Cutting grass has always been that chore no one wants. Traditionally, you’d spend all that extra money to have someone do it for you. And then came lawn mowers, which are great, but if you own a relatively larger lawn, it becomes a chore having to walk-behind these machines all morning. Pushing it through uneven terrains, slopes, and doing it over that whole acre is not fun. Quite frankly, it’s physically demanding and time-consuming. If this is your struggle, then you might need to upgrade to a riding lawnmower.
Riding lawn mowers are like mini-golf carts; only they cut your grass while you relax on top. These beautiful pieces of machinery will literally take the effort out of mowing your lawn and in turn, bring the fun in. They also cover a broader mowing perimeter, meaning they will cut more grass in less time. They come with features in place to allow for an easier mowing operation, including ergonomic seats, easy to use controls and hydrostatic engines which don’t require a shift. Simply key start the ignition, sit back and mow away.
That said, not all riding mowers are made equal; they come with different engine power and deck size, which affect their overall performance. We have rounded up the best riding mowers out there today, to ensure that you get the most prime selection.
Top 6 Riding Lawn Mowers Of 2020 Reviewed
1. Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER 28-Inch 11.5 HP 344cc Rear Engine Riding Mower
Rear Engine Riding Mower
If you want to reduce the amount of time you take mowing your lawns, you should consider buying a Riding Lawn Mower. This rear engine riding mower will remove the need to walk behind a Lawn Mower while cutting grass in your backyard. Besides, it is a small-sized mower that enables you to right in tight spaces such as in between trees. It is easy to steer and reverse so as to mow backwards. While at it, you will be able to see exactly where you are going.
Starting this riding mower is extremely easy. You will be surprised how easy it can move up a small slope. It comes with a powerful 11.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, from which you can easily drain the oil using a handy horse. At the back, there is a stand, which you can use to store the machine. With that, you can be sure of using minimal garage space for storage. Another aspect of this machine that should make you buy it is how easy it is to clean underneath.
Pros:
- Small enough to move in tight spaces
- Easy to start and ride
- A folding stand at the back makes it easy to store
Cons:
- Has a narrow cutting deck
- Position of controls isn’t that good
- Requires two people to fold up
2. Craftsman T225 19HP Briggs & Stratton Gold 46-Inch Gas-Powered Riding Lawn Mower
Best Gas-Powered Riding Lawn Mower
The Craftsman T225 is capable of cutting grass in a radius of up to 46 inches. Thus, it can clip, trim, and cut grass in a big area within the shortest time possible. On top of that, it comes with a deck wash, which makes it possible to take a short time to clean the underside. It comes with a powerful 19HP engine from Briggs & Stratton. With that, it can easily cut grass in a large yard without baulking down.
Of course, you can ride this machine forward as well as backward. Regardless of the direction you choose to ride it, the best gas-powered riding lawn mower is extremely easy to manoeuvre, even in tight spots. It features hydrostatic transmission through a foot lever and comes with a comfortable high-back cushioned seat. You will hardly feel like you are riding a tractor. The wheels are large enough to help you easily manoeuvre it.
Pros:
- Can cut grass to a radius of 46 inches
- Features a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine
- Can mow both forward and backward
Cons:
- Reports of the seat spinning unexpectedly
- Seems to be made from low-quality material
- Confusion about the location of transmission control and mower deck lift
3. John Deere X320 Lawn Mower
Best Small Riding Lawn Mower
The John Deere X320 Lawn Mower is made of a mix of plastic and metal. That is not bad enough, given the durability of metal and versatility of plastic. While the deck and wheels are plastic, the rest of the structure is metal. It is the best small riding mower, given that it can even be ridden by the kids in a playful but beneficial manner. It is only 6 by 4 by 4.5 inches long and compact enough to save on storage space.
This Lawn Mower looks more like a miniature tractor. It weighs only 14.6 ounces, which makes it extremely easy to carry. Overall, the machine is sturdy enough to withstand the ravages of everyday riding. If you are looking for a perfect Christmas gift for your son, look no further than this Mower. There is no better way to make your kid’s day!
Pros:
- Made from metal and plastic
- Great for kids to ride
- A lightweight mower that is easy to carry
Cons:
- Reports of the steering when coming off easily
- Deck made of flimsy plastic
- Contains miniature parts that are hard to know when they come off
4. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52-Inch Zero Turn Mower 23HP Kawasaki FR691 Series
Best High Power Riding Lawn Mower
Ariens is a well-known brand when it comes to making the best Lawn Mowers. It is, therefore, not surprising that this particular product is the best high power, Riding Lawn Mower. The machine features a Kawasaki engine, which makes it great for use in both domestic and commercial settings. In terms of torque, this engine has the highest rating, even at slower speeds. Due to this machine’s high power, it is capable of mowing an acre in under an hour.
This machine is also capable of going up steep heels of a maximum of 15 degrees. It measures 78 by 41 by 64 inches. That is large enough for an adult to sit on and do all the mowing work. It is a gasoline-powered machine that weighs up to 871 pounds. The machine is painted orange. It is a bold, attractive colour by any standards.
Pros:
- Features a powerful Kawasaki engine
- Can mow a lawn within a short time
- Can go up slopes
Cons:
- It doesn’t have lights and cannot be used in the dark
- Complaints about an unidentifiable flapping noise
- Might be too expensive
5. Husqvarna LTH1738, 38-Inch 17HP Loncin Hydrostatic Gas Riding Lawn Mower
Best Gas Riding Lawn Mower
The best gas riding lawn mower didn’t get that title out of nothing. The Husqvarna LTH1738 is designed to use the air induction technology, which lifts up the grass before cutting it. This ensures that your lawn gets a perfect trim throughout the entire space. It is a pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission for improved performance and better control.
It is made of a reinforced deck, with which you can be sure to get superior performance and durability. It comes with all the accessories you need to make it work well. They include brushes, snow blades, and trailers. In short, this is an all-season machine that keeps serving all your needs. When the winter comes, you can attach the snow blades to clear your lawn or driveway. Unlike other mowers, which need to be kick-started, this particular one only requires you to turn a key to get it moving. The rest of the process is all about turning the steering wheel as you cut the grass.
Pros:
- It comes with a superior reinforced deck
- Feature the air induction, which lifts the grass before it is cut
- Comes with an ergonomic steering wheel
Cons:
- Cuts a smaller radius
- Has a lower HP compared to other models
- A costly lawn mower
6. Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower
Best Fast Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower
The 24 HP engine used in the Husqvarna YTA24V48 gives this machine the power to cut grass in a wide area within a very short time. It comes with an easy to use automatic choke start, which only requires you to turn the ignition key. Once the engine is on, you can easily maneuver the mower using the highly responsive steering wheel.
Is you didn’t know, this is the best fast transmission pedal tractor mower on the market. With that, you get a machine that is almost maintenance-free. It features the air induction mowing technology, which means improved airflow inside the deck. You, therefore, get very consistent cut all the time. The fender-mounted deck lever is convenient, given its reliance on a responsive spring. It comes with warranties ranging from 3 or 5 or 10 years, covering different parts.
Pros:
- Is made to provide fast transmission
- Relies on the air induction technology
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Reported problems with the transmission
- Reports of poor customer service
- Complaints about the clutch blowing up, literally
Choosing The Best Riding Lawn Mower – The Ultimate Buying Guide
When choosing a riding lawn mower, it’s best to know what you need going in. After all, it is a huge investment. A wise one, to be sure, but very costly. If you make a mistake in your purchase, you’ll be out of pocket several thousand dollars.
Obviously, the perfect solution to this dilemma is to learn a thing or two about riding lawn mowers so that you are able to get the mower you need at the price point you’re willing to pay. Our guide is specifically designed to do that.
How big is Your Lawn?
The size of your lawn will help determine the riding lawn mower you buy. Lawns that are less than half an acre typically do not require a Riding Mower. A push model would be a more cost-efficient choice. However, you do know best regarding your limitations. Lawns that are half an acre to 1 acre will benefit from a riding mower with a 30 to 40-inch cutting deck. Lawns that are 1 to 2 acres require a cutting deck that ranges from 38 to 48 inches.
Of course, some riding lawn mowers on the lower end of this range are able to handle larger yards due to some of its features. Then there are those large plots covering 2 acres or more. Experts recommend mowers with decks that range from 46 to 54 inches. Naturally, a smaller sized riding mower can still perform an adequate mowing job on lawns of this proportion. However, it won’t necessarily be efficient.
What Types of Riding Lawn Mowers are there?
We’re all pretty familiar with the traditional riding mower. It looks so much like a tractor, doesn’t it? Probably the reason why it’s called a lawn tractor. Now, lawn tractors are specifically designed for mowing large properties. The motor is typically located in the front within a tough frame. Mowers in this category tend to feature cruise control to help you feel less tired when using the machine. Also, these tend to be offered with attachments to make it a more versatile piece of equipment.
Zero-Turn Mowers are riding lawn mowers that feature engines in the back. This makes it easier for the rider to see where they’re going. The purpose of this is because these Lawn Mowers are suited for landscaping that has lots of obstacles that need to be navigated around. Zero-turn mowers are driven using two independent levers which allow for its extreme manoeuvrability. These are also much faster in comparison to traditional riding lawn mowers and have a tighter turning radius. The latter feature allows the rider to cut closely around hedges, flower beds, and the like without the need for extra trimming from a push Mower.
Then there are the riding mowers built for small yards. These are light-duty riding lawn mowers that feature a rear-engine, often quieter than the large lawn tractors. However, these are less precise and powerful in comparison to their bigger, much more expensive brothers.
What about Transmissions?
Just like with cars, there are several types of transmissions available with these riding lawn mowers. Manual transmission allows you to shift up or down to set the speed of the mower. We recommend that you find one that allows you to shift easily from one speed to the next without having to stop or use a clutch.
The automatic transmission: This type of transmission works much in the same way you expect in Riding Lawn Mowers. You can speed up by just stepping on the gas pedal.
A hydrostatic transmission: This transmission is similar to an automatic transmission. However, as the name already implies, it makes use of fluid (hydraulic oil, to be exact) instead of belts which means this requires less maintenance and tend to be more durable.
What Features Should You Look out for?
The features you need in your riding lawn mower tend to be a personal thing because not all lawns are the same. Below are short descriptions of several features to give you a better idea of which ones you need to have.
Horsepower: This is the amount of power that an engine produces. The higher this number is, the more powerful the motor is.
Engine Displacement: This is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and refers to the size of the cylinder of the motor. The higher the number, the more powerful the motor is.
Cruise Control: Allows you to set the speed you like and forget it – a particularly great feature if you’re going to mow long stretches of land.
Cut Width: This describes how wide a path the mower will make when cutting the grass.
Turning Radius: This measures how sharply a mower can turn which is a feature you need to look at if your lawn has obstacles that need to be maneuvered around.
Conclusion
Once you’ve decided on the size, type, and features you want in a riding lawnmower, the last thing you should do is to try it if you are able. Reviews are good and all but it’s only when you’re operating it that you really get a feel of how well the mower suits you.
