Best Riding Lawn Mowers for DIYers
Once a yard passes about half an acre, a rider saves real time. Zero-turns are fastest around obstacles, lawn tractors give a groomed look on open ground, and battery models are catching up.
What to look for
- ·Zero-turn mowers cut faster and pivot around trees and beds. Lawn tractors are simpler and great for open, regularly shaped yards.
- ·Match deck width to lawn size: 42 inch for up to an acre, 48 to 54 inch for larger. Bigger decks mow faster.
- ·Battery riders are quiet and maintenance-free for up to about 1.5 to 2 acres; gas still rules the biggest properties.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariens IKON XD Zero-Turn | Editor's pick | $3,500 to $4,800 | The best all-around zero-turn |
| EGO Power+ Z6 Zero-Turn (Battery) | Editor's pick | $5,000 to $6,500 | Premium battery zero-turn |
| John Deere E180 Lawn Tractor | Editor's pick | $2,800 to $3,500 | A premium lawn tractor |
| Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 Zero-Turn | Best value | $2,800 to $3,600 | Value zero-turn speed |
| Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn | Best value | $2,800 to $3,800 | Reliable homeowner zero-turn |
| John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor | Best value | $2,200 to $2,700 | Value John Deere tractor |
| Craftsman T110 Lawn Tractor | Budget pick | $1,700 to $2,100 | Budget entry tractor |
| Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Lawn Tractor | Budget pick | $1,500 to $2,000 | Simple budget mowing |
| Murray 42 inch Riding Mower | Budget pick | $1,500 to $1,900 | The lowest-cost rider |
Editor's pick
Ariens IKON XD Zero-Turn
$3,500 to $4,800
A top zero-turn with a strong Kawasaki engine and a cutting system that resists scalping. Fast, durable, and maneuverable for medium to large yards.
Best for: The best all-around zero-turn
Typically available at Home Depot, Tractor Supply.
EGO Power+ Z6 Zero-Turn (Battery)
$5,000 to $6,500
A battery zero-turn that covers up to about 1.5 to 2 acres per charge with no fuel or fumes. Quiet, low-maintenance, and genuinely capable for suburban acreage.
Best for: Premium battery zero-turn
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
John Deere E180 Lawn Tractor
$2,800 to $3,500
A premium lawn tractor with a smooth ride, strong build, and the brand's reliability. Great for open yards and handling attachments like baggers and carts.
Best for: A premium lawn tractor
Typically available at Home Depot, John Deere dealers.
Best value
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 Zero-Turn
$2,800 to $3,600
A well-reviewed zero-turn with a comfortable seat, stable frame, and good cut at a mid-range price. A strong value for a faster mow.
Best for: Value zero-turn speed
Typically available at Home Depot, Tractor Supply.
Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn
$2,800 to $3,800
A popular homeowner zero-turn with the Smart Speed control and a quality deck. A dependable value for yards with obstacles to mow around.
Best for: Reliable homeowner zero-turn
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor
$2,200 to $2,700
The value entry to the John Deere tractor line, with the brand's build quality at a friendlier price. A reliable choice for open, moderate lawns.
Best for: Value John Deere tractor
Typically available at Home Depot, John Deere dealers.
Budget pick
Craftsman T110 Lawn Tractor
$1,700 to $2,100
An affordable entry lawn tractor for moderate yards, with a familiar name and easy parts. Basic but dependable for routine mowing.
Best for: Budget entry tractor
Typically available at Lowe's.
Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Lawn Tractor
$1,500 to $2,000
A long-running budget tractor that covers basic mowing needs for under $2,000. Simple and serviceable for a flat, open yard.
Best for: Simple budget mowing
Typically available at Lowe's, Tractor Supply.
Murray 42 inch Riding Mower
$1,500 to $1,900
About the cheapest practical rider for a flat yard up to an acre. No frills, but it gets the lawn cut for the lowest entry price.
Best for: The lowest-cost rider
Typically available at Walmart, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
Zero-turn or lawn tractor?+
Zero-turns are faster and pivot tightly around obstacles, ideal for yards with trees and beds. Lawn tractors are simpler to operate, handle slopes and attachments well, and suit open, regularly shaped lawns. Pick by your yard's layout.
What size deck do I need?+
For up to about an acre, a 42 inch deck is fine. From one to three acres, step up to 48 to 54 inches to cut faster. The wider the deck, the fewer passes, but the harder it is to fit through gates.
Is a battery riding mower worth it?+
For yards up to roughly 1.5 to 2 acres, modern battery riders mow quietly with no fuel, oil, or tune-ups, and they have closed much of the gap with gas. For very large or hilly properties, gas still offers more endurance.
How much does a riding mower cost?+
Entry lawn tractors start around $1,500 to $2,200, mid-range zero-turns run $2,800 to $4,800, and premium or battery models go higher. Match the spend to your acreage rather than buying more mower than the lawn needs.
How long do riding mowers last?+
With basic maintenance, a quality rider lasts 10 to 15 years or more. Keep the deck clean, change oil and filters on gas models, sharpen blades each season, and store it dry to get the most life.