Give your grass lawn that immaculate look, trimmed to perfection using the best riding lawn mowers in the market. These miniature riding vehicles efficiently cut through the elongated grass while you are comfortably seated atop it. Unlike the hand-held ones where you need to walk along with the machine, riding lawnmowers offer you full comfort and convenience.
In this riding lawn mower review we look at some of the top rated riding lawn mowers out there. This device comes in numerous styles, deck size, motor power, turning radius etc. With so many options choosing the right one may be difficult. We help you make your choice by listing out the ten best riding lawn mowers 2023. So, let’s find out which ones they are.
- Soft touch steering
- 46-inch cutting deck
- Automatic foot pedaln
- Powerful (24HP)
- 54-inch cutting deck
- Hydro-gear transmission
- In inch turning radius
- 30-inch cutting deck
- OHV engine (auto choke)
View The Best Riding Lawn Mowers Below
1. Troy-Bilt 540cc Riding Lawnmower
Troy Bilt has been churning out quality farming equipments for a long time and has a good reputation of its own. The Troy Bilt 540 CC riding lawnmower is designed to do some heavy duty and ensuring maximum convenience to the user. This heavy duty garden tractor comes with a powerful 540CC, 19-HP Briggs & Stratton Intek engine and runs at a maximum speed of 5.2 mph. The deck comes in a size of 46” which is wide enough to efficiently cut a large area and allows you to mow in reverse. The integrated deck wash system allows easy cleaning as well. Plus, to enable cutting of grass of different lengths, you can adjust the height to 5 different positions.
Equipped with 15” x 20” durable wheels, it provides good stability. As far as the riding experience is concerned, this riding lawnmower has gone the extra mile for user comfort. It comes in a soft touch steering wheel for easy grip, a mid-back padded seat and the vehicle itself has been designed for efficiently mounting and descending the vehicle. The manufacturer also offers a two year warranty for this product.
See more information on Troy-Bilt 540cc Riding Lawnmower.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- 540 CC 19HP engine and maximum speed of 5.2 mph.
- 46-inch deck, adjustable height at 5 different positions and reverse mowing.
- Soft touch steering wheel, padded seat and easy mounting and getting down.
- 15” x 20” sized durable wheels.
Our Verdict
The Troy Bilt 540 cc Riding Lawnmower is on top of our list and the best overall. With a powerful engine wide enough deck size with adjustable height, it makes the task of mowing a piece of cake. One of the best riding lawn tractors, you can certainly go for this machine.
2. Swisher Response Zero Turn Mower
The Swisher Response riding lawn mower is indeed a beast with a powerful engine and commercial grade welded steel frame design made to eliminate unwanted elongated grass in your backyard. It is equipped with a 724 cc, 24 HP Briggs and Stratton engine. The deck is 54-inch wide and provides wider coverage so that none misses the rotating blade. The foot assisted deck lift enables you to adjust the deck height between 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches. While the grass may not miss the mower’s blade, the front debris shield prevents the grass from getting inside the mower and blowing on to the rider’s face.
The hydro gear transmission and the Ogura clutch further help in delivering an effective performance and enhance the convenience for the rider. This machine comes with a low centre of gravity and allows 360-degree turn for easy manoeuvrability making it one of the best rated zero turn mowers. With a speed of 8 mph both front and reverse, this will make short work of long over grown grass and Rapid Response Control System will ensure good control and stability while you go about at your work. The rear tires measure 20” x 10”. If these weren’t enough, the design includes a full engine wrap, cup holder, hour meter, 8-gallon fuel tank, front and rear hitch.
See more information on Swisher Response Zero Turn Mower.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- 724 cc, 24HP engine, 8 mph max speed and a steel frame design.
- Foot assisted deck lift adjustable height of 1.5” to 4.5” of the 54” deck, 11 gauge fabricated cutting deck and 3 gator mulching blades.
- Zero turn mower with Rapid Response Control System.
- Hydro gear transmission.
- Full engine wrap, cup holder, front and rear hitch and hour meter.
Our Verdict
The Swisher Response Zero Turn Mower is the second on our list of the best riding lawn mowers and the best premium. It offers some best in class features to justify the premium tag and is a complete package that provides good performance, super comfort and an awesome design in one. If you are willing to shell out some extra bucks, this is certainly one of the best riding mowers to go for.
3. Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower
Another popular riding mower from Troy Bilt, it is one of the best riding lawn mower for the money. This compact riding mower is equipped with a 382cc OHV engine and comes with a 30-inch wide deck with adjustable height in 5 positions. This efficiently clears out the unwanted grass and will give you a neat looking lawn. It can reach a maximum speed of 4.25 mph and comes with a 6-speed transmission.
One of the best small lawn tractors, it has a turning radius of 18 inch and can easily reach narrow pathways where larger lawn mowers might find it difficult to enter. Once you are done with the job, you can easily stash it away in your garage. Equipped with 13” x 5” front tires and 16” x 6.5” rear tires, mid-back seat and soft steering wheel. The manufacturer provides a warranty of two years for this lawn mower.
See more information on Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- 382cc OHV engine with 4.25 mph maximum speed and 6 speed transmission.
- 30-inch wide deck with adjustable height in 5 positions.
- Compact lawn mower with 18 inch turning radius and easy storage.
- 13” x 5” front tires and 16” x 6.5” rear tires.
- Mid back seat and soft steering wheel.
Our Verdict
The Troy Bilt 382 CC riding lawn mower is the third on our list of the best riding lawn mowers and the best value. It is one of the cheapest riding lawn mower. A small and compact size together with a wide enough deck and powerful deck make this product ideal for small property owners and the best riding mower for the money you can buy.
4. Husqvarna MZ61 Riding Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna MZ61 is a mammoth sized riding lawn mower coming as it is with a 61-inch deck to tackle any kind of grass lawns big or small. The 27 HP engine driving this machine is indeed very powerful and will give you long lasting performance. It comes in a sturdy and durable steel frame and the commercially rated hydraulic system offers a comfortable mowing experience.
One of the popular and best rated zero turn mowers, the MZ61 is ideal for big properties. The pedal assisted deck lift feature allows height adjustment at 5 different levels and the three blades make cutting the grass a breeze. To add to the durability and strength, it is equipped with large tires and 2” x 3” tube chassis which provide more stability. With a removable foot pan, it is easy to clean and access the deck belt. Keeping user comfort in mind, this riding lawn mower comes with a high-back seat and armrests and adjustable steering levers.
See more information on Husqvarna MZ61 Riding Lawn Mower.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- 27 HP powerful engine for good performance.
- 61-inch deck with adjustable height and 3 cutting blades.
- Zero turn mower.
- Sturdy steel frame.
- Large tires and tube chassis for stability.
- Mid back seat and adjustable steering lever.
Our Verdict
The Husqvarna MZ61 riding lawn mower, with its tough build, powerful motors and incredibly wide deck is made for carrying out some heavy-duty work. One of the best variants of Husqvarna lawn mowers, if you have a fairly large property, then you can surely go for this Husqvarna tractor.
5. Poulan Pro P46ZX Riding Lawn Mower
A product from a well-known manufacturer existing in the market since long time, the Poulan Pro P46ZX is specially designed to give the rider incredible manoeuvrability with a dual wheel hydro transmission to mow with ease and cutting down on the required time. This Poulan Pro lawn tractor comes with a powerful 22 HP Briggs and Stratton engine and reaches a top speed of 6mph and also has a Hydro gear EZT transmission. Mowing down grass becomes a breeze with the 46” wide deck with two blade cutting that this Poulan Pro lawn mower comes with. It can also be adjusted to 6 different heights between 1.5” to 4” lets you efficiently mow down overgrown grass.
The Poulan pro riding mower is a sturdy product that comes with durable caster wheels and a welded frame for a long-lasting performance. It includes some exciting features for user convenience such as a digital hour meter, foam padded hand grips, nose roller, 3.5-gallon fuel tank and 3 anti-scalp rollers.
See more information on Poulan Pro P46ZX Riding Lawn Mower.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- Excellent manoeuvrability with a dual wheel hydro transmission.
- 22 HP Briggs and Stratton engine with top speed of 6mph.
- Wide deck, 2 blade cutting, and height adjustable to 6 positions.
- Welded frame and durable caster wheels.
- Digital hour meter, foam padded hand grips, nose roller, 3 anti-scalp rollers.
Our Verdict
One of the top rated riding lawn mowers, the Poulan Pro P46ZX is zero turn mower providing maximum convenience and good performance with its powerful engine and blades. A popular product in the market, you can include this riding lawn mower in your shopping list.
6. Husqvarna YTH1942 Riding Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna YTH1942 Riding lawn mower is a compact lawn mower from the Husqvarna stable. It certainly can count itself among the best small lawn tractors for the easy manoeuvrability and storage it offers. It is equipped with a 2.5 gallon fuel tank and a 19HP Kohler twin cylinder engine which is powerful enough to deliver a good performance and a maximum speed of 2.5 mph. The 42-inch deck offers sufficient width and the patented Clear Cut Deck technology ensures optimal air flow which lifts up the grass for a perfect cut.
As is the case with most of its products, this machine too comes with a pedal operated hydrostatic transmission which keeps both of your hands free on the steering wheel that allows greater control. The vehicle also provides more traction when working on wet and slippery grass for more control. It can handle any riding lawn mower attachments that you wish to add such as a broom, trailer etc. To add to the comfort of the user, it comes with an adjustable seat and a cup holder.
See more information on Husqvarna YTH1942 Riding Lawn Mower.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- Compact size, easy manoeuvrability and storage.
- 19 HP Kohler twin cylinder engine.
- 42” deck that offers an excellent cutting.
- Pedal operated hydrostatic transmission.
- Good traction on wet and slippery surface.
- Ideal for fitting any riding lawn mower attachment.
Our Verdict
The Husqvarna YTH1942 Riding Lawn Mower is a compact and affordable option to go for. It comes with the assurance and quality of being a Husqvarna product and delivers good performance. This is one of the best small riding lawn mower in the market that you can go for.
7. Husqvarna LTH1738 Riding Lawn Mower
Another small and compact riding lawn mower from Husqvarna. The LTH 1738 model is similar to YTH1942 but features a slightly less powerful engine and a smaller deck size. It is even smaller and therefore most ideal for narrow pathways and taking sharp turns. This Husqvarna tractor comes with a 17 HP engine with a maximum speed of 2.5 mph both forward and reverse and features hydrostatic transmission.
It is equipped with a 38” deck which is reinforced with heavy flat-stock steel that lends it durability and strength. To provide more durability and stability, it comes with a front axle made of heavy cast iron. The Air induction mowing system enhances the air flow underneath the mower which uplifts the grass and provides a good cut. The adjustable sliding seat automatically changes height as you slide the seat forward or backward. You can fit most riding lawn mower attachments to this machine.
See more information on Husqvarna LTH1738 Riding Lawn Mower.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- 17 HP engine with a max speed of 2.5 mph.
- 38” reinforced deck.
- Front axle made of cast iron that lends extra stability.
- Good air induction system for optimal air flow and good cutting.
- Adjustable sliding seat with automatic height adjustment.
- Can accommodate most riding lawn mower attachments.
Our Verdict
One of the cheapest riding lawn mower and the best small lawn tractors in the market, this product from Husqvarna is ideal for small and standard sized lawns which require careful manoeuvring of the riding mower. Certainly, a good option to go for.
8. ARIENS COMPANY APEX 60 Lawn Tractor
The Ariens Company Apex 60 lawn tractor is designed to do all the heavy work for you coming as it does with some powerful features. It packs a 25 HP 725cc Kohler 7000 series Pro V-Twin engine, 13” front wheels and 22” rear wheels that can power this heavy-duty garden tractor to a maximum speed of 8 mph forward and 4 mph reverse and has a 5-gallon fuel tank to keep it running
With a 60” deck, it provides larger width than any other riding mower in its class. The deck is made of welded steel with 10 cast iron gauge, 6 deck wheels and three blades that are adjustable to an incredible 15 different positions to provide with that immaculate trimming of overgrown grass and this couple with zero turn radius will make the job an effortless task. To add to the user comfort there is a high back seat with armrests, and the riding lawn mower comes with 1-year commercial warranty, 5-year deck shell & frame warranty and 3-year consumer warranty.
See more information on ARIENS COMPANY APEX 60 Lawn Tractor.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- 725cc – 25HP Kohler 7000 series engine, 8 mph forward speed and 4 mph reverse.
- 60” deck with 3 blades and 15 cutting height positions.
- Welded steel frame.
- High back seat with armrests.
- Limited manufacturer warranty.
Our Verdict
The Ariens Company Apex 60 is one of the best rated zero turn mowers in the market. With a durable build, a powerful engine and efficient cutting, you can be sure of its performance. Ideally suited for standard and large lawns, this riding lawn mower is something you can definitely buy.
9. Husqvarna YTA22V46 Riding Lawn Mower
A slightly heavier model offering a more powerful performance than the products we saw earlier from Husqvarna, the YTH22V46 comes with a 22 HP engine with a maximum forward speed of 2.5 mph and a 46-inch flat-stock steel reinforced deck to cover a wider patch of grass and deliver more efficient and quick cutting with an adjustable height feature. It has pedal operated hydrostatic transmission which allows greater control as both of your hands will be on the steering wheel.
All the Husqvarna riding lawn mowers come with the Air induction technology to lift the grass and cut them efficiently. The seat is sliding and adjustable to increase the rider’s comfort so he is able to operated the machine easily. For easy maintenance, there is deck wash port to effortlessly attach the water hose to the underside of the deck. Any time of riding mower attachment can easily be attached to this riding mower. The manufacturer provides a 3-year limited and 5-year frame warranty.
See more information on Husqvarna YTA22V46 Riding Lawn Mower.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- 22 HP engine with a forward speed of 2.5mph.
- 46-inch deck reinforced with flat-stock steel and adjustable height.
- More control with both hands on the steering wheel due to pedal operated hydrostatic transmission.
- Deck wash port for easy cleaning.
- Adjustable seat.
- Manufacturer warranty.
Our Verdict
This Husqvarna tractor offers supreme comfort with some appealing features. Easy cutting, easy maintenance and long warranty are just some of the reasons that make this machine one of the top rated riding lawn mowers. It is definitely worth a shot.
10. Cub Cadet XT1 42
The last on our list of the best lawn mowers is one of the popular cub cadet riding mowers, from the popular XT Enduro series, the XT142 is a nice compact option and comes with the quality assurance and trust of being a Cub Cadet lawn tractor. It comes with a 18 HP Kohler engine and The 42” deck with two blades comes with the Cub Cadet Signature cut feature which gives you the perfectly trimmed grass. Plus, it sports an advanced belt design and top-quality build made with some heavy-duty materials to ensure long durability.
The frame is protected against corrosion with an automotive grade corrosion resistant coating called E-Coat which also shields the lawn mower from daily wear and tear. When you ride this lawn mower, you can be sure of being in control new optimized steering system from Cub Cadet. Although, it is not a riding lawn mower with bagger, you can separately buy a cub cadet bagger as a riding lawn mower attachment for this machine.
See more information on Cub Cadet XT1 42.
Compelling Reasons to Buy
- 18 HP Kohler engine.
- 42-inch deck size with two blade cutting.
- Heavy-duty material for long durability and an advanced belt design.
- Corrosion and wear and tear resistant E Coat.
- Can fit riding lawn mower attachment.
Our Verdict
The XT1 42 Cub Cadet lawn tractor is an affordable and one of the best small riding lawn mowers. With some top-class features incorporated in its build, it delivers on all important counts to the utter satisfaction of the user. You don’t need to think twice to opt for this lawn mower.
Things to look for in a Riding Lawn Mower – BUYERS’ GUIDE
The riding lawn mowers are powered by engines and therefore suitable for mowing grass across a larger area. They offer good traction and transmission for effective performance even on rough terrain. They reduce the time and effort needed to complete the mowing task.
Things to Consider
Below are a few things you should consider before you decide to zero in on the riding lawn mower;
- Size of the Lawn: Whether you need a small lawn tractor or a heavy duty garden tractor will depend on the size of the lawn or property. And if it is incredibly rough terrain with sharp bends and curves, you might want to go for some of the best rated zero turn mowers which provide easy manoeuvrability.
- Control: Since you will be riding the mower, you would want to be in full control of it and also desire ease of operations. Whether the controls are easily accessible and whether you are able to control the steering wheel are important factors to be looked at.
- Hour Meter: An hour meter tells you the time the engine has been running since the oil was changed the last time. This will help you keep track of the maintenance of the riding lawn mower. Buy one which has this tool.
- Fuel tank Capacity and fuel check: Higher fuel tank capacity means the machine can work for long uninterrupted hours. And make sure you are able to check the fuel level so that you don’t end up in a situation where the riding mower stopped moving as it ran out of gas.
- Seats: Most of the riding lawn mowers come with an adjustable and sliding seat with height adjustment for the maximum comfort of the user. Some also feature a cup holder and other minor things.