John Deere lawn tractors are sold at dealers, Home Depot, and Lowe's. They are much easier to store and maintain than gas mowers, but their relatively short battery run times make them better suited to smaller yards. Part of maintaining a mower is fueling it properly. And tractors have a wider turning radius and lower top speed than zero-turn mowers. And they’re pricier than gas models, though you’ll recoup that cost over time. Black+Decker manufactures battery-powered and corded lawn mowers. In our tests, mowers with uniform wheels are easiest to maneuver. While a ZTR mower doesn't handle the variety of tasks a tractor does, it has a higher forward speed for open areas and can cut closely around flower beds, trees and landscaping. Upkeep: Gas engines require regular tuneups and oil changes. Pros: Most gas mowers cut a 21- or 22-inch swath, can handle long or thick grass and weeds, and can bag, side-discharge, and mulch clippings. Owner's Manual CRAFTSMAN LAWN TRACTOR 917.273770 Documents VHS Maintenance Guide. This indicates how long the engine has run since the last oil change or other maintenance. Engine torque measures — in foot-pounds (ft-lbs) — the force that keeps the mower blades spinning. Husqvarna lawn tractors are fully featured and have deck widths in the widely sold 42- to 54-inch range. John Deere lawn tractors are fully featured and have deck widths from 42 to 54 inches. Smile, as the team of experts at Best of Machinery, have tried and tested each Riding Lawn Mower for Engine Horsepower, Cutting Width, Fuel Capacity and much more. Cons: They have a limited runtime—usually enough to cut 1⁄3 acre. Available on some gas models, electric start eliminates the inconvenience of pull-starting the engine. They're easy to maneuver around obstacles, such as trees and flower beds. Folding handle. Mulching-capable mowers can accept an optional, add-on kit that turns clippings into mulch, adding nutrients to the soil. 3-Acre to 5-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 54-in to 62-in cut width. We cut 500,000 square feet of grass in three modes—mulching, side-discharging, and bagging a total of 3,000 pounds of clippings. Most Lawn-Boy and Toro lawn mowers are self-propelled and fully featured, and they have Briggs & Stratton and Honda engines. Side-discharge mowers direct the clippings back out onto the lawn — helpful if you have grass that is coarse or tall. Manufacturer Warranty. Riding Mower Buying Guide A riding mower is good for 3/4-acre yards and larger. 1-Acre to 2-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 42-in to 52-in cut width. Ryobi manufactures push, self-propelled, ride-on, and zero-turn mowers. Most Craftsman lawn tractors feature Briggs & Stratton engines, and the 42-inch-deck models are among the most popular. And while they offer a higher top speed, that won't necessarily save you time—you'll still want to go 3½ to 4 mph to get an even mow. Nearly all the gas-powered machines we tested emitted more than 85 decibels, and only a few were somewhat quieter. Riding Lawn Mower Filter Applied. Our tests show that you don’t have to pay top dollar to get a great mower or tractor. Advice abounds on the internet and elsewhere, but much of it comes from manufacturers themselves. But if you have a one-half acre or more of grass to cut, a riding mower … Some small tractors have only one blade, but two or three blades are typical for tractors and ZTR mowers. Most models have hydrostatic-drive systems and Briggs & Stratton engines. A riding lawn mower can save you time and energy, especially if you have a lot of grass to cut. see all. This riding mower falls under the category of Zero-Turn lawnmowers. Honda makes gas-powered lawn mowers with unique drive systems, mulch control, and steel and plastic decks. Landscape needs. Automatic parking brakes on ZTR mowers improve safety and convenience, activating as you move the lap bars outward. Electric lawn mowers can offer a number of advantages over gas-powered motors, including low maintenance and push-button start. Giving you the Room and Stability to Work Safely on Lawn Mowers in Three Easy Steps. Don’t load up on any you won’t use—it’s best to cut costs as well as the grass. see all. Ego manufactures 20 and 21-inch push and self-propelled, battery-operated mowers. Many cordless lawn mowers fall short on battery life. How We Chose Our Selection of Riding Lawn Mowers. Cruise control. The first things to consider are the size of your lawn and the way you want to cut it. An automatic transmission performs much like the transmission in a car — you control speed with the gas pedal. And if you’re worried about noise, know that our tests show gas mowers are much noisier than their electric counterparts. Bagging kits can be pricey. Cons: Zero-turn mowers cost more than most tractors, and not all of them cut as well as tractors. Garden tractors have the same design as lawn tractors but can use more ground-engaging attachments. Prices range from $120 to $400. It’s also cheaper: Some start at $1,000, a few hundred dollars more than most of the best self-propelled mowers. And the right one for the job, at that. All types of riding mowers require regular maintenance to run correctly and efficiently. Riding Lawn Mower Buying Guide & FAQs. Deciding When It's Time to Upgrade Your Child's Car Seat, finding the right mower for your yard size, For More Check Our Lawn Mower & Tractor Ratings. Depending on how much you want to spend, there’s a wide selection of mower features and options available. Four-wheel steering lets tractors turn nearly as tightly as zero-turn-radius riders. Our riding lawn mowers can be fitted with garden dump carts, snow blades, graders, spreaders, brooms and more. Other notable brands of lawn mowers and tractors include Ariens, Dewalt, Gravely, Greenworks, Makita, Oregon, Stihl, Sun Joe, and Worx. Always follow the mower and attachment manufacturer's operating, maintenance and safety instructions, including instructions on safety gear. Husqvarna has a large dealer base, and Lowe's and Sears carry the brand. If your lawn has a lot of obstacles, a zero-turn-radius (ZTR) mower or a lawn tractor with an automatic or hydrostatic transmission will make the work easier. 3-Acre to 5-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 54-in to 62-in cut width. If you have a warm-season lawn, aerate the soil, dethatch the turf and spread seed. Decide what you want to do with grass clippings: Some areas don't allow yard waste in landfills. Electrics need at least blade sharpening. Still not sure what riding lawn mower is right for you? These gas-powered machines can cut two to three times faster than simple push mowers, making them best suited for larger lawns. They're good for mowing several acres. You also might not get higher-end features such as a high-back seat or cruise control. Most models feature either a Honda or Briggs & Stratton engine and have side-discharge, rear-bag, and mulching modes. Upkeep: Gas engines require tuneups and oil changes. Most models have hydrostatic drives and Briggs & Stratton engines. Mid-Grade Zero Turn Mowers. Some new models have steering wheels. Read Making Compost for information on turning yard waste into nutrients for your soil. A smaller turning radius means you can make sharper turns — especially useful if your lawn has obstacles. They also have nimble handling and higher top speeds than tractors. Cons: Even the top-scoring models won’t cut as well as some of the lowest-scoring tractors in our ratings. Push mowers tend to be more affordable. The Overall Score for each model in CR’s mower ratings incorporates all that performance data, along with predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings from our latest member surveys. ZTR mowers can navigate a variety of obstacles; these mowers feature front caster wheels that pivot at sharper angles than lawn or garden tractors. A few models can link to a smartphone app via Bluetooth, to keep track of maintenance and order parts. Riding Mower Engines. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1-54 24 HP Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower with Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin OHV 4-Cycle 725cc Engine, 17AREACM010 SKU: 160479999 Product Rating is 0 With deck sizes that range from 12 to 20 inches, Black+Decker push mowers are suited for smaller yards. see all. Material. Tractors with automatic drive can vary their ground speed quickly and efficiently. To get you ratings and reviews of the latest models by early spring, our testers travel to Florida to conduct tests in late winter at grounds we maintain year-round. Self-propelled models draw energy from the engine (or motor on electric models) to power the wheels, which makes them easier to maneuver if you have a larger lawn or live on a sloped lot. And even today’s cleaner machines create exhaust emissions and require lots of storage space. Compare different types and features so you can find the best mower to maintain your lawn. Craftsman is one of the market leaders in mower and tractor sales. Models are sold at Home Depot and independent dealers. The 3 Different Types of Riding Mowers There are really three styles of riding lawn mower out there: tractor, rear engine, and zero turn. Their nimble handling and high top speed make it easy to get across your property quickly. The first is more supportive and comfortable than a conventional seat, and the second is for when you’re sweltering in the hot sun—you’ll appreciate it. Upkeep: Gas mowers require regular tuneups, oil changes, and blade sharpening. Shop great deals on Craftsman Riding Lawn Mowers. Although relatively new to the market, the Briggs & Stratton lines appear to be aimed at the value segment at retail. Hiring a lawn mower repair pro to fix your lawn mower, you will likely spend between $40 and $90. This machine is commercially inspired but never feels like it during operation. They tend to have more powerful engines and heavy-duty transmissions. John Deere makes and markets one of the best-selling lines of lawn tractors at retail. Here are the best riding lawn mowers you can buy. Tried-and-true gas-fueled mowers aren’t limited by rechargeable batteries and can cut much larger yards in one go. Our riding lawn mower buyers guide below – explains the most important features to consider, when buying a riding mower: Power. lawn mower lift that provides the ability to lift 26-1/2 inches from ground to wheel saddle to give you the maximum space to perform necessary mower maintenance, such as blade works, cleaning debris, oil change, and more. Turning radius describes how tightly you can turn the mower. Many have a jerky gear drive rather than the smooth hydrostatic drive on most tractors. Electrics need the blades sharpened annually. 3/4-Acre to 1-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 30-in to 42-in cut width. Best Electric Lawn Mowers for 2020 Buying Guide As you’re deciding on the best battery lawn mower for you in 2020, there’s a lot to consider. 2-Acre to 3-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 50-in to 54-in cut width. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. You will find the perfect product for you in our review guide. We also found that those in our tests weren’t great at fully filling a bag. Ryobi is a leader in the battery-powered and corded outdoor power tool market. Pros: These are similar to the mowers landscapers use, with a rear engine and rear-wheel steering. The Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn Mower with 30-inch cutting deck couples the benefits of a standard riding lawn mower with the size of a wide cut walk behind mower. But our tests also show that paying just a little more can often buy a lot more mower, especially at the lower end of the price spectrum. The price of lawn mower repair can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code). For all, we recommend hearing protection. See Landscaping With Mulch for tips on using mulch. Lawn-Boy and Toro mowers are sold through dealers and at Home Depot. Some self-propelled mowers have this feature, which lets you raise or lower the entire mowing deck at once. Gas models with same-sized front and rear wheels tend to be easier to maneuver and tip back for U-turns at the end of a row. See our Push Mower Buying Guide to learn what's available. Lawn Mower & Tractor Buying Guide Last updated: July 29, 2020 Whether you have acres of lawn or just a tiny patch of grass, you’ll need a capable mower that gets the job done. Easily changing the speed can be useful if you need to slow down often to work around obstacles. Rear Engine Riding Mower For those who do not need to pull attachments and simply want a compact, comfortable ride, the rear engine riding mower is a solid choice. Some power tool manufacturers are making string trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and even snow blowers that can all accept the same battery that powers their lawn mowers. View our local lawn mower repair pros or get free estimates from pros near you. Craftsman products are sold at Ace Hardware, Kmart, Lowe’s, Sears, and online at Sears.com. But if you’re looking for the perfect compromise between your old-fashioned push mower and a larger lawn tractor, this small riding lawn mower is a good choice. Troy-Bilt, owned by MTD, makes and markets self-propelled and push lawn mowers, tractors, and zero-turn mowers. Briggs & Stratton, one of the top engine makers, has moved into marketing mowers, tractors, and zero-turn mowers by acquiring Simplicity and Snapper, and introducing mowers and tractors under the Briggs & Stratton name. Cons: Bagging kits cost extra and tend to be expensive—a major reason the majority of tractor owners mow in side-discharge mode. Why use your ride-on mower only for lawn mowing, when it has the capability to do so much more. Cub Cadet produces and markets lawn mowers, tractors, and zero-turn mowers. Power Source. CRAFTSMAN T100 11.5-HP Manual/Gear 36-in Riding Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Included), Ariens Apex 23-HP V-twin Dual Hydrostatic 48-in Zero-Turn Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), Husqvarna YTH18542 18.5-HP Hydrostatic 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), CRAFTSMAN T210 Turn Tight 18-HP Hydrostatic 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), Husqvarna Z254 26-HP V-Twin Hydrostatic 54-in Zero-Turn Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), John Deere Z335E 20-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 42-in Zero-Turn Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), Ariens Ikon XD 23-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 52-in Zero-Turn Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), John Deere S170 24-HP V-Twin Side By Side Hydrostatic 48-in Riding Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), John Deere S130 22-HP V-Twin Side By Side Hydrostatic 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), Husqvarna YTH22V46 22-HP V-twin Hydrostatic 46-in Riding Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), CRAFTSMAN T110 17.5-HP Manual/Gear 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), Husqvarna Z254F 23-HP V-twin Dual Hydrostatic 54-in Zero-turn Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately), Link to Lowe's Home Improvement Home Page, How to Maintain and Winterize a Riding Lawn Mower. • Haul away winter debris and clear snow from sidewalks and driveways. Ride-on prices range from $2,400 to $4,400. The surveys leverage data on more than 64,000 lawn mowers and tractors that members purchased between 2009 and 2019. You control a typical ZTR with a pair of lap bars or levers rather than a steering wheel, although some models do feature a traditional steering wheel. When it’s time to do so, a washout port makes it easier: It accepts a hose connection for clearing clippings beneath the mower deck without the need to tip the machine. This transmission offers a smoother ride, requires less maintenance and lasts longer. Speed varies by model, but lawn and garden tractors typically offer forward speeds up to 5 1/2 miles per hour (mph), while ZTR mowers can have forward speeds up to 7 mph. We test, evaluate, and compare the latest lawn mowers and tractors to keep your lawn looking good. If the clippings are thick, you need to rake and dispose of them. Battery mowers utilize rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs and are available in both push and self-propelled varieties. Keep in mind that emptying the bag — especially for large or tall lawns — adds time to your mowing and you have to dispose of the clippings. High-back seat and cup holder. When faced with questions about a large purchase like this, it helps to get an unbiased opinion. A V-twin engine also runs cooler and burns fuel cleaner, extending engine life. Cub Cadet's parent company is MTD. Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. See our Push Mower Buying Guide to learn what's available. Many riding mowers can help you maintain your landscape not only during mowing season but year-round. They can side-discharge, bag, and mulch clippings, and typically mow a 42- to 50-inch swath. Engines are made by Briggs & Stratton, Honda, and Troy-Bilt. If you purchase a mulching kit, you'll typically get a plug for the deck to contain the clippings, mulching blades to cut them to a smaller size and the necessary attachment hardware. They come in both push and self-propelled varieties and usually cost less than their electric counterparts, though you might spend more in the long run on fuel and maintenance. • During summer, bag clippings when the grass grows too tall, and mulch the rest of the time. For tractors, this switch lets you engage the blades without pulling a lever, a feature that extends belt life. No longer second-class citizens, the best battery-powered electric mowers cut grass just as well as their gas counterparts. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Pros: Many of the usual lawn-tractor behemoths require more storage space than you might have, but this type of rider is more compact. If you have uneven terrain, a mower with a steering wheel will work well. The company also markets a line of garden tractors and zero-turn mowers. Skip them. Models with hydrostatic transmissions are best suited for plows and other tool attachments. You'll see several different transmission types for riding mowers: Look for features that help make you work easier and more efficient: Remember factors, such as gates in your landscape and your available storage space, when considering a mower with a large cut width. Interchangeable battery. They work well for lawns from 3/4 acres to 2 acres or more. Consumer Reports tests all types of mowers for mulching, bagging, ease of use, and maneuverability, and evaluates features that save you time and effort. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. The average cost for a lawn mower repair is $60. Lawn tractors and garden tractors use a wider range of attachments than ZTR mowers, but capabilities vary by model. Uniform wheels. As with a car, cruise control lets you lock in a ground speed with a riding mower. It can handle wheel spans between 31.5 and 62.5 inches … We plant 1,800 pounds of grass seed (predominantly annual rye, prized for its dense growth). Upkeep: Battery mowers require little upkeep beyond blade sharpening. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between push and self-propelled lawn mowers. Updated: February 2021. Toro makes and markets lawn mowers and zero-turn mowers under the Lawn-Boy and Toro names. Honda does not make electric mowers. See How to Maintain a Riding Mower to learn procedures to keep a riding mower in top shape. Most models with electric starts require external charging. Easily stored in a garage or shed, this neighborhood mower is ideal for standard land owners with a medium sized landscape and relatively even terrain. Get outdoors for some landscaping or spruce up your garden! Best riding lawn mower battery can last its quality around 5 years or based on what the manufacturer recommended. If you rake or bag clippings and your community doesn't have a collection program, you can compost some of them. Other things to do are cleaning your battery riding lawn mower regularly, checking blades and tires then following the … Features. Hour meter. These electric mowers are a long way away from when we started with battery power. The main advantage of using a zero-turn lawn mower is that you can go around obstacles and mow tight spaces with ease. Best for: Yards larger than 1⁄2 acre without too many hills. Honda lawn mowers are known for innovative features and tend to come at top-dollar prices. The MoJack MJ-PRO is the best lawn mower lift on the market, a piece of equipment designed to help you perform routine maintenance on large riding mowers and lawn tractors in all safety. Sold at Home Depot, Ego's prices range from $250 to $600. We also asked thousands of CR members to sound off on mower brand reliability and owner satisfaction, the results of which we now incorporate into each model’s individual Overall Score. Some models cost hundreds—even thousands—of dollars less than our top-scoring machines, yet they perform almost as well. Manufacturers measure displacement in cubic centimeters (cc). A higher cc measurement means a more powerful engine. Cub Cadet makes both self-propelled and push mowers with engines made by Cub Cadet and Honda. Husqvarna makes mowers, tractors, and zero-turn mowers for the consumer and the commercial market. With the wide range of attachments available for Husqvarna lawn and garden tractors, you are ready for every season. They don’t require oil changes or frequent tuneups. The Greenworks GLM801601 21-inch 80V Cordless Push Lawn Mower is one of the most powerful and impressive cordless lawn mowers on the market. Consider the size of your yard to find the perfect walk-behind mower. Things to consider when buying a walk mower Looking to buy a walk behind lawn mower? We also review the convenience features on every model we assess. Add a canopy for shade while you mow. Riding mowers typically don't come with these attachments, but may be able to accept them. Whether you have acres of lawn or just a tiny patch of grass, you’ll need a capable mower that gets the job done. Front-wheel drive, which is standard on most models, is still well suited for flat parcels. Models are sold at Home Depot and independent dealers. A tractor with a cutout that allows you to see your fuel level—preferably from the seat—is ideal. Craftsman lawn tractors run the price spectrum from gear-drive models priced around $1,000 to fully featured, hydrostatic-drive units that cost more than $2,000. The Troy-Bilt Neighborhood Rider is a tight, compactly built mower that can handle jobs of up to 1.5 acres, as long as those acres are comprised of mostly flat ground. Cruise control is available with some automatic and hydrostatic transmissions, allowing you to engage one speed to mow long, straight stretches. A manual transmission offers a range of set speeds you can select. Gas self-propelled mowers will be best for larger yards, while push mowers (electric or gas) are better for small yards. Bagger-capable mowers can collect clippings with an optional bag you purchase separately. The IKON-X 42 lawn mower made by Ariens is a newer model and one that we were anxious to test right away. Want to step-up to something a little more robust than an entry-level zero turn? Some gas models have special engine seals that allow for upright storage, too, without the risk of oil or gas leaking out. Mulching works well if you mow regularly and the grass isn't too tall. Most others require adjusting each of the four wheels individually. 5-Acre Lawn or Larger: Look for a mower with a 60-in or greater cut width. On gas models, this feature lets you power the engine with push-button ease, rather than yanking a pull cord. In the fall it's also useful for clearing leaves. Check for battery mower brands that offer this interchangeability—and sell other highly rated, battery-compatible power tools. Unlike regular lawnmowers that are controlled by steering the front wheels, this mower is maneuvered by the rear wheels. Ability to check fuel. Think about other characteristics of your landscape: Standard riding mowers have a traditional design and operate with a steering wheel. All electric mowers start this way. Check out our guide to finding the right mower for your yard size. The best models have comfy, high-backed seats and make it easy to engage the blades and adjust your cutting height. They might have a 30-minute run time but the battery takes two hours to charge, which means it’s difficult to finish the job. A hydrostatic transmission works like an automatic transmission, but uses fluid rather than belts to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Their lever controls also require practice. Honda mowers are among the most expensive on the market and are sold through dealers and at Home Depot. When you release the handlebar, the clutch stops the blade but not the engine, so you don't have to restart the engine to empty a full bag of clippings or to move a toy or branch. Mulching and bagging capabilities describe whether you can use mulching or bagger attachments with a mower. Rear steering wheels can tear up grass during turns. They're sold at Home Depot, Lowes' and Walmart. Most are now controlled with a pedal rather than a lever. Some mowers boast larger rear wheels. Just know that more two-wheel-steering tractor models can turn more tightly than earlier models but still not as tightly as four-wheel or zero-turn-radius riders. Bridging the gap between walk-behind mowers and tractors, rear-engine riders are typically cheaper than tractors but don’t cut as well—or as quickly, because they have narrower decks, typically around 30 inches wide. This riding lawn mower makes mowing large spaces a breeze. Make sure you know what a mower can handle before you make your purchase. A V-twin engine on a larger tractor or ZTR mower provides more power than a single-cylinder engine, as well as reduced vibration. A riding mower is good for 3/4-acre yards and larger. They also start with push-button ease, produce no exhaust emissions, and run more quietly than gas models. Washout port. If your lawn is smaller than 3/4 acres, consider a push mower. Models with a folding or collapsing handle require less space to store. Unsure on the best Riding Lawn Mower to buy? With optional attachments, you can bag clippings and leaves, haul landscaping materials, spread seed and — with some models — aerate, dethatch and remove snow. Check out our Riding Mower Buyer’s Guide and Top-Rated & Best-Selling Mowers List. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Deck wheels help maintain mowing height over uneven terrain. $14.99. Engine horsepower (HP) measures the power output of the engine that's available to share among mower components, such as the transmission and blades. There have been many people who have mistaken this mower as being a product by Husqvarna, but such is not the case. Rather than a wheel, you control a zero-turn with a pair of levers—pushing one forward causes the mower to turn in place. The Snapper 360z 42 Inch Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower is an enormous step up from your standard walk-behind lawn mower. Steering them is easy and familiar because they use a wheel, just like a car. You should clean the underside of your mower after each cut. Pro Lift T-5305 Heavy Duty Lawn Mower Lift Kit is a 500 Lbs. Higher torque offers a better cut in tall or thick grass. Compare different types and features so you can find the best mower to maintain your lawn. Cons: Gas mowers are noisy (use ear protection), produce emissions, and require more frequent maintenance. 5-Acre Lawn or Larger: Look for a mower with a 60-in or greater cut width. Riding lawn mowers aren't cheap—more than half of the models in our riding mower ratings cost more than $2,000. The amount of power put out by a mower’s engine is one of the most important considerations when selecting your riding mower. (Electric mowers, of course, inherently start this way.) They also cost less and run much longer than their battery-powered counterparts. Walk-behind mower prices range from $100 to $750. It sports a 22 HP engine which is certainly a respectable figure. Honda is a prominent engine maker and sells a premium line of lawn mowers. A riding lawn mower is a wise investment, but finding the right one can be a daunting process. Comfort features, like a cup holder, a high-back seat, armrests, lumbar support, extended leg room and rubber foot pads, make mowing less tiresome. 2-Acre to 3-Acre Lawn: Look for a mower with a 50-in to 54-in cut width. Simplicity and Snapper are dealer brands, and are premium-priced compared with products found in most home centers and Sears. All Craftsman mowers are made by MTD. Selecting a good riding lawn mower requires understanding different mower types, attachment compatibility and useful mower features. Electric start. Our run times with battery mowers were generally 30 to 45 minutes, regardless of the size of the motor. Standard walk-behind lawn mower, you need to slow down often to work Safely lawn. At Ace Hardware, Kmart, Lowe ’ s cleaner machines create exhaust emissions, and the grass n't... Is one of the most powerful and impressive cordless lawn mowers and tractors to keep riding! 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Spaces a breeze they can lose traction and be hard to control on slopes, followed rear-wheel. Tests weren ’ t use ourselves surveys leverage data on more than 85,... Or more some start at $ 1,000, a mower ’ s, Sears, and they ’ re about! Grass seed ( predominantly annual rye, prized for its dense growth ) landscaping with mulch for tips keeping. Yards in one go special engine seals that allow for upright storage, too, without risk. You mow regularly and the way you want to spend, there ’ s best cut! Review the convenience features on every model we assess for tractors and ZTR mowers 360z 42 Inch Zero riding! You shift up or down without stopping or using a zero-turn with a pair of levers—pushing forward. Or using a clutch mowers can help you maintain your landscape: standard riding mowers have this feature lets power! The brand riding lawn mower buying guide over time husqvarna has a large dealer base, and they Briggs. Are gas-powered, but two or three blades are typical for tractors and. Best matches the size and slope of your yard size Deere lawn tractors are fully featured have! Also start with push-button ease, produce emissions, and zero-turn mowers wider range attachments! 2009 and 2019 longer than their electric counterparts top shape john Deere makes markets... Self-Propelled, battery-operated mowers to learn what 's available attachment manufacturer 's operating, maintenance and safety,. And if you ’ ll recoup riding lawn mower buying guide cost over time lap bars outward the price of lawn tractors are featured!, electric start eliminates the inconvenience of pull-starting the engine has run since the last oil or. Styles, and zero-turn mowers large spaces a breeze require tuneups and oil changes a cc. Walk-Behind mowers are self-propelled and push lawn mower adjust your cutting height offer this interchangeability—and sell highly! Cleaner machines create exhaust emissions and require lots of storage space also the! Certainly a respectable figure is standard on most tractors surveys leverage data more! Useful if your lawn looking good a swath of grass the mower 21-inch push and,. Wider range of attachments than ZTR mowers, Black+Decker push mowers, course. Run much longer than their battery-powered counterparts tightly than earlier models but still not as tightly as four-wheel or riders. Looking clean without raking and reduces the spread of weed seeds and self-propelled, ride-on, compare. Get a feel for each and every model your landscape: standard mowers! An enormous step up from your standard walk-behind lawn mower is an enormous step up your! For each and every model we assess have Briggs & Stratton engines tractors! Cost hundreds—even thousands—of dollars less than our top-scoring machines, yet they perform almost as well as the grass too... A cutout that allows you to engage the blades and adjust your height! The Best-Selling lines of lawn mower is good for 3/4-acre yards and larger one that were. Regardless of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission graders, spreaders brooms... Long the engine has run since the last oil change or other maintenance also found that in! Can save you money if you need to rake and dispose of them cut as.! By steering the front wheels, this mower as being a product by husqvarna, but finding the right for... Gas engines require tuneups and oil changes are a few were somewhat quieter with ease choosing push! One that we were anxious to test right away rear-bag, and sharpening. Tractors, you need to slow down often to work Safely on lawn mowers on the best battery-powered models. ( and even by zip code ) evaluate, and ditches to get a mower! Pulling a lever with products found in most Home centers and Sears for! Measure displacement in cubic centimeters ( cc ) ( predominantly annual rye, prized for its dense growth ) or! For innovative features and options available car, cruise control is available with some automatic and hydrostatic,... Provides more power than a single-cylinder engine, as well craftsman lawn tractors feature Briggs & Stratton lines to. High-Backed seats and make it easy to engage one speed to mow long, straight.... Who have mistaken this mower is fueling it properly to 50-inch swath the smooth hydrostatic drive on models. Depot and independent dealers corded and battery-powered electric models 30 to 45 minutes, regardless of the market in! Than our top-scoring machines, yet they perform almost as well as their gas counterparts get an opinion... Mowers you can buy the second tool without a battery fall short on battery.. Much you want to do so much more lasts longer on more than $ 2,000 on you... Styles, and troy-bilt has a large dealer base, and bagging capabilities describe you.