When it comes to home neatness, it’s important to clean the outside areas with the best small riding lawn mowers just like it is to clean the inside. You may always want to keep the driveway, the backyard or the garage looking great but the lawn is mostly foregone. A lot of property owners normally find it a daunting task to maintain their grass.
Insect infestation, brown patches, and water deficiency are prevalent issues that can be simply be dealt with by just seeking professional assistance. However, one way to solve these problems once and for all is to get good lawn mowing. Although this can be a seemingly negligible factor, it can revolutionize the entire appearance of your home.
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How To Choose Best Small Riding Lawn Mowers
Now, to realize that quality lawn mowing, you will need a dependable lawnmower. Of course, I’m not referring to those conventional walk-behind mowers that are not only boring but also tiresome to operate. Today, there are small riding lawn mowers/tractors that are much more effective, convenient and fun.
These machines allow you to drive about your yard just like you would a vehicle. They come in handy especially for large properties and for individuals who simply hate pushing those heavy gas mowers around their yards. So, if you would like to or are planning to buy such a machine, this article has got you covered.
Here, we will discuss the top 10 best small lawnmowers the market has to offer. We will have a look at the various features each one has plus its various pros and cons. After that, we will look at the different factors you should take into consideration before buying one. Therefore, let’s get started.
#1. Husqvarna-Z254 54-inches, Best for easy maneuverability
This unit comes with a 26-horsepower Kohler engine that provides dependable startups as well as a 6.5MPH maximum speed. Also, there’s a system of patent-pending park brakes that auto-activates or auto-deactivates while the steering levers move outward and inward. The air induction mowing tech takes air from the deck’s top and bottom to improve grass and deliver a wonderful cut.
In addition, there’s a reinforced stamped cutting deck made of steel heavy-duty flat-stock steel maximizing durability. The clippings can comfortably be discharged, bagged or mulched. Please note that bagger attachment and mulching kit are sold separately.
Pros:
- Z-turn of zero for simple maneuvering
- Quality grass cutting experience even on uneven terrain
- No leakage problems thanks to the hydrostatic transmission
- Heavy-duty construction
- Comes with 26HP engine
Cons:
- Customer service needs to improve
#2. Cub-Cadet-XT1-Enduro-Series, Best for stylish and compact design
If you’re looking for an attractive and compact design riding lawn mower, then, you should go for this one. The mower comes with different tools that are crucial for your lawn maintenance. Further, the mower features an effective engine that functions well in both smooth and uneven surfaces.
The mower features an 18HP engine which is a decent power for a good lawn mowing. What’s more, the mower is ideally popular for its elegant design, comfortable seat and great performance coming at a reasonable price in comparison to other machines. The user can as well drive this machine in reverse direction making mowing easy, effective and efficient. Lastly, the machine includes cruise control that assists it to move with ease on your lawn cutting the unwanted class effectively.
Pros:
- Comes at a reasonable
- The mower is easy, efficient and effective to operate
- It has sufficient horsepower for lawn mowing
- Features an elegant design
- Easy for storage
Cons:
- Not many color options available
#3. Ariens-915223-IKON-X 52″, Best for uneven terrain
This is another mowing rider that is made to optimize the airflow providing a quality cut which will make your lawn appear extremely amazing. The mower comes with 3 steel blades for cutting. You can pick from at least 13 various cutting positions when you turn a dial. Also, this machine is designed to operate even on uneven terrain and with a professional-style hanging deck. Regardless of how bumpy and lumpy the ground, it’s going to still provide you with an even mow. Its frame is created of tubular steel. This makes it tough, stable and durable.
Considering the Z-turn, this mower features a zero-turn radius. If you have a large property with lots of spaces to navigate, this should be the go-to machinery. The Hydrostatic-Gear EZT transaxles offer a convenient ride as well as a fun mowing experience. When it comes to where the operator sits, this mower is designed to be very comfortable. Lastly, there are a wide range of accessories if you want this machine to do more than grass cutting including mulching kit, sunshade, headlights, spreader kit, aerator, roller, sprayer, and a dethatcher.
Pros:
- Provides the user with a comfortable mowing experience
- The machine is very versatile; it can do more than grass mowing
- Great turning ability
- It operates well even on uneven terrain
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons:
- Bagging attachment must be bought separately
#4. Troy-Bilt 540cc, Best for larger grass areas
This auto-riding lawn mower operates on a highly capable 540cc which translates to19HP engine. It includes an automatic-transmission foot pedal. Further, this riding lawn mower is not only powerful but also impressively efficient making it suitable for mowing extensive grass areas quickly. As a result of the sleek touch steering as well as a comfortable seat, the user can do their mowing so comfortably. It also includes 46-inches mowing deck which can mow large sections of grass at once.
This equipment mainly focuses on providing its operators with the uncompromised comfort level for anybody that has a garden and loves keeping their lawn neat, clean and tidy. Further, the mid-level rear seat offers great comfort for you regardless of your height. Whether you’re short, tall, or medium height individual, you don’t need to worry concerning back pain following many hours of grass cutting. The integrated deck-wash-unit makes it easy to clean up. Lastly, this riding lawn mower lets you change the height of the deck to FIVE different positions so get the cut you want.
Pros:
- The engine comes with a sufficient HP for a great mowing
- Auto-transmission foot pedal
- Guarantees a very comfortable and efficient mowing experience
- Best for larger grass areas
Cons:
- Its level of performance may decrease with time
#5. Husqvarna MZ61, Best for Commercial-grade performance
Husqvarna 6-inches zero-turn riding lawn mower delivers professional-grade power as well as amazing ergonomics. The 27-HP ‘Briggs Endurance engine’ offers reliable startups plus speed on even the high grounds. It comes with a fabricated 11-gauge cutting deck made of steel provides an outstanding 54 inches cut. Having an ergonomically made deck lifting unit, the user will enjoy not only quick but also easy adjustments right from the user’s seat.
The clippings can easily be discharged. They can be mulched or even bagged using a 9-bushel triple container collection unit (The bagger attachment and mulching kit are sold separately). Lastly, the high-rear seat enhanced with armrests and foam-padded hand handles, not to mention, vibration dampeners, all make mowing experience comfortable and convenient.
Pros:
- This mower can mow 4.2 acres per hour
- Features a 61-inches mowing deck
- Includes fast and easy maintenance
Cons:
- The model is a bit costly
#6. Husqvarna YTA24V48, Best overall riding lawn mower
Here’s another great riding lawn mower from Husqvarna. This machine is versatile as well as powerful. It’s capable of giving you impressive results as far as lawn mowing is concerned. Coming with a ‘24-HP Briggs & Stratton Intek dual-cylinder engine’ and fast auto-transmission, this machine provides premium performance hence quality results. Also, the transmission is pedal-controlled with an effective start and demands less power in driving, which translates to greater cutting power.
Air induction enhances the airflow in its 48-inches reinforced 13-gauge cutting deck made of steel, providing for an interrupted cut all the time. A fender-hanged adjustable cutting height deck lever, as well as the E-blade engagement unit, implies that everything will be at your reach. Additionally, with its comfortable steering wheel and adjustable seat, this machine makes mowing as easy as driving an automobile. When it comes to versatility, this machine is unmatched with any other thanks to the available wide range of accessories.
Pros:
- Accessibility to a wide range of accessories for unrestricted versatility
- Automatic transmission ensuring smooth pedal-controlled
- Comes with a high-power engine
- Wide 48-inches enhanced cutting deck
- Maintenance-free performance
Cons:
- Doesn’t do well on hills
#7. Husqvarna-YTH24V54 54 inches, Best for powerful performance
This is a “24-HP Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine” riding lawn mower with Ready-Start feature for straight-forward starting as well as powerful performance. The foot pedal-operated hydro-transmission lets you change speed plus direction easily which in return gives you optimum control of the machine.
Furthermore, there are a tight 16-inches turning radius that lets you mow within tighter spaces while navigating around obstacles. The adjustable 13-inches mid-back seat and a steering wheel that is very ergonomic, not to mention, the effortless step-through design, all offer comfort as well as easy operation. Additionally, the 42 inches reinforced a deck for cutting with air induction cutting technology and double anti-scalp wheels make this unit amazingly efficient. You’ll enjoy a reverse operating feature so that you can cut class in reverse direction.
Pros:
- Provides the user with a convenient mowing experience
- Sufficient HP for standard mowing
- Allows the user to mow even in tighter spaces with ease
- Easy to operate
- Provides the comfort the user needs for the job
Cons
- A customer complained of constant breakages and repairs
#8. Ryobi-38-inches, Best for Quiet Lawn Mowing
Ryobi helps you get rid of the unwanted grass from your lawn with ease driving just like in an automobile. The mower is powered using 100Ah Lead Acid Batteries. With this, you’ll be guaranteed of 2-1/2 hours of operation. This mower happens to be a green option to the conventional gas riding grass mowers. The Ryobi Riding Mower features 38 inches dual-blade deck plus Twelve Position-Manual-Deck-Adjustment for you to realize a clean and level cut of grass on your lawn.
Additionally, this mower includes Quiet Cutting while emitting just 70 dB which makes this unit very quiet. As a result, you can conveniently mow the lawn without distracting your neighbors. In addition, the Ryobi is enhanced with LED Headlights, Cruise Control, USB Phone Charger features making your mowing experience as efficient and comfortable as possible.
Pros:
- Convenient and efficient mowing experience
- Quiet operation
- Guarantees a clean and level mowing
- Can run over 2 hours without stopping
Cons:
- Doesn’t have zero-turn
- The ride is a bit bumpy
#9. Husqvarna YTH18542, Best for mowing tighter spaces
This riding lawn mower is one of the brand-new models on the market. The machine features with18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek engine that guarantees very powerful performance. Also, the hydrostatic transmission that is foot pedal-operated lets the user change speed as well as direction, allowing for uninterrupted driving control.
Moreover, there are a tight 16-inches turning radius that lets you mow within tighter spaces while navigating around obstacles. Additionally, the adjustable 13-inches mid-back seat and a steering wheel that is very ergonomic, not to mention, the effortless step-through design, all offer comfort as well as easy operation. The 42 inches reinforced a deck for cutting with air induction cutting technology and double anti-scalp wheels make this unit amazingly efficient. Lastly, you’ll enjoy a reverse operating feature so that you can cut class in reverse direction.
Pros:
- Sufficient HP for standard mowing
- Provides the user with a convenient mowing experience
- Allows the user to mow even in tighter spaces with ease
- Provides the comfort the user needs for the job
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- No cons so far
#10. Snapper 2911525BVE, Best lawn mower for all-sized lawns
The stylish back engine riding lawn mower is now a big lawn mowing icon coming with its tried and genuine features, not to mention, user-friendly design. This riding lawn mower comes with a simple design which provides the user with easy-to-handle controls as well as a convenient five-speed “shift-on-the-go” disc drive unit. Additionally, coming with a vertical stand-on-edge feature, this mower is easy to maintain.
Where to keep it? If you’re wondering about this, worry no more. The riding mower features a very friendly design that is meant to take up less space when it comes to storage. It’s a great unit that is worth every penny.
Pros:
- Fun and easy to ride
- User-friendly design
- Easy to maintain and store
- Fast cutting experience
Cons:
- Some buyers weren’t satisfied
Our Buyer’s Guide: Important Factors to Consider before Buying
When investing in a riding lawn mower which is, in this case, an expensive unit, there are many factors you should take into consideration to ensure that you don’t end up making a mistake. Some of these factors include the features of the specific lawnmower that determine how effective the machine will be at work. And, here you’ll find a list of the essential features you ought to consider before purchasing a small riding lawn mower for your property:
1. Engine HP
Unquestionably, without the engine, any machine won’t be operational. The HP (horsepower) is the one that determines the working ability of the machine. It’s not usually necessary to pick a machine with high horsepower. Thus, you ought to choose a proper unit in relation to your lawn’s size. A small lawn requires less horsepower whereas medium to big lawns need unit having high HP.
2. Fuel Capacity
This is only applicable to those units that operate using gas. So, if you need a unit that will run for a long time, you’ll require one that comes with a bigger fuel tank volume. However, if you just need one that runs for a short period and the work is done, small fuel capacity will be ok.
3. Z-Turn
Standard riding lawn mower having a turning radius which is efficiently zero (1) feature will be an added advantage. However, the lack of Z-Turn won’t make the machine less effective. It’s simply an extra feature that will make the deal even better.
4. Cut Width
There are different riding lawn mowers with varying cutting widths. Mowers with wider cutting widths can help do the cutting job faster than those with shorter ones. So, if you want to finish the job faster, you ought to go for one with a wider cutting width. Nonetheless, in case you have a small lawn, even the shorter cutting width is going to help in doing the job fast.
5. Transmission
Overall, there are three types of transmission; the automatic, hydrostatic and manual. The manual transmission comes with a variety of speed to choose from. On the other hand, automatic transmission functions the same way as that of an automobile. Lastly, hydrostatic transmission utilizes fluids in transferring power from the engine to the wheels instead of a belt. For this, it lessens jerks, maintenance and they serve you longer. With that in mind, you can now decide on which one to go for.
6. General Built Quality
If the built quality is not to standards, everything else won’t matter regardless of how well the engine is. So, it’s important for you to choose a model with metal construction instead of plastic. This is because, of course, metal will be far way long-lasting unlike its counterpart, the plastic. This way, you’ll see the value for your money by investing in a sturdy and durable unit.
Our last word about this review
Above, we have discussed the small riding lawn mowers. We have looked at the 10 best offered in the market, brief descriptions of their individual features, pros, and cons of each and finally, we have look at the important factors you should consider before you buy one.
Your objective is to have proper maintenance of your yard. We have seen that the riding lawn mowers come with slight differences as far as their features and capacities are concerned. Some are designed for professional purposes while others for domestic requirements. With that in mind, it’s upon you to make a decision on the kind of machine you need. After that, you can go back to the list above and place your order.
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