, if you’re unsure, you can check for continuity using your multi-meter.

A good fuse should measure near 0 ohms. On the other hand, a blown fuse will measure infinite resistance.

Check Safety Functions

Every mower even the cheapest riding mower you can find in the market has in-built safety features. Typically, sensors or switches control these features, and they are routed through the control module. Once a detector activates a safety function, your mower won’t work as usual.

The main ones to check are the brake pedal switch, blade switch, battery connection, weight sensor (to make sure a driver is sitting before the mower works).

When you jump start the engine, you should press your brake pedal. If the brake pedal doesn’t work, then you need to inspect your brake detector.

• Remove the hood and air-duct screws.
• Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way.
• Pull the cable harness off the brake switch, noting the wiring.
• Using the multi-meter probes, touch both prongs that connect to the wiring of the brake detector.

If the brake switch is okay, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms of resistance. Replace this switch if you read infinite resistance from your multi-meter.

A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isn’t set to park. To check the blade switch, our experts recommend to do the following:

• Take out the clutch lever mounting screws. The assembly should drop slightly when the screws aren’t in place.
• Note the prong’s wiring and then disconnect the blade switch’s cable harness.
• Using your multi-meter probes, touch both prongs to measure the resistance of the blade switch.

Like before, 0 ohms implies your blade switch is good, while infinite resistance means you need to replace it.

Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. These functions are generally used for tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override. If you suspect your sensors are on an override, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the device.

Replace Faulty Solenoid

Follow these steps to change a faulty solenoid:

• First, raise the seat to get to the battery. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red
• Remove the battery from its slot. While at it, check for leaks or corrosion at the bottom and sides. Clean corrosion off the cable leads with a wire brush if they are still there after dusting.
• Disconnect the cable harness that’s connected to the seat’s detector.
• Pull off the battery box after removing its clips or screws.
• Note the wiring connected to the solenoid and then disconnect the cables in any order.
• Remove the mounting and tab both with a screwdriver.
• Remove the faulty solenoid and replace it with the new one.
• Finally, replace the seat, battery, and other parts.

While you can repair some solenoids, it’s often better to change them for longevity. In this way, you can still have the opportunity to place your riding lawn mower on retail in the long run given that the equipment is properly maintained.

Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn the Key! What’re Solutions?

A broken mower is the worst. If the safety sensors are open, lawnmowers won’t start. So why doesn’t the riding mower work when you turn the key or click?

If your riding lawn mower doesn’t start when you turn the key, there may be several reasons. Loose battery connections, fuses, the ignition switch, or something more serious could cause it.

If your Riding mower does nothing when I turn the key, you can troubleshoot it before calling a dealer.

Why The Riding Mower Doesn’t Work When I Turn the Key?

When you turn the key, the first thing that should happen is that the riding mower should start, but it won’t. The main problem lies with the battery.

If turning the key in your riding mower does not cause it to start, there are a few more probable problems that could be at play, such as the fuel system – the ignition system, the spark plugs, and others.

There is a possibility that one of the switches, such as the blade switch, safety switch, or ignition switch, is broken.

You need to test each of these components individually in order to determine which one is the cause of the problem.

The Power Source for a Riding Lawn Mower

Most riding lawnmowers have an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. The gasoline is the power source for the mower, and it is stored in the fuel tank located in the engine compartment.

The fuel is drawn from the fuel tank and is then sent to the carburetor. From the carburetor, the fuel is mixed with air and then sent to the engine’s cylinders, where it is ignited and used to power the mower.

Reasons Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key (Easy Fixes Included)

The most common reason for a no start, not even a click sound, after turn the key is given below:

Dead Battery

If your riding mower doesn’t work when you turn the key, it could be due to a dead battery.

The Fix

You will need to check the battery, clean the terminals and check the voltage. If the battery is not holding a charge or is completely dead, then you will need to replace it.

It may also be a good idea to check the wiring and fuses to make sure they are in good condition.

Bad Battery Connection

The problem is that when I turn the key, the riding mower doesn’t go anywhere, and the manual says it’s because of a bad battery connection. Additionally, a worn battery terminal could be to blame.

The Fix

You should start by double-checking the battery’s connection. Remove any corrosion from the terminals and wipe them down. If so, check that the wires are firmly attached to the terminals.

Tighten the bolts if the connection is still sloppy. If you feel the battery terminals are worn and the connection is still loose, you should replace them.

Solenoid Coil Issue

When I turn the key, the riding mower does nothing, another most likely cause is a bad connection or a faulty solenoid coil.

The Fix

To check the connection, first, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

If they are, then use a multimeter to check the voltage at the solenoid terminals. If the voltage is low or non-existent, replace the solenoid.

If the voltage is good, then inspect the connections and wiring for any visible damage or corrosion. If any is found, repair or replace the wiring and connections.

If the connections and wiring appear to be okay, then the solenoid coil may be faulty and needs to be replaced.

Brake Pedal is not Pressed

If the brake pedal is not pressed before you turn the key, then the mower will not start.

The Fix

Make sure that the brake pedal is pressed down all the way before trying to start the mower again.

Main Fuse Blown

If the main fuse is blown, it may be due to an electrical short somewhere in the mower.

The Fix

Check all the wiring and connections to make sure they are all secure. If the problem persists, take the mower to a qualified repair technician for further diagnosis.

Faulty Ignition Switch

If the riding mower does not start when the key is turned, the ignition switch may be faulty.

The Fix

The ignition switch is a small electrical device that connects the battery to the starter, allowing the mower to start.

To check the ignition switch, locate the wires that lead from the battery to the starter and check for any corrosion or damage.

If the ignition switch is corroded or damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Faulty Control Module Blade Switch/lever on

If the riding mower doesn’t work when you turn the key, then one thing you should check is the control module or blade switch/lever. If these components are faulty the mower won’t start.

The Fix

The faulty control module blade switch/lever need to be replaced. It is also possible that the wiring from the switch/lever to the control module is damaged or disconnected.

In this case, the wiring needs to be checked and repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What signs suggest a bad lawnmower solenoid?

Turn the ignition key to “On.” Connect the thick red wires to the solenoid’s huge terminal posts. Touch both large terminals with a screwdriver’s metal shaft. If the engine starts, replace the solenoid.

How to start a non-starting riding mower?

Sometimes you forget to stand while starting the gadget or apply the parking brake. After checking everything and the cables, continue troubleshooting the mower. Battery and fuse testing saves time.

How to resolve a riding lawn mower that won’t start?

First, activate the parking brake and remove the blades. The riding mower won’t start otherwise. Confirm the blade is still removed. It won’t work otherwise. Your lawnmower needs gloves, goggles, a multi-meter, a screwdriver, a wire brush.

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The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

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

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

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

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

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

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

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

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

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

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

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

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

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

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

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

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

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

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

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

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

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

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

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

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

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

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

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

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

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

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

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

What is the best riding mower?

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

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

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

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

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

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

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

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

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

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

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

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

How did we choose these riding mowers?

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

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

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long should a riding mower last?

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

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

What is the cheapest riding mower?

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

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

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

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

John Deere Z530M

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

Husqvarna YTH1942

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

Murray MT100

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