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For yards larger than a half acre, a push lawn mower just won’t cut it; that’s where riding lawn mowers come in. They feature powerful engines and wide mowing decks that allow you to mow a large yard more quickly than with a standard walk-behind mower. Unless you enjoy spending the better part of a Saturday cutting grass, you need a riding lawn mower.
A riding mower is an invaluable tool for those who live on large pieces of property. But with so many different kinds of riding mowers on the market at a wide range of prices, how do you know which one is right for your yard? We compiled the following recommendations based on hours of research as well as our own riding mower field-test results. Our favorite is the S130 from John Deere, which was a smooth and comfortable ride no matter the terrain. Read on to learn more about choosing the right model for your property, followed by our best riding lawn mower in-depth reviews.
- BEST OVERALL: John Deere 42-Inch S130 Lawn Tractor
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Husqvarna TS 354XD Riding Lawn Mower
- BEST GAS LAWN TRACTOR: Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 Enduro Lawn Tractor
- BEST ZERO-TURN: Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower
| Type | Powered by | Deck size | |
| John Deere 42-Inch S130 Lawn Tractor | Lawn tractor | 22 hp V-twin gas engine | 42 inches |
| Husqvarna TS 354XD Riding Lawn Mower | Gas-powered lawn tractor | 24 hp Kawasaki V-twin engine | 54 inches |
| Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 Enduro Lawn Tractor | Lawn tractor | 24 hp Kohler V-twin 7000 gas engine | 50 inches |
| Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower | Zero-turn mower | 24.5 hp Toro Commercial V-twin engineer, or 23 hp Kawasaki V-twin engine | 50 inches |
Our Top Picks
We’ve compiled our top riding lawn mower recommendations based on brand reputation, spec analysis, and our own hands-on testing results. This list includes great riding lawn mowers with powerful engines, wide mower decks, and durable construction from some of the most reputable lawn mower manufacturers.
John Deere 42-Inch S130 Lawn Tractor
What We Like
- Ideal for properties up to 2 acres
- Tight turning radius with a smooth, comfortable ride
- Higher vantage point than other mowers
- Easy maintenance with the John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil-change system
What We Don’t Like
- Higher price point than competitors in the same size and power range
- Limited capability on hilly terrain
Product Specs
- Type: Lawn tractor
- Powered by: 22-horsepower (hp) V-twin gas engine
- Deck size: 42 inches
Our top pick comes from a brand that is synonymous with durable performance, as it boasts a full range of riding lawn mowers built to last for decades. The John Deere S130 combines dependability with operational comfort and convenience. This grass-cutting tractor comes equipped with a 22 hp Briggs & Stratton 44 V-twin engine, a TLT 200 hydrostatic transaxle, and 20×10-8 rear tires that will provide many years of mowing service. It also features a single-lever throttle with spring-return choke, electric blade engagement, a dash-mounted fuel gauge, and the John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil-change system to make mowing and caring for the mower significantly easier.
At a glance, this mower may not appear much different from other lawn tractors, but a few key features set it apart. The mower’s frame is fabricated of full-length welded steel with a cast-iron front axle for decades of reliable operation. The engine features a full pressure lubrication system for extended working life. It is also compatible with numerous attachments, including branded and universal baggers, snow blowers, dump carts, and others that expand its usefulness beyond mowing, transforming it into a high-performing riding mower with bagger (and more).
In our at-home test of the John Deere S130, one of the first characteristics that stood out was its comfort. The two-piece seat allowed for cooling air circulation between the seat and backrest, unlike other mower seats with a one-piece design. The seat bottom was positioned 32 inches above the ground, providing a vantage point 3 inches higher than many competitors for improved visibility. We also liked the easy-to-use control layout, including push-button blade engagement and the dash-mounted gas gauge, keeping everything right at our fingertips. Plus, hydrostatic operation, controlled by side-by-side pedals, eliminated gear selection—we simply pressed one pedal to go forward and the other to reverse.
As for maneuverability and mowing performance, we could not have been happier. Top speed was about 5.5 miles per hour (mph), which was good for about 2 acres of mowing per hour. The deck shape allowed for extremely close edge cutting to minimize trimming later on. A spring-assisted lever made it easy to raise and lower the deck to any of the 13 preset heights between 1 and 4 inches high. The large tires cushioned the ride across uneven terrain, and the tight turning radius let the mower make surprisingly narrow turns, leaving an uncut diameter of just 25 inches.
In general, we liked the fast speed combined with the slightly narrower deck because it allows the operator to access tight spaces while still mowing a lot of grass quickly. The comfortable ride, ease of operation, and dependable components make this a great choice for those who have medium-to-large-size yards.
Read our full review: John Deere 42-Inch S130 Lawn Tractor
Get the John Deere riding lawn mower at Lowe’s or John Deere.
Best Bang for the Buck
Husqvarna TS 354XD Riding Lawn Mower
What We Like
- Built for long-term durability and use across every season
- Rear wheels feature extra traction when necessary
- Top-of-the-line operational comfort
- 6 height settings and an 18-inch turning radius
What We Don’t Like
- No gas gauge or reserve gas lever
- Seat adjustment is underneath the seat
Product Specs
- Type: Gas-powered lawn tractor
- Powered by: 24 hp Kawasaki V-twin engine
- Deck size: 54 inches
The Husqvarna TS 354XD rider lawn mower delivers premium performance in a steel and cast-iron package. During testing, we were impressed with this mower’s ability to handle turns at its large size. A bit more expensive than other riding mowers, its quality build and cutting performance sets it apart.
Built with a heavy-duty 24 hp Kawasaki V-twin engine, this beast can reach forward speeds up to 5.5 mph and reverse speeds up to 2.5 mph. Its 54-inch triple-blade ClearCut fabricated deck is easy to control with the simple pull of a switch.
We tested this lawn mower on a 2-acre yard and a full-size baseball field, where it handled turns and changing directions with ease. With over 10 hours of testing, we found the Husqvarna to be comfortable to operate, thanks in part to an adjustable 21-inch high-back seat, armrests, and oversize soft-touch steering wheel.
One of our favorite features was the easy-to-operate foot pedal–operated hydrostatic transmission with cruise control. The cruise control really made cutting 2-acres a breeze. Plus, the LED headlights provided plenty of illumination for evening or night mowing.
This lawn riding mower can tackle tasks across all seasons with optional accessories like a sleeve hitch, scoop/blade, and manual and electric snow blowers.
Get the Husqvarna riding lawn mower at Amazon or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Gas Lawn Tractor
Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 Enduro Lawn Tractor
What We Like
- Wider deck and bigger engine
- Outstanding comfort
- Best-in-class maneuverability
- Push-button cruise control, LED headlights, battery indicator, and translucent fuel tank
What We Don’t Like
- Larger overall size requires more storage space
Product Specs
- Type: Lawn tractor
- Powered by: 24 hp Kohler V-twin 7000 gas engine
- Deck size: 50 inches
There’s a lot to like about the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 that makes it an excellent all-around riding lawn mower. Let’s start with what’s under the hood: a powerful 24 hp twin-cylinder Kohler engine, which is more than enough to power its 50-inch cutting deck or handle inclines. The engine and deck size make this mower suitable for lawns up to 1.5 acres. A hydrostatic transmission enables smooth speed changes, while a short wheelbase enables an impressive 16-inch turning radius. The cutting deck provides ample cutting power thanks to its three cutting blades and 12 easily adjustable cutting heights. A 3-gallon fuel tank ensures you won’t need a refill, even for large jobs.
Other features that set the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 apart include a cruise-control feature that maintains a constant speed for the perfect cut and a SmartJet deck pressure-washing system, which allows a garden hose to be attached to the mowing deck to power-wash the interior.
Get the Cub Cadet riding lawn mower at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Blain’s Farm & Fleet (with stamped deck).
Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower
What We Like
- Designed for thousands of hours of hard use
- Fast mowing at speeds up to 7 miles per hour
- Incredibly smooth ride over bumpy ground
- Enough fuel capacity to mow up to 4 acres per fill-up
- Outstanding toughness and durability
What We Don’t Like
- Too wide to drive through most walk-through gates
- Not designed for hilly terrain
Product Specs
- Type: Zero-turn mower
- Powered by: 24.5 hp Toro Commercial V-twin engine or 23 hp Kawasaki V-twin engine
- Deck size: 50 inches
Owners of large properties prefer zero-turn mowers because they cut grass faster and more efficiently than lawn tractors, and they leave a great-looking finish. The Toro 50-inch TimeCutter MyRIDE zero-turn mower is an excellent choice for anyone mowing up to 4 acres of grass. It comes equipped with either a 24.5 hp Toro Commercial V-twin engine or a 23 hp Kawasaki engine, both of which are engineered and manufactured for the rigors of daily use in the professional lawn care industry. The MyRIDE floating suspension allows 3 inches of travel between the seat and the mower frame for an incredibly smooth ride on bumpy lawn areas.
Numerous commercial features make the Toro 50-inch TimeCutter one of the most dependable and convenient mowers for large properties. The dual hydrostatic HG-ZT 2200 transaxles and 10-gauge steel-fabricated triple-blade deck combine for fast mowing—up to 7 mph—with an incredibly clean finished cut from 1.5 to 4.5 inches high. The 3-gallon gas tank is more than adequate for mowing 4 acres of open ground without stopping to refuel. When it comes to maintaining the mower, the built-in deck washout port and toolless oil-change system make it quick and easy.
As for comfort and control of the mower, it offers a nice mix of professional durability with comfort and convenience upgrades that owners will appreciate. Dual wraparound levers with pro-control dampers offer intuitive steering control that even those new to zero-turn mowing will settle into right away. The 18-inch hand-sewn high-back seat includes padded foldaway armrests and adjusts forward and back to fit most users with the simple slide of a lever. A foot lever assists with deck-height adjustments to eliminate arm strain. And operators can stay hydrated while mowing on hot days thanks to a built-in cup holder.
We tested a Toro 50-inch TimeCutter MyRIDE for more than a month. The model we used came equipped with the 24.5 hp Toro Commercial engine. Although it was packed with commercial details, the mower was not quite as fast as a true commercial mower (which would cost at least twice as much). Still, at or near top speed, we were able to mow our 2-acre test area in about 40 minutes, or roughly 3 acres an hour, which is excellent among residential zero-turn mowers. We mowed the property twice per tank of gas, with a little left in the tank after the second cut, so we can confidently say after mowing four times that it will mow 4 acres per tank.
The MyRIDE suspension system was a unique configuration we haven’t seen elsewhere. The “cockpit” of the mower, including the seat and footrest area, is mounted on a floating platform that is attached to the mower frame by a shock absorber. The adjustable system provided more or less resistance as conditions required. It really did provide an outstanding amount of cushioning compared to the spring-seat systems that most zero-turn mowers use.
While we loved the power and comfort of the Toro TimeCutter, this model was a bit too wide to access a gated area on the property, and it could not navigate a narrow pathway to another isolated spot. Also, as with other zero-turn mowers, this one is not rated for use on slopes steeper than about 15 degrees, or 5.5 vertical feet per 20 linear feet, so we avoided those areas as well.
Read our full review: Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower
Get the Toro 50-inch TimeCutter riding lawn mower at Ace Hardware.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Riding Lawn Mowers
With so many different types of riding lawn mowers to choose from, we compiled our list based on a diverse range of buyer needs. We selected the top models from reputable brands, including options for small, midsize, and large-acreage properties. Our choices include lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers, and we included a compact rear-engine model. With the rise in popularity of battery mowers, and the still-strong performance of gas-powered machines in this category, we made sure to include both.
We tested several of these picks, with more testing to come. Our ride-on lawn mower tests involve multiple-week trials on varied terrain with slopes and bumpy ground, both rough mowing and finish mowing. Several of the mowers below have already been tested; we have mowed at least 16 acres over at least 8 hours. We scored the mowers using a rubric in order to compare measurable specifications, such as deck width, frame steel gauge, and engine horsepower. We also took into account our subjective observations that describe the overall user experience in terms of comfort and convenience, not to mention mowing results.
What to Consider When Choosing a Riding Lawn Mower
Riding lawn mowers vary significantly in size, power, and cost, which can make it difficult to determine the best option for your yard. Read on to learn about how yard size, horsepower, fuel type, and other key factors determine what type of riding lawn mower will best suit your needs.
Yard Size and Ground Type
Consider your yard size to determine which type of riding lawn mower will work for your property. If you have less than a half acre, a rear-engine lawn mower will work best. Rear-engine lawn mowers are smaller, allowing you to navigate a smaller yard more efficiently. For yards larger than a half acre, look into a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower. If you have a significant number of obstacles in your yard, then it may make sense to invest in a zero-turn mower that can navigate around trees, gardens, and flower beds more quickly than a lawn tractor. For sloped yards, consider a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower with a high horsepower engine that can handle climbing slopes.
Gas vs. Electric
Similar to electric cars, electric riding lawn mowers are becoming more popular. Instead of using a gasoline-powered engine, they use a battery-powered motor and “refuel” via a standard 120-volt outlet. They offer a bevy of advantages over their gas-powered cousins. In addition to being greener, they also require less maintenance. There’s no need to change the oil or replace the spark plugs, battery, air filter, and drive belts, which saves a significant amount of money in maintenance costs. They’re also cheaper to operate since owners won’t be purchasing fuel to power an electric mower. Electric mowers are also significantly quieter than gas mowers.
The main drawback of an electric mower is power and longevity—you won’t be able to mow a larger yard on a single charge. Electric mowers are limited to about 1 hour of use, which is enough to mow about 1 acre. Maneuvering around obstacles such as thick grass, inclines, and flower beds requires more effort and drains the battery faster. For thicker lawns, you may not get the same quality cut as you would with a gas-powered mower.
Cutting Width
Cutting width refers to the width of the lawn mower’s cutting area. The wider the cutting width, the less time it will take to mow the lawn. A deck with a mowing area of 30 to 40 inches can adequately handle lawns up to a half acre. Yards that are 0.5 to 2 acres need a mowing deck of 42 to 48 inches, while large lawns of 3 acres or more require decks of 50 inches or wider. Avoid getting a mower that’s too big for your lawn—a 50-inch-wide mower on a yard under a half acre, for example, can be cumbersome to maneuver.
Horsepower
The amount of horsepower you need depends on the width of the cutting deck. For lawn mowers with up to a 42-inch cutting deck, look for at least a 14 hp engine to adequately power the deck and the drive wheels. For a 42- to 46-inch cutting deck, a 14 to 16 hp engine will be ideal. Mowers with a 46-inch to 54-inch cutting deck require an 18 to 24 hp engine.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Fuel tank capacity is an important factor to consider, as you don’t want to have to stop multiple times to refill the tank while mowing your lawn. The average riding lawn mower holds about 2 gallons of gas, while larger mowers carry 3 to 4 gallons of gas.
Single vs. Twin Engines
As you shop for a riding lawn mower, notice that some models offer twin engines while others use single engines. A single-engine mower uses a single cylinder, while a twin-engine uses two cylinders. A twin-engine mower provides more power, allowing it to tackle more extensive lawns and yards with slopes. Twin-engine tractors can also handle other duties such as plowing snow and hauling carts. A single-engine mower is less powerful but also consumes less fuel.
Brushed vs. Brushless Motor
A brushless motor is one built without brushes—its parts generate less friction than a standard brushed motor. This decrease in friction results in a motor that runs more efficiently. With a brushless motor, 85 to 90 percent of the energy generated goes to power the mower. A brushed motor has 75 to 80 percent efficiency. Electric riding mowers use brushless motors to maximize the battery’s efficiency, extending the battery’s life before it requires a recharge while transferring more power from the motor to the wheels and the blades.
Battery Life and Runtime
Advancements in battery technology have made battery-powered riding lawn mowers possible. Although runtime depends on many variables, including terrain and lawn type, you can generally expect to get about 1 hour of mowing out of a 75 Ah battery, which is enough to cover up to 1 acre before needing a recharge. A full battery recharge can take up to 10.25 hours.
Seating
Riding lawn mowers have seating designed to make the task of mowing the lawn more enjoyable. They feature thickly padded seats with high backs for support and comfort, and larger models have padded armrests with cup holders. Some riding lawn mowers also have spring-coil shock absorbers below the seat or built into the frame of the mower.
Controls
Controls vary depending on the type of riding lawn mower. Both rear-engine riding mowers and lawn tractors use steering wheels for control, while a zero-turn riding mower uses two levers. Pushing or pulling the levers controls speed as well as turning. Pushing both levers forward increases the speed. Pulling the right-hand lever turns the tractor right, while pushing the left-hand lever turns the tractor to the left.
Rear-engine riding lawn mowers feature a gear system. Like for a manual-transmission car, the operator must shift gears to adjust the speed of the mower. These gear changes can give the mower a jerky feel. Lawn tractors feature a throttle that adjusts speed. Since most lawn tractors have a hydrostatic transmission, speed changes are much smoother than they are for rear-engine riding mowers.
Riding mowers include a lever that engages and disengages the mowing deck and a lever that changes the height of the deck.
Tires
All riding lawn mowers use pneumatic air-filled tires, which offer traction as well as shock absorption. Most riding mowers use turf tires. Turf tires have enough tread to provide traction for gripping the lawn, whether on flat ground or an incline, but not so much tread that the tires damage the lawn. Tire options include lug tires, which feature deep grooves and aggressive angles for maximum traction. These tires would damage turf but are useful for alternative lawn tractor uses such as plowing snow or hauling trailers.
Weight
The average riding lawn mower weighs between 300 and 600 pounds, with the average lawn tractor weighing about 450 pounds. A rear-engine lawn tractor weighs about 300 pounds, while a zero-turn lawn mower weighs about 500 pounds.
Safety
Most riding lawn mower seats feature a safety function that disengages the blades when there is no pressure on the driver’s seat.
Types of Riding Lawn Mowers
Read on to learn about the three types of riding lawn mowers: rear-engine, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers.
Rear-Engine Mowers
Rear-engine lawn mowers feature an engine located behind the driver’s seat. They are typically smaller than lawn tractors or zero-turn mowers. Operators drive a rear-engine mower with a small steering wheel. These mowers have narrower mowing decks—about 30 inches—making them ideal for smaller yards of a half-acre or less in size. Most have gearshift transmissions, which can make them jerky. They are the least expensive of the three riding mower types and the most compact, making them ideal for homes with little storage space.
Lawn Tractors
A lawn tractor is the most common type of riding lawn mower. It features the engine in the front, which gives it its tractor shape. The operator drives the tractor using a carlike steering wheel. Most lawn tractors have hydrostatic transmissions, which allow the driver to make smooth adjustments to speed. Lawn tractors have broad mowing decks up to 54 inches wide with dual blades, and this makes them good lawn mowers for larger yards of an acre or more. Lawn tractors have a broader turning radius than other mower types, making them difficult to use on smaller yards. They also take up a significant amount of space in a garage or storage shed.
Zero-Turn Mowers
Zero-turn mowers have an engine placed in the rear. They get their name from the two steering levers, which control the rear wheels. This design allows the driver to take tight turns, making them ideal for maneuvering around trees and other obstacles. They also offer higher top speeds than lawn tractors or rear-engine mowers. Featuring mower decks with multiple cutting blades that are similar in mowing width to lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers are an excellent option for lawns with numerous trees, landscaped areas, and other obstacles. They are the most expensive of the three tractor types.
FAQs
If you still have lingering questions about riding lawn mowers, read on for answers to some of the most common concerns.
Use the following steps to start a riding lawn mower:
-Begin by depressing the parking brake foot pedal on the left side.
-Make sure the gearshift is in neutral and the throttle is in the “slow” position.
-If the mower has a choke knob, pull the knob back.
-With the parking brake depressed, turn the key in the ignition for up to 15 seconds until the motor starts. If it doesn’t start the engine, wait 10 seconds and try again.
-Once the engine starts, slowly push the choke knob back.
-Raise the throttle to the “fast” position to warm up the engine before engaging the transmission or the mower deck.
-With that power, you may be tempted to cut your lawn shorter. Don’t do this, as doing so could damage the grass. Stick to the one-third rule and take only a third of the grass length off the top.
-Mow in alternating patterns. This is especially important with a riding mower, which will compact the soil under its weight. Mow in a different pattern each time you mow to allow the ground to recover.
-Avoid making sharp turns on your mower, as this can cause the tires to damage the grass. Instead, try to make turns on a driveway.
-When mowing inclines, mow up and down the hill to avoid potential rollovers.
Riding lawn mowers require periodic maintenance:
-Clean your riding mower by removing debris that builds up from mowing sessions. Many mowers have attachments on the deck for a hose that allows you to power-wash the inside of the deck.
-Periodically check and change the air filter, which can become clogged with debris.
-Regularly change the oil and replace mower belts (if necessary).
-Replace the spark plugs once a season.
Riding mowers can go as fast as 4 to 8 miles per hour, depending on the model and type.
It depends on many factors, including the time of year, the grass species, and growth rate of the lawn. For more detailed information, check out our article on how often you’ll want to mow your lawn.
Meet The Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.
