May 2024
Riding Lawn Mowers And Tractors: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of riding lawn mowers and tractors rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 6 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 64 lawn mower endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
44 lawn mowers were endorsed in total, only 12 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 6 May 2024, Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed lawn mower with 3 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 3 recommended it as the '#1 lawn mower' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Cub Cadet: 5 lawn mowers
(#1 is Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46)
-
Ryobi: 5 lawn mowers
(#1 is Ryobi RY48111)
-
Troy-Bilt: 4 lawn mowers
(#1 is Troy-Bilt TB30 R)
-
Husqvarna: 3 lawn mowers
(#1 is Husqvarna YTH18542)
-
John Deere: 3 lawn mowers
(#1 is John Deere S120)
At a glance - May Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Lawn Mower |
Business Insider
|
BestCovery
|
Gadgets Reviews
|
The Spruce
|
Shelf Guide
|
Homedit
|
CountryLiving
|
TopTenReviews
|
Bob Vila
|
Homes & Gardens
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
+1 | Check price |
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
-
|
3
|
|
3
|
+1 | Check price |
Troy-Bilt TB30 R
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
+2 | Check price |
Husqvarna YTH18542
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+2 | $5569 |
Ego Power+ ZT4204L
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
7
|
5
|
|
6
|
-4 | Check price |
John Deere S120
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
-2 | $5200 |
Ryobi RY48111
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
|
8
|
+3 | Check price |
Husqvarna TS 354XD
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
9
|
+3 | Check price |
Troy-Bilt Pony 42X
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
15
|
+2 | $3899 |
Husqvarna Z254
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
-8 | Check price |
Toro TimeCutter MyRIDE 75754
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
17
|
+1 | Check price |
Ariens Ikon XD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
7
|
We ranked Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46 #1 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46 as #1.
The Spruce
Best Lawn Tractor
|
Comfortable, adjustable seat
Reasonable price
Excellent performance in cutting grass
|
Tricky to start initially
Bagger and mulching kit must be purchased separately
|
Shelf Guide
The best riding lawn mowers overall
|
Push-button cruise control for relaxed mowing
Great maneuverability over even land and inclines alike
High-back seat design with oversized seat and elevated back support for enhanced comfort
|
The removable cutting deck can be difficult to detach and reattach
A few reviewers noted the engine stalling when the tractor is running but not moving, and the parking brake is not engaged
|
We ranked Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 #2 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
The Spruce
Best Gas Zero-Turn
|
Seat can be fully adjusted for a comfortable ride
Zero-turn
Relatively reasonable price
Easy to control
|
Handling a bit touchy at first
Rattle from a loose belt
|
TopTenReviews
Best riding lawn mower for tough environments
|
50 inch cutting path
23 horsepower engine
|
Expensive
|
Homes & Gardens
The best riding lawn mower for hills
|
Powerful commercial-grade motor
Hydrostatic transmission
Large 50-inch deck
Good on hills
|
Expensive
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend riding lawn mowers and tractors.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of riding lawn mowers and tractors, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2024 ranking
Business Insider
BestCovery
Gadgets Reviews
The Spruce
Shelf Guide
Homedit
CountryLiving
TopTenReviews
Bob Vila
Homes & Gardens
We ranked Troy-Bilt TB30 R #3 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
Shelf Guide
The best riding lawn mowers under $1500 and for small yards
|
Compact size fits easily into sheds and garages
Rear hitch for compatibility with a variety of attachments
Soft-touch steering wheel with reduced vibration for more comfortable control
|
A few reviewers disliked the design of the oil chamber and found changing the oil difficult and messy
The wheel may jerk when crossing over bumps or embankments, meaning you may temporarily lose control of the tractor
|
TopTenReviews
Best cheap riding lawn mower
|
Minor assembly required
Easy to maneuver
|
Gear shift awkwardly placed
|
We ranked Husqvarna YTH18542 #4 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Husqvarna YTH18542 as #1.
Shelf Guide
The best heavy-duty riding lawn mowers
|
ReadyStart technology for easy, choke-free startup
Powerful 18.5 hp 540cc Briggs and Stratton Intek engine
Heavy-duty chassis with cast-iron axles and 13-gauge steel cutting deck
|
Some reviewers reported excessive vibration/shaking, especially when going up inclines
A few reviewers noted that the scalping wheels on the left cannot be adjusted, as they come into contact with the mower deck
|
We ranked Ego Power+ ZT4204L #5 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best riding lawn mower for customization
|
Power from batteries to rival gas
Zero emissions
|
Additional batteries sold separately
Pricey
|
Bob Vila
Best Battery Zero-Turn
|
As powerful as a 22-hp gas engine and enough battery runtime to cut up to 2.5 acres
Can choose from 10 cutting positions between 1.5 to 4.5 inches
Full of features, including mulching, bagging, side-discharge, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, phone holder, and 32 LED lights
e-STEER technology and 3 driving modes provide the ultimate in easy operation
|
Those with yards above 2.5 acres will likely need to purchase additional batteries
When riding on an incline or going down a steep hill, it’s easy to lose control of the lawn mower
If the grass is really wet, the blades tend to clog up and shut down.
|
Homes & Gardens
The best riding lawn mower for 1 acre
|
Battery-powered
Can mow up to two acres in one charge
Tech connectivity including USB port, lights and Bluetooth
Customize blade control, speed, and cut
|
Not suited to spaces bigger than two acres
Can hold six batteries but only comes with four so could go further
|
We ranked John Deere S120 #6 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked John Deere S120 as #1.
We ranked Ryobi RY48111 #7 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ryobi RY48111 as #1.
TopTenReviews
Best battery-powered riding lawn mower
|
Zero emissions, no refueling needed
Low maintenance
|
Requires charging
|
Homes & Gardens
The best electric riding lawn mower
|
Eco-friendly
Quiet
Low maintenance
Good performance
|
Batteries are expensive when they need replacing
Run time won’t be enough for bigger lawns
|
We ranked Husqvarna TS 354XD #8 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
Bob Vila
Runner-Up
|
Built for long-term durability and use across every season
Rear wheels feature electronic locking differential locks for extra traction when necessary
Foot pedal shifting, cruise control, armrests, and an ergonomic steering wheel offer top-of-the-line operational comfort
Adapts to any landscaping with 6 height settings and an 18-inch turning radius
|
No gas gauge or reserve gas lever; need to carry extra gas on especially large mows
Seat adjustment is underneath the seat and cannot be adjusted while you’re sitting
|
We ranked Troy-Bilt Pony 42X #9 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
Homes & Gardens
The best riding lawn mower on a budget
|
Wide 42in cutting deck
18-inch turning radius for minimal re-mowing
Good power for the price
Seven speeds
|
Manual transmission
Fuel capacity on the smaller side
|
We ranked Husqvarna Z254 #10 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
Shelf Guide
The best ZTR riding lawn mowers
|
Large deck means more grass cutting with fewer passes
Zero-turn-radius operation offers incredible maneuverability
Intuitive brake system activates and deactivates automatically
|
The lap-bar operation is difficult to get the hang of
Some reviewers appeared to have issues with their warranties
|
We ranked Toro TimeCutter MyRIDE 75754 #11 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
The Spruce
Best Gas
|
Excellent cutting performance
Very comfortable, smooth ride
Easy maintenance
Zero-turn radius
|
A bit of a learning curve to handle
Bagger and mulching kit must be purchased separately
No headlights
|
Bob Vila
Best for Large Yards
|
The Toro MyRIDE suspension system provides an ultrasmooth ride on rough ground
Heavy-duty forged deck and 10-gauge steel frame for long-lasting durability
Commercial-grade Kohler engine is engineered for low maintenance and extended use
Mows about 0.25 acre per hour faster than the 50-inch TimeCutter
|
Large mower requires more storage space and won’t fit through narrow passages
Premium price point for residential equipment, but a fair price for the capability
|
We ranked Ariens Ikon XD #12 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best for Rough Terrain
|
Competitive price point for a high-quality zero-turn mower
Commercial-grade engine designed for extended wear and low maintenance
Heavy-duty 11-gauge steel deck and fully welded steel frame for long-term durability
Mows at speeds up to 7 miles per hour, or about 3.3 acres per hour
|
Fewer comfort and convenience details than some of the other mowers on our list
|
Homes & Gardens
The best riding lawn mower: the most comfortable ride
|
13 different cutting positions
Wide 52-inch cutting deck
Two steering levers provide good maneuverability
Very comfortable seat
|
Only suitable for going downhill and on flat grass
|