Riding lawn mower is characterized by a grass-cutting machine and a driver’s seat. Simply put, it refers to the lawn mowers that are not walk behind mowers but driven by a rider. These mowers are meant for large gardens and are equipped with powerful engines and large cutting decks.
In addition, riding mowers have specific features like the presence of cup holders, a parking brake and suspension under the seat.
This article is about best riding lawn mowers but before we go on to script down the models, check some useful information below which would be helpful in finding the mower which is beneficial for you.
Choosing the best riding mower may be very tough online and in the market depending on the options you need but if you figure out your need and know how to choose it, it becomes easier.
**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
Before moving to our best riding mowers list check out our top pick.
Cub Cadet XT1 – Top Pick For Best Riding Lawn Mower
Cub Cadet XT1 is largely suitable for yard with greater incline owing to the presence of a gasoline engine. It comes with different cutting deck sizes 42 upto 54 inches which can be lifted through six height adjustments. Similarly with different engine ratings of 18HP to 24HP.
Having said that, Cub Cadet XT1 46″ is highly reputable and the most selling riding mower model on Homedepot. It contains a headlight so it can be used at nights too; a quality which is not a part of the majority of other models.
Features:
- 18 HP to 24 HP Kohler engine
- Available in cutting deck sizes: 42, 46 & 54 inches wide
- 6 cutting heights
- Offers reverse mowing action
- Headlights present
- Wash deck port
- 3-year warranty
10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers For The Money
We discussed the top models of riding lawn mowers categorically. This would make things very easy because you need not read the whole article just to locate the mower suiting your need.
I hope you’ll find the mower of your dreams. Happy finding!
Best Riding Lawn Mower For 1 Acre
Below 1 acre lawn can be easily mowed by self propelled mowers whereas 1 acre yard can be handled by the commercial walk behind mowers or riding mowers with the cutting decks of 30-48 inches. So, the selection depends on the time you are ready to give to the mowing job.
Usually, residential gardens are not greater than an acre, therefore, we have chosen a small riding mower as our top pick for this category. If you are looking mowers for tiny gardens or small yard less than 1 acre then check out our buying guide of best lawn mowers for small yards.
This is one of the best petrol lawn mowers for small to medium gardens and has been included in this category particularly because of its height adjustments.
It carries a cutting deck of width 34 inches which is 12 inches thick and contains three sharp blades that can cut long grass effectively. The deck can be raised through 7 heights and cut grass from 1.5-4.5 inches which renders it suitable for handling patches of overgrown grass. The material used for its fabrication is steel.
It is powered by a 19HP Kohler 6000 series engine and contains an oil filter that protects the engine from adulterated oil. The engine along with the mower offers a warranty of 3 years which pretty much depicts the type of quality you have at hand. Not many mowers will offer such a healthy warranty.
Owing to its 5-gallon fuel tank, it can be used for multiple lawn mowing turns and its ability to steer following a zero turn radius makes it even more effective. In addition to it, the seat is very snug, 18 inches long and the driver can easily reach all the controls by sitting.
Features:
- 34-inch cutting deck
- 7 height adjustments and cut the grass from 1.5-4.5 inches
- 19HP Kohler 6000 series engine
- 3-year warranty
- 5-gallon fuel tank
- Zero turning radius
- Comfortable 18-inch driver seat
Best Ride On Lawn Mower For 2 Acre
2 acre yards demand larger cutting decks and we have chosen the model accordingly. It is difficult for a 2-acre land to be all flat entirely hence we have considered the factor of inclines as well and chosen the model which can handle uneven paths and rough terrains too.
Powered by a 100Ah battery that provides a total run time of 2 to 2.5 hours, is very reliable. Owing to the twin 19-inch cutting blades, it is driven with dual brushless motors. It provides a clean and silent grass cut and one can easily be mistaken as to whether the mower is turned on or not especially when the clades are disengaged.
It has a rear-wheel-drive transmission and supports all three types of grass cutting capabilities. In addition to it, it has a tight cutting radius with a top speed of 8 MPH that gets the mowing job done quickly and comfortably without missing any tight corner. Frames are fashioned out of steel and have a compact design that won’t take too much space in your garage.
Features:
- 38-inch cutting deck
- 100Ah battery which provides a runtime of 2.5 hours
- 2 brushless motors
- Silent operation
- 3-in-1 cutting capability
- Steel frame and compact design for easy storage
- Rear wheel drive
- Cutting height from 1.5-4.5 inches
This yellow machine would look highly attractive while whirling around in the green grass but it isn’t all looks. The utility is massive.
Powered by 18HP Kohler engine, it can cut grass of your ground at a reasonable pace. It has a rear wheel drive so you have the freedom to access all sorts of terrain with this machine. The cutting deck is 42 inches wide which can handle a large patch of overgrown grass along the run. Its hydrostatic transmission is efficient enough to drive it uphill without any chances of tipping over.
Moreover, it offers reverse cut operation as well which becomes particularly useful on hilly terrains because it is very difficult to turn the mower on slopes. There is a dedicated wash port to wipe off the grass clippings and a headlight to get the mowing job done in dark too. Driving seat is equipped with a great suspension, deck lift and speed mechanisms are located in close vicinity and large wheels are rugged enough to handle all sorts of grass.
You even get the cruise control which enables you to sit back on the seat and let the mower cruise along at a constant speed. Some customers complained about the plastic parts in the engine but we assure you, if you follow the maintenance manual properly, this 3-year-warranted product is there to stay with you for a long time.
Features:
- 18 HP Kohler engine
- Cutting deck is 42 inches wide
- 6 cutting heights
- Offers reverse mowing action
- Headlights present
- Wash deck port
- 3-year warranty
If you’re behind the mulching mowers then check out the buying guide of best mulching mowers.
If you’re not satisfied with the models listed above then check out the buying guide of Best Lawn Mowers For Hills & Uneven Terrains.
Best Riding Lawn Mower For 3+ Acres
If you are mowing a 3-acre land with a slow mower in terms of moving and cutting speed both, it would take ages to get the grass you desire, therefore, we had to choose the model which is not only equipped with a powerful engine but has fast-moving blade configuration as well.
With a 52-inch cutting deck that is fabricated with 10-gauge steel and is 4.5-inch deep, this zero turn mower is our top pick for 3-acre gardens.
The mower is furnished with a strong Kawasaki engine that is rated at a horsepower of 23. It is a 4-stroke engine and the pistons are arranged in V-shape for efficient and silent operation.
The electronic spark ignition makes sure that it kicks off even in cold weather.
The most noticeable feature is, however, the height adjustments it can manage. You can cut grass of heights 1.5-4.5 inches through quarter-inch increments. That means you can handle any type of grass and terrain with this zero turn mower. Be it mowing grass along flower beds or small inclines with water features bordering them, you can do it all.
Furthermore, the frame is very durable, seats are highly padded, controls are easy-to-use. Wheels are large and rugged enough to go over wet grass especially the rear wheels give this mower enhanced traction and maneuverability. You can also mulch or bag with this riding mower.
Features:
- 52-inch cutting deck
- 13 height adjustments
- 23HP Kawasaki engine
- Zero turn cutting radius
- Durable frame
- Padded seats and rugged wheels
If you’re looking lawn mower for wet grass cutting then check buying guide of best lawn mowers for cutting wet grass.
Best Riding Lawn Mower For 5 Acres
Such a large piece of the garden are usually available commercially only. One who can afford such yards can also manage to spend plenty on a lawn mower due to which we have brought forward an expensive model for this category but even at that price tag, it provides great value for the money as it is furnished with enhanced utility and supreme performance. Many customers have tested and recommended this riding lawn mower.
It is the best residential zero turn lawn mower for the money and is manufactured by a famous brand Husqvarna. If you have a large sloped yard, Husqvarna Z254 might be the best option for you.
Husqvarna has a cutting deck of width 54 inches and a mighty 26HP Kohler engine. Together, both these capabilities work in partnership to organize a perfect working scheme which can execute a superior grass cut.
It weighs below 700 pounds and is equipped with a parking brake so you can park the mower anywhere.
In addition to it, there is an air induction mowing technology incorporated in the design which draws air from above and below the deck, contributing towards a better grass cut.
The construction of this mower is very durable and the engine is present under the seat section so it is safe from rain. It supports side discharge, mulching, and bagging capability and also has ergonomic control which makes it a very likable model for residential use.
Features:
- 26HP engine
- Equipped with a parking brake
- Air induction mowing technology
- Cutting deck is 54 inches wide
- 3-in-1 cutting capability
If you’re looking lawn mowers for commercial use then check out the buying of 10 Best Commercial Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mowers.
Editor’s Verdict
If you have a large sloped yard, Husqvarna Z254 might be the best option for you. It has a cutting deck of width 54 inches and a mighty 26HP Kohler engine. Together, both these capabilities work in partnership to organize a perfect working scheme which can execute a superior grass cut. It weighs below 700 pounds and is equipped with a parking brake so you can park the mower anywhere.
In addition to it, there is an air induction mowing technology incorporated in the design which draws air from above and below the deck, contributing towards a better grass cut. The construction of this mower is very durable and the engine is present under the seat section so it is safe from rain. It supports side discharge, mulching, and bagging capability and has ergonomic control which makes it a very likable model for use.
If you are looking for the best small riding lawn mower for hills, you may choose between Cub Cadet XT1 and Ryobi 38-inch electric mower. While the first one is largely suitable for yard with greater incline owing to the presence of a gasoline engine, the later could be chosen by lawn owners who don’t mind charging the battery. It is powered by a 100Ah battery and gives an extended run time of 2.5 hours.
Both of these models are reliable and come from well-reputed brands. The Cub Cadet model contains a headlight so it can be used at nights too; a quality which would not be enjoyed by customers who opt to choose the other. The cutting deck can be lifted through six height adjustments while Ryobi offers fewer.
Best riding lawn mower for uneven terrain, according to us, is Troy-Bilt 540cc. This is largely liked because of its 20-inch rear and 15-inch front wheels that have the ability to access unlevelled terrain. It has a strong 19HP engine and driven through 7-speed settings.
Riding Lawn Mower Types
There are two types, furthermore, they can be either gasoline or electric powered riding lawn mowers.
1. Garden or Lawn Tractors
As the name suggests, they resemble a tractor with the engine upfront or on the rear and a steering wheel. The method of operation of lawn tractors is pretty straight-forward. You have to turn the steering wheel left or right to turn the mower. The cutting deck sits under your foot and its height can be controlled usually through a single lever.
2. Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
They are called so because they can be steered at a turning radius of zero which means, when you have to turn the mower, it becomes a pivot as a whole and rotates clockwise or anticlockwise without covering any distance.
The method of operation of zero turn riding mower is unique: there is a set of control handle which actually controls the wheels of both sides. To turn the mower in a particular direction, you need to pull back the handle of that side.
For example, if you want to turn right, the right handle is pulled back while the left handle is pushed in the forward direction.
Keeping both the levers together over your lap will take them to a neutral position, pushing them forward will take the mower in a forward direction while pulling it back behind the neutral position, if allowed, will either slow down the mower or take it in reverse.
Although, this is a unique manner of the steering but it takes only a few minutes to master it. By the way, this is the exact manner in which line following robots take turns.
Riding Mower Buying Criteria
There are some basic points that need to be evaluated to simplify the equation of the choice of the best riding lawn mower.
1. Yard size
It is absolutely insane to buy a lawn tractor worth $3000 with a cutting width of 54 inches for your half-acre lawn. Every garden needs a different size of the mower and we tell you how to relate these two quantities.
- Mower with cutting widths 30-42 inches is suitable for lawns up to half-acre size.
- For lawns up till 1 acre, 38-46 inches is enough.
- For Gardens bigger than an acre, you should choose from 46-60 inches cutting deck mowers.
Of course, you may opt to step aside from these comparisons depending on your personal needs but this is generally what you need to be considering.
2. Transmission
There are three types of transmissions currently installed in the riding lawn mowers.
- Manual
- Automatic
- Hydrostatic
Manual transmission is hard to use but doesn’t give away easily, automatic transmission that is very easy to handle and a hydrostatic transmission that uses fluid to transfer power.
Automatic transmission is the most inexpensive of all but may require maintenance of the quickest as well.
Normally, good brands like Husqvarna and Troy-Bilt are using the hydrostatic transmission in the mowers because they are the smoothest in operation and can provide cruise control which makes mowing operation on flatlands a piece of cake.
Apart from your personal desire on which transmission you prefer, the size and terrain of the yard will also have a definite say in the decision. If you have a very large yard, manual gearing will tire you up especially if it also contains slopes.
3. Engine Horsepower
You need to analyze the horsepower according to the size of the yard, the length of the grass and the terrain of the yard. For plain 1-acre gardens, the engine of 13-18HP is suitable while you need slightly higher ratings for inclined gardens. It should be kept in mind that the greater the power of the engine, the more expensive will the mower be.
4. Budget
Yes, very important. They say “money can’t buy happiness” but money, for sure, buys you lawn mowers. You’ll find riding lawn mowers in a price range of $1200 to $6000 depending on the features and other qualities.
No matter how accurately you arrive on the decision of your best riding lawn mower, if you are not in the possession of money required to purchase it, it’s simply goodbye.
We advise you to look for models within your price range from the start because once you get to like a model and it’s out of your price range, it would be hard to get it off your mind.
5. Terrain Type
Another significant factor. A plain yard is the simplest and can be mowed using any drive type or weight of the mower but if it is uneven, you need to have a mower with suspensions and rugged wheels.
Similarly, if the yard has inclines, a rear wheel or all-wheel drive is the preferred option. You also need to keep the weight in check when selecting models for slopes because the greater the weight, the larger is the magnitude of the opposing force when you drive up the slope.
Riding Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips
Keep Your Riding Lawn Mowers Running For A Long Time
1. Change the oil of your riding lawn mower twice a season. Cleaner oil means the engine parts will not get overworked, be well lubricated and encounter running problems less often.
2. When you fell the mowers are taking longer to start, it means it’s time to change the spark plugs.
3. Blow air in the air filter every now and then to minimize the chances engine gets overworked. It takes more doing for the engine to run if the filter is dirty.
FAQS
1. Which is the best mulching riding lawn mower?
There are many good options for mulching riding mower depending on the size of your garden and the money you have to invest. Husqvarna MZ61 is an expensive option for very large yards while Cub Cadet XT1 is suitable for smaller lawns.
2. Where can I sharpen my lawn mower’s blades?
You can sharpen the blades form any convenience store or lawn mower retailer that offers maintenance services.
3. Why is my riding lawn mower cutting the grass unevenly?
One of the reasons may be uneven tire pressure. Ensure that all the tires have equal air pressure. A second reason could be titled cutting deck. A third reason may be dull cutting blades, so get them to sharpen from a nearby store.
4. Why does my riding lawn mower blades don’t engage?
It could be because of the damaged deck drive belt. Replace the belt if it is loose or broken. If the belt is okay, look for deck parts such as pulleys, springs, and spindles. Replace the faulty part.
5. Why does the engine of my riding lawn mower run rough?
There could be various reasons. Start with the most obvious one which is stale fuel. Empty the fuel tank and refill it with fresh petrol. If that doesn’t help, check the carburetor if it is gummed up. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, check on the spark plug if it’s fouled or worn out. Replace it immediately.
- Best Commercial Zero Turn Mower for Rough Terrain 2022 - January 27, 2022
- Best Riding Lawn Mower For 1 Acre Yard To Buy In 2022 - January 27, 2022
- How to Find Used Zero Turn Lawn Mowers For Sale on Craigslist? - July 6, 2021
Last update on 2023-03-19 at 12:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API