Best Riding Lawn Mower Reviews 2023
Tired of spending the best part of your Saturday walking behind a lawn mower? You’re not alone and our team has pulled together our recommendations for the best riding lawn mower in 2023. Whether you’re a homeowner or commercial Pro, or you’re on the hunt for a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower, we have you covered. Thinking about making the switch to battery power? We have thoughts on electric riding lawnmowers as well.
Considering walk-behind mowers? Check out our Best Lawn Mower main page.
Best Commercial Riding Lawn Mower
Hustler Hyperdrive Series Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
Professional lawn care crews who FOCUS on residential lawns (affectionately known aa “mow and blow” crews) have to hit a lot of lawns every day during the mowing season and they’re tough on their equipment. Exmark, Hustler, and Scag all come up frequently in conversations about the best commercial mower, and our top choice is the Hustler Hyperdrive series.
While the Super Z series is likely more popular, the Hyperdrive series adds additional durability to the transmission system, keeping your downtime to a minimum.
Deck sizes range from 60 to 72 inches and there are 35 to 40 HP engine options from Kawasaki and Vanguard. For those of you who like to mow at speed, you can run up to 16 MPH on this model. No matter what your mowing style is, Hustler has a 3,000-hour warranty on the hydraulic system and a 5-year/1200-hour warranty on the full mower.
Best Residential Riding Lawn Mower
Toro Timecutter Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
For residential use, we recommend Toro’s TimeCutter as the best residential riding lawn mower for a variety of reasons. What it boils down to is that you get an excellent balance of performance, comfort, and reliability for the price.
The line currently includes 17 models (including CARB-friendly options). Deck sizes start at 34 inches for small lawns and run up to 60 inches for those of you with acreage to maintain. The base-level models are an excellent value for most people, but if comfort is a high priority, step up to the MyDrive models to get an upgraded suspension and easier ride.
Best Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX6 Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
While Toro earns our pick as the best overall riding mower for residential use, Cub Cadet’s Ultima ZTX6 series is the creme de la creme for those of you with a bigger budget. Earning our choice as the best residential zero-turn riding lawn mower, the ZTX6 is at the top of Cub Cadet’s residential-focuses Ultima line.
These mowers bridge the gap between residential and Pro needs, giving you a ride and performance that feels more professional while keeping the overall price down from premium professional mowers. The ZTX6 comes with a 25HP Kawasaki commercial-grade engine and either a 54 or 60-inch deck size. If you prefer a steering wheel over lap bars, there’s now a ZTXS6 option that has you covered.
Price: 8999.00 – 9299.00 (10299.00 for the 60-inch ZTXS6)
Best riding lawn mowers 2023: Lawn mowers for big yards
Give big yards an upgrade with the best riding lawn mowers, including battery-powered models.
It doesn’t matter how big your backyard is when you own one of the best riding lawn mowers. Rather than doing the hard yards with a push mower, riding lawn mowers are far more suitable for large and hilly lawns. In fact, once you’re in the driving seat, all you need to do is start the engine, steer, and use features such as adjustable cutting heights or deck positions to your advantage, making them the perfect lawn mowers for big yards.
The best riding lawn mowers can accelerate to as fast as eight miles per hour, helping you to leave no stone unturned. As well as helping you finish things up quickly, hills are no barrier for the top riding lawn mowers either, especially those with a great deal of horsepower and speed. The most powerful riding lawn mowers are those that are powered by gas, but if you’re concerned with keeping your purchase as eco-friendly as possible, zero-emission mowers powered by batteries are a great option. These help to keep the noise down, good news if you have young children, pets or neighbors close by.
The best riding lawn mowers for anyone on a budget are typically among the best gas lawn mowers, especially those that are smaller and lighter in weight. If you have obstacles such as swing sets, outdoor furniture, barbecues or hot tubs to maneuver around, a slimmer model with zero-turn features will also be handy.
For other mowers that will tackle lawns of all shapes and sizes, take a look at our guides to the best electric lawn mowers and the best lawn edgers.
The best riding lawn mowers
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
We’ve examined the best riding lawn mowers that are currently available to buy, from some of the most well-respected brands around. We’re currently in the process of reviewing all of the products in this guide. While most of them have reviews, some are currently without. However, for these particular products we’ve taken into account brand reputation, user reviews and specs to help break down what the best riding lawn mower would be for you.
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Editor’s note: The John Deere S180 currently seems to be out of stock at most major retailers. However, our special deal-finding system will search the internet for stock and display it above if it’s available. In the meantime, the options below are also fantastic riding mowers.
This machine makes quick and easy work of cutting any size yard, and it easily navigates terrain other mowers may struggle to traverse. It features a front-mounted V-twin engine that produces up to 26 horsepower and can reach speeds up to 5.5 miles per hour. The fuel gauge sits in plain view as you mow so you know exactly how much gas you have left.
The John Deere S180 has an impressively wide cutting path of 54 inches. You can adjust the blades to 11 different height positions, anywhere between 1 inch and 4 inches, and it has a turning radius of 18 inches. These features make it easy to customize the cut to your lawn so it looks just the way you want.
The machine’s hydrostatic transmission is pedal-operated, so you don’t have to take your hands off the steering wheel while you drive. This John Deere mower also has a cruise control that lets you set the speed you want to mow at. Both of these features limit distractions, so you can FOCUS on your lawn and not the lawn mower.
A full review of the John Deere S180 is being compiled, in the meantime this review of the previous John Deere E180 is available.
Reasons to avoid
You might assume that battery powered rider lawn mowers can’t compete with their gas counterparts, however the EGO POWER ZT4204L seeks to change that. How come? With its 22 horsepower engine and maximum eight mile an hour speed. It’s the best choice for anyone who wants to avoid the muckiness of refueling with oil while doing your bit for the planet too.
The riding experience of the EGO POWER ZT4204L not only aims to deliver on power but on the specificities of the riding experience. There’s the adjustable seat, the super bright headlights, and even an onboard USB port for charging your phone. You can enter into different modes via the LCD interface, and choose from Sport, Control and Standard, to whizz around at whatever pace you feel is necessary.
It has zero-turn technology (essential for ride-on mowers) and a 42-inch cutting path. The one downside to this model, excluding the high price, is that it is capable of holding six lithium batteries but only comes with four upon purchase. That’s something worth remembering if you do decide that this is the model for you.
Reasons to avoid
Storage space for large equipment such as a riding lawn mower is often limited, so you may be left with the choice of sacrificing power and utility for a machine that has a smaller frame. With the Cub Cadet RZT-L, you can have all three. This riding lawn mower is compact yet still delivers power, speed and versatility. You’ll pay a premium, however: it is one of the most expensive riding lawn mowers we evaluated.
This machine is constructed of very durable materials. Its 12-gauge steel body enhances protection against the occasional collision with rocks, trees and other lawn debris. The drive deck uses a Kevlar belt, which increases efficiency, performance and lifespan. The deck also incorporates a float system that keeps your mower level as you travel across rough terrain or inclines.
One of the things we look for in this category is zero-turn technology, which this lawnmower boasts. It can navigate around trees, shrubs and other obstacles without leaving uncut grass around them. The engine found in this lawn mower is impressive for a machine of its size. You get a 725-cc Koehler engine that delivers 23 horsepower and reaches a speed of 7 mph. Some of the full-size lawn mowers can’t compete with those specs. It also has a 2.8 gallon gas tank, which is large for a compact mower.
Reasons to avoid
The Cub Cadet CC30E electric mini riding mower is aptly named, with one of the smaller cutting widths in this list. It runs on a 30Ah lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard power outlet, so you won’t have to faff around with oil changes or topping up fuel like a gasoline-powered model.
Scoring 4 out of 5 stars in reviews on the Home Depot website, the Cub Cadet CC30E electric riding lawn mower was rated excellently for small to medium lawns, and many users were pleased with how long the 1500-Watt-hour lithium-ion battery lasted. The only downsides noted were around mowing over bumps and hills in the lawn, as some users found the wheels would spin in these situations.
This mower can last up to an hour, or around one acre, on a single charge, and then it takes around 4 hours to recharge again. What’s neat though is that you can charge devices like a smartphone while mowing, thanks to two dual built-in USB ports. An LED light enables you to mow at dawn or dusk, which is great if you’re busy during the day.
When it comes to driving control, the Cub Cadet CC30E is easy to use, with a push button to start it up, and an automatic transmission that gets rid of the near for gears. The cruise control features maintain a constant speed so that you can mow precisely, and a push of the pedal works for forward and reverse motion. The 4 mph maximum speed isn’t as fast as others, but we think the Cub Cadet CC30E is worth its price tag.
How we picked the best rider lawn mowers
As we evaluated each mower, we accounted for things like speed, cutting width, overall design, engine power and transmission type. Since these are very expensive machines, we also considered price, so we could find the best riding lawn mowers that offer the greatest value.
Our top choice had a favorable balance among all of these criteria. While we believe it is the best riding lawn mower for most people, it isn’t necessarily the best fit for kind of terrain or purpose. For example, if you own a lawn care business, you need a machine that is built to handle more than the weekly mow.
Every model we feature was subject to scrutiny based on its specifications, feature set, and feedback from real-life users. Our final choices represent the best riding lawn mower each brand offers.
We also reached out to professionals who use riding lawn mowers on a daily basis. We spoke to Steve Hough of Hough Landscaping, who has used a dozen different types of riding lawn mowers for more than two decades, about what he looks for when he buys a mower for his business.
When he selects a new riding mower for his service, Mr Hough considers productivity, price, and the lifespan of the machine. Other considerations include serviceability, reliability and down time. For professional situations he prefers eXmark machines because they’re lower priced and functional.
However, for his personal use he does prefer John Deere because “It’s been a trusted name across multiple generations; always reliable, high-quality service from the dealer, and eliminates a lot of headaches.”
We’ve identified criteria that can help you select the best riding mower for your projects. Speed, cutting width, zero-turn design, engine placement and transmission are key factors when determining which one is right for you.
What to look for in a good rider lawn mower?
There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re selecting a great rider lawn mower. One place to begin is with its power, as this will determine how fast your ride is. You can tell how powerful the engine is by checking out its horsepower first and foremost, but it’s also key to look at how long the battery lasts. Most electric mowers will give an estimate as to how many minutes they can last without a recharge. Just be sure to choose a model with an easy-to-access charging port too.
Feeling calm and collected in the drivers’ seat is always key with riding lawn mowers, which is where digital or manual user controls come into play. Usually, this boils down to personal preference, but digital user controls can feel more intuitive. Ergonomic chairs that will properly support your spine are another handy design feature, as are grip bars if you’re expecting quite a bumpy ride.
When it comes to the cut quality, cutting width is the number one thing. The higher the number, the more grass you can work your way through in one go.
How much do the best riding lawn mowers cost?
The best riding lawn mowers don’t necessarily come cheap. However, with premium horsepower, minimum effort and a design that’s comparable to a small tractor, that’s to be expected. If you’re trying to keep your spending as low as you can, it’s possible to get your hands on a riding lawn mower for as little as 450,200.
The more features and the greater the horsepower, the more pennies you’ll part with. The same goes for esthetics, as snazzier designs will also add to the overall cost of your riding lawn mower. Models from Cub Cadet and other top brands, for instance, have a price tag of up to 3,000. Considering that most riding lawn mowers last between 10 and 20 years, this is a mower that will stick with you for a good chunk of your life. Plus, it’s a very valuable tool for lawns that are too hilly or large for a classic push mower to handle.
Cub cadet small riding mower
Toro walk behind mowers are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike. They are reliable and easy to use, but they can occasionally experience problems. One of the most common problems is a dull or damaged blade. If your Toro walk behind mower is not cutting grass as well as it used to, it may be time to replace the blade.
There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot a dull or damaged blade. First, check the blade for any obvious signs of damage, such as chips, cracks, or dents. If you see any damage, the blade will need to be replaced. You can also check the blade for sharpness by running your finger along the edge. If you feel any burrs or nicks, the blade will need to be sharpened or replaced.
Replacing the Blade
- Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
- Use a wrench to loosen the blade bolt.
- Remove the blade bolt and the blade.
- Install the new blade and tighten the blade bolt.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire.
- When replacing the blade, make sure that the blade is installed in the correct direction. The blade should be installed so that the cutting edge is facing down.
- Be careful not to overtighten the blade bolt. Overtightening the bolt can damage the blade or the mower deck.
- If you are not comfortable replacing the blade yourself, you can take your Toro walk behind mower to a qualified service technician.
How to Change Toro Sno.
The Toro 36002 24″ SnowMaster 724 QXE Snow Blower is a powerful and efficient machine that can help you clear your driveway and sidewalks of snow quickly and easily. One of the most important parts of your snow blower is the deck belt, which drives the blades that cut through the snow. Over time, the deck belt can wear out and may need to be replaced. In this post, we’ll show you how to change the deck belt on your Toro 36002 SnowMaster
Steps to change the deck belt:
- Turn off your SnowMaster and unplug the spark plug wire.
- Lower the snow blower’s chute to the ground to prevent it from falling.
- Tilt the snow blower onto its auger housing and secure it in place.
- Remove the screws that secure the belt cover and take off the cover.
- Take a picture or note the routing of the old belt, then remove the old belt from the pulleys.
- Loosen the bolts that secure the idler pulley and move the pulley away from the belt.
- Thread the new belt onto the pulleys, following the same routing as the old belt.
- Move the idler pulley back into place and tighten the bolts.
- Reinstall the belt cover and secure it with the screws.
- Test the snow blower to ensure that the new belt is working properly.
Changing the deck belt on your Toro 36002 24″ SnowMaster 724 QXE Snow Blower is a simple task that can help keep your machine running smoothly. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance and service for your snow blower to ensure that it stays in good working order. If you need replacement parts or service, be sure to use our parts lookup tool to find what you need. Don’t forget to schedule service or look for replacement parts for your snow blower before stowing it away for the season.
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Dropping temperatures and color-changing leaves usher in the colder months of the year. Taking some time now to do some basic maintenance can help save you time and frustration at the start of the next mowing season. This article will tell you how to prepare your Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower for off season storage. Depending on your model, the instructions listed below may vary slightly. Always be sure to check your Operator’s Manual for detailed instructions.
Step 1. Pre-Prep Be sure the mower is on a flat, level surface. Turn the engine off and make sure it is cool.Gather the necessary tools needed to complete the steps. Most Winterization procedures listed below can be completed with a basic mechanic’s tool kit.
Step 2. Check and Replace Spark PlugsReplace worn or damaged spark plugs.Check your old spark plugs or your operator’s manual for the correct part number.
Step3. Change OilChange the oil and replace the filter.Clean the oil fill and drain area of any debris.Remove the dip stick from the oil fill tube. Remove the oil drain plug or use the oil drain valve and let the oil drain into the a oil pan.Remove the oil filter. Using new oil, lubricate the gasket of the new filter, then install the filter.Add new oil as instructed in your operator’s manual.Replace the dip stick. Start engine and let run for 30 sec then use the dip stick to check oil level.
Step 4. Replace and Clean the Air FilterRemove the air cleaner cover from the mower. Then, remove the paper and foam elements.Wash the foam element in mild detergent and water and allow it to dry completely.Apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the foam element and squeeze out all excess oil.Replace the new paper element and the foam element into the air cleaner cover.
Step 5. Replace the Blades and Clean the Mowing DeckClean and scrape the under side of the deck of dirt, grass clippings, and any other objects that may have become lodged there.Wearing gloves for protection, inspect your blades for wear or damage. Use a Blade Removal Tool to hold the blades in place.Then, using a socket, loosen the bolt securing the cutting blade to the spindle. Remove the blades.Install new blades or sharpened blades and tighten the bolts to the proper torque as indicated in your operator’s manual.
Step 6. Check the Mower for Broken, Worn or Missing PartsCheck the mower for any broken or worn parts including belt covers, belts, discharge chute, deck wheels and tires. Replace any of these worn or broken parts with the right OEM replacement parts as noted in your operator’s manual.
Step 7. Prepare the Fuel Tank for StorageFinally, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent fuel from spoiling while the mower is not in use.
If your fuel is more than 30 days old the fuel stabilizer may not work.
Step 8. Disconnect and Remove Battery Remove the black negative (-) cable and then the red positive cable from the battery. Do not allow the wrench to come in contact with any metal.Remove the battery from the lawn mower and store it in a warm, ventilated dry place.
As your one-stop-shop for all small engine service and repair needs, schedule your service appointment today with one of our trained, certified technicians.
Explore Lawn Garden Tractors
One stacked deck.
One stacked deck.
Experience a cutting system that features stamped and fabricated options built with the best materials to ensure a consistent quality cut every time.
A machine that works smarter.
A machine that works smarter.
The new Cub Cadet electronic fuel injection technology boasts serious strength that decreases fuel use by up to 25% and decreases the time spent on maintenance.
Total comfort. Mow after mow.
Total comfort. Mow after mow.
Each XT Enduro Series lawn tractor is built for comfort, with adjustable seating, comfort-grip steering and overall ergonomics designed for the rider.
Exceptional corrosion protection.
Exceptional corrosion protection.
Select models available with automotive-grade corrosion resistance to protect against wear and tear.
Responsive handling.
Responsive handling.
The XT Enduro Series steering system delivers optimized command and control at every turn.
Peace of mind.
Peace of mind.
The XT Enduro series has a warranty as strong as the machines – a 3-year unlimited-hours warranty, plus more.
Shop Compare Lawn Garden Tractors
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- A 23 HP/725cc twin-cylinder Kohler engine is designed to deliver reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 46-in. stamped deck built with strong materials and an exceptional belt design while delivering a premium cut.
- Hydrostatic transmission helps provide smooth operation, no shifting, just push the pedal and go.
- A strong 20 HP/725cc twin-cylinder Kohler HD engine is designed to deliver reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 42-in. strong AeroForce fabricated deck is designed to deliver a premium cut with few clumps and stragglers, fine clippings and evenness.
- Compact AGM battery is designed to deliver a premium experience with a long lifespan, low maintenance and excellent starting performance for reliable starting season to season.
- A strong 23 HP/725cc twin-cylinder Kohler HD engine is designed to deliver reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 46-in. strong AeroForce fabricated deck is designed to deliver a premium cut with few clumps and stragglers, fine clippings and evenness.
- Compact AGM battery is designed to deliver a premium experience with a long lifespan, low maintenance and excellent starting performance for reliable starting season to season.
- A 10.5 HP/344cc Briggs Stratton engine is designed to deliver reliable power to tackle your yard
- LED headlight helps provide visibility for mowing in low light conditions
- Fully pressurized, automotive-style oil pump
- The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42B is powered by a Briggs Stratton Professional Series single cylinder 540cc engine
- 42-inch stamped, 13-gauge, twin-blade deck with 12 cutting positions.
- Equipped with an optimized steering system for responsive handling to give a 16-inch turn radius a zero-turn feel.
- A strong 25 HP/725cc twin-cylinder Kohler HD engine is designed to deliver reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 54-in. strong AeroForce fabricated deck is designed to deliver a premium cut with few clumps and stragglers, fine clippings and evenness.
- Compact AGM battery is designed to deliver a premium experience with a long lifespan, low maintenance and excellent starting performance for reliable starting season to season.
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Engine Disclaimer: The engine horsepower information is provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. See your local Cub Cadet Independent Dealer for warranty details.Pricing Disclaimer: Posted price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Models and pricing may vary by location. Taxes, applicable fees, setup and delivery not included. and special offers valid only in Canada. in Canadian dollars. Image Disclaimer: Image may not reflect dealer inventory or unit specifications. Specifications Disclaimer: Specifications subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect retailer inventory and/or unit specifications. Operator’s Manual Disclaimer: The operator’s manual posted is for general information and use. To ensure the download of the operator’s manual specific to your unit, we require a model and serial number.
Explore Riding Lawn Mowers
A complete lineup of zero-turn mowers, lawn and garden tractors, and electric mowers, all featuring the strength and durability that bring your lawn to life.
Built in America since ‘61 and backed by the industry’s strongest warranty, Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors all come standard with the strongest cutting systems for mowing performance, refined ergonomics designed around you and an array of attachments and accessories for year-round versatility and utility.
Zero-Turn Mowers
Designed with strength, comfort and the ability to get the job done 50% faster than riding tractors, each Cub Cadet zero-turn riding mower is engineered to handle a range of terrain and cover up to 5 acres, with steering wheel options that increase ease.
Electric Riding Mowers
We took the proven strength and performance of our gas-powered machines and combined them with a powerful and convenient lithium-ion battery to create electric lawn mowers with no power fade and reduced noise for a more enjoyable ride.
How to Choose a Riding Lawn Mower
With so many options and features available on riding lawn mowers, how can you make an informed decision about what type of mower to buy? There are two popular options when it comes to riding lawn mowers, both of which provide all-season functionality:
Most lawn and garden tractors look like a traditional riding lawn mower and have an engine mounted in the front and a steering wheel that steers using the front wheels, like a car. Some have the engine in the back with a simple steering column in front, allowing for increased viability and increased maneuverability for the driver. Zero-turn riding mowers pivot on the rear wheels, meaning there is zero-degree turning radius, and the mower can actually spin in a circle to cut one area or maneuver around obstacles.
Zero-turn riding lawn mowers are available in both gas-powered and electric.
Types of Riding Mowers
Looking like the stereotypical riding lawn mower, a lawn and garden tractor is the best compromise between performance and cost. Much smaller than zero-turn counterparts, they’re easy to store in a garage or a shed and have plenty of power and maneuverability for small to medium sized yard, all without breaking a sweat like you would with a push mower or walk-behind mower.
Garden tractors look very similar to a lawn tractor or traditional riding lawn mower, however they are usually a bit larger due to their more powerful engines and transmissions. This added power allows for more utility work and ground-engaging jobs, such as use with plows and other attachments. The added weight of a garden tractor also makes it better on hills, but it will have less maneuverability than a lawn tractor.
Zero-turn riding lawn mowers
If you have a large yard, or a yard with a lot of obstacles and tight corners, a zero-turn riding lawn mower is the right mower for you. Zero-turn mowers are available with a wide range of deck sizes and turn more quickly than both lawn and garden tractors and walk-behind mowers, meaning that mowing your lawn will take about half the time with a zero-turn riding lawn mower. Zero-turn mowers come with a lap bar or steering wheel control. Lap bar steering is the most common way to steer, while steering wheel control has little to no learning curve and is needed for mowing along the side edges of slopes and hills due to increased control in the front wheels.
Gas mowers vs. Electric mowers
No matter whether you decide on a tractor riding lawn mower or a zero-turn mower, either can be purchased in either gas or electric. Our electric mowers have a cutting time of 1 hour or more, making this the ideal choice for small to medium sized yards. If you’re environmentally conscious, or live in a city with noise ordinances, place your trust in one of our electric riding lawn mowers. With no spark plugs, fuel, or oil changes, electric mowers require less maintenance than their gas counterparts.
The Best Riding Mowers for Different Yard Types
For small to medium yards, both lawn and garden tractors are recommended. These are two high-performing, yet cost-effective options for those who don’t want to hassle with a push mower. Lawn tractors and garden tractors also allow for much more utility with attachments like snow blowers, leaf collectors, and pull carts.
As the yard and the mowing job gets bigger, it’s worth considering additional options other than a lawn and garden tractor. A zero-turn riding lawn mower will allow you to get the job done faster and with more maneuverability.
For yards with obstacles, such as landscaping, trees, rocks, and so on, we highly recommend a zero-turn mower. Trying to cut around landscaping and trees can be frustrating and time-consuming without the highly maneuverable zero-turn mower. For yards with fences, be sure to compare the deck size of the mower with the fence opening size to be sure it will fit. Even for residential homes, professional mowers can be a great option, as they’re designed for spaces with landscaping and other obstacles. With professional and commercial models, you also have different configuration models, such as stand-on and stand-behind mowers with excellent maneuverability.
If your yard has a notable incline or decline, there are a couple very important factors to consider: traction control and stability. Meeting these needs will allow you to safely negotiate your yard’s hills and slopes. For sloped yards, you should consider a steering wheel zero-turn as the steering wheel provides more control when mowing along slopes, compared to lap bar steering.
Types of Attachments for Riding Lawn Mowers
There are a variety of attachments for your riding lawn mower to make your lawn care a breeze: Baggers. Double and triple baggers are available for all models of tractor and zero-turn riding mowers. Baggers collect the cut grass from the discharge for easy disposal.
- Snow blowers. You can attach a snow blower to the front of your tractor and turn your riding lawn mower into a riding snow blower. They have an auger that feeds snow into the discharge, moving the snow away from walking or driving paths.
- Snow cabs. Snow cabs are like tents that attach to your mower and cover the top and sides so you can plow or snow blow without getting covered in snow. These can also be used in warmer months to help prevent bug bites.
- All-season plows. Plows are available for tractors and zero-turns, and can push dirt, snow, or gravel. There’s no discharge with a plow attachment, just pushing to displace.
- Mulchers. Mulchers take the grass clippings that usually come with cutting grass, and instead of collecting the grass from the discharge chute, the mulcher cuts the grass into fine pieces, which falls into the soil and breaks down, giving nutrients back to the soil.
- Striping kits. On zero-turn mowers, you have the option of adding a striping kit. This adds those classic manicured stripes into your lawn while you cut.
- Leaf collectors. With a larger chute, a leaf collector picks up leaves and debris from under your mower and collects it all into a bag for easy disposal.
- Pull carts. These attach to the back of your riding lawn mower, allowing you to transport tools, soil, or mulch.
Attachments are available for lawn tractors, garden tractors, and zero-turn riding lawn mowers. Be sure to check specifications on the attachments you’re interested in to see what mowers it’s compatible with.
Ryobi RY48130
The Ryobi 48V battery-powered riding mower is a small-but-powerful electric tool that will serve small to medium-sized yards well. Read
Cons
Lawn care is hard work no matter how you do it, but it’s a little bit easier when you’re able to sit down on the job. A riding mower lets you do just that, without losing a moment of productivity. And it’ll save your back, your legs, your arms, and anything else that normally hurts after you’ve pushed a lawn mower over an acre of grass.
Like with any category of tool, there are a ton of different options available for riding mowers. The first decision to make is where it gets its power. Many mowers run on traditional gasoline, but as battery power improves, more electric options are coming onto the market.
An electric mower runs quieter and emits no fumes, unlike gasoline-powered riding lawn mowers. However, gasoline mowers will run for as long as you have a can of gas handy to refill the tank, while battery-powered options can take hours to recharge.
The next choice is the size of the mower deck. The larger the deck, the faster you’ll finish cutting. But large decks are also harder to get into tight spaces, or through gates. If you plan on driving in and around a lot of obstacles or on narrow paths, then a smaller deck might be worth sacrificing mowing speed for.
Also, smaller decks tend to be more affordable than larger ones. Alongside the size of the deck is the size of the engine that powers it, generally measured in horsepower (HP). The more horsepower, the more powerful the machine.
Finally, consider the accessories that come with the mower. Some are exactly as advertised—dedicated lawn mowers that can’t serve any other functions. That said, many companies offer a wide variety of attachments, including bagging systems, dump carts, lawn aeration trailers, and even snowblowers. A good tractor can be an entire landscaping system, if you need it to be.
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
The Husqvarna Z254 54-inch 26 HP hydrostatic zero-turn riding lawn mower is one of those machines that might just be too much for some people. It’s an absolute monster of a lawn mower, with a 26-horsepower Kohler engine that is rated to mow 2.8 acres per hour. Despite that power, operation is reportedly smooth and quiet for a gas-powered mower. And the hydrostatic transmission is designed to be maintenance free, with no hydraulic hoses so there are few places for leaks.
The reinforced stamped steel mower deck houses three blades across its 54-inch span, reducing the number of passes that you need to make. The mower rides on 4 anti-scalping wheels, which reduce the chances of the mower deck coming in contact with the dirt and cutting the grass too close.
And air induction technology feeds into the deck to improve cutting performance and the overall health of the lawn. If power, performance, and durability are at the top of your must-haves list, then the Husqvarna Z254 54-inch riding lawn mower might be the machine for you.