10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Every Lawn in 2024, According to Experts

Want the best riding lawn mower on the market? Check out our top picks to make your lawn the best in the neighborhood.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Ecomm Lowes.comVIA MERCHANT

According to Marc Mayer, lawn expert and TruGreen’s Director of Technical Operations, “Commonly, homeowners explore a riding lawn mower to save time and/or energy if they have a large lawn area that takes a lot of energy to utilize a walk-behind mower. Most ride-on mowers can also be used for other chores around the yard to improve efficiency, such as a trailer or aerator.”

Those with a large lawn but little patience for pushing a lawn mower should upgrade to a riding lawn mower. Instead of walking behind the lawn mower, the operator sits on top as the blades whirl in the cutting deck below. Riding lawn mowers come in many sizes and styles, offering plenty of options to fit your budget and needs.

Types of Riding Lawn Mowers

According to Dylan Fox, Assistant Product Manager at Greenworks, while the basic concept remains the same, riding lawn mowers fall into four categories:

  • Lawn tractors: Lawn tractors feature a front motor and most of the weight is towards the front. These lawn mowers have a little less power than garden tractors and specialize predominantly in mowing the lawn.  The cutting widths on these are typically 42 to 54 inches. This kind of lawn mower can cut one to two acres but does not have the same maneuverability as a zero-turn. Many models offer accessories like baggers and lawn sweepers.
  • Rear-engine ride: Rear-engine riding mowers are typically smaller in cutting widths in comparison to the other riding mowers on this list. The cuttings widths are typically from 30 to 36 inches. Rear-engine riding mowers are agile and respond well to tight spaces while maintaining power and performance. These mowers offer versatility for getting the job done much quicker than walk-behind mowers and take up less space compared to zero turns and tractors. They’re great for yards up to 1.5 acres.
  • Zero-turn radius mowers: If you need a quick mower, Zero-turn mowers have the ability to go from forward to reverse in no time. Zero-turn mowers cut precisely and offer the most power and performance at the quickest cutting speeds.
  • Garden tractor: The line between lawn and garden tractors can be fuzzy. In general, garden tractors excel in lawn mowing and typically showcase more power to support the demands of multiple tasks around the house. These are great for hauling carts and using heavier attachments for various projects.

The Best Riding Lawn Mowers

1 / 10

Gas Enduro Series Riding Lawn Mower Ecomm Tractorsupply.com
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Best Overall Riding Lawn Mower

Cub Cadet Gas Enduro Riding Lawn Mower

At the top of our list, the Cub Cadet Gas Enduro Riding Lawn Mower is a classic lawn tractor model with a front engine, steering wheel and brake. This mower is compatible with many different types of lawn mower attachments, from a snow blade to a dump cart. Additionally, Cub Cadet offers a range of accessories to help keep your yard looking fantastic.

This lawn tractor can handle various landscapes with its 42-inch cutting deck and 19.5 horsepower Kohler engine. It has LED headlights for optimal visibility no matter what the weather is like, cruise control for consistent mowing and 12 cutting height positions for perfectly cut grass.

The cushioned seat features a 15-inch back, which makes the Cub Cadet comfortable for the user. We’re also impressed with the three-year warranty and a nationwide network of Cub Cadet service centers.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty engine
  • Adjustable cut
  • Optional multi-seasonal attachments
  • AGM battery has longer lifespan and lower maintenance compared to traditional batteries

Cons

  • Requires some assembly upon arrival

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2 / 10

Craftsman Turntight Electric Lawn Mower
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Best Electric Riding Lawn Mower

Craftsman TurnTight Electric Lawn Mower

The 56V Craftsman TurnTight electric riding lawn mower took the electric riding mower top spot after extensive testing by our Senior Editor. According to Caroline, it’s straightforward to use in the best possible way. “In total, there are five pushable buttons and a display screen on the vehicle control module,” she says. “There’s also the spot to insert the key and a parking brake lever underneath. That’s it.”

Apart from a tight five-inch turn radius, it’s also zippy. “The mower can really move,” notes Caroline. “It’s a dream on a giant, flat patch of grass where you can set the cruise control, glide along at pace and sip a drink that you’ve stored in the cup holder. The maneuverability is great for such a big machine. When you get to the end of a row, the mower turns well and you’re quickly tackling the next lane.”

Pros

  • Five-inch turning radius
  • Environmentally friendly (doesn’t require gas or oil)
  • Quieter than conventional riding mowers
  • Has cruise control
  • Built-in LED headlights
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Can’t mow in damp conditions
  • Acceleration can seem abrupt

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3 / 10

Husqvarna Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
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Best Gas Riding Lawn Mower

Husqvarna Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower is one heavy-duty machine that tackles even the toughest lawns. An ultra-powerful 26 hp Kohler engine provides ample oomph that mows up to 2.8 acres per hour at speeds of up to 6.5 mph. Even better, the operation is almost entirely quiet.

For safety, a brake system automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward. There’s also no need to worry about durability—the stamped 54-inch cutting deck is made of heavy flat-stock steel for longevity.

Those looking for a powerful machine, you’re in luck. The hydrostatic transmission is capable of tons of torque and smooth acceleration thanks to the absence of leaky hydraulic hoses. Anti-scalp wheels make it possible to mow on uneven terrain without fear of tearing up the turf. In addition, zero-turn operation makes short work of most lawns in under 30 minutes.

Pros

  • Maintenance-free transmission
  • Ergonomic 15″ high back seat
  • Cup holder
  • Hour meter
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • California residents see Prop 65 warnings

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4 / 10
Cub Cadet Ultima Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower Ecomm Walmart.com
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Best Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Cub Cadet Ultima Kawasaki Mower

Many zero-turn riding lawn mowers are marketed toward professional landscapers. The Cub Cadet Ultima Riding Lawn Mower features popular zero-turn traits without the industrial upgrades that make pro-level mowers so expensive.

This mower offers a 50-inch deck and a 23-hp V-Twin Kawasaki engine. The foot-controlled deck height adjusts in one-fourth increments, and a seat suspension system reduces user fatigue.

Have a late-night job to complete? No sweat—the dual-LED headlights let you work into the evening. The 3.5-gallon fuel tank means you won’t have to stop mowing to refuel before finishing an average-sized yard. Plus, Cub Cadet offers baggers and mulchers compatible with this machine.

Pros

  • Mows up to four acres
  • Features parking brake and mow-in-reverse option
  • Premium twin-cylinder engine
  • Adjustable lap bars with ergonomic hand grips

Cons

  • Expensive

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5 / 10

Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Ecomm Lowes.com
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Best Budget Riding Lawn Mower

Craftsman R110 Riding Lawn Mower

Generally speaking, a rear-engine riding lawn mower will cost significantly less money than other types of riding lawn mowers. This rear-engine mower from Craftsman is a simple yet durable mower. Best of all, it’s an affordable option when compared to other riding lawn mowers.

This single-cylinder engine mower features a 30-inch cutting deck that puts it closer in size to a wide push mower, allowing you to easily fit through gates and tight spaces. But for all that compact size, this mower can still tackle big yards; the manufacturer recommends it for up to one acre.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Mid-back seat and soft-touch steering wheel
  • Six-speed transmission and 18-inch turn radius
  • LED headlights for nighttime visibility

Cons

  • Manual transmission might require additional driving skills from operator

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6 / 10

Toro Timecutter Riding Lawn Mower
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Best Riding Lawn Mower for Large Yards

Toro TimeCutter Riding Lawn Mower

For the biggest yards, we love the Toro TimeCutter Riding Lawn Mower. The sizable 54-inch cutting deck dramatically reduces the number of passes needed, and the mower comes stacked with features. While you can find larger zero-turn radius mowers, this is the ideal choice for the average person.

Toro has been in business for over 100 years, so it’s no surprise they’ve found ways to make mowing more enjoyable. Toro’s MyRide suspension system reduces the bumps and bounces that come with uneven terrain, and its Smart Speed settings let you choose between straight-out mowing (top speed), towing (medium speed) or trimming (low speed).

This mower ships with a padded back seat, armrests and a cup holder. Plus, it’s even backed by a three-year warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

Pros

  • Mows up to four acres
  • Zero-turn steering
  • Thick steel body and super-fast blades
  • Lever-controlled cut height

Cons

  • Expensive

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7 / 10

Troy Bilt Super Bronco
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Best Riding Lawn Mower for Medium Yards

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco

When it comes to keeping an average-sized healthy lawn, the best tool is dependable, powerful and flexible. Between a commanding twin-cylinder 679cc engine and a 50-inch cutting deck with 12 adjustable cutting heights, the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco is perfect for medium yards.

A super-tight 16-inch turning radius and an OCR system that allows mowing in reverse means there’s no need to worry about fenced-in yards or an abundance of trees. The hood and body panels come from tough American-made steel and it comes with a front bumper built-in for extra safety.

In addition, LED headlights and a comfy padded seat make this the perfect pick for routine lawn maintenance.

Pros

  • OCR system allows mowing in reverse
  • Built-in headlights
  • Cuts in poor weather conditions
  • Front bumper
  • Adjustable high-back padded seat

Cons

  • A little slow on flat ground

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8 / 10

Greenworks Electric Crossoverz Zero Turn Mower
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Best Riding Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Greenworks Electric CrossoverZ Zero Turn Mower

While most folks with smaller yards opt for a standard push mower, splurging on the Greenworks Electric CrossoverZ Zero Turn Mower means boiling down a one-hour task to just a few minutes. With a max speed of eight miles per hour, plus a midsize 42-inch cutting deck that even works on wet grass, it’s well worth snagging one if yard work isn’t your favorite chore.

With five extra batteries, there’s plenty of fuel to complete any sized yard. Each of the included lithium-ion batteries is also compatible with other Greenworks equipment, like their self-propelled and push mowers. Better still, the nearly nonexistent turn radius simplifies starting a new row when there’s not much space to turn around.

Pros

  • Waterproof operation
  • 4G connected service identifies and troubleshoots issues
  • 90db sound is quieter than gas mowers
  • No belts or transmission
  • Handles hills up to a 15-degree incline
  • Comes with six lithium-ion batteries

Cons

  • In order to change gearbox oil, drive wheels must be removed

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9 / 10

Bad Boy Mz Magnum
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Best Riding Lawn Mower for Uphill

Bad Boy MZ Magnum

When it comes to mowing on hills, it’s important to find a mower that is safe and handles inclines well. Typically, zero-turn mowers work best on flat yards because they use back-wheel drive. However, the Bad Boy MZ Magnum offers a few surprising bells and whistles that make it our top pick for inclines.

Thanks to an adjustable left or right side deck lift pedal and superior torque, the lawn mower tackles side hills under five degrees, inclines under 10 degrees and declines under 15 degrees. When it’s time to prep the lawn for fall, simply attach a lawn sweeper to the rear for easy leaf pickup.

A strong all-steel rail frame sits low on the welded deck for better traction. Reinforced edges, a baffling system that maximizes airflow and a generous five-gallon fuel capacity make it hard to beat, especially for the price.

Pros

  • Towing capability of 200 pounds
  • Seat lifts for easy maintenance and cleaning
  • Large five-gallon fuel tank capacity
  • Baffling system maximizes airflow

Cons

  • Steering only controls back wheels

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10 / 10

John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor
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Best Lawn Tractor

John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor

A classic name in riding mowers, John Deere’s selection of lawn tractors—like the John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor—are all built right in Greeneville, Tennessee. As the most affordable 42-inch deck model of the 100 Series lineup, this gas-powered lawn tractor is just as powerful as its electric counterparts.

A single-cylinder, 17-hp engine handles tough mulching, mowing and bagging conditions. It offers coverage of up to one acre, plus cuts up to four inches tall thanks to a two-blade edge cutting system with a deep deck design.

John Deere is a well-known and trusted brand name with over 100 years of experience building and designing tractors, plows and other agricultural equipment. Smart innovations—such as an anti-vibration system, full-pressure lubrication and oil filters for cleaner oil—help this lawn mower last for years to come.

Pros

  • Made in the USA
  • Spring-assisted hand grip lever raises and lowers deck easily
  • Large fuel filter
  • No-tools oil drain valve

Cons

  • Some reviewers report having to replace their belt after a year of use

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What to Consider When Shopping for a Riding Lawn Mower

Fox notes that “when choosing a mower, homeowners should consider a variety of factors, such as the yard size, obstacles in the yard, terrain, cutting deck size, power and budget.”

To find the right riding lawn mower model for you, he highlights these important factors:

  • Attachments: “Attachments are extremely useful to have and make tasks around the lawn much easier,” says Fox. “Some useful attachments include dethatchers, aerators, lawn sweepers, lawn carts and seed spreaders.” Many DIYers find baggers and mulchers helpful to clear grass clippings and waste material. Ensure the model you choose accepts attachments.
  • Terrain: Each type of mower suits specific kinds of lawns. Rugged, uneven terrain demands a garden tractor, while small yards or lawns with many curves and corners will do well with a rear-engine rider. For the average lawn, a lawn tractor is the ideal choice. “Lawn tractors are better suited for yards with multiple obstacles and uneven terrain. Zero-turn mowers offer greater maneuverability and speed making them ideal for large open spaces,” Fox notes. However, while zero-turn mowers navigate tight spaces, their speed shines on large, flat ground.
  • Comfort: Look for a high-back seat to provide lower back support and vibration reduction to absorb the bumps and shakes of the job. There are also other considerations, such as steering wheels for the lawn tractors versus the lap bars of the zero-turn. “Lawn tractors are easily controlled with one hand while the zero-turn requires you to use both,” says Fox.
  • Engine: “Power and performance are shown by the difference of kilowatts and size of the mower. In terms of power, brushless motors provide instant power, torque and cutting speeds compared to traditional gas riding mowers,” Fox notes.
  • Cutting deck size: This determines the mower’s cutting swath. A large deck cuts a lawn in fewer passes, but a narrow deck makes maneuvering through tight spaces easier. Don’t make the mistake of buying a mower with a deck too large to pass through your gate!
  • Maintenance: All gas-powered riding mowers require maintenance, but some make it easier than others. Look for easily accessible oil filters and spark plugs. Clear out grass clippings to prevent clogs. A cutting deck with a garden hose attachment saves time by letting you blast the deck and blades with water to free clippings. As for electric mowers? “No belts, no oil, no gas, no sparkplugs, no filters, no problem,” says Fox.
  • Noise: Most manufacturers don’t make the noise levels of their mowers easy to find. Gas mowers are particularly loud, requiring hearing protection. To avoid excessive noise, consider an electric riding mower. They aren’t silent, but they’re far quieter than even the least noisy gas mowers. Fox notes that electric mowers are “over two times quieter than gas-powered riding mowers. Your ears and your neighbors’ ears will thank you.”
  • Cost: The price depends on the brand and features. A good starting budget is around $2,000. The mowers on this list run between $1,899 and $5,499. For the budget-conscious, an electric mower is pretty wallet-friendly. “The cost of gas, oil and maintenance of a gas riding lawn mower quickly adds up to a lot of money over the span of its life,” says Fox.
  • Yard Size: Yard size will dictate the size of the mower the customer should buy. If someone has only a quarter of an acre then they most likely would not need a 60-inch zero-turn mower.

Lawn expert Mark Mayer suggests exploring the following when searching for a new riding mower:

  • Would my lawn support a riding lawn mower in terms of size and terrain? Lawns that are too small or have slopes and hills can create a challenging and dangerous mowing experience.
  • A riding mower can be expensive, and it’s important to ensure you are comfortable behind the wheel. Mayer suggests homeowners research and evaluate items like safety, durability and size based on their lawn area—partnering with a professional service is a good idea. Don’t be afraid to hop in the seat and take a mower for a test drive—comfort and safety are important to ensure you feel confident in maneuvering the mower without any concerns.
  • Do you want to mulch and recycle the grass clippings from your lawn or bag them? Depending on a homeowner’s point of view, that can contribute to what the best riding lawn mower for them would be. Mulching helps to limit grass clipping collection and recycles nutrients back into the soil.
  • All grass types can tolerate a riding mower. But remember that these machines are heavier and can cause soil compaction. In cases where you are maintaining high-quality low-cut turf, there are also more sophisticated mower options, which are often seen on golf courses.

Why You Should Trust Us

I have an MFA and am an Associate Shopping Editor at Family Handyman with expertise in interior design, home decor, gardening and outdoor trends.

Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way interviewed experts Marc Mayer of TruGreen and Dylan Fox, Assistant Product Manager at Greenworks.

Marc Mayer’s 28 years in the Green Industry include experience with professional sports turf, international golf course care and amusement park turf and horticulture maintenance. As a Director of Technical Operations for TruGreen, he supports seven regions and 168 locations across the United States.

How We Found the Best Riding Lawn Mowers

When shopping for a pricy lawn care tool like an accessible lawn mower, it’s important to ensure shoppers spend cash on a find that will last through years of use. That’s why we personally tested our favorite electric mower, determining that its value, features and quality are consistent with our standards. Then, we consulted industry experts and asked them to weigh in on our other top picks. Between rigorous testing and expert thoughts, we’re confident that these 10 picks are the best riding lawn mower finds on the market.

FAQ

Why won’t my riding lawn mower start?

There could be several reasons why your lawn mower won’t start. But if it’s been sitting idle all winter, the leading culprit could be a dirty carburetor. Of course, you also want to make sure you have gas in your mower, or—if you have an electric mower—you’ll want to test the battery.

“Some reasons may be due to old fuel in the tank, a fouled sparkplug or a faulty safety switch,” Mayer notes. “I suggest homeowners keep up their riding mowers on a routine maintenance schedule—this can be found in the manufacturer’s owner’s manual.”

Other common causes for lawn mowers not starting are a dirty or disconnected spark plug (which you should always disconnect before examining the blade) or a potential need to change your riding mower’s air filter, fuel filter or oil.

How fast do riding lawn mowers go?

“This depends on the engine size and the mower used on a lawn. Most riding lawn mowers don’t go over eight milers per hour, which is good since going over the lawn too fast can cause you to miss areas and tear grass leaf blades rather than cutting them,” says Mayer. Most riding mowers have a maximum speed of around four to six miles per hour. A zero-turn mower can usually hit a maximum of eight to ten miles per hour.

Are zero-turn mowers faster than riding lawn mowers?

Yes. Zero-turn mowers are faster than other riding lawn mowers, offering the same precise cut at a quicker speed. Zero-turn riding lawn mowers are known for being faster, lighter and able to spin 360 degrees in one spot because of their superior technology. Generally, that technology comes at a price—zero turns fall at the higher end of the riding lawn mower cost spectrum.

“If you go too fast with a zero-turn and turn, it can tear up the turf,” warns Mayer. However, he also reveals a hidden benefit: “The tighter turning radius can help with maneuvering around objects, which can save you time.”

Mary Henn
Mary Henn, MFA is an Associate Shopping Editor at Family Handyman. She’s also a national award-winning writer and journalist. Her expertise lies in interior design, home decor, gardening and outdoor trends. When she’s not working on the latest content at FHM, you can find her reading poetry or hiking with her dog, Henry.