Measure Twice Buy Once
Every homeowner wants the largest machine possible to be able to finish mowing faster. Great. But you have to store the beast somewhere, so dont start shopping until you figure out how much storage space you have. And, if you have to pass through a gate or use a pathway, measure those widths at the same time. Finally, measure the total area you plan to mow, and use an angle gauge to measure the slope angle of your steepest hills. Those measurements will determine the style and size of machine you can buy and help you decide which is the best riding lawn mower for you.
Family Handyman
What Is The Best Cheap Riding Lawnmower
If youre concerned only with price, the Troy-Bilt 30-inch Neighborhood model is the least expensive riding lawn mower youll find. Highly maneuverable and perfect for small to mid-sized yards, the Neighborhood offers reliable performance at a great price point. If youre looking to balance off power and size with value, the Troy-Bilt Pony is another great option.
Types Of Riding Lawn Mower For Hills
1. Rear engine lawn mower
This riding lawn mower for hills has an engine at the back, which is slightly inferior to the front motor. You have to sit on the engine that makes it uncomfortable for the rider. Also, the engine is small, which delivers less power. This mower is suitable for the average lawn owners and buyers on a tight budget.
2. Front engine lawn mower
Consumers mainly use this type of type of riding lawn mower for hills. Usually, it has a solid engine to carry out mowing activities in the hilly areas. Versatility and a wider deck are the main features. Those people with large areas prefer using it.
3. Zero-turn lawn mower
The zero-turn lawn mower is among the Mercedes riding lawn mowers. It has an engine on both sides, i.e., rear and front. It is generally faster, cleaner, and can rotate at zero rpm by starting the engine on the other side. Many landscape professionals and enthusiasts prefer it. Having two engines on both sides makes it extra costly.
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Performance: Your Yard Is No Match
The 24 HP V-twin extended life series engine is powerful, and you can tell it from the moment you press the motion pedal. We were happy to note that the throttle lever lets you select a speed, which helped us easily control trajectory until we felt more comfortable handling the machine. The hydrostatic transmission can lock into cruise control, too, so you can set a pace that feels comfortable to you and allows you to maintain good control.
Because of the size, there were parts of the yard we had to trim or cut back with a weed eater because they were too small for the large tractor.
With the ultra-powerful motor and speed , we were able to mow three acres in one hour and 15 minutes. That was about 20 minutes shorter than previous mows with a less powerful machine. However, because of the size, there were parts of the yard we had to trim or cut back with a weed eater because they were too small for the large tractor. That ultimately made the cutting time about the same.
Though this machine does not have the popular zero-turn capability of some larger mowers , this mower manages to have a tight turn radius, which makes mowing around trees, flower beds, and edges easier. Because of the width of the blades and covers, however, you may not be able to get as close to the edges as you could with a push mower. An edger will still come in handy.
Cub Cadet Xt1 St54 Lawn Tractor
The Spruce / Kelly Hodgkins
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Fast mowing in forward and reverse
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Tight turn radius
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Wide, 54-inch fabricated mower deck
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Not ideal for steep hills or pulling heavy loads
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Seat lacks armrests for comfort
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Reverse could be simpler to engage
The Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 Lawn Tractor is a high-performance, feature-filled mower for everyday lawn cutting.
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Types Of Lawn Mowers & Tractors
Your options for the best walk-behind or riding lawn mower range from $170 gas push models to lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers that can cost upward of $4,000.
If you’re worried about noise, know that our tests show gas mowers are much noisier than their battery-powered counterparts. Nearly all the gas-powered machines we tested emitted more than 85 decibels at the user’s ear, and only a few were somewhat quieter. For all, we recommend hearing protection.
Tips On How To Best Use Riding Mowers
Many models are versatile and can effectively be converted from mower to autumn leaf/debris cleanup or winter snow removal by just changing, removing and/or replacing the power deck with a different attachment. You can seed, de-thatch, plow snow or perform other operations quickly and efficiently using a powerful unit that has easy-change attachments that adapt it to a variety of conditions.
These devices reduce the time and effort it takes to mow your yard or acreage. They may be small affordable rear engine models, heavy-duty lawn and garden tractor models, or more expensive zero-turning 360-degree, high performance commercial models. Heavier tractor type models are best-suited for mowing 5+ acres. Smaller rear engine riding options are best for ½ – ¾ acres or more. offer the fastest maneuverability on flat lawns.
Their technologies include more power and versatility upgrades as well as a variety of luxury attachments such as adjustable seats, stereos, automatic transmissions, and cruise control. New solar and battery-powered robotic models are being developed. Biodiesel and hydro-cell engines are being improved as alternatives to gas and electric engines.
Be prepared to spend $500 or more for a riding lawn mower. A low-end, 14HP model starts at $1,000. Small garden tractors range between $2,500 and $4,500. Larger tractor options can run as high as $9,000 or more.
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Best Lawn Mowers Updated For 2020
1. Bosch AdvancedRotak 750
Type of lawn mower: Electric corded Grass box: 50L Cutting heights: 2080mm
Reasons to buy: Quiet Great ergonomic control and adjustment Large grass box
Reasons to avoid: 10m long cable, but most will need an extension for good reach
This isnt just a mains-powered lawnmower that looks like a stealth fighter plane. It sounds stealth, too. Thanks to new ProSilence tech, as Bosch calls it, this 1,700 watt mower is 75 per cent quieter than previous models at a meagre 89 dB.
This isnt just subtle when it comes to noise though. Even changing the height has been made a simple pleasure with a one-touch system that takes you between 20 and 80mm across seven steps.
The ErgoSlide control system is a welcome wonder that makes finding the right height and angle simple. There are a few triggers to activate the lawnmower so you can change hand positions as you need. The collection grass bag holds a hefty 50 litres and there is also a LeafCollect system.
This makes collecting leaves – even in large amounts – a simple process. The 10 metre cable is long but most people will still need an extension cord for true freedom of movement. But with a super-smooth action working around the garden is a really easy task making this perfect for larger and smaller gardens alike.
Ideal Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best value for money cordless lawn mower
Type of lawn mower: Battery powered cordless Grass box: 30L Cutting heights: 2070mm
3. Hyundai HYM530SPER
Best Battery: Ryobi 20 In 40
Battery-powered lawn mowers are quiet and eco-friendly, but they do have limited runtime per charge, making them best for those with smaller lawns. If your yard is ½ acre or less, the RYOBI 20 in. Lithium-Ion Cordless Battery Push Lawn Mower will suit your needs, as it can run for up to 48 minutes per charge thanks to its high-capacity 6Ah lithium-ion battery. This mower has 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities , and its brushless motor delivers powerful performance to rival gas mowers.
The RYOBI Push Lawn Mower has a 20-inch deck with seven cutting positions between 1.5 and 4 inches, and it even has an on-board battery storage compartment in case you need to swap in a new battery while mowing. The machine has LED headlights, a telescoping handle, and a push-button start, and reviewers say it delivers just the right amount of power for a small or medium-sized yard.
If you dont mind working around an electrical cord while mowing, you can save some money with the Greenworks 20-Inch 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower. Its powered by a 12-amp motor and boasts a 20-inch steel deck, and it has all the features you need to keep your small lawn in top shape.
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The 7 Best Lawn Mowers For Every Kind Of Lawn In 2021
Select is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Taking care of a lawn is no easy feat it requires you to get your hands dirty, and it often involves heavy machinery that can be exacting to maneuver. And before you can even get down to the nitty-gritty work of lawn care, you first need to gather all of your supplies, including a garden hose, some durable shoes and other essential maintenance tools. One of the biggest and perhaps most frustrating purchases for any homeowner is a lawn mower, as there are countless models on the market that differ in everything from fuel type to cutting width. Whether youre new to mowing or want to upgrade your machine to something more automated, we spoke to experts about how to shop for a lawn mower, plus rounded up some top-rated options based on their advice.
Best Lawn Tractors 2021 Review
People are always in the market for the best riding lawn tractors to help them handle different garden types. Lawn tractors are best used on rough terrains, hills, pulling heavy loads, and thick or chewy grass.
Using them will greatly help reduce the effort and time taken to mow your acreage or yard. They are also much safer than the walk-behind models and a better alternative when you have to trim a large yard during hot-humid weather.
Aiming to find the best of the best among the vast choices of lawn tractors in the market, we analyzed several models and brands and consulted seven lawn tractor experts. This helped us to come up with our top five best lawn tractors, with each one selected for their outstanding quality, features, and performance.
To help our readers make the right choice, we have also listed some of the essential factors any buyers have to consider before settling on any lawn tractors. Furthermore, to better get a glimpse of their deals on Amazon, do not forget to click on the buttons below the products.
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What Is The Best Riding Lawnmower For 1 Acre Or Less
For 1 acre or less, wed recommend the Husqvarna 42 Deck or Craftsman 46 Deck. Both of these products are top-rated riding mowers and feature 42-inch mowing decks, hydrostatic transmissions, strong brand reputation, dependable warranty, great construction quality with the Cub Cadet coming in a little less expensive.
The Best riding mower for lawns between 1 2 Acres We highly recommend the Husqvarna TS 354XD with a large 54 Mowing deck.
What Else We Considered
What else we recommend
John Deere E120 : I’m a big fan of how simple this mower is to operate, making it great for beginners as well as those who just want a compact machine that they can jump right on and get to work. Its intuitive controls are similar to a car, with a traditional steering wheel, brake on left and forward pedal on the right. John Deere also delivers the mower to you and teaches how to use everything, which makes this a great choice for first-time users with no experience.
Ryobi RY48ZTR100 : This mower combines the maneuverability of a zero-turn mower with the convenience and hassle-free operation of a battery-powered machine. Its 100 Ah battery provides a 2 hour runtime, and the 42-inch deck can handle yards up to 3 acres in size. The digital battery level readout is my favorite feature, ensuring that you always know how much juice you have left, so you’ll never be stranded out in the middle of the yard. It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum though, which is why we decided not to include it as one of our options.
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Safety: Multiple Levels Of Protection
The Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 has a wide variety of safety features to protect you in case of an accident. The seat has a sensor that detects when someone is sitting on it and will prevent the mower from starting if it is vacant. The mower will also turn off if the rider comes off the seat without engaging the parking brake. Another useful feature is the blade brake clutch, which turns off the blade but keeps the motor running so you can safely empty the bag of grass without having to turn off the engine.
The ST54 can both drive and mow in reverse, but it has safety features to prevent you from going backward by mistake. When driving backward, you have to press the reverse button on the console and depress the reverse pedal on the riding mower. Mowing in reverse requires an extra step. You first have to turn the key to the Reverse Caution Mode before you engage the reverse button and the reverse pedal.
Garden Tractor Versus Lawn Tractor: Whats The Difference
If this is your first time buying a garden tractor for your property, you may have seen these four terms on the internet:
- Garden tractors
Garden tractors will also do more than haul lawn care and garden attachments and mow your yard theyll also do the following jobs:
- Move snow
- Fertilize, dethatch and aerate a lawn
- Spread grass seed and put down weed control.
Garden tractors also have a locking differential that riding mowers dont have on their wheels. The locking differential helps you get unstuck if youre working on a waterlogged section of your property, and the wheels get stuck in the mud.
When you want to get unstuck, you need to turn on the locking differential that slows down the rear-drive wheels. The wheels will now maintain even ground contact to give you more traction.
Lawn tractors, including ZTR mowers, are limited in scope because theyll only mow lawns. If you have a large property, such as one acre or more, you will find that a garden tractor is worth the investment because of all the jobs it can do.
Plus, you can use your tractor throughout the year. You use lawn tractors and ZTR mowers only during the growing season when you have to mow the lawn.
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Compact Riding Lawn Mower
The compact single-cylinder Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series LT is an affordable, intelligently-designed, 42-inch double-blade riding lawn mower. Turn the key, select the cutting height from any of 12 easily-adjustable cutting positions, push the pedal, and mow!
It has a powerful 18HP Kohler OHV engine and hydrostatic transmission for smooth forward/reverse mowing and speed changes. The XT1 Enduro Series LT also offers a 16 turning radius with responsive steering that makes maneuvering around trees and obstacles quick and easy! Its corrosion resistant deck system ensures added durability and longer life.
This rear-wheel drive riding lawn mower features a 3 gal. see-through fuel tank w/gauge, a battery that also has a gauge, built-in LED headlights for improved visibility, pushbutton cruise control that ensures uniform mowing, built-in hitch, pneumatic tires, and a cup holder! It has an open, high-back, adjustable seat for comfort situated on a large base for added stability. The rubberized, soft-touch, comfort-grip steering wheel gives you greater control. When youre done mowing, use the high-pressure, quick-connect deck cleanout system to clean accumulated grass and debris.
The XT1 Enduro Series LT also offers multi-season attachments from mulch kits and rear spreaders, twin baggers, sun shades, and steel and poly carts to snow blades, blowers, and snow cabs. These attachments are optional and sold separately.
Recommendations:
Cub Cadet: Check the current price
Maintenance: Quick And Easy
Maintenance is a breeze thanks to the Bluetooth-enabled Cub Connect mobile app, which provides reminders and lets us log any work weve done on the riding mower. It was easy to do the essential maintenance, like changing the oil, ourselves the oil dipstick is accessible underneath the hood.
Even the oil drain is right out in the open. Just attach the drain tube, which is included with the mower, twist to unlock the drain plug, and let it drain. Once the oil is completely removed, we were able to turn to close the plug and refill with clean oil. It takes 15 minutes tops.
The brands patented SmartJet high-pressure deck washing system helps to mitigate the buildup of grass clippings and other debris. If you happen to damage the blades, they are replaceable. Just makes sure you purchase the 54-inch blades. They are harder to find and a bit more expensive than the common 42-inch size.
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