Riding mowers are your best bet if you have a large lawn. They get the job done quickly without a lot of elbow grease. So we searched Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart to find the best riding lawn mowers.
We carefully compared each mower’s comfort, cost, and performance to find the best ones. Our list includes mowers for lawns as large as 4+ acres and as small as ½ acre. If you need help determining which riding mower is best for you, read through our riding mower reviews and buyer’s guide.
Our top picks
Top 7 riding mowers – reviews
1. John Deere S120 – Overall best lawn tractor
Our overall favorite lawn tractor is the John Deere S120. It’s ergonomic, durable, and easy to use. It quickly gives high-quality cuts to flat or hilly lawns up to 2 acres.
Cutting deck: The mower makes clean cuts without clogging, even when grass is tall or thick. It has a durable 42-inch deck made of 13-gauge stamped steel. The deck’s equipped with 2 deck wheels, 2 mower blades, and excellent airflow. It has 13 cutting height positions ranging from 1 to 4 inches. If you have a larger lawn or prefer a wider deck, consider the 48-inch S160.
Power: The S120 is a mighty mower with a 22-horsepower John Deere V-twin engine. The engine’s durable and smooth. It’s easy to start with its key-controlled electric ignition. Cast-iron cylinders prolong the engine’s life, and overhead valves improve its potency and fuel efficiency. Additionally, it has a spring return feature, so you don’t leave the lever on the choke.
Drive: It’s easy to drive. The mower has a Kanzaki Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and cruise control. Two large foot pedals control speed and direction. It has infinite speed options, up to 5.5 MPH when moving forward and up to 3.2 MPH in reverse.
Comfort: John Deere makes the most comfortable riding mowers. It has an adjustable 2-piece seat with 10 positions, thick cushioning, and sturdy support. Its foot pedals provide outstanding ease and control, and its digital gas gauge is easily read while seated. The mower has headlights so you can cut grass comfortably at night and a cup holder so you’ll stay hydrated.
Additional features include:
- John Deere’s tool-less 30-second Oil Change System (conversion system is available if you prefer traditional oil changes)
- Full-length welded steel frame
- Cast-iron front axle
- Deck cleanout
- Front and rear mount points
- Hour meter
Specifications
- Cutting width: 42 in.
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.4 gal.
- Lawn size: ½ – 2 acres
- Power source: 22-HP gas engine
- Turn radius: 18 in.
- Warranty: 2 years / 120 hour
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 5.5 MPH |
| Max reverse speed | 3.2 MPH |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Heavy-duty construction ✓ Excellent cutting system ✓ Potent engine ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Easy to operate✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Oil change system sometimes leaves some dirty oil behind ✗ Bumpy on very rugged terrain |
Where to buy
2. John Deere Z325E ZTrak – Overall best zero-turn mower
The overall best zero-turn lawn mower is the John Deere Z325E ZTrak. We loved its heavy-duty construction, superior comfort, and consistently clean cutting action. It’s a handy helper to homeowners with flat lawns as large as 2 acres. It drives smoothly and handles sharp turns like a champ.
Cutting deck: The mower makes high-quality cuts with its 48-inch Accel Deep Deck.* The 10-gauge forged steel deck is tough as nails. It has two adjustable anti-scalp wheels and three sharp blades. The user-friendly foot lift adjusts the mow height in ¼-inch increments from 1.25 to 4.5 inches.
*The Z325E is also available with a 54-inch deck.
Power: It’s 24-horsepower V-twin engine (model # 44EXi) is smooth and potent. It has a rear engine guard to prevent damage and full-pressure lubrication to extend the engine’s life. The filters are easy to reach, and the oil is easy to change.
Drive: It’s easy to drive, even when navigating around landscaping and other obstacles. The mower has a hydrostatic transmission, hefty 18-inch tires, and excellent front visibility. It can go up to 7 MPH forward and up to 3.5 MPH in reverse.
Comfort: The mower provides its operator with premium comfort. The 18-inch adjustable seat is super satisfying with thick foam, side bolstering, and steel coil suspension springs. It shelters you from shock when driving over rugged terrain. It also has a wide foot platform with high footrests and sturdy Volcano grips.
Additional features include:
- Adjustable Handlebar
- Cup Holder
- Color-coded controls
- Storage compartment
- Deck cleanout
- Hour Meter
- Key-operated electric ignition
- Transparent gas tank
- Easy-to-read fuel gauge
Specifications
- Cutting width: 48 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4.5 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 3 gal.
- Lawn size: 1 – 2 acres
- Power source: 24-HP gas engine
- Turn radius: 0 in.
- Warranty: 3 years / 200 hour
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 7 |
| Max reverse speed | 3.5 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Dual hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Makes tight turns ✓ Heavy-duty construction ✓ Excellent cutting system ✓ Potent engine ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Easy to operate ✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Struggles when grass is very thick and overgrown ✗ Not good for hills |
Where to buy
3. Cub Cadet CC30H – Best rear-engine riding mower
The Cub Cadet CC30H proves that great things come in small packages. Although the smallest mower on our list, it’s well-built with superb performance. It’s our favorite rear-engine riding mower for flat or hilly lawns up to 1 acre.
Cutting deck: The CC30H consistently makes clean cuts. It has a 30-inch, 14-gauge stamped steel deck. The mower comes with a mulch plug and a high-pressure deck cleanout system. The single-lever makes it simple to switch between five mow heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches.
Power: It has a dependable 10.5-horsepower Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine. Although the CC30H has the least potent engine on our list, it’s also the smallest mower. It packs enough punch to handle large lawns up to 1 acre. And it starts in a jiff with a key-controlled electric ignition.
Drive: It’s smooth, compact, and easy to drive. The mower has a hydrostatic transmission, pneumatic tires, and rear-wheel drive.
Comfort: It has a high-back seat that provides sturdy support and adjusts to comfort. It’s easy to get in and out of and comes with a cup holder.
Additional features include:
- LED headlights
- Lever engaged manual PTO (Power take-off)
- Robotically welded steel frame
Specifications
- Cutting width: 30 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.3 gal.
- Lawn size: ½ -1 acres
- Power source: 10.5-HP gas engine
- Turn radius: 18 in.
- Warranty: 3 years / 120 hour
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 4 |
| Max reverse speed | 2 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, included |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Reliable engine ✓ Durable construction ✓ Comes with a mulching kit ✓ Easy to drive ✓ Affordable ✓ Fits in small spaces ✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Few cutting height positions ✗ Difficult to change the oil ✗ The hitch plate is hard to attach |
Where to buy
4. RYOBI RYRM8070 – Best electric lawn tractor
The best electric lawn tractor is the battery-powered RYOBI RYRM8070. It’s one of the few cordless riding mowers that can compete with gas-powered potency. If you have a 1- to 2-acre level lawn and are sick of gas fumes and spark plugs, we recommend the RYRM8070.
Cutting deck: It has a 46-inch, 10-gauge fabricated steel cutting deck. RYOBI’s CROSS CUT multi-blade system quickly makes clean cuts. It has six steel blades that are easy to access for fast maintenance. The single-lever height adjustment is easy to use, with 13 possible positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Power: The mower uses four brushless motors and 3 80-volt, 10 Ah lithium-ion batteries. RYOBI claims it cuts up to 2.5 acres per charge, but most people get ½ to 1 acre of runtime. So, consider purchasing additional batteries. The included charger refuels the batteries in about 2.5 hours.
Drive: It’s easy to drive on flat lawns. The steering wheel is a bit stiff, but the mower’s still easy to maneuver. It has rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. It doesn’t handle well on hills or rugged terrain.
Comfort: The mower’s made for comfort and convenience. The seat’s well-padded, and the steering wheel’s easy to grip. It has 2 USB ports, ample storage, and bright LED headlights.
Additional features include:
- Adjustable blade speeds
- LCD control panel
- Front and rear tow hitches
- Keyed start
- Hour meter
- Bluetooth
Specifications
- Cutting width: 46 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Lawn size: 1 – 2 acres
- Power source: 80-volt, 10Ah lithium-ion batteries (3)
- Runtime: 60 min.
- Turn radius: 20 in.
- Warranty: 5 years
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 7 |
| Max reverse speed | 1.8 |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Low maintenance ✓ Excellent cutting system ✓ Many convenience features ✓ Heavy-duty construction ✓ Brushless motor ✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Limited runtime ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for hills ✗ Doesn’t drive well on rugged terrain |
Where to buy
5. RYOBI RYRM8034 – Best electric zero-turn mower
Our favorite electric zero-turn mower is the Ryobi RYRM8034. It’s the best electric riding mower for 2 to 3-acre lawns with many twists and turns.
Cutting deck: The mower’s 54-inch, 10-gauge fabricated steel deck is as strong as an ox. Like the RYOBI RYRM8070, it comes with the CROSS CUT six-blade system. It has 12 mow height positions that range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. The deck’s rust-resistant with a rubber side discharge chute.
Power: It has 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.
Drive: It has RYOBI’s joystick-controlled iDrive system. You can easily steer it with one hand, and it’s fun, like playing a video game. Navigating around landscaping is effortless.
Comfort: It’s comfy to operate with an ergonomic suspension seat, armrests, cup holders, and USB ports.
Additional features include:
- LED headlights
- LCD control panel
- Bluetooth
- Swivel front wheel
- Hour meter
- Keyed start
- Blade brake
Specifications
- Cutting width: 54 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Lawn size: 2 – 3 acres
- Power source: 80-volt lithium-ion batteries (3) + 40-volt lithium-ion batteries (4)
- Turn radius: 0 in.
- Warranty: 5 years
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 8 |
| Max reverse speed | 4 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | No |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Low maintenance ✓ Heavy-duty construction ✓ Excellent cutting system ✓ Many convenience features ✓ Brushless motor ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Makes tight turns | ✗ Expensive ✗ Limited runtime ✗ Not good for thick grass ✗ Not good for overgrown grass ✗ Not good for hills |
Where to buy
6. Craftsman T3200 Turn Tight – Best lawn tractor for tight turns
The Craftsman T3200 Turn Tight is one of the best riding mowers. It has a heavy-duty deck and user-friendly operation. Additionally, the T3200 turns tighter than your typical lawn tractor.
It’s the ideal lawn tractor for 2 to 3-acre flat lawns with a lot of landscaping. For lawns under 2 acres with tight turns, consider the T2400 Turn Tight.
Cutting deck: It has a durable 11-gauge, 54-inch stamped steel deck with three mower blades. You can choose from 12 mow height positions that range from 1 to 4 inches.
Power: The T3200 has a potent 24-horsepower twin-cylinder engine. The 7000 Series Kohler engine is reliable with cast iron cylinder bores and a pressurized lubrication system.
Drive: It drives smoothly, and with a 5-inch turn radius, the mower can easily maneuver around bushes, trees, and garden beds.
Comfort: It has a high-back seat with padding and suspension. The seat’s nice but not as comfy as John Deere’s S-series seats. It has a soft-touch steering wheel and dual foot pedals for speed and direction.
Additional features include:
- Brush guard
- AGM battery
- Headlights
- Hour meter
Specifications
- Cutting width: 54 in.
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 3 gal.
- Lawn size: 2 – 3 acres
- Power source: 24-HP gas engine
- Turn radius: 5 in.
- Warranty: 3 years
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 5.5 MPH |
| Max reverse speed | 3 MPH |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Makes tight turns ✓ Heavy-duty construction ✓ Potent engine ✓ Easy to operate ✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Not good for hills ✗ Sometimes cuts grass on an angle |
Where to buy
7. Toro Titan MAX HAVOC Edition – Best zero-turn for 4+ acres
Although overkill for most homeowners, the Toro Titan MAX HAVOC Edition is the best zero-turn mower for flat and rugged lawns over 4 acres. It’s an attractive lawn mower with commercial-grade construction and homeowner-friendly operation.
Cutting deck: The mower has a 60-inch IronForged deck with 10-gauge steel, heavy spindles, and lightning-fast blade speed. It quickly cares for multi-acre properties, even with wet, thick, or overgrown grass. The deck has a reinforced edge to prevent damage, and its mow-height easily adjusts from 1.5 to 5 inches.
Power: It’s the most powerful mower on our list. The 26-horsepower Kohler V-twin engine is very dependable. It has a Pro Air Cleaner and a keyed start.
Drive: It drives well with a hydrostatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and 23-inch tires. It has two-toned aluminum alloy wheels and outstanding tire traction. Turns are smooth and easy to control. And if you have a need for speed, it can go up to 9 MPH.
Comfort: It’s comfortable to use for extended periods. The step-through front end makes the mower easy to enter. The high back seat has armrests and plenty of cushioning. Additionally, the mower has satisfying grips, adjustable LED task lights, and a cup holder.
Additional features include:
- Tubular steel frame
- Two-toned aluminum alloy wheels
- Storage compartments
- Tool-less air filter access
- Hour meter
- Built-in hitch
Specifications
- Cutting width: 60 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 5 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 7 gal.
- Lawn size: 4+ acres
- Power source: 26-HP gas engine
- Turn radius: 0 in.
- Warranty: 4 years / 500 hours
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 9 |
| Max reverse speed | 3 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Commercial-grade construction ✓ Potent engine ✓ Easy to operate ✓ Extra-wide deck ✓ Makes tight turns ✓ Excellent cutting system | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for hills |
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide
To buy the best riding lawn mower, please consider the following:
Types of riding mowers
There are three main types of riding lawn mowers:
- Rear-engine riding mowers are best for smaller yards, under an acre. They’re the most compact and least expensive. The engine/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 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 the best for lawns with tight turns. As the name suggests, they have a 0-inch turn radius. Many models have larger engines/motors and wider cutting decks than other riding mowers. They’re great for 2+ acre lawns, best some smaller models work well on lawns as little as ½ acre.
Power source
Riding mowers either run on gas or electricity:
- Gas-powered riding mowers give you more bang for your buck. They’re more affordable than electric models and are typically more potent. Additionally, they have longer runtimes and shorter refuel time. However, they’re high maintenance and emit harsh gas fumes.
- Electric riding mowers are expensive but low maintenance. They’re typically weaker than gas mowers, but some match gas-powered blade speed and cut quality. Most run on lithium-ion batteries. They’re emissions-free, but “eco-friendly” is debatable. Lithium mining consumes a lot of water and causes a lot of pollution.
The table below shows typical specs for gas vs. electric lawn tractors.
| Gas tractors | Electric tractors | |
| Cutting width (in.) | 42 – 50 | 30 – 46 |
| Max forward speed (MPH) | 5.5 | 5 – 7 |
| Max reverse speed (MPH) | 2.5 – 3.5 | 0 – 3 |
| Price | $2,000 – $3,500 | $3,200 – $5,500 |
The next table shows typical specs for gas vs. electric zero-turn mowers.
| Gas zero-turns | Electric zero-turns | |
| Cutting width (in.) | 42 – 60 | 30 – 54 |
| Max forward speed (MPH) | 6 – 8 | 7 – 8 |
| Max reverse speed (MPH) | 3 – 4 | 3 – 4 |
| Price | $3,000 – $6,000 | $3,500 – $7,500 |
Deck size
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.
The table below shows the typical cutting widths for different types of riding mowers.
| Mower type | Typical cutting width range |
| Rear-engine | 30 in. |
| Lawn tractor | 36 – 54 in. |
| Zero-turn | 30 – 60 in. |
Lawn size
The best lawn mower for your yard depends on its size. The table below shows lawn mower recommendations by yard size.
| Lawn size | Mower types | Cutting width |
| < ¼ acre | Push mower | 13 – 21 in. |
| ¼ – ½ | Push, self-propelled mower | 21 – 30 in. |
| ½ – 1 acre | Self-propelled, rear-engine riding, lawn tractor | 30 – 36 in. |
| 1 – 2 acres | Lawn tractor, zero-turn mower | 36 – 48 in. |
| 2+ acres | Lawn tractor, zero-turn mower | 48 – 60 in. |
Additional features
Keep your eyes peeled for these sought-after features:
- Hydrostatic transmissions are smooth, compact, and efficient. They make it easy to adjust your speed. Many of these mowers have foot pedal speed control, like a car. But they’re typically more expensive and require more maintenance than mowers with gear-driven transmissions.
- Lawn mower attachments enhance your riding mower’s functionality. They’re usually sold separately. Many manufacturers make mulching kits and grass-clipping baggers. Some sell extensions to turn your tractor into another tool, such as a snow blower or aerator. Others make comfort-enhancing attachments, such as a canopy or seat cover.
- Heavy-duty steel decks are more 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 skill.
- Cup holders help you stay hydrated on hot summer days.
- Cruise control effortlessly maintains the mower’s speed, which is handy when mowing long sections of grass.
- V-twin gas engines are well-balanced, so they’re more potent with a longer lifespan. Additionally, they vibrate less, run cooler, and make less noise. However, they’re often less fuel efficient and more expensive than single-cylinder models.
Price
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.
| Average riding mower cost | $3,900 |
| Typical price range | $2,400 – $5,500 |
| Extreme low | $1,800 |
| Extreme high | $8,300 |
Gas Vs. Electric: The average electric riding mower costs almost 40% more than the average gas-powered riding mower, as shown in the table below.
| Electric | Gas | |
| Average riding mower cost | $5,000 | $3,650 |
| Typical price range | $3,600 – $6,400 | $2,200 – $5,100 |
| Extreme low | $2,950 | $1,800 |
| Extreme high | $7,600 | $8,300 |
Rear-engine riding mowers are the cheapest. The average rear-engine model costs about $2,550.
| Average rear-engine riding mower cost | $2,550 |
| Extreme low | $1,900 |
| Extreme high | $3,600 |
Lawn tractors typically cost more than rear-engine mowers, but less than zero-turns. Most models cost $2,100 to $4,000.
| Average lawn tractor cost | $3,100 |
| Typical price range | $2,100 – $4,000 |
| Extreme low | $1,800 |
| Extreme high | $5,000 |
Zero-turn lawn mowers are the most expensive. Most models cost $3,200 to $6,200.
| Average zero-turn mower cost | $4,700 |
| Typical price range | $3,200 – $6,200 |
| Extreme low | $2,800 |
| Extreme high | $8,300 |
Cutting width: Riding mowers with broader cutting decks typically cost more, as shown in the table below.
| Cutting width | Average cost | Typical Price Range |
| 30 – 38 in. | $2,950 | $2,000 – $3,900 |
| 42 – 48 in. | $3,350 | $2,250 – $4,450 |
| 50 – 54 in. | $4,420 | $3,050 – $6,000 |
| 60 in. | $6,350 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
FAQ about riding lawn mowers
1. What brand of riding mower is the most reliable?
John Deere makes the most reliable riding mowers.
2. Why opt for a riding mower over a push mower?
Riding mowers get the job done in less time and with less effort.
3. What’s the best tow-behind fertilizer spreader?
The best fertilizer spreader for lawn tractors is the John Deere Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader (LPBS36JD).
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. We’ll save you time and money, and all services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
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