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Best riding lawn tractor 2023


6 best riding lawn mowers in 2023, according to experts

A lawn mower can be a necessary home appliance for many homeowners, but those who have larger lawns to upkeep may find that self-propelled or push lawn mowers just don’t cut it. Experts recommend using riding lawn mowers for larger lawns since they have more powerful engines better equipped to efficiently handle bigger patches of grass. And as the name suggests, they’re designed so you can ride on top of them while you mow the lawn, which can come in handy when there’s a lot of land to tackle.

SKIP AHEAD Best riding lawn mowers | What to consider when shopping | Why trust Select?

“Unlike any other type of lawnmower, the riding ones let you just sit and steer instead of pushing a manually propelled type or walking behind a self-propelled type,” said Bryan McKenzie, a landscape designer and co-founder of Bumper Crop Times. “The riding type is much more cumbersome as it includes a larger motor and a full-sized seat, but it allows you to mow large areas significantly faster without any back fatigue — all you need is good sunscreen. ”

A riding lawn mower is typically a major investment: The average cost is anywhere between $1,000 to upwards of $3,500, according to David Steckel, a home expert at Thumbtack. This means finding the right one can be crucial, especially with so many choices on the market. To help you get started, we consulted landscaping and gardening experts to explain the difference between a riding lawn mower and other types of mowers and what to look for when shopping for one, plus rounded up some highly rated ones that align with their guidance.

What are riding lawn mowers, exactly?

Riding lawn mowers are usually quicker and easier to use than push or self-propelled lawn mowers due to their large engines and wider mowing decks, which can cut a larger area of grass in one pass. The ability to ride the mower around can also be “crucial for homeowners who experience any back issues and can’t walk behind an average lawn mower without fatigue,” said McKenzie.

Experts said that shoppers with more than three-fourths of an acre of yard would benefit from a riding lawn mower since they can significantly cut down on mowing time. However, “if your yard is less than a half an acre, a riding lawn mower can make mowing your lawn more tedious than it needs to be because of the size of the machine in comparison to the yard,” said Steckel. At that point, it’s easier (and much cheaper) to use a push or self-propelled lawn mower — these types of mowers also turn the lawn mowing process into an opportunity for exercise and physical activity.

There are three main types of riding lawn mowers to consider: traditional lawn tractors, zero turning radius (ZTR) mowers and rear engine riding mowers.

  1. Lawn tractors are gas-powered machines with a front mounted engine and a steering wheel for easy maneuvering — you simply sit on top and steer while the machine cuts the grass. “This is the most common and price-effective type of riding lawn mower,” said Steckel. They also usually have a wide turn radius, making them a good option for big lawns with slopes and hills.
  2. ZTR mowers have a rear engine and feature a better turning radius than lawn tractors as well as higher maximum speeds. “They can turn on a dime and are usually faster and more precise than other riding mower options,” said Steckel. Instead of a steering wheel, these mowers typically have a pair of levers that control which way the machine turns, which McKenzie said can “offer a better front view” compared to mowers with a wheel (some newer models, however, feature the familiar wheel). According to Michael Hill, a garden and landscape expert at Garden Guidepost, this option is best “if you have a lawn that has sharp edges, architectural design or you need to get close to obstacles.”
  3. Rear engine mowers have an engine in the back right below the seat. They’re more compact for easier storage and are usually more affordable than the other types of riding mowers, according to McKenzie. However, they tend to have smaller mowing decks (around 30 inches wide compared to at least 40 inches for other types of riding lawn mowers) and don’t tend to cut as well or as quickly as other riding mowers. “Typically if you have a lawn that is not huge but isn't small enough to use manual or push mowers, this is the best option,” said Hill.

Best riding lawn mowers to consider

To help you decide which riding lawn mower is best for you, we consulted experts on their recommended picks. We also narrowed down some highly rated options with varying cutting widths and power types for different size lawns and upkeep preferences. In general, experts recommended cutting widths of at least 30 inches for small yards under one acre, 36 inches for medium-sized yards (one to two acres), 42 inches for large yards (three to four acres) and 60 inches for even larger yards of five acres or more.

Best electric riding mower: RYOBI (out of stock)

RYOBI 38 in. 100 Ah Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower

This electric riding mower from RYOBI is a more eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers and doesn’t require the tedious gas engine maintenance. It offers a 38-inch cutting width that can be efficient for medium-sized lawns, and it features a battery that RYOBI says has up to 2. 5 hours of run time for cutting up to 2.5 acres of lawn per charge. This mower also equips LED headlights, a USB phone charger and cruise control features for added efficiency, according to the brand. However, it doesn’t have a zero turn radius, meaning it may be harder to maneuver around sharp edges or obstacles in your yard.

Best gas-powered riding mower: Toro

Toro 50 in. 23 HP TimeCutter Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

This zero-turn mower has a large 50-inch cutting width and can be a good selection for yards up to four acres, according to the brand. It features Toro’s Smart Speed Technology, which the brand says lets you control your mowing speed in three modes: 4 mph in trim mode, 5.5 mph in tow mode and up to 7 mph while mowing. This mower also equips a built-in cup holder for drinks, shock-absorbing dampeners that make rides smoother and a step-through front end that makes it easier to get on and off of the mower while you pick up debris or move obstacles out of the way, the brand says.

Best affordable riding mower: Troy-Bilt

Troy-Bilt TB 30 in. Manual Drive Gas Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly solution to maintain a smaller yard, this compact option from Troy-Bilt offers a 30-inch deck that’s enough for yards of one acre or less. Keep in mind this does have a manual transmission — which the brand calls Shift-on-the-Go transmission — that lets you choose between six speeds and adjust it accordingly using a lever.

Best riding mower for larger yards: Toro

Toro Titan 60 in. Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

This zero-turn mower from Toro has the largest cutting width of all the options on this list at 60 inches wide, making it an efficient option for larger yards that are five acres and larger. The brand says this mower’s large cutting width can cover yards with obstacles up to seven acres, and its high maximum speed of 8.5 mph makes it the fastest option we recommend. For comfort, this mower features a high-back seat with armrests and foam-padded levers with hand grips.

Best riding mower for medium yards: Weibang

Weibang WB76E E-Rider 30in. 72V Electric Riding Mower

This electric riding mower from Weibang can be great for households with medium lawns, according to Ronnie Collins, a botanist and gardening blogger for Electro Gardening Tools. This mower features a 30-inch cutting width, an adjustable seat and a pair of maneuverable front wheels — and at 309 pounds, this is the lightest option on our list. “It’s more expensive than most commercial riding mowers with gas engines and broader cutting widths, but the benefits for households with limited storage space and [its] low-maintenance construction let it win easily,” Collins said.

Best riding mower for uphill yards: Cub Cadet

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 in. Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

This Cub Cadet riding lawn mower features a 50-inch-wide cutter, a steel frame and a 23H twin engine by Kawasaki. The mower is “best suited for uphill lawns thanks to the extra power from the engine and its lower height,” said Hill. It also features dual hydrostatic transmissions that let the mower accelerate up to 7.5 mph moving forward and up to 3.5 mph in reverse. Cub Cadet also makes an electric version of this model in case you're looking for the benefits of an electric unit.

What to consider when shopping for a riding lawn mower

Since riding lawn mowers can largely vary in size and function, it’s important to consider which features work best for your lawn before splurging.

Cutting width

As we reported in our guide to lawn mowers, the cutting width of a lawn mower measures the size of the strip the machine can cut in a single pass — the wider the cutting width is, the less time it’ll take to mow your lawn. Ideal cutting width varies from 30 inches to 42 inches for one acre of grass to at least 60 inches for five acres of grass, according to McKenzie. “You can actually get by perfectly well with 36 inches on up to two-acre lawns,” he added.

The width also correlates to the number of blades within the cutting deck: Smaller tractors can have one blade, while typical lawn tractors and ZTR mowers usually have two or three blades.

Though a wider cutting width can speed up the mowing process, McKenzie noted that it can also limit a machine’s mobility. He added that in some cases, “you’ll need an extra small self-propelled lawn mower to finish narrow spaces and slopes that are too steep for your glossy ride.”

Gas versus electric mowers

Many riding lawn mowers are gas-powered, meaning they require gasoline to operate. Others, meanwhile, are electric and use a battery-powered motor that needs to be charged. Though gas riding mowers are more durable and typically better suited for large lawns, Hill cautioned that they’re usually much louder than their electric counterparts and are less eco-friendly since they emit fumes.

Electric riding mowers can be cheaper and easier to maintain since they don’t require purchasing or changing out the engine oil, among other upkeep requirements. However, electric riding mowers do have their downfalls: Their functionality is limited to the amount of time they can be used in a single charge — if you have several acres of land (or simply forget to charge the battery), the power may not be enough to cut your entire lawn in one sitting.

Transmission type

The type of transmission on your riding lawn mower can determine the machine’s speed and dictate how it handles different backyard conditions, including mud and inclines. Manual transmission provides a set number of speeds — you select the one you want by using a lever and clutch. These are primarily found in older lawn tractors — similar to older cars — and can be useful for people who are accustomed to using a gear stick or can’t control speeds as easily with the pedal.

Hydrostatic transmission, also known as automatic transmission, is the default type for most riding lawn mowers and lets you shift gears automatically by pressing down on the pedal. This type tends to last longer — according to Mckenzie, it “requires the least maintenance and [has] the smoothest performance.”

Terrain and yard size

As experts noted, the size of your lawn will determine whether you should invest in a riding lawn mower — it’s usually not worth it for homeowners with less than half an acre. However, the type of terrain can also affect how the mower is used. A lawn tractor will work well on any relatively flat lawn and on landscapes with a lot of uneven sectors, especially if it features a steering wheel that provides more control. If you have a relatively flat yard with obstacles like rocks and gravel, “a ZTR will probably show better results as it can turn 360 degrees on a small spot and pivot at sharp angles,” McKenzie said.

Engine size

Your riding mower should also have an engine that matches the size of the yard, experts told us. Since lawn tractors are usually the largest type, they can provide “enough power to quickly treat two acres to five or more acres,” said McKenzie. For smaller areas, you can use a lightweight single-cylinder engine ZTR, which is usually more affordable. Two-cylinder engines — called V-twin engines — in ZTRs are more powerful than single-cylinder engines and provide less vibration, making them quieter and more comfortable. Riding mowers with V-twin engines are recommended “for large yards with two to five or more acres,” said McKenzie.

Why trust Select?

Select writer Mili Godio covers multiple topics spanning gardening and landscaping, from push lawn mowers to garden shears. For this story, Godio spoke to multiple lawn care and landscaping experts about how to shop for riding lawn mowers and why they can be useful for homeowners. Based on their guidance and recommendations, Godio reviewed the features of highly rated riding mowers from popular brands like Troy-Bilt, RYOBI, Toro and Husqvarna.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

9 BEST Riding Lawn Mowers of 2023 [Reviews] - Lawn Care Blog

Old-fashioned push lawn mowers are great for small urban and suburban lawns – but they don’t cut the mustard for rural and exurban homeowners. Ride-on mowers are the standard for keeping large lawns beautiful and tidy.

Riding mowers come in all shapes and sizes: commercial-grade zero-turn mowers, compact rear-engine designs, high-tech electric models, and more. Finding the right fit for you can be a hassle. 

That’s why we’ve reviewed over two dozen ride-on mowers, and found the top 9 today. We looked at power, width of cutting deck, weight, special features of riding mowers to come up with our ranking. We’ve also included a helpful buying guide and FAQ to make your shopping experience a breeze.

Riding mowers range in cost from less than $2,000 to $4,000 or more. To make your choice easier, we have listed the general price (prices fluctuate) for each riding mower on our list:

Here are Lawn Love’s picks for the top 10 riding lawn mowers:

Top 10 Riding Lawn Mowers — Reviews

1. Best Overall: Husqvarna YTh28542
Category Winners
2. Best Electric Riding Mower: Ryobi RY48111
3. Best Zero-Turn Mower: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
4. Most Bang for your Buck: John Deere S120
Runners-up
5. Cub Cadet XT1
6. Troy-Bilt Pony
7. Ryobi 42-inch Zero Turn Mower
8. Husqvarna Z254
9. Toro 42-inch Timecutter

1. Best Overall: Husqvarna YTh28542

Husqvarna’s YTh28542 riding mower is designed to be compact and durable while providing enough power to cut any medium-to-large sized lawn.

Designed with maneuverability in mind, this tractor-style mower has a tight 16-inch turn radius. A single foot pedal controls a hydrostatic drivetrain for smooth transitions between forward and reverse.

The 18.5-horsepower engine is made by Briggs & Stratton, America’s most reliable small engine manufacturer. The YTh28542 can reach a top speed of 7.4 mph, making it one of the fastest tractor-style mowers on the market.

Despite its compact size, Husqvarna has packed a ton of features into this machine. The 42-inch deck uses air induction to keep your grass from flattening under the mower, ensuring a clean cut every time. Dual anti-scalp wheels protect your lawn from the mower deck when passing over uneven terrain.

Husqvarna offers a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty on new mowers.

A clipping bag and mulching kit are sold separately to increase this lawn tractor’s utility. The YTh28542 is also compatible with Husqvarna’s whole line of tow-behind accessories.

Specifications

Power Source: 18.5 hp Briggs & Stratton Intek engine
Transmission: Foot-operated hydrostatic transmission
Top Speed: 7.4 mph
Deck Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 6 positions, 1.5 to 4 inches
Price Range: Moderate

ProsCons
✓ Compact for storage and maneuverability
✓ Durable steel construction
✓ Reliable Briggs & Stratton engine
✓ High-end hydrostatic transmission
✓ 3-year warranty		✗ Attachments sold separately
✗ No fuel gauge
Where to Buy

Lowe’s

Rural King

2.

Best Electric Riding Mower: Ryobi RY48111

An improvement on the original RY48110, Ryobi’s new generation of riding mowers features a state-of-the-art 100 amp-hour battery, allowing for up to 2.5 hours of continuous mowing on a single charge.

The 38-inch cutting deck can fit into tight spots and create precise cuts around garden beds and landscape features. Three separate brushless motors power the wheels and two blades, delivering cutting power comparable to a gas-powered mower. The Ryobi RY48111 has a top speed of 8 mph, making it the fastest mower on this list.

The RY48111 also is the quietest riding mower on the market, never exceeding 70 decibels. What this means: You can mow bright and early without disturbing the neighbors.

Other things we liked about this riding mower:

Specifications

Power Source: 100 Ah battery, 3 brushless motors
Transmission: None
Top Speed: 8 mph
Deck Width: 38 inches
Cutting Height: 12 positions, 1.5 to 4.5 inches
Price Range: Moderate

ProsCons
✓ Low-maintenance – no gas, filters, belts, or spark plugs
✓ Zero emissions
✓ Quiet
✓ Compact for storage and maneuvering
✓ Mulching included		✗ Can cut only 2.5 acres per day
Where to Buy

Amazon

Home Depot

3.

Best Zero-Turn Mower: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

A top-of-the-line mower for residential markets, Cub Cadet’s Ultima series makes short work of the largest lawns. Driven by a 22-horsepower Kohler engine, this machine can reach a forward speed of 7.5 mph.

A fully adjustable racing-style seat provides ultimate comfort while operating the ZT1. The lap bar control is also adjustable in three dimensions to ensure precise maneuvering. Dual LED headlights help you cut in low-light conditions, and the rubberized cockpit floor reduces vibrations.

The 20-inch rear wheels and 11-inch front wheels offer enough traction to tackle gentle hills, and are engineered to protect your turf while pivoting. A 3.5-gallon gas tank lets you spend more time mowing and less time refueling.

Cub Cadet offers a three-year, unlimited hour powertrain warranty and a lifetime warranty on the frame. The ZT1 also comes in a 50-inch version for added efficiency and coverage. Cub Cadet has also recently released the Ultima ZT1 56V MAX60 electric zero-turn.

Specifications

Power Source: 22 hp, 725 cc Kohler 7000 series twin-cylinder engine
Transmission: Dual hydrostatic transmissions
Top Speed: 7.5 mph
Deck Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 15 positions, 1 to 4.5 inches
Price Range: Moderate

ProsCons
✓ Powerful 22 hp engine
✓ Fully adjustable seat and controls
✓ Best-in-class warranty		✗ No gas gauge
✗ Attachments sold separately
Where to Buy

Home Depot

Tractor Supply

4. Most Bang for your Buck: John Deere S120

If you have thick grass or heavy brush on your property, the 22-horsepower John Deere S120 delivers heavy-duty power at an affordable price.

The high-torque engine makes the S120 great for cutting thick grass and hauling heavy loads. John Deere makes a wide range of tow-behind and front-mounted accessories, such as spreaders and snow plows. This little lawn tractor does the work of more expensive models with ease.

The S120 has large 22-inch rear wheels and an 18-inch turning radius. The high-back seat is fully adjustable, including lumbar support.

The 100-series also includes the inexpensive S100 and the highly acclaimed S180. The entire line is compliant with the CARB California emissions standards and is backed by John Deere’s 2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Specifications

Power Source: 22 hp V-twin engine
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Top Speed: 5.5 mph
Deck Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 13 positions, 1 to 4 inches
Price Range: Moderate

ProsCons
✓ High horsepower engine
✓ California-compliant
✓ Easy-to-read gas gauge		✗ Slow
✗ All accessories sold separately
Where to Buy

Home Depot

John Deere

Runners-up

5.

Cub Cadet XT1

The XT1 is Cub Cadet’s most popular lawn tractor. Powered by an 18-horsepower Kohler engine, this machine is designed with comfort in mind. It features a wide-bottomed, high-backed seat with adjustable back support and an ergonomic, anti-vibration steering wheel.

A smooth hydrostatic transmission, responsive steering, and cruise control make the XT1 easy to operate. A proprietary paint protects the tractor from corrosion. A quick-connect deck wash system lets you plug in an ordinary garden hose for easy cleaning.

This Cub Cadet has long-lasting LED headlights and is backed by a three-year powertrain warranty and five-year chassis/axle warranty.

Specifications

Power Source: 18 hp Kohler 5400 Series single cylinder engine
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Top Speed: 5.5 mph
Deck Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 5 positions, 1 to 4 inches
Price Range: Moderate

ProsCons
✓ Best-in-class warranty
✓ California-compliant
✓ Comfortable		✗ Slow
✗ All accessories sold separately
Where to Buy

Home Depot

Tractor Supply

Cub Cadet

6.

Troy-Bilt Pony

If you’re looking for a budget option but still want a tractor-style mower, the Troy-Bilt Pony is your best bet. Though the Pony isn’t the most powerful mower on the market, it has all the features you need to keep a medium- to large-sized lawn neatly mown.

Built around a reliable 15.5-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, this Troy-Bilt lawn tractor can easily tackle regular mowing jobs. The 7-speed “shift-on-the-go” manual transmission is designed to smoothly move from one gear to the next.

Other highlights:

Specifications

Power Source: 15.5 hp single cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine
Transmission: 7-speed manual
Top Speed: 5.5 mph
Deck Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 5 positions, 1. 25 to 3.75 inches
Price Range: Inexpensive

ProsCons
✓ Reliable Briggs & Stratton engine
✓ California compliant
✓ Affordable		✗ Low power output
✗ Manual transmission
✗ Few cutting height options
Where to Buy

Home Depot

Walmart

Tractor Supply

Troy-Bilt

7. Ryobi 42-inch Zero Turn Mower

Ryobi’s mastery of electric power doesn’t end at rear-engine mowers. Ryobi went all-out to design an eco-friendly zero-turn mower that can hold its own against its gas competition.

Powered by four separate motors, one for each driving wheel and one per blade, this zero-turn mower distributes exactly the right amount of power to the components that need it most. The 75 amp-hour battery can last up to 2. 5 hours of constant mowing, making short work of yards up to 3 acres.

A 7 mph top speed and fast, responsive turns let you mow farther and faster than other electric mowers. The battery charges overnight from a standard 120-volt outlet. A digital meter keeps track of the battery level and hours of use. This zero-turn mower has powerful LED headlights, two cupholders, and a USB charging port.

This Ryobi mower doesn’t quite produce enough power to tackle thick brush or wild growth, but it is perfectly capable of handling standard grasses. This mower comes with mulching capability, and a bagging system is sold separately.

Specifications

Power Source: 75 Ah battery, 4 brushless motors
Transmission: None
Top Speed: 7 mph
Deck Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 12 positions, 1.5 to 4.5 inches
Price Range: Expensive

ProsCons
✓ Low-maintenance – no gas, filters, belts, or spark plugs
✓ Zero-emission
✓ Fast and powerful
✓ Mulching included		✗ Narrow mowing deck
✗ Can run for only  2. 5 hours a day
Where to Buy

Amazon

Home Depot

8. Husqvarna Z254

This Husqvarna zero-turn mower is ready for heavy-duty work with a 26-horsepower engine and a 54-inch cutting deck. With the most powerful engine on this list, the Z254 makes short work of lawns and fields.

Though the Husqvarna Z254 costs more than the Cub Cadet mentioned above, customers with massive yards or dense, wild growth areas can benefit from the added power.

Because of its focus on cutting power, the Husqvarna Z254 is a little slower than other zero-turn models on the market. It has a single-lever deck height adjustment with six positions. The Z254 uses Husqvarna’s air induction system to keep grass upright for a cleaner cut. This zero-turn mower also is equipped with a “ready start” system for easy operation.

Specifications

Power Source: 26 hp Kohler engine
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Top Speed: 6. 5 mph
Deck Width: 54 inches
Cutting Height: 6 positions, 1.5 to 4 inches
Price Range: Moderate

ProsCons
✓ Powerful 26 hp engine
✓ Wide cutting deck
✓ Easy-start		✗ No gas gauge
✗ Seat not adjustable
Where to Buy

Amazon

Lowe’s

Husqvarna

9. Toro 42-inch Timecutter

The last entry on our list, the Toro Timecutter series features a “Smart Speed” system that automatically adjusts the lap bars’ sensitivity to your operating pace. How cool is this? It has three modes of operation that redirect engine power:

Other things we like about Toro’s Timecutter:

Toro offers a 3-year, unlimited-hour residential warranty. The Timecutter is compliant with California emissions standards. Owners of larger yards should check out their 23hp 50-inch version and 23hp 54-inch model.

Specifications

Power Source: 18 hp Kawasaki V-Twin Engine
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Top Speed: 7 mph
Deck Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches
Price Range: Moderate

ProsCons
✓ Multiple operation modes
✓ Comfortable cab		✗ Low engine power
✗ No gas gauge
Where to Buy

Home Depot

Tractor Supply

Buyers Guide: Riding Lawn Mowers

Buying a ride-on mower is a big decision. With so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This buyers guide will walk you through the types of riding mowers on the market and outline the important factors to consider. We’ll also explain how we came up with our rankings.

Types of Riding Lawn Mower

Riding lawn mowers are not all the same. While most ride-on mowers run on gasoline, several electric mowers have hit the market in recent years. Whether gas or electric, riding mowers tend to come in three general body shapes.

Rear-Engine

Rear-engine riding mowers are the most compact and least expensive model. The engine (or electric motor) is mounted behind the operating seat. This gives rear-engine mowers great front visibility but can affect their turn radius. With smaller cutting decks, rear-engine mowers can fit through gates and are great for medium-sized lawns.

Lawn Tractor

The standard riding lawn mower for over a century, the lawn tractor has a front-mounted engine that powers the wheels and cutting deck. Lawn tractors typically have cutting decks around 42 inches, though higher-horsepower tractors may be larger. Recent models may have automatic or hydrostatic transmissions, though many are manual.

Zero-Turn

The zero-turn mower has been around since the 1960s and has risen to prominence in the last 20 years. These high-tech machines use a hydraulic system to control the two powered wheels independently, allowing them to rotate on a dime.

Zero-turn mowers are typically controlled by a pair of levers across the operator’s lap and can be tricky to maneuver without practice. Their shape allows zero turns to sport wider decks. Zero-turns are usually a little more expensive but are the best choice for large yards.

Electric

With fossil fuels on the decline and rising gas prices, it may be the right time to invest in a battery-powered riding lawn mower. New advancements in green technology have led to some truly impressive eco-friendly lawn mowers from several manufacturers. With batteries that last up to three hours on a single charge, electric mowers can deliver similar power outputs to gas models.

What to Look for in a Riding Lawn Mower

Riding lawn mowers are complicated machines, and it’s important to consider a variety of specs when comparing them. We looked at several details and features to determine utility and cost-effectiveness for our top 9 picks.

Power

An important stat for any tool, the power of a riding lawn mower’s engine will determine your top speed and your blade torque. Gas engines of this size usually measure in terms of horsepower (hp), while large batteries measure amperage per hour of use (Ah).

Consider a higher-horsepower engine if you plan to cut thick brush or wild growth. Low-to-medium power is usually adequate for standard grass lawns.

Cutting width

A wider machine increases your coverage on each pass across the yard. Wider machines are more efficient, but require more power to operate and are therefore more expensive.

Deck Height

Adjustable decks are standard in modern lawn mowers. Most of them can cut grass between around 1.5 inches and around 4 inches, with several increments in between. This feature is usually more a matter of preference than necessity.

Special Features

Manufacturers like to add comfort and utility features to their riding lawn mowers to make them stand out. Features like cupholders, USB chargers, and anti-vibration steering wheels are great for getting more enjoyment out of mowing. Some models include mulching kits or leaf bags, while other manufacturers sell them as separate attachments.

Price

The most important factor in choosing the right mower is your budget. Riding mowers are a big purchase, and we recommend you shop at a few different vendors and local dealers to find the best deal. We quantify the above features and compare them to cost, to help you get the best value.

FAQ About Riding Lawn Mowers

1. What is the best ride-on mower to buy?

Our research shows that the best riding lawn mower is the Husqvarna YTh28542. We chose this as our top riding mower for its reliability and utility relative to price. Other standouts: We also found that the best zero-turn mower is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 and the best rear-engine mower is the electric Ryobi RY48111.

2. What is a hydrostatic transmission?

Hydrostatic drivetrains rely on hydraulic fluid to transfer power from the engine to the blade or wheels. Because there are no gearboxes involved, power can smoothly increase and decrease along the drivetrain without the need for manual shifting.

This increases engine efficiency and allows power to flow differently to each part of the machine. Zero-turn mowers use this method to supply power to both wheels independently.

3. How much should I spend on a riding mower?

Riding lawn mowers are a big investment. Although some budget riding lawn mowers will cost under $2,000, the majority of residential-use models are priced between $2,000 and $4,000. Plan to spend around $3,000 on a new ride-on mower, or shop around local dealers for discounted prices on pre-owned machines.

When to Call a Lawn Care Pro

Riding lawn mowers are a hefty investment and they take up space in your garage. If you’d rather a lawn care pro keep your grass green and healthy, we can help.  Lawn Love pros can give your yard a professional manicure at affordable prices. Call 800-706-4117 to see how a professional lawn care crew can show your yard some Lawn Love.

Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Main Photo Credit: Shutterstock photo with text overlay

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Stephen Kime

Stephen Kime is a freelance writer and professional actor based in Washington, D. C. When he isn't in rehearsal, Stephen enjoys running, hiking, and experimenting with new cocktail recipes.

Posts by Stephen Kime

Best Garden Tractors 2022

Machines for lawn care and grass mowing can be called the basis of the entire landscape gardening equipment market. There are exactly two reasons for this: the highest demand and the maximum variety of types - from mechanical lawn mowers and electric trimmers to large garden tractors. The latter, in turn, are also divided into several groups, which further complicates the choice. In this regard, we are launching a small series of articles in which we will talk about the features of the equipment of each group, as well as traditionally suggest the top 5 models among the current range. First in line are the best garden tractors of this season.

Purpose and features

A garden tractor is essentially a large, powerful self-propelled lawn mower designed to work on large areas - from about 20-35 acres. To do this, it is equipped with a seat and handlebar so that the operator does not have to walk the entire area, and a wide mowing deck with 2, and sometimes 3 knives, so that you can cover the entire area in a minimum number of passes.

Garden tractors differ not only in design, but also in the system for ejecting mowed grass, and the group we will discuss in more detail today is closest to the classic lawn mower. These are tractors with a grass collector - a large basket located in the rear, where mowed grass is sent through a special channel coming from the deck. Accordingly, after mowing, it is not necessary to remove it from the site. It is enough to drive to the place allotted for this purpose and empty the grass catcher using the lever.

And, of course, the tractor remains a tractor - a powerful and multifunctional machine. In this regard, almost all models have a rear hitch for equipping, for example, with a trolley, which will be useful not only in gardening.

And now, having dealt with the purpose and features, you can proceed to the rating of the best models of the season. And, as usual, we remind you that they are located randomly in the list and absolutely all of them are worthy of your attention when choosing.

Top 5 Garden Tractors 2022

Al-Ko T 15-93.2 HD-A Easy

Despite belonging to the household class, the tractor T 15-93.2 HD-A Easy 123014 fully justifies its origin: after all, Al-Ko is a brand of the first echelon. Therefore, the technical characteristics here are appropriate:

But the benefits don't end there. The machine is made in a factory in Austria and the build quality is perfect. And it also has a very pleasant warranty period - 4 years.

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Caiman Rapido Eco 2WD 97D1C

This tractor already belongs to the next, "intermediate" class of semi-professional equipment. This means that in terms of technical equipment, functionality, reliability and comfort, it practically corresponds to models for commercial use, but at the same time the price is lower. Accordingly, Caiman Rapido Eco 2WD 97D1C is best suited either for active private use with high loads (an excellent option for owners of large plots - more than 50 acres), or for infrequent professional (commercial) use.

What is interesting about this particular model?

And this tractor also has a very comfortable seat with armrests and a record warranty period (even despite the initial focus on high loads) - 5 years.

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Caiman Rapido 2WD 97D2K

The Caiman garden tractors we have chosen for our selection of the best garden tractors look like twin brothers, but they have significant differences in characteristics. And if the first model focuses on environmental friendliness, then here it is on performance. Caiman Rapido 2WD 97D2K is one of the most powerful machines in the classic form factor (for ordinary lawns) - it has a maximum engine power of 20 hp. By the way, the engine here is extremely worthy and reliable - a professional Japanese 2-cylinder V-shaped Kawasaki. It has about twice the engine life and 20% less fuel consumption than similar solutions from other manufacturers.

The second important difference is the differential lock with a pedal. It is relevant for any season. For example, it is convenient to use it on lawns with difficult terrain, so as not to leave traces of slippage, as well as in winter, when clearing snow with an installed blade.

Otherwise, in terms of technical equipment, this model is almost similar to the previous one.

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Stiga Estate Special

The garden tractor Stiga Estate Special is another novelty for 2022, officially supplied to the Russian market. In terms of technical characteristics, it is almost a direct competitor to the tractor from the Cayman:

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Solo by Al-ko T 22-110.0 HDH-A V2 Premium

Completing the selection of the best garden tractors of 2022 is another machine from Al-Ko, or rather, from the “professional” line - Solo by Al-Ko. But it is not only the focus on commercial use that distinguishes it from competitors:

Like the first model, this tractor is assembled in Austria, but the warranty period is even longer - as much as 5 years.

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The first domestic garden tractor for work all year round

12:02 / 07/22/18

Mitrax T10 tractor / Photo: sdelanounas.ru

In 2017, domestic manufacturers launched an interesting novelty on the garden equipment market, which has no analogues on the Russian market - the Mitraks T10 tractor. This is a multifunctional machine that can work all year round in home gardens and commercial areas.