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A riding lawn mower is a must for homeowners with big lawns. While push mowers can do the job for lawns smaller than 1 acre, using one on a large property is strenuous and could take hours. Riding lawn mowers, on the other hand, are easy to use and come in various models to fit any yard type.
We put together this review of the best riding lawn mowers on the market to help you narrow down your choices and find the best model for your needs. Here are our top picks.
Top 4 Riding Lawn Mowers
- Most Efficient: Greenworks CrossoverZ Electric Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower
- Best Features: EGO POWER+ZT4204L Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Most Adjustable: Ariens IKON Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower
- Best for Small Yards: Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Compare Top Riding Lawn Mowers
| Product | Type | Weight | Cutting Width | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks CrossoverZ Electric Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower | Zero turn | 300 pounds | 42 inches | 4 years |
| EGO POWER+ZT4204L Zero Turn Riding Mower | Zero turn | 112.5 pounds | 42 inches | 5 years |
| Ariens IKON Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower | Zero turn | 908 pounds | 52 inches | 3 years |
| Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower | Zero turn | 549 pounds | 54 inches | 3 years |
| Product | Type | Weight | Cutting Width | Warranty |
Most Efficient
Greenworks CrossoverZ Electric Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower
- $4,500
- $5,500
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This zero-turn mower from Greenworks mows up to 2 acres on a single charge and recharges in just 90 minutes. It features dual-cutting blade motors and an intelligent drive system that can reach up to 8 mph. We also like that it includes a foldable armrest and high-torque rear-wheel drive that can handle slopes of up to 15 degrees.
Pros Features a powerful 24-horsepower engine that can reach up to 8 mph Includes a 12-gauge steel cutting deck that provides maximum airflow Has a 42-inch cutting width
Cons May require swapping batteries to mow a larger lawn in one go Does not include an on-board charging option
Good for: Those with medium-size or large yards that want to mow their lawn quickly and efficiently with little effort.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who were impressed with this product liked that it had a long-lasting battery, was easy to control, and had a large cutting deck. However, some customers found that this mower could sometimes become unbalanced. One reviewer said this mower’s seat was too bumpy and did not provide a smooth ride.
Best Features
EGO POWER+ZT4204L Zero Turn Riding Mower
- $4,499
- $5,499
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This riding mower comes with unique features that help it stand out from competitors, including an 8-mph top speed, an LCD interface with three driving modes, LED lights, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth compatibility. We found that this mower is highly efficient and can mow a 2-acre lawn on a single charge.
Pros Is compatible with the same 56-volt battery as other EGO lawn care products Can hold up to six batteries at a time Includes an adjustable seat
Cons Does not work well on bumpy terrain or slopes Has difficult-to-understand deck height increments, according to some users
Good for: Those with a medium or large lawn who want one of the best zero-turn mowers available with all of the latest best-in-class features.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found that customers who gave this mower a positive review often said it worked quickly, had intuitive controls, and was durable and well-built. However, other customers felt that this mower was difficult to control, and some found that it was inefficient on larger properties, especially those larger than 2 acres.
Most Adjustable
Ariens IKON Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower
- $3,999
- $4,930
- 19% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This heavy-duty zero-turn mower features a 52-inch cutting width that’s great for large lawns. It includes a foot-operated deck lift that you can adjust to 13 different cutting heights, allowing you to fully customize your lawn’s height. It also comes with a high-backed seat for enhanced back support. The seat is mounted on a higher base than other mowers, making it easier to stand up and sit down.
Pros Has 13 cutting height settings between 1.5 and 4.5 inches Comes with dual LED lights that shine up to 600 lumens of light Includes molded hand grips and a USB charging port
Cons May be too big for those with medium-size or smaller yards Has an air filter that may need frequent replacement
Good for: Those with 2 to 3 acres of land who want the flexibility to easily adjust their grass’s height.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that several customers who liked this product were particularly impressed by its durable, well-built design, its excellent performance and power level, and its variety of special features, such as a fuel indicator and LED lights. We also found some customers who stated that the belt broke off easily, and others said the mower was difficult to ride and left several blades uncut.
Best Cutting Width
Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
- $3,785
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This mower comes at a slightly lower price point than similar zero-turn mowers while still offering desirable features. It has a 26-horsepower engine that can reach 6.5 mph. It also has a cutting width of 54 inches, which is the greatest of any mower in this review. This mower has a reinforced steel cutting deck that provides maximum durability for any lawn type. For safety, it includes a park brake system that automatically activates or deactivates when the steering levers are moved.
Pros Can be set to bag, discharge, or mulch grass clippings Uses air induction technology to draw air from the top and bottom of the deck Comes with a maintenance-free transmission
Cons Is large and bulky and may not fit in all sheds or small garages Does not include lights
Good for: Those who want a durable zero-turn mower with a large cutting width and are less interested in reaching maximum speeds and horsepower.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it was highly maneuverable, especially around tight corners. Others were pleased with its sturdy design and straightforward controls that provide a smooth ride. However, several customers found the assembly of this mower to be challenging, and others said that the deck was too heavy, making cleaning and repairing it difficult.
Buying Guide for Riding Lawn Mowers
Riding lawn mowers can significantly reduce the time it takes to landscape your lawn and eliminate the physical stress of using a push mower. To help you determine which riding mower is best for your needs, we outlined the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Type
Riding lawn mowers can be broken down into the following types:
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are best for medium or large lawns and offer various attachments, such as baggers, mulching kits, and snow plows. Lawn tractors typically have cutting decks between 38 and 54 inches.
Zero-Turn Mowers
Zero-turn mowers are best for lawns with numerous obstacles. They offer exceptional maneuverability, enabling you to turn on the spot. Zero-turn mowers have cutting decks of at least 34 inches and are usually designed to be controlled with levers or lap bars.
Garden Tractors
Garden tractors are built for heavy-duty tasks such as towing, ground engagement, and snow removal. You can attach tools to these tractors for gardening and other projects. Garden tractors are best for those with large properties or significant obstacles.
Compact Riding Mowers
For those with small lawns, compact riding mowers are a more budget-friendly option. Although they lack the power level of other riding mowers, they are still more effective than push mowers and take up less storage space than larger riding mowers.
Power Source
Riding mowers are either gas-powered or electric. Gas-powered mowers are easy to maintain but are louder and less eco-friendly than battery-powered lawn mowers. Mowers with gas engines, however, are typically more powerful than electric riding lawn mowers, making them a better option for those with thick weeds or difficult-to-mow grass.
Deck Size
A mower’s deck size determines how wide of a path it cuts on each pass. Riding mowers can vary significantly in deck size, but typical models average 42–45 inches. Those with larger lawns should look for a mower with a bigger deck size, such as one that exceeds 50 inches. Many mowers have adjustable cutting widths, allowing you to determine your desired deck size before you start mowing.
Ergonomics
In addition to a riding mower’s performance, comfort and ergonomics are also important factors since you will be sitting for extended time periods. Look for a riding mower with a padded, adjustable seat for maximum comfort. Also, key in on mowers with intuitive features such as adjustable steering wheels, armrests, cupholders, and push-button starts.
Lawn Type
Another way to determine which riding mower is best for you is to assess your lawn for factors such as size, terrain, and potential obstacles. For example, if you have a small, straight lawn, a compact riding mower might be the best option. However, if that small lawn is filled with hills, trees, or flower beds that will make it difficult to maneuver, you may want to consider a zero-turn mower instead.
How To Maintain Your Riding Mower
Riding mowers are an investment. While they save you time and effort when mowing your lawn, they also have a high price point. There are several things you can do to ensure your riding mower lasts for years before you need to replace it, such as the following:
Inspect It Regularly
Inspect your mower regularly for loose or damaged parts, check the tires for proper inflation, and check for fuel or oil leaks. This will help you notice any potential issues with your machine before they get worse.
Keep Your Mower Clean
Wiping down your mower’s blades, deck, and underside after each use can help prevent the buildup of dirt and debris.
Change the Oil
Every 25 to 50 hours of operation, or at least once per season, consider changing your mower’s oil. Regular oil changes help keep your mower running smoothly and increase its life span. You should also change the oil filter once per season.
Maintain the Battery and Blades
Regularly check to make sure your battery is not corroded and replace it right away if it no longer holds a charge. Keep your blades sharpened and check often for cracks or damages.
Store It Properly
Store your riding mower in a dry, cool location, such as a garage or a shed, when not in use. You should also cover your mower with a tarp or other protective material to shield it from the elements when it’s outside.
FAQ About Riding Lawn Mowers
What are the most reliable riding mower brands?
With so many riding mowers on the market, it can be challenging to know which brands you can trust. Start with one of the trusted brands below when searching for a new lawn mower:
- Ariens
- Craftsman
- The Cub Cadet
- EGO
- Greenworks
- Husqvarna
- John Deere
- Ryobi
- Toro
What safety features should you look for in a riding mower?
Modern riding mowers should have an automatic shutoff feature that turns the machine off when the engine gets too hot or when you’re reversing. Many mowers also come with seat sensors that disengage the blades when you’re not fully seated. You can also look for mowers that have an emergency shutoff switch, an automatic transmission, or rollover protection.
How big does your lawn need to be to get a riding mower?
A riding mower can make mowing more efficient regardless of what size of lawn you have. However, it’s typically best to consider moving away from a push mower if you will be regularly mowing more than 3/4 acre. Consider a riding mower for an even smaller lawn if you live in a particularly hot climate or have mobility issues that make using a push mower difficult.
How do you move a riding mower?
Other than riding your mower from one location to the next, the next best way to transport a riding mower is to load it onto a trailer or the back of a large truck. However, if using a truck, a special ramp will be required to load it into the back.
Who This Riding Lawn Mower Guide Is For
Riding lawn mowers make mowing your lawn a breeze when compared to push mowers. If you’re a new homeowner who will be caring for a lawn for the first time or an experienced one who is simply looking to upgrade to a better model, we have you covered. Our Reviews Team sifted through a wide variety of riding mowers that serve various lawn sizes, types, and shapes before landing on our top picks.
How We Selected the Best Riding Lawn Mowers
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of riding lawn mowers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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