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The best lawn tractor is not just a great investment for commercial users, but it also serves you well if you have tracks of lawn that you need to clear in record time.
It is even better when you live in a farm or a sunny state where it is mowing season all year round. Next up are 8 of the biggest brands of riding mowers at the moment.
Comparison Table/Summary
Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Lawn Mower
Husqvarna is known for making some of the best residential and commercial lawn mowers, and so Husqvarna YTH18542 is no exception.
It looks sturdy because the company uses standard steel to make it, and the cutting deck width, 46 inches, is enough to ensure great cuts for an average-sized lawn.
It comes with a 2.5-gallon fuel tank, which is smaller by a gallon compared to most others of its size, but a full tank will still complete a medium-sized lawn without refill.
Its air induction technology enhances air flow through the deck to keep grass lifted for efficient cutting.
The cutting deck is made of flat-stock steel, and so it can take a beating, and the 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine is a sure bet for anyone who knows about mower engines.
You want to be fully in control of the steering wheel when you work your lawn, which is why the mower’s transmission is pedal-operated and hydrostatic to move with your feet.
It starts at the push of a button, and so it is instant. This mower’s front wheels are small and without tread to facilitate fast movement while the rear thick treaded wheels keep it stable and make it possible to take 180-degree turns for cleaner cuts.
Though the deck is quite wide, the rest of this mower is quite compact for storage.
Sure it will take up more space than a push mower, but you simply have to pack and leave it. It has a comfortable seat that is accompanied by a safety feature that shuts down the mower if you get off the seat while it’s still on.
Pros
- Large deck for quick clean cuts.
- Pedal-controlled.
- Technology that conserves fuels.
Cons
- Quite large for storage.
- Limited fuel capacity.
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower
This mower has a 23hp Kawasaki twin engine and the cutting deck is all of 52 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep. It is made of 10-gauge steel to handle all the rough treatment it is bounds to receive when cutting grass, and being a zero-turn, it can turn at the drop of a hat.
With this machine, you don’t have to worry about overlapping as you would with a push mower.
The manufacturer throws in a 3-year warranty and you can find dealers in almost each part where the machine is sold.
Ariens 915223 has a hydro-gear transmission that does not require manual change, and so you can move forward at 7mph. It has controls for speed especially when going downhill, and because t drives like a car, you can be sure to avoid obstacles with ease and reverses at 3mph.
The 52-inch fabricated cutting deck ensures you get through mowing in record time, and as per the makers records it can go through 1 to 6 acres lawn without a fuel refill stop, but of course that would depend on terrain and grass thickness.
It is adjustable up to 13 different cutting positions to suit different grass levels.
For riding in comfort, especially when working on large lawns, the high-back padded seat in this mower is handy.
It does get a little bumpy on rough terrains even with air suspension, but for the most part it is comfortable.
No cup holder, unfortunately. And as for fuel running out while you are still working, that won’t happen as the fuel sight gauge shows you the state of things.
Pros
- 180-degree turns to maneuver any part of a lawn
- Fuel sight gauge to tell you the level of fuel left.
- 7 mph forward speed.
Cons
- Quite the emitter that it is banned in California.
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in.
This mower from Husqvarna uses a 24hp Briggs & Stratton engine and it has a 61-inch cutting deck that ensures clean, swift moves through a large lawn.
It weighs well over 700 lbs and measures 42 x 76 x 75.5 inches, and so it does take up some storage space. Its wheel is padded and placed quite high up, but you can manipulate it with a lever.
Some reviewers complain of getting thrown up and down when working rough terrains, but this seat works well on normal flat grounds.
The engine is a well-known brand, and it does a top 8.5 mph forward speed which the manufacturer translates to 4.2 acres per hour. Chokeless start is something that any lawn mower would expect from such a performer to start the engine immediately whether cold or warm.
Also notable among safety measures on this mower is it won’t start until you are seated. If you get up or leave the seat when it is still on, it goes off automatically.
The front 6-inch wide front caster wheels are unmarked, which would make someone expect them to skid especially on wet grass. That is not really the case as this nature is only meant to make them move smoother.
The rear wheels measure 12 x 10 x 10, and they are treaded for stability, especially when the mower turns 180-degrees. The dual levers which you use for steering vibrate on impact to help you control the speed of the mower.
They take a while to get used to, but the manual that comes with this machine explains everything you need to know.
Pros
- Sturdy front and rear wheels for speed and stability.
- Sturdy build and great engine.
- Easy 180-degree turn.
Cons
- Steers take a while to get used to.
- Fuel consumption is high.
Craftsman T135 18.5 HP
Bearing a Briggs & Stratton 18.5hp engine, this mower is powerful and a great asset for both residential and commercial users. It has a 46-in steel deck, and weighs a little over 500lbs when assembled.
Because it is a 180-degree turn mower, it is easy to maneuver and turn, and after learning how to control it you no longer have to worry about overlapping.
The deck ensures quite yet effective cuts, with enough air being sent into it to lift and cut with a sharp set of twin blades.
It is bagger-capable, although the kit is sold separately. It moves at 5.5mph at the top of its speed, and it reverses at the same speed.
The steel-made cutting deck is covered in a 2-year limited warranty as the rest of the mower. It turns at a radius of 18 inches, eliminating the worry for overlapping.
It has a seat that, though quite comfortable as it is padded, can be a bit turbulent when working on rough terrains. Still, one of its safety measures prevents the machine from moving until the rider is comfortable on the seat.
This mower’s 15” front wheels are paired with 20” rear wheels that control its smooth movement and stability. The tread on those rear wheels is not so deep that it will tear up your turf, but it is sturdy enough to stabilize it and enable efficient turning.
Thanks to its ready-start technology, this mower moves as soon as you push the right button, and the steering wheel makes it feel like you are driving a car.
Pros
- Easy to start.
- Sturdy engine and deck.
- Easy to clean after use and to maintain.
Cons
- Stiff foot pedal.
- Seat doesn’t adjust smoothly.
Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series
The Cub Cadet Enduro Series has a lot going on for it; 18-horsepower engine, chokeless start, and hydrostatic (auto) transmission to take the concern over transmission off your mind.
These features make it one of the easiest riding mowers to use, and then topping it all up off with a 42-inch deck seals this deal. It is one of the best-selling riding mower by residential users.
This mower is quite agile as it turns at 16-inch turning radius, and this is partly made possible by its front and rear wheels that work to complement each other.
The front wheels are smooth and you would even expect them to slide when you work on wet grounds, but that is not the case as this feature only makes them glide smoothly.
The rear thicker and treaded wheels are for stability when you take those sharp turns. At 16-inch turning radius, you don’t have to measure how far to move for the perfect overlap, and the tread will not go deep enough to ruin your lawn.
The wider deck covers the blades perfectly, allowing you to mow fast and efficiently. With 12 cutting height adjustments, you can cut grass of just about any height, and the horsepower will also allow for tough terrain maneuvering.
Prefer working at night? Well, the headlights are a touch you will appreciate, as is the fuel gauge warning you when your tank is dangerously low.
The high-back seat on this mower is padded for comfort, and the lever on the side will enable any adjustments you need to make. That said, you can expect the normal bumps when the terrain gets tougher.
Pros
- High-back seat that you can adjust to suit height.
- Fuel gauge.
- 18-horsepower engine
- Chokeless start.
Cons
- Hectic assembly.
Ariens 991151 Apex
Ariens 991151 Apex has a large 60-inch cutting deck, and is fitted with a 24 HP Kawasaki engine. You can tell it is sturdy just by looking at it, thanks to the steel deck that has been welded to it.
It has an engine guard too and a rare bagger sold separately.
The deck is made of 10-Gauge steel that will last long. You have cutting options as it is a 3-in-1 (Side-Discharge/Bag/Mulch). You can adjust the cutting deck in 15 Positions to cut grass at any level.
Its spindles are made of aluminum and the three blades inside are well covered for optimal protection of the user. They deliver clean cuts at a go, thanks to the 60-inch deck that allows in as much air as the blades will need to get the job done.
These features make this mower ideal for commercial use.
The hydrostatic transmission makes the controls much easier so you don’t have to engage it manually. It also starts easily at the press of a button, which greatly reduces the learning curve.
It comes with 3-year and 1-year consumer and commercial warranties respectively, but you would have to buy headlights separately as they are not part of the package.
Though this mower packs a massive 853 pounds, it is compact enough to store in a regular garage. The aftercare is also quite easy as you only have to clean the parts and drain gasoline.
The manufacturer sells it with a comprehensive manual so you don’t struggle too much with controls, which take a while to learn for complete newbie users.
Pros
- Keyless start.
- Thick treaded rear wheels for stability.
- Sturdy build, good engine, and wide steel cutting-deck.
- Mulching, cutting, and bagging capabilities.
Cons
- Limited warranty for commercial users.
RedMax New RZT48
This mower features a 23Hp Kawasaki FX series engine, 48-inch cutting deck, and has cutting, mulching, and discharging capabilities, though the accessories are not included in the package.
The engine is designed to reduce emissions and to use fuel efficiently.
The deck, which is made from 10 gauge steel for longevity, houses the three blades that make everything happen.
This mower uses gasoline, and it its tank – that is mounted on the side – has a 3.5-gallon capacity, enough to take you through one mowing session for between 1 and 6 acres of lawn.
For comfort while mowing, it features a 15″ padded high back seat that you can adjust using controls on the side of the seat. It also has a cup holder. The mower is designed to stop immediately it detects the seat has been vacated.
The steers vibrate on touch to give you even better control especially on speed. The rear thick tires have defined tread that prevents them from skidding without burrowing into the lawn to ruin your grass.
They give the mower much-needed stability especially when making abrupt turns. The front wheels are unmarked to facilitate fast movement. It weighs 592 lbs and is compact.
Overall, this mower is sturdy and a worthy investment for residential and commercial users. The brand is relatively new and not very well known yet, but reviewers are saying good things about it.
Pros
- Chokeless start.
- Low emissions.
- Compact – takes up minimal space.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
Craftsman Z560
Craftsman Z560 is no different from all other mowers from the company. Year after year, Craftsman releases a study, competitive machine that has others playing catchup.
This one, featuring a 24 HP Briggs and Stratton twin-cylinder engine and a 54″ reinforced stamped steel deck is bagger enabled and allows you to add a host of accessories that aren’t included in the initial package.
It measures 84 x 59.8 x 34.8 inches and weighs 700 lbs, but it is compact and not such a hustle to store if you have a wide garage.
Backed by a 2-year limited warranty, the craftsman z560 zero turn mower cuts with three blades and well-covered under the deck. It uses gasoline, naturally, and so you will have to contend with a bit of emissions.
It is quite noisy too, and so the headlights don’t mean all that much if you like in close proximity with other people. Being zero-turn, it takes graceful 180-degree turns to eliminate guess work while overlapping.
This mower is a fast one, advancing at 8 Mph tops and reversing at 4 Mph. Instead of the usual steers on most mowers, this one has a steering wheel like that of a car. It is easy to control since you are free to use your hands, thanks to the foot pedal.
It will move unless you are seated on the padded high seat, which acts as safety measure. The rear and front wheels are of different dimensions, naturally – 11×6/20×10.
The front, smooth, unmarked wheels make movements swift and easy while the rear ones balance the mower without ruining your lawn.
Pros
- Quick start.
- Wide cutting deck made of steel.
- Steering wheel for easy controls.
Cons
- Emits quite heavily.
Best Riding Lawn Mower For Hills
Got hills and hate using your walk-behind… is doing your lawns become a chore and not no fun no more… if you’re looking to invest some coin in a riding lawn mower and not sure of the best riding lawn mower for hills and slopes… then this article is just for you.
Choosing a lawnmower isn’t the easiest thing to do and getting the right one doesn’t just come down to just price.
A few things you’ve got to consider when picking the right mower for you:
- Hillslope
- Safety
- Type
This table summarizes the products we will review.
Here’s a couple of our favorites
How to choose the best type of riding lawn mower for you
As we know there are 3 main types of riding mowers we can check out:
- Zero-turn( ZTR)
- Tractors (includes lawn and garden tractors
- Rear engine riding mowers.
Each one has its limits and capabilities and when you start talking about hills, inclines, declines... this leads to a whole new matter.
To choose which mower is best, you need to know what slope your lawn is.
How to measure hill slope
For this exercise you will need:
- 2 stakes, timber or steel. It don't matter
- A string line
- Tape measure
- Calculator or use this online one
Drive a stake into the ground at the top of the hill and then another at the bottom. If you've got a long run you can shorten it by the length of the string line you've got.
Tie the string on to the bottom of the stake at the top of the hill.
Then tie the string onto the stake at the bottom of the hill so that the string is level from the top to the bottom. Any of these string line levels will do the job if you don't have any.
Once you've got the string line level than just measure the rise then divide it by the run, x that by 100 and that will give you slope %
So if you've got a run of 500 ft and a rise of 15 ft, the calculations will be
15 ÷ 500 = 0.03 x 100 = 3% grade or slope.
If you've got a rise of 15 ft you'll need a stake over that distance of 500 ft of at least 15 ft plus the depth to peg into the ground.
That's a pretty big stake to try and smash into the ground.
You don't have to measure the entire slope at once. You can do it in intervals and get an average over the distances or pick the steepest section by eye and measure that.
We're not looking for a precision degree here just a ballpark of ya steepest grade of the hill.
Once you've got this then you can move on choosing the best type of riding lawn mower.
Hot tip: Always mow across slopes when using a walk-behind mower and up and down the slope when using a riding mower.
Some things to think about when buying a riding mower
Everyone has there one things with what's important to choose a mower for there lawns. So we want to offer a few options of things to consider when the time for when you're ready to throw down some cash on a newie.
Baggers
Do you want to bag the clippings and use em in a compost bin, place around the garden or dispose of. Not all riding mowers has this option and many will also have it as an extra add-on. Here you can see a list of 8 of the best riding mowers with baggers.
Yard size
For small lawns, the average and cheapest is a rear-mounted engine mower. Available in a range of decks from around 28", versatile and with at least 14 ponies driving the girl
For yards in the one-to-three acre range, a zero-turning rider or front-engine lawn tractor may be appropriate. Look for a mower with at least 14-16 hp and a wide mowing deck – at least 38 inches – to get your lawn work done quickly.
Yards larger than three acres are best handled by a large zero turn mower or a garden tractor. Look for models that have at least 18hp engines and mowing decks in the 44-54 inch range.
Make sure to check the slope degree beforehand.
Always refer to the owner's manual as each lawn mower has different specs and whether the slope you've got is safe for you to mow.
As a rule of thumb, anything greater than 20 degrees don't try to attempt with a walk-behind.
With tractors and ride-on anything more than 15 degrees will test the limits and zero-turns, best to try and stay under 10 degrees.
These degrees on angle will variate so make sure to talk to your dealer or refer back to the user manual for more specific details on your mower.
[/su_note]Husqvarna ts242xd
These two are specifically made for the hills and have different slip differentials to the standard series like the Husqvarna YTH18542
Sitting up front running this Husqvarna is a 21.5 hp Kawasaki engine that offers plenty of power when needed.
Has a deck cutting height from 1.5″ to 4″ and a reinforced 46-inch cutting deck and is fitted with anti-scalping wheels
The seat is easily adjusted without the need for any tools so you can get the perfect setup and seat position in minutes.
Pros
- Heavy duty cast iron front axle
- 4-gallon fuel capacity with 42″ cut deck
- Designed for hills
Cons
Snapper 2911525BVE
The snapper is best suited for small areas and for those who just looking for a mower that will mow the lawn without all the bells and whistels.
This snapper range is recommended for slopes not exceeding 15 degrees.
The Snapper classic has a 11.5 Hp rear-mounted drive engine with a 28″ cutting deck. Simple design no frills look makes it a good solid little mower.
Overall assembled width is around 32inches not including mulching kit or the side discharge cover.
The mower can be stored and stood on its backend for those whos got limited storage space. There are no lights fitted on this bad boy and sorry guys no cup holder for those refreshing cold beers waters
Pros
- Vertical stand on edge space saver
- Cutting height ranges from 1.5 – 4
- Can mulch and bag.
Cons
- Bagger sold separately.
- Not designed to pull heavy loads
Ariens 915223 IKON-X
The Arions Ikno-x comes has a 3 year warranty for piece of mind as shit does happen. Also services are available at dealers everywhere.
The machine is powered by Kawasaki's 23 ponies under the "bonnet" giving you plenty of power when needed eliminating any bog downs or stalls.
The scalping wheels come standard on this series just in case you've still got some untamed terrain on the place.
It's recommended not to be used with a slope over 15 degrees and if you have a section, try hitting that area downwards to be more safer.
Pros
- Full-pressure lubrication system with full-flow filter for maximum internal lubication
- 52-Inch, 3-Blade Fabricated Mower Deck
- 13 optional cutting heights with 1/4″ increments for a perfect cut.
- 3 Blade 3-in-1 (Side-Discharge/Bag/Mulch) cutting options
Cons
- Doesn’t come with lights
- Not recommended for hill more than 15 degrees
- Some have had issues with deck tires coming loose
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Lawn Tractor
There are four things to look out for before buying a tractor mower, whether for residential or commercial use.
The Engine Capacity
All the brands of reputable mowers out there are fitted with engines from companies such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, and the rest if the big names.
One of the things you should look out for is the horsepower, as it describes the engine’s output. Power is usually distributed among the various components of the mower such as blades and drive transmission.
The more the horsepower, the better a mower will be at working with thicker grass and mowing uphill.
For residential users with smaller lawns on relatively flat grounds, 18.5hp and above is okay, while commercial use could require 24hp and above so it can handle the expected longer hours of use.
Fuel Capacity
This describes the amount of fuel a tank can hold, which naturally correlates with the size.
You want a mower with a large enough tank to hold fuel that will take you through the entire mowing session without you stopping to refill. This will also depend on the size of your lawn.
Deck Width
Cutting decks differ in sizes. Compact mowers that go as low as 30” are ideal for residential work, but the larger ones that are over 50”are better for commercial use or those with large tracks of lawns.
You will choose this depending on the size of your lawn. As larger cutting decks handle longer blades that get the job done in less time. They also allow in lots of air that the mechanisms of the mower need to lift grass and enable the blades to work their magic.
Transmission
Transmission of a mower transfers power from the engine to that the machine can propel itself forward and backwards in reverse. The three options available to mower user are manual, automatic, and hydrostatic transmissions, with manual operations being mostly on older models.
Think of it as driving an older car where you use the clutch to shift between speeds and gears. While some people still find it authentic – and it is as it engages all your faculties – most would prefer easier operations.
Automatic transmission gives you better control of your mower, and it only gets better when you can use the foot pedal to manipulate speed and go around obstacles as you work. It is also easy to maintain.
[/su_note]Final Words
riding mowers come in different sizes and not one size fits all. Choosing a new mower is a personal thing and depending what you like and want will determine your choice.
Zero-turn mowers are fast, wider cutting decks but can be a little tricky to steer at first.
Soze of your yard will also come into play on what machine be best, hilly terrain, flat and open or small but too big for a walk-behind mower like these ones.