Going green – The Best Electric Riding Mowers, Lawn Tractors and ZTRs
This article discusses the best electric riding lawnmowers and electric zero-turn mowers for 2021. It will be updated as new electric mowers are introduced.
Electric vehicles are starting to replace gas/diesel cars, trucks, and ATV’s. If you are one of the ever-growing numbers of EV owners who commute to work in your efficient electric car all week, only to hop on your gas-guzzling lawnmower to mow your lawn it may make sense to consider going electric for mowing your lawn.
A number of new all-electric ride on mowers entered the market in the last year and I’ll help you find the best one for you.
Looking for a comparison of the Ryobi, EGO, and Cub Cadet ZTR’s? Check out this article: 42-inch Electric ZTRs – Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? Which One Is Best For You?
In addition to being better for the environment, electric riding mowers, electric lawn tractors, and electric zero-turn mowers have a number of other benefits.
- Less yearly maintenance costs. You can forget about changing the oil, oil filter, spark plugs, belts, and air filters. Just change/sharpen the mower blades and check the tire pressure as needed. Savings – about 250 a year.
- Less expensive to operate. My 42 inch, 24 HP Zero-turn uses about 2 gallons of fuel or 5.50 to mow my lawn. An electric riding mower will use about 75 cents in electricity. (My local fuel and electric rates) Plus, I don’t have to buy a gas can, go to the gas station in my vehicle, and have gas sitting around my garage.
- Less expensive to own. An electric riding mower powered by Lithium-Ion batteries and brushless motors will pay for itself and actually save you money over the life of the mower compared to a gas-powered one. A lead-acid powered electric rider will pretty much break even because you have to replace the batteries every few years. But you still get all the benefits of a quieter mower and reduced yearly maintenance.
- Quieter to operate: You can mow without the deafening roar of a lawn tractor engine.
Noise: All-electric riding mowers are much quieter than your gas-powered lawn tractor but they still make noise when the blades are engaged. The noise is still loud enough that you may want to wear hearing protection.
One big advantage that’s not advertised: Performing yard work with an electric rider. My wife loves to work outside on her landscaping. It’s her therapy. She is constantly moving from one landscape bed to another trimming that branch, pinching off that flower or changing a plant that has flowered for another yet to bloom. A Cub Cadet yard cart stays attached all the time. An electric rider is perfect for her. No noise, no choking the engine and waiting for it to warm up. She just turns the key and goes from bed to bed. She doesn’t mow the yard so the electric rider’s battery easily lasts a week or more before it needs to be plugged in and charged.
One more thing you need to know before we discuss the actual electric riding mowers.
Lithium-Ion or Lead Acid Deep Cycle AGM/SLA?
Lawn Mower Manufacturers are currently using two types of batteries in electric riding mowers. Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid AGM/FLA. Lithium-Ion is the way to go because they last longer, are lighter, and are better for the environment but they do cost more upfront. Because of that some manufacturers still offer lead-acid batteries in a few of the residential models for cost-conscious buyers.
Lithium-Ion Batteries are Best
Lithium-ion batteries are the same battery as in your phone – just bigger. Lithium-Ion Batteries last longer, maintain the same power throughout their discharge cycle, and can be discharged repeatedly without damage. Because of this, a 48 Volt, 60 Ah Lithium-Ion battery will mow about the same area as a set of 48V, 100 Ah Lead Acid batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries can be stored in freezing temps. They do not need to be charged periodically during storage although a few brands are recommending charging them every six months in storage.
Using the supplied factory charger a 56 Volt, 60 AH battery will charge in 4 hours. In addition, you can partially charge the battery and not damage it.
When used in a residential riding mower a Lithium-Ion battery should last 1000-1200 cycles or 10 years.
Lead Acid Batteries Are Cheapest Up Front.
Lead Acid AGM batteries are similar to the starting battery in your new car. AGM batteries cost less upfront, have a much shorter life span than Lithium-Ion, loose power/voltage during discharge, and can only be discharged down to 60-80% repeatedly without damage. Because of that, you need a 100 Ah AGM battery to mow the same amount of lawn as a 60 AH Lithium-Ion battery. AGM batteries need to be stored in temperatures between freezing and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and periodically charged when stored for more than a month. They are much larger and heavier than Lithium-Ion batteries.
Using the supplied factory charger a 48 Volt, 100 AH lead-acid battery set will charge in 12-14 hours. You should always leave the battery on the charger the full time to equalize the charge in all the batteries (usually four).
When used in a residential riding mower an AGM battery set should last 150-400 cycles or 3-5 years. (If you never run your battery below 60%, charge it correctly, and store it correctly you may get 400-500 cycles)
Lithium-Ion Battery Mowers
2021 Cub Cadet CC30e
This is a proven rear engine riding mower and the gas version (CC30H) has been around for many years. “No more gas, no spark plugs, no belts, no nothing. I only wish it was heavier on the drive wheels because I have some slight inclines to climb. Owner Review.”
- Class: Riding Mower, Great for small lawns.
- Model: CC30e
- Deck: 30 inch. Comes with a mulching plug. 2 bin bagger available.
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 56 volt, 30 Ah, 1500 Watt-hour Lithium-Ion Will mow up to 1 acre and charge fully in 4 hours.
- Cub Cadet open high-back seat with elevated back support and armrests attached
- 3-year unlimited hours/4-year battery warranty
Read all the details, buy online or order through a select Cub Cadet Dealer here: Buy Cub Cadet CC30e
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Cub Cadet CC30e
2021 Cub Cadet LT42e Electric Lawn Tractor
This is a proven lawn tractor with a great cutting deck converted to electric. Same workmanship and cut quality as the highly-rated Cub Cadet LT42 lawn tractor. “This mower matches its gas-powered stablemates in the quality of cut. Owner Review.”
- Class: Lawn Tractor, Great for typical suburban lawns up to 2 acres.
- Model: LT42e
- Deck: 42-inch QuickAttach (no tools required)
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 56 volt, 60 AH, 3000 Watt-hour Lithium-Ion Will mow up to 2 acres and charge fully in 4 hours.
- Cub Cadet open high-back seat with elevated back support and armrests attached
- 3-year unlimited hours/4-year battery warranty
Read all the details, buy online or order through a select Cub Cadet Dealer here: Buy Cub Cadet LT42e
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Cub Cadet LT42e
For the homeowner who wants the best cut first, the best ZTR second, and is excited it comes in a battery version. Cub Cadet ZT1 42E zero-turn mower will mow up to two and a half acres on one charge and the lithium-ion battery can be quickly charged to any amount if you have “just a little more” lawn than that. It is straightforward and simple to use. This mower also comes with the best dealer service network and support of the three mowers in this article.
EGO Power 42” Z6
EGO’s new 56 volt ZTR is the talk of the news media. It looks cool and sports all kinds of hi-tech gadgetry like 360-degree lighting, multiple mowing modes, and a control panel right out of the Space X rocket. It’s the first riding mower that uses the same EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries as all their other residential tools.
The EGO will be available at Lowes and servicing dealers.
I have an extensive article comparing the Cub Cadet, EGO, and Ryobi electric zero-turn mowers. Check it out here: 42-inch Electric ZTRs – Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? Which One Is Best For You?
Wiebang E-Rider
When I was growing up my grandmother had a Cub Cadet 60 Rider. I loved that little mower. It was quick and a lot more maneuverable than the John Deere 110 my father had. It was fun! The Wiebang E-Rider reminds me a lot of the Cub Cadet 60.
Owners love how small it is and it’s perfect for that lawn that’s just a little too big to mow with a walk-behind. It will mow one acre but really shines on 1/4 to 1/2 acre flat lawns.
- Class: Riding Mower, Good for small, smooth lawns
- Model: Weinag E-Rider
- Deck: 30 inch
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 72 volt, 20 AH, 1500 Watt-Hour.
- Very Compact and does not take up a lot of room in your garage.
- Warranty: 3 Year Residential
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Weibang E-Rider
TURF ONE E-Rider Model #30-EB
Weibang makes a great little mower for people who have just a little more lawn than they can walk. But, not many people want a mower with a name that sounds “foreign.” So, it appears they have renamed it Turf ONE. Owners love how small it is and it’s perfect for that lawn that’s just a little too big to mow with a walk-behind. It will mow one acre but really shines on 1/4 to 1/2 acre flat lawns.
- Class: Riding Mower, Good for small, smooth lawns
- Model: Turf One E-Rider Model #30-EB
- Deck: 30 inch
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 72 volt, 20 AH, 1500 Watt-Hour.
- Very Compact and does not take up a lot of room in your garage.
- Warranty: 3 Year Residential
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Turf One E-Rider
Mean Green
Mean Green – Commercial Electric Mowers
Mean Green Mowers has a complete line of lithium-powered commercial riding, stand-on, walk-behind and trimming mowers. They feature interchangeable high-capacity battery packs that can quickly be exchanged to power their mowers all day long. This is the true “Tesla” of riding mowers – state of the art batteries, chargers, and electronics.
Like the Tesla autos, there is no maintenance on these mowers other than occasional inspections for safety and a few grease fittings. No seasonal maintenance like oil, spark plugs, oil filters, air filters, hydraulic fluid, etc to purchase and store. Best of all, there is NO gas to purchase and haul around in your trunk! No storage cans of stale fuel sitting around your garage! Commercial owners are seeing savings of hundreds of dollars per month on parts and fuel alone, not to mention the high labor costs to accomplish the maintenance. The additional cost of the batteries quickly is offset by maintenance and operating savings over gas-powered equipment.
The mowers themselves are true commercial grade mowers and cost about the same as an equivalent commercial gas-powered zero-turn. The battery packs and chargers are additional.
DR Power Equipment, a subsidiary of Generac Holdings Inc., a manufacturer of professional-grade, outdoor power equipment recently acquired Mean Green Products, the established leader in the battery-electric commercial electric lawn mower industry.
Find out more about Mean Green Mowers here: Mean Green Mowers
John Deere Electric Residential Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
John Deere’s slogan is about as legendary as their green equipment: “Nothing Runs Like a Deere.” Of course, an increasing number of manufacturers are entering the realm of electric mowers. The John Deere Z370R is among the latest products to venture into this part of the ZT universe as the brand’s first battery-powered electric residential zero-turn mower.
While we already like a lot of the features found in John Deere residential zero-turn mowers, let’s dive into its cordless offerings to see how they compare.
Z370R ZTrak Performance
- 42-inch mower deck
- Mow up to 2 acres per charge
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4.5 inches
- 7 MPH maximum forward travel speed
- 3.2 kWh battery
Training their sights on the home-owning population required John Deere’s designers to FOCUS on both cutting performance and runtime, and that starts with the 42-inch cutting deck. At 4.97 inches deep, it includes a large discharge chute, which is intended to prevent clipping recuts while also reducing power consumption.
Furthermore, the deck’s cutting heights are 1.25 inches to 4.5 inches, with eleven quarter-inch height increments in between.
John Deere’s battery-powered residential zero-turn lawn mower also utilizes a 3.2kWh battery, which they say will give operators up to 40% more capacity than its competitors. This lets users mow up to 2 acres on a single charge at max forward speeds of 7 MPH and 3.5 MPH in reverse.
John Deere Battery-Powered Residential Zero-Turn Design
- Length: 75.4 inches
- Width (with mower): 50.4 inches
- Height: 43.3 inches
- Weight: 490 pounds
- Rear battery cover provides extra protection
- Mower frame constructed from heavy-duty formed and welded steel
- Onboard charging with extension cord and 110V grounded outlet
broadly speaking, John Deere gave their electric Z370R zero-turn mower many of the same features as its gas-powered counterparts. This results in what looks like a similarly rugged design. The mower has an overall length of 75.4 inches and weighs 490 pounds.
Additionally, the battery holds an IP66 rating for water and dust resistance, and a rear battery cover provides added protection.
Unlike many of its competitors, the John Deer battery-powered ZT has onboard rather than removable batteries. Charging, therefore, occurs on the mower via an extension cord and a 110V grounded outlet, using Smart Charge Technology to prevent over-charging.
At the right of the operator’s seat is a large LCD screen, which displays the battery level and mowing mode.
History of John Deere Riding Mowers: The1970s
Despite having produced lawn tractors for nearly a decade by the time the 1970s rolled around, John Deere did not take this time to sit and rest. Instead, the 1970s were a time of advancement, resulting in 3 new series of mowers that were designed to go beyond expectations.
Improvements to Riding Mowers in the 1970s
Although a few existing models that were originally introduced in the 1960s were upgraded in the early 1970s, Deere took on some major advancements in 1975 when the 200, 300 and 400 Series riding mowers hit the market. These machines provided customers with new and exciting features, which we’ll dive into below.
200 Series
This series included some similar features to the John Deere 110 and 112, like the V-belt Variator Drive and mechanical clutch PTO. However, the new design gave customers engine options between 8-16 horsepower, a rubber Iso-mounted, a fully-shrouded engine with a low tone muffler system, and a new style hood and grill. The design of the 200 Series mowers took on the styling of full-sized Deere agriculture tractors with a back-sloped brow.
300 Series
The 300 Series was a hydrostatic model that was upgraded to a 16 horsepower Kohler K-Series engine. Most upgrades to this machine were made to the body, as it took on more of a square hood design with integral headlights, engine side panels, and a black instrument panel. One of the biggest changes included the engine being moved from under the hood to under the rear fender pan.
400 Series
Following the trend of design improvements, similar to the 300 Series, Deere continued making more visible advancements with the 400 Series. This included the wheelbase on the 400 becoming 6 inches longer than the 140, a track that was 7 inches wider, and the weight of the machine being 250 lbs more. Along with the size and style of this machine being updated, Deere also added power steering, which was a complete game changer at the time.
Check out the chart below for a complete list of riding mower by model, year and serial number.
History of John Deere Riding Mowers: The 1980s
At John Deere, the 1980s were a time for evolution and reaching milestones. In addition to introducing new designs, such as the R and S Series, John Deere also manufactured its millionth lawn and garden tractor during this decade!
Deere Goes Diesel
In 1984, Deere’s first tractor to combine a diesel engine with hydrostatic drive and power steering made quite the impression in the tractor industry. This impressive machine was the John Deere 430, which was very similar to the 420 model, but powered with a Yanmar 3-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine instead. The 430 weighed 1,170 lbs, making it the heaviest and strongest John Deere of its time.
Evolution of the 300 Series
The redesign of the 300 Series led to the introduction of the 318. What was great for customers was that many attachments of the 140 and 300 Series could still be used on the new model 318; however, many exciting features were added:
- Rear-frame redesign from “closed” to “open” configuration
- Annunciator lights implemented into the dash panel
- Square-shaped fender deck
- Reserve fuel tank for increased productivity
The best part? During this time, John Deere hit the big 1 million milestone – manufacturing its millionth lawn and garden tractor, with the 318 model outselling any other models.
The R and S Series
As we know, Deere always looked to accommodate customers managing both big and small operations, which is why the R Series and S Series were introduced.
The R Series (R70, R72, and R92) was a good fit for customers needing a solution for smaller pieces of land. Key features included 5-speed gear-drive transmission, in-line gearshift, full-length welded steel frame, and a tight turning radius of 27 inches. This provided operators with even more dependability, long equipment life, as well as on-the-go shifting.
For those with a lawn slightly bigger than what was fit for the R Series to undertake, Deere produced the S Series riding mower (S80 and S82). These machines had a 30-inch cutting width, electric start and 8 horsepower engines.
For a complete list of riding mowers by model, year and serial number, check out the charts below.
John Deere Riding Mowers in the 1990s
Not to be undermined by the previous decade, the 1990s carried on the trend of growth for John Deere lawn and garden tractors. With the introduction of several new models, including the LT, LX, GT, and GX series, John Deere hit 2 more exciting milestones before the close of the millennium.
Exponential Growth
The 90s were known for many things but for Deere specifically, this was a time for exponential growth in both numbers and technology. In the 1990s John Deere hit both the 2 million and 3 million milestones, manufacturing its 2 millionth lawn tractor with the LX188 model and its 3 millionth tractor with the LT133 in 1998.
This is certainly a sentiment to how the company increased sales during this time; however, it’s not the only thing Deere was working on during this time. Let’s look through a few landmark models that were critical to the history of the John Deere riding mower.
LT Series
In the late 1990s, the LT Series (133, 155, and 166) became one of the most popular John Deere mowers ever. With this series, operators could experience high-quality wide cuts and a greater amount of fuel compared to competitive models in its class. An emphasis was put on comfort with the adjustable operator seat for those who spent long hours on their equipment The new Xenoy material instead of steel-hood also kept this machine in better condition.
LX Series
The LX Series was first introduced in the 90s and remained for 16 years to follow. Customers remember this series for its versatility, as each model was compatible with several sizes of mower decks to meet operators’ needs. The LX Series was also great for a variety of other projects around the yard. For example, owners could latch a snow blower attachment to the machine to help fight off winter storms.
GT and GX Series
The GT and GX Series were very similar to one another when it comes to style and uses. For customers with plots of land around 4 acres in size, both machines can hook up to other implements like snow blowers, baggers, carts, front blades and a variety of rear attachments like aerators, and utility carts. These machines were best fit for owners who needed a little more power and size for their weekend activities.
Check out the charts below for a complete list of riding mowers by model, year and serial number.
John Deere Riding Mowers in the 2000s
Last but certainly not least, Deere made a few noteworthy updates to existing models in the 2000s. The FOCUS here has largely been around offering more power to customers thanks to models in the LA and X Series.
LA Series
This model combines power and versatility to make a perfect fit for medium-large-sized lawn owners. Key features include the full-length steel welded frame, full pressed lubrication, cast iron front axles, headlights, translucent fuel tank including a sight gauge, comfortable operator station, Edge Cutting system, and option for Reverse Implement. Backed with plenty of power, this series also incorporates John Deere’s trademarked CargO Mount system, allowing for a large bagger or other heavy rear-mounted equipment to be easily attached. Other attachments like lawn sweepers, front blades, tractor shovels, mid-mount blades, carts, snow blowers, sprayers, and aerators can be easily added to the LA.
X Series
What’s unique about this series of John Deere riding mowers? The technology is what sets this machine apart, as it transfers power to the wheels through the use of the hydrostatic transmission to save time during operations and eliminate unnecessary gear-changing to speed up or slow down. The X Series also incorporates the Edge Cutting System and tight turning radius. This all helps improve convenience, performance, and reliability.
The charts below provide a full list of these riding mowers by model, year and serial number.
We hope this historical breakdown helped you get a better idea of how riding mowers got to where they are today. Still interested in learning more about the history of John Deere riding mowers? Be sure to check out some of the related articles listed below.
History of John Deere Riding Mowers FAQs
When did John Deere produce their first lawn tractor?
In 1963, John Deere entered into the lawn tractor market by introducing the model 110. The John Deere 110 had a 4-stroke petrol-fueled engine with 7 horsepower.
When was the first John Deere diesel lawn mower created?
In 1984, Deere created their first tractor to combine a diesel engine with hydrostatic drive and power steering.
What riding mower series were released in the 1970s?
3 new series of mowers that were designed in the 1970s including the 200 Series, 300 Series, and the 400 Series.
What decade did John Deere produce their millionth lawn and garden tractor?
John Deere manufactured its millionth lawn and garden tractor in the 1980’s.
What’s unique about the X series of John Deere riding mowers?
The technology of the X series is what sets this machine apart. It transfers power to the wheels through the use of the hydrostatic transmission to save time during operations and eliminate unnecessary gear-changing to speed up or slow down.
Related Articles:
If you have any questions about John Deere lawn care equipment, you can contact your local John Deere dealer.
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Top 5 Riding Lawn Mowers for 2023 To Gain the Advantage Over Your Grass
Summer is around the corner, and for some owners, riding lawn mowers are the only way to stay on top of lawn maintenance. However, the market is full of options, from EFI-equipped large-deck options to fully-electric mini mowers. Fret not; one of these five riding mowers can deliver what you need to conquer your grass in 2023, like the John Deere S130, S120, and Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT.
When it comes to well-rounded riding mowers for small to medium lawns, these five are some of the most capable on the market.
- Husqvarna YTH18542
- John Deere S130
- Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT
- John Deere S120
- Ryobi RY48111
Additionally, the Husqvarna YTH18542 boasts two sets of cutting blades instead of a single cutting surface. However, the deck can be difficult to dismantle for sharpening, per ZDNet. Further, the YTH18542’s 18.5-horsepower Briggs Stratton engine is more than enough to handle challenging lawns and hills. The Husqvarna model starts at around 6500,399.00.
What engine is in a John Deere S130?
John Deere’s S130 riding lawn mower packs a 22-horsepower, 724cc Briggs Stratton engine. As a result, the S130 is a more powerful riding mower, albeit more expensive than the Husqvarna YTH18542, per Bob Vila.
over, the John Deere model will mow in reverse, packs multiple blades, and delivers easily controlled throttle via a hydrostatic transmission. Better yet, Bob Vila says the S130 will eagerly handle a two-acre lawn, but anything over three acres might be pushing it for the green machine.
Is a Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT one of the best riding lawn mowers?
With a 19.5-horsepower Kohler engine and a 42-inch deck, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT is an excellent gas-powered alternative to the John Deere S130 and Husqvarna YTH18542. over, with starting price point of 6500,399, the Cub Cadet XT1 model is comparably priced in the segment.
Better yet, potential owners won’t be compromising compared to close competitors; the Enduro LT packs a smooth hydrostatic transmission and twin-blade cutting system.
How much is a John Deere S120?
The John Deere S120 starts at 6500,699.00, making it a pricier option than a comparable Husqvarna YTH18542 or Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT. However, the S120 shares many of the features of the S130, like the 22-horsepower engine and a 42-inch cutting deck.
John Deere launches its first all-electric zero turn mower
John Deere is expanding its portfolio of products designed for the future by introducing the all-new Z370R Electric ZTrak Residential Zero Turn Mower. The John Deere electric residential zero turn mower is targeted toward property owners who want to maintain their yard appearance easily with reduced maintenance, simplified use, and increased operator comfort due to less noise and vibration while mowing.
“Everyone has different needs when it comes to their land, and we understand that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to energy solutions. That’s why it is important for us to provide our customers with a broad range of mower options without compromising performance from gas machines,” said Eric Halfman, go-to-market manager, riding lawn equipment, John Deere. “Customers are demanding more from their equipment, and since no one knows our customers or their work better than we do, we are prepared to deliver like no other, starting with the Z370R Electric zero turn mower.”
The Z370R Electric ZTrak boasts strategically designed features and technologies, making for simplified, cleaner mowing without sacrificing the mowing experience when compared to a traditional gas mower. Promoting an easy adoption of electric solutions, the Z370R can be charged without removing the batteries by using a standard outdoor extension cord and a 110-volt grounded outlet. This helps eliminate the need for external chargers and extra storage space.
Additional design features include large front and side frame rails, increasing machine durability, performance, and appearance, as well as a 42-inch Accel Deep mower deck that delivers superior cut quality at faster ground speeds. The Accel Deep mower deck also provides owners with industry-exclusive John Deere MulchControl technology, resulting in reduced grass clippings and a healthier lawn.
The Z370RElectric ZTrak also features an integrated, sealed battery and onboard charging to supply power to the unit. The fully sealed battery allows for mowing in wet and rainy conditions. The 3.56 kWh maximum capacity battery is backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and enables customers to mow up to 2 acres.
Further enhancing the zero-emission mowing experience, the Z370R Electric ZTrak features a large LCD screen used for monitoring battery levels with three modes, allowing operators to adjust settings based on preference and yard conditions. Making for an easier mow, the integrated park brake is activated when the control levers are pushed outward, and a push-button start quickly turns on the machine, getting it mowing ready in seconds.
In addition, the integrated Bluetooth system enables owners to remotely monitor the mower’s charge status and battery level through the MowerPlus app.
Lastly, customers can benefit from reduced maintenance associated with the Z370R Electric ZTrak. Without the need to refill gas and change oil, filters, and belts, customers can get to work faster and stay up and running longer.
Best Overall
If you are looking for an electric riding lawn mower with all the power of a gas model without the fumes and lots of helpful features, the RYOBI 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Riding Lawn Tractor is our top pick. According to the manufacturer, it has the equivalent of a 21-horsepower engine. We love that its three 80V 10Ah batteries allow you to cut up to 2 acres on a single charge (about 60 minutes of runtime) and quickly recharge in less than 2.5 hours thanks to the onboard charger. In fact, you can even use the RYOBI Riding Mower app to check if the batteries are ready to go, for added convenience. You can also keep tabs on the charging status, as well as battery level, and runtime on the LCD screen that’s on the mower itself. Other extra features we appreciate include LED lights, front and back storage compartments, two tow hitches, a hitch for RYOBI-compatible attachments, cup holders, and 2 USB ports to charge your phone.
Aside from the power and features this tractor provides, it will leave your lawn looking great. This riding tractor has four steel blades with 13 different cutting height positions to choose from (within 1.5 to 4.5 inches), so you can really fine-tune the look of your lawn. You also have three options for grass clippings: bag, side discharge, or mulch (although the bagger and mulching kit are sold separately). This is a powerful, feature-packed riding lawn tractor so it comes at a bigger price tag than other picks. If you don’t need all of these features, you may want to choose a more budget-friendly model. However, we think if you are looking for a great electric riding mower with all of the features and power you need, this is your best bet.
Price at time of publish: 5,000
Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Battery | Weight: 557 pounds | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres