The downside to having a large garden or lawn is that a lot of hard work needs to be in place to keep it maintained. Fortunately, modernized technology with the right riding lawn mower can help mitigate the strain involved in garden maintenance. The best riding lawn mower is more than an essential piece of equipment that saves time and offers clean grass cutting experience.
We understand that there is a ton of riding lawn mowers out there with a lot of styles, features and design. To make choosing the right lawn mower easy for you we have put together this article to save you on investment dollars. Our top pick is the Troy-Bilt premium Neighborhood riding lawn mower that has a cutting deck of 30-inches and equipped with 6 automatic transmission systems.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Riding Lawn Mower | • Most compact riding lawn mower • 5 height adjustments • 6-speed transmission system | |
 | Craftsman T135 18.5 HP Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mowerr | • Wide cutting deck of 46-inch • Easy maintenance with washout port • 18.5 hp Biggs & Stratton engine | |
 | Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower | • Large 52 inch fabricated mowing deck • Kawasaki FR V-Twin series engine • 23 horsepower engine | |
 | Ryobi 38″ RY48110 Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower | • Eco-friendly riding lawn mower • 38-inch wide cutting deck • Low maintenance cost | |
 | Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Riding Mower | • 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine • Highly durable parts • Very large cutting deck | |
 | Husqvarna Z254 54 in. Zero-Turn Riding Mower | • It Has a powerful 26 HP Kohler engine • 54-inch cutting deck • Heavy duty commercial grade lawn mower | |
 | Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton Riding Lawnmower | • Large 46-inch cutting deck • Reverse mowing capabilities • Soft touch steering wheels |
Top 7: Best Riding Lawn Mowers
Riding lawn mowers are large and expensive equipmentmainly suited for owners of large acres of land. They help reduce the workload of operators by efficiently cutting grass in as little time as possible. Our team of experts took into consideration different aspects that make for a great riding lawn mower. We looked at things like the cutting deck, turning radius, engine power, comfort, torque as well as included accessories.
Initially we had a handful to choose from, but after careful examination and critical analysis brought about by reading thousands of customer reviews we are of the opinion that these are the 7 best riding lawn mowers in 2023. Read on!
1. Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
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The Troy-Bilt neighborhood riding lawn mower is our overall best riding lawn mower for a variety of reasons. It is compact and small enough to handle mowing jobs on relatively flat terrain. It might not have the best of features like some of the more powerful alternatives listed here but it is strong enough to get all mowing jobs done efficiently and quickly.
With a cool 18-inch turning radius, the Troy-Bilt features a 30-inch cutting deck that is suitable for cutting around trees and navigating past sensitive flower beds. To ensure a pleasant cut the mower employs the use of 6- speed transmissions with an option of adjusting the deck height in five incremental steps.
With the Troy-Bilt lawn mower you can go wherelarger lawn mowers dare venture with its compact size and small cutting deck. Mowing routines need not be a hassle; the Troy-Bilt is equipped with a comfortable mid-back seat that allows you an effortless ride in the lawn.
To engage the blades faster, the mower is technologically equipped with a Manuel take-off system. Finally, the tires are not only built to last but are also designed for good traction and maneuverability. The smaller front wheels measure 13×5-inch while the rear tires measure 16 x 6.5-inch in dimension.
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TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine
The Troy-Bilt neighborhood lawn mower is equipped with a strong 382cc engine that has top forward speeds of 4.5 MPH
- Size
For the price, this is one of the most compact riding lawn mowers available. Ideal for small to medium sized lawns
- Comfort
It’s very comfortable to ride on. The seat can be adjusted to mid-back and has an ergonomically designed 13-inch soft grip steering wheel.
- Comes with accessories for mulching
- Compact in nature, easy to store
- Good transmission system
- Reverse mowing capability
- Small top speed of 4 mph
- Small tank capacity (1.3 gallons)
2. Craftsman T135 18.5 HP Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower
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Craftsman is a renowned brand with a good reputation for manufacturing some of the most rugged lawn mowers for rough terrains. The Craftsman T135 is no exception to their dedication of manufacturing long-lasting lawn mowers that stand the test of time. This particular model features a very wide 46-inch cutting deck that ensures the number of passes needed to cover large acres of land is reduced.
Operators of this lawn mower should be fascinated by the technologically advance CTV foot pedal transmission and the high 18.5 horsepower of its Briggs & Stratton gas engine. A monster combination that effectively puts rough terrains in check.
For extra clearance over bumps and to improve the mower’s traction, a 15-inch front wheel tire is paired with heavy 20-inch rear wheel tires. You can easily maneuver around large landscaping areas with ease without the tiresome need of covering an area twice.
Craftsman also equipped this mower with a ready start technology to help you fire up your mower in no time. Mowing large acres of land can take hours. If the lawn mower you use is not comfortable, operators can easily get tired out. For added comfort the cushioned mid-back seat of this craftsman model is equipped with a spring suspension system to help you enjoy the ride while you mow.
Finally, for easy maintenance, the deck has an inbuilt washout port that allows you to connect a water hose pipe to rinse out grass clippings and other debris.
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TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine
This craftsman model has an impressively powerful engine suitable for large yard jobs. It’s an 18.5 Horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine with quick and efficient start technology.
- Size
It’s relatively large and not suitable for small yards or residential lawn mowing. It’s ideal for professional landscaping businesses.
- Comfort
Very comfortable to ride on, the back seat is constructed to rest at the users back while mowing. Comfort is an important factor during long mowing hours.
- Provides excellent traction
- Easy to clean out and maintain with the washout port
- Reverse cutting technology
- The foot pedal can become stiff
- Not compact. Will need to be stored in a separate shelter
3. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
Ariens 915223 IKON- X lawn mower is a commercial grade lawnmower fitted with a Kawasaki gas hydrostatic transmission system. With little effort you can have your mower looking beautiful with pristine looking grasses. The deck and motor propelling this mower to a nice cut are durable and efficient. The tabular framework of this model is made out of durable steel and is surely going to last for many years to come.
This Ariens lawn mower model is made from commercial grade materials and features a strong 23 horsepower V-Twin Kawasaki engine series. The engine is lined with cast iron cylinders for durability. Ariens did well to fit this model with an automatic compression release for simple start and a nice internal carburetor for efficient fuel management.
Ikon-x has one of the widest fabricated decks on our list. 52-inch wide deck means it’s designed strictly for commercial use and landscaping businesses. The deck is made from 10gaugesthat securely houses three blades all working in sync to provide an excellent grass cutting experience. Like all quality lawn mowers, this Ariens model’s deck can be adjusted in incremental steps via a dedicated button dial.
Gear transmission is a breeze with the IKON-X because it has been engineered with high-quality EXT hydrostatic transaxles for total control. There is also a dual arm deck lift fitted into the Ariens IKON-X that provides a four-point hanging system for maximum deck stability.
Nothing puts mowing operators off than uncomfortable machines in long rides. To improve comfort, Ariens incorporates high-rise seats and cushioned armrest to ease long mowing rides.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine
This model comes equipped with a 23 horsepower Kawasaki V-Twin series engine to provide the required power for mowing large areas.
- Size
TheAriens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower is quite a monster. Best suited for commercial use and landscaping needs.
- Comfort
It offers very comfortable riding experience with cushioned armrest and high rise seats.
- Wide cutting deck suitable for commercial use
- Strong 23 Hp engine power
- Unmatched maneuverability and strong tire traction
- 10-gauge steel fully tubular frame for durability
- Not easy to store
4. Ryobi 38″ RY48110 Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
- Battery Operated: fully electric and 0 emissions
- 3 Brushless motors for superior power and performance
With the Ryobi 38 inch lawn mower what you have is a battery operated mower that guarantees up to 2 hours of mowing time or 2 acres of land. Most environmental enthusiast will love this mower because its operation doesn’t expel annoying gas fumes. The mowing runtime of two hours can rival those of major gasoline engines.
Thanks to the 38-inch mowing deck, users can finally have an effective grass cut with an option of 12 incremental deck adjustments to suit the cutting needs of the operator. Dual- high powered brushless motors ensure that users get the most power out of this machine.
For convenience, Ryobi 38 inch battery propelled lawn mower is equipped with some extra features hardly seen in other lawn mowers. It has LED headlights, a USB phone charger and cruise control features for an effortless ride. The LED lights help light up your path making it easy to mow even at night,the USB charger port gives you the luxury of operating/charging your phone or music player while the cruise control system makes it easy to find the right speed.
The cushioned seat is tall and supportive to aid for comfortable long rides. With this model, maintenance is easy; there are no belts or spark plugs to replace.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine
The engine has 3 brushless motors for superior cutting power and performance.
- Size
Less cumbersome than most electric riding lawn mowers in the market today. Has big front and rear wheel tires for traction.
- Comfort
High rise seat but without comfortable armrest. Cruise control convenience and USB port charger for phones and music devices.
- It’s a battery operated riding lawn mower
- Long mowing time of up to 2 hours or 2 acres of land
- Eco-friendly lawn mower
- Cruise control feature for variable speed operation
- Smaller cutting deck size in comparison with other commercial riding lawn mowers
5. Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Husqvarna 61 in. zero-turn lawn mower from the MZ series delivers commercial-grade power and amazing ergonomics
- 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds
Husqvarna is known to manufacture rugged riding lawn mowers suitable for large acres of land. The MZ61 variant is a behemoth of a mower that will surely get any mowing task done on time. It has a robust and large cutting deck measuring 61 inches in width. It’s so big that you will have to create a special parking place for it.
The MZ61 is the ideal choice for those who operate a commercial landscaping business. This machine will deliver some serious power to you. The machine is fitted with a 27 horsepower Biggs & Stratton engine that has the ability to power it up to speeds of 8.5 miles an hour. At this speed rate you can kiss tedious mowing task goodbye.
Although this mower doesn’t come cheap, the specifications, features and assuring durability that comes with it means owners will eventually win out in the long run. A very large mowing deck ought to come with a reasonable amount of protection and the manufacturers didn’t disappoint. There are three deck rollers that stop the large cutting deck from getting grounded in rough terrains and a commercial grade chassis made of steel prevents unwarranted vibrations.
For extra comfort, MZ61 comes equipped with a high back seat rest and armrest that is properly cushioned.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine
Highly efficient riding lawn mower boosted by 27HP Briggs & Stratton engine.
- Size
Very large and cumbersome to handle, parts might need to be folk lifted in place. Only ideal for commercial use.
- Comfort
It’s very comfortable to operate for long hours. It comes fitted with high rise seats and cushioned armrest.
- Very large cutting deck
- It has three cutting deck protector rollers.
- Very powerful engine with a hydrostatic transmission system
- Comfortable to use for long hours
- Easy access to intricate parts for maintenance
- Too large to handle
- Not suitable for medium sized lawns
6. Husqvarna Z254 54 in. Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- 26 HP Kohler engine provides reliable startups and a max speed of 6.5 MPH
- A patent-pending park brake system automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward
Yet another behemoth model from Husqvarna. This time the Z254 54 Inch 26 HP Kohler Zero turn riding lawn mower. This heavy-duty mower allows you to turn on the spot and go right back after you have finished a strip of mowing. This brilliant feature allows you to easy avoid obstacles like flower beds along the way.
The 26 horsepower from Kohler powers this machine efficiently. At a top speed of 6.5 miles an hour you can handle an average of 2.8 acres of land. For landscapers looking for something large and powerful but equally fast, this is a great choice.
The hydrostatic transmission system is one of the most notable features of the Husqvarna Z254 series. A lot of thought went into the design that incorporates hydraulic hoses to avoid leakages. To deal easily with hills and uneven terrain each robust looking tire is fitted with its own wheel motor and fan cooled pumps.
Unlike the MZ61 the mowing deck of this model is much smaller, about 54 inches to be precise. The blades are made of durable 12-gauge steel and the casement has a washout port that connects to a water hose for easy cleaning.
If you are going to use a commercial grade mower for hours, it has to be comfortable. The Husqvarna Z254 is as comfortable as commercial mowers can get. To reduce annoying vibrations the chassis is made from durable anti-scalp wheels designed for comfort and protection.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine
Offers a reliable performance from a 2g HP Kohler engine with hydrostatic transmission
- Size
A relatively large riding lawn mower only suited for commercial purposes
- Comfort
Cushioned high rise seats but without armrests feature.
- It’s a zero turn riding lawn mower
- Has a very powerful an efficient Kohler engine
- Optional bagging attachment feature
- Lacking armrest feature
- Very large to handle
7. Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton Riding Lawnmower
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With the help of Troy-Bilt 5400cc automatic riding lawn mower you can enjoy maintaining your lawn or garden as quickly as possible. This model has the ability to take care of your lawn swifter than what traditional push mowers can. It operates via a reliable 19 Hp Briggs & Stratton engine that is dependable and built to last. With a well-designed foot pedal transmission system, operators can easily push through any rough terrain.
For comfort, Troy-Bilt 540cc was built with the user at heart. It has a soft-touch steering wheel that is easy to control with the hands allowing for softer movements around the lawn. It also has a high rise cushioned back seat but without the added functionality of an armrest.
For a commercial grade lawn mower, we feel the 46-inch cutting deck is appropriate to get large scale mowing jobs done in time. Additionally, users can optionally add a bag to the back of the deck to collect grass clippings to keep the deck area clear from debris. However, be advised that you will occasionally need to stop to empty the contents of the bag.
There is also a mow-in-reverse function that will allow you mow backward to cover any missed patch of grass without having to turn the mower around. Finally, this model has heavy duty tires built for maximum traction and balance. The front tires measure 15 inches by 6 inches while the larger rear tires measure 20 inches by 8-inch.
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TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine
The solid 19 HP capacity engine is provided by Briggs & Stratton with a foot pedal automatic transmission system.
- Size
It’s a large-sized lawnmower suitable for landscaping business with an impressive 46-inch cutting deck.
- Comfort
The only drawback is the missing armrest found in other commercial riding lawn mowers. It has a soft touch steering plus a high-rise cushioned seat.
- It has one of the best traction tires in his price range
- Soft touch steering wheels
- Reverse mowing technology that provides a more efficient cut.
- Foot pedal transmission system
- Extremely large an cumbersome to handle
Buyers Guide
Riding lawn mowers are an essential piece of gardening equipment if you have a large acre of land to maintain. There are verities of lawn mowers out there that choosing the best one suited for your needs can be a bit confusing. Worst off, the industry is littered with technologically advanced terminologies that a layman find hard to comprehend.
Our buying guide will take you through what you need to consider in other to purchase the right riding lawn mower.
Size Matters a lot
The size of the area you intend to mow is one of the most important criteria you need to consider before purchasing a lawnmower. How big is the area that needs maintenance? Ascertaining this will save you on investment in a mower that has too much mowing capacity than is required.
Your garden or lawn should be big enough to consider buying a riding lawn mower. It’s a good idea to apply common sense in situations like this, if it’s going to be more of a hassle to maintain and store a riding lawn mower than using it, then you will be better off without one.
It’s our recommendation that riding lawn mowers can be purchased for half an acre upwards. For smaller patches of land, we recommend the use of rear engine riding lawn mowers because they are smaller and with the right horsepower for small lands.
Also consider that riding lawn mowers need enough space for storage. You have to protect them from bad weather and kids. The bigger the mower, the larger the garage or shed to store them will be.
Lastly, regarding size, you also need to consider the part the mower takes on the way to the area that needs to be maintained. If the paths are narrow a wide deck lawn mower can be a problem.
The Ground Level
The characteristics of your gardening space are also a determinant to the kind of lawn mower you purchase. Is the ground level, sloping or rocky? Are there any obstructions like tree stumps and roots? Will you be navigating past flower beds and other important plant life? These will affect the kind of mower you buy so it’s best that you are aware of the topography of the area that needs maintenance.
If your lawn or garden is on a level plain, then you are in luck. You can be sure of a secure ride with a lower cost lawn mower that doesn’t have high engine power. Lower costing lawn mowers should give you good results.
If your land is sloppy, then you need to check the specifications of your mower carefully. One area of concern is the engine power. You need a higher engine power to contend with sloppy gardens and lawn. Stability and a mower with a low center of gravity are important.
Some mowers come with specs that won’t allow them to work on areas that are too sloppy while others can handle steeper inclines. If you have to maintain an uneven terrain, think of purchasing a mower that has anti-scalping wheels. These wheels are small and sit alongside the mowing deck to prevent it from grounding in rough terrain.
The best advice on usage comes from customer reviews. Individuals who have purchased and use the equipment on a daily basis are in a better position to inform you of the pros and cons of each mower.
Comfort
Comfort is an aspect you must pay attention to. While a lot of users get caught up in horsepower and torque, they fail to bring comfort into the picture. If you are thinking of buying a riding lawn mower, chances are you have a very big area to mow and that can translate too many hours mowing. If the mower you buy isn’t comfortable you will have spent a lot ofmoney on the wrong equipment.
Start your comfort search by looking at the seat specifications. A mid-height seat means that the seat is actually low. What about the armrests? Are they ergonomically designed for maximum comfort?
Riding mowers with adjustable seat heights are the best when it comes to comfort. Users should be able to adjust the seat heights in incremental steps to suit their comfort needs.
Also check out if the mower has the required cushioning that makes for a comfortable ride.
Although, the seat and cushioning play important roles in how comfortable a riding lawnmower is. They are not the only things to consider. Noise and unwanted vibrations also have a big impact on the smooth operation and comfort of the mower.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is what makes any equipment last long. If you will splash your hard earned dollar on an expensive riding lawn mower then you want to consider the ease and cost of maintenance.
The first point of call will be to examine deeply the warranty period. Check carefully, the parts of the lawn mower to see what parts are covered or backed by a warrant and for how long. Sometimes the warranty period on the steel chassis might be different from the warranty period on the engine.
You should not assume that if you are buying a brand name mower from a particular store that another dealer (maybe close to your house) will honor the warranty. Stuff just doesn’t work that way. Be informed also that different warranties may apply to the same product from the same manufacturer.
Unfortunately, purchasing of an online store isn’t the best when it comes to accessing maintenance cost. A very good visual check in person is the best way of predicting areas that problems are more likely going to occur. Are there components that look like plastic in areas where you’d expected metal?
Look at areas or components within the lawn mower that moves. Any part that is subject to motion will have an increased probability of wear and tear as a result of friction. Ease of lubrication should be a top priority here. How efficiently does the mower lubricate internal moving components?
Customer reviews are very important. People will post reviews of products long after they have purchased them. Reading customer verified reviews is one of the best ways to judge the durability of a lawnmower.
Added Accessories
While the main function of a riding lawnmower is to cut grass, its functionality doesn’t need to end there. Riding mowers can be real workhorses in terms of function and power but there are other areas they can be of immense value to you.
Mulching is one. This added feature reduces the volume of grass wasted. They can be added back to the soil to improve the moisture and add much-needed nutrients. Modern mowers now come with mulching attachments that come with it or they can be purchased separately.
With the right attachment a robust riding lawn mower with high engine power can act as a sown plow in areas that gets pretty cold in winter. It’s a wise decision to check out all available accessories and attachment before you make a purchasing decision.
Scarifiers help to promote a flamboyant looking lawn by piercing holes in the lawn as it mows. This allows in air and water for strong root growth of grass. De-thatchers will pull out the roots of old dead grass and allow for fresh new grass growth. Lastly, a bagger is a useful accessory that allows the operator to collect grass cutting as he mows the lawn or garden. The only drawdown with bagging addition is that the operator will have to stop occasionally to empty the bags when they are full.
Check out the prices of lawn mowers with and without the attachments you need before you commit to any.