5 Best Riding Lawnmowers in 2022 - Best Products Online

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Husqvarna YTA18542
Cub Cadet Xt1
Troy-Bilt 540cc Lawnmower
Raven MVP7100
Poulan Pro 22VA48

Riding lawn mowers have helped homeowners save hours of tedious labor caring for the yard. Whether you live in a medium-sized suburban yard or a much larger property, a riding lawn mower will get the job done. It is the perfect machine for anyone who invests just to keep your lawn trimmed and your garden ready to host a party.

Knowing which type of machine to get is the first thing to keep in mind. Many homeowners debate whether or not buying a riding mower is worth its price. Perhaps you think that a conventional walk-behind mower is enough to keep your backyard mowed and fresh. But a significant factor in deciding to invest in a riding mower is the size of your property. Next is, of course, your budget. Riding lawn mowers are not cheap that even a low-end model costs around $1,000. If you prefer a higher quality with more features, you’d expect to spend somewhere between $1,500 to $5,000.

Watch: How to Choose a Riding Lawn Mower

Regardless of its price, having a riding lawn mower will allow you to finish the chore of mowing the grass more efficiently, and with a lesser amount of effort from your part. Riding mowers will enable you to sit in the driver’s seat and operate the machine as you would a car. It’s a fascinating technology and remarkable innovation that you deserve.

What You Should Know

If you are in the market for a brand-new, and well-deserved riding lawnmower, this article is for you. We will begin by discussing what type of riding mower you need based on the size of your property, the machine’s features, operational features, and your budget. Never rush a purchase. That’s why we’re here to guide you in making the smart choice.

Size of Lawn

The size of your lawn will help you determine which kind, or what features you need from your mower. Eventually, all the other factors will follow. You have to ascertain that the type you’ll get can cater the size of your property.

1/2 – 1-acre property – the ideal riding lawn mower for a property this size is a model with up to 42” inches deck length with at least 14 Horse Power engine
1-acre to 2-acre property — for yards this size, a riding lawn mower with a 42” or 46” inches deck length and an engine in the 14 to 16 Horse Power range is necessary.
3-acres property or bigger — if you have an estate with a lawn this large, you’ll want a riding mower with a 46” to 54” inches deck length and an engine that runs in 18 to 24 Horse Power.

Terrain

Your yard’s terrain is also a point of consideration when buying a lawn mower. It is flat and clear, or are there hills and obstacles that require navigation? Homeowners who have uncomplicated terrain can opt for a low engine power riding mower, while those who have difficult terrain must go for self-propelled mowers that can take the strain of the task. You may have to look deeper into zero-turn-radius or ZTR’s which are very easy to maneuver around bumpy terrain.

Power Supply

Lawnmowers are either powered by gas or electricity, and each has its pros and cons. Gas mowers are the preferred kind as it packs more power compared to electric mowers and could complete a full duration of mowing session.

Fuel capacity

Riding lawnmowers are generally powered by gasoline and have built-in storage capacity.

A standard size riding mower tank capacity holds up to 4 gallons of gas.
Oversized tank capacity is a feature found in commercial and high-end riding mowers. It is has a gasoline capacity of 6 gallons or more.

Deck Size

Deck size dictates the size or how wide the blades on the mower are. Essentially, the higher the deck, the bigger the blades. It varies from 20” inches to 70” inches or larger. On average, a 30”-inch or a 60”-inch deck size are ideal for any homeowner to own.

A wider deck size can cut larger paths, and this would take less time to mow your lawn. However, wider decks can be difficult to navigate especially when the terrain is filled with obstacles. In such cases, a mower with smaller decks is more suitable.

Attachments

When choosing a riding lawn mower, you may need to check the compatibility of the model to various attachments. Attachments will significantly increase the value and the utility of the machine. These may come in the box, or you may have to buy them separately.

Sweepers are an attachment which gathers leaves, clippings, twigs and small debris that are scattered on the lawn.
Snow plow is a very useful attachment, especially during winter. It is a front attachment which helps you get snow off the driveway, and make the patio safe for the kids, and everyone.
Aerators are a rear attachment that automatically aerates your lawn as the mower mows the lawn. Also, it creates holes in the soil that improves drainage and increases the nutrient absorption in the grass seed.

Speed

Riding lawnmowers offer varying speed options, and this enables homeowners to have more control over the machine.

Single speed mowers run in a single, fixed speed. Mowers with single speed feature is relatively cheaper.
Multi-speed mowers carry an average of two up to seven speed options. This type is an ideal choice for terrain with many obstacles, and commercial users prefer multi-speed mowers as well.

Handling

The process of lawn care is strenuous. Don’t stress it out; use an easy-to-control riding lawn mower.

Turning radius. This tight or zero turning radius makes navigation easier in the yard, especially around obstacles.
Traction. This system is provided by specialty tires and allows the mower to navigate through steep slopes and even slippery yards.
Suspension. When large properties would take hours to complete even with a large deck size or multi-speed feature. Suspension increases the comfort level of the operator.

Budget

Riding mowers vary in price. There are budget models for those who prefer utility over the extra features. Of course, some high-end models cater to a targeted market.

Riding mowers that cost $1,000 or less are equipped with the basic features that will get the job done even without the extra features.
A $1,000 to $5,000 riding mower or models in the mid-range is packed with more power and attachment compatibility. Covers comfort and convenience for every homeowner.
A high-end riding mower with an industrial capacity, a set of outstanding features, and impressive performance cost over $5,000.

Types of Riding Lawn Mowers

Lawn tractors are standard type riding mowers with its engine located at the front of the machine. This type is the most preferred riding mower among homeowners because of its compact power and its availability.
Zero-turn radius mowers are highly capable of handling rough terrain and is ideal for level yards.
Rear engine is a type of riding mower with its engine placed at the back to makes the machine more compact for residential use.

Methodology

Now that you have all the information you need to know to come to the smartest choice. Let’s break down the top 5 best riding lawn mowers based on various factors. Landscapers, homeowners, golf course and property managers depend on these machines. It’s time that you do, too. Each of these riding lawnmowers will be ranked based on their Deck Length, Horse Power, Transmission Type, Speed, and Price. These features is given a star rating between to . An overall rating will be provided for each brand the highest being (5/5).

The comparison chart highlights important specifications for each product. See our detailed review is provided to help you decide better.

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Comparison Review Chart: 5 BEST Riding Lawn Mowers

The Details

Husqvarna YTA18542

The Husqvarna YTA18542 is a premium quality riding mower that is packed with high performance and promises quality results. Arguably, this is the best yard tractor available in the market today. Husqvarna is synonymous with high-quality. For years, the brand has produced home and garden power tools, but they specialize in mechanized ride-on lawnmowers. Built for comfort, convenience, and versatility, the Husqvarna TYA18542 is the perfect tractor for anyone who obsesses on keeping their lawn well-trimmed.

Despite its compact size, it packs extraordinary power. The machine has a mowing capacity of about 2.5 acres of grass per hour with a 42”-inch deck length. You’ll experience the performance and quality that Husqvarna’s automatic transmission with an 18.5 horsepower from the Briggs and Stratton engine. With a top speed of 7.4 MPH, mowing your lawn will be quick and stress-free.

Watch: Why Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mower?

Features such as the adjustable 13-inch vinyl seat and ergonomically designed steering wheel make the tractor comfortable and straightforward to operate. It also comes with a pedal operated transmission that allows for a smooth forward and reverse speed. It promises a sturdy drive with the CVT automatic transmission. The Husqvarna TYA18542 is equipped with an air induction mowing technology which improves airflow within the mower deck. All these elements ensure clean and consistent grass cuts every time.

Watch: The technology behind the Husqvarna ClearCut® Mower Deck

If you are an early riser or prefer to work in the twilight, the Husqvarna ride-on mower has got you covered with LED headlights. Most importantly the Husqvarna TYA18542 comes pre-installed and assembled. Maintenance is uncomplicated, and it’s easy to clean. After a whole day of using the machine, all you have to do is water hose the deck and the device. If you mow the lawn early in the morning, use the built-in LED headlights.

The Husqvarna is a machine in the mid-range category. Despite the price point, this model is worth every penny.

Pros

High performance
Compact design
Easy operation
3-year warranty
Comfortable and adjustable vinyl seat
Automatic transmission
Durable and high-quality materials
Wide deck length

Cons

A bit expensive
High fuel consumption
Cannot easily handle steep hills
Attachments are sold separately

Our Verdict

Deck Length

Horse Power

Transmission Type

Speed

Price

Overall (4.5/5)

Cub Cadet Xt1

The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series LT 42 is perfect for the first time riding lawn mower owners. It has a 42”-inch deck length and powered by an 18 horsepower Kohler engine. It’s operated by a hydrostatic gas front-engine which completes the package of being a powerful riding lawnmower. It runs on a single cylinder engine that allows the machine to achieve its maximum performance. The cylinder engine is the technology behind the hydrostatic transmission. Cub Cadet XT1 will make maintaining your yard as hassle-free as possible. If you have gotten tired of pushing around a large manual mower, this machine is for you.

Watch: See the Cub Cadet Xt1 in action!

You can maneuver the Cub Cadet XT1 in any terrain and even allows you to automatically shift gears because it comes equipped with a rear wheel drive system. Operate the mower smoothly and conveniently. The machine is installed with a high-back seat or the Cub Comfort™ innovation. It has a 10-degree incline and slides feature that you give any operator the same comfort of a car seat.

The mower features complete cruise control, which turns mowing the lawn into an easy chore. Once you have found the ideal speed required for the job, you can let the machine do most of the work. All you have to do is sit back, and enjoy the 10-degree incline and slide on the Cub Comfort™. You can even have a drink while trimming the grass. Put your cup on the holder attached to one side. A hot summer afternoon spent mowing the yard becomes bearable with this lawn mower.

There are two blades attached on the 42” inches deck that cut the grass with ease and high precision. With the blade brake, you can just ride the mower and let it smoothen the path. The Cub Cadet XT1 comes with a complete deck wash kit that will make cleaning the blades and maintaining the upkeep effortless.

Rest assured that you are safe riding the Cub Cadet XT1 in any setting. The LED headlights are all you need when it gest dark.

Pros

High performance
Wide deck length
High-quality materials
Hydrostatic transmission
Equipped with Cub Comfort™ Quality and comfortable design
Easy to maneuver on steep terrain
3-year unlimited hours and 5-year chassis & front axle
unlimited hours

Cons

Mid-range price
High fuel consumption
Attachments are sold separately
Low optimum speed