Best Riding Lawn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024
Best Riding Lawn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024 – You’ve come to the right place if your looking to find the best riding lawn mower. These powerful machines are incredibly easy to operate and can take the work out of mowing a large lawn. They’re great for users who don’t want the hassle of pushing a heavy gas mower across their grass and for large properties. But it can be confusing deciding which option is best for you.
Riding lawn mowers are the perfect alternative to standard walk-behind mowers, allowing you to drive the machine around your yard, much like you would an automobile. They’re the perfect option for anyone looking to save energy and time when mowing their large garden,since you’re not required to push these models. It can be tough finding the right model for your needs as a riding mower comes with a wide-variety of features, designs and specs.
And that’s not to mention the large number of reputable brands out there. Put all of that together and buying a riding lawn mower can be just as difficult as buying a new car. But luckily, we’ve done the legwork for you in our Best Riding Lawn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024. We’ve reviewed the top mowers on the market and looked at their design, performance, features, specs, and reviews.
What we’ve come up with is our list of the best riding lawn mowers of 2020. So if you’re ready to hop on a riding mower so that you can finally make cutting your grass a breeze, just keep reading. We’re confident that after reading through our Best Riding Lawn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024, you’ll be able to find the model that’s perfect for you.
What to Look for When Buying a Riding Lawn Mower:
Riders are one of the best ways to tackle large yards easily, delivering professional results while requiring just a fraction of the effort that comparable walk-behind mowers would demand. But before you go out and purchase one, there are several factors that need to be considered. By looking at each of these items, you’ll be able to find the right option for your lawn and what type of riding lawn mower you want to purchase.
Engine HP:
Engine horsepower, or HP, is the measurement used to describe the engine’s power output. This power output is what’s available to be shared between the various components of these mowers such as the drive transmission and the cutting blades. The more HP the engine provides, the more power that can be distributed between tasks such as moving the vehicle across the lawn or up hills, while also providing the cutting power needed to make quick work of heavy grass conditions.
Due to the power needed to perform both of these tasks simultaneously, mowers with a power output around 20 HP or greater is usually perfect for demanding or large properties.
Cut Width:
The cutting width of ride on mowers measures how wide a swath of grass the tool can cut in one pass. Smaller, more compact mowers can have a cut width as low as 30” while larger mowers can have cutting deck widths of up to 50” or more. What needs to be considered is the size of your yard. If you have a smaller property or one with hard-to-reach spots and obstacles like trees that you’ll need to maneuver around, then a smaller cutting width is great. See; Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards.
But if you have a large property with a relatively open layout, a larger model will allow you to tackle the job easily and in less time.
Fuel Capacity:
The fuel capacity of riding mowers describes how much gas each can hold in the tank. This generally correlates with the size of the model. The main thing to be concerned with here is that you don’t want to purchase a model that doesn’t have the fuel capacity required to adequately tackle your turf. The last thing you want is to have to stop in the middle of mowing to refuel. Because of this, while mowers with a small fuel capacity are perfectly fine for medium-sized yards, mowers with a large fuel tank are better suited for large properties.
Transmission:
The transmission of a mower is what transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the machine to drive forward or in reverse. The three options available are manual, automatic, and hydrostatic transmissions. Manual transmissions have a range of set speeds that you can select. Older models might require you to shift between speeds by using a clutch or even stopping. This isn’t practical. So if you are choosing a manual model, make sure that it allows you to easily shift without using a clutch while your grass tractor is moving.
Similar to the transmission in a car, an automatic transmission allows you to control the speed of your tool with a gas pedal. This is great if you want easier control over your ride or need to frequently slow down to drive around obstacles. A hydrostatic transmission is similar to an automatic one. The difference is that these systems use fluid instead of belts to transfer power from mowers engines to their wheels. This fluid-based system delivers the smoothest ride on the market and normally requires the least amount of maintenance.
Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Lawn Mower
Husqvarna makes it onto our list of the top riding lawn mowers again with the YTH18542 Yard Tractor. This is a powerful, user-friendly workhorse that allows you to tackle large landscapes as simply as if you were driving a car. With tons of features and a sturdy build, it’s one of the most impressive options available. Backed by an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, a pedal-operated hydrostatic drive FAST automatic transmission, and an auto-choke feature, this machine is maintenance-free, powerful, and starts with a turn of the key.
For durability, its 42” cutting deck features twin sheets of 13 gauge steel, a heavy-duty chassis, and cast iron axles. Rear differential increases your traction when mowing wet grass or navigating inclines and 2 anti-scalp wheels protect your turf from damage. With an ergonomic design, an adjustable high back seat and a comfort-grip steering wheel, it’s incredibly comfortable to operate. And with an easy electric cutting blade engagement switch and a fender-mounted deck lever all within reach, you have all the controls you need right at your fingertips.
Product Details:
- 18.5 hp Briggs and Stratton Intek engine offers powerful performance
- Foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission allows you to change speed and direction, which lets you keep both hands on the steering wheel for optimum driving control
- Tight 16 in. turning radius allows you to mow in tighter spaces and navigate around obstacles Adjustable 13 in. mid-back seat, ergonomic steering wheel and easy step-through design provide comfort and easy operation
- 42 in. reinforced cutting deck with air induction mowing technology and dual anti-scalp wheels
- Reverse operating system allows the operator to mow in reverse with a simple turn of a switch
Pros:
Sturdy 42” cutting deck
Rear differential for improved traction
Ergonomic design for comfort
Impressive 18.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine
Cons:
- Fuel solenoid below the carburetor just stopped.
Our Thoughts:
Husqvarna YTH18542 is certainly a premium purchase but it also delivers some of the most impressive results in its class. Powerful, precise, and easy-to-use, this machine is capable of tackling even the largest yards in no time. And with its solid construction, headlights, impressive features, and user-friendly design, it’s one of the top buys out there for anyone looking for a powerful riding mower that will withstand years of heavy use.
Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable riding mowers on the market, then the Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower is one of the top options out there. This powerful machine earns the 5th spot in our list and delivers reliable performance, durability, and some features that you’d only expect to find in many of the more expensive models out there. With a Single 18HP Troy-Bilt OHV engine and a large 42” cutting deck with two Blades, this Troy-Bilt mower can tackle large properties easily.
And its 7-speed transmission dash panel allows you to see clearly and to and adjust. And the front axle with an 18” turning radius allows you to navigate rough terrain and make tight turns for less trimming work. A 5-position cutting height feature allows you to adjust the tractor’s cutting deck to match the desired length of your grass. And with the purchase of optional attachments, you get an incredibly versatile grass-cutting machine for a little over $1,600.
Product Details:
- Premium 420cc Troy Bilt OHV engine with oil filter
- 7 speed transmission
- 42 inch steel deck with dual blades
- Mulch and side discharge
- Steel front axle, comfortable mid back seat, OCR mow in reverse
Pros:
- 19 HP 19HP Troy-Bilt OHV Engine
- 5 cutting Height Settings
- 42 ” Cutting Deck
- 18″ Turning Radius
- 7-Speed Transmission
Cons:
- uncomfortable ride
- poor customer service
Our Thoughts:
At just over $2,000, the Troy-Bilt 18 HP is one of the most affordable buys available on the market today. It’s capable of tackling difficult terrain easily and provides the power and smooth, reliable performance that you’d expect from some of its pricier competitors. If you’re looking for a simple but efficient mower that is easy to use but capable of easing the burden of mowing your grass, it’s one of the smartest buys that you can make.
Snapper 2911525BVE Riding Lawn Mower
Designed for use on any size of the yard, the Snapper Riding Lawn Mower’s features are primarily focused on striking a delicate balance between small size and high grass cutting power. Its compact 66-inch body weighs a relatively light 300 lbs, making it easy to store in a small space, while its powerful 344 cc gas engine is more than capable of efficiently cutting the grass of even the largest of domestic yards, making this model of riding lawn mower an excellent choice for more substantial scale domestic grass cutting tasks.
This ride-on mower does offer a particularly wide range of additional features, such as user-friendly Controls, vertical stand-on-edge capability so its a great storage saver. It also has a built-in hi vac mower deck, so it sucks up the grass clippings given that extra finish on your lawn.
Product Details:
- 11.5 hp Briggs & Stratton Power Built 4-Cycle OHV Engine
- Vertical Stand-on-Edge Capability
Pros:
- 5 Variable speed options
- 28 Inch Cutting deck
- Ergonomic design
- HI VAC Mower Deck
- 344 cc High powered engine
Cons:
- The weight distribution makes turning a joke;
Our Thoughts:
The Snapper Riding Lawn Mower is a relatively small gas-powered riding mower, offering a high level of flexibility and a compact body for easy storage in relatively tight spaces. Its engine is powerful enough to make cutting larger grassy areas easy, and its seat and body are ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and security during long periods of use in situations such as trimming a large area of grass in an extended mowing session.
Husqvarna Z242F 42 Zero Turn Riding Mower
Husqvarna makes it again on our list of the top mowers on the market with the Husqvarna Z242F . This powerhouse yard tractor was designed to deliver impressive performance and durability while being incredibly easy to handle. The Z242F is powered by an impressive 18 HP Kawasaki engine and Hydrostatic hydro-gear drive system for a smooth and easy ride, even on uneven yards. A 42” stamped steel-reinforced deck is durable while allowing you to mow large lawns in fewer passes. And its 6-position cutting height adjustment allows you to quickly set the perfect cutting height for your lawn.
Plus, as part of the Husqvarna Zero-Turn Radius series of mowers, the Z242F offers a zero-turn radius. This means that you can turn your riding mower on a dime, navigate around obstacles with ease, and finish mowing the grass quicker than with other riding models on the market. And with foam-padded handle grips and a comfortable, extra-high seat back, it delivers an incredibly comfortable mowing experience.
Product Details:
- 18 HP Kawasaki engine provides reliable startups and a max speed of 6.5 MPH
- Hydrostatic, no-maintenance transmission is worry free, allowing the mower to take on a variety of cutting conditions
- A patent-pending park brake system automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward
- ClearCut deck offers a best-in-class 42 in. cut and better bagging thanks to its deep deck design, superior air flow and high-performance blades
- Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)
Pros:
- Why We Like It
- 19 HP Kawasaki engine
- Electric clutch
- Zero-turn radius
- Smooth drive and performance with its Hydrostatic hydro-gear drive system
Cons:
- Awesome but tough to operate.
- Right push lever is too tight.
Our Thoughts:
The Husqvarna Z242F offers some of the best comfort, durability, and performance of any riding model we’ve featured on our list. With a 42” two-bladed steel deck and 19 HP Kawasaki engine, it’s powerful and delivers clean, precise cuts. The zero-turn radius is incredibly impressive and reduces operational time, saving your riding mower from unnecessary wear and tear.
Husqvarna Z254 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Husqvarna is known for building high-quality lawn mowers and the Z254 is no exception. This innovative model is part of their z200 zero turn series and earns the top spot in our list of the top riding mowers of 2020. Designed to deliver high performance and power in a sleek, cutting-edge design, the Z254 takes the work out of mowing your lawn. Its 54” 12 gauge steel cutting deck is rugged and can make quick work of any yard. And its 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series Engine with premium air filtration, chrome plated valves, finished bearing surfaces, and an oversized cooling fan, was designed for power and durability.
A maintenance-free zero-turn transmission means you don’t have to spend valuable time on maintaining this mowing tractor. And, thanks to being designed to draw air from the top and bottom of the deck, it offers improved grass lift for exceptional cut quality. For ease-of-use, the Z254 was designed with an ergonomic control panel that puts everything at the operator’s fingertips. Add in some impressive features like a bumper with integrated headlights, automatic parking brake system, and 3 anti-scalp rollers to protect your lawn, and you have one of the most impressive mowers in its class.
Product Details:
- 26 HP Kohler engine provides reliable startups and a max speed of 6.5 MPH
- A patent-pending park brake system automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward
- Air induction mowing technology draws air from the top and bottom of the deck, improving grass and delivering a superior cut
- Reinforced steel stamped cutting deck is made of heavy flat-stock steel for maximum durability
- Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)
Pros:
- 54” steel reinforced cutting deck
- 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series Engine
- Incredibly powerful and reliable
- Zero-Turn transmission for maintenance-free and smooth operation
Cons:
- None
Our Thoughts:
The Husqvarna Z242 Z-Turn Mower is one of the most impressive mowers in its class. Sturdy and reliable, this workhorse delivers exceptional results but is incredibly easy to operate. A powerful 18 HP motor and smooth Hydrostatic transmission makes driving this model a breeze and with its solid construction, it’s one of the smartest buys on the market today.
Conclusion:
We hope you enjoyed our Best Riding Lawn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024.
