what is the best riding lawn mower to buy

The 8 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Easy Yard Maintenance

Our top pick is the RYOBI 48V Brushless 38 in. Electric Riding Backyard Mower

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Updated on 03/31/22

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The Spruce / Camryn-Rabideau

A riding backyard mower is ideal for anyone with a big yard, requiring less time and free energy to operate than a traditional push mower. Over the last four years, we've spent hours researching and testing riding mowers from the top brands, evaluating maneuverability, safety features, noise level, and overall value.

Our favorite is the RYOBI 48V Brushless 38 in. Electric Riding Lawn Mower, a stand-out for its placidity operation, like shooting fish in a barrel maintenance, and operation, specially on rough terrain.

Here are the best riding lawn mowers.

What Nosotros Like

• Generous run fourth dimension

• Peachy performance, even in thick grass

• Quiet operation

• Piece of cake to maintain

What We Don't Like

• No mulching capabilities

• Uncomfortable seat

Who else recommends information technology? Bob Vila besides picked the RYOBI Electric Riding Mower,

What do buyers say? ane,300+ Dwelling house Depot reviewers rated this 5 stars.

Information technology may surprise some people, but our tiptop selection is this battery-powered model from RYOBI. The zero-emissions model easily matches gas mowers in terms of ability, cutting through thick grass with ease while demonstrating impressive maneuverability. Plus, information technology's fume-costless and practically silent, generating only minimal dissonance. (Our tester put a like model from RYOBI to work on her 10-acre farm and was blown abroad by the results.)

The RYOBI electric mower has a 38-inch deck, and its 48-volt batteries can run for two and a half hours per accuse, allowing you to cut upward to two and a one-half acres in a single session. The two-blade deck has 12 different cutting heights, and the mower offers user-friendly features like cruise control, LED headlights, and USB charging. At that place are no belts, spark plugs, or filters, making it easier to maintain than a traditional riding mower.

Our only complaints? The seat gets uncomfortable if y'all're mowing for long periods, and it doesn't take a mulch setting. Still, if you lot're in the market place for a reliable ride-on mower and set to switch to a bombardment-powered model, this is your best bet.

Cutting Width: 38 inches | Ability Type: Bombardment | Weight: 678 pounds | Cut Options: Bag, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1 to 2 acres

What We Like

• Hydrostatic manual eliminates shifting

• Adjustable seat

• Tight turning radius

• Uniform with a variety of attachments

What We Don't Similar

• Complicated to mow in opposite

For a powerful—and versatile—gas mower, you can't go wrong with the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT Backyard Tractor. Information technology'south powered by a 541cc engine that offers xix.5 HP, and its 42-inch deck has a twin blade system that side-discharges grass clippings. The tractor and deck are made from heavy-duty materials, and Cub Cadet backs information technology with a iii-year warranty with no hour limit.

This mower has a hydrostatic transmission that eliminates the need for shifting—only push button the pedal and go—and there are 12 cutting summit positions to choose from. It has a tight 16-inch turning radius besides every bit cruise control and LED headlights, and because it's a lawn tractor, it can be outfitted with a variety of multi-flavor attachments.

Cut Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gas | Weight: 570 pounds | Cut Options: Side-discharge | Size of Chiliad: 0.five to 2 acres

What We Like

• Generous run time

• User-friendly control panel

• Easy to store

What We Don't Like

• No bagging option

• Expensive

Another height-rated electric riding lawn mower is the Weibang E-Rider. It's slightly smaller than the RYOBI, with just a 30-inch deck, but its 72-volt lithium-ion batteries offer a similar two hours of operation that's platonic for medium to large lawns. Additionally, it has a smaller footprint that's easier to store in a garage or shed.

This battery-powered mower has a two-blade cutting system with 10 cut heights, and its user-friendly control panel has piece of cake-to-use buttons for forward, neutral, and reverse. The seat is adjustable to help keep you comfortable equally you mow, and there are LED lights on the front bumper that permit you mow early in the morning or at dark if desired.

Cut Width: thirty inches | Power Type: Bombardment | Weight: 309 pounds | Cutting Options: Mulch, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 0.v to i acre

What We Similar

• Extremely powerful

• Platonic for large yards

• Built-in washout ports

• Includes white glove delivery

What We Don't Similar

• Learning curve with handles bars

The Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter Gas Dual Hydrostatic Goose egg-Plough Riding Mower is ideal for anyone who has a large 1000 with many obstacles. Its zero-turn design gives you the power to turn on a dime, and information technology'southward powered past a 22.5 HP engine that can handle virtually any condition. Plus, the 42-inch steel deck allows you lot to cut wider paths, and the brand claims this model can assist reduce your mowing time by upwards to 50 percent.

This lawn mower offers speeds up to 7 miles per hr in mow way and 5.five miles per hour in towing way, and it'south decked out with features to keep you lot comfy, including an under-seat storage compartment, built-in cupholder, and step-through front terminate. The zero-turn mower comes with white glove commitment, saving you from having to practise whatsoever associates, and the brand offers a iii-year residential warranty with unlimited hours.

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gas | Weight: 502 pounds | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-belch | Size of 1000: 1 to 2 acres

What Nosotros Like

• Durable construction

• Adjustable seat

• Wide range of accessories available

• "30-second oil change" system

What We Don't Like

• Bagging and mulching kits sold separately

Backyard tractors like the John Deere S120 offering more flexibility for homeowners—in addition to mowing, this gas-powered machine tin can be used to spread grass seed, sweep your lawn, and even snowfall accident in the wintertime. It's compatible with a wide range of multi-season accessories, and it's too a solid riding mower, boasts a 22 HP engine and 42-inch deck.

This lawn tractor has a fully-welded steel frame and 13 different cut heights. The seat tin exist adapted to 10 different positions to keep you comfy, and the tractor's xxx-second oil alter organization makes it easier to maintain. The mower has a new easy-read fuel gauge, and it even has prowl control for effortless mowing in big yards.

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Type: Gas | Weight: 444 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-belch | Size of One thousand: 0.v to 2 acres

What Nosotros Similar

• Generous run time

• Like shooting fish in a barrel to store

• Charges quickly

• Includes mulching kit

• Built-in USB chargers

What We Don't Similar

• Expensive

For a riding mower that won't accept upward too much space in your shed, this battery-powered model from Cub Cadet is pocket-size yet powerful. It has a 56-volt battery that offers upward to 90 minutes of runtime, and it actually charges back upwardly in effectually 4 hours—much faster than larger models. The mower has a xxx-inch deck that can side-discharge or mulch grass clippings, and it as well boasts a tight 18-inch turning radius that lets you navigate around obstacles with ease.

This compact mower is designed to easily fit through gates, and the brand claims it only takes up the space of two garbage cans. It has a loftier-back seat for comfort besides every bit cruise control and ii USB charging ports, and you can't beat out its low-maintenance design.

Cutting Width: 30 inches | Power Type: Bombardment | Weight: 362 pounds | Cutting Options: Mulch, side-belch | Size of K: i to 2 acres

What We Like

• Automatic transmission

• Good traction on hills

• Tight turning radius

• Compatible with a variety of accessories

What We Don't Similar

• Bagging and mulching kits sold separately

• Express cutting heights

You'll be able to power up steep hills with ease on the Troy-Bilt Bronco 42-Inch Gas Riding Lawn Mower. It has an automatic transmission (just like a auto!) that makes information technology piece of cake to drive, and its 20-inch rear wheels offering superior traction for sloped terrain. The lawn tractor has a 42-inch deck with anti-scalp wheels to prevent turf harm, and the machine's 19 HP 544cc engine will make quick work of overgrown grass.

The Troy-Bilt Bronco has a step-through frame that offers more than leg room, and it offers a mid-seat back and rubber footpads to keep you comfortable. The machine has a rear hitch where you can pull garden carts, sprayers, and spreaders, and in that location are also bagging and mulching accessories bachelor separately. However, the i downside is that this mower only offers five cutting heights, with the lowest setting at i.25 inches.

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Power Blazon: Gas | Weight: 520 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge | Size of M: 1 to 2 acres

What Nosotros Similar

• Durable construction

• Padded chair with armrests

• Good traction

• Includes roll-over protection system

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

• Bagging and mulching kits sold separately

If you're willing to spend elevation dollar on a pinnacle-of-the-line commercial-grade mower, the Ariens Zenith 60-Inch Nil-Plough Mower is extremely heavy-duty. Not only does it have a commercial 23.v HP Kawasaki FX engine and 10-gauge welded deck, it even comes with welded steel frame rails and a roll-over protection organisation to keep y'all prophylactic as y'all mow.

This high-finish zero-plow mower has 22-inch rear tires that offer unbeatable traction and a polish ride on uneven terrain, and it tin can achieve mowing speeds of eight miles per hour forrard and 4 miles per hour in opposite. Information technology has a high-back seat with padded armrests and seat isolation to reduce bumps, and there are 15 cutting heights to cull from with its uncomplicated pin choice system.

Cutting Width: threescore inches | Ability Type: Gas | Weight: ane,076 pounds | Cutting Options: Side-discharge, mulch, pocketbook | Size of Thou: five+ acres

Final Verdict

The RYOBI 48V Brushless 38 in. Electric Riding Lawn Mower is a superlative option amid riding lawn mowers thanks to its 2-and-a-half-hr runtime, powerful performance, and ease of maintenance. If y'all prefer a gas mower, consider the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. 19.5 HP Gas Riding Lawn Tractor, which boasts a hydrostatic transmission and can exist used with a variety of multi-season accessories.

Power Source

I of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy a gas- or electrical-powered riding backyard mower. Gas mowers are generally more powerful, but they're louder, less eco-friendly, and require more maintenance. Electric mowers, on the other hand, are typically less powerful with a shorter run time, but they're quieter, easier to commencement, and better for the environs.

Deck Size

The deck size of a lawn mower dictates how wide a path it cuts—larger decks cutting wider paths on each pass. A deck size of betwixt xxx to 60 inches is recommended for most homeowners. Bigger decks are meliorate for lawns with few obstacles and turns, while smaller decks will be helpful if yous have to mow around copse or garden beds.

Grass Clipping

Don't forget to consider how the lawn mower handles grass clippings. Some machines but spit clippings back out onto your lawn, while others take options to bag or mulch the cutting grass. The best selection for you but depends on how you prefer to handle your clippings.

FAQ

• What's the difference between a zero-turn mower and a riding mower?

  Nil-turn mowers are a type of riding lawn mower, and their defining characteristic is a zero-degree turning radius. These mowers characteristic ii swiveling wheels in front and two larger drive wheels in the back, and they're controlled by two handlebars, which control each individual drive wheel. Not just do these mowers turn more than sharply, but they're also typically faster than lawn tractors. However, they're as well more expensive than other riding mowers.

• What type of lawn is best suited for a riding mower?

  "A riding lawn unit is like shooting fish in a barrel to maneuver, particularly on flatter land, and prevents the operator from experiencing fatigue as they are sitting while mowing," explains Caroline Skelton, Become-To-Market Director for Riding Backyard Equipment at John Deere. "These units come in a variety of speeds and horsepower ratings, depending on the needs of the operator. In recent years, zilch-turn mowers accept go more pop as they are ideal for a variety of terrains and larger properties."

  Riding lawn mowers are typically preferred for lawns that are 1 acre or larger. They are faster and more than comfortable to operate than walk-behind mowers, but they're besides significantly more expensive.

• How do you transport a riding mower?

  The easiest manner to send a riding lawn mower is with a trailer. Mowers can exist driven up a ramp into a low trailer and and so towed behind a vehicle. It's also possible to send certain riding mowers in the bed of a pickup truck, but special ramps are needed to exist able to safely load and unload the tractor.

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance contributor for The Spruce. As someone who grew up on a 70-acre farm and owns a 5-acre parcel herself, she's no stranger to lawn mowers, and she's written extensively on them. She's besides personally tested the RYOBI 38 in. 75 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower and used other riding backyard mowers from RYOBI and Husqvarna.

While selecting backyard mowers for this list, she looked at factors such equally their deck size, power source, special features, comfort, and warranty period. She also spoke with Caroline Skelton, Go-To-Market Manager for Riding Lawn Equipment at John Deere, for insights on choosing and maintaining a riding lawn mower.

The Spruce uses just loftier-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to back up the facts inside our articles. Read our editorial process to larn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. The best riding lawn mower for hills and uneven yards. Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-riding-lawn-mower-for-hills/

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Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-riding-lawn-mowers-4142782

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