By Jon Bannister

The 54” blade cutting width on this John Deere model will help you get through large lawns quicker. It has excellent cutting capability from the edge cutting system. A 25 HP V-twin engine has some nice extended life features. A high back seat with lumbar support should make your time on the mower more comfortable. The mower is easy to control with two foot controls to help with tighter turns. It even has cruise control if you are so inclined on those larger lawns.

Quick Specs

• 2 Year Bumper to Bumper Warranty
• Cut Width 54 inches
• Rear Wheel Drive
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• $2700

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

This little rear engine 30” riding mower is one of the best sellers in the country and one of the only rear engine mowers. The little 420cc Powermore has a cast iron cylinder sleeve, pressure oiler and a screw on automotive type oil filter. You get around 15 HP on this solid little engine. It fortunately has a forged steel crankshaft making it stronger and more durable than cast iron. It has an adjustable seat even for tall people. When it comes to cutting this mower performs well above its price point. One added benefit many would overlook is that this little mower can fit through small spaces.

Quick Specs

• 5 Height Adjustable Blade
• 15 HP
• 2 Year Limited Warranty
• 420cc Single Troy-Bilt Engine
• 30 Cutting Deck
• $1100

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

With riding lawn mowers, you want the same performance you get from a walk-behind mower but in a much larger package. Riding lawn mowers are the ideal choice if you have a lot of property to cover. Here are some of the most important factors we looked for when we selected the top 10 ride lawn mowers:
1. Controls easy to access and operate
2. Comfortable seat
3. Tight turning radius
4. Wide cutting path
5. Powerful motor for cutting and mulching
6. Smooth riding over varied terrains
7. Variable speeds and adjustable deck height
8. Easy handling and maneuverability

Riding Mowers Buying Guide

4 Ways to Mow Really Tall Grass

Does your lawn resemble a jungle? Either you’re blessed with fast growing grass, or you’ve neglected your mowing duty for too long. In either case, if you don’t have a riding mower, you may have to do double the work to take care of the problem.

1. First, try mowing on the highest height setting. Wait a couple days before mowing the yard again at a normal setting.
2. Is the grass too stubborn or is your mower not up to the task? If mulching doesn’t work, try bagging the clippings.
3. If the mower keeps clogging, try a narrower strip, say 6 to 12 inches, with each mowing pass.
4. If all else fails, set your mower to side discharge. You’ll have to rake up the clippings afterward, but at least you’ll have tamed the jungle.

Now that you know how much extra work is involved in cutting tall grass, you’ll be motivated to keep up with a regular mowing schedule.

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

Featured Mower Articles

Safety Features on a Lawn Mower

Operating a lawn mower shouldn’t be a dangerous task if you know what you’re doing and if the mower is equipped with basic safety features. Handle Lever: Some new models are designed with safety in mind and come equipped with a lever or bar on the handle that you must hold down to keep … [more]

5 Tips for Better Lawn Mower and Lawn Care

Mowing the yard can be hot, grueling work, but a well-maintained machine can make the job a bit easier. Keeping the lawn mown and tended also gives you healthier, thicker, prettier grass. 1. Blades: Mowers with sharp blades perform better all around. The average mower needs to have its … [more]

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

Lawn mowers of all varieties have certain inherent risks. You have to know how to operate it properly and keep it well maintained to avoid accidents. Above all, children should not operate lawn mowers and should understand that they are dangerous yard tools. General Mower Safety: Don’t let … [more]

Gas vs. Electric vs. Cordless Lawn Mowers

While gas mowers have been around the longest and are praised for their power, you’ll find that electric and cordless mowers are gaining popularity for being better for the environment. Of course, you never want to sacrifice cutting performance. There are advantages and disadvantages … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Push Mowers

While most lawn mowers can handle flat, even terrains, the trick is to find a high-powered lawn mower that still works well when the lawn is large and hilly and containing trees, rocks, and roots. We looked at a number of lawn mowers to see how well they mulch, bag, or discharge grass … [more]

Top 10 Self-Propelled Mowers

People tend to think of mowing the lawn as backbreaking, sweat-inducing work, but self-propelled lawnmowers can make the task a lot more bearable, particularly if you have hilly or uneven terrain to maintain…[more]

Top 10 Weed Eaters

Lawn trimmers are invaluable tools for keeping your yard looking tidy and professional. Trimmers can reach tight areas that lawn mowers can’t, such as beneath bushes and around trees. Many trimmers also function as edgers… [more]

Top 10 Leaf Blowers

The best leaf blowers, be they gas, electric, or cordless, must be effective at blasting away leaves, twigs, and other lawn debris. We looked for a number of factors when selecting the top 10 leaf blowers… [more]

Top 10 Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are an essential tool for keeping the outside of your home clean. Made for blasting through grime on cars, boats, driveways, grills, and house sidings, a pressure washer carries exponentially more power than a regular garden hose…[more]

Top 10 Shop Vacuums

Sometimes you have big messes that a regular broom, mop, or vacuum cleaner just can’t handle. Shop Vacs, or wet/dry vacuums, are invaluable tools when it comes to cleaning up tough wet or dry spills and messes around the house…[more]

More Riding Lawn Mowers

For an automatic transmission ride mower in its class, this 42-inch John Deere model may be getting into the expensive range at $1,899. It cuts grass very well without much of a fuss. Able to handle gently sloping terrain, this 22 horse-power mower runs fast at 5.5 mph going forward and 3.2 mph in reverse. The 18-inch turning radius may not be the best of the best out there, but this speedy little mower gets you back on track quickly. The mower has also been improved to meet EPA emission standards, making this a smart choice for small to mid sized properties.

Prices

By Jon Bannister

This is one of the more expensive mowers on the list, but for good reason. The Husqvarna RZ3016 doesn’t have all the horse power some of the other mowers have, but it’s lighter and exceeds their top speeds. Throw in the zero-turn ability and your medium sized yard will be cut in record time. The productivity is rated at about 1.6 acres an hour. The cutting deck only has a width of 30 inches on this one. That is significantly less than some of the 46 and 54 inchers. The cutting deck is constructed with steel while the rest of the mower feels just as solid. The construction quality is really good on this mower and leaves you feeling that it can get the job done. It’s a pretty costly mower at around $2,500, but it is a great performer in the yard.

Quick Specs

• 16.5 HP endurance engine
• 30-inch 13 gauge cutting deck
• 3 gallon gas tank capacity
• 6.5 mph maximum speed
• 395 lbs.

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

The Troy-Bilt Pony riding lawn mower is ideal for small to medium sized lots and yards. The “Pony” in the name gives most of it away. It’s a smaller mower, but still offers a punch when it comes down to it. It lacks the horsepower of some of the larger mowers on the list, but it can still get up to speed with the best of them. The turning radius is 18 inches. Not the best, but that shouldn’t be a real problem on a smaller yard. It’s also got a cupholder like many of the other riding mowers on the list. The feature isn’t necessary but comes in handy more than one might think. Headlights are another feature that may seem tacked on, but it’s nice to know The smaller size of this one is a benefit if storage space is limited. It comes at a reasonable price too. $999.99 for a solid mower like this is a deal.

Quick Specs

• 17.5 Horsepower
• 42 inch cutting width
• 496 lbs.
• 1.5 gallons
• 5 mph maximum speed

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

The Poulan Pro 46 riding mower provides great maneuverability with an 18-inch turning radius. It isn’t the most feature packed model, but it proves to be a reliable workhorse. Able to cover medium to large lawns and properties in a short time with the 46-inch deck. The controls and foot pedals are easy to access and operate, and the ride is fairly smooth with the 6-speed transmission and low vibrations from the steering wheel. The headlights are an important feature for safety and work well in the early evening if the yard work is carrying on through the day. This ride mower is best suited for medium sized properties; if your yard is a bit small and your storage space limited, this may be too big of a mower. At $1,399.99, it’s a reliable, durable model.

Quick Specs

• 20 horsepower
• 1.5 gallons tank capacity
• 46-inch cutting path
• 459 pounds

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

This is one solid riding lawnmower that comes loaded with useful features. Things like the fender mounted cutting height adjustment, air induction, anti-scalp wheels, and hydrostatic transmission all come together to make this one of the most useful tools you’ll use in the yard. It’s built for comfort too with an comfortable adjustable seat and an ergonomic steering wheel. The 48 inch cutting width may not over shadow some of the other mowers on the list, but it is modest and will get the job done quickly. It’s backed by a nice 24 horse power engine so there will be enough power to get the mower where ever you need it in the yard. It’s a great size for small to mid sized yards and doesn’t take up much space in the garage or shed. This is good because some mowers can really demand a lot of your precious storage space.

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

Back to Top Riding Lawn Mowers

General Mower Safety

• Don’t let young teens mow the yard without supervision.
• Watch out for young children and teach them to stay away from the mower.
• Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and goggles for protection from flying debris.
• Make sure the blades have stopped completely before leaving the mower unattended.
• Turn off the blades before crossing sidewalks and driveways.
• Don’t tamper with or remove safety features like the rear flap.
• Avoid moving a mower backward, and always check behind you if you must.
• Keep hands and feet away from the blades.
• Never tilt a mower, but keep all the wheels firmly on the ground.
• Turn off the engine and let it cool before cleaning or exchanging attachments.

Gasoline Safety

• Gas-powered lawn mowers require handling gasoline, which is highly flammable. Avoid fires and combustions by exercising caution and common sense.
• Never smoke around a gas canister or gas mower.
• Don’t store gas canisters indoors or near appliances with sparks or pilot lights.
• Always fill a tank on the ground, to the correct level, and when the engine is turned off and cool.
• Clean up gas spills quickly and don’t turn on the engine around spilled gas.

Riding Mower Safety

The greatest risk that riding mowers pose is that unsuspecting people, particularly children, can get in the way of the mower’s path. Always keep an eye out for people and look behind you before going in reverse.

• Don’t give rides to kids. They could easily fall off or interfere with the controls.
• Never attempt to ride along steep slopes because the mower could slip or roll over.
• Go in an up and down pattern on gentle inclines.

Electric Mower Safety

• Never use an electric mower on wet grass or while it’s raining.
• Don’t use a power cord that’s become frayed. Make sure it’s grounded.
• Avoid mowing over the power cord.
• Don’t yank the cord, but rather pull it out directly from the outlet.

More Mower Articles

Safety Features on a Lawn Mower

Operating a lawn mower shouldn’t be a dangerous task if you know what you’re doing and if the mower is equipped with basic safety features. Handle Lever: Some new models are designed with safety in mind and come equipped with a lever or bar on the handle that you must hold down to keep … [more]

5 Tips for Better Lawn Mower and Lawn Care

Mowing the yard can be hot, grueling work, but a well-maintained machine can make the job a bit easier. Keeping the lawn mown and tended also gives you healthier, thicker, prettier grass. 1. Blades: Mowers with sharp blades perform better all around. The average mower needs to have its … [more]

Front vs Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Lawn Mower

Self-propelled lawnmowers have two types of drive: front wheel and rear wheel. But what does that mean, and which one is better? Essentially, when a gearbox propels the rear wheels, it’s a rear wheel drive mower. When the gearbox propels the front wheels, it’s a front wheel drive mower…[more]

Gas vs. Electric vs. Cordless Lawn Mowers

While gas mowers have been around the longest and are praised for their power, you’ll find that electric and cordless mowers are gaining popularity for being better for the environment. Of course, you never want to sacrifice cutting performance. There are advantages and disadvantages … [more]

Self Propelled Mower Comparison: Husqvarna HU800AWD vs Honda GCV190

If you are in the market for a new high-powered self-propelled lawnmower, it may help to compare the features of two popular models, the Honda GCV190 and the Husqvarna HU800AWD. The two lawnmowers are in the same price range—the Honda GCV190 is $699, whereas the Husqvarna HU800AWD is $509.99…. [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Push Mowers

While most lawn mowers can handle flat, even terrains, the trick is to find a high-powered lawn mower that still works well when the lawn is large and hilly and containing trees, rocks, and roots. We looked at a number of lawn mowers to see how well they mulch, bag, or discharge grass … [more]

Top 10 Riding Mowers

With riding lawn mowers, you want the same performance you get from a walk-behind mower but in a much larger package. Riding lawn mowers are the ideal choice if you have a lot of property to cover. Here are some of the most important factors we looked for when we selected the top 10 ride … [more]

Top 10 Self-Propelled Mowers

People tend to think of mowing the lawn as backbreaking, sweat-inducing work, but self-propelled lawnmowers can make the task a lot more bearable, particularly if you have hilly or uneven terrain to maintain…[more]

1. Blades

Mowers with sharp blades perform better all around. The average mower needs to have its blades sharpened at least once a year. Of course, if the grass in your yard is extra thick or you have to mow more frequently than 30 times a year, it may be better to sharpen the blades more often.

Can you tell a difference with your lawn when the blades aren’t sharp enough? Most certainly. The grass ends will look torn, rough, and brown. Sharp blades also make the mowing and mulching task faster and easier for you, so it’s really to your advantage to stay on top of this task.

2. Mower deck height

Lawn mowers typically offer adjustable mowing heights. How high to set the mower depends on the type of grass you have in your yard, the season, and the climate. A general rule of thumb: Mow lower in the spring and fall and higher in the summer.

In the hot, dry summer months, you want your grass to retain as much moisture as possible without having to water it frequently. By setting a high mower height, the grass should stay lush and green. In the cooler months, you want a shorter cut on the grass because too much moisture could cause fungus to grow.

If you’re still unsure how much to trim off your specific grass type, you can’t go wrong with the 1/3 rule—that is, cut only 1/3 of the total grass height, and never more than one inch at a time. Cutting it too short can make the grass turn brown, weak, and weedy, and denies it adequate protection from the sun’s heat.

3. Changing it up: alternating patterns

Alternate mowing patterns each time you mow to avoid forming ruts or stripe marks in the grass. Not only will your lawn look prettier, the change in routine will keep a monotonous task from becoming too tedious.

4. Grass wetness

While it’s advantageous to mow when the ground is slightly damp, the mower will clog if the grass is wet. In fact, the whole mowing process will take a lot longer if the grass is wet.

5. Mulching benefits

Whenever possible, mulch. There’s no sense in letting the valuable nutrients in mulch go to waste; it’s an effective method to keeping your lawn fertile, fresh, and moist. You’ll save money on fertilizer, too.

Bagging is necessary at the beginning of the mowing season to clear the yard of debris and weeds. Bagging also works better when the grass is very tall. Attempting to mulch when the grass is high can produce clumps.

More Mower Articles

Safety Features on a Lawn Mower

Operating a lawn mower shouldn’t be a dangerous task if you know what you’re doing and if the mower is equipped with basic safety features. Handle Lever: Some new models are designed with safety in mind and come equipped with a lever or bar on the handle that you must hold down to keep … [more]

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

Lawn mowers of all varieties have certain inherent risks. You have to know how to operate it properly and keep it well maintained to avoid accidents. Above all, children should not operate lawn mowers and should understand that they are dangerous yard tools. General Mower Safety: Don’t let … [more]

Front vs Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Lawn Mower

Self-propelled lawnmowers have two types of drive: front wheel and rear wheel. But what does that mean, and which one is better? Essentially, when a gearbox propels the rear wheels, it’s a rear wheel drive mower. When the gearbox propels the front wheels, it’s a front wheel drive mower…[more]

Gas vs. Electric vs. Cordless Lawn Mowers

While gas mowers have been around the longest and are praised for their power, you’ll find that electric and cordless mowers are gaining popularity for being better for the environment. Of course, you never want to sacrifice cutting performance. There are advantages and disadvantages … [more]

Self Propelled Mower Comparison: Husqvarna HU800AWD vs Honda GCV190

If you are in the market for a new high-powered self-propelled lawnmower, it may help to compare the features of two popular models, the Honda GCV190 and the Husqvarna HU800AWD. The two lawnmowers are in the same price range—the Honda GCV190 is $699, whereas the Husqvarna HU800AWD is $509.99…. [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Push Mowers

While most lawn mowers can handle flat, even terrains, the trick is to find a high-powered lawn mower that still works well when the lawn is large and hilly and containing trees, rocks, and roots. We looked at a number of lawn mowers to see how well they mulch, bag, or discharge grass … [more]

Top 10 Riding Mowers

With riding lawn mowers, you want the same performance you get from a walk-behind mower but in a much larger package. Riding lawn mowers are the ideal choice if you have a lot of property to cover. Here are some of the most important factors we looked for when we selected the top 10 ride … [more]

Top 10 Self-Propelled Mowers

People tend to think of mowing the lawn as backbreaking, sweat-inducing work, but self-propelled lawnmowers can make the task a lot more bearable, particularly if you have hilly or uneven terrain to maintain…[more]

As a zero-turn ride mower, this Snapper model leaves no grass uncut when it makes its sharp turns, so you don’t have to overlap your cutting paths. It runs quickly and maneuvers around obstacles like trees and rocks with quickly responding controls. Suitable for up to two acres of land with moderate hills, it runs smoothly with a hydraulic transmission. With the optional accessories, it mulches and bags clippings efficiently, too. At $2,600, this Snapper ride mower conveniently saves you time mowing.

Prices

For small, flat yards, the Weed Eater WE-ONE will get the job done faster than a walk-behind mower. Its 190 cc engine demonstrates a great cutting performance, and three forward speeds with a cruise control feature let you work at your own pace. A compact, narrow machine, it’s easy to store. While the controls and comfort are nice, the turning radius is very wide, meaning you’ll have to retrace your cutting paths. Know that this mower, low priced at $800, can’t handle rough, sloping terrain well; when it’s on flat land, though, it’s an effective mower.

Prices

Featuring a solid 22-horsepower engine, this 46-inch Toro ride mower cuts a wide swath through fields of thick grass. The controls are well-designed, and the machine starts up instantly with an electronic keystart ignition. Highly maneuverable and possessing a tight 15-inch turning radius, this Toro model makes short work of large properties. Riding it is comfortable, too, with the cushioned steering wheel and foot rests. For $2,299, this riding mower handles cutting and mulching with ease.

Prices

For an automatic transmission ride mower in its class, this 42-inch John Deere model is fairly inexpensive at $1,600 and cuts grass very well. Able to handle gently sloping terrain, this mower runs fast at 5.5 mph going forward and 3.2 mph in reverse. While the 18-inch turning radius means you have to overlap your cutting paths, it makes up for that issue with fast, efficient operation and easy control. The mower has also been improved to meet EPA emission standards, making this a smart choice for relatively small properties.

Prices

A highly maneuverable machine, the John Deere X304 has an excellent cutting performance and easy controls. Capable of covering up to 3.5 acres of land, it rides smoothly up and down gentle slopes and varied terrain with its 20-inch-diameter rear tires. Sporting a tight turning radius of 15 inches, it also has an adjustable height up to 4 inches. Convenient features also include cruise control, headlights, and a cup holder. Whatever the landscape conditions, this John Deere mower has great steering and controls and runs for $3,295.