The John Deere ZTrak and John Deere S120 are the best riding lawn mowers. However, the best electric mowers are the Ego Power+ Z6 Tractor and RYOBI RYRM8034. We searched Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart for the top models.
After carefully comparing each mower’s comfort, cost, and performance, we found the best ones. Our list features mowers suitable for lawns ranging from over 4 acres to as small as ½ acre. We review our top picks and sprinkle in expert advice so you can find the best mower for your yard and budget.
Not sure what lawn mower is right for you? Our Buyers Guide below details what to look for in a riding lawn mower.
Our top picks
Overall best riding lawn tractor
John Deere S120
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Heavy-duty construction ✓ Good on hills ✓ Reliable engine ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Easy to operate ✓ Made in the USA | ✗ Quick oil change system, sometimes leaves a little dirty oil behind ✗ Bumpy on very rugged terrain |
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches
- Cutting width: 42 inches
- Engine: 22 HP
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.4 gallons
- Max forward speed: 5.5 mph
- Max reverse speed: 3.2 mph
- Turn radius: 18 inches
- Warranty: 2 years / 120 hour
The overall best riding lawn mower is the John Deere S120. It makes clean cuts without clogging, even on tall or thick grass. The sturdy stamped steel deck has excellent airflow, 2 blades, and a cleanout port. It’s powered by a reliable V-twin engine with cast-iron cylinders and a key-controlled electric ignition.
Cast-iron cylinders “hold in heat better, providing a more consistent and efficient combustion,” explains engine expert Jeff Yochumm, of Ring Container Technologies in Valdosta, GA. “Also, they’re stronger, maintaining their cylindrical shape instead of becoming ovalized or egg-shaped.”
With rear-wheel drive and cruise control, the S120 is easy to drive and smooth over hills. Its hydrostatic transmission operates like a car with side-by-side foot pedals and infinite speed options. The foot pedals provide outstanding control, and the digital gas gauge is easily read while seated.
Being 4-foot-11, I appreciate the S120’s seat adjusting to 10 positions. I also adore the seat’s thick cushioning and sturdy support. Additionally, the tractor’s full-length welded steel frame and cast-iron front axle withstand harsh conditions.
Where to buy
Overall best zero-turn lawn mower
John Deere Z325E ZTrak
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Reliable engine ✓ Heavy-duty construction ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Easy to operate ✓ Made in the USA | ✗ Struggles when grass is very thick and overgrown ✗ Not good on hills ✗ Expensive |
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 to 4.5 inches
- Cutting width: 54 in.
- Engine: 24 HP (model # 44EXi)
- Fuel tank capacity: 3 gallons
- Max forward speed: 7 mph
- Max reverse speed: 3.5 mph
- Turn radius: 0 inches
- Warranty: 3 years / 200 hour
The overall best zero-turn lawn mower is the John Deere Z325E ZTrak. It’s tough as nails and smooth as silk, crisply cutting grass at a quick pace. With a rear engine guard and full-pressure lubrication, its V-twin engine provides consistent power. The ZTrak has three blades housed in a 10-gauge forged steel deck with anti-scalp wheels.
It drives smoothly and makes sharp turns like a champ. With a hydrostatic transmission, hefty 18-inch tires, and excellent front visibility, it easily navigates around landscaping and other obstacles. Operation is intuitive, with a key-operated ignition and color-coded controls. As I age, I also appreciate the easy-to-read fuel gauge.
But my back appreciates the comfortable seat. The ZTrak has an 18-inch adjustable seat with thick foam, side bolstering, and steel coil suspension. It keeps you comfy, even over rugged terrain. Additionally, the mower has a wide-foot platform, comfy footrests, and sturdy Volcano grips.
Where to buy
Best electric riding lawn tractor
Ego Power+ T6 Tractor
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Tight turns for a tractor ✓ Bluetooth ✓ Low maintenance ✓ User friendly ✓ Efficient ✓ Quiet | ✗ Less bang for your buck than gas ✗ Limited runtime ✗ Plastic body |
Specifications
- Batteries: 56-volt, 6 Ah (6)
- Cutting width: 42 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 to 4.5 inches
- Max forward speed: 6 mph
- Max reverse speed: 3.5 mph
- Runtime: Up to 2 hours
- Turn radius: 15 inches
- Warranty: 5 years
The best electric riding lawn mower is the Ego Power+ T6 Tractor. With six batteries, three brushless motors, and zero belts, it provides up to 20,000 watts of power. It spins the blades up to 3200 RPM, easily slicing through tall, thick grass. The blades are in a stamped steel deck with anti-scalp wheels.
The T6 is also very user-friendly, with a digital LCD screen, cruise control, and bright LED lights. It’s easy to adjust between its three-blade settings and 12-mow height adjustments. Being a big music fan, I also love the fact that it has Bluetooth and a USB charger.
The steel front bumper is sturdy, and its rear hitch plate is handy. The T6 runs up to 2 hours on a single battery charge, and the batteries recharge fully in 3.5 hours.
My tip: Although electric mowers cost more upfront, they save you money on lawn mower maintenance. If you don’t do it yourself, the cost of mower service adds up quickly.
Where to buy
Best electric zero-turn
RYOBI RYRM8034
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Low maintenance ✓ Heavy-duty construction ✓ Easy to steer ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Fast ✓ Makes tight turns | ✗ Expensive ✗ Limited runtime ✗ Not good for thick, overgrown grass ✗ Not good on hills ✗ No cruise control |
Specifications
- Batteries: 80-volt lithium-ion batteries (3) + 40-volt lithium-ion batteries (4)
- Cutting width: 54 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 to 4.5 inches
- Max forward speed: 8 mph
- Max reverse speed: 4 mph
- Runtime: Up to 3 hours
- Turn radius: 0 inches
- Warranty: 5 years
My favorite electric zero-turn mower is the Ryobi RYRM8034. It’s the best electric riding lawn mower for big yards with many twists and turns. Its 10-gauge fabricated steel deck is rust-resistant with a rubber side discharge chute and a six-blade cutting system.
The RYRM8034 runs on five high-efficiency brushless motors, three 80-volt Li-ion batteries, and four 40-volt Li-ion batteries. Ryobi claims it gets up to 4 acres of runtime, but most homeowners can cut up to 2 to 3 acres on a single charge. You can recharge the batteries within 5 hours with the included Super Charger.
The mower’s easy to steer with RYOBI’s joystick-controlled iDrive system. You can steer it with one hand, and it’s fun, like playing a video game. Thus, navigating around landscaping is effortless. It’s also comfortable to ride in with a suspension seat and armrests.
Where to buy
Best small riding lawn mower
Troy-Bilt TB30B
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Comes with a mulching kit ✓ Durable ✓ Fits in tight spaces ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Affordable | ✗ Not good on hills ✗ Manual transmission ✗ Slow for a riding mower |
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 to 4 inches
- Cutting width: 30 inches
- Engine: 10.5 HP
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.3 gallons
- Max forward speed: 4.25 mph
- Max reverse speed: 2 mph
- Turn radius: 18 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
The best small riding lawn mower is the Troy-Bilt TB30B. It takes less elbow grease than self-propelled lawn mowers, but its 30-inch deck fits through narrow pathways, small gates, and compact storage areas. Additionally, it is the most affordable riding mower on our list.
The TB30B’s Briggs and Stratton Engine starts on a dime with its keyed ignition, and the 6-speed manual transmission has a user-friendly hand-lever control. Adding to its value, is an included mulching kit. Additionally, the steering wheel is soft, and the rear hitch plate is convenient.
Where to buy
Best riding lawn mower for over 4 acres
Toro Titan MAX
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Commercial-grade construction ✓ Potent engine ✓ Easy to operate ✓ Large, high-traction tires | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good on hills |
Specifications
- Cutting width: 60 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 5 inches
- Engine: 26 HP
- Fuel tank capacity: 7 gallons
- Max forward speed: 9 mph
- Max reverse speed: 3 mph
- Turn radius: 0 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
Although overkill for most homeowners, the Toro Titan MAX is the best zero-turn mower for over 4 acres. It’s an attractive lawn mower with commercial-grade construction and homeowner-friendly operation. It’s also the most potent mower on our list. It has a dependable Kohler V-twin engine with a keyed start.
The Titan MAX quickly mows several acres, even when the grass is wet, thick, or overgrown. It has a 10-gauge steel deck with heavy spindles, lightning-fast blade speed, and a reinforced edge to prevent damage. Its durable construction also includes a tubular steel frame.
It’s a smooth ride with the Titan’s hydrostatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and 23-inch tires. The step-through front end makes the mower easy to enter, and the high back seat has plenty of cushioning. The Titan MAX HAVOC is also equipped with satisfying grips and toolless air filter replacement.
Where to buy
What to Look For in a Riding Mower
Lawn size
The best lawn mower for your yard depends on its size. Most homeowners prefer the following mowers by lawn size:
- < ¼ acre: 13- to 21-inch push mower
- ¼ to ½ acre: 21- to 30-inch push or self-propelled mower
- ½ to 1 acre: 30- to 42-inch self-propelled, rear-engine riding, lawn tractor
- 1 to 2 acres: 42- to 54-inch lawn tractor or zero-turn
- > 2 acres: 54- to 60-inch lawn tractor or zero-turn
Types of riding mowers
Rear-engine riding mowers are best for yards under an acre. They’re the most compact and least expensive. The motor is in the back, behind the operator’s seat. They typically have better front visibility than other riding mowers but are less potent with a lighter towing capacity.
Lawn tractors are typically best for ½ to 2 acres, but a few models can handle lawns as large as 3 acres. They’re also the best riding lawn mowers for hills. They typically tow the heaviest loads. Most models have a 16- to 20-inch turn radius, but Craftsman’s Turn Tight tractors have a 5-inch turn radius.
Zero-turn riding mowers are the most expensive, but they’re the best mowers for big lawns and lawns with lots of obstacles. As the name suggests, they have a 0-inch turn radius. Many models have larger engines and wider cutting decks than other riding mowers. They’re great for 2-plus acre lawns, but some smaller models work well on lawns as little as ½ acre.
Mower Deck
Most riding mowers have a 30 to 60-inch cutting width. Mowers with broader cutting decks cover more ground with each pass so that you can mow your lawn quickly. However, a wider width also means a higher cost.
Heavy-duty steel decks are the most durable. The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel. Most riding mower decks are made from 10- to 13-gauge steel, but some models use 14-gauge.
Electric Vs. Gas Riding Mowers
Instead of using combustion, electric riding mowers run on lithium-ion batteries. When comparing electric vs. gas lawn mowers, electric models need less maintenance and don’t emit toxic fumes. However, gas-powered riding mowers give you more bang for your buck. They tend to have wider decks, faster blade speed, and fiercer power.
Additionally, electric riding mowers have limited runtime, and their batteries take hours to charge. In contrast, a tank of gas can run a riding lawn mower for hours, and it only takes a couple of minutes to refill a gas tank.
I also wouldn’t call electric riding mowers “eco-friendly”. Lithium mining wastes a lot of water and causes heavy pollution. Then, China’s coal-fueled plants produce the majority of lithium-ion batteries, and coal creates a massive carbon footprint.
Fuel capacity
Riding lawn mowers with larger fuel tanks run longer per tank. Most riding mowers run at least an hour per gallon and have 2- to 3.5-gallon tanks.
Battery life
Like cars, gas-powered riding mowers have a battery to power electric ignitions, headlights, and possibly their PTO (Power Take-Off) system. These batteries typically last around 3 years and should be charged each spring.
Electric riding lawn mower batteries typically last 2 to 3 years and run as long as 60 to 90 minutes on a single charge. Expect a shorter runtime if your lawn’s overground or uneven.
Cost
The average riding lawn mower costs about $3,900, but some cost as little as $1,800, while others cost as much as $8,300. However, the cost of a riding mower varies by mower type, power source, and cutting width. Gas-powered rear-engine riding mowers are the cheapest, and electric zero-turns are the most expensive
FAQ about riding lawn mowers
Riding mowers get the job done in less time and with less effort.
A good riding mower can last 10 to 15 years if it’s well-maintained.
The best way to extend the life of your riding lawn mower is to stay on top of maintenance. Engine maintenance is paramount, including yearly oil changes and carburetor cleanings. Also, don’t forget to winterize your mower at the end of fall.
Yochum says, “Ensure your blades are sharp, and your belts stay properly tensioned.” Additionally, he recommends safely storing lawn mower fuel, regularly cleaning the mower deck, and keeping a keen eye on the oil level.
The most typical riding mower repairs are replacing the following:
● Filters (air, oil, and fuel)
● Spark plugs
● Mower belts
● Blades
● Carburetor
● Tire repairs
A forward speed of at least 5.5 mph is good for a lawn tractor, and 7 mph or faster is good for a zero-turn.
Many lawn tractors work well on hills, but zero-turns can overturn on hills.
When to call a lawn care pro
After considering the cost of a riding mower, many homeowners decide DIY lawn care’s for the birds. Especially when affordable lawn care pros are just a mouse click away.
Lawn Love links you to local pros who are vetted and insured. In less than two minutes, you can get a free online quote for lawn mowing, bush trimming, and just about anything else your yard needs. Additionally, our services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Sources:
- “How much CO2 is emitted by manufacturing batteries?” By Iris Crawford, Climate Justice Editor. MIT Climate Portal
- “The Paradox of Lithium.” By Marco Tedesco, Professor. Columbia Climate School
- Jeff Yochum, Lead Maintenance Tech at Ring Container Technologies. (2025). Personal interview.
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love earns revenue from products promoted in this article.
Main Photo Credit: Photos by Michelle Selzer, Collage and Text Overlay using Canva Pro
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