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Who Has The Best Riding Lawn Mower

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How Did We Choose These Riding Mowers

âMower: Best Riding Lawn Mower (Buying Guide)

Aside from price, I chose both gas and battery-powered riding mowers to give you a choice in how you handle yard work. Gas-powered models give you better run times and more horsepower, while battery-powered ones save you time and money on engine maintenance and help reduce your carbon footprint.

I also chose a variety of cutting deck widths for handling everything from 1 to 10 acres, including a commercial-grade model for large rural properties and landscaping businesses.

How We Research Riding Lawn Mowers

I spent many years using, maintaining, and repairing lawn mowers as a landscaper at a national park, which informed my selections for this guide. I also spoke with Richard Blake, owner of McCoy’s Lawn Equipment Center Inc., in Austin, Texas, and Elizabeth Chavez, the client relations manager of Crockett Service Center, a power equipment store based in Dallas, Texas, to learn more about what to look for when shopping for a riding lawn mower.

Here are the criteria we used to help curate our list and compare potential options:

  • Warranty: We looked at the length of the warranty offered by the brand as well as if there were any hourly limitations attached.
  • Engine volume: For gas-powered engines, we paid close attention to their CC metric, which measures the capacity of the piston’s cylinder and is a rough indicator of its power output.
  • Cutting height settings: Being able to adjust the height of your blades will allow you to produce the grass height you prefer, which is essential for certain grass types. The more height options, the more precise you can set your deck.
  • Durability: We based our evaluations on the mower components that we’ve had durability issues with in the past and considered deck thickness and material as well as any plastic elements that could have a tendency to crack or fail over time.

Best Of The Rest Budget Riding Mowers

Like any product review article, there were many other options we could have included on this list. Usually the ones we left out were comparable to the ones we did include, but didnt have the same level of reputation, they were missing one of two features or they were slightly over the budget of $1500.

Thats why we decided to include a best of the rest section. We encourage you to give these products a look as well, you might find they suit your needs better than the ones weve reviewed in full here.

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Yard Size And Ground Type

The riding lawn mower thats most suitable for you depends on your yard size and ground type. These are the first things you should consider before you make any purchasing decisions.

Typically, lawns under one acre wont require heavy machinery to get the job done quickly. However, mowing huge yards can last hours unless you have an efficient and fast riding mower.

Moreover, because most riding lawn mowers offer height adjustment, you can use them on different ground types. Keep in mind that a patchy or a root-burdened ground can dull the blade or cause the mower to get stuck.

Types Of Riding Mowers

9.Top 10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers 2016 Review

You will find two main types of riding lawn mowers gas mowers and electric riding mowers. Both mowers have advantages and disadvantages that you need to compare before settling on the one you want. The main difference between the gas and the electric riding mower is the source of power used to run the engine. The electric riding lawn mower has to be charged while the gas riding lawn mower uses gas to function.

image source: Deere.com

Here are some advantages of mowers and their disadvantages.

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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 similar to how a car drives: you push the pedal and it moves forward or backwards. 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. More 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.

What Is A Zero Turn Mower

A zero turn mower is a lawn mower with a mowing deck that is in front of the mower, rather than underneath it.

Its called a zero turn mower because its turn radius is zero, which means that the mower can pivot on its back wheels to turn much more quickly than other types of mowers.

Most zero turn mowers have four wheels, with two swiveling tires in the front and two large drive tires in the back. The wheels operate independently of one another, and the mower usually doesnt feature a steering wheel. Instead, they usually have two levers that connect to the rear wheels motors.

If you push both levers forward, the mower moves forward. If you pull them back, the mower moves in reverse.

For a right turn, you push the left level forward and leave the right lever alone. For a left turn, you push the right lever forward and leave the left lever alone.

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How Much Do The Best Riding Lawn Mowers Cost

The best riding lawn mowers donât necessarily come cheap. However, with premium horsepower, minimum effort and a design thatâs comparable to a small tractor, thatâs to be expected. If youâre trying to keep your spending as low as you can, itâs possible to get your hands on a riding lawn mower for as little as $1,200.

The more features and the greater the horsepower, the more pennies youâll part with. The same goes for esthetics, as snazzier designs will also add to the overall cost of your riding lawn mower. Models from Cub Cadet and other top brands, for instance, have a price tag of up to $3,000. Considering that most riding lawn mowers last between 10 and 20 years, this is a mower that will stick with you for a good chunk of your life. Plus, itâs a very valuable tool for lawns that are too hilly or large for a classic push mower to handle.

Least Expensive 42 Riding Mower To Buy Troy

âRiding Lawn Mower: Best Riding Lawn Mower (Buying Guide)

Why We Like It

When you first look at riding mowers for sale, you may be a bit intimidated by the price tags you see. If youre looking for a cheap riding lawn mower at the lowest possible price point, the Troy-Bilt Pony is a model thats well worth the price.

With a 42-inch cutting deck and a 13.5 HP engine, the Pony provides plenty of power and capability, all at a price that almost any homeowner can reasonably afford.

Specifications

  • 2-year warranty

Our Take Away

Even though its a budget option, this Troy-Bilt riding mower has a lot going for it. Smaller engine size notwithstanding, the Pony has plenty of get-up-and-go and will easily handle any residential lawn under 2 acres.

Overall, the Troy-Bilt Pony riding lawn mower is an especially good option for homeowners on a tight budget, but who still want or need to invest in a riding mower. If youre looking for a top-rated riding lawn mower for under $2,300 this is it.

Troy-Bilt Cheapest Riding Mower With 42 Mower Deck

Troy Bilt

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Best Garden Tractor Riding Lawn Mower

Want to step up the power? A garden tractor like the Husqvarna TS 248XD may be the way to go. It features a 23-hp Kawasaki V-Twin engine, a three-blade 48-in. cutting deck and a washout hose port.

The 15-in. seat back, anti-vibration system and cruise control help reduce operator fatigue. Accessories include a triple-bagger, mulcher and front scoop for moving snow, gravel, loose soil and debris. The scoop offers a phenomenal way to haul bags of mulch to the far side of the yard.

What Is The Best Riding Lawn Mower For One Acre

The Troy-Bilt TB30 is the best riding lawn mower with just enough power to tackle one acre of grass, and the best riding lawn mower for the money if on a budget. For any yard larger than an acre, invest in a lawn tractor, like the 42-inch Craftsman riding lawn mower . It will be fast and efficient. More expensive models and zero-turn mowers wont be as helpful or efficient on smaller yards, so spending more is not always the best answer. And for anything smaller than one-half acre, a walk-behind mower is the most effective.

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Best Residential Zero Turn Mower

  • Designed to run cooler and cleaner for longer
  • Delivers more power while decreasing fuel consumption
  • V-twin cylinders reduce vibration for a smoother ride
  • Provides optimal torque and speeds up to 7.5 MPH
  • Fan cooled 10cc pumps and wheel motors on each drive wheel
  • Designed with a deep dome deck and blade cut overlap
  • Increased airflow lifts grass blades and enhances cut quality
  • 15 cut heights ranging from 1 – 4.5″
  • Ergonomic, comfortable 20″ high-back seat with suspension
  • Fully adjustable and optimized to reduce riders fatigue
  • Features a deck washout port that facilitates mower deck clean-up
  • Keep your grass clippings in the yard where they should be!
  • Simply connect a hose, release the water, and rinse away
  • Should You Buy The Ego Power Zt4204l Riding Lawn Mower

    The 12 Best Riding Lawn Mowers

    The EGO POWER ZT4204L is an excellent choice if you dont want the hassle of a gas riding mower, but still want a powerful machine to perfect your lawn with. Its better for the environment than competing gas models, and wont cost you in the future to refuel. The riding experience itself is designed to be comfortable and customizable, with plenty of options to get the exact ride you want, thanks to the adjustable seat and LCD display.

    The downfall of this model is that although it’s equipped for six batteries and a run time of up to two acres, it only comes with four batteries, meaning there are still batteries for you to purchase. If youd rather not make additional purchases, check out our Ryobi RY48111 review , which is a very similar model in terms of spec and features.

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    Best Riding Lawn Mower : Top Picks And Reviews

    Is it challenging for you to find an Amazon Best Riding Lawn Mower that meets your requirements? We have compiled a list of the Best Riding Lawn Mower in September for you based on several objective variables such as brand reliability and consumer evaluations. Below we made a list of great products from famed brands such as Old World Christmas, Craftsman, Family Accessories, ASHLEYRIVER, Szblnsm, PrimeShield, Classic Accessories, Nomiou, Indeed BUY, Himal Outdoors, Husqvarna, XtremepowerUS, LawnMaster, MTD Genuine Parts, HENX.

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Learn more

    What Is The Best Engine For A Riding Lawn Mower

    A quality riding lawn mower engine needs to hit a few checkboxes. The engine has to have the power you need to achieve the perfect cut, even on large lawns. It needs to be reliable, offering consistently quick starts with no hassle. And it needs to be made from durable components that will allow it to last for years. Briggs & Stratton engines hit all of these requirements and are some of the best engines for mowers on the market today. These engines were designed to deliver high-quality performance with a minimum of hassle.

    And with a range of options available, such as single-cylinder and v-twin engines, these powerhouses can give basic riders, zero-turn mowers, and full-scale tractors with large cutting decks the optimum power they need to get the job done right every time. The reliability and performance offered by B& S are why many of the top brands out there, such as John Deere and Husqvarna, rely on their engines to serve as a backbone for their lawn-cutting workhorses.

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    Ryobi 38 In 100 Ah Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower

    This electric riding mower from RYOBI is a more eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers and doesnt require the tedious gas engine maintenance. It offers a 38-inch cutting width that can be efficient for medium-sized lawns, and it features a battery that RYOBI says has up to 2.5 hours of run time for cutting up to 2.5 acres of lawn per charge. This mower also equips LED headlights, a USB phone charger and cruise control features for added efficiency, according to the brand. However, it doesnt have a zero turn radius, meaning it may be harder to maneuver around sharp edges or obstacles in your yard.

    Best Value Riding Mower Troy

    âRiding Lawn Mower: Best Riding Lawn Mower (Buying Guide)

    Why We Like It

    Always a solid performing brand is Troy-Bilt, and this 30 Riding lawn mower provides very sufficient mowing capabilities along with the Best Value Riding Mowers on the planet!

    This Troy-Bilt mower is a great option for smaller residential yards , or for those needing a budget-friendly price. With its 12-horsepower engine, it isnt the most powerful riding lawn tractor. However, you will still find the same quality construction and attention to detail that generations of homeowners have come to associate with the Troy-Bilt brand.

    Specifications

    • 6-Speed Transmission + 4.5 Mph Top speed
    • Mid Back Seat
    • 16 Rear and 13 Front Durable Wheels
    • Fade-resistant hood
    • 2-year warranty

    Our Take Away

    While the 11 HP TROY BILT delivers the convenience of the Husqvarna or Craftsman models with their 6-Speed transmission, but with less top-end speed, and of course a smaller mowing deck.

    The Troy Bilt Neighborhood also is the top-selling cheapest riding mower you should consider, and theres still a lot to like here including a highly maneuverable 30 Deck.

    If youre mowing a mid-sized residential yard and dont need vast amounts of power on tap, youll find that the 12 HP Mower from Troy-Bilt is a great lawn tractor that will get the job done for you.

    TROY BILT Neighborhood Best Value Riding Mower

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    Best Riding Lawn Mowers

    The Expert: Roy Berendsohn is our senior test editor who has been reviewing outdoor power equipment at Popular Mechanics for over 30 years. From his decades of mower testing, hes learned youve got to cut a lot of grass and mow under a wide range of conditions to get a sense of what a mower is worth. He cuts grass throughout the mowing season to evaluate the latest machines, including riding lawn mowers. And hes intimately familiar with industry players, big and small, having tested all types of tools over the years.

    The 5 Best Budget Riding Lawn Mowers Under $1500 In 2022

    If youve been thinking about upgrading to a riding lawn mower, but youve been holding off because of the cost you might be surprised to learn that there are actually some great affordable options on the market. It turns out you dont have to break the bank for one of these machines that will make cutting your lawn much easier this summer.

    Weve done the research for you and reviewed the best riding lawn mowers under $1500. Our selections include some well known brands that are known for their commitment to quality. We think youll find a riding mower in these selections that will have all of the features youre looking for. Weve also included a best of the rest section which features some more great riding mowers that are just a little bit over the $1500 budget.

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    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 in extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents build-up 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 to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn out parts, you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more. Which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

    Best Riding Lawn Mowertroy

    Top 10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers &  Tractors â 2021 Reviews

    This automatic transmission Troy-Bilt riding mower makes light work of mowing lawns of up to two acres. This mower has a maximum cutting height of 3.75 inches and works well getting to work on thick grass. The auto transmission makes riding this lawn mower as simple as driving a car with foot pedals and can control speeds of up to 5.5 mph.

    This mower has a maximum cutting height of 3.75 inches and works well for thick grass. This model can be equipped with a rear bagger or rear hitch sold separately. Rides great, raved one reviewer. Highly recommend this mower. I have just about an acre, and this thing cuts smooth and even.

    Specifications

    Acres covered: Up to two acres

    Cutting width: 42 inches

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