Is your lawn mower breaking down, or is it doing a below-average job at cutting your lawn? Or maybe you don’t have a lawn mower at all, which can make lawn upkeep rather challenging. Whichever dilemma you’re facing, it’s probably time to look at some of the best riding mowers.
A riding lawn mower can significantly cut down your mowing time and will keep you comfortable throughout the process. It requires much less strength than a push mower and generally makes lawn upkeep easier. So, keep reading to find the best riding mowers options for maintaining your lawn with ease!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Bad Boy Gas-Powered Zero-Turn Mower
Budget Option:
Troy-Bilt Pony Mower
Best for Large Lawns:
Cub Cadet 54 in. Enduro Series Riding Lawn Mower
Best Overall
Bad Boy Gas-Powered Zero-Turn Mower
The Bad Boy mower is the best riding mower if you want something easy, strong, and efficient.
It’ll help you cover more ground at once with a seven-gauge, 54-inch steel cutting deck, and a five-gallon gas tank. Don’t worry about swerving around trees and other obstacles, as you can easily lift the deck with a pedal. You can spin a dial for quick and effortless deck height adjustments, allowing you to customize your cutting height.
A zero-turn mower like this uses two steering levers instead of a steering wheel, allowing for quicker turns. This makes it one of the best riding mowers for those pesky curves around flower beds and trees.
The rubber-matted floorboard will keep your feet grounded with each turn and flips up for belt access. You’ll also have a comfortable, liftable seat to enjoy, keeping your back cradled and straight.
And don’t forget to bring your ice-cold drink with you to stay hydrated! The cup holder on the side of the seat can hold almost any size drink.
Pros
- It has a large cutting deck at 54 inches
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Deck lift pedal and easy-to-use deck height dial
Cons
- It’s prone to belt issues
- It doesn’t have armrests
Budget Option
Troy-Bilt Pony Mower
Achieving a beautifully cut lawn doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune! This 42-inch deck Troy-Bilt mower is the best riding mower if you want an eye-catching lawn without the hefty price.
This gas-powered mower uses a steering wheel and a large step-through area for effortless in/out access. There’s plenty of legroom, making it one of the best riding mowers for anyone with longer legs.
Relax and enjoy the ride with a cushioned seat and a smooth 18-inch turning radius. There are also five different deck positions to help you get the cut you want.
The reachable dashboard control panel will allow you to change the seven-speed transmission with ease. You can even change the speed while driving, so there is no need to stop and adjust!
And the AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery will keep your mower going strong for a long time. It’s powerful and requires little maintenance, allowing you to cut your lawn perfectly for years.
Pros
- It has seven speeds
- The large step-through frame allows for easy movability
- It uses an AGM battery, which lasts longer and requires less maintenance than traditional lead-acid batteries
Cons
- It may have issues cutting excessively tall and thick grass
- It only has an 18-inch turning radius, making tight turns a little difficult
Best for Large Lawns
Cub Cadet 54 in. Enduro Series Riding Lawn Mower
Do you have a large lawn? And does the thought of cutting that large give you some anxiety? Well, the gas-powered Cub Cadet riding mower is the best riding mower for you! This lawn mower is the perfect option for lawns that are four acres or more.
Cub Cadet offers a 54-inch cutting deck that has a whopping 12 cutting height positions. And the 16-inch turning radius is excellent for getting around curves. These options provide the ultimate personalization for your grass-cutting experience!
But this mower isn’t just for cutting grass. It allows you to attach all kinds of tools to it, including snow blades, mulching equipment, and more! A mower like this is the best riding mower for year-round use due to its multipurpose attachment options.
The hydrostatic, or liquid-pressured, transmission allows smooth and easy operations while the AGM battery keeps the mower running strong. All you need to do is push on the pedal to get moving! You can even use cruise control with the quick push of a button to make things even easier. And you’ll get to enjoy mowing in comfort with a cushioned seat and a cup holder for your drink!
Pros
- It has a push-button cruise control mode and uses an AGM battery
- You can attach multi-seasonal pieces to it
- It has 12 cutting-height positions
Cons
- The blades can wear out easily
- It doesn’t have armrests
Best Electric Riding Mower
Greenworks CrossoverT Electric Riding Lawn Mower
If you’re sick of traditional gas-powered lawn mowers, it might be time for an electric one! The Greenworks electric mower is the best riding mower for those looking for an energy-efficient grass-cutting option. It solely relies on a rechargeable battery that’s equal to a 24-horsepower gas engine. And it only takes 90 minutes to fully charge!
It’s the best riding mower for small to medium-sized lawns with its 42-inch cutting deck containing dual action blades. And it has seven deck positions to choose from and a 15-inch turning radius to get the perfect cut. There’s even smart technology that detects your lawn’s conditions, allowing it to make the best cut.
You can expect to be comfortable while cutting your grass efficiently, as the seat has lumbar support and movable armrests. It also has cup holders, two USB charging ports, and a rear storage bin! And you can save your back if you need to lug things around, as this mower has mounts for attachments.
Pros
- It only takes 90 minutes to get a full charge and cuts up to 2.5 acres with one charge
- Lumbar supporting seat with movable armrests
- It has a rear storage bin
Cons
- Replacement parts can be hard to find
- It can usually run for about an hour before needing charging
Husqvarna 46 in. Riding Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna mower is one of the best riding mowers due to its pedal-operated transmission and air-induction system. You’ll be able to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes focused, as the pedal controls speed and direction. And the air-induction mowing system allows airflow, which keeps the deck clean and clear of debris.
This is one of the best riding mowers for one- to two-acre lawns and for those who may have limited storage space. It has a 46-inch cutting deck and is compact enough to fit in small sheds. The gas-powered mower may even fit with your car inside the garage!
It’s also one of the best riding mowers for uneven lawns, as it has anti-scalping wheels. These help prevent damage to your grass. Cruise control makes driving this lawn mower and cutting the grass a breeze, along with its six-deck heights.
Pros
- It has a cruise control option
- Pedal-operated transmission, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel
- It has an air-induction mowing system, allowing more airflow in the deck
Cons
- It has two speeds
- The ignition can get finicky over time
Riding Mower Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider
A riding lawn mower is a big purchase that definitely deserves some consideration. So, before you dive into that purchase, you should consider a few things.
Seating Comfort
When choosing the best riding mower, comfort should be one of your top priorities. This is especially true if you have a large lawn, as you’ll be sitting on the mower for a long time. Try to look for something that supports your back, and always opt for a padded seat.
These two aspects will keep you comfortable and pain-free during and after your lawn cutting.
Deck Size
The deck size is essentially the width of the cut that your lawn mower can offer. A larger deck means that you can cut more ground at once. However, larger decks can sometimes mean less mobility.
You’ll need to decide if less mobility matters to you. It may not matter if you have a big yard and few obstacles. Think about how many flower beds, trees, and other objects you have in your yard. And consider its general size.
General Mower Size
Another thing to think about when choosing the best riding mower is the size of it. This aspect pertains to storage options. It’s not the best idea to leave your lawn mower out in the elements. This can cause it to rust and break down faster. So, it’s best if you can put it in your garage, shed, or another safe and covered area.
If your lawn mower is too big to fit anywhere, you’ll at least need a lawn mower cover. But, again, this won’t protect it as much as an indoor space.
Fuel Type
There are both gas-powered and electric riding mowers available. An electric one is better for the environment but requires charging.
On the other hand, gas mowers are quick and easy to refill, but they aren’t the most environmentally friendly. Both options typically work similarly. So, you’ll need to choose based on what fueling option works best for you.
Best Riding Mower Frequently Asked Questions
How many years will a riding lawn mower last?
The best riding mowers typically last up to about ten years. But this doesn’t apply to every riding mower you can find. The brand of the mower and how you care for it are factors that contribute to its lifespan. Well-known brands typically last longer. And the lifespan will be better if you keep up with maintenance and keep it protected from weather.
When is the best time of year to buy a riding lawn mower?
You’ll often find the best deals on riding mowers at the end of the grass-cutting season. So, typically, the end of the summer. This is because stores are trying to get rid of their mower stock and are getting ready for winter tools. You may also find some deals on big holidays.
How long will it take to cut one acre of grass with a riding lawn mower?
Cutting the lawn can take varying amounts of time depending on the mower you have. But, as a general rule, you can expect one acre to take about 30-45 minutes. This is if you have a lawn mower that travels at the usual three to four MPH. If you get a mower that drives faster, then your lawn-cutting time will be lower.
Wrapping Up the Best Riding Mowers
Riding lawnmowers are great machines to have at home, as they can make cutting your lawn a breeze. However, picking the best mower can be difficult.
Do you need more tool ideas to help you get your yard in top shape? Check out our garden tools section for help!
- About the Author
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Ashley Masiello is a home gardener, outdoor lover, video editor, artist, general freelance writer, and a writer for Minnetonka Orchards. She has a bachelor’s degree in film/media and two minors in writing and art.
She loves to tend to her plants, participate in all kinds of outdoor projects, and looks forward to planting a beautiful garden every spring.
Ashley loves sharing her knowledge about planting and fun outdoor DIY projects!
Ashley can be reached at ashleymasiello821@gmail.com.