Best riding lawn mowers for the money are great for large properties and for those who don’t want to push heavy gas mowers across their grass. These machines are the perfect alternative to standard walk-behind mowers because they allow you to drive the machine around your yard, just like you would an automobile.
Best Riding Lawn Mowers For The Money Buyer’s Guide
Several factors must be considered before you go purchasing a riding lawnmower.
Engine HP
Engine Horsepower is the measurement that is used to describe the engine’s power output. Thus, the more HP output, the more power the mower can distribute between tasks. Mowers with a power output of around 20 HP or greater are ideal for large properties.
Cut Width
This measures how wide a swath of grass a mower can cut in one pass. Smaller more compact mowers can have a cut width as low as 30” while their larger counterparts can have up to 50” or more cutting deck widths.
Fuel Capacity
How much gas each mower can hold in a tank is determined by the fuel capacity and goes with the size of the model. Go for a mower that has the required capacity to tackle your lawn to avoid stopping in the middle of your work to refuel. Mowers with a small fuel capacity are ideal for medium-sized yards while mowers with large fuel tanks are ideal for large properties.
Transmission
There are three options for transmissions. They are manual, automatic, and hydrostatic transmissions. This is what transfers power from the engine to the wheels, enabling the machine to drive forward or in a reverse. Manual transmissions have a range of set speeds that you can choose from.
An automatic transmission enables you to control the speed of your tool with gas pedal while the hydrostatic transmission is similar to an automatic transmission with the only difference being that these systems use fluid instead of belts to transfer power from mowers’ engines to their wheels.
List Of Best Riding Lawn Mowers
Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Lawn Mower
This piece towers above in the category of riding lawnmowers. It is a powerful, user-friendly workhorse that enables you to tackle large landscapes as simply as if you were driving a car. It is designed with an array of features and has a sturdy build, and stands as one of the most impressive options available.
It is also backed by an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, a pedal-operated hydrostatic drive FAST automatic transmission, and an auto-choke feature. It is maintenance-free, powerful, and starts with a turn of the key.
It’s 42” cutting deck makes for durability, and features twin sheets of 13 gauge steel, a heavy-duty chassis, and cast-iron axles make for durability. The rear differential increases your traction when mowing wet grass or navigating inclines and 2 anti-scalp wheels protect your turf from damage.
An ergonomic design, an adjustable high back seat, and a comfort-grip steering wheel make it incredibly comfortable to operate. Also with an easy electric cutting blade engagement switch and a fender-mounted deck lever all within reach and offers you all the controls you need right at your fingertips.
Reasons to love this mower
- Ergonomic design for comfort
- An impressive 18.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine
- Sturdy 42” cutting deck
- Rear differential for improved traction.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 24 HP
- Cutting Width – 42 inches
- Fuel Capacity – 2.5 Gal.
Rating
A premium purchase that also delivers some of the most impressive results in its class. It is powerful, precise and easy-to-use and capable of taking on even the largest of yards in no time. An ideal mower for anyone looking for a powerful riding mower that will withstand years of heavy use.
Husqvarna Z254 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Known for building high-quality lawn mowers, Husqvarna stamps its brand on this one. It is an innovative model designed to deliver high performance and power in a sleek, cutting-edge design. This lawnmower takes the work out of mowing your lawn.
It’s 54” 12 gauge steel cutting deck is rugged and can tackle any yard. Additionally, it’s 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series Engine with premium air filtration, chrome plated valves, finished bearing surfaces, and an oversized cooling fan gives it power and durability.
A maintenance-free zero-turn transmission helps you not to spend time maintaining this piece. This piece draws air from the top and bottom of the deck and offers improved grass lift for exceptional cut quality.
It is easy to use all thanks to its an ergonomic control panel that puts everything at your fingertips. Additionally, there’s a bumper with integrated headlights, automatic parking brake system, and a 3 anti-scalp rollers to safeguard your lawn.
Reasons to love this mower
- Super powerful and reliable
- A Zero-turn transmission for maintenance-free and smooth operation.
- 54” steel reinforced cutting deck
- 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series Engine.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 26 HP
- Cutting Width – 54 inches
- Fuel Capacity –3.5 Gal.
Rating
A sturdy and reliable workhorse that delivers exceptional results and is very easy to operate. A powerful 18 HP motor and smooth Hydrostatic transmission which makes driving this mower easy.
Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower
The Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower is perfect for homeowners with medium or large yards. It is a versatile mowing tractor that combines the benefits of a standard rider with the compact size of a wide-cut walk-behind gas model.
Built with a powerful 38cc, 6-speed transmission, auto-choke OHV engine, this piece is capable of a top forward speed up to 4.25 MPH. The 5-position cutting height setting makes it perfect for selecting the perfect cutting height for your grass.
For comfort, you can use this mower with an adjustable seat that raises to mid-back and a large 13” soft grip steering wheel. Built also with a 14-gauge cutting deck, for improved durability and an 18” turning radius that enables you to maneuver as easily as you could with a walk-behind lawn mower.
Reasons to love this mower
- 5 different cutting heights settings
- Powerful 382cc 6-speed OHV engine
- Can be easily maneuvered with a great 18” turning radius
- Wide 30” 14-gauge steel cutting deck.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 12 HP
- Cutting Width – 30 inches
- Fuel Capacity – 1.3 Gal.
Rating
An ideal and affordable mower that is capable of tackling medium-sized yards. Great for anyone looking for a machine that can be stored in a shed or garage without taking up a lot of space.
Cub Cadet Xt1 Enduro Series
One of the top models in the market. This power-packed dynamo is not only incredibly affordable but also delivers impressive performance and a smooth hydrostatic transmission that eliminates the need to shift gears.
The Cub Cadet Xt1 Enduro Series has an impressive 18 HP Kohler OHV engine and 42” cutting deck, and is one of the most impressive mowers in its class and cuts grass easily with clean, precise results.
This mowers rear-wheel drive offers great traction and handling and it’s 16” turning radius is great for getting into those hard-to-reach corners. You can easily raise or lower the cutting deck because of a fender-mounted lever and Push-button cruise control which allows you to focus on steering instead of having to bother about maintaining the perfect speed.
The Cub Cadet is extremely comfortable to operate with adjustable seating soft-grip steering wheel and even a cup holder. Its built-in headlights make sure that you’ll be receiving optimum mowing conditions any time of the day or night.
Reasons to love this mower
- 42” cutting deck
- 18 HP Kohler OHV engine with automatic hydrostatic transmission
- Great steering with 16” turning radius.
- Push-button cruise control.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 18 HP
- Cutting Width – 42 inches
- Fuel Capacity – 3.0 Gal.
Rating
Perfect for mowing lawns with slightly uneven terrain. It delivers exceptional performance and an impressively smooth ride at an affordable price.
Craftsman R105 Riding Lawn Mower
Built to take on any size of the yard with features that are primarily focused on striking a delicate balance between small size and high grass cutting power. This mowers compact body weighs a relatively light 343 lbs and makes it easy to store in a small space.
Additionally, it’s powerful 382 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.
There’s a deck wash which saves time when cleaning the cutting deck of the Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower.
Reasons to love this mower
- Ergonomic design
- 6 Variable speed options
- 382 cc High powered engine
- Deck wash included
- 30-inch cutting deck.
Rating
A relatively small gas-powered riding mower that offers a high level of flexibility and a compact body for easy storage in relatively tight spaces.
A powerful enough engine to make cutting large greasy areas easy. Also, it has a seat and body that are ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and security during long periods of use in situations like trimming a large area of grass.
Husqvarna YTA24V48
The Husqvarna YTA24V48 lawn mower is a versatile, powerful machine that offers incredibly impressive results. It stands as one of the best cutting tools in its class with a 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek 2 cylinder engine and FAST automatic transmission.
This lawnmower provides premium performance and quality results and the pedal-controlled transmission features a choke less start and needs less power to drive, which means more cutting power.
The air boosts the airflow within it’s 48” reinforced 13 gauge steel cutting deck, enabling for a consistent cut every time. It factors in your convenience, by fender-mounted cutting height adjustment deck lever and electric blade engagement system.
It’s the adjustable seat and the ergonomic steering wheel makes mowing grass a simple process. Additionally, the brand is known for offering numerous accessories like towing, snow removal and mulching kits, and this piece is an incredibly versatile landscaping powerhouse…
Reasons to love this mower
- Wide 48” reinforced cutting deck
- Access to Husqvarna’s line of accessories
- 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek engine
- Fast auto transmission for smooth pedal-controlled maintenance-free performance.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 24 HP
- Cutting Width –48 inches
- Fuel Capacity – 3.0 Gal.
Rating
A powerful mower, built to withstand years of heavy use and easy to operate as an automobile.
Poulan Pro 960420192
The Poulan Pro 960420192 lawn mower is one of the most affordable riding mowers in the market. This powerful machine, delivers reliable performance, durability, and some other features that make it capable of tackling difficult terrain easily. Built with a 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder OHV engine and a large 42” reinforced cutting deck this mower makes your mowing exercise easy.
There’s an automatic hydrostatic transmission, that enables you to adjust speeds with a simple move of the fender-mounted lever. The oscillating front axle with a 6” turning radius allows you to navigate rough terrain and make tight turns for less trimming work.
A 6-position cutting height feature that allows you to adjust the tractor’s cutting deck to match the desired length of your grass. You can also purchase and optional mulch and bagging attachments to get an incredibly versatile grass-cutting machine for a little over $1,000.
Reasons to love this mower
- Impressive turning radius
- 42” reinforced cutting deck
- 5 HP Briggs and Stratton OHV engine with Hydrostatic automatic transmission
- 6 cutting height settings.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 15.5 HP
- Cutting Width –42 inches
- Fuel Capacity – 1.5 Gal.
Rating
An affordable mower at just $1,200. A simple efficient mower that is easy to use to tackle difficult terrains easily.
Poulan Pro P46ZX Briggs V-Twin
The Poulan Pro P46ZX Briggs V-Twin riding mower is a powerhouse yard tractor designed to deliver impressive performance and durability. It is very easy to handle, and it is also powered by an impressive 22 HP Briggs and Stratton V-Twin Pro engine and dual hydro-gear EZT drive system to make for a smooth and easy ride even on uneven terrains.
A 46” stamped steel-reinforced deck gives this machine durability and allows you mow lawns in fewer passes. Its 6-position cutting height adjustment enables you to quickly set the perfect cutting height for your lawn.
Additionally,there’s a Zero-turn radius that enables you to turn your riding mower on a dime, navigate around obstacles with ease, and finish mowing the grass quicker than with other riding mowers. Foam-padded handle grips and a comfortable, extra-high seat back makes it deliver comfortable mowing experience.
Reasons to love this mower
- Zero-turn radius
- Smooth drive and performance with the dual hydro-gear EZT drive system.
- 22 HP Briggs and Stratton V-Twin Pro engine
- Electric clutch.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 22 HP
- Cutting Width –46 inches
- Fuel Capacity – 3.5 Gal.
Rating
A powerful riding mower that gives comfort, durability and performance.
Husqvarna YTH24V54 Hydrostatic Riding Mower
This garden tractor gives impressive power, performance, and versatility all thanks to its sturdy build. With a powerful 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine and automatic hydrostatic transmission, this model offers a smooth forward and reverse speed without the need to shift gears.
There’s a reinforced 54” cutting deck which provides added strength while being able to mow down a large yard in less time than smaller riding models in the market.
It’s cruise control feature, enables the user to stop worrying about maintaining the perfect speed and concentrate on steering the mower across the yard. There are a fender-mounted cutting height adjustment and electric blade engagement that Keeps the controls at your fingertips. The built-in headlights allow the user to mow grass in a lighting condition.
Reasons to love this mower
- Cruise control
- Hydrostatic automatic transmission for a smoother ride and less mass maintenance
- 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine
- Wide 54” cutting deck.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 24 HP
- Cutting Width – 54 inches
- Fuel Capacity – 2.5 Gal
Rating
A workhorse that can tackle any lawn in less time than many competitors in the market. Built with enough durability to withstand years of heavy use.
Poulan Pro 960420170
A solid riding mower that provides power, performance, and reliability. A 20 HP V-Twin Briggs and Stratton engine with ready start and a pedal-controlled fast auto drive transmission makes this model a powerful and incredibly smooth to maneuver.
There’s a 46” reinforced cutting deck that allows the user to make wide passes on their lawn for a faster operating time as well as a 16” turning radius, which makes it easy to maneuver around tight turns and obstacles. A 20” rear and 15” front tires, makes it ideal for handling any terrain.
Also, it’s built-in headlights, lights your path as you trim grass early in the morning or late at night. It’s 13” mid-back seat and comfort grip steering wheel makes your ride easy and comfortable.
Reasons to love this mower
- 16” turning radius
- Smooth performance, responsive steering.
- 20 HP Briggs and Stratton engine with fast automatic transmission.
- 46” wide reinforced cutting deck.
Product Specification
- Engine Horsepower – 20 HP
- Cutting Width –46 inches
- Fuel Capacity – 2.5 Gal
Rating
A powerful, reliable riding mower that can take on a large lawn, leaving in its wake professional result.
How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower
It is easy to start a riding lawnmower. You can start a lawnmower in seconds all you need to do is adjust the cutting height of your cutting deck to your desired setting and most models now include fender-mounter levers that enable you to adjust this setting easily.
Next, simply climb into the seat of your rider and based on the model you own, either press the start button or turn the on/off switch. Due to its automatic transmission, these mowers don’t need you to shift gears or operate a clutch when changing speeds or switching from forward to reverse. Rather you’ll normally just have to use a foot pedal to increase and decrease your speed.