Husqvarna lawn mower 46. Best Riding Lawn Mower Reviews 2023

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.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

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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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Our site will provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers. That includes objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

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.

Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mower Reviews Jul 2023

When it comes to picking the right mower for a particular trimming job, the choices can indeed feel endless.

With so many models out in the current market, even some professional lawn care experts can be found scratching their heads trying to decide which machine and which brand to go for.

And if all my years in grass trimming has taught me anything, it’s that when it comes to a mower, the machine needs to be as reliable as the brand itself.

Husqvarna is one such lawn mower manufacturer that strives towards versatility and customer satisfaction more than anything else.

And today, let me tell you a bit about this brand and review some of their amazing mowers.

Best Husqvarna Riding Mower Jul 2023: A bit about the brand

When it comes to consistent performance and reliability in the field of gardening tools, Husqvarna has all other brands beaten!

A company that started out as rifle manufacturers all the way back in 1689 is now, after more than 300 years, one of the most prominent designers and producers of lawn care products in the entire world.

However, my trust in the Husqvarna products (especially in their lawn mowers) do not merely stem from their illustrious history alone, but through my own personal experiences with them as well.

When I began my very own lawn care company, it was the Husqvarna mowers that I chose to employ for all my contracts. And I’m not lying if I said that they are yet to let me down on any job no matter how difficult they were. They are one of the integral reasons why my company has grown so much and so fast, and they have been my go-to ever since.

Even though my review today is about Husqvarna lawn mowers, this company does not limit its products to mowers alone. They have a vast range of lawn and garden care equipment to offer, which include everything from trimmers to mowers and even chainsaws.

Husqvarna has been making yards the talk of the town for years now.

So, here are some of my favorite Husqvarna riding mowers which I am sure will appeal to you as much as they do to me:

Husqvarna YTH22V46 Reviews Jul 2023

A significantly more powerful model than the YTH18542 in the Husqvarna line-up, the YTH22V46 mower is a beast when it comes to keeping the larger yards in shape throughout the year.

The YTH22V46 is ideal for professional and commercial uses, and I would not be recommending this model for beginners due to the higher mowing power which many might find to be rather hard to control.

My Experience

I use the YTH22V46 mower a lot when I have to get a tough trimming job done within a very short period of time.

And any lawn care professional worth his/her salt will be able to tell you that full grown Florida grass is one of the toughest vegetations to mow down. So, when I use the YTH22V46 for such jobs, I won’t be exaggerating if I say that this mower makes the whole process look easy.

The 22 HP Briggs and Stratton V-twin engine is incredibly powerful; it has full pressure lubrication and a superior debris management system. This allows the machine to breeze through the toughest vegetation, and even tread on slopes with an inclination of 15 to 20 degrees.

over, this engine though boasts a tremendous amount of power is very easy to start and run noiselessly, thereby making the YTH22V46 just perfect for noise sensitive neighborhoods.

Another amazing aspect of the YTH22V46 that contributes a lot to its increased trimming speed is the 46 inches cutting deck. Most mowers of its class have the common drawback of supporting a cutting deck which is extremely narrow. In comparison, the 46 inches deck is rather wide and reduces the trimming time significantly

The Hydrostatic Pedal Transmission keeps the ride smooth and the deck vibration free even while treading on rough and bumpy terrain.

Last update on 2022-02-28 at 15:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What could have been better?

Lack of a sufficiently durable structure is what plagues the YTH22V46. Some of the outer parts such as the steering wheel will start to come loose just after a few months of use and will start to rattle as soon as you start the mower. However, this will not compromise on your control in any way.

Pros

• Comes with a powerful 22 HP V-twin Briggs and Stratton engine
• Provides a smooth and vibration free ride on any terrain
• Even though compact in build, supports a 46 inches wide cutting deck
• The engine is easy to start and runs without noise

Husqvarna YTH18542 Reviews Jul 2023

When starting out in the field of garden maintenance especially lawn mowing, it’s essential to go for a mower which has the perfect balance between power and control. And this is precisely what Husqvarna’s YTH18542 brings to the table.

It reminds me of my very first riding mower and comes with a variety of user-friendly features to boast.

My Experience

As I have mentioned before, it’s the unique balance between power and control that attracts me so much to the YTH18542. The 18.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek engine makes for a sufficiently powerful yet steady ride and allowed me to make quick work of any small to mid-sized lawns in a matter of hours.

Like the other Husqvarna models, this mower too comes with a pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission. This feature allows me to change the speed of the mower quite easily, and go in either forward or reverse whenever I find it necessary.

The induction mowing technology that is built into the engine improves the airflow within the deck and keeps the internal mechanisms of the mower grass and debris free. This improves the trimming consistency along with increasing the overall longevity of the engine, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

What makes the YTH18542 mower so very amateur friendly is the “step-through” operational process that it comes with. This keeps the controls ergonomic and makes the mower extremely easy to operate.

I love the deck seat as well; it’s quite comfortable and comes with adjustable back support. It houses a soft grip steering as well which improves the mower’s overall control and precision.

The Husqvarna YTH18542 is just perfect for beginners and domestic users who want a stable easy to use the mower for their smaller yards.

Husqvarna yth22v46 Review: Compact, Powerful Garden Tractor

In this Husqvarna yth22v46 review, we’re going to take a close look at this Husqvarna riding lawn mower and determine how reliable it is for maintaining large residential landscapes. In addition, you’ll read about the engine specs, ergonomic features, and Husqvarna yth22v46 accessories that can be used with this machine.

You’ll learn the pros and cons of this yard equipment, giving you a realistic view of what it can do and its drawbacks. That way, you can make a wise decision about investing in this product.

• Husqvarna 46-Inch Riding Mower Pros and Cons
• Product Highlights
• – Husqvarna yth22v46 Review
• Husqvarna yth22v46 Product Features Breakdown

• – Engine
• – Hydrostatic Pedal Transmission
• – Cutting Deck
• – Ergonomics
• – Accessories
• – Size and Weight
• – Warranty

• What size deck is the Husqvarna yth22v46 mower?
• What is the forward speed of a Husqvarna yth22v46 mower?
• Is 500 hours a lot for Husqvarna yth22v46 mowers?

Product Highlights

This Husqvarna lawn tractor is a garden mower for large-size properties with up to several acres of lawns. It’s built by a company with decades of experience producing high-quality yard and outdoor equipment, and it’s designed for ease of use and minimal maintenance.

• 46-inch cutting width
• Hydrostatic pedal-operated transmission
• 22 HP BriggsStratton V-Twin Intek engine
• Cruise control
• 15-inch high seat back
• Air induction cutting deck

– Husqvarna yth22v46 Review

If you have half an acre or more of lawn area and you’re looking for a reliable mower to keep it trimmed, this 2-wheel drive Husqvarna garden tractor is an option worth considering. It comes with a robust, compact Briggs and Stratton engine, giving you plenty of power to breeze along at top speed while cutting the grass.

People with large lawn areas also often need a garden tractor for more than mowing. For example, many people want a lawn tractor capable of towing a small trailer for moving compost, soil, or heavy potted plants around the property. In this case, this tractor comes in extremely handy because you can easily pull a small accessory trailer full of heavy materials using the built-in hitch and strong engine.

The compact size of this tractor has multiple advantages. It lets you easily maneuver around trees and shrubs, garden outbuildings, along pathways, and in other tight spaces. The small footprint of this machine also makes it easy to store in an average-size garage or small shed. In addition, the trim size makes it straightforward for the operator to see the ground around the machine while driving.

One safety point to note with this and other similar garden tractors is they cannot safely mow sideways on sloped ground. It’s safest to mow up and down the slope to avoid the possibility of a rollover, and the maximum pitch the tractor can handle without slipping is approximately 15 degrees.

On wet and slippery surfaces, the maximum slope garden tractors can handle even lower. However, one of the accessories you can get for this mower is tire chains, so you can use it on soggy ground or even in light snow. Nonetheless, it’s essential to consider the amount of slope on your property when judging if this tractor can do the job. However, lawns with flat terrain or gentle slopes present no problem for this Husqvarna lawn tractor.

Starting and stopping this lawn tractor is as easy as it gets. The engine is designed for a fast, reliable startup without a choke. Changing from forward to reverse involves moving your foot from the front to the back of the hydrostatic transmission pedal and pushing down. Pulling on a knob on the dashboard activates the two cutting blades under the deck, and pushing it back in stops them. Cleaning this tractor is also a breeze since it comes equipped with a washout port.

When you switch from moving forward to reverse, the blades automatically stop turning as a safety feature. However, you can override this feature if you need to mow while backing up. In addition, the air induction design of the deck creates a draft that keeps the grass upright while it is cut, leaving a smoother finished surface and fewer missed spots.

One drawback to this mower is that the overall construction is not designed for lots of travel on rough ground. Instead, it’s built for mowing and mulching lawns and towing around loads of garden materials in average residential settings. If you plan to use it in more challenging conditions, there might be an increase in the need to make repairs and tighten bolts in the frame.

The mower is delivered fully assembled, but unpacking it from the crate can be a bit of a job requiring a few tools. Once it’s out, put regular gas in the tank and fill the oil reservoir, hook up the battery, and you’re ready to go. You’ll find a list of parts needed for regular maintenance listed on the inside of the hood and in the owner’s manual. Reading and following instructions in the manual is crucial for this Husqvarna riding lawnmower’s safe and reliable operati on

Husqvarna yth22v46 Product Features Breakdown

– Engine

The engine is a 22 horsepower, 655cc displacement BriggsStratton V-Twin Intek design that uses the company’s ReadyStart® ignition system. This innovative feature eliminates a traditional choke lever and has the engine automatically perform the throttle startup adjustments without you needing to fiddle around with a choke mechanism. Instead, turn the key and push the start button, and this mower is ready to move.

The electric start uses a 12-volt battery similar to a car battery, housed under the front hood next to the engine. The engine design also includes a well-balanced crankshaft with a longer-than-average lifespan.

In addition, the air cleaner sits right under the hood. It opens without any tools, making it extra-simple to keep the filter clean: a vital maintenance task on all gas-powered lawn tractors, especially in dusty conditions.

The engine also needs other routine maintenance such as checking and changing the oil, replacing the oil and gas filters, and changing the spark plugs. In addition, the deck might occasionally need leveling, and the tire pressure should be regularly checked.

However, these maintenance tasks are essentially the same as for all lawn tractors. They require minimal tools and experience to perform, and the owner’s manual covers everything.

– Hydrostatic Pedal Transmission

A pedal that controls the hydrostatic transmission is on the right-hand side of the floor space in front of the operator seat. Pressing the pedal forward moves the tractor ahead, and pushing the opposite side of the pedal makes the machine go in reverse.

As a result, you don’t press a clutch pedal or need your hands to change the direction of the mower or when increasing in speed. To stop the tractor’s motion, take your foot off the pedal, and the machine stops immediately.

Cutting in reverse can be dangerous, so this possibility is blocked out unless the operator decides to engage it. If you need to mow while going backward, all you do is make a slight adjustment to the key location, and the blades keep turning while you backup. The maximum forward speed is 5.2 mph, and the mower has cruise control for maintaining the throttle speed where you want it and a parking brake to prevent rolling.

The advantages of a hydrostatic pedal transmission are the ease of use and the smooth and comfortable motion of the machine in both forward and reverse, making it drivable for almost anyone.

– Cutting Deck

The broad, 46-inch wide cutting deck is extra-large for a small and compact mower, letting you make a minimal number of passes over the lawn to get it all cut. The hand-operated cutting height adjustment lever is on the right fender so you can move the blades up and down from 1-inch to a maximum of 4-inches.

The two blades under the deck attach to the spindle with a bolt in each one. When the blades get dull or damaged, you can access them by lifting the front of the machine or dropping out the cutting deck, removing it from the tractor, and then turning it over to service the blades.

The air induction design of the cutting deck draws in a steady blast of wind to keep the grass in an upright position as the blades hit them, resulting in a cleaner-looking finished cut. The deck comes set up for side discharge of the clippings, but you can buy a mulching baffle that traps cut grass under the machine and chops it more finely, and then leaves it spread out on the lawn for mulch and fertilizer.

Cleanup with this tractor is easy and convenient with the washout port located at the surface of its deck. After cutting the lawn, attach your garden hose to the deck washout port using the nozzle adapter that comes with the tractor. Turn the water on, restart the engine and run it in the “Fast” position to let the water clean out the cutting deck without having to turn the machine over for this purpose.

– Ergonomics

Besides extra-simple operation, this mower’s other main ergonomic features are the well-padded, high-backed adjustable operator’s seat, soft-cover steering wheel, and headlights for safe use in low light conditions and when driving near traffic and pedestrians. In addition, all of the controls for operating the machine are in easy reach from the operator seat.

– Accessories

Husqvarna offers many accessories for this lawn tractor, including:

• Mulching plug and blade kit
• Tractor cover
• Seat cover
• Overhead sunshade
• Tire chains
• Bagging accessories

Additionally, you can choose from a variety of small trailers to help you move stuff around in your yard, as well as lawn aerator attachments.

– Size and Weight

The total weight of the mower is 434 pounds, which is about average for a garden tractor of this size. The unit is 69.2 inches long, 48-inches wide, and 41-inches high.

The overall size and weight of this machine are a benefit to anyone with a limited storage area.

– Warranty

Husqvarna offers a 3-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty for this mower, covering materials and manufacture defects for regular, residential use. However, the company does not provide a guarantee for commercial use of this machine.

For prompt warranty service, be sure to register the product online within 30 days of purchase and keep the receipts.

FAQ

What size deck is the Husqvarna yth22v46 mower?

The Husqvarna YTH22V46 mower has a deck size of 46 inches.

What is the forward speed of a Husqvarna yth22v46 mower?

The Husqvarna YTH22V46 mower typically has a forward speed of around 5-6.5 mph.

Is 500 hours a lot for Husqvarna yth22v46 mowers?

No, 500 hours of usage is not considered a lot for Husqvarna YTH22V46 mowers.

Conclusion

This Husqvarna 46-inch riding mower is reliable and robust and works well for keeping expansive lawns manicured and tidy. It’s designed for residential use, but it has a powerful engine and can tow a small trailer or lawn care equipment.

You don’t need any experience driving a tractor to use this machine, and for most people, it only takes a few minutes of practice to understand how it works and feel confident using it.

The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.

Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.

While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

• 24HP engine
• 54-inch cutting deck
• Automatic transmission
• Attachments and accessories available

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.

The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

• 2.5 acre max range
• Quick-charge batteries
• LCD heads-up display
• USB charging ports

Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres

Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.

This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

• Mows up to 7 acres at once
• Highly maneuverable
• 10-gauge steel construction
• Tool-free air filters

Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres

Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.

Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

• Battery-powered
• Great for yards up to 1 acre
• Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
• Push-button cruise control

Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre

Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.

It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

• Mow up to 10 acres
• 5.5 gallon gas tank
• Dual hydrostatic drive
• Great for hills and inclines

DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres

The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.

With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.

What is the best riding mower?

I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.

You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.

Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.

An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.

A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.

A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.

How did we choose these riding mowers?

I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:

• Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
• Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
• Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
• Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.

The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.

And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.

How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?

Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.

If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.

How long should a riding mower last?

No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.

Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

What is the cheapest riding mower?

Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.

Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:

John Deere Z530M

The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.

Husqvarna YTH1942

The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.

Murray MT100

For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.

The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023

These achieve the rare feat of making lawn mowing fun.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 1, 2023

When it comes to yard work, zero turn mowers do the impossible. They make lawn mowing fun. They accomplish this by putting unprecedented speed, control and maneuverability at the disposal of the person mowing the lawn. The so-called “zero turn” feature of these mowers converts a grass cutting machine into something akin to an amusement park ride. You steer the machine with two levers—the left lever controls the left wheel, the right lever the right wheel. With that steering setup, you can zoom over the landscape cutting straight lines, curves, or pivot the mower into and out of a corner. What’s not to like?

Read on to understand how these agile grass cutters work, how we go about testing them, and see some candidates that we’ve recently tested as well as some that we haven’t but that we think look particularly promising.

How Zero-Turn Mowers Work

A zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck.

When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability.

Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to be built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain.

As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look.

Selecting a Zero-Turn Mower

Everyone would like to select the biggest possible zero-turn mower with the hope of whittling a big grass cutting job down to size as quickly as possible. Reality usually intercedes because these machines are expensive and the wide range of options available today quickly drive up the cost. Roughly speaking, you start somewhere in the range of a mower with a 42-inch deck costing in the vicinity of 3200 to 3500 and move up in increments of 1000 to 1500 until you reach entry-level commercial-grade equipment that costs 7000 to 8000.

Again, speaking in terms of approximation, a mower with a 42-inch deck will cut a two-acre lot (that takes into account that the house, driveway, outbuildings and various landscape features are taking up some of that space). Use a mower with a larger deck to cut anything over two acres. But here’s the caveat. That entry-level ZTR mower (3200, say) with a 42-inch deck will wear out faster and need more maintenance than a mower with a 50-inch deck, a heavier frame, larger engine and higher quality transmissions, and thicker deck with more robust blade spindles, costing 4500.

In the simplest possible terms, you can cut a smaller area with a larger mower and expect more longevity out of the machine (not to mention a nicer mowing experience) or you can cut a larger area with a smaller machine and encounter more maintenance and a mowing experience that will be, we might say, a bit more rugged.

But there are still other factors to consider, in selecting a mower other than deck size and your budget. Larger mowers take more space in a garage or outbuilding. And a mower with a 50-inch or even 60-inch deck, as useful as it might be in getting the job done more quickly, may not fit through a fence’s gate, and it might be more difficult to maneuver in tight spots without creating scalp marks on the lawn from a lot of close-quarter pivoting.

Carefully consider all these factors when shopping for a mower: your budget, maintenance and whether you will perform that work yourself, mowing speed and time, maneuverability and trimming in tight areas, the importance that you place on your comfort while mowing, cut quality, longevity, storage, and access to the landscape.

How We Select and Test

There’s only one way to test a mower, and that’s to cut grass with it. But we also do more than mow.

We raise and lower the deck and adjust the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—we investigate whether the mower delivers a decent cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers.