by Are you looking for a lawn mower that will make your life easier? If so, then you need a riding lawn mower. Riding lawn mowers are faster than traditional push mowers, making them ideal for larger yards. In addition, riding lawn mowers can be fun, turning a chore into an activity.
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a riding lawn mower. You have to think about the size of your lawn, the terrain, how much power you need, and what features are important to you. To help you make the best decision, we’ve researched all the options and compared them along several key dimensions. We’ve looked at cutting performance, maneuverability, mulching capability, durability, and bagging capacity. To help you find the best riding lawn mower for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top products in 2022. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or just a homeowner who wants to save time and effort, our list has something for everyone.
1. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series LT 46
The Came Cub XT1 Enduro Series LT lawn mower is one of the best models today. With a 22hp Kohler 7000 engine and a 46″ cutting width, this machine easily handles all jobs. The hydrostatic drive provides consistent and precise results without shifting gears. Your lawn will look great thanks to this powerful engine.
This model is ideal for anyone looking for a practical and easy-to-use lawn mower. The rear-wheel-drive provides excellent traction and maneuverability, while the 16-inch turning radius makes it easy to maneuver around tight corners. Raising and lowering the mower is as easy as pushing a button, and cruise control keep the speed constant. The mower also features an adjustable seat, ergonomic steering wheel, and cup holders, making it ideal for a long day or nighttime work.
If you’re looking for a model that offers excellent performance but can also handle rough terrain, this 22-horsepower model is for you. – this model is for you. It’s affordable and loaded with features that make lawn mowing a breeze.
Pros:
- Kohler OHV 18-horsepower engine with automatic hydrostatic transmission.
- Push-button speed control for the 42-inch mower deck.
- Excellent maneuverability with a 16″ turning radius.
- Control over uneven terrain.
Cons:
- Slightly noisy
2. Troy-Bilt TB 30 in. 382 cc Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
The Troy-Bilt riding mower is a powerful, high-quality choice for those on a budget. The manual transmission makes it easy to shift and adjust while mowing; the 382cc engine is compact but with plenty of power, and the 30-inch cutting blade makes any job quick and easy.
The Troy-Bilt brand, which has been around since 1937, offers a range of models ideal for those who want to mow but don’t have the space for a full-size model. They have a small turning radius of 18 inches and are ideal for small to medium-sized gardens.
This mower is the cheapest and most affordable of our best riding lawn mowers. Switching from side cutting to weeding directly from the rear is a big plus!
Specifications:
- Engine horsepower: 0 hp
- Cutting width: 30 in.
- Fuel capacity: 1.3 gallons
- Speed: 4.25 mph
- Number of blades: 1
- Number of cylinders: Single cylinder
- Turning radius: 18 in.
- Deck position. 4
Pros:
- Compact and easy to assemble
- Includes mulch kit accessories
- Manual transmission/shift lever
- Affordable
- The rear-mounted engine gives the mower excellent visibility
Cons:
- Narrow mower deck
- Mows smaller acreage (1.5 acres per tank)
3. Husqvarna Z254F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
This tough hydrostatic-powered Husqvarna is well worth its price: 23 hp of engine power and an excellent smooth cut make it one of the best mowers on the market. Its speed is 6.5 mph. All removable attachments, such as mulching kits, bags, and decks, are sold separately. Working over two acres in one tank makes you feel like a professional landscaper.
The zero-turn feature allows you to mow comfortably and safely in tight spaces thanks to the safety brake mechanism. This is one of the most powerful workhorses you can buy. This durable, non-commercial type of zero-turn mower is well worth buying, especially for large lawns in the field.
Pros:
- Excellent performance on grass and difficult soils.
- 54-inch steel blade for incredible cutting performance.
- Excellent ergonomics and safety features
- Handles large, clogged lawns quickly
- Well-known brand with Kawasaki engine
Cons:
- Requires extensive assembly
- Not suitable for commercial use
4. Poulan Pro P46ZX
A zero-turn mower with a 22-horsepower engine mows 46 inches wide for large lawns and saves a lot of time. This mower covers a large area when mowing, so you don’t have to spend hours cutting the grass. This gives you more options and more choices, and with a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, it can run for a reasonable amount of time when filled.
Another key feature is the use of durable materials in the body section, which improves the overall life of the mower. It is vandal-resistant and can be fully used for a long time. The design of the mower is also excellent and elegant. There are no problems with this part of the lawn, which makes it more attractive to customers. This mower may not be the best choice if you have a small lawn. Due to the width of the cutting table, it may have difficulty cutting the grass around obstacles.
However, since it is a zero-turn mower, rotation is not an issue and is suitable for medium-sized lawns.
Pros:
- Durability
- High-quality housing components
- 46-inch cutting deck
Cons:
- Not fit small lawns
5. Ariens 915223
This lawn mower will first catch your eye with its beautiful design. Customers love this mower for its elegant appearance. It also has very good performance. Another advantage is that it mows the grass evenly. It mows all areas evenly, so the lawn looks nice.
The only drawback to this mower is that it makes noise when turned on, and we have heard some complaints about it. Other than that, this mower has no additional problems, and it is a mower you can purchase without hesitation.
It has a 23-hp engine that is ideal for large lawns, and its overall performance is at a high level. This mower comes with all the relevant accessories, so no extra money is needed. Based on these factors, it is the best lawn mower in this price range.
Pros:
- Works efficiently
- Mows evenly
- It comes with all the necessary accessories
Cons:
- Noise when powered on
6. Ariens Zoom 42
Good design is one of the features that customers look for in a riding lawn mower. With this device, you can mow your land with confidence. The stamped mowing deck maximizes airflow for very precise mowing. The compact design makes it easy to mow, even in small yard areas. Additionally, it is equipped with a professional engine for maximum efficiency.
This unit can be easily adjusted to seven different cutting positions. The intuitive foot-operated mower lift and 4-point mowing system ensure consistent mowing results and a steady ride every time. 3 cutting decks, a dedicated drive system, and a zero-turn rotary mower with a top speed of 6 mph. This highly maneuverable machine mows lawns quickly and accurately without compromising user comfort.
Another key feature of this mower is its ease of use. Once mastered, the user can mow the lawn efficiently and accurately. The wheels have a non-slip surface and are gentle to the ground. It can be easily operated even in tight spaces. It is also equipped with armrests that can be adjusted to three positions according to the application. There is ample space under the mower’s feet for greater comfort.
Pros:
- Adjustable control levers make it easier to operate the mower.
- The stamped mower is made of sturdy steel.
- It has a professional engine for maximum performance and a comfortable seat.
- The mower deck is washable, making it easy to clean.
Cons:
- Traction problems on wet surfaces.
7. Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34
Another option for purchase is the Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34. Troy-Bilt is similar to the manufacturer Husqvarna in that the name includes detailed product information. In this case, it is kerf width. For example, Troy-Bilt’s 30-inch mower has a kerf width of 30 inches. From this, we can also infer that the cutting diameter of the product we tested is 34 inches.
The ability to mow backward allows for easy correction of insecure areas. In addition, this machine has a maximum mowing speed of 7 mph. However, when traveling backward, this speed drops to 2.5 mph. You may also be looking for the most comfortable seat on a domestic mower. This high-back seat is preferred because it has two outboard hinges.
The 452cc engine is also as reliable as you’d expect on somewhat bumpy surfaces; you’ll need to spend less compared to options like the Swisher Z3166CPKA. If it helps you decide whether or not to buy the product, it’s worth it.
Pros
- Relatively low price
- High mowing speed
- Relatively powerful motor
- A seat with a high backrest is comfortable for most users
- Reverse mowing is possible
Cons:
- The mowing diameter is not large, so it takes longer to mow and care for large lawns
8. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 Zero-Turn Mower
If you live in an area with many hills, don’t worry. This turn-less round mower is ideal for mowing small hillsides and rugged terrain, and it can mow on any terrain. It’s also easy to maintain. The Cub Cadet has an open frame with a removable floor for easy access to the engine. In addition, the tubular steel frame construction provides strength and durability in all mowing conditions.
As for the blades, the 42-inch double-blade deck provides improved cutting and bagging performance. You can work comfortably if you know you’re working for the prospect. The command center can be adjusted to your comfort level, making it easier to mow.
This is one of the most comfortable mowers on the market. Cub Cadet Ultima zT1 42 is an excellent choice if you mow on uneven terrain or work long hours.
Pros:
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Ideal for small hills and rough terrain
- Easy maintenance
- Robust and durable design
Cons:
- It has some learning curve
9. Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for the most affordable mower on the market, the Troy Bilt Pony 42 is one of the best options on the market. This powerful machine earned the sixth spot on our list. It offers reliable performance, durability and features found only in many of the more expensive models, with an 18-hp Troy-Bilt OHV engine and a large 42″ double-blade mower deck. This Troy-Bilt mower handles large areas with ease.
The dash-mounted 7-speed gearbox lets you see and adjust well, the front axle and 18-inch turning radius allow you to drive over rough terrain and make steep turns with less mowing, and the five-position mowing height adjustment helps you adjust the tractor cutting deck to the right length of the grass. You can also purchase optional attachments for an incredibly versatile mower.
The Troy-Bilt 18HP is one of the most affordable tractors on the market today. It is suitable for rugged terrain. It offers the power and stable, reliable performance you’d expect from some of its more expensive competitors. If you’re looking for a simple, efficient mower that’s easy to use and makes mowing the lawn easy, this is one of the smartest purchases you can make.
Pros:
- 19 hp Troy-Bilt OHV engine.
- 5 cutting height settings
- 42-inch cutting deck
- 7-speed transmission with an 18-inch turning radius
Cons:
- A mower can be pretty rough.
10. Snapper 2911525BVE
This mower has a 28-inch cutting deck and an 11.5 horsepower engine. It’s perfect if you have a small to medium-sized lawn and won’t complain about its performance. It does a great job of mowing, so customers love it. It also has a stylish design. The color of this lawn mower matches its design and improves the overall look.
Another great feature of this mower is the very comfortable seat. Thanks to the comfortable seat, you won’t get tired while driving this mower. The only thing to consider is that it does not work well on large lawns. With a mowing width of 28 inches, it takes a long time to mow large lawns.
For smaller lawns, however, it can be used as needed. Its small size also makes it more economical to use and will be more dynamic in the long run. In addition, the smaller size means better fuel efficiency, which will pay off in the long run. If this mower meets your needs, you can buy it without considering the details.
Pros :
- Cost-effective
- Great design
- Good fuel efficiency
Cons :
- Not suitable for large lawns
Factors to Consider when Buying the Best Riding Lawnmower
- Cutting Blades
The blades of a lawn mower are essential because they are what mow the lawn. If your lawn is large and grassy, or if your yard has many weeds, you may want to choose a mower with multiple cutting blades.
Some smaller models have a single blade, while others have two or three blades. Of course, the number of blades does not make much difference if the mower’s engine is not powerful enough. Let’s discuss this in more detail.
- Engine Power
Engine horsepower (hp). – is a measure of engine power. The higher the horsepower number, the more work the mower can do. In other words, a machine with more power gets the job done faster and can handle rougher terrain. So if you need a powerful lawn mower, check engine power before moving on to other features.
- Turning Radius.
This is another vital feature to look out for. The turning radius of a mower indicates how sharply the mower can turn. A mower with a smaller turning radius means it can make sharper turns. This is especially useful for lawns with steep corners and obstacles.
- Lawn size
Before choosing a mower, you should also consider the size of your lawn. The various models on the market are designed to fit the size of your yard. Therefore, purchasing a machine that will work well in your yard is crucial. Otherwise, you will just be wasting your money.
If you have a small to medium-sized lawn and flat terrain, you may want to choose a standard model with basic features. However, consider a larger model if you have a medium or large lawn. The size of the area a lawn mower can handle can be found in the product specifications.
There are also different engines for different sized areas. If you are mowing a small area, you may want to choose a mower with approximately 16 horsepower or less. For medium-sized fields, you will need about 20 hp, and for larger fields, you will need at least 25 hp.
- Your unique terrain
Mowers generally prefer flat, level areas or thin grass. Unfortunately, however, this is not always the case. There is often sloped, grassy, weedy, or uneven terrain. A riding mower can make the most of the lawn, even with such lawns.
If the lawn is dense or thick, choose a mower with at least four different blades. If your lawn is sloping, select a model with a smaller mower deck for easier operation. It is also less likely to dig into the ground. Therefore, you should consider the terrain of your lawn when choosing a lawn mower.
FAQS
When purchasing the best riding lawn mower, you have many choices. The lawn mowers listed above are all top-of-the-line products. They are all unique, and you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
In short, lawn mowers are worth the investment because they make mowing the lawn much easier. Furthermore, lawn mowers are a long-term investment because of their durability.
When looking for a lawn mower, first and foremost, it is vital to keep your requirements in mind. Another important factor is durability. Finally, you should look at quality, performance, comfort, and reliability.
If well cared for, it can be used for 20 years. If well cared for, it can last about 1,500 hours.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found this article helpful and that you were able to find the best lawn mower from the list we compiled. All the lawn mowers on this list are worth the investment, and you can choose the one you like best.
However, before choosing one of these lawn mowers, you should read the list of factors we mentioned.
Considering these factors will make it easier for you to purchase a lawn mower at the best price. After purchase, make sure that the mower is properly maintained. This is an essential task because the lawn mower’s life depends on this part of the machine.
With proper maintenance, your mower will last longer and perform at its full potential.
