March 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 March 2024.
Summary
On 12 Mar 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 63 lawn mower endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
37 lawn mowers were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 12 Mar 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
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Ryobi: 5 lawn mowers
(#1 is Ryobi RY48111)
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Cub Cadet: 4 lawn mowers
(#1 is Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46)
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Troy-Bilt: 4 lawn mowers
(#1 is Troy-Bilt TB30 R)
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Husqvarna: 3 lawn mowers
(#1 is Husqvarna YTH18542)
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Toro: 2 lawn mowers
(#1 is Toro TimeCutter MyRIDE 75754)
At a glance - March Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Lawn Mower |
Business Insider
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BestCovery
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CountryLiving
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Homedit
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Shelf Guide
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The Spruce
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Gadgets Reviews
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TopTenReviews
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Bob Vila
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Homes & Gardens
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1
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Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46
The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46 lawn mower is highly praised for its features, performance, and versatility, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize a well-manicured lawn and value safety features.
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3
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2
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John Deere S120
The John Deere S120 lawn mower is a versatile and reliable machine with notable features such as cruise control, deck wheels, and mulching and bagging capabilities, making it suitable for various lawn maintenance tasks.
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2
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2
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3
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Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 lawn mower is highly regarded for its precise control, maneuverability, mulching capabilities, and ergonomic design, making it a reliable and powerful choice for various lawn mowing needs.
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3
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5
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5
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3
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4
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Troy-Bilt TB30 R
The Troy-Bilt TB30 R is a compact riding lawn mower that offers durable deck wheels, effective mulching capabilities, and the option for side-discharging clippings, making it a reliable and efficient choice for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns.
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4
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10
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5
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Ryobi RY48111
The Ryobi RY48111 riding lawnmower offers a range of features, including cruise control, multiple deck settings, and a USB charging port, making it a versatile and efficient option for homeowners with medium to large-sized lawns.
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4
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6
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Husqvarna YTH18542
The Husqvarna YTH18542 is a highly recommended lawn mower that offers convenient features such as cruise control, dual anti-scalp wheels, mulching and bagging capabilities, a powerful engine, excellent maneuverability, and comfort, making it suitable for a variety of cutting needs.
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5
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4
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7
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Ego Power+ ZT4204L
The Ego Power+ ZT4204L is a zero-turn riding lawn mower with a range of features, including a powerful motor, USB charging port, and comfortable design, making it a convenient and efficient option for mowing large areas.
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5
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2
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7
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5
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8
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Toro TimeCutter MyRIDE 75754
The Toro TimeCutter MyRIDE 75754 is a highly recommended lawn mower with convenient features, powerful performance, and comfortable seating, making it a reliable and efficient option for maintaining medium to large-sized properties.
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6
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Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT42
The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT42 is a reliable and well-built lawn mower that offers a range of features to enhance its performance and convenience, making it a solid choice for homeowners in need of a dependable and efficient mower.
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5
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1
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10
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Troy-Bilt Pony 42
The Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Lawn Mower is a gas riding lawn tractor with versatile mulching and bagging capabilities, suitable for small to medium-sized lots and yards, offering a tight turning radius and known for its reliability with proper care and maintenance.
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Husqvarna TS 354XD
The Husqvarna TS 354XD Lawn Mower is a versatile and feature-rich garden tractor that offers exceptional maneuverability, comfort, and power, making it suitable for medium to large-sized yards and professional landscapers.
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12
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Troy-Bilt Pony 42X
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5
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13
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Toro Titan 75303
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3
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4
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17
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Husqvarna Z254
The Husqvarna Z254 lawn mower is a versatile and feature-rich option that offers convenience, versatility, and safety, making it suitable for professional use or homeowners with large lawns.
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4
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4
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18
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Ariens Ikon XD
The Ariens Ikon XD lawn mower is a highly praised and reliable option for users with large areas of grass to maintain, offering notable features such as cruise control, deck wheels, and a powerful engine, making it an efficient and comfortable choice for achieving desired lawn appearances.
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We ranked Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46 #1 in March 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.
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
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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
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The Spruce
Best Lawn Tractor
Comfortable, adjustable seat
Reasonable price
Excellent performance in cutting grass
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Tricky to start initially
Bagger and mulching kit must be purchased separately
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We ranked John Deere S120 #2 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked John Deere S120 as #1.
The Spruce
Best Budget
Very easy to maneuver even around tight turns
Excellent performance cutting both wet and dry grass
Smooth, comfortable ride
White Glove Service
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Requires occasional oil changes
Recommended for up to 1 acre only
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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 March 2024 ranking
We ranked Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 #3 in March 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
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Handling a bit touchy at first
Rattle from a loose belt
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TopTenReviews
Best riding lawn mower for tough environments
50 inch cutting path
23 horsepower engine
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Expensive
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Homes & Gardens
The best riding lawn mower for hills
Powerful commercial-grade motor
Hydrostatic transmission
Large 50-inch deck
Good on hills
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Expensive
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We ranked Troy-Bilt TB30 R #4 in March 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
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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
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TopTenReviews
Best cheap riding lawn mower
Minor assembly required
Easy to maneuver
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Gear shift awkwardly placed
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We ranked Ryobi RY48111 #5 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ryobi RY48111 as #1.
Business Insider
The best electric riding lawn mower
Eco-friendly
low maintenance
quiet
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About two hours per charge
batteries are expensive to replace when the time comes (three-year warranty)
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TopTenReviews
Best battery-powered riding lawn mower
Zero emissions, no refueling needed
Low maintenance
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Requires charging
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Homes & Gardens
The best electric riding lawn mower
Eco-friendly
Quiet
Low maintenance
Good performance
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Batteries are expensive when they need replacing
Run time won’t be enough for bigger lawns
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We ranked Husqvarna YTH18542 #6 in March 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
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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
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We ranked Ego Power+ ZT4204L #7 in March 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
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Additional batteries sold separately
Pricey
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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
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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.
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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
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Not suited to spaces bigger than two acres
Can hold six batteries but only comes with four so could go further
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We ranked Toro TimeCutter MyRIDE 75754 #8 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Toro TimeCutter MyRIDE 75754 as #1.
Business Insider
Best overall
Wide cutting width; durable deck; comfortable ride; maintenance and cleanup is easy
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Not CARB compliant
relatively expensive
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The Spruce
Best Gas
Excellent cutting performance
Very comfortable, smooth ride
Easy maintenance
Zero-turn radius
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A bit of a learning curve to handle
Bagger and mulching kit must be purchased separately
No headlights
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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
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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
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We ranked Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT42 #9 in March 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT42 as #1.
Business Insider
Best small riding lawn mower
Hydrostatic transmission
comfortable seat
16-inch turning radius
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May be too narrow for extra large yards
lacks zero-turn steering
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We ranked Troy-Bilt Pony 42 #10 in March 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
Business Insider
The Best Budget Riding Lawn Mower
Cup holder
5.5 mph speed
five height settings
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Lacks zero-turn capability
439cc engine may not be powerful enough for some users
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Bob Vila
Best Bang for the Buck
Features lots of user-friendly extras: headlights, step-thru frame design, mid-back seat, rubber footpads, and a rear hitch
Auto-drive transmission is easy to operate and smoothly adjusts speed
18-inch turn radius allows you to maneuver around landscaping and other obstacles
Deck adjusts to 5 different cutting heights using a single lever
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Gas engine is fairly loud and requires more maintenance than an electric version
Rear bagger and mulch kit are separate, add-on purchases
Transmission is not hydrostatic so requires you to put it into forward and reverse manually
Battery installation can be cumbersome
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We ranked Husqvarna TS 354XD #11 in March 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
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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
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We ranked Troy-Bilt Pony 42X #12 in March 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
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Manual transmission
Fuel capacity on the smaller side
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We ranked Toro Titan 75303 #13 in March 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best riding lawn mowers and tractors” rankings.
Business Insider
Best riding lawn mower for extra-large lawns
Dual LED headlights
3 year warranty/300 hours
comfortable seat
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Expensive
bulky size might not be ideal for users who don't have a lot of storage room
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Homes & Gardens
The best riding lawn mower for 2 acres
Commercial grade power
Large cutting deck for larger lawns
Comfortable
Reliable
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Expensive
Controls are very sensitive
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We ranked Husqvarna Z254 #14 in March 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
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The lap-bar operation is difficult to get the hang of
Some reviewers appeared to have issues with their warranties
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We ranked Ariens Ikon XD #15 in March 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
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Fewer comfort and convenience details than some of the other mowers on our list
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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
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Only suitable for going downhill and on flat grass
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