10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers: In-Depth Reviews & Performance Guide

#1 Best Overall Gas

John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor

Overview and Performance

The John Deere S130 represents the pinnacle of residential lawn tractors, striking a near-perfect balance between commercial-grade durability and homeowner-friendly usability. Unlike the entry-level S100 or S110 models which often feature single-cylinder engines, the S130 upgrades you to a powerful 22-HP V-Twin engine. This upgrade is significant; V-twin engines run cooler, vibrate less, and provide more consistent torque when you hit patches of thick, wet grass.

The ride quality is where the S130 truly shines. It features a fully welded steel frame and a cast-iron front axle. Why does this matter? Many cheaper mowers use a stamped steel axle that can bend if you hit a hidden tree root or drop a wheel into a pothole. The cast iron axle on the S130 is practically indestructible in a residential setting. Coupled with the ergonomic open-back seat (15 inches high), it offers lumbar support that makes an hour of mowing feel like 15 minutes.

Ease of Use & Features

The standout feature that has the industry buzzing is the John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System. For decades, the number one reason for engine failure has been owners neglecting oil changes because they are messy and difficult. With this system, you don’t drain any oil. You simply twist off the old canister (which contains both the filter and the old oil) and twist on a new one. It locks in place, and you are done. While purists argue this leaves a small amount of old oil in the engine, for the average homeowner, the convenience ensures maintenance actually gets done.

The transmission is hydrostatic, controlled by two side-by-side pedals. This allows for infinite speed variability without shifting gears. Push the forward pedal to go, let off to stop, and push the reverse pedal to back up. It’s as intuitive as driving a golf cart. The tight 18-inch turning radius is also surprisingly agile for a tractor, allowing you to circle relatively close to lawn sprinklers and garden beds.

#2 Best Premium Electric

EGO Power+ Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Electric Revolution is Here

If you are still skeptical about electric mowers vs gas mowers, the EGO Power+ Z6 is the machine designed to change your mind. This isn’t just an electric mower; it’s a platform. It utilizes EGO’s universal 56V ARC Lithium batteries—the exact same ones that power their chainsaws, trimmers, and lawn blowers. The mower holds up to 6 batteries at once but can run on a minimum of 15Ah combined power, giving you flexibility no other brand offers.

Power and Technology

The Z6 features Peak Power™ technology, which draws energy from all engaged batteries simultaneously to deliver the equivalent of 22 horsepower. In our testing, this torque is instant. Unlike gas engines that need to “spool up” when they hit resistance, the Z6’s brushless motors maintain blade tip speed aggressively. It cuts through tall fescue as easily as it does manicured Bermuda grass.

The user interface is futuristic. An LCD screen allows you to customize 3 driving modes: Control, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, this thing flies, making it a joy for large open spaces. You can also adjust blade speed and drive speed independently—something impossible on most gas mowers. The included 1600W Fast Charger plugs directly into the mower and charges 40Ah of batteries in just 2 hours, which is faster than you can eat lunch and relax.

Living with the Z6

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. No belts to break, no oil to change, no spark plugs to gap, and no gas stabilizer to add for winter. The noise reduction is life-changing; it operates at a hum that allows you to listen to podcasts without noise-canceling headphones. While the upfront cost is higher than a gas equivalent, the savings in fuel and maintenance over 5 years are substantial.

#3 Best Zero Turn

Toro TimeCutter 50-inch with MyRIDE

Ride Quality Like No Other

Zero-turn mowers are notorious for their rough ride. Because they rely on caster wheels in the front and have rigid frames, every bump in the yard is usually transferred directly to your spine. Toro solved this with the MyRIDE Suspension System. This isn’t just seat springs; the entire operator platform (seat, floorboard, and controls) is suspended on heavy-duty shocks and adjustable springs. You can literally watch the mower deck bounce over terrain while you remain perfectly level. It is, without hyperbole, the most comfortable ride in the residential class.

Commercial DNA

Toro didn’t just focus on comfort; they built this machine to last. The 50-inch deck is IronForged. This means it is fabricated (welded) from heavy 10-gauge steel rather than being stamped from a thinner sheet like cheaper models. This construction resists bending when you accidentally clip a fence post or run over a hidden rock. It features a specialized bull-nose bumper to protect the leading edge of the deck.

Another brilliant feature for homeowners is the Smart Speed Control System. Zero-turns can be twitchy and intimidating for new users. Smart Speed gives you a lever to limit the top speed without reducing blade speed. You can set it to “Trim” mode for slow, precise maneuvering around sprinkler heads and flower beds, “Tow” mode for medium speed when pulling a cart, and “Mow” mode for full 7 MPH speed in open straightaways.

#4 Best Value Gas

Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series LT42

Premium Features on a Budget

The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series proves that you don’t need to spend $3,000+ to get a high-performing lawn tractor. It consistently ranks as the best “bang for your buck” mower. While it sits at a lower price point than the John Deere S130, it beats it in one specific area: handling. The XT1 boasts a 16-inch turning radius. For a tractor-style mower, this is incredibly tight, allowing you to wrap around trees and landscape features almost as tightly as a zero-turn, reducing the amount of follow-up trimming you need to do with a string trimmer.

Engine and Corrosion Resistance

Power comes from an 18 HP Kohler engine equipped with IntelliPower technology. This system electronically monitors engine load. When you hit a patch of tall, wet grass that would normally bog down a standard engine, IntelliPower automatically increases the throttle to maintain blade speed, ensuring a clean cut rather than a ragged tear. This is a game-changer for homeowners who might miss a week of mowing and have to tackle taller grass.

Cub Cadet also addresses a common killer of mowers: rust. The XT1 features an E-Coat corrosion defense system, similar to what is used in the automotive industry. The frame and deck are dipped and coated to resist moisture and chemicals (like fertilizers), ensuring the mower looks new for years. The high-back seat and soft-touch steering wheel add a layer of comfort usually reserved for more expensive models.

#5 Best Electric Value

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Zero Turn

Reinventing the Steering Wheel

Ryobi has taken a bold step with the 80V HP series by introducing the iDrive intelligent joystick control. Traditional zero-turn mowers use two lap bars that require both hands to operate. Ryobi replaced this with a single joystick mounted on the right armrest. This is intuitive, remarkably fun, and frees up your left hand to move low-hanging branches, sip a drink, or check your phone while mowing. It makes the zero-turn experience accessible to people who might have limited upper body strength or find lap bars confusing.

Power and Efficiency

Unlike Ryobi’s older 48V lead-acid mowers, this machine runs on cutting-edge 80V Lithium-Ion suitcase batteries. These slot into the rear of the mower and provide massive power to the brushless motors. The deck motors are direct-drive, meaning there are no belts to slip or break. This increases torque transfer to the blades significantly. The mower also includes ports for Ryobi’s 40V batteries, allowing you to extend runtime if you already own their blowers or trimmers.

The tech package is impressive. It features a full LCD screen monitoring battery levels for each pack, USB charging ports, and super-bright LED headlights. The “Super Charger” included can top up the batteries relatively quickly, though not as fast as the EGO. For the tech-savvy homeowner who wants a futuristic mowing experience without the premium price tag of the EGO Z6, this is the perfect middle ground.

#6 Best for Hills

Husqvarna YTH24V48 Garden Tractor

Conquering the Slopes

Mowing hills is the most dangerous part of lawn care. Zero-turn mowers are generally poor on slopes because their front caster wheels provide no steering resistance, causing the front end to slide downhill. The Husqvarna YTH24V48 is the antidote to this problem. It is designed with a low center of gravity and a wide stance. Crucially, it features a pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission that provides consistent torque to the rear wheels, preventing the sudden jerks that cause traction loss.

Built for Tough Terrain

The “YTH” designation stands for Yard Tractor Hydrostatic, but this machine punches above its weight. It comes with a reinforced 48-inch cutting deck. While stamped, it is armored with extra steel along the trim side and leading edge. This is vital for uneven terrain where the deck might inadvertently dig into the side of a slope. The mower also features adjustable anti-scalp wheels that lift the deck slightly when it encounters a high spot, preserving your turf.

The 24 HP Briggs & Stratton engine features “ReadyStart,” which eliminates the need to manually choke the engine. Just turn the key and go. For homeowners with 1-2 acres of rolling hills, this tractor offers the safety and stability that zero-turns simply cannot match.

#7 Best Compact Rider

Ryobi 30-inch Electric Rear Engine Rider

The Fenced Yard Solution

Not everyone has a sprawling estate or a massive barn. Many homeowners have 0.5 to 1 acre lawns that are fenced in. The problem? Standard riding mowers (42-inch+) cannot fit through a standard 36-inch pedestrian gate. The Ryobi 30-inch Rear Engine Rider is the specific solution to this problem. It is compact, nimble, and slim enough to drive right into your backyard without needing to remove fence panels.

Simplicity and Storage

This mower is the essence of simplicity. It operates like a large go-kart. You have a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, and a brake. There are no gears to shift and no complex levers. The deck is surprisingly effective, utilizing two smaller blades to provide a cut quality superior to single-blade 30-inch mowers. Because the engine (or rather, the motor and battery bank) is in the rear, visibility is unrestricted. You can see exactly where your front wheels are going, making it easy to trim tight against flower beds.

Storage is another massive benefit. It takes up barely more space than a large push mower. Ryobi offers this in both Lead-Acid (cheaper, heavier) and Lithium-Ion (lighter, longer life) variants. For the budget-conscious homeowner who is tired of walking but tight on space, this is the only logical choice.

#8 Best Heavy Duty

Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn

Commercial Power for Homeowners

The Husqvarna MZ61 bridges the gap between high-end residential mowers and full-blown commercial machines. If you have 3, 4, or 5+ acres, a 42-inch mower simply won’t cut it (pun intended). The massive 61-inch fabricated deck on the MZ61 reduces mowing time drastically. It covers 50% more ground per pass than a standard rider. The deck is built from 11-gauge steel, capable of withstanding impacts that would destroy a big-box store mower.

Reliability and Comfort

Under the hood sits a 24 HP Kawasaki FR Series engine. Kawasaki engines are legendary in the landscaping industry for their longevity and smooth power delivery. Unlike Briggs & Stratton engines found on cheaper models, the Kawasaki is designed for sustained high-load operation. The transmission is the commercially rated Hydro-Gear ZT-3100. These are serviceable hydraulic units with spin-on oil filters, meaning the transmission can be maintained for decades rather than being a “sealed for life” unit that fails after 500 hours.

Safety is paramount on a machine this large. It comes standard with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS)—a roll bar that protects the operator in the event of a flip. The high-back seat with armrests and vibration dampeners ensures that even after mowing for 3 hours, you aren’t fatigued.

#9 Best Budget Pick

Troy-Bilt Pony 42

The Proven Classic

Sometimes, you don’t need Bluetooth connectivity, joysticks, or suspension systems. You just need to cut the grass without emptying your savings account. The Troy-Bilt Pony 42 is the quintessential entry-level riding mower. It has been a best-seller for years because it sticks to a simple formula: a reliable engine on a basic frame at a great price.

Understanding the Compromises

To hit the budget price point, the Pony uses a 7-speed manual “Shift-on-the-Go” transmission instead of a hydrostatic drive. This means you have to physically select gears. It isn’t as smooth as the John Deere S130—you will feel a jerk when changing speeds—but it is incredibly durable and cheaper to repair if it ever breaks. The 500cc Briggs & Stratton engine provides adequate power for flat lawns, though it may struggle on steep hills or in very tall grass.

The “Step-Through” frame design is a nice touch, making it easy to get on and off the mower, which is helpful for older users. While it lacks deck wheels (anti-scalp wheels) on the standard model, the 42-inch deck is small enough that scalping isn’t a major issue on relatively flat ground. It’s the Honda Civic of lawn mowers: basic, reliable, and gets you from A to B.

#10 Best Garden Tractor

Husqvarna TS 354XD

More Than Just a Mower

It is important to distinguish between a “Lawn Tractor” and a “Garden Tractor.” A lawn tractor cuts grass and maybe pulls a small cart. A Garden Tractor, like the Husqvarna TS 354XD, is a workhorse designed for ground-engaging tasks. It features a heavy-duty Tuff Torq K66 transmission that can handle the stress of pulling a plow, a cultivator, or a heavy grader blade. If you have a hobby farm or a large property that requires dirt work, this is the machine for you.

Unstoppable Traction

The crown jewel feature of the TS 354XD is the Electronic Locking Differential. With the flip of a switch, you can lock the rear wheels together so they spin at the same speed. This provides 4×4-like traction in mud, snow, or loose gravel. Combined with the massive 24 HP Kawasaki engine, this tractor is nearly unstoppable.

The 54-inch ClearCut™ fabricated deck is designed for superior airflow, providing a cut quality that rivals commercial machines even at higher speeds. The frame is extra heavy-duty to support front-mounted accessories like snow blowers or buckets. It’s an expensive machine, but it replaces the need for a separate ATV or small utility tractor.