Riding mowers are popular among homeowners if they have a large property to maintain each summer. You can quickly and efficiently take care of everything from typical lawns to big estates like sports complexes and golf courses thanks to their cutting decks, which range in size from 42 to 72 inches.
For your yard, riding mowers have more features to consider than their push mower equivalents. You may “set and forget” your speed or drive your mower like a car by selecting a hydrostatic or manual transmission. Even riding lawnmowers with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and cruise control are available.
Although riding mowers with gas engines are much more prevalent, many battery-powered ones are available if you’re searching for a more environmentally responsible way to take care of your lawn. Riding mowers are popular among homeowners if they have a large property to maintain each summer. You can quickly and efficiently take care of everything from typical lawns to big estates like sports complexes and golf courses thanks to their cutting decks, which range in size from 42 to 72 inches.
For your yard, riding mowers have more features to consider than their push mower equivalents. You may “set and forget” your speed or drive your mower like a car by selecting a hydrostatic or manual transmission. Even riding lawnmowers with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and cruise control are available.
Although riding mowers with gas engines are much more prevalent, many battery-powered ones are available if you’re searching for a more environmentally responsible way to take care of your lawn. The top five are listed below riding lawnmowers provided to aid you in making the best choice fit for your yard and workshop. To determine which best suits your demands and budget, I broke down each machine’s cutting widths, transmission types, power sources, and other features. Also, read Top 10 Best Storm Doors in 2023.
What Precisely Do Riding Lawn Mowers Do?
Due to their powerful engines and expansive mowing decks, which allow them to cut a larger area of grass in a single pass, riding lawn mowers are typically quicker and simpler to operate than push or self-propelled lawn mowers. According to McKenzie, having the option to ride the mower might be “critical for homeowners who experience any back issues and can’t walk behind an average lawn mower without becoming exhausted.”
Experts added that customers with yards larger than three-fourths of an acre would profit from a riding lawn mower, as they can drastically reduce mowing time. A riding lawn mower, on the other hand, “may make mowing your lawn more laborious than it has to be if your yard is less than a half an acre,” according to Steckel. At that point, using a push or self-propelled lawn mower is more straightforward (and considerably less expensive); these mowers also convert mowing the lawn into an opportunity for exercise and physical activity.
Types of Ride-on Mowers:
Manuel Transaxle:
Drivers riding mowers with manual transmissions must change gears to operate the mower. Similar to manual autos, these lawn mowers are less expensive, have better fuel efficiency, and require less maintenance than models with automatic transmissions. There will be less of a learning curve while using these types of mowers if the user is already familiar with driving a stick shift in a car.
Transmission through Hydrostatic:
Mowers with hydrostatic transmissions don’t require drivers to change gears, much like an automatic transmission model. The critical distinction between these mowers and others is the method of transmission used, which transfers engine power via fluid rather than belts. Although this mower is the priciest, it provides a comfortable ride and has a longer lifespan than manual or automatic lawn mowers. These hydrostatic transmission versions come with single-cylinder engines in some cases.
Mowers that zero out:
With a zero-degree turning radius, a zero-turn lawn mower can easily navigate past obstructions. The mowers are perfect for large yards with plenty of bushes, trees, or groomed areas. Since a zero-turn mower is operated by lap bars rather than foot pedals, it can take some getting used to. Although they are expensive, models with steering wheels are still available.
Lawn Mowers:
The most well-liked riding lawnmowers include lawn tractors; however, unlike zero-turn models, they cannot make a sharp turn. Instead, these models work well on more extensive, flat lawns that don’t have a lot of plants or trees that need to be mowed around. These are the mowers to buy if you’re searching for one that can be utilized with accessories like mulching kits or bags.
Automatically Shifting:
Similar to a car’s transmission, a riding mower’s auto transmission eliminates manual gearshifting. Some even have cruise control to make mow vast stretches of ground simpler. This transmission’s only drawback is that it needs more maintenance than a manual mower.
The Top Ten Riding Lawn Mowers
The Top 10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers in 2023 are listed below.
1. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT:
The market is still the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT, which was one of our top recommendations for the best electric lawn mowers. You’ll get the same rugged construction without an engine maintenance schedule burden because it is constructed on the same frame as the gas-powered XT1.
You won’t need a specialized charger because the XT1 Enduro LT is powered by a built-in 56V battery that can be recharged using a standard wall socket. You will have enough time to mow a two-acre lawn on a full charge of roughly 90 minutes. When you need to plug in, the battery will fully charge in roughly four hours, allowing you to continue working outside while recharging the battery.
The 42-inch deck features two blades for a steady, level cut, and it also includes a mow-in-reverse feature that keeps the blades spinning as you back up so you can maneuver through tight spaces or go over places you missed. The deck can be adjusted to 12 heights for the ideal cut throughout the season on practically any terrain. Even built-in USB ports are available, so you may charge your phone while mowing.
2. Ryobi 42-Inch 100-AH Zero-Turn Electric:
The electric lawn mowers from Ryobi are fun to use, according to Berendsohn. They feel more like a lawn buggy than a mower because they are small and light (maximum speed of 7 mph) and have a narrow wheel base.
Up to three acres can be cut with this zero-turn Ryobi in a single pass. charge thanks to its four brushless motors and 100-amp-hour battery, so a gas or spark plugs. Additionally, the electric architecture assures a quieter operation compared to gas machines. Unruly lawns can be tamed with four brushless motors, two steel blades, and a height adjustment of 1.5 to 4.5 inches. This mower is undoubtedly an investment, and it comes fully equipped with an adjustable seat, onboard storage, cup holders, a USB charging station, cruise control, and LED spotlights so you can mow your lawn even when dusk falls.
3. Weibang WB76E E-Rider 30in. 72V Electric Riding Mower:
According to Ronnie Collins, a botanist and gardening blogger for Electro Gardening Tools, this electric riding mower from Weibang might be fantastic for homes with medium lawns. This mower weighs 309 pounds, making it the lightest choice on our list. It has a 30-inch cutting width, an adjustable seat, and two steerable front wheels. It costs more than most commercial riding mowers with gas engines and broader cutting widths, but Collins noted that its advantages for households with little storage space and [its] low-maintenance design make it the clear winner. Also, read Best Cordless Leaf Blowers.
4. John Deere 1570 TerrainCut:
A commercial-grade lawnmower for handling areas like golf courses, sports facilities, and public parks is the John Deere 1570 TerrainCut. But it might be a valuable tool in your workshop if you live in a rural region and have a 5- to 10-acre property to maintain.
Only local dealers or the official John Deere website can purchase it, and if you do so, you can modify some features of the 1570 TerrainCut to fit your requirements better. For the best clipping distribution and efficient mowing, pick rear or side discharge decks in either 60- or 72-inch lengths. You can work longer and spend less time filling up because the gas tank can contain up to 16 gallons (60.6 liters) of diesel fuel.
You can drive the TerrainCut like a vehicle with its 37.4 HP engine and hydrostatic drive, and you may choose the all-wheel drive for increased traction on rocky or steep terrain. The mower has a “steer from the rear” design, which means the back two wheels control the direction of the entire unit. If this is your first time operating something similar, especially when driving in reverse, this design will take some time.
You can maintain everything from fancy golf courses to grazing pastures and drainage ditches thanks to the deck’s adjustable cutting height that can be set from one to six inches and made of seven-gauge steel. However, suppose you own a landscaping firm or need to maintain a vast, rural property. In that case, this mower is a worthwhile investment even though its over $28,000 price tag places it beyond the reach of the majority of homeowners.
5. Toro Timecutter 75755 zero-turn mower:
The Toro Timecutter 75755 was an easy choice for our top pick since we are strong supporters of Toro lawn equipment and because Chavez, our expert, gave it his enthusiastic seal of approval. Although it may be more expensive than our other options, the purchase might be justified if you intend to mow frequently and comfort is a primary concern.
The MyRide suspension technology, which Chavez explicitly noted as a tremendous advantage for folks with back discomfort, is the main reason she advises Toro riding mowers like this one. This system creates an enjoyable ride by suspending the seat platform with a series of springs and shocks. You can even modify and personalize the ride settings to suit your preferences. After traveling over wide yards on uncomfortable seats, riding the MyRide system is a significant improvement. When doing routine maintenance, the seat may be flipped up and out of the way, thanks to the MyRide technology.
This Toro model is straightforward to maintain clean, thanks to the helpful washout vents on the deck. These ports enable you to connect a garden hose easily and blast away dirt, grass, and debris rather than crawling underneath or raising the entire device. Also, a favorite of mine is the sturdy 10-gauge steel deck. Having a heavy-duty deck can be a significant time-saver in the future, as someone who has spent hours fixing mower decks that were damaged and split from hitting large boulders or branches.
6. RYOBI 42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower:
Even experienced gas-riding lawn mower users will be amazed by the RYOBI electric riding zero-turn mower. This premium electric lawn mower is robust and environmentally friendly. The mower comes with 75Ah or 100Ah batteries, with the latter having a three-acre cutting capacity. Two precisely cut blades on a 42-inch steel deck with a 12-position single-lever deck adjustment.
Also possible are bags or mulch for the mower. You may use the RYOBI mower for other household tasks and recharge it when its battery gets low using a standard 120-volt outlet. LED lighting and a USB charging station are features of this expensive zero-turn mower. It also runs softly, making it perfect for mowing in the morning.
7. Husqvarna 18.5-HP Hydrostatic 42-in Riding Lawn Mower:
This equipment effortlessly mows any size yard and can go across rugged terrain—a V-twin engine situated up front, moving at 5.5 mph and 26 horsepower. While mowing, the fuel gauge may be seen to see how much gas is still in the tank. The John Deere E180’s 54-inch cutting path is wide. The turning radius of the riding lawn mower is 18 inches, and there are 11 blade height adjustments.
With these tools, you can quickly change how your grass is cut. While still in motion, you can pedal the machine’s hydrostatic transmission. The cruise function on this John Deere mower allows you to adjust the cutting speed. With the help of these features, you may concentrate on your grass rather than the lawnmower.
8. Ariens Ikon-XD 52 Kawasaki:
In our tests, Ariens snow blowers and lawn mowers have consistently received outstanding ratings. That is due to sound engineering and higher-than-average construction quality, which we credit. This mower features a sturdy 52-inch manufactured (11-gauge) steel deck with the dependability and strong torque of a 23-horsepower Kawasaki engine and a fluid Hydrogear EZT gearbox at each rear wheel.
A common residential-grade transaxle with a one-inch axle diameter and a 900-pound weight rating is the Hydrogear. With a machine like this, that much capacity is required. The mower weighs 635 pounds before a driver, and 2.8 gallons of fuel are added. Hydrogear provides a top speed of 7 mph. Additionally, you receive highly sturdy construction in other crucial places, such as a four-point deck mount akin to those found on many professional lawn mowers. The deck mount is suspended from a steel tube frame. Furthermore, Ariens frames are strong examples of tidy welding and expertly painted surfaces.
9. Exmark Lazer Z X-Series:
If you own a landscaping or lawn care business, you need a riding lawn mower that will operate flawlessly every day for years and consistently delivers the best results.
The Exmark Lazer Z X-Series is the ideal choice in this circumstance. There are 12 different versions available, all of which have solid engines and durable construction that can survive daily abuse. They also make use of the exclusive RED technology from eMark.
It has an onboard computer that facilitates communication between various machine components and optimizes performance based on current circumstances. It monitors electrical components, oil pressure, and engine temperature. If an issue arises, it will automatically fix it or shut down the machine if it becomes too risky.
10. Troy-Bilt TB30 B Riding Lawn Mower:
The Troy-Bilt TB30 B is a small riding mower for lawns under two acres. It will save you money and storage space. A reliable 10.5-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine is paired with sturdy construction. Because of its slightly wider 30-inch cutting width than the typical walk-behind mower, you can complete your weekly maintenance cuts more quickly. The six-speed transmission’s top speed of 4.25 mph is significantly faster than the ordinary walk-behind but slower than some riding lawn mowers. Additionally, this mower only has five blade-height settings, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, as opposed to up to ten on high-end versions. But whether you’re shopping for a riding mower for the first time or are trying to save money, these concessions are hardly deal-breakers.
When should a riding lawnmower be replaced?
Maintaining things properly is crucial to extending the lifespan of your riding mower, whether you choose a gas or battery-powered model. Before mowing on a gas engine for the first time in the spring, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades. Additionally, it would help if you used fuel treatments like STA-BIL to stop gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from spoiling due to moisture contamination. This enhances engine performance, stops the buildup of muck that might damage your engine, and offers you a cleaner cut for healthier grass.
Electric mowers don’t require engine maintenance, but you should give them a complete checkup at the beginning of the mowing season to look for battery issues, corrosion on the contacts, and housing issues, as well as to sharpen the blades. Regular maintenance will not only help you save money by preventing expensive repairs due to worn-out parts, but it will also likely extend the lifespan of your riding mower to 10 years or beyond, which is fantastic news because they can be a costly investment.
How did we select the top lawn mowers?
All the lawn mowers on our list exceeded the quality requirements set out in our search criteria and were found reliable through testing. Considering the factors we discussed earlier when buying, we chose each mower above. After obtaining the mowers and putting them together by the manufacturer’s instructions, we evaluated them in a typical yard to evaluate their performance in several vital areas. We found that the essential features were overall quality and dependability, mowing force and cut quality, and operator comfort and convenience.
Additionally, we put each item’s claimed skills to the test. Rowing mowers were employed for bigger and occasionally tougher areas, and their power, speed, and comfort were evaluated. Push and walk-behind mowers were tested on established, well-kept grass areas under close user convenience and cut-quality surveillance. Since the robot mower is designed to maintain rather than lower grass height, we pre-mowed the lawn before testing it. To determine which best suits your demands and budget, I broke down each machine’s cutting widths, transmission types, power sources, and other features.
