Overview
The best riding lawn mower is a great solution for large gardens. Without spending too much effort and time, you can still complete the garden work more effectively than expected. Over the years, we've spent hours researching and testing lawn mowers from top brands, assessing maneuverability, safety features, noise levels and overall value.
So what criteria do you need to pay attention to when choosing a lawn mower? Let's see in the article below.
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Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM 48-Volt 17-Inch Mulching Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
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Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
What to consider before buying Best Riding Lawnmower?
Power Source
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a gas- or electric-powered riding lawn mower. Gas mowers are generally more powerful, but they’re louder, less eco-friendly, and require more maintenance. Electric mowers, on the other hand, are typically less powerful with a shorter run time, but they’re quieter, easier to start, and better for the environment.
Deck Size
The deck size of a lawn mower dictates how wide a path it cuts—larger decks cut wider paths on each pass. A deck size of between 30 to 60 inches is recommended for most homeowners. Bigger decks are better for lawns with few obstacles and turns, while smaller decks will be helpful if you have to mow around trees or garden beds.
Grass Clipping
Don’t forget to consider how the lawn mower handles grass clippings. Some machines simply spit clippings back out onto your lawn, while others have options to bag or mulch the cut grass. The best option for you simply depends on how you prefer to handle your clippings.
In-depth Reviews
1. Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
It may surprise some people, but our top pick is this battery-powered model from RYOBI. The zero-emissions model easily matches gas mowers in terms of power, cutting through thick grass with ease while demonstrating impressive maneuverability. Plus, it's fume-free and practically silent, generating only minimal noise. (Our tester put a similar model from RYOBI to work on her 10-acre farm and was blown away by the results.)
The RYOBI electric mower has a 38-inch deck, and its 48-volt batteries can run for two and a half hours per charge, allowing you to cut up to two and a half acres in a single session. The two-blade deck has 12 different cutting heights, and the mower offers convenient features like cruise control, LED headlights, and USB charging. There are no belts, spark plugs, or filters, making it easier to maintain than a traditional riding mower.
Our only complaints? The seat gets uncomfortable if you're mowing for long periods, and it doesn't have a mulch setting. Still, if you're in the market for a reliable ride-on mower and ready to switch to a battery-powered model, this is your best bet.
2. Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM 48-Volt 17-Inch Mulching Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
The machine is equipped with a 670 watt brushless motor that runs cooler and lasts longer than a traditional brush motor. Combined with a 48V power supply, 2×4 batteries included. 0 Ah batteries offer up to 25 minutes of rechargeable runtime.
The Sun Joe Lawn Mower is the perfect choice for small and medium lawns, the battery-powered mower's durable steel blade cuts a crisp 17" wide path with precision in a single pass. In addition, you can also adjust the cutting height to your liking with 6 convenient manual adjustment positions.
3. Husqvarna Zero Turn Sun Canopy Riding Mower
This is also a lawn mower that many people choose and have good reviews after they use it. The machine has an eye-catching design with an umbrella above it. Indeed, just looking at the image one can feel the comfort when using it.
Easy tool-free adjustment allows quick removal for transport. Water-resistant design material is an advantage during long-term use. Husqvarna can also do heavy duty.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between a zero-turn mower and a riding mower?
Zero-turn mowers are a type of riding lawn mower, and their defining feature is a zero-degree turning radius. These mowers feature two swiveling wheels in front and two larger drive wheels in the back, and they’re controlled by two handlebars, which control each individual drive wheel. Not only do these mowers turn more sharply, but they’re also typically faster than lawn tractors. However, they’re also more expensive than other riding mowers.
2. What type of lawn is best suited for a riding mower?
"A riding lawn unit is easy to maneuver, especially on flatter land, and prevents the operator from experiencing fatigue as they are sitting while mowing,” explains Caroline Skelton, Go-To-Market Manager for Riding Lawn Equipment at John Deere. “These units come in a variety of speeds and horsepower ratings, depending on the needs of the operator. In recent years, zero-turn mowers have become more popular as they are ideal for a variety of terrains and larger properties.”
Riding lawn mowers are typically preferred for lawns that are 1 acre or larger. They are faster and more comfortable to operate than walk-behind mowers, but they’re also significantly more expensive.
3. How do you transport a riding mower?
The easiest way to transport a riding lawn mower is with a trailer. Mowers can be driven up a ramp into a low trailer and then towed behind a vehicle. It’s also possible to transport certain riding mowers in the bed of a pickup truck, but special ramps are needed to be able to safely load and unload the tractor.
4. How fast do riding lawn mowers go?
Speed for standard riding lawn mowers typically ranges from four to six miles per hour. Zero-turn mowers are typically much faster, with speeds ranging from eight to 10 miles per hour.
With a large garden, choosing the best riding lawnmower is essential. Gardening becomes easier and more fun every weekend. Working smart with good tools will save you the most of your time. Hopefully after this article you have chosen the right product for you.
