Greenworks lawn mower combo. 14 Tools That Will Take Care Of Almost Any Problem In Your Yard

Tools That Will Take Care Of Almost Any Problem In Your Yard

While you could hire a landscaping company to take care of your yard, with the right tools you can tackle most routine tasks yourself. According to Install It Direct, there are several things you can do to assist you in keeping your yard in tip-top condition. Some of their suggestions include fertilizing the lawn regularly, trimming bushes to keep them from becoming overgrown, giving the yard a spring-cleaning to remove branches, leaves, and other debris, getting rid of weeds quickly, and edging around patios, driveways, and sidewalks.

While you can purchase tools to help you with all of these tasks, you may already be feeling overwhelmed thinking about how much money — and space — such a purchase would require. This is precisely why you should make the most of every purchase and look for versatile tools that you can use for more than just one yard care-related activity. Continue reading to identify some of these multitasking tools that you’ll want to have handy in your shed or garage.

Leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher

When you’re looking to clean up fall leaves, you may be trying to decide between a leaf vacuum and a leaf blower. According to Power Equipment Direct, each of these yard tools is best suited for different tasks. Leaf vacuums are ideal for cleaning up around gardens and other landscaped areas, without posing a risk to more delicate flowers or plants. They are also best for getting into narrow openings, sucking pests off of crops, or cleaning up a few stray leaves on the lawn. Another benefit of using a leaf vacuum is that the leaves are all contained to the bag; you don’t need to worry about bending down to pick up piles of leaves from the ground, and can simply dump the bag out into your compost bin once it is full. Many leaf vacuums also include an integrated mulcher. The mulcher component uses an impeller with blades to finely chop leaves, allowing them to decompose more quickly.

Leaf blowers, on the other hand, are best for larger leaf clean up jobs. They emit a powerful force of air to move leaves across a lawn quickly. Leaf blowers are ideal for removing debris from spaces like gutters, garages, truck beds, and more. They also do a better job at cleaning up wet leaves than most leaf vacuums.

With this combination leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher from Craftsman, you don’t have to choose just one yard tool. The electric tool can be converted between a leaf blower and a vacuum/mulcher easily, allowing you to customize it to the demands of each task. It has a 12-amp motor and can blow at speeds up to 260 miles per hour. The versatile tool comes with a backpack collection bag, making it easier and more comfortable to hold the debris sucked up by the vacuum feature.

Garden cart

A garden cart can come in handy for so many different jobs around the yard. Easy Urban Gardens highlights some of the different tasks that a garden cart can help with. One way to use a cart is to haul heavy items, such as mulch, soil, or plants around the yard. This can help save your back and cut down on the number of trips across the yard to grab the next bag or item. You can also use a garden cart to clean up as you work. Whether you’re pulling weeds from the garden, trimming bushes, or picking up other debris around the yard, simply place everything in the cart as you work, and then put it into a lawn and leaf bin when you’re finished.

Garden carts are typically easier to maneuver than wheelbarrows. Compared to the two wheels on a wheelbarrow, garden carts have four wheels. This design means that they more evenly distribute the weight of heavier items. With a handle designed for pulling, many individuals find that moving a garden cart around the yard is easier than pushing — and balancing — a heavy wheelbarrow.

The VivoHome garden cart is a model you may want to consider. This heavy-duty model can hold over 1,000 pounds thanks to its fully-welded steel body. The cart is designed with large pneumatic tires designed to handle a variety of terrain types. Some other notable features of this model include the removable mesh sides to accommodate larger items, the ergonomic, adjustable handle, and the six different color options that are available.

String trimmer/edger combo tool

This multitasking tool from BlackDecker doubles as both a string trimmer and an edger. The battery-operated tool features a power driver transmission with two speed settings, allowing users to choose the best fit based on their yard work and runtime needs. The BlackDecker Lithium-ion battery is part of the Power Connect battery system, meaning it is interchangeable with other supported BlackDecker lawn and garden tools, power tools, and even home cleaning products.

A string trimmer can be a very helpful tool, but if you’ve never used one before, you may be intimidated by the prospect of doing so. The Rop Shop shares some tips for using a string trimmer. Their suggestions include paying attention to which way the spinner head is moving (clockwise or counterclockwise), so you can know which direction you should move around your yard as you work to prevent the trimmer from sending clippings the wrong way. They also highlight the importance of wearing personal protective equipment, especially goggles, to protect your body from injury.

Lawn mower and mulcher

Mowing the lawn is necessary to keep grass from becoming too long and overgrown. Instead of buying a tool that only cuts the grass, make the most of your money and time by opting for a mower/mulcher combo. According to Lawn Love, with a mulching lawn mower, the grass clippings are returned to the lawn. The mulched grass is then able to decompose more quickly over the lawn. As it decomposes, it works as a natural fertilizer by enriching the soil with nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and other beneficial nutrients.

Contrary to what some individuals think, using a mulching lawn mower does not increase thatch build up. In fact, it actually works to decrease this layer of roots, leaves, and stems by boosting the number of worms and other organisms in the soil. In addition to all of the benefits for your lawn, mulching lawn mowers also help keep grass clippings out of landfills, where they’ll take much longer to decompose.

This cordless electric lawn mower from Greenworks offers both mulching and rear-bagging capabilities. The 4.0Ah battery offers a runtime of up to 45 minutes, making it a good choice for individuals with smaller yards or those who like to mow over a few different sessions. As an electric mower, you won’t need to deal with gas or oil and can enjoy its quiet operation. CNET shares additional benefits of choosing an electric lawn mower over a gas-powered model. Electric lawn mowers are easier to maneuver around the yard because they weigh less than most gas models. They are also easier to maintain and don’t have parts that require frequent replacement. Electric lawn mowers also typically cost less than gas-powered alternatives. And, of course, one of the biggest benefits of choosing an electric lawn mower is that they are better for the environment.

Heavy-duty gloves

A good pair of heavy-duty gloves can protect your hands when you’re working in the yard. The University of Queensland explains why individuals should wear gloves when gardening. Beyond protecting your hands from getting pricked by a weed or thorn on a rose bush, gloves are also essential for protecting you against bacteria and fungi found in soil. Some of the health concerns that can be avoided by wearing gloves when gardening include sepsis, legionellosis, tetanus, and melioidosis.

Safety Company shares why gloves should also be worn when handling or moving firewood around in the yard. They explain that a heavy-duty pair of gloves provide a layer of protection against splinters from cut firewood. Similarly, heavy-duty gloves can also protect your hands when you’re working with wood, such as when hammering to repair a broken deck or structure in your yard, or even building something new. According to The Tool Wise, wearing gloves, along with safety glasses and ear protection, is important when hammering. Should you accidentally hit your hands with the hammer, the gloves can help to lessen the impact. They’ll also help absorb shocks and help you maintain a more secure grip on the hammer as you work.

This pair of leather work gloves from Ozero are thick and durable to offer the protection your hands and fingers need, whether you’re working in the garden, handling firewood, using a hammer, or doing another task in your yard. They feature an elastic wrist that makes it easier to put on or take off the gloves, and also helps to keep soil or other items from getting inside. With four different sizes to choose from, any person can find the right fit for their hands.

Multi-purpose rake

There is no need to purchase and try to store multiple rakes for various tasks like cleaning up fall leaves, landscaping, spreading mulch, and more. This multi-purpose rake from True Temper is versatile enough to handle it all. It has flexible and curved steel tines that work well for raking up leaves, raking mulch, removing rocks from gardens, and more. Plus, with the cushioned handle, your hands will stay comfortable as you work.

As shared above, one way you can use this rake is to remove leaves from your yard in the fall. According to Super Sod, this is a clean-up task that you won’t want to skip. The act of raking over grass can help decrease thatch build up, helping you keep your lawn healthy without purchasing a separate piece of equipment or hiring a professional. They recommend choosing a metal rake — such as the one shared above — because it will last longer, and it can more effectively move larger piles of leaves.

Budget Dumpster explains how you can use a yard rake, such as the one above, to remove unwanted rocks from your yard or garden. Too many rocks in the soil can make it impossible for a plant’s roots to access water. They can also become a potential safety concern if they get picked up by a lawn mower. The rock could cause damage to the mower and could injure someone nearby. A rake can help you sift through soil to pull rocks out of the garden and get them into a pile for easier removal.

Pressure washer

A pressure washer is another tool that can really pull its weight around the yard. According to Pressure Washers Direct, there are more than 25 ways you can use this versatile piece of equipment around the home and garden. Some uses include cleaning sidewalks, driveways, patios, siding, and decking. Beyond these cleaning tasks, power washers can also help strip paint, get an old fence ready for a fresh coat of stain, clean gutters, or even get in-ground swimming pools ready for a new season. The Sun Joe electric pressure washer can help you tackle all of these tasks. It offers an 1,800-watt motor that delivers up to 2,030 pounds per square inch of pressure. The pressure washer offers an onboard reel for keeping the hose ready for use, a separate detergent tank, and a total stop system shut off feature to conserve energy.

If you’ve never used a pressure washer on your home before, The Home Depot shares some tips to help you make the most of this useful tool. They explain that you’ll want to start by preparing the area and removing smaller items to prevent accidental damage to them. Then, you’ll need to decide on the ideal pressure setting and nozzle to match the demands of the task you’re about to undertake. Once the machine is ready to go, make sure it stays on a level surface and do not attempt to pressure wash any surfaces while standing on a ladder. It is also important to make sure you’re dressed properly — this means wearing closed-toe shoes and safety goggles, at a minimum.

Multi-purpose sprayer

This multi-purpose sprayer from Chapin International can be used to apply fertilizer, pesticides, and weed killers to your lawn and garden. With the adjustable nozzle, you can choose between coarser sprays or finer mists, depending on the specific needs. The sprayer is also designed with an ergonomic handle to keep you more comfortable as you care for your lawn and an anti-clog filter to make sure debris doesn’t build up in the nozzle and prevent it from spraying efficiently. Plant Care Today shares some advice on applying liquid lawn fertilizer using a sprayer like the one above. They note that it is important to water the lawn a few days before spraying a fertilizer. The best time to apply liquid fertilizer is after mowing earlier in the season. Fertilizer can then be used again in the early fall to help toughen up the grass and get it ready for colder weather.

Just as there is a right time and method for applying fertilizer, Gertens explains that there are also rules you should follow when applying weed killer. First of all, the type of weed killer you’re using will dictate when it should be used. Pre-emergent weed killers (preventatives) should be applied in early spring, while post-emergent weed killers (those that kill weeds on contact) can be applied as weeds pop up. When applying a liquid post-emergent weed killer, you’ll want to avoid mowing your grass for a few days before and after the application. Also, it is best to apply weed killers to damp grass, but then avoid watering it for a few days. Checking the weather forecast and trying to apply the weed killer during a drier period can also help it to be more effective.

Multi-use garden tool

If you’re planning some gardening projects, but don’t want to have to purchase multiple tools, take a look at the Yard-X multi-use garden tool. This handy tool combines the features of five different gardening tools. It has a steel blade for digging, removing weeds, and scraping surfaces; a fork that can be used to spread mulch, clean up graveled spaces, and aerate soil (when held at a straight angle); and a sharp edge for cleaning up overgrown grass along patios and walkways.

The Home Depot explains why garden hoes — one of the capabilities of the multi-use tool above — are such an essential gardening tool. When gardeners stay on top of hoeing the garden, it helps to keep the soil loose and airy and works to keep weeds under control. When hoeing a garden, be sure to hold it at an angle with the blade’s tip cutting into the soil, just under the surface. You’ll also want to work using a wide sweeping motion, as it will be the most effective at cutting off the tops of the weeds in the garden.

Broadcast spreader

According to Pennington, broadcast spreaders offer an effective solution for spreading seed or fertilizer over a lawn. Their design features a rotating fan beneath the bin that works to spread the contents over the surface. Broadcast spreaders can be a good solution for larger lawns as they allow individuals to quickly spread the seed or fertilizer across the intended area. However, if you’re not experienced with using a broadcast spreader, you may find that it is more difficult to achieve even coverage. It is also possible for the seeds or fertilizer to travel beyond the intended area, which could potentially be a problem if fertilizer is spread onto a sidewalk or an other unwanted area.

This mini broadcast spreader from Scotts Turf Builder can hold enough seed or fertilizer to cover up to 5,000 square feet of lawn. Its smaller size makes it a more effective solution for small personal lawns, rather than larger spaces. The spreader arrives fully assembled and features a folding handle that allows for more compact storage.

Cordless lawn care system

Take care of several lawn care tasks with the Sun Joe cordless lawn care system. This system includes three separate tools designed for maintaining and trimming trees, shrubs, and bushes. It comes with an 8-inch pole saw, a 10-inch string trimmer, and a 17.7-inch pole hedge trimmer. Each tool attaches to the telescoping pole, which can extend your reach between 3.7 feet and 5.3 feet. The telescoping pole also features an adjustable head, allowing you to find the ideal angle for each cutting or trimming job.

Richardson Saw Lawnmower explains how using a pole saw, such as the attachment in this system, can help you cut higher branches. They explain that using a pole saw is safer than trying to stand on a ladder and cut higher branches with a chainsaw. It is also safest and easiest to cut horizontally-growing branches using a pole saw. You’ll want to avoid trying to cut any branches yourself that are near a power line, and take care to stand out of the path of the soon-to-be falling limb. If you need to cut branches that are growing vertically, or those that are near a power line, hiring a professional is usually the best and safest option.

One of the other attachments that comes with this system is a hedge trimmer. Gardeningetc shares some helpful tips for individuals who have never used a hedge trimmer before. They recommend working using smaller cuts to avoid inadvertently taking off a large piece of the hedge. They also note that it is best to start cutting along the bottom of the hedge or bush and working your way up, rather than starting at the top and working towards the base.

Billhook garden saw

According to Backwoods Home Magazine, billhooks have been used for thousands of years, making them among the first versatile tools. Billhooks have a unique design featuring a curved blade that looks like a hook. In ancient times, billhooks were used for clearing brush, pruning crops, and building wooden structures. Today, it continues to be a multi-purpose tool for tasks such as these.

Between the hook and handle sections, billhooks have a straight section that works like a knife, giving them cutting capabilities. Each billhook may have a slightly different design that makes it better suited for different tasks. Some have shorter blades, while others may have a longer blade and hook. The Fiskars 18-inch billhook saw offers a twist on the classic billhook design. Rather than a straight cutting blade, this piece features a serrated saw along its straight edge, allowing it to help with cutting through thicker stalks or branches. This billhook also has a textured handle to help users maintain a good grip as they accomplish various yard-related tasks.

Garden multitool

If you want to start a garden, you may be thinking about a long list of tools that you need to purchase. The Bibury gardening multitool can help you check a few of these items off of your list with just a single purchase. The compact and foldable multitool offers five different instruments in one, including a pair of spring-load gardening shears/scissors, a wood saw, a knife, and a bark shovel. An ergonomic handle is integrated into the design to prevent the user’s hands from becoming fatigued as they work.

The tool is also lightweight — weighing just about 8 ounces — and comes with a belt holder to make it easier to carry around the yard as you work. According to Gardener’s Edge, a soil knife and pruning shears are among the most essential tools that all gardeners should have. This multitool’s design integrates both of these, making it possible for you to prune shrubs, plant seeds, remove weeds, and more.

Garden bench and kneeler

Many people love gardening for its relaxing mental health benefits. However, while gardening can be great for the mind, it isn’t always the best for the knees or your back. Kneeling down and working in the soil can be uncomfortable, particularly for those with joint problems or arthritis. Gardening Know How shares how garden kneelers can keep individuals more comfortable as they work in their gardens. With a kneeler, there is a cushioned spot for the knees, alleviating some of the stress on the joints. An added benefit of garden kneelers is that they also help to keep your pants cleaner, since they won’t be directly on the grass or soil.

The TomCare Garden Kneeler doubles as both a kneeler and a bench. Users can convert it between the two configurations based on their needs. The foam cushioning on the seat/kneeler is designed to help users avoid potential injuries and can support up to 330 pounds. This product is also portable, making it easy to store or transport. The kneeler/bench also comes with two tool bags that can attach to the sides, offering a convenient spot to hold all of your gardening essentials.

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 Mower (Find a Dealer)
• Best Residential Riding Lawn Mower (Buy at Tractor Supply)
• Best Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower (Buy at Acme Tools)
• Best Lawn Tractor (Buy at Tractor Supply)
• Best Consumer Electric Riding Lawn Mower (available at Lowes or Home Depot)
• Best Riding Lawn Mower For Small Lawns (Buy at Lowes)
• Best Riding Lawn Mower For Medium Lawns
• Best Riding Lawn Mower For Large Properties
• Best Riding Lawn Mower For Hills
• Best Riding Lawn Mower For The Money (Buy at Tractor Supply)
• What We Look For In The Best Riding Lawn Mower
• Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

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.

Price: Contact your local dealer

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 Lawn Tractor

Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro FAB Series Lawn Tractor

Cub Cadet lawn tractors are very popular and consistently earn high ratings from owners. If you’re looking for the best lawn tractor among them, we recommend the XT1 Enduro FAB series. They’re a bit more expensive than others in the XT1 line, but they upgrade from a 13-gauge stamped steel deck to an 11-gauge fabricated steel one, improving the long-term durability.

Available with a 50 or 54-inch deck, these mowers are suitable for covering larger lawns than lawn tractors in the 30 – 48-inch range. Thanks to a Kohler 24HP engine, they have better overall performance than most of its competition as well. While they don’t turn as tight as a zero-turn, they do have a 16-inch turning radius that gives them a tighter turn than others.

Best Electric Riding Lawn Mower

Try as we may, we couldn’t pick just one electric ride-on lawn mower as the best. However, we do have three that stand out from the rest.

Commercial: Greenworks Commercial 82V OptimusZ Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

Greenworks was one of the first to push into the commercial electric zero-turn lawn mower market and they have learned a lot over the years. The culmination of that experience and the best of today’s technology come together in the Greenworks OptimusZ zero-turn and earns our recommendation as the best electric commercial riding lawn mower.

The line includes both ride-on and stand-on models, and we even got to see an operational prototype of a fully-autonomous version. Focusing on the ride-on models, there are 48 – 60-inch deck sizes with either 18KWh or 24KWh battery packages. On the 60-inch mower, the larger battery bank can run up to 8 hours on a charge.

The top speed is impressive, reaching up to 16 MPH with the blades on. Security is already onboard thanks to the combination of 4G and GPS connections. If all that sounds great, but you’re still not sure it can hold up, keep in mind that Greenworks backs these mowers with a 5-year/2,000-hour warranty.

Residential: EGO 56V E-Steer Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

EGO is making it easier to transition from gas to battery power and into the zero-turn market with the 56V E-Steer riding lawn mower. It takes the lap bars and exchanges them for a steering wheel, making for a much more approachable mower if you’re not used to traditional ZT steering. Beyond that, the design team shifted the controls/info screen onto the steering wheel where they’re easy to keep an eye on while you’re mowing.

The mower sports a 42-inch deck with cutting speeds between 4 and 8 MPH and matches the power of a 22HP gas engine. For the power source, EGO uses the same 556V batteries that power its other mowers and handheld tools. With a full load of six 12.0Ah batteries, expect to cut nearly four acres on a charge. With the four batteries that come with the mower, there’s enough juice to cover 2.5 acres.

Price: 5999.00 with four 12.0Ah batteries and onboard charger (scheduled for May 2023 launch)

Residential: Ryobi 80V iDrive Series Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

Ryobi’s iDrive zero-turn lawn mowers break the mold of lap bars, but not with a steering wheel. It uses joystick controls, making you feel a bit more like a lawn-cutting fighter pilot (without the missiles, of course). While it certainly breaks the norm, our crew was able to adjust to the steering quickly.

There are three deck sizes covering 30 to 54 inches and they primarily use 80V suitcase-style batteries for power. These mowers also have slots to use Ryobi’s 40V batteries if you need to extend your runtime beyond what the 80V packs offer.

The power ranges from a 28HP – 42HP gas equivalent with runtime covering 1 – 4 acres, depending on which model you go with. Plus, this mower uses the CrossCut stacked blade system to give you better cut quality than you’d get with single blades.

Price: 5999.00 – 7999.00 ready to mow

Take a look through our full list of Best Electric Lawn Mower recommendations!

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Small Lawns

John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor

Lawn tractors are great for small to medium-sized lawns and the John Deere S130 lawn tractor is our choice as the best riding lawn mower for small lawns. The S100 comes in at a lower price, but moving up to the S130 is worth it in our opinion.

Both feature a 42-inch mowing deck, but the S130 has a significantly stronger 22HP V-twin engine and it has John Deere’s super-easy 30-Second Oil Change system. The S130 also upgrades with cruise control and an electronic PTO system. Overall, it balances ease of ownership and performance well while keeping a safe distance away from the price of zero-turn mowers.

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Medium Lawns 1 Acre to 5 Acres

Husqvarna Xcite Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

The best riding lawn mower for medium-sized lawns is the Husqvarna Xcite. There are two models available featuring a 54-inch 10-gauge deck that’s a great size for those 1 – 5–acre properties.

What’s exciting about the Xcite is a combination of innovative features and a design that feels more Pro even though these target residential users. Starting from the top, your start/stop and blade engagement controls are on the lap bar ends where you can easily reach them with your thumbs. Then there’s the suspension system. 4 bar links and 10 adjustment settings let you customize the setup based on your size, weight, and preferences to dial in a comfortable ride.

Depending on the model, you get either a 24HP or 26HP Kohler engine with a top speed of either 7 or 9 MPH. On the business end, Husqvarna puts stock blades that can go up to 5 years without needing to be sharpened. Husqvarna targeted a Pro feel with the convenience and ease of ownership homeowners crave with the Xcite and they nailed it.

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Large Properties

Exmark Lazer Z Series Deisel Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

When it comes to maintaining large areas where you need a cleaner cut than a bush hog leaves behind, there are a few large-deck options. Leading the pack in size and with a robust professional resume’, the Exmark Lazer Z Deisel is our choice as the best riding lawn mower for large properties.

When we say large, we mean it. The Lazer Z diesel line includes 60, 72, and 96-inch options along with a monstrous 144-inch model. Ang get this—Exmark rates the largest mower’s cutting rate at up to 11.5 acres per hour! In terms of productivity, that’s going to be tough to beat.

These mowers aren’t cheap, though. They start at just over 27,000 and the 144-inch model is over 35,000.

Price: Starting at 27,099.00

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Hills

Cub Cadet Pro Z 972 Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

If you have hills, you need both power and traction to mow effectively. In our team’s opinion, the best riding lawn mower for hills is the Cub Cadet Pro Z 972 series SD/SDL models. What sets these mowers apart is a combination of their dually rear wheel and steering wheel designs.

Four rear wheels help prevent the back end from slipping, even in wet conditions. The steering wheel makes it easier to manage on slopes and there’s an option for a pivoting seat that keeps you more upright on those hills. As part of Cub Cadet’s commercial mower lineup, you can expect a commercial-level build and high-end comfort features as part of the package.

Best Riding Lawn Mower For The Money

Toro Timecutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

What’s the best riding lawn mower for the money? For that, we return to the Toro TimeCutter series. Specifically, it’s the 42-inch 75746. This isn’t the least expensive 42-inch in the line, and it’s not the most expensive, either. By upgrading from the entry-level version (3299), you’re moving from a 15.5 HP Briggs Stratton engine to a much stronger 22HP Kohler engine. up to a more durable 10-gauge fabricated steel deck.

If your lawn is 2 acres or less, this model offers the best balance of performance, durability, comfort, and price. But what if you have more then 2 acres? Stick with the Toro TimeCutter and move up in deck size to match your lawn.

What We Look For In The Best Riding Lawn Mower

Lawn Tractor or Zero Turn?

When you’re choosing the best riding lawn mower for your lawn, the first thing to decide is which style you want.

Lawn tractors have several advantages. They tend to be a smaller overall size, are less expensive, and are easy to use with their steering wheel/pedal control systems. The downsides are that they tend to be slower and don’t reach larger deck sizes. They also aren’t as efficient in your mowing pattern because they require a larger turning radius.

Zero-turn lawn mowers make it easier to efficiently mow straight lines. While they’re more expensive, larger, and can take some time to get used to lap bar controls, you can get larger deck sizes, they have higher speeds, and they’re better for large properties. If comfort is a high priority for you, you’ll find better options with ZTs and lawn tractors.

Gas or Battery?

Now that battery-powered riding lawn mowers are at a point where they really can replace gas, the conversation is shifting away from just power and runtime.

Gas mowers tend to be less expensive and you can usually find someone to service/repair them within a reasonable drive of your home. The trade-off is the noise, emissions, managing fuel and oil, and more required maintenance.

Battery-powered mowers have a push-button start system that’s ready when you are, assuming you charged the batteries. They’re remarkably quiet compared to gas, have no emissions, and your HOA isn’t going to suddenly rewrite the rules to eliminate them. Maintenance primarily boils down to blowing off the deck and maybe rinsing under the deck. The primary downsides at this stage are that you don’t have as wide of a selection as gas, they’re more expensive, the batteries need replacing every 3 – 5 years, and there aren’t nearly as many service centers close by.

Durability and Reliability

As you go up in price from entry-level riding lawn mowers to mid-range and high-end models, there are significant changes. A more powerful engine is only part of it. The design of the engine and its quality typically improves as you move up the line, giving you a more reliable engine to go along with the higher performance of more horsepower.

You also see the strength of the build improve. Some of it is the thickness of the metal or moving from stamped steel to fabricated steel on the deck. Other components come into play as well, with higher quality transmissions and electronics packages improving.

Generally speaking, if you’re looking at an entry-level model, see if your budget has room to move up into the middle or even high end of the line. The durability and reliability you gain are worth it in the long run.

Deck Size

The deck size you need depends on the property you’re mowing. 42-inch riding lawn mowers are a good starting point for lawns up to an acre or where you need to squeeze through a narrow gate. If you have more than an acre, go ahead and look at models up to 60 inches.

Realistically, it’s a matter of finding the right balance between how much lawn you have to cut, how much storage space you have available, and what your budget is.

Speed

Speed is primarily a concern for professional lawn crews who need to move from one property to the next quickly or on campuses with significant travel distance between the shop and where they’re mowing. They usually want a mower with a top speed over 10 MPH.

Even homeowners can make their mowing chores more efficient with some decent top-end speed, though. 7 MPH or more is a good benchmark for those models. If you tend to take your mowing more casually, 5 – 6 MPH is just fine.

Comfort

The larger your lawn, the more time you need to spend in the driver’s seat of your riding lawn mower, and the more comfort comes into play. Entry-level mowers are going to bounce you around more than mid-range and high-end models. Look for a seat with plenty of cushioning, an adjustable tension knob, and enough travel for you to sit without having to scrunch up.

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We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 350 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

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The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The 8 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Sage McHugh has written for Dotdash Meredith since 2019. With over a decade of experience in consumer-oriented content, Sage has a passion for products and how they enhance our everyday lives.

Andrew Hughes is a certified arborist, member of the International Society of Arborists specializing in tree heal care, and reviews tree content on The Spruce’s Gardening Review Board. He founded and runs Urban Loggers, LLC, a company offering residential tree services in the Midwest and Connecticut.

Jenica Currie is an expert content manager, producer, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience cultivating online communities.

Cordless and environmentally friendly, a battery-powered lawn mower is generally easier to maintain and operate than a gas-powered model, and it is especially suited for small to medium-sized lawns. “The best battery-powered lawn mower for your yard is one that suits your specific needs,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). He suggests asking yourself the following before selecting a mower: “What is the size of the property and job? What features are needed for the job? What is your ability to handle the machine?”

We researched and tested a variety of lawn mowers in our own yards including corded, cordless, gas, electric, push, riding, and self-propelled options. For this list of the best battery-powered lawn mowers, we evaluated products based on their setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value and included the best options we’ve tested. Throughout our testing process, we carefully observed the mowers’ ability to navigate around obstacles, inclines, and tall grass with ease. Additionally, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the lawn’s appearance to ensure a consistently trimmed finish. As we compiled this list, we also considered the mowers’ runtime, cutting options, charging time, and cutting width.

Best Overall

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

• Powerful performance
• Long run time and fast charging
• Lightweight, foldable, and compact
• Easy to set up and start
• Quiet operation

The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is the best battery-powered lawn mower we tested because it is just as powerful as some gas models, lasts for up to 70 minutes on a single charge, and is very easy to operate and maintain. We were surprised by how quiet this mower was (almost like weight noise) and lightweight (almost delicate), and easy to start (push-button compared to pulling a cord) compared to gas mowers we’ve used in the past. However, once we got it started and found the right height for an uneven lawn, thanks to the self-propelled technology, it was very powerful and easy to maneuver around, even over hills. By moving a slider from high to low, we could easily adjust the mower’s speed that we needed, depending on the terrain. Finding the right speed takes a bit of getting used to at first, especially on straight, flat rows where the mower was going almost too fast. But overall, we appreciated the power and found it really made mowing much easier, especially on hilly terrain.

This mower has an impressive 70-minute run time, and comes with two 40V batteries. Only one battery is needed at a time, and you can charge the other one with the included Rapid charger and switch them out when needed. We mowed for 45 minutes to an hour each time and had no issues with the mower running out of batteries. However, we will point out a few small issues we came across with the bag. This mower allows you to mulch, bag, or side discharge. The first time we used the mower for the season, the grass was pretty high and the bag filled up very quickly (after mowing about 25-30 feet with taller grass). However, the next few times we used it when the grass wasn’t as overgrown, we did not have that issue. Removing the bag to empty is simple, but when it was full, we did find that it spilled easily. Also, we did notice occasionally that grass would come out of the bag when it was full (just a few blades at a time). While in the mulching mode, we also noted that it did not seem to break up older leaves very well, but we did appreciate overall how well it cut the grass, and we appreciated the seven adjustable cutting heights (1.5 to 4 inches).

We also loved how compact and easy this mower is to store. We had no issues pulling the lever to fold the mower for vertical, space-saving storage. The safety features are also a big plus. The mower has a key, so even though it’s easy to start with just a press of a button, the key does need to be inserted in the mower behind a flap, so you can remove the key when you don’t want someone else using it. You also need to grip the lever when you start or use the mower, or it will not work. The LED headlights also provide extra light should you need it. Overall, if you are looking to switch from a gas to a battery-powered mower or want an easy-to-use mower for your lawn (ideally up to 3/4 of an acre), we found this to be a great choice.

How It Performed Long-Term

After three months of use, we’ve found the self-propelled feature to be especially helpful when mowing on hills and uneven terrain. We were able to use it up to four times on a single charge, which is quite remarkable. Although it may struggle with heavier weeds, it does an excellent job of cutting grass and collecting clippings

Price at time of publish: 799

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Run Time: 70 minutes | Charge Time: 1 hour | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Self-Propelled

EGO Power Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

• Self-propelled feature is easy to use
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Foldable and compact for vertical storage
• 60-minute runtime

A self-propelled lawn mower can make mowing your lawn an easier task because the mower does most of the work for you—you simply guide it over your terrain while you walk at a comfortable pace that you set on your mower. After testing the EGO POWER Self-Propelled Mower, we selected it as our best self-propelled pick because it was easy to turn the feature on and off when you needed it, and it made mowing the lawn feel less of a pain (especially on our backs!) compared to using a heavy gas mower. If you are new to self-propelled mowers, this will take a little getting used to (including this mower), but we think it will be well worth the initial time spent. In fact, when we first started using this mower, we thought the mower might run away (even on the lowest setting) because we were only used to a gas push mower. Once we figured out how to run the mower without the self-propelled feature, it allowed us to get used to the mower itself and all of its features. We found that the lowest setting was all we needed for parts of our lawn, even small hills, and when we felt like that feature wasn’t necessary (navigating around obstacles), it was easy to switch it off at the top of the handle.

Aside from the self-propelled option, this mower offers many great features, making it a great choice for your lawn. We found it easy to adjust both the handle’s height (two options) and angle (three options) with just one hand. Adjusting the cutting height was also a simple and easy task with six settings available, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. This mower comes with one EGO 56V ARC Lithium battery that has a 60-minute runtime and takes about the same amount of time to charge. It took us 50 minutes to mow our lawn, and we did not run out of batteries. We also like that you can choose from the bag, mulching, and side-discharge option for your grass clippings and use the LED headlights when mowing early in the morning or later at dusk. The handle can easily be folded, and the mower can be stored vertically in your garage or shed. And like most battery-powered mowers, you’ll get the advantage of a quick, push-button start with no cord and no fumes.

The only downside we reported was the learning curve with using a self-propelled mower. But once we figured out how to navigate the feature and the power it provides, we found it to make mowing the lawn an easier task. If you have a small, flat lawn with a lot of obstacles, this might not be the best option for you. Also, note that we found this lawn worked great on dry and damp grass, but we did experience one time where the mower would not start (the light blinked orange to indicate an issue), but when we moved it to a less wet area, it worked fine. While this mower has many of the same features as our best overall, it has slightly less of a runtime, is heavier, and only comes with one battery. However, it is a bit more budget-friendly, so if you don’t need as much power or as long of a runtime, this could be the better option, especially if you have other EGO tools with compatible batteries.

How It Performed Long-Term

We’ve been using our lawn mower for about three months now and we’re very pleased with its performance. One of the standout features is the battery life. we can mow the lawn three times before needing to recharge. What’s more, it handles thick and tall grass like a champ. we even let the lawn go for 10 days once, and it had no trouble at all. It’s also very effective at dealing with damp grass and leaves.

Price at time of publish: 549

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 93.61 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes | Charge Time: 1 hour | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

The best cordless lawn mowers in 2023

Looking for the best cordless mower? Browse our experts’ pick, from budget to premium models.

A lawn mower may be one of the first purchases we make when getting a garden of our own, but that doesn’t mean finding a good quality one is easy. There are so many models and brands on the market to choose from, including corded electric and petrol, but as their range increases and fall, cordless, battery-powered models are an increasingly popular option.

Light and compact compared with traditional petrol models, cordless mowers are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre around the garden, and have none of the maintenance and servicing needs or costs of petrol lawnmowers. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which charges up quickly and won’t lose power in storage, they’re also quiet and emission free.

To compare these cordless mowers against other types of mower, we’ve reviewed the best lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers and push mowers, too. And if your lawn needs a bit of attention, our experts have tested a range of the best manual and powered aerators and scarifiers.Keep edges looking neat with our pick of the best strimmers, the best garden shears and the best lawn edging, and if you’re thinking about somewhere to store your new mower, our comprehensive guide to choosing the best garden shed will be helpful.

For your next DIY project, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best cordless mowers to buy at a glance

Cordless mowers. Buyer’s Guide video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

Getting the best cordless lawn mower for you means ensuring it has the correct cutting width, range of cutting heights, and weight plus a battery run time that matches the size of your lawn. We’ve tested a range of cordless push mowers, putting them through their paces across a range of grass and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

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Best Buy cordless mowers

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Quiet
• Cuts even long grass with ease
• Battery level visible while mowing
• Small and compact for easy storage
• Part of the POWER FOR ALL cordless range

Part of the new Husqvarna Aspire cordless range, which includes a hedge trimmer, pruner and leaf blower, this 34cm mower is powered by an 18V POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE battery and charger. These are interchangeable with tools in other leading brands such as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch so if you also invest in tools in these ranges, you’ll only need to buy the bare tool and won’t have different batteries and chargers taking up space in the shed.Great for small gardens the mower comes ready to go, there’s no assembly or handles to attach, and it folds down to a compact size when you’re finished, with a telescopic handle that folds completely flat over the body of the mower. It can then be stood up against a wall or hung up, and even comes with a handy hook. The 30l grass bag also flattens down to take up very little room and can be hung on the mower. The Aspire is light, with a carry handle so that lifting it up steps or into other areas is easy and it has an adjustable handle to suit different height users. It’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around the garden and has just four cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 25-65mm and changed easily with a single lever on the body of the mower. It cuts grass quietly and smoothly and has an automatic boost that increases blade speed when you’re mowing in tougher, longer areas that works well. You can hear it kick in when you push the mower into longer grass and unlike other cordless mowers that can cut out, just carries on cutting the grass. While you mow the battery charge level is always clearly visible so you know how much battery you have left and when it needs charging. It comes with a two year warranty and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 95 mins; run time. 500sqm. Cutting: width. 34cm; height. 25-65mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Buy the Husqvarna Aspire C34-P4A cordless mower from Husqvarna and Sam Turner

Greenworks GDG24LM33

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Easy to assemble and use
• Comfortable padded handle
• Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
• Interchangeable battery with Greenworks 24V family

Ideal for smaller gardens this sturdy, great value cordless mower is easy to put together, well thought out and simple to use. Thanks to a padded handle it’s comfortable to push, although it did feel a little short for our taller tester, and it’s light and easy to manoeuvre around trees and beds and borders. There are five cutting heights to choose from, adjusted with the simple lift of a lever and it offers the choice of collecting clippings in the 30 litre fabric grass bag or inserting the mulching plug and leaving them on the lawn to break down and feed the grass. It mows well but doesn’t like very long grass, with the battery cutting out occasionally but its long lasting brushless motor offers a a decent run time of 46 minutes and it charges in two hours. Plus, as part of the Greenworks 24V family, both the battery and charger are interchangeable with all the other tools in the range, saving you money if you invest in more in the future. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless mower in 2023.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 120 mins; run time. 46mins. Cutting: width. 33cm; height. 25-70mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Yard Force LMG37A 40v 37cm

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Rear roller
• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Quickest charge time
• Part of the Yardforce GR40 cordless range

This sturdy mower has a 37cm cutting width and useful features including a rear roller for those much desired stripes. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for small to medium lawns, clippings are collected in the large 40 litre fabric grass bag. It offers a wide choice of seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm, and is easy to fold away at the end of the day. The 40V battery is quick to charge, taking just 50 minutes and when full it has the capacity to cut a 400m2 lawn.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 50 mins; run time. 400sqm. Cutting: width. 37cm; height. 25-75mm. Grass box. 40 litre.

Buy the Yard Force LMG37A 40V 37cm cordless mower from Yard Force, Amazon and Wickes