The Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Great Looking Yards and Gardens

The Secret to Great Looking Property

Nobody likes to mow. It is one of those chores that is unnecessarily difficult, and to hire someone to do it for you is unreasonably expensive. However there isn’t really an alternative to mowing, unless you enjoy having a forest in your yard. On the flip side, nearly everyone does like go-kart racing however. So some genius decided to combine the two (mowing and karting) and invented the riding lawn mower! It is exactly as it sounds – it is a mower that is ridden. No longer are you expected to push the heavy mower while the bits of grass and twigs whip your ankles. Grab a beverage, hop on and guide the mower where to go! Riding lawn mowers can make short work of a large areas, and are perfect for those with trouble walking or pushing. Below is an overview of the best riding lawn mowers on the market.

The Best Riding Lawn Mowers| Reviews of Top Rated Products

Picture	Model	Cutting Width	Price	Our Rating
	Raven MPV7100S Hybrid Riding Lawnmower Power Generator and Utility Vehicle	46-inch	$$	4.95
	Swisher ZTR2766BS Response 27 HP 66-Inch B&S ZTR Mower	66-inch	$$$	4.94
	D140 48 in. 22 HP V-Twin Hydrostatic Front-Engine Riding Mower	48-inch	$$	4.94
	D155 48 in. 24-HP ELS Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower	48-inch	$$	4.93
	Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series GT 50 in. 25 HP V-Twin Kohler Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Garden Tractor	50-inch	$$	4.92
	Husqvarna 960450057 GTH52XLS 24V Hydro Pedal Tractor Mower	52-inch	$$$	4.92
	Husqvarna YTH24V54 24 HP Yard Tractor	54-inch	$$	4.90
	Cub Cadet Xt1 Enduro Series Lt 42 In. 18 Hp Kohler Hydrostatic Gas Front-engine Riding Mower	42-inch	$$$	4.88
	Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower	30-inch	$$	4.87

Raven MPV7100S Hybrid Riding Lawnmower Power Generator and Utility Vehicle

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If you are looking for a riding lawn mower that is a leader of the pack which offers so much more than its competitors, then you cannot go past the Raven MPV7100S Hybrid Riding Lawnmower. It really is more of a multipurpose vehicle because not only will it mow your lawns, but it is also a utility vehicle (so can be used for towing) and is a generator so will power your tools while you are out and about. The opportunities for use are endless, it is the ultimate 3-in-1. It is powered by a gasoline engine and has a 7100 watt generator which powers the blades as well as providing power to the outlets. It acts as a terrific mower and will tackle a large area of grass with ease – one tank will easily mow approximately 2 acres. Available in two different colors – red and camouflage, so no matter what your style, there will be an all in one to suit. It is able to tow around 500 lbs, so it really can do all of the hard work around your property for you.

Swisher ZTR2766BS Response 27 HP 66-Inch Mower

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If Batman was to purchase a riding lawn mower, then he would definitely get the Swisher ZTR mower. It looks as tough as it is, and you are seated lower than other riding mowers on the market for greater control and comfort. It has the added benefit of being zero turn, which means it is able to complete a full 180 degree turn on the spot, so it will get every part of your lawn with ease. With a powerful 27 Horsepower engine and 3 mulching blades, it will make easy work of the toughest grass, and has a separate mulching attachment available. The Swisher mower goes up to 8 miles per hour in both forwards and reverse, so it will get the work done efficiently without being so fast as to lose control. It also has one of the larger fuel tanks on the market at 8 gallons, so you won’t to need to fuel up as much, which will make getting the job done quicker. It is one of the best riding lawn mower for hills.

John Deere D140 V-Twin Front Engine Riding Mower

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John Deere are one of the most recognizable and trusted agriculture brands in the world, and now you can have one of their best John Deere riding mowers at home! Made with the traditional green and yellow, the John Deere D140 Front-Engine Riding Mower combines style and functionality. It has many different and useful attachment available for purchase, one of which being the twin bagger which attaches to the back of the mower. This bagger will catch all of the lawn clippings without spreading them all over as you mow. So no longer do you have to go back over where you mowed to collect or spread the clippings. It has a 22 Horsepower engine with a hydrostatic transmission and has standard cruise control to maintain speed. This is perfect for mowing large areas comfortably and safely. Can be used in California as it is California compliant.

John Deere D155 48-in Front-Engine Riding Mower

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Another popular and great riding mower by John Deere is their D155 Front Engine Riding Mower. It does everything you would expect from a riding mower and so much more. It can actually be considered a small tractor, as it does so much more than simply cut grass. Features include a 48-in deck along with its advanced filtration system that assures you of top-notch performance and an engine that will last longer. A 2-foot pedal and a hydro-static transmission allows you to easily set your pace in both reverse and forward directions when mowing your yard or gardens. You can hit speeds of up to 5.5mph. It is also ergonomically designed for maximum comfort when mowing your backyard with a high back seat with lumbar adjustment to ensure maximum comfort. Other functional features include a deluxe steering wheel, electronic blade engagement and cruise control for maximum convenience. Not only do you get a superior quality of cut on your lawns, it can also also side discharge, bug and mulch when it is equipped with the right accessories. When you purchase the correct John Deere accessories, then you can tow things (using the utility cart) and push things (using the front blade attachment). Of course, it is ultimately a mower, and it does this function especially well with its powerful 24 Horsepower V-twin engine which will handle any mowing, mulching and bagging tasks thrown at it. The ignition is electronic for easier and faster starting, so no longer will you be repeatedly struggling to pull a pull string to get it going. The mower is controlled with dual pedal foot control, and there is a high level of maneuverability with a turning radius of only 18 inches. Like all John Deere riding mowers, it can be used in California.

Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series GT 50 in. 25 Hp Garden Tractor

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Looking for the best lawn tractor? For extra intelligence and control with your riding mower, you cannot go past the Cub Cadet Enduro Hydrostatic Gas Front Engine Garden Tractor. It comes with an exclusive cub connect maintenance app for your mobile which makes managing and keeping track of your mower’s maintenance a breeze. The app uses Bluetooth technology to sync with the mower and will actually communicate to you you the health of your mower, so you can do any preventative maintenance that is needed before it breaks down. The fact that the Cub Cadet mower actually calls itself a garden tractor demonstrates the functionality that it has outside of the traditional mowing of the lawn – it can handle any task that a small tractor can. Cub Cadet have focused not only on the quality of their products, but also comfort, ensuring that they have included a comfortable and roomy seat, as well as a specially designed anti vibrating steering wheel. If you are comfortable when riding your mower, then you are more likely to use it more and get the most value out of it.

Husqvarna 24V Hydro Pedal Tractor Mower

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For a riding mower with ultimate power and durability, you cannot look past the Husqvarna Hydro Pedal Tractor Mower. The Husqvarna brand is synonymous with value and renowned for manufacturing quality and hardy products, and their riding mower is no exception. Made for comfort with a high backed seat with arm rests, the whole mower is ergonomically designed and the deck lever is spring assisted for easy and fuss free operation. There are many useful accessories available to assist with the garden work, including a heavy duty dump cart and a tow behind rake dethatcher. Because this mower is operated using hydro pedals, it leaves both hands free to steer, and there are three different cutting systems depending on whether you are cutting, mulching or ejecting. The automatic transmission means that there is no need to stop and change gears, which is perfect for those yards that require extra maneuverability and changing of speeds.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 24 HP Yard Tractor

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If you are after a heavy duty and reliable riding mower that is suitable for a very large area, then the Husqvarna Yard Tractor is for you. It has all the functionalities of a riding mower, with the strength and reliability of a tractor. It will be able to cut the thickest grass, and with a 54 inch cutting width, it will cover large areas effectively and efficiently. It is built for rough and uneven terrain, and has a built in cruise control which actually maintains speed and control through uneven ground, and the axels are made from an extremely durable cast iron. If you are worried that your lawn area has rocks or other obstacles that could break your mower, you will not have to worry as the Husqvarna is powerful enough to mow over them. It is suitable for year round use, so will work just as well in the snow than in the hot summer sun. An unexpected feature is the cup holder, which means you can really sit back with your beverage, relax and let the mower do all the hard work.

Cub Cadet Xt1 Enduro Series Lt 42 In. 18 Hp Kohler Riding Mower

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The second riding mower by Cub Cadet on this best-of list, you can see why they are one of the most trusted and highly regarded brands on the market. Designed for use in all weather and any environment, the Cub Cadet Enduro Hydrostatic Gas Front Engine Riding Mower is made with LED headlights for increased visibility and has an advanced optimized steering system for increased responsive handling. It also comes with multi-seasonal attachments (sold separately) mean that it can be used year round and in any U.S State (excluding California), and can be used in the heat or the snow. Because it is push pedaled, there is no need to shift gears, and the 16 inch turning radius means that there is increased maneuverability and can move around obstacles with ease. This mower practically looks after itself with a quick connect deck wash system which actually provides high pressure water, which is useful to properly clean out any debris or grass that can build up under the deck over time.

Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower

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If you have a smaller yard, or simply do not feel the need to have one of the heavy duty, monster sized riding mowers, then the Troy-Bilt Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower was made for you. It is smaller than many of the riding mowers on the market, yet has all the functionality and features that you would expect in a quality mover. It has all the benefits of a riding mower, while being closer in size to a standard walk behind mower. It has a powerful 420cc engine and 6 speed transmission for easy handling. It is a bit slower than some of the larger riding mowers, with a maximum speed of 4.25 MPH, however this is perfect for smaller areas, and makes for more precise mowing. It has a turning radius of only 18 inches, so it will be able to get into the tight corners of your yard.

Riding Lawnmowers Buying Guide

So you are considering investing in a riding mower for your home or business, yet you are not too sure where to start?  You are not alone. Many businesses and households are investing in riding lawn mowers, and there are so many different types and styles that it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. There are a few things you should consider when purchasing a riding mower and these are detailed below:-

Is it California compliant? If you live in California, you are required by law to make sure that you purchase a mower that is California compliant. It should be stated on the purchase page whether a particular mower is able to be purchased and used in California or not. This is simply due to California’s stringent anti-pollution standards which require that the fuel system and or exhaust meets the minimum standards. Of course, if you live outside California, you can still benefit from a California compliant mower simply because they tend to be made to a higher standard and are better for the environment.

Durability and comfort – When determining which riding lawn mower is best for you, you need to not only consider the durability and quality of the materials, but the comfort level. You will notice that many different brands of mowers have different seats – some have bucket seats, some have high back seats and some are roomier and built for the larger users. There is no point getting a riding mower if you are so uncomfortable that you will not want to use it. These mowers are supposed to make easy work of an otherwise laborious chore, so comfort is a must.

How large is the area you want to mow? – There are different riding mowers targeted at different sized yards, so you need to make sure you get the right one for your needs. If you have a small to medium size area (such as a backyard or front yard), then the best riding lawn mower for small yard such as a standard riding mower or lawn tractor will suffice. If there is a larger area to be mowed like a farm or business, then you will want to consider a garden tractor. There are also different motors which are targeted to different sized areas. Smaller areas will require a motor of about 16 Horsepower or less, medium areas up to a hectare will require closer to a 20 Horsepower engine, and anything larger will benefit best from a 25 Horsepower engine or larger.

Preferred mower deck size:  Once you have determined the size of lawn or property that you wish to now, perhaps the second most important consideration in choosing a suitable riding lawn mower is determining your preferred mower deck size. There are various sizes that you could choose including 42 inches, 46 inches, 48 inches, 54 inches, 60 inches, 66 inches etc. The deck size specifications vary from one brand to another. For example, the deck size specs you would get from John Deere riding mower are different from those you will get from Cub Cadet, Raven or Husqvarna riding mower. For a small space of 0.5 to 1 acre, a 42-inch deck size would be ideal while for a yard or garden of 2 to 3 acres, you will be better off with a deck size of 48 inches, 54 inches or even 60 inches. The manufacturer will generally specify the most suitable deck specifications for your specific requirements. If they don’t, you can also make inquiries to determine this information.

What is your terrain like? – Mowers in general prefer a flat, even surface with thin grass. However, this is not always a reality. More than likely there will be a bit of a slope in the area you want to get mowed and there will be patches of thicker grass. The rule of thumb is that for thicker or heavier grass, you will want a mower with at least 4 blades. If your area is sloped, then you will need a mower with a smaller deck as this will allow for better maneuverability which will be less likely to dig into the ground.When buying mower, specify whether your terrain is flat, sloping, hilly or challenging.Does the terrain have many small trees, for example?

Different Transmissions – Just like a car, riding mowers come in different transmissions. There are three main transmission systems – manual, automatic and hydrostatic. Manual and automatic transmissions are similar to that of a car – manual simply requires gears to be manually changed and automatic simply is controlled with a gas pedal. Hydrostatic transmissions are a bit different, and work more like an automatic in that there is no manual changing or gears, however it uses fluid rather than a belt to transfer power between the engine and the wheels. Personal preference will determine which transmission is preferred, although generally automatic is better for mowers that require extra movement and changing of speeds, and hydrostatic tends to provide a smoother ride.

What Kind of Riding Mower Should I Purchase?

When you think of a riding mower, you would just think of your everyday walk behind mower with a seat on top. In reality, many riding mowers these days are a lot more extravagant and advanced than many people may expect. There are many different sizes, types and styles depending on whether you want the mower for use at home in your back yard, on your farm, or for your business (such as a hotel). Really anywhere that had a large expanse of grass can benefit from a riding mower. There are various types of riding lawn mowers that you could choose. These include the following:-

Riding mower – The most basic of the riding mower. They have the same functionality that you will find with a standard push lawn mower, but you are able to sit and have better control and a more even mow.

Zero turn mowers – These riding mowers look like any other mower from the outside, but they have a turning radius of zero, meaning they effectively turn on the spot. These are the best for places that require sharp turns or tight corners.

Lawn and garden tractors – These are mowers that double as tractors. Like the zero turn mowers, they may not look any different to an ordinary riding mower, however they are generally more powerful and able to accompany extra attachments to complete tasks that could normally only be done by a tractor.  A garden tractor is basically a larger version of a lawn tractor.

What accessories can I purchase with the riding lawnmower?

Thanks to the innovations by the companies that manufacture riding mowers, there is a plethora of attachments and accessories that can be added on. No longer is a riding mower only used for cutting grass. The accessories that are available depend on the mower in question, and are also dependent on their size and power. Commonly found accessories include the following:

Twin baggers – These are used for catching the lawn clippings and stopping them from spreading all over your perfectly mowed lawn.

Sun shade and snow cab – This is a removable cabin to protect from the sun, snow and wind. Provides additional comfort and protection from the elements.

Mulch kit – Chops and re-chops the clippings effectively turning it into mulch, which breaks down easily and eliminates the need for bagging the clippings and mulching the lawn separately.

Tow-behind carts – Essentially a cart that attaches to the back of the mower meaning that you can tow up to 1000lbs with ease.

Rear sprayers and rear spreaders – Perfect for small farms, the sprayers and spreaders are used to apply chemicals, seeds and fertilizer evenly over the soil.

Snow throwers and snow blade –  Many of the mowers that are suitable for use in the snow will have useful attachments that turn the mowers into mini snow ploughs.

Do you offer warranty?

Never underestimate the importance of a good warranty. Riding mowers are not cheap and quite an investment, so you will want to get years of use. Look for mower with at last 3 years’ warranty, and make sure you take the time to properly understand the terms and conditions of the warranty to ensure that you do not inadvertently void it.

 

There are many different types of riding mowers, and it is evident why they are so popular with anyone the requires a good mower for a quick backyard job. They are significantly easier and more fun than the traditional mower, and can be used by anyone from a family in the suburbs, to the farmer out on the paddock. No matter who you are or what type of lawn you want to mow, there will be the perfect riding mower for you. Whether you want a smaller mower for your backyard, or a decked out yard tractor to complete all of the chores and tasks you can think of, a riding mower will be a perfect addition to your shed.

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