If you want your home looking pristine even on the outside, you have to take care of your lawn. This means watering and trimming it so that it is even and has a pleasant outlook. The trimming part is harder if you have a large compound since it will take quite long with regular lawnmowers. This is why you should invest in one of the best riding lawn mowers in the market. You may also want one for commercial mowing purposes.
Rural King Riding Lawn Mowers – REVIEWS & TOP PICKS
There are, of course, numerous options, and we can tell you this since we already reviewed 30 different riding lawn mowers. A top contender for the best is the Husqvarna YTH24V54. Most people will be glad to have the wide cutting area, powerful engine, and other excellent attributes that this tool has to offer. However, some may opt for other high-quality machines to feature on the below table as well. After all, preferences differ for most individuals.
The list below takes into account cutting widths, cutting heights, transmission, engines, warranties, and other features while ranking the products in the table. This information comes from the manufacturer and vendor sites, as well as customer reviews. Finding the data was by no means easy, but we spent a great deal of time at it and got the results. The mentioned features are important because they give an overview of the capabilities of each device.
Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 in. 24 HP Briggs
Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 in. 24 HP Briggs
If you’re looking for a rugged and tough, yet easy to use ride on mower, the Husqvarna YTH24V54 should fit the bill. This model features a 24 HP four stroke Briggs and Stratton engine that provides sufficient power to tackle hilly terrain and chop tall grass on areas as large as two acres.
This mower has been specifically designed and built to handle larger jobs, but it has retained the maneuverability of a smaller model. It is able to navigate tight spaces and make sharp turns frequently if you’re mowing a smaller area. The turn radius is a modest 16 inches, which allows you to easily mow around walkways, trees, lawn furniture and other objects that could impede your navigation. This makes it quite simple to get a clean and tidy cut regardless of the size of your mowing area.
One of the advantages of the Husqvarna YTH24V54 is that it is very easy to operate. Even if you have no prior experience with this type of equipment, you should find it simple to get started. The model has an easy start ignition system with a foot operated transmission, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the path ahead as you’re cutting. The engine can be started without needing to mess around with a choke, which is a major plus point for those who have little experience using a gas lawnmower. All you need to do is turn the ignition key and the engine will fire up. When you’re finished mowing, simply turn the key into the off position and the engine will shut down. There is also a hand parking brake lever to ensure the mower will not roll when parked.
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki
The Husqvarna MZ61 as well cements its position among the top few picks in our lineup. If you cannot tell from the image we have provided above, this is a Zero-turn model capable of maneuvering some tight spots. However, it is still meant to handle large lawns owing to the cutting width and the engine.
The engine’s power is even the same as that of the Ariens Apex 60” Kawasaki reviewed above. Also, both these engines are outsourced from the same company. This should mean relatively similar levels of performance.
This whole machine is covered by a 4-year warranty. That being said, it is unlikely that the deck will get damaged enough within four years that you will have to claim the warranty. As it stands, it features an 11-gauge steel cutting deck, which of course, is quite impressive.
Also, this tool has been designed for maximum mowing capability. This is why it has a 61-inch cutting width. If you add this to the 8 MPH speed, you will realize that this invention will run circles around most of the other options that we feature on this list. As such, if you have a lawn that is vast or wide, this is one of the tools you can use to make your work a lot easier.
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower
Adding to the ranks of Zero turn options on our list is the Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52. It deserves its place quite high on this list due to a couple of high-end features that will no doubt be useful for a lot of mowing scenarios.
To add to that, this device features a cutting diameter that is superior to most of the other options listed. Another feature that is among the best on the list is the 23 HP/726 cc Kawasaki FR V-Twin. This combines well with the wheels and the cutting components to ensure that not a blade is left out of place.
The tool features a warranty that is available for a lot of other Ariens riding lawn mowers. It involves different coverage terms for various components. The machine components, for instance, get a three-year warranty, which is inferior to that of the deck warranty. This is because the latter’s warranty coverage is five years.
Husqvarna TS 354XD (54″) 24HP Kawasaki
Husqvarna TS 354XD (54") 24HP Kawasaki
This garden tractor will allow you to take care of your garden efficiently for optimal results. Equipped with a 24 horsepower Kawasaki engine, it is powerful, reliable, and easy to use. It is always important to have a tractor that has a good shock absorption seat that allows you to work efficiently. And this is precisely what the Husqvarna brand offers you with this tractor. This will allow you to work in optimal conditions, thanks to its high back and high-density upholstered seat. Very ergonomic, it will prevent you from possible muscular tensions and injuries. Its very well-thought-out design will also allow you to enjoy excellent handling.
This type of machines is more efficient, but at the same time faster; it can operate at a speed of up to 5.5 miles per hour. What gardeners love about it is that it allows a lot of activities to be done in one pass. Thus, you can perform different operations at once such as mowing, mulching, but also fertilizing your soil with grass debris.
You will save precious time since you don’t have to collect waste or empty the bin. The tractor is fairly easy to handle and above all to adjust.
Ariens IKON XD 42 inch 18 HP (Kawasaki)
Ariens IKON XD 42 inch 18 HP (Kawasaki)
If what you have in mind is a mid-range device, you should consider purchasing the Ariens IKON XD 42. Most Ariens products tend to give away their cutting widths in the name. As such, it is quite easy to deduce the fact that this product has a 42” cutting width. You can probably find this priced between $3500 and $4000 depending on the vendor.
The high-back padded seat is one of the highlights of the product. The lever present also helps you adjust the seat for more comfort. In addition to that, there is the 18 HP/603 cc Kawasaki FR600 engine. Consequently, this is a machine that will be able to hold its own against a variety of terrains and conditions.
Also, this piece of equipment has two cutting speeds. There is a forward cutting speed of 7 MPH. If you choose to reverse the 42-inch riding lawn mower, you can only go at a maximum speed of 3 MPH. Additionally, seven cutting positions are availed to you with heights ranging from 1.5” to 4.5”.
You as well have 12-gauge steel as the raw material used to build the deck of the invention. That being said, it will easily handle the weight of anybody who chooses this as their primary mower. Also, this deck gets warranty coverage of up to five years along with the frame.
Troy-bilt Horse 42 Hydrostatic 42-Inch
Our pick for best value goes to the most affordable piece of equipment on our list. Of course, this option is one of the best riding lawn mowers under 2000.
Nevertheless, the engine is not something you would expect a machine at that price point to have.
It also spots some very high-quality wheels both on the front and back of the mower. For more traction, the back wheels are a lot bigger than their front counterparts.
Back support is also provided by the high-back seat. Users are likely to appreciate this since they can spend long periods mowing. Also, the controls are easy and intuitive. You have the steering wheel in the front and foot-controlled transmission.
Over time you should get used to these controls, at which point maneuvering around obstacles will be a piece of cake. A 42-inch cutting deck will as well play its part in adding value to this purchase. That being said, this size is average in comparison to the rest of the list.
Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with
Another option for purchase is the Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34. Troy-Bilt as well is like the Husqvarna manufacturer, where they give out details about the product in the name. In this case, it is the cutting width. One example is seen where the cutting width of the Troy-Bilt 30-inch Lawn Mower is 30 inches. You can as well deduce that the product on review here has a 34” cutting diameter.
Since you can mow in reverse, you will easily smooth out some areas that you are not too sure about. Also, this machine has a top mowing speed of 7 MPH. Nevertheless, when moving in reverse, this speed is cut down to 2.5 MPH.
Additionally, you may be looking for the most comfortable seat you can find in a residential riding lawnmower. This is one of the top options since it spots a high-back seat that comes with dual suspension rings.
Husqvarna Z254F 54 in. 23 HP Kawasaki Zero
Husqvarna Z254F 54 in. 23 HP Kawasaki Zero
This riding lawnmower has the perfect combination of performance and style. It has an innovative design and features that make it the best option among many. It has a 26 hp Kohler engine that provides a powerful and reliable start and can reach a top speed of 6.5 MPH.
Other features of the lawnmower are a parking brake system that turns on or off automatically when the steering levers are moved outward or inward. There’s also a specially built-in air-intake mower technology that draws air in from above and below to cut the grass quickly for a superior cut.
The lawnmower is made from heavy-duty flat steel for ultimate durability. Clippings can be unloaded, mulched, or packed. With an innovative and maintenance-free transmission, you can use this lawnmower year after year without any problems. It’s a zero-turn mower that is incredibly easy to use, with lots of power and speed.
Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER
Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER
Also, the device comes with the same cutting height range as the Husqvarna TS354XD. Additionally, the warranty terms seem to be the same for both these products. However, the similarities seem to stop there. You have a maximum of five cutting height options. If you are only using this on your lawn, it should be easy to figure out what height to stick to after a few tries.
Also, there is the fact of the 4.5MPH cutting speed. As compared to the other options listed, it isn’t precisely mind-blowing in its speed. Nonetheless, it is reliable and will get the job done even if it takes longer than other residential riding mowers.
The cutting width is even less than half that of the Husqvarna MZ61. This being the case, we would advise that you only take this out on medium and relatively small lawns. Nevertheless, if you have the time and patience, it will still get the job done on much larger properties.
Things to Consider
The above list should show you that there are a lot of different options available in the market. Capabilities will as well vary from product to product. Also, it should be clear that a lawn tractor that works for you may not work for somebody else. As such, a smart purchase decision will make sure you get the best in both functionality and value. If you want to make such an intelligent buying decision, you may have to take what is in the buying guide below under serious consideration.
How do riding lawn mowers work?
Riding lawn mowers have several key components, including the engine, wheels, deck, and blades. The engine powers all functions, including the movement of the wheels and the rotation of the blades. However, it is often possible to turn off the blade while the tractor is still moving.
The rotation of the blades cuts the grass as you go along. Debris is also often present on the grass. If left unchecked, it will fly out due to the impact with the blades. This can lead to lots of damage to your property. To prevent this from happening, manufacturers include protective housing in the form of decks.
Additionally, the deck makes sure grass clippings are deposited to the side of the machine as it moves along. Also, levers and maybe a steering wheel are provided to control the device.
Of course, if you are choosing a riding lawn mower, it is because they are quick and often have more extensive decks and cutting blades. This allows them to make light work of even the most extensive lawns. The best part of this arrangement is that the user doesn’t have to do much of the work other than to control the machine.
Benefits of riding lawn mowers
If you are looking for reasons to buy a riding lawn mower, there are quite a few. For one, wider decks are ideal for large properties. Wider decks also imply wider cutting diameters.
Of course, with a wide cutting surface, you will need to make fewer runs to cut all the grass on your property. This even applies to a commercial setting where you are hired for the same. You thus end up saving a lot of time.
You also don’t have to get tired. With most other mowers, you will have to either walk behind, push, or pull them. You expend a lot of energy moving up and down the property. With the riding lawn mower, you just sit on the device and maneuver it to where you want it to go.
Features to consider when buying a riding lawn mower
We have already established that there are lots of different models of riding lawnmowers. What makes up these differences are the features. You find varying engines, cutting diameters, controls, and much more. Consequently, these are things you have to be aware of before going shopping. Otherwise, the information given to you by vendors may overwhelm you leading to a bad purchase decision.
All the said mower features are discussed below. Yours is to take all that data in and find a way to make use of it as you select your mower of choice.
Type of mower
Some people have described rear engine mowers as entry-level riding mowers. This is true in the sense that they don’t have the largest cutting decks. Additionally, they are not often as powerful as some of their counterparts. Also, they take up the least storage space out of all riding mower options.
The above features make them ideal for relatively tight spaces such as a fenced yard. They also shouldn’t be used to tackle monstrous terrains. The Troy-Bilt 30-inch Lawn Mower is an example of a rear-engine mower. Also, you can deduce from the name that the engines are placed on the backs of the machines.
Lawn/garden tractors are superior in a lot of aspects, among them size, engines, and power. They will take up a lot of storage space since they have bulky bodies. These bodies as well are quite solid and are meant to rank highly on the durability meter.
Additionally, they spot the most powerful engines where riding lawn mowers are concerned. Couple these with high-quality wheels, and these options can go anywhere. They are also quite fast, making these the go-to options for vast lawns or commercial purposes. After all, with one of these, you are likely to finish up mowing projects rather quickly.
Another category to consider is that of the mulching mowers. These have extra blades as part of their makeup. The main blades do the work of cutting grass where it grows. Secondary blades take on grass clippings to slice them into the smallest clippings possible.
The idea behind this is that smaller clippings dry up quicker. Finally, you have zero-turn mowers. Examples of the same include the Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 and Ariens IKON XD 42. Their main benefit is that they offer superior levels of maneuverability to their tractor counterparts. This is because they can take advantage of the individually movable back wheels to make sharp turns.
Maneuverability
Obstacles are also a common feature in most lawns. As such, you may need to find a way around them as you are mowing. This may prove difficult since some mowers don’t have much maneuverability. Zero-turn options do not have that problem. Other options as well allow you to turn, move forward, and move backward quite easily. A smaller deck is also an asset where maneuverability is concerned.
Zero-turn
All zero turn models have two swiveling tires at the front while those at the back are drive tires. You can see that in the design of the Ariens IKON XD 42. Also, the back wheels can be operated independently of each other. They can even rotate in different directions. This, of course, makes it so much easier to turn, and high levels of maneuverability come by as a result. Unfortunately, this also makes zero turn models more expensive than standard lawn tractors.
Cutting width and height
Cutting widths on our list range from 28” on the Snapper 2911525BVE Classic to 66” on the Swisher Z3166CPKA. Before purchase, you should know that the cutting diameter is constant on any riding mower. Consequently, you will be stuck with whichever option you pick for a long time to come.
Also, some people have miles of grass in their home compounds. The mowers available won’t be able to clear the grass on these types of properties in one fell swoop. A couple of runs will be needed. The number of runs is greatly reduced if you have a 66” cutting width as opposed to a 28” option.
You, therefore, have to gauge which of these two extremes best suits your property and needs. There as well isn’t anything wrong with choosing an option in the middle.
With cutting heights, you get more fluid options. Most of the devices mentioned above offer a range of sizes to choose from. All you would need to do is adjust it according to the needs of the day. Of course, higher-end models come with wider ranges and more cutting height options.
The Ariens Apex 60” Kawasaki is a prime example of a high-end model with cutting height options of between 1.5” and 5”. In contrast, the Troy-bilt Horse 42 costs a fraction of the price and has a range of between 1.25” and 3.75”. As such, you have to decide which of these two ranges appeals most to you. This may be tied to the vision you have for your lawn.
Cutting deck material
The deck can be considered a safety feature in most lawnmowers. If it wasn’t there, you would have to contend with pebbles, rocks, pieces of wood, and more being launched from under the mower. These things are likely to damage fixtures in your compound or, worse, gravely injure someone.
This being the case, the deck acts as a shield and prevents such a scenario. Nevertheless, you can’t argue with the fact that these materials are launched by the blades at very high speeds. Thus the deck needs to be able to take the force of the launched object.
Consequently, you will find a recurring theme in the products mentioned above, where manufacturers try to outdo each other in durability. This implies that the more durable and sturdy a deck is, the better. Add this to your riding mower checklist before deciding the product to buy.
Transmission
A powerful engine is useless if the power is not transmitted to the wheels and blades. As such high-quality transmission is also a requirement in any high-end machine as well.
Fuel capacity
You should also check on the fuel capacity in relation to the consumption of the engine. As a general guideline, the machine in question should be able to hold enough fuel for at least a day of mowing. Of course, bigger, more powerful machines will need larger fuel tanks because they consume more. This is why the Swisher Z3166CPKA has an 8-gallon fuel tank.
Attachments
A mulch kit, lawn striping kit, and more are optional attachments that add functionality to a residential or commercial riding lawnmower. Some of these attachments come with the initial purchase, while others don’t. Also, you need to know whether your mower supports their addition to the setup. One way of doing this is to log on to the manufacturer’s website and check the accessories that each model is compatible with. This should also give you a ballpark figure of how much you need to spend to unlock the full functionality of the mower.
Warranty
Almost all products mentioned above come with warranties. This is because manufacturers know that customers like guarantees with their purchase. However, the terms provided will likely differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Terms can also change from model to model.
You should, therefore, take it upon yourself not to assume but rather to seek out all information about the guarantee for the mower you are eyeing.
This way, you know how long your purchase is covered and what elements in the machine can be fixed at no extra cost. Some options offer a single warranty for the whole device. The Husqvarna MZ61 is an example with its four years of coverage for the entire purchase.
Others offer different warranty terms for their products. The Ariens IKON XD 42 shows this with its 3-year or 300-hour warranty for the machine.
Other features
Having headlights is not a common theme since most people don’t mow in low visibility settings. However, it may just be because most lawn mowers don’t offer headlights, and thus mowing can get tricky in relatively dark scenarios. As such, a product with headlights will likely have the edge over counterparts since it opens up more possibilities.
This is only one example of what extra features can do for you. It also makes it worth looking into any other features that a potential purchase may have. This way, you know just how much extra functionality to expect.
FAQ
Starting a riding lawnmower doesn’t just involve turning a key. Various steps may need to be followed depending on the model. Below is a general guideline that covers just about all significant points.
First, you ensure you are seated on the machine and can easily access all controls. This is not a car, so it most likely doesn’t have a seat belt. As such, you move on to the next step, which is to locate and press the brakes. Depending on the model, this may be a pedal or lever.
Some options also have a parking brake that you can engage using a dedicated knob. As you engage this knob, release the brake pedal slowly. This allows you to take the next step, which is to shift the mower’s gear to neutral. Naturally, the indicator for neutral is “N.”
After that, the throttle on your machine needs to be pulled into the choke position. Choke position also differs from model to model, so you need to be careful. It might be between the slow and fast modes on your throttle or above the fast mode in some riding mowers.
The next two steps are quite simple and include inserting the key into the ignition and turning it to the right. Also, the last step involves the throttle again, where you need to push it back to the fast position.
How long your riding lawn mower lasts is mostly up to you. If you take care of the invention, it can last up to 20 years. This also involves winterizing it if you plan to keep it in storage for long periods.
When winter comes knocking, you don’t just drive your mower into the garage and wait for the next season. This is a recipe for disaster where the machine may give you problems when next you need to start it. Instead, follow the instructions below, and you should have no problems the next time you need the riding lawnmower.
Disconnect spark plugs, so you are assured the device won’t start accidentally. You likely have fuel left in the tank at this time. It does have a high chance of going stale, and this risk can be offset by adding a fuel preserver. You should endeavor to top off the tank. This reduces the chances of water contamination since the tank will not be sweating.
After this, run the engine for ten minutes or more. This will ensure that the treated engine fuel reaches the carburetor. When you do eventually shut it down, make sure to change the oil on the device. This includes changing the oil filter as well. Do not forget to oil the new filter.
Old spark plugs will also do more damage than good at this stage and hence need to be replaced with new ones. After this, you can reconnect the spark plugs and restart the lawn tractor. If no leaks are evident when you do this, you should be good to go.
Remove the battery, clean it, and store it in a cool, dry place. Terminal protectors should also help if applied to the respective terminals. The rest of the machine also needs to be cleaned. Ensure no debris or grass clippings are left behind. As a final tip, you can cover the whole device up.
You may not want to spend hours on end mowing your lawn. If so, there are a few hacks that can help you along. You should start with the hardest parts of your yard, and that includes steep inclines and areas with obstructions. If you can get through that, the rest of it is smooth sailing.
If you have a wide cutting blade, it means you can get done with the job much quicker. This, however, may not always be an option for all individuals. When you are left with flat grassy areas, you can try different starting positions. However, ensure that you don’t leave any patches of grass in the middle. Otherwise, you will waste time, in the end, trying to get to them. Be sure to experiment as you try to find the most efficient mowing routine that you can then stick to.
- 1Rural King Riding Lawn Mowers - REVIEWS & TOP PICKS
- 2Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 in. 24 HP Briggs
- 3Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki
- 4Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp
- 5Husqvarna TS 354XD (54") 24HP Kawasaki
- 6Ariens IKON XD 42 inch 18 HP (Kawasaki)
- 7Troy-bilt Horse 42 Hydrostatic 42-Inch
- 8Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with
- 9Husqvarna Z254F 54 in. 23 HP Kawasaki Zero Hydrostatic
- 10Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER
- 11Things to Consider
- 12How do riding lawn mowers work?
- 13Benefits of riding lawn mowers
- 14FAQ
