Best Riding Mowers for 2023
I compiled the data and specs from several riding mowers, both gas and electric, to help you find the best option for your lawn care.
I am the Labs Manager for CNET’s Home Division based in Louisville, KY. My interest in technology began in the early ’90s, and soon after I began my double major in computer science and computer engineering. I’ve worked in many areas, including computer hardware, software, technology, networking, graphic design, instruction, construction, music and even ballroom dancing! 65% Ron Swanson, 25% Ben Wyatt, 10% Andy Dwyer.
Expertise I’ve been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. I also renovate, flip and build houses in my ‘spare’ time. Paired with our test lab facilities, I write about lots of outdoor related things. portable power stations, tools, etc.
Riding mowers are a great way to keep your grass looking its best if you live in an area where yards run large. They can save you time and effort, and they can be a lot of fun to use. But with so many different models and brands on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
There are a few things to consider when you begin thinking about buying a riding lawn mower. The size of your lawn is one of the key factors.- it may be overkill to use a riding lawn mower for a 0.05-acre plot when a push mower will do it in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, there’s a huge price gap between even the nicest of push mowers and most budget-conscious riding mowers. On top of that, not all lawns are created equal. You may need to take steep inclines or other rugged terrain into consideration when making this type of decision.
With recent advancements in battery technologies, you now also have the option of electric versus traditional gas motors. There’s a lot to consider here. For one, if you run out of gas when mowing your lawn, you can take a couple minutes to add more gas and keep going. The same scenario with an electric unit could see you with an hour or two gap in your mowing while you recharge. So sizing your machine to your specific lawn can be even more important when looking at electric options.
On the other hand, some of the electric units are compatible with battery platforms, meaning you could take the batteries from the mower and use them in other tools as well. That also means that if you have extra batteries for those other tools, you could pop those into your mower if they were charged and you find yourself running out of power.- sidestepping the time delay in refueling versus recharging. There will still be an offset on pricing, however. There’s a hefty upfront investment in batteries that may be tough to recoup.
An important note: Unlike the vast majority of best lists on CNET, this one is based on our research rather than hands-on testing.- only because the size and expense of these units made the acquisition of product samples logistically challenging. I’ve compared all the specs to find the best riding lawn mowers on the market, so you can make an informed decision about which one could be right for you.
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
Best zero-turn riding lawn mower
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50-inch riding mower is a great choice for homeowners with large lawns. It has a powerful 23-horsepower engine and a 50-inch cutting deck, making it easy to mow even the largest lawns quickly and efficiently. The mower also features a hydrostatic transmission, which makes it easy to maneuver around tight spaces. This also allows for a speedy 7 mph forward speed and 3.5 mph in reverse.
In addition, the Ultima ZT1 comes with a variety of features (some at an extra cost) that make it a great choice for homeowners who want the best possible lawn care experience. These features include a mulching deck, a bagger, side discharge chute, tow/haul capability, snow plow or even a sun shade. The fabricated mulching deck delivers a signature cut with fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings, increased evenness and improved soil health, while the bagger and side discharge chute make it easy to collect grass clippings. Overall, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50-inch riding mower is a great choice for homeowners who want a powerful, easy-to-use and feature-rich riding lawn mower.
John Deere S130
Best gas-powered riding lawn mower
Some people prefer the traditional steering experience of the round wheel mounted on the steering column, and my pick for best gas riding mower is a John Deere lawn tractor that offers just that. The S130 sports a 42-inch cutting deck and a 22-HP engine that will get you up to 5.5 mph forward or 3.2 mph in reverse. Much like my pick for best zero turn, the S130 offers many add-ons including a snow plow, snow blower, tire chains and even a full cab enclosure for extra protection from the elements.
The S130 includes the John Deere “Easy Change” 30-second oil change system, a proprietary all-in-one oil and oil filter canister that allows you to quickly change its tractor oil with “no hassles and no mess.” The list price at 6500,799 is attractive for a name-brand unit with these specs. Throw in a seasonal discount you can likely dig up somewhere, and the S130 becomes a great choice for nearly anyone considering a riding mower.
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.
Commercial and Residential Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
MOW WITH AN ATTITUDE. It’s our legacy. The driving force behind every mower we build. It’s a promise to every owner that we’ll continue to lead the industry in delivering innovation and powerful mowing performance across our entire mower lineup. And we do it all for mowing pros and demanding homeowners — just like you.
It takes brains and brawn to build a mower as ruggedly simple to operate, easy to maintain and provide the best value — over years of use — as a Bad Boy Mower. Over-built and over-horsepowered since the very beginning, our mowers represent the very best in delivering classic, American muscle. We continue to improve the process of building and innovating our mowers so that every single one is delivered for you to ready to MOW WITH AN ATTITUDE.
Introducing the 2023 Bad Boy Mowers Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower Lineup
From concept to creation, we’ve set out — as we always do — to build the very best zero-turn mower available. We’re confident commercial zero turn mower models will exceed your every expectation.
WHY CHOOSE A TORO ZERO TURN
With roots dating back to 1914, Toro was built on a tradition of quality, long lasting products and customer relationships. We take the same technologies that professional contractors rely on and design them into every product we build. From power-packed beasts that take on untamed acreage to space-saving sizes that tuck neatly into your garage, Toro zero turn mowers feature the ultimate in comfort making your mowing experience enjoyable and give you a beautiful lawn in less time.
MyRIDE Comfort System
Toro’s got your back. Literally. Our patented MyRIDE Suspension System features a suspended, fully-floating rear and front shock adjustable operator platform that takes the bumps so your body doesn’t. With MyRIDE, the best seat in the house is actually in the yard. (Select models only)
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IronForged Decks
Built to Last. Get years of reliability and top performance with the IronForged Deck, a 10-gauge High Strength fabricated steel deck shell, reinforced leading-edge across the entire deck, huge 6 inch spindles and belts reinforced with bulletproof material. (Select models only)
Built With ProDNA
The same, commercial-grade DNA that pros rely on, courses through the veins of every mower we build. giving you lawn-dominating power, durability, and precision to get the job done quicker and right the first time.
Need more help finding the right zero turn mower for you? Read this article that walks you through a wide variety of options to think about.
HOW TO CHOOSE A ZERO TURN
Choose a deck that fits your needs, from the 32″ to get into tight spaces, to our 60″ time saver. No matter the size, our decks are built to last, and will let you cut like the Pros.
Property Size
What’s the size of your property? From suburban lawns to large properties, cut your mowing time with zero-turn steering. Giving you a gorgeous lawn and more time to enjoy it.
Terrain Type
What type of terrain are you cutting? Whether it’s a finished manicured lawn with obstacles or a rough pasture, we have a mower for you.
Creature Comforts
From our Handcrafted seats to the MyRIDE suspension system, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable ride, keeping you productive and feeling fresh.
WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY SERVICE
How To Choose the Best Riding Lawn Mower
Toro riding mowers are built to last longer and perform better than any others you can find, but for many people, it’s hard to narrow down your choices to find what’s right for your lawn. The lineup of Toro riding mowers is solely zero-turn mowers because we believe they offer the most comfort, durability, and capability compared to others such as lawn and garden tractors, and allow a better mowing experience for our customers.
Because of their maneuverability and comfort, zero turn riding mowers are ideal for lawns with many obstacles including garden features, trees and landscaping. Consider the acreage of your lawn that needs to be cut, and the versatility you need, such as if you need to tow anything or mow different types of brush or grass. To start with, consider the size and grade of your lawn.
Now that you know the benefits of buying a zero-turn mower, here are the 8 key things to consider when buying a riding lawn mower.
- Durability – look for designs that are inspired by commercial machines
- Deck Construction – a heavier deck doesn’t mean a better quality of cut. Be sure to research those that leave a good after cut appearance.
- Engine Design – single-cylinder and twin-cylinder options are available, with twin-cylinder being the choice of professionals
- Cutting Height – look for easy adjustability without intricate parts which could break over time
- Wide Tires – wide tires offer the most traction and weight distribution for better stability
- Comfort – seat construction, suspension, and accessories (such as a sun shade) make all the difference
- Speed and steering control – adjustable speeds, smooth operator controls, and zero-turn steering give the operator full control
- Price – a key consideration for most customers, zero-turn mowers start around 6500,500 and go up depending on need for features, range, and comfort
There can be a lot to consider when making this choice, and Toro has a fantastic selection of products above. For more information about these 8 steps to choosing the right riding mower for you, read more at yardcare.com
MORE TIPS TO CHOOSING A ZERO TURN
What’s the size of your property? From suburban lawns to large properties, cut your mowing time with zero-turn steering. Giving you a gorgeous lawn and more time to enjoy it.
Mowing Deck
Choose a deck that fits your needs, from the 32″ to get into tight spaces, to our 60″ time saver. No matter the size, our decks are built to last, and will let you cut like the Pros.
Terrain Type
What type of terrain are you cutting? Whether it’s a finished manicured lawn with obstacles or a rough pasture, we have a mower for you.
Creature Comforts
From our Handcrafted seats to the MyRide suspension system, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable ride, keeping you productive and feeling fresh.
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POWER 42” Z6 Zero Turn Mower with e-STEER Technology
POWER 52” Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower
POWER 42” Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower
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Riding Mowers
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True Value offers riding mowers with 38 to 54-in. decks. The larger the deck, the larger the blade and the faster the job gets done. A larger fuel tank of 2.5 to 3 gallons also reduces refueling interruptions.
The transmission type you select should be determined by the terrain of your yard.
- Manual: Provides more control on hilly terrains. Lower gears give more power, while higher gears provide more speed. You will have to stop the mower to change speeds or go from forward to reverse.
- Automatic: Ideal for almost any lawn, including those with trees, flowerbeds or other obstacles. An automatic transmission features a pedal speed control much like a car. There is no stopping to change speeds.
- Hydrostatic Automatic: Ideal for almost any terrain. Provides smooth operation with no stopping to change speeds. The sealed system uses fluid to drive pumps that control speed. Hydrostatic transmissions require less maintenance with longer life.
- Shift Transmission: Offers a unique combination of transaxle and multi-speed drive for near effortless operation with no-clutch, on-the-go shifting as you mow.
- Cruise Control: Available on many Husqvarna models provides the ultimate in mowing ease. It is ideal for large straight areas with few obstacles.
Riding Lawn Mowers vs. Zero-Turn Mowers
If you are looking to mow more than a half acre at a time, you may want to consider investing in a riding lawn mower, or lawn tractor. These lawn mowers offer greater power and speed than push mowers, at a competitive price. Many riding lawn mowers also offer additional features or attachments to improve your mowing experience. But, these mowers have wider turn radii, which can make mowing around obstacles a challenge.
Another option for riding lawn mowers to consider is a zero-turn mower. These mowers offer greater control and efficiency than other riding lawn mowers because they have a lower center of gravity and larger, more powerful engines. Zero-turn mowers allow you to turn on a dime, which makes navigating around obstacles a breeze. If your lawn is very large (one acre or more) or consists of difficult terrain, a zero-turn mower might be the right choice for you.
Specifications
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All power levels are stated gross horsepower at 3600 rpm per SAE J1940 as rated by Briggs Stratton.^ Suggested will vary by market. are shown in U.S. and Canadian dollars. Set-up, delivery, documentation and destination fees not included. See dealer for details. Features vary by model. We reserve the right to change specifications, features and pricing without notice. ✝ See operator’s manual or dealer for complete warranty details. Length of engine warranty coverage varies by manufacturer.
All power levels are stated gross horsepower at 3600 rpm per SAE J1940 as rated by Briggs Stratton.^ Suggested will vary by market. are shown in U.S. and Canadian dollars. Set-up, delivery, documentation and destination fees not included. See dealer for details. Features vary by model. We reserve the right to change specifications, features and pricing without notice. ✝ See operator’s manual or dealer for complete warranty details. Length of engine warranty coverage varies by manufacturer.