So if you are reading this, then you are probably considering to buy a new riding lawn mower. However, it might appear to be an easy task, but there are a lot of factors you need to consider before buying a riding lawn mower.
You will need to read a lot of reviews and check out the specifications of each mower before choosing any one of them. This process is very frustrating and takes a lot of time. And sometimes you may miss some crucial details about the machine and end up buying a mower that does not fulfill your needs.
Well, to help you solve this problem, we have tested many riding lawn mowers for days, and after rigorous testing, we selected the best of them. So we present to you the reviews of Best Riding Lawn Mowers in 2022.
| Cub Cadet XT1 Riding Lawn Tractor (Best Overall)
(Editor's Choice)  |
| RYOBI 38 inch 100 Ah Lawn Mower (Best Electric Riding Lawn Mower)
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| Ariens IKON X 52 in Zero-Turn Riding Mower (Best Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower)
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| Troy-Bilt Pony 42 inch Lawn Tractor Riding Mower (Best Riding Lawn Tractor)
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| Toro SS3225 (Affordable Aleternative for Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower)
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| John Deere E120 Riding Lawn Mower
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| Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 50- inch Riding Lawn Tractor
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Quick Answer: Best Riding Lawn Mower
1. Cub Cadet XT1 Riding Lawn Tractor
Cub Cadet is one of the most trusted brands in home gardening and lawn industry. Their designed products are affordable and highly advanced compared to any other brands on the market.
Thanks to its E-coat corrosion defense system, this machine will resist all wear and tear; thus, it will last longer than you think. On top of that, its three years of warranty adds another advantage in the list.
Powered by 18 horsepower professional-grade Kohler® Courage OHV engine, this machine delivers maximum torque possible thus it results in the smooth operation of the device.
On top of that, it uses the hydrostatic transmission system that means there won’t be any weird gear noise and the maximum power will be transferred through the gears, so it is safe to say that this machine is a very fuel efficient.
You will get 16-inch turning radius, and the new controlling system is straightforward to use. It increases the overall maneuverability of the machine, and you can easily negotiate the tight corners.
Its 42 inches of cutting deck is capable of cutting any thick grass or weed you throw at it. You have 12 different cutting height positions to choose from according to your need, and you can easily accomplish this by engaging a single lever located at the side of the seat.
This gardening workhorse has some of the impressive safety features you will ever see in other machines, including operator presence sensor, brake pedal lock, and reverse safety switch.
This versatile Cub Cadet riding lawn mower is easy to clean too, here’s how — using the Quick-connect deck wash system that provides the high-pressure water you can easily clean out the grass and debris build-up under the deck.
Aside from that, its multi-seasonal attachments are a huge help here. You can clean the snow from your garden or lawn using the snow thrower or snow blade, or you can attach a twin bagger or mulch kit, and sunshade will protect your machine from sunrays thus increases its overall life expectancy.
2. RYOBI 38 inch 100 Ah Electric Riding Lawn Mower
Almost every mower are gas powered, and they make a lot of noise and let’s not forget the harmful gases & chemicals produced by them. Ryobi has solved this problem by introducing its latest battery-powered electric riding mower.
This environment-friendly riding mower has received so many positive reviews from all the users, and it requires no maintenance, spark plugs, oil filter, or belts. Also, the battery-powered riding lawn mower requires relatively less maintenance and service compared to the conventional gas-powered riding lawn mowers.
Now you don’t have to worry about refilling the fuel tank, clogs in engine carburetor or failure to start the engine. All you have to do is charge the batteries via USB cable, and you are good to go.
If you are worried about the battery running out when you are halfway through your mowing process, then know this mower can run for up to 2.5 hours on a single charge which is enough to mow 2.5 acres of land quickly.
One of the biggest advantage of using electric riding lawn mower is its low noise level. At just 70 decibels, this machine is quieter than your home vacuum cleaner.
It has so many distinctive features that will provide you with quick and efficient mowing process. The 38 inches of the cutting deck not only looks beautiful but it also does what it supposed to do, and that is giving you the perfect and sharp cuts while mowing.
Although it is not as powerful as petrol engines but this electric riding lawn mower can easily handle 15-degree slopes. Also for steeper inclines, you may need to go slower, and as for the downhill mowing, we advise you to be extra careful.
The top speed of this mower is 8 mph which is impressive given it is battery powered mower, but it reduces to 5 miles per hour when mowing. And it drops to 3 miles per hour when going in the reverse direction which is not that bad in my opinion.
Ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, you have 12 different cutting heights to choose from. Other than that, this machine features two precision-cut steel blades with linear brushless blade motors.
The trimmed grass and other debris discharge from the side of the mower so that machine won’t get dirty and if that is not enough for you then you can purchase a separate bagging attachment accessory which will save you the trouble of cleaning the whole garden.
3. Ariens IKON X 52 in Zero-Turn Riding Mower
If you have used any lawing equipment in the past, then you must have heard about the Ariens. Ariens is a famous brand among all the farmers and gardeners. Let’s take a look at this riding mower and see if it is worth your money or not.
First of all, one of the most significant plus point of using this machine is its zero-turn maneuverability. This machine can rotate on its axis about 360 degrees without making any turns, so it is very helpful for a yard having a lot of obstacles and terrains.
This type of riding lawn mower has two levers using which you can control the direction of front wheels. It is faster than any other mowers out there, which allows you to easily cut through thick grass, small trees, and flower bed.
Powered by 23 horsepower V-twin Kawasaki engine, this machine has one of the highest power output engine we have seen so far.
The Ariens IKON riding lawn mower boasts whopping 52 inches of cutting deck that is big enough for you to mow your entire yard or garden in a couple of minutes. The cutting deck is integrated with three cutting blades, and you can select any cutting height positions from 13 available cutting height positions.
The procedure of selecting this height position is easy; the dial operated selector at the side of the user seat will allow you to do so.
Moreover, the high back seat of this riding mower is comfortable enough to sit for a longer period of time without straining out your back. To top it off, the included armrest greatly helps in keeping your arm on the steering without hurting them.
You will appreciate the twin EZT hydrostatic transaxles that are specially designed to deliver smooth, responsive, and effortless control. If we talk about the deck, then the industrial style dual arm deck lift of this machine has a 4-point hanging system that gives you the superior deck stability and even cut throughout the whole mowing process.
You will be surprised to hear that this zero turn riding mower can even mow in reverse direction too, which is just fabulous. Furthermore, I was impressed by the hydrostatic transmission system of this machine that does not waste any power and transmits the maximum power from the engine to the blades.
If you are worried about the integrity of this machine, then the included 3 years of warranty will give you peace of mind.
4. Troy-Bilt Pony 42 inch Lawn Tractor Riding Mower
If you are a beginner or new homesteader who has not used a riding mower yet then, Troy-Bilt Pony can become a great fit for you. You may not know this but Troy-Bilt is the biggest name in the world of the gardening industry, and people swear by their glorious products.
This riding mower has a more of tractor type design and the engine in this machine is located at the front that prevents the roll-over of this mower.
Troy-Bilt Pony riding lawn mower runs on a 17.5HP-500cc Briggs and Stratton gas-powered engine. You will love the shift-on-the-go transmission system of this machine, which enables you to adjust the speed quickly.
This particular riding mower features the reverse mowing capability for user convenience. In addition to that, the 13-gauge steel gives this machine required rigidity and strength.
The width of the cutting deck is 42 inches that will be very helpful in cutting the grass of the wide areas quickly.
The operator can easily get on and get off of the machine using the StepThru frame design. To increase the visibility in the night, this lawn mower is fitted with headlights, and because of this, you can also work at night.
Please note that this riding lawn mower is not zero turn and it has a turning radius of 18 inches, which is negligible. Thanks to its comfortable low-back seat and soft touch steering system, you can do mowing all day long without exhausting yourself.
Despite its low price range, the manufacturer has not compromised on quality and performance of the machine. This machine is designed for the sole purpose of providing a maximum level of comfort, which is really impressive.
And because of it’s easy to adjust control and comfortable seat you don’t have to worry about back pain after several hours of mowing.
Moving on, there are so many various accessories offered by the manufacturer to help you get your job done faster. These accessories include baggers, mulch kits, carts, and many other attachments that are sold separately.
The Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower is backed by 2 years of hassle-free warranty to make sure the product will last longer.
5. Toro TimeCutter SS3225 Riding Lawn Mower
Toro is another well-known company that builds all kinds of outdoor and gardening equipment. Their products are reliable and durable enough to become the first choice for most people.
The Toro riding lawn mower falls under the category of zero turn mower because its both front wheels can rotate independently on their own axis and they can make a full 360-degree turn.
Because of its zero turn maneuvering capability, they become very easy to operate, and you won’t destroy your grass or flower bed when mowing. Also, this machine is ideal for maneuvering through tight corners and fence gates.
This riding lawn mower runs on the 452cc Toro engine that will not leave you halfway through your mowing.
Just like all their mowers, this mower is also integrated with a dual hydrostatic transmission system that enhances the performance which leads to the smooth variable control and let’s forget its zero turning radius by using which you can easily mow through any obstacles.
You will be treated with 32 inches of cutting deck that will help you cover a large section of grass at a time; thus, your mowing process will become faster.
One of the greatest safety feature this machine has is that the parking brake automatically engages when control levers are moved outward. So it is really nice feature to have especially when you are just starting to learn how to drive this machine.
The maximum speed of this machine is 7 MPH, and this speed reduces to 4 mph when in mow mode. You can comfortably ride this mower with the 18-inch extra tall seat that not only supports your back but it also supports your neck and head too.
If you are worried about your engine getting damaged from branches and debris while mowing, then you will be relieved to know that this riding lawn mower is fitted with heavy-duty rear engine guard.
This riding lawn mower has a fuel capacity of 3 gallons so you can concentrate on mowing rather than worrying about the fuel running out.
Some people may find the price of this mower to be higher than other lawnmowers but trust me you will not regret investing your money in this mower. On top of that, the Toro is offering 3 years of warranty with unlimited hours, which most of the manufacturer do not offer at all.
So if you are in a lookout for affordable yet durable riding lawn mower that has zero turn capability, then Toro TimeCutter SS3225 is what you need.
6. John Deere E120 Riding Lawn Mower
The undefeated king in the lawing industry has again proved itself by releasing its latest riding lawn tractor mower. This astonishing lawn tractor has so many features that the list is endless.
First of all, let’s talk about the engine. The John Deere riding lawn mower rocks the 20 HP V-twin Hydrostatic engine that will provide you the abundance of power. This V-twin is their latest top of line engine, and you will experience more power and smoother operation while using it.
This engine does use the chock starting system; instead, it utilizes the ReadyStart starting system (exclusive to John Deere) that does not require any learning curve or any effort.
Now the speed and reverse/forward control are very easy because it is located at side by side and this is also useful for the beginners too. Similarly, 2 pedal foot control offers excellent maneuverability while the cruise control provides the constant mowing speed.
The 42 inches of cutting system includes a deep deck design that lifts the grass for a superior and clean cut. On top of that, the included wash port makes the cleaning process a whole lot easier and effortless.
As you may know, all gas-powered engines use the special oil for lubrication and heat dissipation when combustion of gas is initiated. This oil requires frequent replacement for smooth operation, and this process is very cumbersome and time-consuming in most of the lawn mowers.
But that is not the case with John Deere E120 tractor mower, here’s how. This lawn mower comes with a unique oil changing system by using which you can change the oil of this mower in just around 30 seconds, which is quite impressive.
If you are a person who is struggling with fatigue or back pain, then you will fell in love with this riding mower. This lawn mower boasts a 15-inch high-back comfortable seat which can be adjusted with one push of a button.
What’s more, this mind-blowing seat can be moved forward or backward up to 5-1/2 inches so can comfortably accommodate your feet.
For the easy startup, this mower is incorporated with 300 CCA (cold cranking amps) battery no matter if the temperature drops in minus. The quick connect system is useful for those people who need extra attachment while mowing.
You can attach various accessories with this mower such as Baggers, carts, aerators, spreaders, front blades, mulch kits, and snow blowers according to your need. You can get a replacement of any parts that show the sign of any defects or malfunction till the 2 years from the date of purchase of this machine.
7. Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 50- inch Riding Lawn Tractor
Troy-Blit is one of the world class machines, and it has been acknowledged by many users, gardeners, and farmers. This mid-ranged priced workhorse is best suited for medium to small applications.
I think this machine uses one of the biggest and most powerful engines we have seen so far in any mowers out there. This Troy-Bilt Super Bronco riding lawn mower operates on 679cc OHV engine that can generate up to 24 horsepower of massive power.
Furthermore, this powerful engine features full pressure lubrication to ensure the smooth delivery of oil to the critical components of the whole engine. On top of that, the steel forged crankshaft is strong and durable enough to deliver maximum power to the blades.
Just like all their lawn mowers, the Troy-Blit has used the Hydrostatic transmission system in this lawn mower too. There are so many advantages of using this system. First of all, this advanced transmission system helps in changing the speed quickly and does not make any awkward sound of gear shifting.
Also, it mainly helps in power transmission by utilizing different gears; thus, the blades will receive maximum power, and you will be saving a lot of money on fuel. Moreover, this engine is efficient enough to work on both even and uneven surfaces efficiently.
Heavy-duty 50-inch fabricated cutting deck of this mower features reinforced bottom edges that increases the durability to a great extent and also improves the overall performance of the machine.
For the direction control, this riding lawn mower features a steering wheel just like cars do, and the cruise control offers the smooth change of speed.
You will get 12 different height adjustment position so you can mow adequately without leaving any grass or weed behind. Also, the available distance for selecting different height position ranges from 1.5 inches to 3.75 inches. To increase the overall durability and strength of the mower, it is fitted with the heavy-duty cast-iron front axle.
The front anti-scalp wheels are slightly higher and bigger than average wheels so the front area of the machine won’t get damaged even on the uneven & sloppy areas.
If you are frustrated regarding the cleaning process of the underside deck, then you will be relieved to hear that you can attach a standard garden hose to the integrated deck wash port of this machine to quickly rinse the grass clippings.
This life-saving feature makes the life a whole lot easier and let’s not forget the automatic headlights for increased visibility at the night time.
If we talk about the wheels, then it has 15-inch x 6-inch front wheels and 20-inch x 8-inch rear wheels. In addition to that, with 16 inches of turning radius, you can maneuver almost any type of turns and small cuts while mowing. Last but not least, this riding lawn mower is cover by 3 years of warranty.
