Let’s face it, riding mowers are more than just machines to cut your lawn. They are toys! The best riding mower for you depends on your yard, how much power you need, and how you’ll use it. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 for a good riding mower. The most expensive mowers can handle commercial or residential use in any weather conditions.
What makes a reliable lawn mower? Husqvarna and Ariens are top of the food chain when it comes to dependability for the toughest jobs. But all the riding mowers on this list are workhorses that last for 10-20 years with proper maintenance. Following are the 10 best riding mowers of 2022. Let’s get to it mower by mower!
1. Husqvarna YTH 4 HP Hydrostatic Riding Mower
The Husqvarna YTH18542 is a top-of-the-line model for anyone who wants a quality lawn with minimal effort. This tractor mower is easy to maneuver and easy to operate, with features like adjustable seats and steering wheels that make for a comfortable ride. This one has a reputation as the most reliable lawn mower on the market, and it’s built to last season after season.
With hydrostatic transmissions and air induction mowing technology, you’ll be able to mow through tall grass with no problem. It’s got a safety switch, a fender-mounted lever for convenient adjustments, and a durable powder-coated cutting deck. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this one.
2. Husqvarna MZ61 27 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower
Looking for a high-tech lawn mower that can tackle any terrain? The Husqvarna MZ61 zero-turn mower can handle dips, hills, and steep grades. With its powerful 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine and fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck, this machine can take on the most stubborn of weeds and grass with ease. Like most Husqvarnas, you can rely on it to start up every time as long as you maintain it and use good gas.
This is a high-speed mower that is a lot of fun to ride and it’s good for residential or commercial use. A high-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips, and vibration dampeners make it easy to stay comfortable during long periods of use. The 9-bushel triple bag collection system saves time spent stopping to empty out the bag.
3. Craftsman Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn
With its powerful engine and exceptional maneuverability, this zero-turn mower makes quick work of dense undergrowth. This is another high-end mower with a hefty price tag, but you definitely get what you pay for. It will perform year after year. If you’ve dealt with a prime and choke engine you know it can be a hassle in tough weather.
The 24 HP twin-cylinder, no prime, no choke engine is reliable but you need to follow the instructions to make sure it starts up correctly. This thing is a tank with sturdy construction. The blades and parts are easy to replace, and it’s ready for mowing in any weather conditions. It’s definitely worth considering if you want something powerful.
4. Ariens IKON XD-52 Kohler Zero Turn
The Ariens IKON Zero-turn riding mower is another one of the best choices for anyone who wants a fast, comfortable, and durable riding mower. With its 24 HP/725cc Kohler 7000 V-Twin OHV Engine and 52-inch, 3-blade fabricated mower deck, the IKON Zero-turn will easily take care of any lawn in no time.
The high-back plush seat with armrests makes for a comfortable ride. This mower is built like a tank, and it features a robust steel frame and large tires. Plus, with easy operation and superior traction, you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and easily. And with adjustable cutting heights and large tires frame and decks, this machine is designed to handle anything.
5. Simplicity Broadmoor Lawn Tractor
This lawnmower is affordable and great for smaller yards and it fits inside a 4-foot gate. Its exclusive rear suspension comfort system ensures a smooth ride, while the mesh seat keeps you cool and comfortable during extended mowing sessions. And with automatic controlled traction, the Broadmoor is always ready to take on whatever terrain you throw at it.
This bad boy has rollers along the backside of the deck that adds floating and stripping into the picture, giving you an excellent cut every time. It rides comfortably so mowing your yard is now a pleasure. This tractor mower can handle steep grades with ease so you’ll be finished in no time. Sounds like
6.Home Depot 48 Volt RYOBI Riding Lawn Mower
Electric mowers make much less noise than gas-powered motors. Your neighbors will appreciate the fact that it’s so quiet you can’t even tell it’s running. The RYOBI 30 battery-operated mower is perfect for smaller yards, and its low-maintenance design means you’ll spend less time keeping it running and more time enjoying your yard.
The LED headlights make it easy to maneuver in dark or dimly lit areas, while the durable steel deck gets you a clean cut every time. This mower is powered by a 48-volt battery that has plenty of power. It also features a smooth cutting system for smooth, even finishes. If you want a lawnmower that’s easy to operate/maintain, the 48 Volt RYOBI is a great option.
7. Ariens Edge 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower
The Ariens Edge 34 inch is a convenient and versatile zero-turn mower with the quality and performance you expect from an Ariens. This intuitively controlled mower maneuvers quickly and cleanly through smaller yards, while its powerful engine ensures the most stubborn patches of grass. At 700 pounds, this mower is easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.
This is a mid-ranged price but with 20 HP it has a lot of get up and go. The Ariens Edge is a top-quality piece of machinery that’s good for anyone who wants a fast, reliable mower with a tight turn radius. It comes standard with a 2-year warranty, so you can be sure that you’re getting a product that’s built to last.
8. Husqvarna Z254F HP Kawasaki Zero Hydrostatic Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna Z254F 54 is reliable and easy to use. With its hydrostatic transmission, this riding mower is good to go on any terrain, and the deep deck design ensures superior airflow and better bagging performance. You can buy a mulching kit and bagger attachment for clippings, so you can choose the option that works best for your needs.
And with safety features like a kill switch, its comfortable seat, and convenient control panel makes for a nice ride. It’s heavy-duty and bulky, making it good for commercial or residential jobs. The hydrostatic motor is one of the best things about it is the hydrostatic shifter.
9. Snapper 560Z 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower w/ Cargo Bed
Snapper has been around since the 1950s and they are legendary for making quality products. The Snapper 560Z 61-Inch 24HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower is a favorite among homeowners who want a mower that can handle tough jobs. The included cargo bed is a cool feature if you are gardening tools or hauling wood.
With its hydrostatic transaxles, commercial-inspired components, and wide fabricated deck, this mower can take on whatever you throw at it. This baby is packed with power and great for large properties. You can expect it to run with no problems and mow a 3-acre property in a half hour.
10. Simplicity 5901744 Contender XT Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Orange
Last but not least is the Simplicity Contender XT. This thing is a beast! It may be on the expensive side but its zt-3200 transaxles deliver continuous torque and smooth speed, while the adjustable rear coil-over shocks and pivoting front axle with shocks give you a smooth ride. The deck lift system makes adjusting the cutting height easy to move over concrete or rocks.
If you want to upgrade to the commercial series engine, you can get some more performance but even without it, you can run it all day, everyday on tough terrain. The Simplicity Contender XT Riding Mower is suitable for homeowners who want a reliable, durable lawn mower for large areas of big fields.
Buyers Guide: Riding Lawn Mowers
Types of Riding Lawn Mower
Rear-Engine Riding Lawn Mower
A rear-engine riding lawn mower is a specialized type of mower designed for cutting grass on slopes and other uneven terrain. Unlike traditional front-engine mowers, which have the engine mounted at the front of the machine, a rear-engine mower has the engine mounted at the rear. This gives the machine better traction and stability on slopes, making it ideal for cutting grass on hilly or uneven terrain. In addition, a rear-engine mower is often lighter and easier to maneuver than a front-engine mower, making it a good choice for smaller lawns. However, rear-engine mowers can be more expensive than front-engine mowers, so it is important to compare prices before making a purchase.
Lawn Tractor Riding Lawn Mower
A lawn tractor is a specialized piece of landscaping equipment designed for mowing large areas of grass. Unlike a standard push mower, a lawn tractor is powered by an engine and has the ability to tow attachments such as trailers, rollers, and aerators. Most lawn tractors are equipped with a cutting deck that is mounted in the center of the machine, between the front and rear wheels. This design helps to evenly distribute the weight of the cutting deck and allows for a tight turning radius, making it easy to maneuver around obstacles. Lawn tractors are ideal for properties with large lawns, as they can cover more ground in less time than a standard push mower. However, they can also be more expensive to purchase and maintain than a push mower.
Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower
A zero-turn riding lawn mower is a type of lawn mower that is able to make a complete 360-degree turn in place. This allows the operator to mow in tight spaces and to change directions quickly without having to back up. Zero-turn riding lawn mowers are controlled using two levers, which are located on either side of the seat. The operator uses these levers to control the speed and direction of the mower. These types of lawn mowers are often used by professional landscapers and groundskeepers as they are very efficient at covering large areas of turf quickly.
What to Look for in a Riding Lawn Mower
When shopping for a riding lawn mower, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the size of your lawn. If you have a small yard, you won’t need a large mower deck. Conversely, if you have a large lawn, you’ll want to make sure the mower deck is big enough to cover the area efficiently. Second, think about the terrain of your yard. If you have a lot of hills and slopes, you’ll want a mower with good traction control. Third, take into account the types of grass and foliage you’ll be cutting. If you have a lot of tall grass or thick weeds, you’ll need a mower with strong blades. Lastly, consider your budget. Riding lawn mowers can be expensive, so make sure you choose one that fits your needs without breaking the bank. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find the perfect riding lawn mower for your home.
