We all look forward to snow melting, flowers blooming, and grass turning its beautiful shade of spring green. With the greening of grass, comes yard maintenance best riding lawn mowers.
Many find it relaxing and enjoyable while others might define it as a chore. Some homeowners go as far as to hire a yard service to maintain their grass and flower beds.
One thing most homeowners can agree on is that whether they enjoy yard work or not, cutting the grass can be quite a chore and regular push mowers are sometimes difficult to start.
Even when using an electric push mower, you still must pay special attention to its electric cord. Not all yards are perfectly flat and just the right size that pushes mowing isn’t difficult. Many yards have uneven and difficult to mow areas due to landscaping.
What are the Best Riding Lawn Mower Brands?
Trying to decide on anything is arguably the hardest thing in the world. Because there are so many options these days, it’s easy to get lost and confused on what the best brand is or if it’s the best fit for you. This is especially true if you’re trying to find the best riding lawnmower.
There are many choices for a riding lawn mower or an electric riding lawn mower (if that’s what you’re looking for) out there but the fact of the matter is, it has to be right for its purpose. The best brand or model may not be what’s suitable for your yard or your intended use and that’s important to keep in mind. You may have been eyeing a Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower for a while but if it’s not a good fit, you have to decide on a different brand altogether.
Since testing a riding lawn mower without buying it is not really an option, the closest you can get is going through riding lawn mower reviews and deciding which one is the most suitable for your yard and one that has the best value for its price. You want to say goodbye to your walk-behind mower and you should definitely get what’s best for your needs.
This list of ride-on lawn mowers is a wonderful resource for homeowners looking to maintain their yards.
Sit back and relax while you perfectly trim your yard. You won’t be exhausted anymore from pushing a mower and you will save time.
Below we’ve reviewed the top 10 best riding lawn mowers.
Table of Contents
- What are the Best Riding Lawn Mower Brands?
- 10. Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower
- 9. Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc Briggs
- 8. Husqvarna R120S Articulating Riding Mower
- 7. Husqvarna 18.5 HP Hydro Transmission Riding Lawn Mower
- 6. Husqvarna 24 HP Fast Hydro Yard Tractor
- 5. Yard Machines 420cc 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mower
- 4. Poulan Pro Kohler V-Twin Riding Mower
- 3. Briggs 18.5 HP Pedal Control Auto Drive Cutting Deck Riding Mower
- 2. Poulan Pro Briggs Pedal Control Fast Auto Drive Cutting Deck Riding Mower
- 1. Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Riding Lawnmower
- What to Look for When Buying a Riding Lawn Mower
- Final Review of the Best Riding Lawn Mowers
- See also:
10. Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower
One of the most popular names in the home improvement world is the brand Husqvarna. One riding lawn mower that has won the hearts of many homeowners is the Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower. This riding lawn mower offers users the power and durability that will allow you to tackle large lots of land faster than ever.
This is in part thanks to the powerful 18.5 HO Briggs and Stratton Intek engine that gives you power like no other. Operation is easy and effortless thanks to the foot pedal that works on hydrostatic transmission. This transmission allows you to control the speed and the direction you want your lawnmower to go in.
Speaking of maneuvering, there is a rather tight 16 inch turning radius that allows you to get into patches of grass that are rather tight and compact. There is also a 42 inch reinforced cutting deck. The operation of this lawn mower is easy and effortless and you really do have full control as you can reverse in this driving lawn more as well. While in reverse, you can also mow so that you are working efficiently each time you take it out.
Lastly, comfort is taking seriously with this riding lawn mower, you do not have to worry about cramping or getting uncomfortable for long rides. There is optimal cushion and ergonomic steering that keeps you riding with comfort the whole time you are riding.
Pros
- Excellent turning radius
- Cuts well
- Sturdy construction
- Great for getting into tight spaces
Cons
- Expensive
9. Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc Briggs
The Briggs & Stratton Weed Eater WE-ONE is the first compact-sized riding lawn mower on the market. It is a gas powered lawn mower that comes equipped with an electric start designed with a 16-inch mower deck, 3-speed transmission, 30-40 inch turning radius, and a foam padded seat that folds flat.
The Weed Eater has 10-inch front tires, 13-inch rear tires, and a 2-quart fuel capacity designed with three drive speeds: one is for edging, two is for mowing, and 3 a for faster travel speed.
Pros
- Can fit through a standard yard gate
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Cruise control feature
Cons
- Only good for small to medium-sized yards
- Small wheels can get stuck easily
8. Husqvarna R120S Articulating Riding Mower
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The Husqvarna riding lawn mower is good for homeowners who need a compact lawn mower for medium sized yards up to 2.5 acres. This mower is designed with a 42-inch side discharge cutting deck.
In addition to being strictly used for mowing, this mower is made with a rear wheel drive that equips it with extra traction control. The rear wheel drive makes the Husqvarna able to handle yard inclines.
It comes with a snow blade, rake, trailer, and spreader attachments that provide year-round yard maintenance. Its excellent turn radius makes mowing around landscape, bushes, and trees a breeze.
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Pros
- 3-year limited warranty & 5-year consumer warranty
- Handles medium sized yards with inclines
- Strong motor
Cons:
- Not good for yards over 2.5 acres
- Does not reverse up steep hills well.
7. Husqvarna 18.5 HP Hydro Transmission Riding Lawn Mower
The Hydro Transmission Riding Lawn Mower is designed with a 42-inch steel stamped deck. It has two cutting blades and a hydrostatic transmission. Tire sizes are 15 inches in the front and 20 in the rear making it ideal for tall and short grass.
The Hydro transmission mower comes with a manual blade engagement, steel channel, cast iron front axle, and a washout port. Additionally, it comes with a mid-back mid-back padded seat for comfort while riding and a cup holder. A dual bin bagger and mulch kit can be purchased separately.
Pros
- Powerful engine
- LED headlights for working in the dark
- Good steering
Cons
- Turn radius is not ideal for mowing around landscape items
- No cruise control option, constant food pressure on the pedal is required
6. Husqvarna 24 HP Fast Hydro Yard Tractor
The Husqvarna yard tractor is designed with a 48-inch cutting width, hydrostatic pedal transmission, electric blade engagement, and cruise control. Its compact size makes it easy to store and ride.
It features a cutting height adjustment that is fender mounted and its seat is adjustable. The hydrostatic transmission provides the rider with a smooth ride in both forward and reverse.
Pros
- Can be equipped with a tow or mulch kit
- Comes with air induction technology which improves airflow on the deck
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Does not reverse uphill as smoothly as on flat ground
- Rough terrain can result in deck belt maintenance
5. Yard Machines 420cc 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mower
The Yard Machine riding lawn mower is powered by a strong 420cc Powermore Engine. The engine comes with a shift on the go drive system. It features a mulching and bagging capability and a 7-speed gear shift.
The Yard Machine is designed with a 42-inch blade.
Pros
- Can mow large yards
- Can handle inclines
- Powerful engine
Cons
- Does not cut in reverse
- Not available in California
4. Poulan Pro Kohler V-Twin Riding Mower
The Poulan Pro Kohler V-Twin Riding Mower is designed with a 24 HP v-twin Kohler engine. It has a fast auto drive transmission with pedal control and a 54-inch reinforced cutting deck.
It has a 2.5-gallon fuel tank and 20-inch rear and 15-inch front tires. Additionally, the v-twin riding lawn mower has a 16-inch turn radius and a cast iron front axle.
Pros
- 10-year warranty
- Headlights for cutting without natural light
- Handles steep inclines well
Cons
- No locking differential
- Slow reverse speed
3. Briggs 18.5 HP Pedal Control Auto Drive Cutting Deck Riding Mower
The Briggs 18.5 HP Pedal Control Auto Drive Cutting Deck Riding Mower is designed with a 42-inch blade cutting deck and an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. It has a 2.5-gallon fuel tank for all day cutting.
This riding mower has a 16-inch turn radius as well as 20-inch rear tires and 15-inch front tires. These tires make cutting tall and short grass simple. It is also designed with a high back cushioned seat.
Pros
- 10-year belt warranty
- Large wheels make it less likely to get stuck
- Excellent turning
Cons
- Cup holder located near grass bagger
- Foot pedals are very large
2. Poulan Pro Briggs Pedal Control Fast Auto Drive Cutting Deck Riding Mower
This mower comes with a 46-inch reinforced cutting deck with a 10-year warranty. It has a 2.5-gallon fuel tank and 20-inch rear tires as well as 15-inch front tires. It is designed with a fast auto drive transmission that is pedal-start.
The v-twin Briggs engine is built with ready start and it has 4-gauge wheels. Created with comfort in mind, the seat is mid back at 13 inches and it comes with headlights for mowing without natural light. It can mow large yards and steep inclines with minimal effort.
Pros
- 16-inch turn radius makes it easy to maneuver
- 10-year belt warranty
- 10-year deck warranty
Cons
- Oil filter necessary
- Pricey
1. Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Riding Lawnmower
The Troy-Bilt Premium Riding lawn mower is ideal for typical neighborhood yards. It handles the best of smooth terrain and is designed with a manual power takeoff for fast and simple blade engagement. This compact mower is designed with a 30-inch cutting deck and comes with 5 adjustable settings.
It has an 18-inch turn radius and 13×5-inch front wheels and 16×6.5-inch rear wheels. It is ideal for maneuvering around landscape design. It can easily be stored in a garage or shed and is designed with a 1.3-gallon fuel tank that has a fuel visibility window.
With comfort in mind, the seat has a 13-inch mid-back length and its steering wheel is a 13-inch soft grip wheel.
Pros
- Compact for easy storage
- Great for residential small-medium sized yards
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Not able to handle inclines or rough terrain
- Not eco-friendly requires an oil filter
What to Look for When Buying a Riding Lawn Mower
Because ride-on mowers aren’t exactly cheap, it’s important to know what you need to look for. Will a small riding lawn mower be enough for your garden or do you need a garden tractor for what you are planning to do? Is a comfortable seat important to you? Or it doesn’t matter, so long as it has an automatic transmission and enough power to mow 2 acres of land? If you’re particular with the riding lawn mower battery, you also need to put that into consideration.
All that aside, you generally need to look at the size of your lawn and if there are any obstacles. For example, if you have about 2 acres of land, you need a lawn tractor with a 46-inch deck and a 14-16 HP engine. Speaking of engines, you also need to decide if you need a v-twin engine or if a single cylinder engine would do.
You also need to pay attention to the sizes of the tires in inches as these can determine how well a riding lawn mower will perform. Generally speaking, larger tires get stuck less, but it all comes down to how your land looks like and if that makes a big difference.
Or maybe, in the end, you want to opt for an electric riding lawn mower instead of a gas powered one and that’s going to be entirely your choice. Heck! Maybe you just need some Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower parts for your old one and can call it a day. What’s important is, you know what to look for because you know exactly what you need.
Final Review of the Best Riding Lawn Mowers
There are many riding lawn mowers for homeowners to consider when making the change from the standard push mower or from ending service with a lawn care company.
If you live in a typical suburban setting with a standard-sized yard, then the Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Riding Lawnmower is the best lawn mower considering how easily it is stored and its overall performance.
For those with higher demand properties and the necessity for a 10-year warranty, then the Briggs Cutting Deck Riding Mower is the best choice. The Husqvarna R120S Articulating Riding Mower is the overall best for those with some acreage that also require year-round use. The add-on features make it worth its price since it will be used 12 months a year rather than just during the spring, summer and fall months.
This extensive and informative list of riding lawn mowers that meet all types of landscape needs should help you make the best decision for your property needs.
Now is the time to retire that push lawn mower and take back your weekends. Yard work will be less time consuming and much more enjoyable with a riding lawn mower.
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