The 6 best lawn mowers for the money (2023)

If you have a medium to large sized property, trying to maintain it with an ordinary lawn mower can prove quite difficult. Pushing a mower over rough terrain can be time consuming, physically demanding and expensive if you choose to pay a professional to do all the hard work for you.

However, instead of struggling to keep your weed under control or constantly spending large amounts of money, a ride-on mower is a great gardening investment.

A ride-on mower uses less energy and means your mowing job will be done faster while still allowing you to achieve that professional look you desire.

The 6 best riding lawn mowers

1. Ryobi rear motor electric lawn mower
2. Husqvarna YTH18542 ride-on mower
3. Husqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower(Our top pick)
4. Husqvarna YTH24V54 ride-on mower
5. Husqvarna TS 348XD ride-on mower
6. Husqvarna TS 354XD Garden tractor

Our top picks for the best riding lawn mower

OurTop choice for the best riding lawn moweris theHusqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower.

With air induction mowing technology, it improves grass lift and delivers an excellent cut. Many special features such as throttle start, 48 inch cutting width and 24 hp power make this machine a worthy place on the list of the best lawn mowers.

Check the price on Amazon

Before you set out to buy your shiny new garden best friend, there are a few gardening and mechanical specs to look out for. So ask yourself these two questions:

1. How big is your garden and what is its terrain: small, medium or large, flat, flat, steep, hilly?
2. What obstacles are there (trees, bushes, flower beds)?

Choose the size of your ride-on mower

In general, ride-on mowers are ideal for properties that are half an acre or more in size. However, there are smaller models that can be used in smaller yards as long as you have a gate wide enough to let the machine through.

Riding mower size refers to the size of the mower's cutting deck.

Whether you own a residential lot, an acreage or an estate, the size of the mower deck can make all the difference to your mowing experience.

Consider the following guide that can help you decide on the right size mower for your property.

30”. This size is ideal for small to medium sized properties with a flat lawn and when you need to move through a narrow gate.

42". This type of ride-on mower works effectively on flat lawns and medium-sized lots up to 2 acres and maneuvers well around detailed landscaping and trees.

46”-48”.This size is ideal for medium to large sized properties and easily gets under bushes and for mowing mild to moderate slopes or hills up to 15°.

Remember: any incline or hill steeper than 15° can be dangerous with such a heavy piece of equipment.

50"+". Larger ride-on mowers are ideal for properties of 3 hectares or more. They can handle moderate inclines, large open spaces, and rougher terrain.

considerpush mowerorZero turn mowershould a ride-on mower not suit your property.

Selection of a transmission

Riding mowers can be operated with either a manual, automatic or hydrostatic transmission.

manual transmission

The beauty of the manual transmission is that it gives you a range of adjustable speeds to choose from, giving you more control over how the mower moves. Look for mowers that allow you to shift up or down without having to stop or use the clutch.

Automatic transfer

The automatic transmission in a riding mower is similar to the automatic transmission in a car. You can control the speed of the mower simply by stepping on a pedal.

Hydrostatic transmission

Hydrostatic transmission mowers use fluid instead of a belt to transmit power from the engine to the wheels. This type of transmission gives you a smoother ride and the mower requires less maintenance.

Convenient operator and mechanical specifications

engine power

Horsepower (hp) measures the power output of the riding mower's engine. The more horsepower, the more work the mower can do. Riding mowers with higher horsepower are faster and can handle rough terrain.

Cruise control

Just as cruise control can take the stress out of driving a long distance for an extended period of time, so can a ride-on mower. Cruise control allows you to stay at one speed while mowing continuously.

cutting blades

If you have a lot of grass, especially tall grass, and heavy weeds, it's best to choose a mower with more than one cutting blade. Some of the small tractors only have one blade, but there are lawn tractors with 2 or 3 blades. With the powerful motors of most models, you can still get good cutting performance out of a knife.

Anti-Scalping-Räder

Anti-scalping wheels provide better traction on the ground. They are particularly suitable for driving on uneven terrain and for driving uphill.

turning circle

The turning radius describes how tightly you can turn the mower. A smaller turning radius means you can make sharper turns, which is especially useful when your lawn has a lot of obstacles and tight corners.

Additional Attachments

Additional attachments can be attached to some ride-on mowers, allowing you to perform additional garden maintenance such as mulching, ridging and edging. There are also ride-on mowers that act as a tractor. You can use it to clear your driveway of snow or attach a trailer.

OperatorComfort features

Most ride-on mowers come with additional comfort features like a high-back seat with lumbar support, extended legroom, an easy-to-access control panel, cup holders, and LED headlights for low light conditions.

Warranty Information

As with any other mechanical power tool, especially large machines with many moving parts, it's a good idea to look for a warranty that covers the mower for 2 years or more.

Some manufacturers offer a generous 4-year warranty. However, it could be a limited warranty, so it's best to read the fine print, which can be accessed through the website.

12 lawnmower safety tips you need to know

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than80,000 injuredbe treated for unsafe operation of garden equipment. For many homesteaders, operating a large garden machine is a mandatory part of their weekly chores, but by following a few safety tips you can stay injury-free.

1. Operation manual. Always read your owner's manual carefully before operating your mower.
2. Wear safety glasses. Even if you sit on the mower high off the ground, there may be debris flying around. If you're mowing in an area with a lot of low-hanging branches, it's a good idea to wear protective hats or at least a hat.
3. Mow in daylight. If possible, try to mow in daylight and when the grass is dry. Although many riding mowers have LED headlights, a mower can still have trouble mowing through wet grass or muddy areas.
4. Check your workspace. Check your yard or property for debris or objects that could damage the mower and yourself if you mow over it.
5. Child/Pet Alarm. Make sure there are no children, pets or livestock around when mowing.
6. Drive carefully. Always look 3-4 feet straight in front of you, just as you would when driving your car.
7. Cope with difficult terrain. Be careful when mowing hills and inclines. It is best to mow uphill and downhill, not across.
8. operational safety. Turn off the mower when crossing a driveway or opening and closing a gate, and do not leave the mower unattended.
9. Clean lawn mower. If you need to remove grass from the grass chute, first turn off the mower.
10. Securing the mower. Do not attempt to repair the mower while it is running.
11. hot engines. Stay away from a hot engine.
12. Mowing in hot weather. If you mow for a long time on a hot day, make sure you wear a hat and have water with you.

The 6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers - Reviews

1.Ryobi Rear Engine Electric Lawn Mower

If you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to a gas powered lawn mower for a 6 acre property, this is theRyobi rear motor electric lawn moweris just right for you. It's powered by a 100Ah battery that offers up to 2.5 hours of run time, meaning it's powerful and you don't have to worry about fumes, belts, spark plugs or filters.

The RY48111 can be charged from a 120 volt socket and there is a USB phone charger for a phone or MP3 player.

The operation of this machine is very easy due to the hydrostatic drive and the accelerator pedal responds very well. The intelligent cruise control also provides excellent maneuverability on level ground and gentle inclines.

The Ryobi ride-on mower features a 38-inch, 2-blade steel deck and 12-position manual deck adjustment that makes it easy to get a clean, level cut across your lawn. Because this mower only emits 70dB, it's extremely quiet, so you can mow your lawn without disturbing your neighbors.

User-friendly features include a comfortable, good-sized seat, easy-grip steering wheel, controls located right next to your seat, and LED headlights. Also, this ride-on mower has a towing capacity of 350 pounds.

advantages

• Ideal for 2.5 hectare plots
• Good value for money
• Powerful
• Very good battery life
• Easy to adjust deck
• Very responsive controls
• Delivers a clean and even cut
• Finds convenient user-friendly controls

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• Not ideal for steep hills or heavy use
• Not ideal for lawns with very tall grass

Check the price on Amazon

2. Husqvarna YTH18542 ride-on mower

The Husqvarna name is synonymous with excellent ride-on mowers that are built to last and are easy to drive. ThatHusqvarna YTH18542 ride-on mowerfeatures a powerful 18.5hp Briggs & Stratton engine and 2.5 gallon fuel tank making this mower ideal for maintaining a medium to large sized property.

Driving the YTH18542 is effortless thanks to the intuitive hydrostatic transmission that lets you control the stepless variable forward and reverse speed with the touch of a pedal, allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel for optimal driving control.

You can even mow backwards with a simple push of a button. Tough anti-scalping rear tires give you much-needed traction for rough terrain and the 16-inch turning radius is ideal for tight corners.

You can be assured of an even cut every time as air induction technology improves airflow from the top and bottom of the deck.

Husqvarna has designed this ride-on mower with your comfort in mind. You can quickly adjust the cutting height of the 42-inch reinforced steel deck with the adjustment lever, conveniently located within arm's reach of your seat.

For those long hours working on a larger property, the comfortable 13-inch center-back vinyl seat reclines fore and aft, and the ergonomic steering wheel has a comfortable, soft grip. A drink holder is the perfect place to keep a cool drink handy while you work.

The mower is really easy to keep clean and you can connect a water hose to the underside of the deck and hose down the machine.

If you prefer to work at dawn or dusk, the Husqvarna ride-on mower is also equipped with LED headlights.

Not only does Husqvarna offer you an overall quality mowing and cutting performance, but they have also designed this ride-on mower to accommodate other attachments, so you can use it for all your towing needs.

advantages

• Quickly
• Good value for money
• Ideal for small to medium-sized properties with slight inclines
• Powerful engine
• Easy to use
• Good steering
• LED headlights
• Comfortable seat and steering wheel

Disadvantages

• Can be difficult to maneuver around obstacles
• Not ideal for mowing steep hills
• Has no gas gauge

Check the price on Amazon

3.Husqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower

If you have a medium to large sized property up to 3 acres in size, theHusqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Moweris the perfect ride-on mower for you. The powerful 24hp Briggs & Stratton engine is known for reliable long-term performance, a better cut, minimal vibration, quieter operation and reduced overheating.

The engine does not need to be primed because the choke-less starting key allows for an extremely responsive start. With just a push of the pedal, the fast hydrostatic automatic transmission provides fast and smooth, variable forward and reverse speeds.

The durable, steel-reinforced, spring-assisted 48-inch mower deck is built strong for tough jobs and has 6 height positions to choose from that easily adjust to any terrain or grass level on your property. Special air induction mowing technology also improves airflow within the mower deck, ensuring a clean, even cut every time.

A heavy cast-iron, oscillating front axle provides excellent balance, and a 16-inch turning radius helps you maneuver the mower around trees or other obstacles.

When it comes to cutting thick grass, the Electric Blade Engagement system can be operated with a simple flick of a switch on the control panel.

The maintenance minder will remind you when it's time to service your tractor and there's a handy cup holder for your drink. You will enjoy a comfortable mowing experience because Husqvarna has integrated an ergonomic seat and a soft-grip steering wheel.

advantages

• Ideal for medium to large plots up to 3 hectares
• Powerful
• Good speed
• Cuts well
• Smooth operation
• Good turning radius
• Robust construction
• Ideal for cutting dense grass

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• Not ideal for steep inclines

Check the price on Amazon

4.Husqvarna YTH24V54 ride-on mower

Once you're on the driveHusqvarna YTH24V54 ride-on mowerYou'll wonder how you ever managed to preserve your property without them. The YTH24V54 is an extremely durable mower that cuts through long, thick grass with ease.

The powerful 24 hp Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine delivers the power you need for longer mowing jobs and there is no need to start or stall the engine. Ready-Start technology turns the mower on with just a turn of a key, providing reliable, continuous performance and preventing the engine from overheating.

Equipped with a 54-inch reinforced steel cutting deck, you can cut and trim turf in one swift sweep, and the air intake keeps the deck clean. An electric blade engagement system means you can raise and lower the deck simply by pulling a switch. Driving over rough terrain is no problem for this mower as it has 4 anti-scalpel wheels.

The foot pedal operated hydrostatic transmission provides a smooth shifting experience. With a turning radius of 16 inches and a special reverse drive function, you can easily maneuver the lawn mower around tight corners and obstacles. This ride-on mower is a super fast machine and delivers top speed so that all your mowing jobs are done quickly.

Driving the Husqvarna ride-on mower is a joy as it features a deep design, an ergonomic steering wheel and a 15-inch high-back seat that is very comfortable and supportive. The ride-on mower also has powerful headlights for safe driving in poor light conditions.

The YTH24V54 is ideal for medium sized properties with uneven terrain and slight inclines or slopes, but it is not designed for very steep hills as it is quite bulky.

advantages

• Powerful
• Quickly
• Great cutting performance
• Very good turning radius
• Works best in hilly terrain
• Ready-Start-Technologie
• Mow backwards
• Powerful headlights
• Comfortable seat

Disadvantages

• Not ideal for very steep hills
• Gas tank is a bit small
• Screws can easily loosen under the seat

Check the price on Amazon

5.Husqvarna TS 348XD ride-on mower

One of the most trusted manufacturers of outdoor power and lawn care equipment, Husqvarna is intelligently designed TS 348XD ride-on moweroffers you the perfect combination of performance and ease of use.

Durable and reliable, the Husqvarna ride-on lawn mower is an excellent choice for home residents who have a medium-sized property with flat terrain.

Powered by a reliable 726cc OHV engine, the ride-on mower delivers enough power and torque for fast, single-stroke cutting, and the automatic variable transmission gives you more control over the mower's speed.

The efficient 48-inch steel cutter deck can be adjusted up or down to 5 positions with the hand-held height adjustment for easy maneuverability and quick blade engagement in gardens with obstructions or difficult corners.

The fuel viewing window on the tank helps you keep an eye on fuel consumption.

Its durable front and rear wheels allow for a smooth ride on rough terrain and also help prevent any scalping on your lawn.

The turning radius and manual PTO mechanism make this machine very easy to maneuver when making sharp turns and getting in and out of tight spots.

Husqvarna has incorporated some great ergonomic features to make mowing easier for you.

For your driving comfort, the lawnmower has a comfortable high-back seat that offers extra space for people with longer legs and an adjustable steering wheel with a soft rim. The unique step-through frame enables quick entry and exit from the machine.

A highly versatile machine, you can attach a garden cart or a small trailer to the lawnmower.

Husqvarna offers a 2-year limited warranty on the ride-on mower.

advantages

• Ideal for medium-sized plots with uneven terrain
• Easy to use
• Durable and reliable
• Powerful engine
• Efficient cutting deck
• The good turning radius makes maneuvering easier
• Very good cutting ability
• Comfortable seat
• Adjustable steering wheel with soft steering wheel rim
• Unique step-through frame
• Compact design

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• Belt doesn't last very long
• Not ideal for lawns with very tall grass
• Small fuel tank

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6. Husqvarna TS 354XD Garden tractor

With unmatched design features and capabilities in its class, theHusqvarna TS 354XD Garden tractoris perfect for a medium to large sized plot with rough mowing conditions.

The reliable 24hp Kawasaki engine delivers maximum power, quieter operation and low emissions, so you can mow anywhere fast - with consistent results every time.

Built like a tank, the TS 354XD features a tough 10-gauge ClearCut™ welded steel cutter deck and the added welded reinforcement strips ensure long life. Instead of painted plastic, which can fade, Husqvarna made the hood out of solid steel.

The commercial electric rear locking differential keeps both rear tires moving in unison without overheating, providing unmatched traction on inclines and wet, slippery conditions. Six anti-scalping tires also prevent damage to your lawn.

You have a lot of cutting versatility as the cutter deck has 6 cutting height settings ranging from 1 to 4 inches.

The mower's top speed of 5.5 MPH and 2.5 MPH in reverse is quickly adjustable via the pedal-operated Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission. Cruise control and a 16-inch turning radius make the ride-on mower easy to maneuver in a tight garden. A cast-iron front axle and dual drag links allow for improved balance and stability, as well as a tighter turning radius.

For mowing comfort and support, the 21-inch deluxe rear seat has armrests and the cockpit is very spacious. The oversized soft-touch steering wheel guarantees less effort and better ergonomics. Husqvarna also features LED headlights for better visibility in low light, an hour meter, a large 4-gallon fuel tank with an easy-to-access fuel cup and visible fuel level, and a deck wash port.

advantages

• Ideal for medium to large lots with harsh conditions
• Maximum Performance
• Reliable performance
• Solid steel construction
• Versatile 6 cutting height settings
• Top speed up to 5.5 MPH and 2.5 MPH in reverse
• Unmatched traction on inclines and wet, slippery conditions
• Anti-scalping tires
• Cruise control
• The 16 inch turning radius is ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces
• Improved balance and stability
• The 21 inch high deluxe back seat has armrests
• Spacious cockpit
• Oversized soft touch steering wheel
• LED headlights
• Washout hole on deck

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• Needs more shock absorption in the seat
• Very bulky
• The motor is very noisy when the deck is retracted

Check the price on Amazon

Our top picks for the best riding lawn mower

OurTop choice for the best riding lawn moweris theHusqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower.

With air induction mowing technology, it improves grass lift and delivers an excellent cut. Many special features such as throttle start, 48 inch cutting width and 24 hp power make this machine a worthy place on the list of the best lawn mowers.

Check the price on Amazon