When do you need a riding lawn mower? The answer is simple; when you have no more strength or you are too busy to spare time for mowing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 7.6 million Americans work two jobs. Obviously, they don’t have time to mow their lawn.
Different studies and surveys conclude that Americans work more than the majority of other countries. So, when you are living in a world where you hardly find time for your family, friends, hobbies, and leisure, it is near impossible to enjoy walking behind a lawn mower.
There are many riding mowers out there that will reduce your time and pain of lawn mowing. There are some that will hardly take an hour to mow your lawn grass spread on a couple of acres.
If you are growing old and tired of walking behind a mower or you prefer spending your weekends with your family, it’s time to ride on a lawn mower and get the job done without wasting your precious time.
In this article, we are going to discuss a huge variety of riding lawn mowers that will cover all types of riding lawn mowers. The best riding lawn mower of its kind will be discussed under each type.
Best Riding Lawn Mower Reviews
| Best Riding Lawn Mowers [Comparison] | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoiceHusqvarna Z254 Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Ariens 915223 IKON-X Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Snapper 2911525BVE Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Troy-Bilt 540cc Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Husqvarna MZ61 Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Husqvarna LTH1738 Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Husqvarna YTH18542 Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Weed Eater WE-ONE Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Husqvarna YTA24V48 Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Swisher Z3166CPKA Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Ryobi 38 inches Lawn Mower
| LATEST PRICE → |
For Hills & Slopes
1. Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Engine: A 26 horsepower Kohler engine is incorporated in this machine which equivalent to 750CC. This amount of power is enough to make this zero-turn mower a beast mower for hilly yards. Hilly yards are a bit challenging to mow and therefore, such a powerful engine is an asset.
Speed: The riding mowers are known for their speed. This mower comes with 6.5 miles per hour forward speed and 3.5 miles per hour reverse speed. Remember! Speed above this limit can be risky on hilly yards. So, I believe this is the maximum you should be thinking about.
Park Brake System: This the emergency brake system that can be activated by pulling the lever inwards and can be inactivated by pushing the lever in an outward direction.
Air induction mowing technology: The air induction process occurs beneath the deck and it keeps the machine from getting hot. All in all, it increases the efficiency of this mower.
Cutting deck: Husqvarna Z254 comes with 54 inches cutting width. Cutting down 54 inches wide area of your yard in one pass will reduce the maximum time you spend mowing.
The cutting deck is itself is a reliable part of this machine. It is made of stamped flat steel bars. The process of stamping steel bars makes it stronger and enduring.
Discharge, mulching, and bagging: All three features are available and can be used individually based on your preferences.
The discharge feature refers to a simple discharge of the grass clippings. If you want to see your lawn neat & clean, the bagging feature is there to collect all the grass clippings so you can dispose of them off your lawn.
The third option is to mulch the grass which is recommended. The mulching feature cuts the grass clippings into too small pieces which can work as fertilizer after getting decomposed into the soil. Such a natural fertilizer will improve the health of your lawn grass.
Opinion:
This machine is our best choice for its performance and price. It is the best machine ever for hilly yards if used at less than and equal to 10 degrees slopes only. Crossing a limit may result in a bad experience.
Overall, it’s a beast for its powerful engine and speed and will not only render a nice even cut but also reduce your efforts and time spent on your lawn.
It’s powerful structure and engine makes it the best riding lawn mower for hilly yards.
2. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
Speed and engine: It has 23 horsepower Kawasaki FR Series engine which is equivalent to 726cc. The engine is designed to thrive even in the dirtiest lawn and is powerful enough to perform its function on hills. It gives you 7 miles per hour of speed and 3 miles per hour reverse speed.
Hydrostatic drive system: It is a power transmission system that is powerful enough to enable this machine to perform its operations smoothly and effortlessly.
Cutting deck: The cutting width of the fabricated deck is 52 inches. It is sturdy and made up of steel.
Cutting height: Ariens 915223 can be adjusted up to 13 grass cutting height levels. The cutting height ranges from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. It means it qualifies for the flat grounds as well as for the hills.
Seat: This mower comes with a very comfortable seat. It is a high back padded seat with seat springs and armrests.
Opinion:
It looks good and it works great. The high power engine has a high torque even at a low speed. The material used for this product is extremely reliable. The only thing that you might not like is that this product is refurbished which means an old product in the stock will reach your doorstep in generic packaging.
Even though it is a refurbished product, its performance remains the same and it’s a performer without any doubt.
3. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series Kohler Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower (Lt 42 In. 18 Hp)
Engine: This mower’s engine supplies 18 horsepower energy which is equivalent to around 600cc. The engine is from Enduro series of Kohler that is known for its power equipment. So, the engine is reliable and it qualifies to work on hills.
Cutting Deck: Cub Cadet XT1 comes with a 42 inches cutting width and it is quite good for your yard spread on an acre or above.
Hydrostatic transmission: It is the advanced technology and due to this feature, you don’t need to bother about changing the speed of your mower. Hydrostatic transmission means no use of gears.
Opinion:
It is a reliable product and powered to work tough grounds including hilly landscapes. The features are suitable for mowing on the hills.
As you don’t need to change gears, this lawn tractor gives you a smooth mowing experience It is designed to work even in the roughest areas.
I would say it performs well for the price and worth trying once.
Best Value Mowers
4. Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER 28 inch 11.5 HP 344cc Rear Engine Riding Mower 2691525
Engine: This product comes with an 11.5 horsepower rear engine which is equivalent to 373.75CC. The OHV engines ensure smoother fuel intake and exhaust. This is a 4-cycle OHV engine that spread the mixture of air and fuel evenly inside the combustion chamber to increase the efficiency and output of this engine.
Stand-on-Edge Capability: This riding mower is designed to stand vertically. It has a stand on its back that allows it to stand vertically. This will spare you some space and will also help when washing the mower underneath.
Cutting Deck: The cutting deck of this mower is 28 inches. It is not too big and not too small. It can get between the trees in your yard easily.
Mulching: The mulching feature will allow you to recycle the grass clippings. The mower will cut the grass clippings into small pieces which supply nutrients to the grass after getting decomposed into the soil.
Opinion:
It is a small riding lawn mower with a huge engine size for its size. It is built to mow your lawn in a way lesser time than any walk-behind mower.
It cuts the grass evenly and it can mow on tight spaces as well. It is compact and can be parked in a garage as well.
The best part is the low price for high performance. This is the best riding lawn mower for the money.
Perfect for 2 Acres
5. Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek Automatic 46-Inch Riding Lawn Mower
Engine: The 19 horsepower (540CC) Briggs & Stratton Intek engine supplies more than enough power to mow your 2 acres yard in about 1 hour.
Automatic Transmission: It has foot-pedal automatic transmission with a continues variable transmission feature. Automatic Transmission system allows you to operate smoothly without the use of any clutch for speed.
Cutting Deck: The cutting width of this mower is 46 inches. This is an ideal size for a 2 acres yard and will cut the whole grass in lesser passes as compared to other smaller mowers. The cutting deck can be adjusted up or down at 5 different positions.
Side discharge: It comes with a side discharge option. It simply throws out the grass clippings.
Seat: You will find a comfortable mid-back seat on this mower allowing you to sit and relax while mowing.
Warranty: This mower comes with a limited warranty of 2 years which means the warranty is only for certain parts or certain types of defects.
Opinion:
It is a powerful machine with a strong engine and deck to save you some time and energy. The deck is reliable and made of 13 gauge steel.
This mower is capable of mowing in reverse which is good when you are mowing a large area. The soft-touch steering wheel will not let your arms get exhausted.
Overall, this machine is built to work in a bigger yard.
Useful for Rough Terrain
6. Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Engine: Husqvarna has incorporated 27 horsepower endurance engines in this machine which is equivalent to 877.5CC. It is a powerful engine for such a heavily built machine.
Speed: This riding mower comes with 8.5 miles per hour forward speed and 4.5 miles per hour reverse speed.
Cutting deck: The cutting width of the deck is 61 inches. This is even good commercial use. The deck is made up of tempered steel and is connected with an ergonomically designed deck lifting system that can be operated right from the seat.
Cutting height: It will cut between 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches. It is good not to adjust too down when mowing on rough terrain.
Discharge, Bagging, and Mulching: This is a 3-in-1 riding lawn mower allowing you to discharge or bag the clippings. It has a triple bag option to collect the grass clippings. Also, it can mulch the grass to recycle it.
Vibration Dampers: It comes with vibration dampers that reduce the vibrations occurring under the deck while mowing. This feature makes it more efficient for rough terrains.
Seat and hand grips: It has high-back seat with armrests and foam-padded hand grips to ensure complete comfort when you are moving on rough terrain.
Opinion:
This zero-turn riding lawn mower is a powerful and commercial-graded machine. It is good for rough terrains for its heavyweight which ensures better traction and for high-end performance.
It is speedy and efficient and leaves no room to disappoint at any point. All in all, it is recommended for rough surfaces.
Best fit for Home use
7. Husqvarna LTH1738, 38 in. 17 HP Loncin Hydrostatic Gas Riding Lawn Mower
Engine: The engine generates 17 horsepower energy which is equivalent to 552.5CC. It is even good when you have a large property.
Cutting Deck: This mower has a cutting deck built to last for a longer period of time. It is a reinforced cutting deck with 38 inches of cutting width which is quite good for residential use especially if you have a mid-sized yard.
Hydrostatic Transmission: This transmission system is advanced technology. It ensures not only the high-end performance but also better control. Also, it requires almost no maintenance.
Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is ergonomically designed. The use of ergonomics in the design of the steering wheel adds more comfort when you are riding this mower.
Air-induction mowing technology: This technology draws air from within the deck and improves the quality of cut.
Seat: The mid-back seat is comfortable and adjustable.
Optional Add-ons: Husqvarna lawn tractors can be equipped with add-ons to add versatility. Add-on attachments may include towable accessories & mulching kit.
Opinion:
In terms of size and power, this riding lawn mower is a good choice if you are looking for a lawn tractor for your residence. It will take good care of your lawn and gives consistently the same even cut.
Its air-induction system ensures a consistently clean cut every time you use it. Overall, it is a good product that will add more beauty to your lawn as well as reduce human efforts.
Priced Under 2000
8. Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower
Engine: An 18.5 hp Briggs and Stratton Intek engine is a powerful engine in such a low price range. Briggs and Stratton Intek engine series includes the high-end performance engines. It is an OHV single-cylinder engine capable of deflecting and ejecting grass and debris to make it durable.
Hydrostatic transmission: It employs foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission. Such an operation is just like driving your car. The pedal operation leaves your hands reserved for steering wheel only for better driving control.
Cutting Deck: The deck is reinforced to be stronger and reliable. It has a cutting width of 42 inches. The deck is equipped with dual anti-scalp wheels for improving manoeuvrability and stability.
Air-induction mowing technology: This feature is available in our previous model as well. This technology helps to get a clear and even cut every time.
Reverse Mowing: It has a reverse mowing feature which can be activated simply by turning a switch. Mowing forward and reverse will save more time.
Opinion:
This riding lawn mower is good for mid-sized and large yards. It has 16 inches turn radius and it is too good for a price under $2000. It is equipped with a powerful engine and a strong deck which makes it a reliable and durable product.
If you are looking for a riding mower that can stand among the expensive riding lawn mowers in terms of performance, this is the right one.
Under 1000
9. Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc Briggs
Engine: This mower incorporates a 190CC engine which is around 6 horsepower. The engine is manufactured by Briggs & Stratton which is an asset of this machine.
Cutting Deck: The cutting deck is made of 13 gauge steel which makes it too strong for a small mower. It’s cutting width is 26 inches which is highly beneficial for small yards.
Three-speed transmission: It employs three-speed transmissions. All three are used for moving forward and one of them is used for the reverse as well.
Cutting height: The cutting height can be adjusted between 1.5 inches to 4 inches.
Warranty: Company offers a two years warranty on the purchase of this product.
Opinion:
This is a compact riding mower built to be used for smaller yards. It can work efficiently on a lawn with obstacles i.e. furniture items or trees.
You can find nothing better than this under $1000. It is an electric start riding mower and ready to mow your lawn whenever you make up your mind for it.
It has 30 inches to 40 inches turning radius which is a little bigger for its size. Otherwise, it is the best riding lawn mower under $1000.
Riding Lawn Mower with Warranty
10. Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower, 48″/Twin
Engine: Husqvarna equipped this riding lawn mower with a 24 horsepower Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine which is equivalent to 724CC. V-Twin engines are dual cylinder engines that are more efficient and deliver comparatively better cut.
Cutting Deck: The cutting width of this mower is 48 inches which makes it good for 3 acres or above. This is durable and reliable and therefore, the company offers a big warranty on it.
Auto Transmission: The automatic transmission works like a pedal in the car that controls speed. It gives variable speed.
Air-induction mowing technology: This feature improves the grass-lift and ensures consistent fine cut.
Fender-mounted deck lever: The deck lever is mounted on the fender which allows you to adjust the cutting height while sitting on the mower. It comes with an incorporated spring that smoothens the operations when you lift up or down the deck.
Warranty: Husqvarna offers 3 years limited warranty and 5 years warranty of frame or chassis and the front axle. Not only this, a 10-year consumer warranty of cutting deck.
Opinion:
This is the best riding lawn mower for a warranty. It’s not good just for the best warranty but also it comes with features that enhance the performance of this mower.
It is a sturdy and reliable machine all equipped to manicure your lawn. The parts of this machine are reliable and durable. Overall, it is a complete lawn care product.
Commercial Graded
11. Swisher Z3166CPKA Big MOW 31 HP/66 in. Kawasaki Commercial Pro Front Deck ZTR Zero Turn Mower, 66″, Black
Engine: The extraordinarily powerful engine for a mower manufactured by Kawasaki supplies 31 horsepower equivalent to 999CC power. The high power of this engine makes this mower a forcible machine.
Cutting deck: The cutting width of the deck is 66 inches. The deck is well built to mow even the toughest grass types. It is electronically controlled to adjust the cutting height and can be tilted-up for cleaning purposes.
Cutting height: It will cut between 1.25 inches to 5 inches. This is the highest cutting range in our list of mowers being discussed in this article.
Rapid Response Control System: It is an ergonomically designed system that aids the rider to control this big mower and makes steering duck soup.
Hydro gear 3400 Transmission: It is a self-contained transmission system that transfers and controls the power supplied by the engine. Its basic purpose is to provide extremely variable speed between the speed ranges.
Electric PTO Warner Clutch: The power-take-off clutch is electric and is used to spin the three sharp blades placed beneath the deck. It is a rugged designed clutch specially manufactured for commercial mowers. It is durable and maintenance-free.
Blades: It comes with 3 G6 commercial grade mulching blades. These blades are usually 0.25 inches thick and 3 inches wide. They are popular for their superior longevity and the fine cut they render.
Suspension seat: The adjustable suspension is more comfortable and protects your body from the vibrations and jolts.
Opinion:
This is entitled BIG MOW by its manufacturer and it truly deserves the title. It is a commercial graded zero-turn mower that comes with the largest cutting width and the most powerful engine. The use of advanced technology and ergonomics make it ideal for large landscapes.
It is capable of running at 10 miles per hour which means it can mow around 6 acres in an hour. So, this is the best you can get if you are looking for a professional riding lawn mower.
Electric/Battery-Powered
12. Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower RY48111
Batteries: Ryobi RY48111 is incorporated with 100 Ah Lead Acid Batteries which supplies enough power to run for 2 – 2.5 hours.
Loudness: This riding lawn mower works quietly and doesn’t make a noise. It emits just 70 decibels of sound which almost a silent mode as compared to gas-powered mowers.
Cutting Deck: The cutting width of this mower is 38 inches and the deck has 2 blades working under it.
Cutting height: The cutting height can be adjusted up to 12 different positions and can be adjusted between 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches.
Headlights: It comes with LED headlights which makes it useful in the night as well.
Opinion:
This mower is good for comparatively smaller or mid-sized yards. Among electric battery-operated riding lawn mowers, this one is a powerful and reliable mower. It comes with a variety of features that will help you to reduce your mowing time.
The best part is the environmentally friendly power supply. It does not emit gases that harm the environment and doesn’t make much noise.
Overall, it is the best battery powered riding lawn mower.
Buying Guide
A huge variety of riding lawn mowers is available in the market. Anyone can confuse himself/herself about what to buy and what not to. There are the following factors that must be considered when buying a riding lawn mower.
Cutting deck: The cutting deck should be durable and reliable. It should be built to face tough terrain. The cutting decks made of steel are ideal for this job.
Cutting Width: Cutting width matters a lot. Sometimes, you don’t need a large cutting width because of the obstacles in your yard. Riding lawn mowers with large cutting width will finish up the job in no time but still, they are unable to get between the trees and tight spaces in your lawn. So, better consider the cutting width before making a purchase.
Engine: The engine must be manufactured by a reliable company. For example, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki are making power engines for a long time and they are well known in the market. Therefore, they are trustable. Secondly, engine capacity should be enough to supply power to the riding mower, not only for the speed but to perform all the other functions effectively.
Type of riding lawn mower: There are two major types of riding lawn mowers i.e. ZTR (Zero-turn lawn mower), riding lawn tractors. Zero-turn mowers are usually the sturdiest ones and they come with larger cutting width and engine power. They are a good choice for larger yards and for the yards with obstacles.
The riding lawn tractors are a bit smaller in size and they offer little smaller cutting width. Their engine power is lesser than the zero-turn mowers and they are less manoeuvrable than ZTR. However, there are lawns out there that can only afford to have a lawn tractor working them.
Do riding mowers have tubeless tires?
Most of the riding lawn mowers have tubeless tires. Their tires are manufactured to work without any tube.
Can you ride lawn mower while in pregnancy?
Lyme disease is common in long grass and pregnant women should avoid going to such areas. Also, riding mowers are notorious for tipping-over if you lose your control or make any mistake. It is better to stay away from a riding mower during pregnancy even when you are not riding it.
How riding lawn mower works?
The riding lawn mowers work like other self-propelled mowers as they mow bag and mulch the grass. They are built for high-end performance and are capable of cutting grass spread on acres of land. They obtain their power from heavy engines incorporated in them. Some of them come with a steering wheel and some with steering bars. In either of the case, you sit on a seat and give it directions to move on or stop.
Can I rent a riding lawn mower?
Yes! You can avail of a riding lawn mower without paying a lot of money to own it. You find facilities that offer rent to own it for a specified time period. They can be easily found on Google.
How can my riding lawn mower last longer?
To improve the longevity of your mower, it is important to take good care of it. Well maintained lawn mowers can last longer. Always remove gas/oil from the oil tank after the end of the mowing season to avoid rust and carburettor problems. Also, clean your mower after every use and do not let grass clippings and mud remain on it for long.
Which riding lawn mower is good for my yard?
It depends on the size and type of terrain. If you have a small yard, a big riding mower will be hard to manoeuvre around and hard to be stored. It will break your bank and will be doing too little of the job it is built for. It is better to choose a small riding lawn mower for a small yard and vice versa.
Leave a Reply