Best Riding Lawn Mower – Top 3 Picks
Pressed for time? Check our best picks
Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Wide cutting path
- Holds a lot of gasoline
- Many different terrains
- Comfortable seat
Husqvarna 960430212 YTA22V46 Tractor Mower
- Easy hose connection
- Comfortable seats
- Consistency in cutting
- Fast mowing
Ryobi Engine Riding Lawn Mower
- Can cover a lot of land
- Multiple cutting height
- Quiet mowing
- Pretty fast recharge time
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Having a riding lawn mower can spare you some extra time in the sun and get the job done quicker, if it is a good one, that is. With the wide selecting of riding lawn mowers out there, it is hard to pick out the right one.
A good riding lawn mower is able to cover a lot of ground, literally. That is why many people need them over a typical push mower. Also, it does not hurt that it can making mowing the lawn go much quicker.
There are so many good riding mowers out for lawns big and small. If you want a riding lawn mower that will go the distance, there are certain things to look out for. You don’t need to settle for a riding mower that isn’t going to do your lawn justice.
Take a look at this guide of the best riding lawn mowers available.
Comparison Table of Top Best Riding Lawn Mower in Market
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Husqvarna 960430212 YTA22V46 22V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Tractor Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower with 42-Inch Deck and 547cc Engine Tractor |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER 28 inch 11.5 HP 344cc Rear Engine Riding Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Snapper 2691317 360z Mower |
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 | Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 in. 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Husqvarna YTH24V48 48 in. 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Top Riding Lawn Mower
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Key Specifications
- 24 HP engine
- 61″ cutting deck
- 5 gal fuel capacity
The Husqvarna MZ61 is a knockout riding lawn mower. It provides huge cuts with a 61 inch steel cutting deck. That means that you cover more ground with each cut.
Because of the commercial hydraulics, this mower is a smooth ride and can handle many terrains. There are also safety measures put in place with the roll over protection system. It is a zero turn riding lawn mower, so it is easy to maneuver and does not limit you at all.
Here is a quick video that shows just how impressive it is
Pros
- Wide cutting path
- Holds a lot of gasoline
- Does well with many different terrains
- Comfortable seat, hand grips and arm rests
Cons
- Roll over protection system is slightly time consuming to install
This mower is great for having to cover a wide variety of terrain. It is versatile, comfortable and has good fuel economy. Check it out for yourself!
Husqvarna 960430212 YTA22V46 22V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Tractor Mower
Key Specifications
- 22 HP engine
- 46″ cutting deck
- 2.5 gal fuel capacity
Consistency is key with riding lawn mowers, and the Husqvarna 960430212 is exactly that. Using air induction, the cutting deck gets good and consistent airflow which makes each cut better. The cutting deck itself is 46” which is a wide cut.
There is an automatic choke so starting up the mower is as easy as turning the key. It is pedal operated so driving it is effortless. It is a gas powered mower and the 2.5 gallon maximum capacity is more than enough to get a lot of mowing coverage.
There is a deck wash port so you can quickly and easily attach a hose if need be. With 22 HP, you can get the job done quickly and more importantly, safely. This video gives a quick look at the mower
Pros
- Easy hose connection
- Comfortable seats
- Consistency in cutting
- Fast mowing
Cons
- The empty bags are heavy
This Husqvarna mower is consistent, fast, easy to use and comfortable. Try it out on your lawn.
Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 100 Ah battery
- 38″ cutting deck
- 12V lead-acid batteries
A riding mower doesn’t need fuel to be powerful. This Ryobi mower has a powerful battery and three brushless motors that let you cover up to 2.5 acres of land, or 2 and a half hours of mowing time.
This mower is quiet. Considering how powerful it is, it is pretty surprising. There are 12 cutting height position options, so you get a lot of flexibility with how you want the lawn to turn out.
Not to mention, there is a 38” cutting deck which is a solid medium sized cutting path.
There are LED headlights as well which can come in handy. Here it is in action
Pros
- Can cover a lot of land
- Multiple cutting height options
- Quiet mowing
- Pretty fast recharge time
Cons
- Has a tight turning radius
This mower is great for people with a lot of land to cover or a few lawn to mow throughout the day.
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Key Specifications
- 27 HP engine
- 61″ cutting deck
- 5 gal fuel capacity
The Husqvarna MZ61 provides plenty of maneuverability and a wide cut. With a 0 degree turn radius, you should have no problem maneuvering around any obstacles that may be in your way.
The 61” steel cutting deck provides wide cuts that are even, consistent and ultimately a time saver.
There is a nine bushel collection system that is easy to install and lets you mulch, discharge, or bag your trimmings. You get a lot of runtime out of this riding lawn mower because of the 5 gallon fuel capacity.
This video shows a quick look at the MZ61
Pros
- Easy to steer
- Long runtime
- Fast startup and high HP
- Consistent cuts
Cons
- Skid marks can appear in the yard sometimes from turning widely
This mower is perfect is you need to do a lot of maneuvering. It is consistent and highly effective. Check it out!
Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower with 42-Inch Deck and 547cc Engine Tractor
Key Specifications
- 24 HP engine
- 42″ cutting deck
- 3 gal fuel capacity
The Troy-Bilt Pony 42X is a very versatile riding lawn mower. Not only does it have a wide cutting path that gives consistent cuts, but it has a 547cc OHV engine with 24 HP that provides a lot of power.
There is mulch and side discharge capabilities which lets you get more out of the mower. It is designed specifically for large lawns or fields, so you can cover a lot of ground with it.
The integrated deck wash system makes cleaning up after the mess of grass clippings an easy chore.
This video gives a quick glimpse at the mower
Pros
- High powered engine
- Good, mid-sized cuts
- Can cover large grounds
Cons
- The transmission shifter can be a bit tricky
This riding lawn mower is great for anyone with a large yard or commercial field space that needs to be mowed. See if it would be a good fit for your mowing needs.
Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER 28 inch 11.5 HP 344cc Rear Engine Riding Mower
Key Specifications
- 11.5 HP engine
- 28″ cutting deck
- 1.35 gal fuel capacity
If you want a riding mower that you can stand on, this Snapper mower may be the best one. With an easy and quick adjustment, you can stand up on this mower and maintain the same level of control as seated.
The vertical standing capability also makes it easy to perform maintenance on the mower. It is also extremely easy to store, unlike many riding mowers. Maneuvering it is easy and the mower itself is highly responsive.
Mowing in reverse is just as easy as going forward with this mower. Check out this quick video of the mower in action
Pros
- Easy maintenance
- Vertical stand capability
- Easy storage
Cons
- Difficult to cut close to objects because of wheelbase width
This is a great riding mower for lawns small to large. It does not take up a lot of space at all and is quite easy to adjust or maintain. Try it out for yourself!
Snapper 2691317 360z Mower
Key Specifications
- 23 HP engine
- 42″ cutting deck
- 3 gal fuel capacity
This easy to operate riding lawn mower gives you many options. The 360z has 13 cutting height positions which lets you decide how low you want to cut the grass. This Snapper mower is as durable as it is because it has a strong steel frame and sturdy mower deck.
It is easy to maintain because there are several points of access that don’t require prying or taking it apart entirely.
Plus, there are ball bearings inside the caster spindles to fortify them making the whole mower more durable and less vulnerable to some problems that need serious and costly maintenance.
This video gives an up close look at the Snapper 360z mower
Pros
- 13 cutting height positions
- Several easy to access maintenance points
- Durable construction
Cons
- No mulching capabilities without an add on
This riding lawn mower if perfect for personal, home use, but could work in commercial use as well. Check it out and see about mowing your own lawn with it.
Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 in. 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower
Key Specifications
- 24 HP engine
- 54’’ cutting deck
- 2.5 gal fuel capacity
This Husqvarna 54” 24 HP riding lawn mower is all about ease of use. It could not be any easier to steer and maneuver. There is a 16” turning radius which means that you won’t have any trouble navigating around objects or having to cut corners, literally.
It uses air induction technology which gives more consistency with each cut. You can easily start the mower up with the simple control panel. The anti-scalp wheels make the ride smooth and able to adjust to changes in terrain more smoothly.
Steep ground is not a problem in most cases as it can mow steep inclines fairly easily. Here it is in action
Pros
- Easy steering
- Quick startup
- Consistent cutting
Cons
- Low fuel capacity means less runtime
This mower is impressive enough for commercial use and simple enough for home use. Check it out and see for yourself.
Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower
Key Specifications
- 18.5 HP engine
- 42″ cutting deck
- 2.5 gal fuel capacity
This Husqvarna riding mower has a 42” cutting deck and simple, pedal operated hydrostatic transmission which means your hands never have to leave the steering wheel to speed up or change where you are headed.
If need to back up or even mow in reverse, it could not be any easier. The reverse operating system is simple and easy to use. It has room for accessories that can be added which as well opens it up to many possibilities.
Like many Husqvarna riding lawn mowers, it also uses an air induction system to provide better airflow within the cutting deck. Take a look at this brief video
Pros
- Easy reverse mowing
- Quick variable speed transmission
- Consistent, wide cuts
Cons
- Not very many cutting height options
This mower is great for personal use but can be used for commercial use if you bring some backup gas due to the capacity. It is a great riding lawn mower, check it out!
Husqvarna YTH24V48 48 in. 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower
Key Specifications
- 18.5 HP engine
- 48″ cutting deck
- 3 gallon fuel capacity
Not only is the Husqvarna YTH24V48 48” mower powerful, it is quite user friendly. You can put this riding lawn mower into cruise control, and you won’t have to worry about rough or shoddy terrain affecting your cutting quality.
The steering wheel is comfortable and ergonomic, so long mowing sessions won’t put a big strain on your hands. It has an impressive hydrostatic transmissions which makes regular or reverse operation just as effective and effortless.
The cutting path is wide with a 48” steel cutting deck and air induction system to make each cut count. Check out this video about the Husqvarna 48” mower
Pros
- Smooth transmission
- Wide cutting path
- Cruise control
Cons
- Not many variable cutting grass height positions available
Best Riding Lawn Mower for Rough Terrain
Our pick for the best riding lawn mower for mowing rough terrain is the Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower. It is powerful, well-constructed and sturdy, and gives you much needed maneuverability in the yard.
Whether it is a home or commercial lawn with varying terrains, the MZ61 can handle it. Not only is it a beast at handling rough terrain, it has a huge cutting width. The 61” cutting deck makes each cut count and makes significant progress on the yard with each line mowed.
Combine that with the easily handling and maneuverability, and you’ve got a riding lawn mower that can hold its own against rough terrain.
It doesn’t hurt either that it has a high fuel capacity. High fuel capacity and fuel economy means that you can get more runtime and use out of it with each go.
The safety measures put into place also make it the front runner. Each MZ61 riding lawn mower comes with a roll over protection system designed to prioritize your safety in the event that there was some sort of an accident.
It is a perfect lawn mower for home use, commercial use any rough-terrain lawns in between.
Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres
Our top pick for the best riding lawn mower for 2 acres is the Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower. With 3 brushless motors and a 12 volt, 100 Ah battery, this riding lawn mower has enough juice to cover 2.5 acres of land or give you 2 and a half hours of mowing.
It does all of that without needing any amount of fuel which saves you cash at the pump and is good for the environment. Recharge time can be a bit of problem for many electronic based power and outdoor tools, but not with this lawn mower.
It quickly recharges every time and can be plugged into any regular old 120 volt outlet. Plus, if you wind up wanting to use it as tractor without the mowing capabilities, all that you have to do is carefully remove the cutting deck which is simple to do.
Attachments are easy and are bought separately and attached via a hitch in the back if you so desire. The option is there which is always nice. The 48” cutting width is more than enough and cuts with consistency each time.
When it comes time to replace blades or other parts, it should be easy with this Ryobi mower.
Should You Buy A Used Riding Lawn Mower?
That depends mostly on the condition. Of course, ideally most people want a brand new riding lawn mower, but they can be pricey. Because of that, a lot of people gravitate towards used lawn mowers hoping to save a little bit of money
When looking for a used riding lawn mower, try to err on the side of caution and learn as much as you can about the condition it is in. In some cases, you may not be able to tell what kind of shape it is in, but if possible, inquire about any possible wear and tear throughout its life.
If you are able to find a lightly used lawn mower that is in great shape, then you could wind up saving a lot of money on something that is almost as good as new.
Buying used riding lawn mowers from reputable sources or mechanically inclined previous owners is your best bet. That way, you know that the riding lawn mower in question was maintained well or at the very least inspected before it went up for resale.
If the price of a used lawn mower is not much lower than a new one of the same make and model, consider going with the new one. That way you know exactly how much it has been used and you are the sole user.
FAQs
Discharge, mulching and bagging are your three main options. Mulching it immediately returns the grass to the lawn as chopped up grass bit. Bagging collects the grass or leaves into bags which you can either empty yourself or keep for the purpose of composting.
Discharging is when the grass is discharged from the side of the mower to land back on the lawn. It is different from mulching because in mulching is fine trimming.
Yes, it does. The strength and horsepower of your engine ultimately is responsible for how much ground you can cover in a quicker amount of time. The more horsepower your riding lawn mower’s engine has, the less time you will spend mowing the lawn.
Once you get into the upper teens and early 20s for engine horsepower, you are talking about a fast mower. Engines with horsepower 20 and over are fast and powerful.
Yes. The bigger the cutting deck, the wider the cutting path. On bigger lawns, you need a bigger cutting deck. For instance, you wouldn’t want to mow a 2 acre lawn if all that you have is a 35” cutting deck riding mower. It would take too much time and be insufficient.
If you want to cut anything over an acre, you will need have a cutting deck that is over 40”. That is not to say that big cutting decks can’t be used on small lawns, however.
That depends on your needs. If you are in need of a discharge system and your riding mower didn’t come with one, for example, you will need to get an attachment. Not all riding lawn mowers allow for adding attachments, but many of them do.
In most cases, the attachments are towable, meaning that you hitch them to the back of the mower. You can find discharge, bagging, mulching attachments and more.
Yes, especially when it comes to commercial lawns. Fuel capacity can limit how long you can mow for. If you need to mow a large commercial lawn and you have a low fuel capacity riding mower, there is a good chance that you may have to refuel during a mowing session.
That is not the end of the world, but it can break up the flow of a job and add more time to it. The larger the capacity, the longer it is until you have to refuel.
Last update on 2024-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API