When you are looking for the best riding lawn mowers, you may think of the price factor before any other thing in your consideration list to buy one for yourself. Obviously price is an important factor. You would like to save some bucks when you are purchasing a riding lawn mower for your lawn. Moreover you may also consider some other factors. These factors comprises of the horse power engine, turning radius, size, transmission type, power, wheels, and deck size etc.
All of these factors are playing an important role in deciding to get the ever best riding lawn mower for your needs. The choice of the lawn mower is mainly depending on your needs, such as the size of your lawn, or backyard and the engine power that you need. Therefore, you have to look for your needs first and then decide to get a lawn mower.
Types of Lawn Mowers
There are different types of lawn mowers available in the market based on the structure, size, and horse power. Each of the lawn mower is having its own pros and cons; however you are the one to decide which one you may have for your backyard. There are two main categories of the lawn mowers based on the transmission. They are automatic and manual.
The automatic transmission lawn mowers are trending more than the manual transmission mowers these days as these are very easy to operate. However, you have to select the one with which you would be feeling easy and comfortable to use. The following is the list of top 10 lawn mowers currently available in the market.
How to Choose Lawn mower:
The Best Lawn Mowers
01. Husqvarna Z254 (54”) 26HP Kohler Hydrostatic Riding Mower:
The first important thing to note with this lawn mower is it has zero turn radius feature. What does that mean? Well, as soon as you’ve finished one strip of mowing, you can turn on a pin and go right back.
Design, Features, and Performance:
The Husqvarna Z254 (54”) 26HP Kohler Hydrostatic Riding Mower is also a great machine for cutting around obstacles like flower beds. One of its striking features is its 26 hp engine from Kholer. It is fast and durable too. It will handle up to 2.8 acres an hour, at a speed of up to 6.5 miles per hour. If you’re looking for a mower to cover a large area fast, it’s a great choice.
The Husqvarna Z254 (54”) 26HP Kohler Hydrostatic Riding Mower is surprisingly quiet which is a great bonus if you are spending ages mowing. A lot of thought has gone into the hydrostatic transmission. This is designed not to use hydraulic hoses, so there’s no issue with leaks. Each drive wheel has its own wheel motor and fan-cooled 10cc pumps. So, what will be the result? A smooth mowing acceleration and bags of torque that deals easily with hills and uneven terrain!
The mower deck here is a generous 54 inches and can be set at any one of six positions. The three blades are made of 12-gauge stamped steel, and there’s a wash-out port to help with cleaning. A particularly nice touch is the four anti-scalp wheels, designed to avoid messing up your turf on an uneven ground. This is the kind of mower you are likely to be using for long hours. It needs to be comfortable – and it is. The chassis is made of welded steel, reducing vibration as you mow. It also helps keep all four wheels on the ground when you’re on bumpy terrain. The seat is ergonomically designed, and 15 inches high to provide effective lumbar support. The ignition, throttle, and choke are located together and easy to reach. There’s an hour meter to help you keep track of the time you spent mowing. You even get a cup holder so you can stay hydrated as you mow.
The Z254 has a bunch of optional accessories too. Top of our list is the rear bagger to collect grass cuttings as you go. You’ll have to stop and empty it every so often, but we’ve found it massively reduces labor time. Other options include a mulcher kit, headlights, and a hitch.
Pros:
- Has a 26 hp Kholer engine.
- Zero radius turn feature for easy maneuvering.
- The hydrostatic transmission protects it from leakage issues.
- Gives you a great mowing experience even in an uneven terrain.
Cons:
- Average customer support.
- Tough to remove from the crate.
02. Cadet XT1 Enduro Series Kohler Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower:
There are numerous lawn mowers available in the market, but the cub cadet is one of the best you would ever notice. The mower has perfect height and all necessary tools that are required for an effective grass cutting. The machine is not too heavy; therefore you can move it with your hands as well. The elegant design of the machine ensures a perfect and clean cutting of the grass and you can comfortably move the lower deck with your hands.
Design, Features, and Performance:
The cub cadet XTI machine has a perfect design which is compact and attractive. The mower is having different tools which are important for lawn maintenance. The mower has an efficient engine which works fine in both uneven and smooth surfaces.
The mower has an engine of 18HP which is a best suitable engine power for lawn mowing. The mower is best known for its comfortable seat, elegant design, and fine performance with cheap price when compared to other mowers. You can drive it in reverse direction as well to make mowing easy, efficient, and effective. The machine has cruise control which helps it to move easily throughout your lawn and cut the unwanted stuff effectively.
Pros:
- The mower has a perfect shape and design.
- Comfortable seating.
- Powerful engine.
- Cheap price.
Cons:
- Not available in different colors.
03. Troy-Bilt 30-Inch Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
The Troy bilt is one of the world class machine and it is acknowledged by a number of consumers all across the globe. Also, its customers rate this equipment high and false under the reasonable price range. The machine has un-matched performance and has premium features which not many mowers have. The mower is small in size and is compact in shape. This is the reason why this mower is best suited for small areas such as backyard or small grounds.
Design, Features, and Performance:
The machine is small in size and is compact shaped which makes it a perfect choice for domestic usage. The machine has different features which makes it popular among the garden enthusiasts. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its ultra-high powerful 382cc Auto Choke OHV engine, which makes it capable to achieve un-matched performance and consistent grass cutting capacity. The machine has 6 variable speed transmission and has a high speed of 4.25 miles per hour.
Pros:
- Ultra-high powerful engine.
- Compact size.
- Cheap price.
- 6 variable speed transmission available.
Cons:
- Not available in many colors.
- Not suited for rough surfaces.
Have a look at the review of the riding lawn mower for better understanding.
04. Ryobi (38”) 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower:
The Ryobi’s RY48111 riding lawn mower has so many distinctive features you can count on. With a 38-inch cutting deck, the first thing that strikes you is its appearance. It looks more like a go-kart than a traditional riding lawn mower. The finish is striking and it is made of sturdy material as well. A black frame with bright yellow-green accents makes it an attractive equipment to have in your garden as a lawn mower. If you want to cut a dash while you’re in the garden, this might be the mower for you.
Design, Features, and Performance:
The bigger difference from all of its competitors is its fuel source. Ryobi’s riding lawn mowers are 100 percent electric powered. That means no carbon emissions and creates a healthier environment, exactly what you want in a garden. The mower will run for around two hours on a single charge. That means you’ll be able to mow around 2 acres before having to pause to recharge the battery. It’s not as powerful as a larger petrol engine, but it will still handle 15-degree slopes with ease. For steeper inclines, you’ll need to go slower, and if you are mowing downhill, you must be extra careful.
The top speed when you’re going forward is 8 miles per hour, but that reduces to 5 miles per hour when you’re mowing. Move into reverse, and that drops to a still-respectable 3 miles per hour.
You can choose from 12 different cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. There are two precision-cut steel blades, each with direct drive brushless blade motors.
When it comes to the grass cutting, they are discharged from the side. There is an option to buy a separate bagging attachment. For us, that’s a sensible investment. Optional mulching blades are available too. The control panel features cruise control and a battery level indicator to warn you when you’re running out of charge. There’s also an hour meter, and to provide a lovely touch, the manufacturers included a USB phone charger, and a phone holder. If you tend to mow in the evenings, you’ll appreciate the headlights which are great in providing excellent visibility. There’s also an adjustable seat and a cup holder to keep you hydrated while you mow in your garden. It’s much quieter than a gas powered mower.
Pros:
- Electric mower with long-lasting charge.
- 12 different cutting heights.
- Cruise control and headlights available.
Cons:
- Very heavy machine.
- The mower is bumpier in nature.
05. Ariens IKON-X (52″) riding Mower:
The Ariens IKON-X 52 has a slightly smaller engine and cutting deck than some of the big brothers out there when it comes to lawn mower manufacturing. You get a 23HP Kawasaki engine capable of around 7 miles per hour, and 3 miles per hour in reverse. The mower’s cutting deck is 52 inches wide and made of 10-gauge steel.
Design, Features, and Performance:
It’s designed to optimize airflow to provide a precise cut that makes your lawn look extremely beautiful. Like some of its competitors, this is a mower with three steel cutting blades. You can choose from no fewer than 13 different cutting positions simply by turning a dial. Choose 4.5 inches for the first cut of overgrown grass, or reduce to just 1.5 inches for a manicured finish.
The Ariens is designed to handle uneven terrain, with a commercial-style hanging deck. No matter how lumpy and bumpy the ground, it will still give you an even cut. The frame is made entirely of tubular steel, making it tough, durable, and stable. This is another mower with a zero turn radius feature. If you’ve got a large plot with lots of garden to navigate, it should make your lawn mower buying priority list. We particularly like the way the deck protrudes on one side, allowing you to cut right up to the curb. Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles provide a smooth ride and a comfortable mowing experience. For us, though, the seat is the real selling point of this model. It’s very comfortable, with loads of padding and an adjustable high-back seat. And unlike many others, the armrests come as standard with this equipment. There’s even an insulated rubber foot mat to reduce vibrations.
And if you want your machine to do more than cut grass, a range of accessories are available. Choose from a mulching kit, headlights, sunshade, spreader kit, roller, aerator, de-thatcher, and sprayer.
Pros:
- A range of accessories available.
- Comfortable seating with loads of padding.
- Has a zero turn radius feature.
- 13 different cutting positions to choose from.
Cons:
- You have to purchase the bagging attachment separately
06. Swisher ZTR2454KA Response 24HP 54-Inch Kawasaki ZTR Mower
Why would someone like to have a mower which is not handy in cutting grass? This is because the mowing is having a purpose of finding a way to cut the extra grass of lawns and back yards. The use of the mowing is not that difficult as it is having automatic operation and even lay men can use it. The machine is very easy to move around because it has a manual operation and is light in weight as well, therefore you can move it around even having no fuel.
Design, Features, and Performance
The machine is unique of its kind as one enjoys working through the mower. This is because the machine has an elegant design which is perfect in appearance and is also very slim and smart. The mower is having a powerful engine of 27 HP and the total length of the mower is almost 66 inches.
The company of the manufacturing of the machine is having a total of over 50 years of experience in designing and manufacturing the mowers. The best part of the machine is its capability to move around 360 degrees and is offering comfort and convenience to the consumers. One of the other reasons why the mower is popular is because it has a warranty of 5 years.
Pros
- The machine has a perfect contemporary design.
- The machine is having lower price.
- The machine has a powerful steering and engine.
- The machine has a company warranty as well.
Cons
- The machine is not considered durable.
- The machine has not many colors.
7. Troy-Bilt (46”) 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek Automatic Riding Lawn Mower:
The Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek Automatic Riding Lawn Mower is known as one of the biggest names in the garden equipment manufacturing industry. It stands out as one of the best products available in the market because of its various super cool features.
Design, Features, and Performance:
The Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek Automatic Riding Lawn Mower runs on a powerful 540cc – 19HP Briggs & Stratton Intek engine and comes with an auto transmission foot pedal. This lawn mower is both powerful and impressively efficient which is ideal for mowing large areas of grass quickly. Thanks to the soft touch steering and comfortable seat, you can do all your mowing in a relaxed way. It also features a 46-inch mowing deck that can cut large areas of grass in one go.
This equipment solely focuses on giving its operators a maximum level of comfort which is a seriously good feature for anybody who owns a garden and likes to keep their lawn clean, neat, and tidy. The mid level back seat provides absolute comfort for the mower’s drivers of any height. Whether you are short, toll, or medium height person, you don’t have to worry about back pain after several hours of mowing. Furthermore, the integrated deck wash system makes clean up much easier. This lawn mower also allows you to adjust the deck height to 5 different positions for your desired cut.
Pros:
- The deck height can be adjusted to 5 different positions.
- Ideal for mowing large areas.
- Mid level back seat for ultimate comfort
- Patented soft steering available.
Cons:
- Some users complained that its performance decreases after some time.
08. Husqvarna MZ61 (61”) 27HP Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower:
You will get some genuinely good features when you purchase the Husqvarna MZ61 (61”) 27HP Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower. First up, of course, is that enormous mowing deck of 61 inches. If you’ve got a garden so big it’s better described as (grounds), this could be the mower for you.
Design, Features, and Performance:
A machine so big needs a seriously powerful engine, and with the 27HP Briggs and Stratton, that’s what it’s got. It powers along at a top speed of 8.5 miles per hour. At that rate, you’ll be finishing the lower paddock in no time. As you might expect, these kinds of specifications don’t come cheap. It’s reassuring, then, that this is a mower that’s built to last for a long time. Plenty of features have been included to make maintenance quick and easy. The spindle assemblies are greasable and easy to access, while the floor pan can be removed in seconds. That, in turn, makes it easy to reach for the belt for checks and repairs. The transmission pumps can also be serviced to keep them in tip-top condition.
With a deck mower this wide, extra protection must be in order. The extra protection comes in the form of three deck rollers that stop it from getting grounded on an uneven terrain. The chassis is commercial-grade steel that reduces vibration and minimizes wear and tear on both mower and its driver.
There’s a comfortable seat with a high back, extra cushioning and armrests. And the PTO engagement (which reduces shock on the engine) is located with the ignition, throttle and hour meter in a user-friendly control panel.
Other features include a hydrostatic transmission for smooth acceleration, an impact-resistant discharge shield, and a pedal-assisted deck lift. That enormous engine is amazingly quiet – and the best bit? You’ll be able to mow a whopping 4.2 acres an hour and will be able to get a supreme mowing experience.
Pros:
- Has a 61 inch mowing deck.
- Mows 4.2 acres an hour.
- The maintenance for this mower is quick and easy.
Cons:
- Expensive model.
- You’ll need a forklift truck to move the mower when it’s delivered.
09. Swisher ZTR2454BS Response (54”) 24HP riding Mower:
Backed by the power of 60+ years of design and manufacturing experience, the Swisher ZTR2454BS Response (54”) 24HP riding Mower has a lot to offer when it comes to effective lawn mowing.
Design, Features, and Performance:
It offers the ability to easily turn a full 360 degrees, as well as a low center of gravity for an exceptional maneuverability. This riding mower has all the features you expect in a standard lawn mower. This equipment includes a powerful 24 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 54 in. 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck with 3 Gator mulching blades, a commercial zero turn mower grade, heavy duty, welded steel frame, Hydro Gear 2800 transmissions, and Ogura clutch.
The foot assisted deck lift allows for easy raising of the mower deck for cleaning and other purposes. It is made of great quality material and it is so valuable for its price tag. Other features include a full engine wrap, composite fenders with integrated storage, battery compartment and cup holder, hour meter, 12-Volt adaptor, and a front & rear hitch. Its fuel capacity is 8 gallons and it can mow in 8 MPH forward and reverse, which is quite an unbelievable speed for a riding mower. Also, it is the fastest available riding mower in the market till date. It is so easy to operate, runs fabulous, and so comfortable to ride!
Pros:
- New rapid response control system.
- 24 HP Professional Series Briggs & Stratton engine.
- 54 in. Cutting deck with 3 Gator mulching blades.
- Hydro Gear 2800 transmission.
- 8 MPH forward and reverse speed available.
Cons:
- Nothing negative about this product.
10. Ryobi Electric Zero Emissions Riding Lawn Mower:
Compared to the manual push mowers, electric riding lawn mowers have made it a lot easier for homeowners to manage their yard. However, the only question is, which is the best electric riding lawn mower? The answer is, without a doubt, the Ryobi Electric Zero Emissions Riding Lawn Mower!
Design, Features, and Performance:
If you know exactly what you need, eventually you might be able to find the right pick. And good to know, we have found this Ryobi Electric Riding Lawn Mower. If you have a smaller yard and you don’t like to deal with the gas engine and maintenance, an electric riding lawn mower like Ryobi RM480 is the ideal choice. The Ryobi makes use of twin 19 inches blade, which are driven by two brushless motors. That offers the mower with 38 inches cutting deck. Further, there are 12 height options for the deck to choose from, that helps you mow your lawn with absolute efficiency.
The Ryobi RY48110 Electric Riding Lawn Mower offers some great features, which includes LED highlights, cruise control, 12 cutting heights, a cup holder, and a cell phone holder as well. It can charge with a standard 120-volt outlet and an all-electric engine that denotes a much quieter mowing experience. Apart from that, it offers zero emission and fumes too!
This mower is ideal for a yard up to two acres and works very well on steep hills.
Pros:
- Control panel is more advanced.
- Easy to read LED gauge for battery levels.
- Offers 2-hour runtime.
- Great on steep hills.
Cons:
- Traveling on uneven grass, or trails, can be a bone jarring experience.
Also Read:
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Buyers guide:
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What are the precautionary steps to take after buying a riding lawn mower?
After buying a riding lawn mower, you have to follow few guidelines in order to maintain a risk free environment. There are some safety precautions that you must take when using the riding mowers. Some of the most important are as follows.
- You need to wear a helmet.
- You are required to use the mower in less speed to maintain control at all times.
- You must wear precautionary safeguards when dealing with blades.
- You need to wear glasses so that the grass particles may not strike your eyes.
- You are required to wear gloves when mowing.
- You must not play with the parts of the mower.
- Keep your children out of reach of the riding mowers.
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How to Maintain an Electric Riding Lawn Mower?
Maintaining your lawn mower will boost the life of your equipment. Before each inspection, make sure that you disconnect the battery/spark plugs. Reconnect it when done with the inspection. Each time you mow, make sure that you tighten the loose fasteners. Ensure all deflectors and shields are in place and not damaged. You need to clean debris and dirt from oil-fill and fuel-fill areas to avoid squeaking.
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What to Do If the Mower Won’t Start?
The probable chance your electric mower won’t start is because the gas tank is empty. You need to check this if you encounter this issue. On the other hand, if you have last seasons’ gas in the tank, you need to drain it first and refill it with new gas. If it does not work, you can clean the spark plugs and clean or replace the air filter.
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How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower?
A riding lawn mower is actually incredibly easy to start. Thanks to electronic systems, powerful engines, and smooth automatic transmissions, most of the models on the market today can be started in a matter of seconds. To start your mower, you simply need to adjust the cutting height of your cutting deck as per your desired setting. Most models now include a fender-mounter levers that allow you to adjust this setting easily.
Then simply climb into the seat of your rider and, depending on the model you own, either press the start button or turn the on/off switch. Thanks to their automatic transmission, these mowers don’t require you to shift gears or operate a clutch when changing speeds or switching from forward to reverse. Instead, you’ll normally just have to use a foot pedal to increase and decrease your speed. And thanks to several models now offering cruise control, manufacturers have even made that task easier than ever before.
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What to Look for When Buying a Riding Lawn Mower?
Riders are one of the best ways to tackle large yards easily, delivering professional results while requiring just a fraction of the effort that comparable walk-behind mowers would demand. But before you go out and purchase one, there are several factors that need to be considered. By looking at each of these items, you’ll be able to find the right option for your lawn. Also, these factors influences what type of riding lawn mower you want to purchase. So, read this carefully!
Engine HP:
Engine horsepower, or HP, is the measurement used to describe the engine’s power output. This power output is what’s available to be shared between the various components of these mowers such as the drive transmission and the cutting blades. The more HP the engine provides, the more power that can be distributed between tasks such as moving the vehicle across the lawn or up hills, while also providing the cutting power needed to make quick work of heavy grass conditions.
Due to the power needed to perform both these tasks simultaneously, mowers with a power output around 20 HP or greater is usually perfect for mowing large properties.
Cut Width:
The cutting width of a riding lawn mower measures how wide a swath of grass the tool can cut in one pass. Smaller, more compact mowers can have a cut width as low as 30” while larger mowers can have cutting deck widths of up to 50” or more. What needs to be considered is the size of your yard. If you have a smaller property or one with hard-to-reach spots and obstacles like trees that you’ll need to maneuver around, then a smaller cutting width is great.
But if you have a large property with a relatively open layout, a larger model will allow you to tackle the job easily and in less time.
Fuel Capacity:
The fuel capacity of a riding mower describes how much gas it can hold in the tank. This generally correlates with the size of the model. The main thing to be concerned with here is that you don’t want to purchase a model that doesn’t have the fuel capacity required to adequately tackle your turf. The last thing you want is to have to stop in the middle of mowing to refuel. Because of this, while mowers with a small fuel capacity are perfectly fine for medium-sized yards, mowers with a large fuel tank are better suited for large properties.
Transmission:
The transmission of a mower is what transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the machine to drive forward or in reverse. The three options available are manual, automatic, and hydrostatic transmissions. Manual transmissions have a range of set speeds that you can select. Older models might require you to shift between speeds by using a clutch or even stopping. This isn’t practical. So if you are choosing a manual model, make sure that it allows you to easily shift without using a clutch while your lawn mower is moving.
Similar to the transmission in a car, an automatic transmission allows you to control the speed of your tool with a gas pedal. This is great if you want an easier control over your ride or need to frequently slow down to drive around obstacles. A hydrostatic transmission is similar to an automatic one. The difference is that these systems use fluid instead of belts to transfer power from mowers engines to their wheels. This fluid-based system delivers the smoothest ride on the market and normally requires the least amount of maintenance.
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What are the types Of Riding Lawn Mowers available in the market?
Lawn mowers: These mowers enjoy a traditional design and are operated with a steering wheel. Given their construction, they work best when dealing with lawns from half an acre to two acres or more. Capable of implementing a wide variety of accessories and attachments, these mowers can also be used to bag clippings and leaves, haul landscaping materials, spread seeds, and even remove snow when needed.
Garden mowers: These mowers are designed roughly the same as lawn mowers with the difference that they are intended for a more heavy-duty purpose. As such, they can handle more ground working attachments and are equipped with stronger engines. Not only that but they also employ heavy-duty transmissions for an added standard of control and maneuverability, which makes them perfect for dealing with large mowing areas.
Zero-Turn-Radius Mowers: These mowers are built to navigate terrain types riddled with obstacles like trees or flower beds. For this to happen, they employ front caster wheels that pivot and mow around extremely sharp angles for added maneuverability and control. Interestingly enough, these mowers aren’t operated through a steering wheel but rather with the help of lap bars or levers that you can use to make even the sharpest turns as comfortable as possible.
Final Words:
Now, we have discussed about the riding lawn mowers in detail. Now that you know that the best riding lawn mowers are of different kinds and each has slight differences, however the ultimate goal is to have an efficient grass maintenance in your backyard or in your lawn. Some of the machines are used for professional use and some are used for the domestic needs. However, it can be concluded that the riding lawn mowers must be bought by taking some factors under consideration such as the capacity of the engine, seating, design, number of blades, and rugged appearance.
This is because even if you buy a riding lawn mower but its design is not attractive or its engine is not powerful, it will be of no use to you. Therefore, when you go for buying a riding lawn mower, you must consult your colleagues, relatives, and friends. It is possible that any of your friends or colleagues may have bought a lawn mower and they would guide you in a better way. We have presented the best lawn mowers currently available in the market. Read this list carefully, consider all factors mentioned above in detail, and select the perfect product that fulfills all your mowing needs. Happy mowing!
