3 Best Riding Lawn Mowers Reviews and Guides
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Good Riding Lawn Mower?
History traces the origin of lawnmowers to the 1800s. It was in 1830, that Edwin Beard Budding invented the lawnmower. It took decades for the invention to get perfected and polished. After the birth of many new technologies, lawnmowers were also upgraded, and by the beginning of the 20th century, commercial production of lawnmowers began taking place. The initial models of lawnmowers were mostly handheld or pulled by farm animals. But the later additions were suitable to be ridden by human beings themselves. The rideable lawnmowers took the market by storm with the convenience and ease that they offered.
Riding lawn mowers came into the picture in the second half of the 20th century. They are also known by various names like riding mower, lawn tractor, and tractor mower. Initial models of riding lawn mowers were gas-powered engines. It later developed into more environment-friendly options like electric and battery. Many more advancements have happened among lawn mowers recently. Robot-riding lawn mowers are the latest addition to the lot. In 2019, two lawnmowers that are equipped with the robotic driving facility were launched.
Riding lawn mowers have created a great business possibility in the market. It was estimated recently that the riding lawn mower market around the globe is about to create around 11.2 billion US dollars in the year 2022 alone. This high demand and popularity of lawnmowers have made the manufacturers experiment with various aspects of them and create better products with higher specifications.
Types of Riding Lawnmowers
Riding lawn mowers consist of three different types named lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, and rear engine riding mowers. Another differentiation possible among riding lawn mowers is according to the fuel type. There are models available that are gas-powered, electric-powered, propane-powered, battery-powered, etc. Let’s look into the major types of riding lawnmowers below:
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are the ones with front mount engines that are ideal to groom large lawns. They are a bit less expensive than the other models of riding lawnmowers and thus, are very popular in the market. Despite their popularity, they often face the criticism that they are difficult to maneuver. They are infamous for leaving out portions of lawn ungroomed due to this difficulty in maneuvering.
Zero-turn Mowers
As the name itself suggests, they are made with the intention of greater maneuverability in mind and they do exactly what they are intended to do too. They are designed in such a way that they are flexible enough to take zero turns or sharp turns which does not leave any unnoticed or ungroomed patch of lawn behind. It is one of those mowers that ensures extreme finishing and perfection. They are the primary choice for lawns on difficult geographical terrains and irregularly leveled lawns.
Rear Engine Riding Mower
Rear engine riding mowers are ideal for lawns that span less than 3 acres. They are medium-sized and conveniently maneuverable. The engine is situated under the driver’s seat, which is in the front of the mower. It consists of single-cylinder engines that ensure maximum effectiveness. These are the ones that are used for smaller projects and are reasonably priced.
Quick Summary
If you are someone who is a gardening enthusiast or very keen about maintaining and grooming your hard, you are bound to have heard about riding lawn mowers. They save a significant amount of time and money by enabling you to maintain your yard by yourself. Once you make a move and buy a lawnmower, you need not worry about the yard and garden maintenance anymore, and nor would you have to seek the help of any professional.
But even though lawnmowers are a popular choice and many are widely interested to buy one, most of the time, the sheer options put forth to them are quite overwhelming. So many major manufacturers of farm equipment have tried their luck on riding lawn mowers and it could get quite confusing for the customer as to which one to choose. Just like any other products, there are scammer products available among lawnmowers too; so you need to keep a critical eye open while choosing a lawnmower. Following is a list of the best riding lawnmowers that are available both online and offline. Go through the list and specifications of each of them and choose the most suitable one for you and your yard.
1. Lawnmower with twin-engine: Husqvarna Z254F Z-Turn Mower with Z254F 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine
2. Lawnmower with high-performing engines: Ryobi 38 inches Electric Lawn Mower with 100 Ah Battery
3. Best gas-powered lawnmower: Husqvarna Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton
Riding Lawn Mowers – Detailed Reviews with Pros and Cons
1. Husqvarna Z254F Z-Turn Mower with Z254F 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine
The gas-powered riding lawnmower from the brand Husqvarna comes with a twin engine for extra horsepower. The cutting deck of this product is equipped with a bigger and more effective 54-inch blade for a smooth and clean cut. It has a sturdy build with almost 770 pounds of weight. It is ranked 78th in the riding lawnmowers section of Amazon. It has also earned a 4-star out of 5 rating on e-commerce platforms like Amazon. It takes less space for turns and this small turning radius makes it the best option for putting to work in uneven places.
Pros
- Comes with dual engine
- Sturdy build
- Included in Amazon’s bestsellers list
- Solid engine
- Need no prior charging
Cons
- Cannot handle slopes more than 10 degrees
2. Ryobi 38 inches Electric Lawn Mower with 100 Ah Battery
The lawnmower from the brand Ryobi runs on electricity. This makes it an environment-friendly product. It comes with a front engine that is situated right beneath the driver’s seat. It comes with a cord through which it can be recharged. It is created with three motors to provide superior performance and efficiency. On a single charge, it can run for more than two hours non-stop. The cutting deck is fitted with two blades for a more perfect cut. The cutting deck is manually adjustable which makes it ideal to change levels depending upon the height of the grass. It does not produce much sound and thus is ideal for both public and private spaces. It also comes with LED headlights for better maneuvering. It also has a USB port ideal for charging any personal gadgets like mobile phones.
Pros
- Electric mower
- Comes with three motors
- Can function up to 1 acre in 1 hour of time
- Chargeable
- Environment-friendly
- Quiet performance
- Built-in LED lights
- Removable mower deck
Cons
- The comparatively low rating on e-commerce platforms
- A bit on the expensive side
- Battery life is not quite impressive
3. Husqvarna Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton
Husqvarna brand’s riding lawn mower runs on gasoline. It is made of alloy steel material and weighs around 770 pounds. It has an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable riding experience to the user. The 27 hp engine is made to withstand extreme conditions and thus, provides high endurance to the entire machine. The grass that is being cut is collected in an in-built three-bag system efficiently. The ergonomic seat design with foam-padded armrests makes mowing a comfortable process for the driver.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- High endurance
- Adjustable seat
- Foam padded seat for comfort
- Anti-vibration feature is present
- High safety
- Comfortable steering wheel
- Easy maneuvering
Cons
- Turning the machine takes some time to get used to
- Tends to skid on the wet lawn
What Is a Riding Lawn Mower?
A riding lawn mower is otherwise called a ride-on mower. Even, when you come across the names lawn tractor or tractor mower, you are seeing content that refers to a ride-on mower. As the name implies, this mower is used by the operator by sitting on it as against pushing mowers, where the user will push from behind. Sometimes, these riding mowers look like small tractors. They are often larger than push mowers and suit large lawns.
You can find commercial ride-on lawnmowers that are designed to mow large areas at high speed that too within the shortest possible time. Sometimes mowers with multiple blades are mounted on tractors and they are used in large areas like municipal parks and golf courses as the area to mow will be larger in these places.
Mostly, this model of mower uses gasoline engines as against relying on electricity and other sources of energy. However, nowadays, some companies have started producing electricity-operated ride-on mowers. If you have large areas of lawn at your home, a riding lawn mower can suit you in many ways. But, understanding how it works before buying will help for sure.
How Do Riding Lawn Mowers Work?
When you begin your shopping for a riding lawn mower, you will come across models in different shapes and sizes. If you are particular about buying a small lawn mower to ride on, you can opt for a model with a 12-HP engine that has the ability to slice up to an acre’s worth of grass. You will have to spend at least $1000 on this type of mower.
When your lawn is large, you will need a riding lawn mower that looks like a garden tractor. Apart from grass cutting, a bigger grass tractor will have the power to pull attachments too. Even, some models can plow a garden. The engines for bigger garden tractors range from 18 to 24 horsepower. Even when you compare garden tractors, you can find smaller and bigger models. The former can cost you between $2500 and $4500, while the larger models can cost you around $9000.
Bigger than Five Acres
Let us consider that your lawn is bigger than five acres. In this case, you will have to consider shopping for a farm tractor that has the ability to haul a mowing machine behind it. When it comes to commercial use, a mower with zero radii will help. The reason is that these mowers come with four-wheel steering that permits precise mowing even around obstacles. But, it will be helpful only in commercial lawns as against lawns in homes.
When understanding how a riding lawn mower work, you should remember one thing. There is a lot of similarity between riding a lawn mower and a car. In a riding mower, you will be sitting on the top of the deck of the machine. From that seating position, you will be able to guide the machine. Even, some models come with pedals that permit you to control the acceleration and braking. When some come with steering wheels, some have levers for throttling and steering. Even, you can adjust the height of the blade and speed right by sitting on the top of the deck. Before you purchase one, it is better to conduct thorough research on how are going to use the mower and make the right choice accordingly.
What are the Benefits of a Riding Lawn Mower?
If you are wondering whether or not to invest in a riding lawn mower, understanding its benefits will help with your decision. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect from this unit:
Saves Time
The higher mowing speed is one of the key advantages of a riding lawn mower compared to a push lawn mower. Even if your push model is self-propelled, you cannot get the job done as fast as a ride-on mower. When you own large gardens, this mower will potentially save a lot of hours for you to spend time with your family during weekends.
Lesser Hard Work
If you are a busy person, already bundled with a lot of work during the weekdays, you will be more focused on taking complete rest during weekends. When you will have to work hard during weekends, you cannot gain the energy required for your hard-working week ahead when you have a push lawn mower on your lawn. Particularly when your lawn is uneven, a push mower will need a lot of work from your end even though it is self-propelled. But, a riding lawn mower will need lesser work from your end as you will ride it like riding a car.
Also, this mower comes with key start ignition, while traditional mowers come with a recoil start option. You know the energy required for recoil start is more compared to key ignition. So, naturally, a ride-on lawn mower will bring you energy savings.
Your Sickness Won’t Hinder Mowing
At times, you might feel sick and you will be interested in taking rest as against working. Even during these sick days, you can mow when you have a riding lawn mower. As you will not have to spend a lot of energy when using this mower, your sickness won’t hinder your weekly lawn mowing schedule. You can continue to ensure the attractive look of your lawn irrespective of whether you are fine or unwell.
Different Attachments
Another key benefit of a riding lawn mower is that it comes with a wide range of attachments. When you take the case of a standard mower, it will have only a blade deck for cutting grass. But, riding mowers come with many add-ons to help you plow snow, detharch and spread grass seed. So, apart from lawn maintenance, this mower can be used for other purposes as well on your lawn.
So, for these reasons investing in a riding lawn mower will be a good move without any doubt.
How to Choose a Riding Lawn Mower?
When you intend to shop for a riding lawn mower, you will have to consider different factors in your shopping. Here are a few important factors to consider in this process:
Consider the Mower Engine
You know that the engine plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of any vehicle. The same rule applies to a riding lawn mower as well. You should ensure the selection of the right mower with the best engine. Particularly, the engine should suit the size of your lawn. Some brands are known for using the best-quality engine in their mowers. So, research this niche before you shortlist any mower.
Know the Type of Riding Lawn Mower
When you compare ride-on lawnmowers, you will come across that this lawn mower comes in different types. So, to avoid confusion, it is better to keep yourself informed about the types of this mower available in the market.
Zero-Turn Mowers
When you take the case of a zero-turn riding lawn mower, it will have its engine on the rear side. Are you wondering why this mower is called a zero-turn mower? The reason is that it will have a couple of steering levers. They control the rear wheels. The good thing about this type is that it will help you make suitable turns around obstacles and trees. As compared to the other two types below, this type of mower is known for high top speeds. Further, in this type of mower, you will find multiple cutting blades with the same type of mowing width as lawn tractors. If your lawn has many landscaped areas, trees and other obstacles without any doubt, this type of mower can be the right choice for you. However, remember that this type of mower will cost you more compared to the other two types explained below.
Lawn Tractor
A lawn tractor is a common type of riding lawn mower. The unique feature of this type is that it will have an engine in the front. Due to the presence of an engine on the front side, this type of mower will look like a tractor in shape. In this type, there will be a steering wheel like a car. Also, the unique feature of this type is that it will have hydrostatic transmission. It means that the driver will be able to make smooth adjustments to the speed.
The good thing about this type is that it will have broad mowing decks of up to 54 inches in width with a couple of blades. Due to this feature, this type of lawn mower will be suitable for larger yards of more than an acre. Also, this type of mower will have a broader turning radius as compared to other types of mowers. So, if you have a smaller yard, you will find it hard to use this mower. Also, you will need a considerable amount of garage or other storage space when you choose this type of ride-on lawn mower. So, if you have space constraints, this type might not suit you.
Rear-Engine Mowers
In this type of riding lawn mower, you can find the engine located behind the driver’s seat. This type of mower will be smaller as compared to the other two types. You will find a small steering wheel and there will be narrow mowing decks of around 30 inches. These features make this type ideal for smaller yards of half-acre or even lesser size. Also, this type of mower will have a gearshift transmission. So, you can experience a jerky driving experience with this mower. Of the three types, this type of riding lawn mower will be affordable. Further, it is the most compact size, thereby making it the best choice if you have space constraints.
Consider your Yard Size
Now, you know the types of riding lawnmowers. So, you know that some models suit small yards, while some are ideal for bigger yards. So, the size of your yard should be one of the key considerations when you intend to shortlist the most fitting riding lawn mower for your lawn.
If your lawn is smaller, rather than a ride-on lawn mower, you can go for a walk-behind mower. However, for yards larger than 3/4th Acre, you can go for a rear-engine riding mower. The reason is that with this type, you can get excellent mobility and better visibility around trees and flowerbeds.
If your yard is in the one to three-acre range, a front-engine lawn tractor or a zero-turning rider lawn mower can be the best suitable option. In this case, it is better to look for a mower with at least 38 inches wide mowing deck.
For yards that are larger than three acres, the best thing you can do is to go for a large zero-turn mower or a garden tractor. It is better to go for a model with a 44-54-inch mowing deck in this case.
Consider the Cutting Width
The cutting width denotes the width of the cutting area of the lawn mower. In other words, the wider the cutting width, the lesser the time it will take for you to mow the lawn. When it comes to a deck with a mowing area of 30-40 inches, it can sufficiently handle lawns up to half-acre. In the case of yards that are more than half an acre and less than two acres, a mowing deck of around 42 to 48 inches is required. In the same way, in the case of lawns of more than 3 acres, they need a deck of 50 inches or wider. When talking about the cutting width, it is better to keep away from a mower that is very big for your lawn. For instance, if your lawn is less than half-acre, you can presume how cumbersome it will be to maneuver a mower with 50 inches in width.
So, consider these aspects and also consider the motor, engine type, run time and battery type as other factors when you intend to shop for the best riding lawn mower.
Riding Lawn Mower – Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Volts is a Riding Lawn Mower Battery?
Generally, most riding lawn mowers use a 12-volt electric system. When the battery is fully charged and is in good condition, the battery should have 12.6 volts. If you cannot find the information about the volts, you can count the number of plastic caps in your riding lawn mower. Some models will have these caps close to the place, where the battery is positioned. When you multiply the number of caps by two, you can evaluate the voltage of the battery in your mower. For instance, if you find six caps, it is a 12-volt battery as 6 x 2 is equal to 12.
Voltage is nothing but the amount of output that a battery can supply when it is fully charged. Most mowers use 12-volt batteries that can produce an output of 12.6 volts of power. Apart from voltage, batteries also have amp-hour ratings. This number will tell you how much amperage a battery can provide for an hour.
How to Start A Riding Lawn Mower?
Some riding mowers come with a built-in safety system in which the engine will shut off unless you have engaged the parking brake or unless you are seated. Before you start the riding lawn mower, ensure that you are seated and you can easily reach the levers and pedals.
Now, press the brake and you can find it on your left side. You can pedal down the brake using your left foot. But, in some mowers, the brake might be in the form of a lever that you can easily reach. To engage the brake, you will have to push the lever or pedal down. Now, hold the brake in this position. Engage the parking brake and it can be present in the form of a knob or a lever. After engaging the parking brake, shift the gear to neutral and pull the throttle into the choke position. Once this is done, insert the key into the ignition and turn the key to the right side and move the throttle to the fast position to start your riding lawn mower.
How to Mow a Lawn With A Riding Lawn Mower?
A riding lawn mower is the best choice for small yards. It also suits yards spread over half an acre or even larger yards. Of course, a riding mower will not have as much power as a garden or lawn tractor. Nevertheless, it can handle downhill and uphill slopes and even lawns with uneven surfaces. Most models offer both mulching and bagging options.
To mow your lawn using this mower, you should adjust the speed as required for different sections of your lawn. When you do this, you can achieve even cuts. With this mower, you cannot make sharp and quick turns. But, you can make long turns and even you can mow in a circular motion.
To begin mowing, you will have to sit on the seat with the blade deck up. Make sure to start the mower with low gear. In case, it has gears, wait until you are on the grass for lowering the blade. Make sure to change the gears as required. You can adjust the speed of each gear by moving the throttle as required. When you turn, raise the blade deck or blade when you are away from the grass. When you get back to the grass surface, lower it again. Before you park after mowing, raise the blade.
How to Clean a Riding Lawn Mower?
The most straightforward technique to wash a riding lawn mower is to rely on a pressure washer. But, before using a pressure washer, lift the mower and raise the front of the riding mower in the air. Once you can see the underneath portion of the mower, you can wash the unit using a multipurpose detergent. Clean all areas you see and the best idea is to apply the detergent and leave it for around 5 to 10 minutes.
After around 10 minutes, dirt and dust would have softened. Now, you can use the jet of water to wash the dirt off. Also, apply water with force to the wheels as well. Once the underside of the mower is cleaned completely place the front portion of the mower down and wash the top again using detergent water. If required, you can wash the engine using a heavy-duty degreaser.
How to Lift Riding Lawn Mower?
A riding lawn mower can be lifted using different techniques. In general, the owners of these mowers lift them for replacing oil, tires, belt, and blades. Also, sometimes lifting is needed for changing other parts underneath and deck.
Irrespective of the method you choose to lift the mower, you should give it the most attention and care. Riding mowers are huge and bulky and so it is not possible to manually push or turn them over on the side to access the path underneath. You can use different tools like a ramp, a lift, a chain hoist, skates, roller kids, lift buddy, jacks, and many such tools.
How to Change A Riding Lawn Mower Tire?
Let us consider that you are looking for ways to change the rear tire in your riding lawn mower. Here is the process you will have to follow to do it:
You will have to start the process by disconnecting the spark plug. To do this, you will have to first park the mower on a flat surface and should set the parking brake. Now, turn off the ignition switch and get rid of the key. Before you start, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes and gloves to safeguard your hands. Now, lift the hood of the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire and bring down the mower hood. Now, lift the mower using a lifting tool and get rid of the rear wheel using the appropriate tool. After removing the wheel, get rid of the tire and install the new tire. Again, place the wheel on the mower and bring down the mower to its position to start mowing.
How Long do Riding Mowers Last?
A riding lawn mower can last for around 7 or 8 years. But, you can expect a better lifespan from the mower when you maintain it properly. For instance, it is better to clean the unit regularly and it is better to inspect the engine components then and there to make sure that all parts are in good condition.
Let us consider that you wait every time until the grass in your lawn grows thick and about 4-5 inches long to start mowing. When you do this, you are exposing your mower to harsh conditions every time. As a result, grass clipping and debris build up in your mower will be more. If not regularly cleaned, these wastes can reduce the life expectancy of your mower. Also, ensure that the blades are kept sharp at all times so that the mower need not have to work hard every time. When you do this, you can expect better life expectancy.
Riding Lawnmower vs Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
As compared to a self-propelled lawn mower, a riding lawn mower can cut through tough grass with ease. Above all, you can get this work done with ease when you sit and steer the mower without exhausting your energy.
When you take the case of a self-propelled lawn mower, you can expect units with the least deck sizes alone suitable for smaller lawns. The reason is that as they need pushing from the user, manufacturers do not add weight in the form of bigger decks. But when you take the case of riding mowers, you can find them available in smaller to bigger deck sizes. As you know, the wider the deck, the quicker will be your mowing job completed. Further, you can come across riding mowers with automatic and manual transmission engines so that you can choose the convenient option.
Riding Lawn Mower vs Robot Lawn Mower
Of course, the decision of whether to choose a riding lawn mower or a robot lawn mower depends on your personal preferences. It also relies on the nature of your lawn. The reason is that when your lawn has a lot of slopes, hikes, and uneven surfaces, a robotic mower can stuck very often. So, if your lawn has a lot of obstacles the best thing you can do for efficient mowing is to choose a riding lawn mower.
Further, it is not easy to install a robotic lawn mower. Also, if you do not properly set the borders for a robotic mower, the grass on your lawn will remain unmowed in the borders. A riding lawn mower will also cost you less compared to a robotic mower, thereby weighing better in many ways.
Riding Lawn Mower Vs Manual Lawn Mower
You will, without any doubt, opt for a riding lawn mower if your lawn is bigger. The reason is that manual lawn mowers need you to exert your pressure to push them manually. But, in a riding lawn mower, you can conveniently stay seated like you are sitting in a car and can ride it over your lawn to complete your mowing task with ease.
Further, with a riding lawn mower, you can complete the mowing task quickly as compared to a push lawn mower. The cutting width in riding lawn mowers is more when compared to a manual lawn mower. So, you can cut a lot of grass with every pass.
Conclusion
Even with the arrival of many modern lawn mowers like the robotic ones, the demand for riding lawn mowers is still on the high end. It owes to the various positive features that it offers to its buyers and some of the best of the best buying options are given below for any further assistance:
- Dual-engine equipped lawnmower: Husqvarna Z254F Z-Turn Mower with Z254F 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine
- Best gas-powered lawnmower: Husqvarna Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton
Having a lawnmower is an added advantage for anyone who intends to keep their yard and garden well-groomed. Make sure you opt for the best option as a good lawnmower can make or break your garden. Consider the options given above and make an educated and conscious decision that could bring a positive change to your life.
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