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Plus, expert advice on how to maintain them. Hedge Trimmer Rack
Keeping your home’s lawn looking neat and tidy takes a whole lot of hard work, especially if you have a traditional lawn mower that requires you to spend serious time and effort pushing it across the grass. With a riding lawn mower, you can achieve the same great results with far less hassle, provided you have the right one.
To help you find the best option for your lawn, we tested popular options on the market, evaluating them on performance, design, value, and more. We also received expert advice from Gary McCoy, store manager at a Charlotte-area Lowe’s, on what to look for when shopping for riding mowers and tips on how to maintain them.
It can cover a full-size yard in far less time than other mowers, and it’s very quiet.
It has a lot of torque, so you have to accelerate carefully.
For a top-quality electric riding mower that you’ll use year after year, look no further than this option from Ryobi. It’s a battery-operated, zero-turn mower with serious power, and it comes with four brushless mowers, a sensitive steering system, a helpful LCD screen, and much more.
Setup was simple, and although it took a bit of time to get comfortable using the joystick, it wasn’t long before we were operating it smoothly (and sitting comfortably in the seat). As far as performance goes, this mower cut even paths through damp grass effortlessly (and quietly!) and was extremely intuitive and easy to operate. The LCD screen kept us aware of the mower’s battery life and run time, and we could pick both the machine’s speed and cutting height from a wide variety of options. We also liked that the mower comes with headlights that illuminate the path when you start to lose daylight.
Additionally, this mower has a long-lasting battery life, so you don’t have to waste time constantly recharging it before every mow. Plus, it comes with fun features like USB ports, storage compartments, and Bluetooth, so you can monitor the mower via an app. After six months of use, this mower has maintained its impressive performance. On the downside, it’s quite pricey, and the amount of torque means that you have to accelerate carefully, at least until you get a better feel for the joystick. We also wish the mower deck extended a bit further, which would make it easier to get closer to fences and navigate other obstacles. Still, there’s a lot to love about this excellent machine.
Type: Zero turn | Deck Width: 42 inches | Fuel Type: Battery | Max Cutting Height: 4.5 inches
It feels steady and secure, even when going over bumps and rough terrain.
It doesn’t come with a bagging option or headlights.
If you prefer a gas mower to an electric one, make sure to consider this fantastic pick from Toro. It’s a zero-turn mower with consistent speed and a strong suspension system, among other features, so you can take the mower over rough terrain without worry.
Getting used to this mower can take a bit of time, as there are no pedals like you might expect—just a joystick that lets you control speed, braking, and direction. But once you’ve settled in, you’ll be in for a great ride. We found the mower easy to control, especially when it came to adjusting the speed, cutting height, and the seat’s firmness (you can choose how bouncy you want it to be). It cut grass evenly and neatly, and it discharged the clippings far away from the mowing area, which was quite helpful.
Maneuvering the mower around the lawn was easy, no matter the terrain or number of turns, and even when it was going fast, the mower never felt unstable. The mower has maintained the same quality throughout six months of use, although we have become more comfortable using it over time. As far as negatives go, we wish the mower came with a bagging option, as well as headlights for nighttime work, but really, those are small quibbles considering how solid an option this mower is overall.
Type: Zero turn | Deck Width: 50 inches | Fuel Type: Gas | Max Cutting Height: 4.5 inches
It has a comfortable seat that comes with adjustable lap bars and ample legroom.
It can take some time to figure out how to turn evenly using both handles.
Zero-turn mowers can be great options as they can maneuver more quickly and smoothly than many other types of mowers, and we love this pick from Cub Cadet. It’s a powerful machine that runs on a twin-cylinder gas engine and features an ultra-comfortable seat with adjustable lap bars, hand grips, a rubber mat, and plenty of legroom.
This mower did take some time to set up, but once we got it ready, it started up quickly and moved smoothly. It mows and makes turns faster than many other models we’ve tried, and it doesn’t take long to get used to the different speeds and start feeling in control as you go. You can adjust the mower’s seat and arms to make sure it’s a comfortable fit, and we also liked that the side discharged leaves the grass clippings far away from the mower itself. It also features headlights as a helpful bonus, and you can choose from several cutting heights and other settings.
We would’ve liked it if the mower’s handles were able to be lined up equally, as it can be a bit tricky to ensure that you’re turning at the same speed on both sides. That said, we had few complaints about this zero-turn mower. And even after six months of use, it's still performing as it did on day one.
Type: Zero turn | Deck Width: 42 inches | Fuel Type: Gas | Max Cutting Height: 4.5 inches
It’s impressively responsive and can double as a leaf blower.
It’s only recommended for yards up to 1 acre.
We can’t say enough good things about this gas-operated riding mower from John Deere, especially in terms of how well it maneuvers. When we tested it out, we were amazed by how effortlessly it made its way around trees and other impediments, thanks to the responsive pedal and above-average turning radius (as well as the mower’s notably small size).
We discovered that this mower operates smoothly on rocky terrain, too, and its size makes it easier than many other mowers to store in a shed or garage when not in use. Setting it up is a quick, simple process, and you can change the cutting heights via a helpful lever. Speeds can be switched through a pedal. It also features a reverse mechanism to keep the deck running, though we found that this wasn't very intuitive, and it did take some getting used to. However, for those with children who play in the yard, we think it's a much-needed safety precaution.
We also love this mower’s side discharge, which is strong enough to blow leaves out of the way (almost doubling as a leaf blower), as well as its convenient headlights. Plus, it comes with a large and easy-to-empty bagger, and we found that the mower’s seat is both comfortable and adjustable. Throughout six months of use, we've noticed no significant changes in performance.
It would be nice if this mower had a wider deck, as John Deere only recommends it for yards up to 1 acre, but if you’re looking for a small yet highly effective mower, you’ll surely be happy with this top-tier choice, especially considering that it’s the least expensive mower on our list.
Type: Lawn tractor | Deck Width: 42 inches | Fuel Type: Gas | Max Cutting Height: 4 inches
If you’re looking for a great electric mower, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Lithium Electric Zero-Turn Riding Mower is our top pick. It’s fast, effective, quiet, and has multiple handy features. For an equally strong gas-powered option, we recommend the Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower, due to its consistent speed, smooth ride, and easy maneuverability.
To determine the best riding lawn mowers, we tested models from reputable brands in our own yards (spanning four cities and two states) over three weeks. To begin, we timed how long it took to unbox and assemble each lawn mower (for battery-powered models, we took note of how long it took to charge, but we did not include this in our setup time).
During the testing period, we used each lawn mower a minimum of three times, taking into account weather conditions, how much grass was cut off, and how much surface area was being mowed. While mowing, we considered things like comfortability, adjustability, battery life (when applicable) maneuverability, how evenly the mower cuts, and more. We also tested any additional features, including side discharge, bagging, mulching, various cutting height options, headlights, different speeds, and cup holders.
For long-term insights, we evaluated each mower's performance after three months and six months of use.
There are multiple types of riding mowers, including zero-turn mowers, lawn tractors, and rear-engine mowers.
Zero-turn mowers have a zero-inch turning radius and a mowing deck in front, rather than underneath, the machine. This causes them to turn quickly and easily, and have greater maneuverability and speed than other types of mowers. That said, they tend to be pricey and relatively small.
Lawn tractors have their cutting decks in the middle, rather than underneath the front, and tend to be pretty large. They’re less maneuverable than other types of riding mowers due to their size, but they’re quite powerful and particularly good for large lawns.
Then there are rear-engine mowers, which are usually very small and less powerful than other options. They’re best used on tiny lawns, and they aren’t great at going up hills and rocky terrain. Still, they’re often less expensive than the other types.
Deck width refers to the amount of acreage the mower can cut in one go, and it ranges from about 30 to 60 inches. “A mower’s cutting deck determines how many passes it’ll take to mow the grass, so you should match the deck size to your acreage for a speedier cut,” McCoy says. If you’re working with smaller yards up to 2 acres, he recommends looking for options in the 30- to 52-inch deck range. For 2- to 4-acre yards, 50- to 54-inch decks is sufficient, and anything over 5 acres will need 60 inches or more.
Riding mowers run on either gasoline or electricity. Gas-powered mowers feature the traditional riding design we’re familiar with and operate similarly to a car, using a steering wheel and foot pedal, McCoy says. If you opt for a gas mower, make sure to check the level of ethanol your equipment can safely use, and never buy more than you can use in 30 days, as older gasoline can lead to corrosion in your engine, he adds.
Electric riding mowers, on the other hand, are battery-powered machines that offer a similar performance to gas models without the fuel requirements, McCoy says, adding that these models run a bit quieter than gas mowers with less vibration. They do require some time to charge up before use, which can be frustrating, but they get rid of the smell and hassle of gasoline.
When determining which riding mower is right for you, it’s important to think about the size of your yard. “A riding lawn mower is a great option for those who have yards that are 3/4 acre or larger,” McCoy says. “In contrast, a push mower or a robotic mower would be more suited for a smaller lawn of an acre or less.”
If you're unsure where you stand, follow this guide from Lowe’s:
McCoy says riding mowers can come with some seriously helpful features, including:
Other less essential but still beneficial features include cup holders, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, armrests, headlights, and extended leg room. The more features a mower has, the more expensive it’ll likely be, though, so be sure you’re prioritizing your top picks.
Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Cordless Electric Riding Lawn Tractor: This battery-operated mower is a quiet, fast-charging machine that cuts grass evenly and has a helpful digital display menu so you can adjust the speed easily. Still, it has some frustrating features, like a beep every time you back up or get off the seat as well as a jerky accelerator pedal.
That depends on your specific needs. “Stand-up mowers work well in smaller yards and on uneven terrain, whereas riding mowers can handle larger surface areas and are generally more powerful,” McCoy says. Additionally, stand-up mowers can be better for your back (albeit less comfortable to use). Stand-up mowers also offer better visibility than sit-down riding mowers, but on the downside, they usually don’t have bagging systems.
According to McCoy, the price of a riding mower can range from $2,000 up to $8,000 depending on the type of mower and attachments included. If you’re looking to save costs, opt for basic models that don’t have features like LED screens, Bluetooth capability, zero-turn radius, and more. If special features matter greatly to you, then prepare to shell out a pretty penny.
The type of maintenance a riding mower needs depends on the specific model, McCoy says. However, for most mowers, he suggests that you regularly inspect the mower’s shield and deflectors, check its tire pressure, remove dirt from the machine, check the oil and fuel, and reconnect the battery or spark plug.
Throughout the mowing season, McCoy suggests lubricating the mower, checking the air filter and mower blades, and changing the engine oil and filter. At the end of the season, you’ll want to prepare your mower for the next spring, which entails doing a general inspection of the machine, replacing the fuel filter, and maintaining the mower blades.
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. To write this article, we tested riding mowers over a span of several weeks and evaluated them on performance, value, design, and more. For expert insight, we spoke to Gary McCoy, store manager at a Charlotte-area Lowe’s.
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