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If you have a medium to large-sized property, trying to keep it maintained can prove to be quite difficult with an ordinary lawnmower. Pushing a mower around uneven terrain can be time-consuming, physically demanding, and expensive if you choose to pay a professional to do all of the hard work for you.
However, instead of struggling to keep your grass under control or spending large amounts of money continually, a ride-on mower is a great gardening investment.
A ride-on mower requires less energy, and it means that your mowing chores are done faster, and you can still get that highly desired professional look.
The 6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers
- Ryobi Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
- Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower
- Husqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower (Our Top Pick)
- Husqvarna YTH24V54 Riding Mower
- Husqvarna TS 348XD Riding Mower
- Husqvarna TS 354XD Garden Tractor
Our Top Pick for the Best Riding Lawn Mower
Our top pick for the best riding lawn mower is the Husqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower.
With air-induction mowing technology, it improves grass lift and delivers a superior cut. Plenty of special features such as the choke less start, 48-inch cutting width, and 24 HP power output make this a machine worthy of the top of the best lawn mowers list.
Before you set out to buy your shiny, new gardening best friend, there are a few gardening and mechanical specifications to look out for. So ask yourself these two questions:
- What is the size of your yard and what kind of terrain does it have: small, medium or large, flat, gradual, steep inclines, hilly?
- What kind of obstacles are there (trees, bushes, flower beds)?
Choose the Size of Your Ride-on Mower
Generally speaking, ride-on mowers are ideal for properties that are half an acre or more. However, there are smaller models that can be used in smaller yards as long as you have a gate that is wide enough to let the machine through.
The size of the ride-on mower relates to the size of the mower’s cutting deck.
Whether you own a residential property, acreage, or an estate, the size of the cutting deck can make all the difference to your mowing experience.
Consider the following guide that can help you decide on the right size of mower for your property.
30”.This size is ideal for small to medium-sized properties that have a flat lawn and if you have to negotiate your way through a narrow gate.
42″.This type of ride-on mower will work effectively on flat lawns and medium properties up to 2-acres, and they can maneuver well around detailed landscaping and trees.
46”-48”.This size is ideal for medium to larger sized properties, and will have no trouble getting underneath bushes and for mowing up gentle to medium sloping gradients or hills up to 15°.
Remember: any slope or hill that is over 15° can be dangerous with such a heavy piece of machinery.
50”+”. Larger sized ride-on mowers are ideal for properties over 3-acres or more. They can handle moderate slopes, large open areas, and rougher terrain.
Consider push mowers or zero-turn mowers should a ride-on mower not suit your property.
Choosing a Transmission
Ride-on mowers can either be operated by a manual, automatic, or hydrostatic transmission.
Manual Transmission
The beauty of manual transmission is that it offers you a range of set speeds you can select and gives you more control over the movement of the mower. Look for mowers that let you shift up or down without having to stop or use a clutch.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission in a ride-on mower is similar to the automatic transmission in a car. You can control the speed of the mower just by stepping on a pedal.
Hydrostatic Transmission
Mowers with hydrostatic transmission uses fluid rather than a belt to shift the power from the engine to the wheels. This type of transmission offers you a smoother ride and the mower will require less maintenance.
Handy Operator and Mechanical Specifications
Engine Horsepower
Horsepower (HP) measures the power output of the ride-on mower engine. The more horsepower the more work the mower is able to do. Ride-on mowers that have a higher horsepower are faster and can handle rough terrain.
Cruise Control
Just like the cruise control can take the stress out of driving on a long stretch of road for a long period of time, it is much the same with a ride-on mower. Cruise control allows you to stay on one speed while you are mowing along in one stretch.
Cutting Blades
If you have a lot of grass, especially high grass, and tough weeds, it is best to choose a mower with more than one cutting blade. Some of the small tractors have only one blade, but there are lawn tractors that have 2 or 3 blades. Although, with the powerful engines that are on most models, you can still get a good cutting performance out of one blade.
Anti-scalping Wheels
Anti-scalping wheels give you better traction on the ground. They are especially ideal for driving over uneven terrain and for traveling up hills.
Turning Radius
The turning radius describes how tightly you can turn the mower. A smaller turning radius means you can make sharper turns, which is especially useful if your lawn has a lot of obstacles and tight corners.
Extra Attachments
Some ride-on mowers allow extra attachments to be fitted, which enables you to do additional gardening maintenance like mulching, ridging, and edging. Also, there are ride-on mowers that function as a tractor. You can use them for clearing your driveway clear of snow or you can attach a trailer.
OperatorComfort Features
Most ride-on mowers come with extra comfort features like a high-back seat with lumbar support, extended leg room, an easy to access control panel, cup holders, and LED headlights for low light conditions.
Warranty Information
Just like any other mechanical power tool, especially large machines with lots of moving parts, it is a good idea to look for a warranty that covers the mower for 2 years or more.
Some manufacturers offer a generous 4-year warranty. However, it might be a limited warranty, so it is best to read the fine print, which can be accessed through their website.
12 Lawn MowerSafety Tips You Need to Know
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than80,000 injuriesare treated because of the unsafe operation of gardening machinery. For many homesteaders operating a large gardening machine is a mandatory part of their weekly chores, but by practicing some safety tips, you can stay injury-free.
- Operator Manual. Always read your Operator’s Manual thoroughly before operating your mower.
- Wear protective eyewear. Even though you will be seated high up off the ground on the mower, there can be flying debris. If you are mowing in an area that has a lot of low hanging branches, it is a good idea to wear protective headgear or at least a hat.
- Mowing in daylight hours.If you can, try to mow in daylight and when the grass is dry. Although a lot of ride-on mowers have LED headlights, a mower can still get into trouble when they are mowing through wet grass or muddy areas.
- Check your work area.Check your yard or property for any debris or objects that are lying around and could cause damage to the mower and to yourself when you mow over them.
- Children/Pet Alert.Make sure that there are no children or pets or livestock around while you are mowing.
- Drive Safe. Always look 3-4-feet directly ahead of you just like you would when you are driving your car.
- Negotiating difficult terrain. Take care when mowing up hills and inclines. It is best to mow up and down an incline and not across.
- Operating Safety.Turn off the mower when you need to get to cross a driveway or to open and close a gate, and do not leave the mower unattended.
- Cleaning the mower. If you need to clean out any grass from the grass chute, switch off the mower first.
- Fixing the mower.Do not try to fix the mower while it is running.
- Hot engines. Stay clear of a hot engine.
- Mowing in hot weather. If you are mowing for long periods on a hot day, make sure you are wearing a hat and have water with you.
6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers – Reviews
1.Ryobi Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
If you are looking for a green alternative to a gas-riding mower for a 2.5-acre property, the Ryobi Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower is just right for you. It is powered by a 100 Ah battery that provides up to 2.5 hours of runtime, which means it is powerful and you do not have to worry about fumes, belts, spark plugs, or filters.
The RY48111 can be charged via a 120-volt outlet and there is a USB phone charger for a phone or MP3 player.
Operating this machine is very easy due to the hydrostatic drive and the drive pedal is highly responsive. Smart cruise control also provides excellent maneuverability over level ground and slight slopes.
The Ryobi riding mower comes equipped with a 38-inch 2-blade steel deck and a 12 position manual deck adjustment that makes it easy to get a clean, level cut on your lawn. As this mower emits only 70 dB, it is extremely quiet, so you can mow your lawn without disturbing your neighbors.
User-friendly features include a comfy good-sized seat, an easy-gripping steering wheel, controls that are located right near your seat, and LED headlights. Plus, this riding mower also has a towing capacity of 350 pounds.
Pros
- Ideal for 2.5-acre properties
- Good value for money
- Powerful
- Very good battery life
- Easy to adjust deck
- Highly responsive controls
- Delivers a clean and level cut
- Conveniently locates user-friendly controls
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for steep hills or heavy-duty use
- Not ideal for lawns with very high grass
2. Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower
The Husqvarna name is synonymous with outstanding ride-on mowers that are built to last and are easy to drive. The Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower has a powerful 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank so this mower is ideal for maintaining a medium to a large-sized property.
Driving the YTH18542 is effortless due to the intuitive hydrostatic transmission that lets you control the smooth variable forward and reverse speed at the push of a pedal, which means you can keep both hands on the steering wheel for optimal driving control.
You can even mow in reverse with a simple press of a button. Sturdy anti-scalping rear tires give you that much-needed traction for uneven terrain and the 16-inch turning radius is ideal for tight corners.
You can be assured of a consistent cut every time as the air induction technology improves the flow of the air from the top and bottom of the deck.
Husqvarna has your comfort in mind when they designed this riding mower. You can quickly adjust the cutting height of the 42-inch reinforced steel deck with the adjustment lever that is conveniently located within arm’s reach of your seat.
For those long hours working on a larger property, the comfortable 13-inch mid-back vinyl seat can be adjusted forward and backward and the ergonomic steering wheel has a nice soft grip. A cup holder is a perfect place to keep a cool drink on hand while you are working.
The mower is really easy to keep clean and you can connect a water hose to the underside of the deck and hose the machine down.
If you prefer to work at dawn or twilight, the Husqvarna ride-on mower also comes with LED headlights.
As well as providing you with an overall high-quality mowing and cutting performance, Husqvarna has also designed this ride-on mower to accept other attachments, so you can use it for all your towing needs.
Pros
- Fast
- Good value for money
- Ideal for small to medium-sized properties with slight inclines
- Powerful engine
- Easy to operate
- Good steering
- LED headlights
- Comfortable seat and steering wheel
Cons
- Can be difficult to maneuver around obstacles
- Not ideal for mowing up steep hills
- Does not have a gas gauge
3.Husqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower
If you have a medium to large-sized property up to 3-acres, the Husqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower is the perfect ride-on mower for you. The powerful 24 HP Briggs & Stratton engine is famous for its reliable long-term performance, a better cut, minimal vibration, quieter operation, and reduced overheating.
There is no need to prime the engine as the choke-less start key allows for a highly responsive start. At just the push of a pedal, the fast automatic hydrostatic transmission provides fast and smooth, variable forward and reverse speeds.
Built strong for tough tasks, the durable 48-inch steel-reinforced spring-assist deck has 6 height positions to choose from, which can be easily adjusted to suit any kind of terrain or grass level you have on your property. Special Air Induction mowing technology also improves airflow within the deck, thus ensuring a clean, consistent cut every time.
A heavy cast-iron oscillating front axle provides superior balance and a 16-inch turning radius helps you to maneuver the mower around trees or other obstacles.
When it comes to cutting thick grass, the ‘Electric Blade Engagement’ system can be operated by just a pull of a switch that is located on the control panel.
The Maintenance Minder reminds you when it is time to service your tractor, and there is a convenient cup holder for your drink. You will enjoy a comfortable mowing experience as Husqvarna has included an ergonomic seat and a soft-grip steering wheel.
Pros
- Ideal for medium to large properties up to 3-acres
- Powerful
- Good speed
- Cuts well
- Smooth operation
- Good turning radius
- Sturdy construction
- Ideal for cutting thick grass
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for steep inclines
4.Husqvarna YTH24V54 Riding Mower
Once you ride on the Husqvarna YTH24V54 Riding Mower you will wonder how you ever managed to maintain your property without it. A seriously heavy-duty mowing machine, the YTH24V54 cuts effortlessly through long, thick grass.
The powerful 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine provide the necessary power for longer mowing tasks and there is no need to prime or choke the engine. Ready-start technology turns the mower on with just a turn of the key and ensures reliable, continuous power, as well as preventing the engine from overheating.
Equipped with a 54-inch reinforced steel cutting deck, you can cut and trim grassy areas in one quick sweep, and air induction keeps the deck clean. An electric blade engagement system means you can raise and lower the deck by simply pulling a switch. Riding over uneven terrain is no problem for this mower as it has 4 anti-scalp wheels.
The foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission provides a smooth gear-changing experience. With a 16-inch turning radius and a special move-in-reverse feature, you can easily maneuver the lawnmower in tight corners and around obstacles. A super-fast machine, this riding mower delivers top speed, so all your mowing jobs will be done quickly.
Driving the Husqvarna riding mower is a delight as it has a step-through design, an ergonomic steering wheel, and the 15-inch high-back adjustable seat is very comfortable and supportive. For safe low-light driving, the riding mower also has high-intensity headlights.
The YTH24V54 is ideal for medium-large-sized properties that have uneven terrain and slight inclines or slopes, but it is not designed for very steep hills as it is quite bulky.
Pros
- Powerful
- Fast
- Great cutting performance
- Very good turning radius
- Works best on hilly terrain
- Ready-start technology
- Mow in reverse
- High-intensity headlights
- Comfortable seat
Cons
- Not ideal for very steep hills
- Gas tank is a bit small
- Screws can come loose easily underneath the seat
5.Husqvarna TS 348XD Riding Mower
Husqvarna is one of the most trusted manufacturers of outdoor power and lawn care equipment, and its smartly designed TS 348XD Riding Mower offers you the perfect combination of power and operator comfort.
Durable and dependable, the Husqvarna ride-on lawnmower is an excellent choice for those homesteaders who have a medium property with flat terrain.
Powered by a reliable 726cc OHV engine, the riding mower delivers sufficient power and torque for fast cutting in one go, and the automatic variable transmission gives you more control over the speed of the mower.
For easy maneuverability and fast blade engagement in yards that have obstacles or awkward corners, the efficient 48-inch steel cutting deck can be adjusted up or down with the 5-position hand-controlled height adjuster.
The fuel sight window on the tank helps you to keep track of the fuel usage.
Its durable front and rear wheels allow for a smooth ride over uneven terrain and also help to prevent any scalping on your lawn.
The turning radius and manual power take-off (PTO) mechanism make this machine quite easy to maneuver when you are doing sharp turns and getting in and out of tight spots.
Husqvarna has included some great ergonomic features that will make your mowing easier.
For your riding comfort, the lawn mower has a comfortable high-back seat that allows extra room for people with longer legs and an adjustable soft-rim steering wheel. The unique step-through frame allows you to get in and out of the machine quickly.
A highly versatile machine, you can attach a garden cart or a small trailer to the lawn mower.
Husqvarna offers a 2-year limited warranty on the riding mower.
Pros
- Ideal for medium properties with uneven terrain
- Easy to use
- Durable and dependable
- Powerful engine
- Efficient cutting deck
- Good turning radius makes it easy to maneuver
- Very good cutting ability
- Comfortable seat
- Adjustable soft-rim steering wheel
- Unique step-through frame
- Compact design
Cons
- Expensive
- Belt does not last very long
- Not ideal for lawns with very high grass
- Small fuel tank
6. Husqvarna TS 354XD Garden Tractor
With unbeaten design features and capabilities in its class, the Husqvarna TS 354XD Garden Tractor is perfectly suited for a medium to large-sized property that has harsh mowing conditions.
The reliable Kawasaki 24 HP engine produces maximum power, quieter operation, and low emissions, so you can mow fast anywhere – with a consistent result every time.
Built like a tank, the TS 354XD has a rugged 10-gauge welded steel ClearCut™ cutting deck and the additional welded reinforcement strips ensure long-lasting durability. Instead of painted plastic that can fade, Husqvarna has made the hood from solid steel.
The commercial-grade electric locking rear differential keeps both rear tires moving in unison without overheating and provides unmatched traction on inclines and wet, slippery conditions. Six anti-scalping tires also prevent any damage to your lawn.
You have a lot of cutting versatility at your disposal as the cutting deck has 6 height-of-cut settings that range from 1-4-inches.
Adjusting the mower’s maximum speed of 5.5 MPH and 2.5 MPH in reverse can be done quickly via the pedal-operated Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission. Cruise control and a 16-inch turning radius make it easy to maneuver the riding mower in a tight yard. A cast-iron front axle and dual draglinks allow for improved balance and stability, as well as a tighter turning radius.
For comfort and support while you mow, the deluxe 21-inch high back seat has armrests and the co*ckpit is very roomy. The oversized soft-touch steering wheel guarantees reduced effort and better ergonomics. Husqvarna also includes LED headlights for increased visibility in low light conditions, an hour meter, a large 4-gallon fuel tank with an easy-access fuel cup and visible fuel level, and a deck washout port.
Pros
- Ideal for medium to large properties with harsh conditions
- Maximum power
- Reliable performance
- Solid steel construction
- Versatile 6 height-of-cut settings
- Maximum speed up to 5.5 MPH and 2.5 MPH in reverse
- Unmatched traction on inclines and wet, slippery conditions
- Anti-scalping tires
- Cruise control
- 16-inch turning radius is ideal for maneuvering in tight yards
- Improved balance and stability
- Deluxe 21-inch high back seat has armrests
- Roomy co*ckpit
- Oversized soft-touch steering wheel
- LED headlights
- Deck washout port
Cons
- Expensive
- Needs more shock absorption in the seat
- Very bulky
- Engine is very loud when engaging the deck
Our Top Pick for the Best Riding Lawn Mower
Our top pick for the best riding lawn mower is the Husqvarna YTA24V48 Tractor Mower.
With air-induction mowing technology, it improves grass lift and delivers a superior cut. Plenty of special features such as the choke less start, 48-inch cutting width, and 24 HP power output make this a machine worthy of the top of the best lawn mowers list.
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