Best riding lawn mower for the money

Today we’ll show you the top 10 best riding mowers for 2022, because if your property is 1/2 Acre – or Larger you know it’s a big job to mow that much yard – especially if you’re using a walk-behind lawnmower. Well, you’ll be glad to know that “Extra-Large” lawns are where the best riding lawn mower can do the very best work. 

We have also included our 2022 Riding Lawn Mower – Buyers Guide (below) to help homeowners make a well-informed choice about what are the best riding lawnmowers.

Riding Lawn Tractors aren’t Cheap – They’re a big investment, that’s why we have researched extensively and lined up the Best Riding Mower for the Money – to help you decide which lawn tractor is the best one for your own needs.

  • The Top 10 Riding Mowers For 2022 
  •  
  • Riding Lawn Mowers for Sale Near Me
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Buyers Guide Riding Lawn Mowers
  • Riding Lawn Mower Buyers Guide
  • Wrapping Up

The Top 10 Riding Mowers For 2022 

Editors Choice:    Husqvarna TS 354XD – 54″ Inch Lawn Tractor

Some homeowners find themselves in the “in-between” position of having a lawn that’s too big for a 42″ Riding mower but not quite big enough for a mower with a larger 60-inch mowing deck. If you’re looking for a small riding mower for a residential yard, the Husqvarna TS 354XD with a 54″ Mowing Deck may be the very best answer. 

Boasting Commercial Grade features, this is no ordinary riding lawn mower.  This Husqvarna model is instead – A Premium riding lawn tractor, with a “Tuff Torq” K66 – ELD – Hydrostatic (Hydraulic fluid vs. mechanical) Transmission.

With large tires, a 54-inch deck, and the Kawasaki TS SERIES, V-Twin – OHC 24 Horsepower engine, this Husqvarna rider offers everything you’d expect from one of the best brands and best-featured gas powered mowers anywhere.

Specifications

  • 54-inch mower deck
  • HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION
  • 24 HP Kawasaki FR Series –  V-Twin OHC engine
  • Change Reverse to forwarding Direction with Foot Controls
  • Top Speed 5.5 MPH
  • Welded Steel Deck
  • Cruise Control
  • LED Headlights
  • Easy Access Fueling – 4 Gallon Gas Tank
  • 21″ High Seat Back
  • Rear hitch capability
  • Deluxe Steering Wheel
  • Mows in reverse
  • Clear-Cut Steel Cutting Deck
  • 3-year warranty

 

Our Take Away

The Husqvarna TS 354XD riding mower is one of the very best Premium Lawn Mowers on the market, and the equally equipped 54″ John Deere model is about $1,200 more, making this mower an exceptional value.

Husqvarna – Best 54″ Riding Lawn Mower

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HUSQVARNA RIDING MOWER


Runner Up –  John Deere S120 – 42″ Lawn Tractor

Best riding lawn mower for the money
Why We Like It

As you continue reading, you will probably get the picture that we’re pretty big fans of this John Deere 42″ Mower. And while the mowing deck is considerably smaller (42″) than our Editors Pick from Husqvarna, this smaller deck riding lawn mower from John Deere wins our Runner Up slot for the best riding mower in 2021.

The John Deere 42″ riding lawn mower stands out as the best overall riding mower “package” in its class, with a V-Twin 22 hp Engine,  Hydrostatic – foot pedal controlled transmission, tight 16″ turning radius, adjustable seat, and anti-scalp wheels. 

Specifications

  • 42-inch mower deck
  • 22 -horsepower V-Twin John Deere engine
  • 30-second Oil Change System
  • White-Glove “Home Delivery” From Home Depot
  • Lumbar-supporting seat
  • 13- different cutting heights
  • 2-Year Warranty
  • Easy starting
  • Hydrostatic transmission

Our Take Away

Thanks to its power, highly maneuverable 42″ mowing deck, and range of convenience features, we find the John Deere S120 – 42″ lawnmower is of the best mowers for any lot size up to 2 acres. The John Deere is a fantastic choice riding mower for the money, especially if you plan to use a riding lawn mower with an optional bagging attachment here.

For larger properties, areas with thick grass, and if your budget allows it – we do recommend an upgrade to the Husqvarna 54″ Riding Mower due to the 12″ wider cutting path – See our “Best Upgrade Riding Mower” section below.

John Deere  – “Runner UP”- Best Riding Mower”

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John Deere Mower


Best Value – Electric Battery – Powered Riding Mower”  – Ryobi RY48111 – 100 Amp Hour (Ah) with 38″ Mowing Deck:

Why We Like It

It may surprise you to learn that battery technology in the outdoor power equipment space has become so advanced that a battery can power a riding lawnmower. Ryobi is sort of an entry-level player in the newer battery mower category, but if you’re on a tighter budget, this mower is one to consider.

Nevertheless, the Ryobi 38-inch – 100 Amp-hour (Ah) battery-powered mower achieves precisely this, allowing homeowners to enjoy the low-maintenance convenience of electric power in a piece of equipment that has historically been powered exclusively by gasoline engines.

Specifications

  • 38-inch mower deck
  • 100-Ah Lithium-ION battery power
  • Mows up to 2 acres per charge
  • 12-position deck
  • Cruise control
  • LED Headlights
  • 3-year warranty
  • Bagging kit available (but not included)

Our Take Away

With No gasoline, oil changes, belts, spark plugs, air filters, or other maintenance issues to deal with, the Ryobi 38-inch battery model may just be the single most convenient mower built for today’s busy homeowner. 

But don’t let its size fool you, as this mower can comfortably tackle up to two acres of land on a single battery charge!

If you’re looking to avoid exhaust fumes or are someone who doesn’t have time to keep up with gas-powered maintenance, the highly-rated Ryobi battery-powered mower could be your best choice to consider.

Ryobi – Best “Value” Battery-Powered Riding Mower 

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RYOBI 


Best Value Riding Mower –   Troy- Bilt  “Neighborhood” – 30″ Lawn Tractor 

Best riding lawn mower for the money
 Why We Like It

Always a solid performing brand is Troy-Bilt, and this 30″ Riding lawn mower provides very sufficient mowing capabilities along with the Best Value (and one of the Cheapest) Riding Mowers on the planet!

This Troy-Bilt mower is a great option for smaller residential yards (under 1 acre), or for those needing a budget-friendly price. With its 12-horsepower engine, it isn’t the most powerful riding lawn tractor. However, you will still find the same quality construction and attention to detail that generations of homeowners have come to associate with the Troy-Bilt brand.

Specifications

  • 30-inch mower deck
  • 12-horsepower engine 
  • Key Start
  • 6-Speed Transmission + 4.5 Mph Top speed
  • Mid Back Seat
  • Compact 18″ Turning Radius
  • 16″ Rear and 13″ Front Durable Wheels
  • Fade-resistant hood
  • Easy To Store
  • 2-year warranty

Our Take Away

While the 11 HP TROY BILT delivers the convenience of the Husqvarna or Craftsman models with their 6-Speed transmission, but with less top-end speed, and of course a smaller mowing deck.

The Troy Bilt Neighborhood also is the top-selling cheapest riding mower you should consider, and there’s still a lot to like here including a highly maneuverable 30″ Deck.

If you’re mowing a mid-sized residential yard and don’t need vast amounts of power on tap, you’ll find that the 12 HP Mower from Troy-Bilt is a great lawn tractor that will get the job done for you.

TROY BILT “Neighborhood”  – Best Value Riding Mower

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TROY BILT


Husqvarna T348XD  – Best 48-inch Riding Mower

 Why We Like It

Husqvarna is one of the best-known names in the lawn equipment industry, which is why we’ve chosen the Husqvarna TS348XD as the Best Upgrade Riding mower in the mid-size 48-inch Deck class – and one of the best riding lawn tractors overall.

Thanks to the exceptional 24-horsepower V-Twin engine, this Husqvarna Rider offers plenty of power! Also, the Husqvarna mower features a range of convenience features including cruise control, a 10-position adjustable seat, and an easy oil change system.

Specs

  • 48-inch mower deck
  • 24 Horsepower Kohler Series – V-twin engine
  • Tuff-Tork – Hydrostatic transmission
  • High Back Ergonomic Seat
  • Welded Steel Deck
  • Electronic Locking Differential
  • Fast, easy starting
  • 2-year warranty

Our Take Away

Overall, we love the Husqvarna and believe we are entirely justified in naming it as our Editor’s Choice pick. This Husqvarna riding lawn mower is extremely comfortable to operate, well-built, and produces a fantastic cut. If you need an excellent mower for a half-acre to 1-acre lot, this is our choice for the best 48″ riding lawn mower

HUSQVARNA – Best  48″ Riding Lawn Mower

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HUSQVARNA 


Best “Craftsman Riding Mower- T225 -46 Riding Mower

Why We Like It

Next on our list of best riding lawn mower reviews is the Craftsman T225 Riding Mower. The super-dependable T225 Riding mower combines a powerful 19 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, and a large 46″ mower deck with a built-in power wash.  A powerful combination of size and power, that checks all the boxes, and could well be the best mower for your own needs.

Featuring turf-saver wheels, pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission, and a High Back – adjustable seat the Craftsman T225 surely checks all the boxes a homeowner could need.

Specifications

  • Larger 46-inch mower deck
  • “Ready – Start” (no choke or priming required – push the start button and go)
  • 19HP “Gold” Briggs & Stratton Engine
  • High Back supportive adjustable seat
  • Responsive handling
  • 2-year warranty
  • Hydrostatic Foot-Pedal transmission
  • Multiple cutting heights
  • Bright headlights

Our Take Away

In terms of convenience, it’s tough to beat this Craftsman riding mower. The mow-in-reverse feature is especially helpful when cutting in reverse through wet grass or in other demanding conditions. Overall, we were extremely impressed with this mower and can recommend it as an excellent runner-up to the Craftsman T225, and is only named runner-up, as it’s a bit pricier than our Editors Choice from Husqvarna.

CRAFTSMAN – T225 – 46″ Riding Lawn Mower

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Craftsman 


Least Expensive 42″  Riding Mower To Buy  –  Troy-Bilt “Pony” 

Best riding lawn mower for the money
  Why We Like It

When you first look at riding mowers for sale, you may be a bit intimidated by the price tags you see. If you’re looking for a cheap riding lawn mower at the lowest possible price point, the Troy-Bilt Pony is a model that’s well worth the price.

With a 42-inch cutting deck and a 13.5 HP engine, the Pony provides plenty of power and capability, all at a price that almost any homeowner can reasonably afford.

Specifications

  • 42-inch mower deck
  • 439cc engine (13.5 HP)
  • Automatic headlights
  • Reliable starting
  • Anti-scalping tires
  • 7-speed transmission
  • Mow-in-reverse optional
  • 2-year warranty

Our Take Away

Even though it’s a budget option, this Troy-Bilt riding mower has a lot going for it. Smaller engine size notwithstanding, the Pony has plenty of get-up-and-go – and will easily handle any residential lawn under 2 acres. 

Overall, the Troy-Bilt Pony riding lawn mower is an especially good option for homeowners on a tight budget, but who still want or need to invest in a riding mower. If you’re looking for a top-rated riding lawn mower for under $2,300 this is it.

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Troy-Bilt – Cheapest Riding Mower With 42″ Mower Deck

Troy – Bilt


Best Lawn Tractor with “Zero-Turn Radius” Steering – Troy-Bilt Mustang 22 HP V-Twin

Best riding lawn mower for the money
 Why We Like It

Exclusive to our list of top ten ridings lawn mowers is the ZERO-TURN RADIUS – Troy-Bilt Mustang. This mower combines a powerful 22- HP Kohler brand V-Twin engine with the favored dual Hydrostatic Transmission – but also includes the rare “Zero-Turn” radius steering.  Oh, and it offers a zero-turn radius – with a standard steering wheel – not “lap bars”.

While it’s not the cheapest riding mower on our list, if you have a larger budget – The Mustang is certainly one of the best to consider for nimble maneuverability and sloping yards or hills.

Specifications

  • 46-inch Twin-Blade mower deck
  • Kohler 7000 Series 22-HP Engine
  • IntelliPower throttle adjustment
  • Responsive handling
  • Heavy-duty steel frame – Lifetime frame warranty
  • 3-year warranty on engine and parts
  • Hydrostatic transmission
  • Adjustable Cutting Heights
  • Cons:  No headlights (better do your mowing in the daylight)

Our Take Away

In terms of having almost every riding lawn mower feature you could wish for – the Troy-Bilt Mustang really does check the right boxes. In addition, this riding lawn mower includes DUAL hydrostatic transmission, meaning the steering wheel turns all 4 wheels, making it a great mower for Hills or Steep terrain.  Overall, we think the Troy Bilt Mustang is one of the top-rated zero-turn mowers.

We were extremely impressed with this riding mower and can recommend it as one of the top-rated riding lawn mowers for any lot up to 2 acres large.

CLICK HERE FOR PRICE >>>

Troy-Bilt – Best Riding Mower with Zero-Turn Radius Steering

Troy-Bilt 


Best Price Riding Mower With “Hydrostatic Drive” – Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding lawn mower for the money
Why We Like It

Next on our list of best value riding lawn mowers is the Super Bronco XP from Troy-Bilt.   This mower offers a much better than average OHV Troy-Bilt 16.5 Hp engine with a Hydrostatic transmission drive – a feature not typically found in riding mowers of this price range.

While the Bronco doesn’t include the V-Twin engine – it does offer considerable savings over its big brother – The Mustang Riding Mower (above). Oh, and the Super Bronco XP Does have Headlights!

Specifications

  • 42-inch Twin-Blade Mower Deck
  • Deck port wash included (using a garden hose)
  • Mow-In-Reverse option
  • 16.5 HP Single Cylinder engine
  • Auto-Choke
  • Responsive handling – Standard Steering Wheel
  • Great for Hills and Sloping Yards
  • 3-year warranty
  • Hydrostatic drive transmission
  • Variable Cutting Heights
  • LED headlights

Our Take Away

Founded in the U.S. in 1937, Troy-Bilt has built a solid reputation and is a highly respected lawnmower manufacturer.  Note that the White Glove delivery service is not included for Troy-Bilt mowers, some assembly will be required by the homeowner after delivery. Overall, a great mower that includes fantastic features, at an outstanding price.

CLICK HERE FOR PRICE >>>

Troy-Bilt – Cheapest 42″ Mower with Hydrostatic Drive

Troy-Bilt 


 

Riding Lawn Mowers for Sale Near Me:

If you’re interested in a particular mower featured in this article, just click any of our links and you will be directed to Amazon or Home Depot – where you can review more details about that riding mower, or place an order, and set up free delivery (where available – suppliers may vary).

Note: Most riding lawn mowers are shipped within 7-10 business days – an exact date will be confirmed at check-out.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Buyers Guide Riding Lawn Mowers:

What Is the Best Cheap Riding Lawnmower?

If you’re concerned only with price, the Troy-Bilt 30-inch Neighborhood model is the least expensive riding lawn mower you’ll find. Highly maneuverable and perfect for small to mid-sized yards, the Neighborhood offers reliable performance at a great price point. If you’re looking to balance off power and size with value, the Troy-Bilt Pony is another great option.

What Is the Best Riding Lawnmower for 1 Acre or Less?

For 1 acre or less, we’d recommend the Husqvarna 42″ Deck or Craftsman 46″ Deck. Both of these products are top-rated riding mowers – and feature 42-inch mowing decks, hydrostatic transmissions, a strong brand reputation, dependable warranty, and great construction quality; with the Cub Cadet coming in a little less expensive.

The Best riding mower for lawns between 1 – 2 Acres – We highly recommend the Husqvarna TS 354XD with a large 54″ Mowing deck.

We also highly recommend researching and testing out a Zero-Turn Lawnmower before making a riding mower purchase.

Where Do You Get a Riding Lawnmower Serviced?

With larger brands like Husqvarna, Toro, and Troy-Bilt, you can easily have your lawnmower serviced at most outdoor power equipment dealerships.

Who Makes the Best Riding Mower

In our opinion, the top 3 riding lawn mower brands for the money are Husqvarna, Craftsman, and Toro.  It’s important to note, however, that the best riding mower for you will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget. 

Honorable mention:  Troy-Bilt built in the U.S.A and founded in 1937, is an outstanding lawnmower company with years of service and dependability, which happen to build a more affordable lawnmower line.

Be sure to take the size and slope of your yard, the price you’re willing to pay, and the amount of maintenance you’re ready to perform into consideration – before selecting the mower that best suits your needs.

Riding Lawn Mower Buyers Guide

Grass grows fast and Is there anything worse on a super hot day, than spending hours pushing a lawnmower around the yard?  Even with a self-propelled mower, it’s a workout.

The solution: offering much higher speeds and cutting paths than walk-behind mowers, the best riding lawn mowers featured today, will make cutting your lawn a quick, efficient – and dare we say – “fun job”.

Our riding lawn mower buyers guide below – explains the most important features to consider, when buying a riding mower:

Power

The amount of power put out by a mower’s engine is one of the most important considerations when selecting your riding mower. More power allows a mower to deal with uphill slopes easily, move at faster speeds, and cut through wet or especially thick grass. 

The V-twin type engine typically boasts higher power ratings than single-cylinder engines, which is why you’ll typically see them included on higher-priced riding mowers.

On the other hand, don’t forget to take a peek at the very popular Battery-Powered models above from Ryobi. With no spark plugs, gas, oil, or belts to worry about – they are gaining popularity fast with homeowners who have 2 acres or less to mow.

Transmission 

Most riding mowers feature either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. Hydrostatic transmissions utilize a fluid system to seamlessly shift between gears, while manual transmissions require the use of a lever to change gears manually. 

Manual transmissions are incredibly dependable, but most high-end mowers these days offer hydrostatic transmissions as a more user-friendly feature.

Deck Size

As you may have noticed, a 42-inch mower deck is a standard for most of the riding lawn mowers on this list. 42-inch mowing decks work best on yards up to 2 acres. 

If you have more than 2 acres to mow, we strongly recommend stepping up to either a 48-inch or 54-inch model, such as the John Deere E160 listed under our Best Upgrade category.

Cutting Options

The majority of riding lawn mowers can mow using three different cutting options; using the side discharge, mulching, and bagging. 

Most mowers come set up to do side discharge and mulching, but require the separate purchase of a bagging attachment to allow you to bag your grass clippings.

The Ryobi 38″ battery-powered riding mowers in our reviews, can be purchased with our without the grass bagging attachment.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, if you’re in the market for a great riding lawn mower, there are some pretty fantastic riding mower options on the market.

The Husqvarna comes in as our top choice for the best riding mower 2020, with the Craftsman Riding Mower coming in as a close runner-up, and finally, the Troy Bilt was our selection for the best value in the standard 42-inch mower deck category.

Although these riding mowers represent our top three picks overall, the best lawn tractor for you may be one of the other models on this list. 

The best pick for you will depend on your yard size, terrain, and several other factors, but the mowers on this list should give you a great starting point in your search.

(Disclosure:  Best Home Gear is an authorized Home Depot Affiliate and Amazon (we are not sponsored, but do make a small fee if you choose to buy at Home Depot or Amazon through one of our links).  

Thanks again for visiting Best Home Gear – and Please don’t hesitate to leave us a Comment or Suggestion Below!

Additional Reading & References:

  • How to Use a Lawnmower Safely Around Children – Healthychildren.org
  • The 10 Best “Backpack” Leaf Blowers You Can Buy – BestHomeGear.Com
  • Diagnosing TurfGrass Problems – University of California
  • The Best Battery-Powered Lawn Equipment “Brands” – BestHomeGear.Com
  • The Best Chainsaw For Homeowners – Besthomegear.com
  • Can You Cut Wet grass with an electric mower? – Ehow.com
  • The Best Pressure Washers Under $300 in 2020 – Besthomegear.com

Kevin

About the Author: I'm Kevin, and I write all the articles for Best Home Gear. As a Builder, Realtor, and Property Manager for 25+ years, I've used Tools and Outdoor Equipment for the bulk of my career, and by managing properties in Michigan and Arizona, I also test many of the products I review firsthand and in vastly different climates and conditions. Our goal at BestHomeGear.Com is to share first-hand experience - Providing "Unbiased" Product Reviews, DIY Guides, and useful Home & Garden Techniques for our faithful readers - Homeowners just like you!

Who makes the most reliable riding lawn mower?

Our research shows that the best riding lawn mower is the Husqvarna YTH18542. We chose this as our top riding mower for its reliability and utility relative to price. Other standouts: We also found that the best zero-turn mower is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 and the best rear-engine mower is the electric Ryobi RY48111.

What are the top 5 rated riding lawn mowers?

The 5 best riding mowers: Top gas, electric, and zero-turn lawn mowers.
Husqvarna YTH18542. Best riding mower overall. ... .
Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT. Best electric riding mower. ... .
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1. Best zero turn riding mower. ... .
Troy-Bilt TB30. Most affordable riding mower. ... .
John Deere 1570 TerrainCut. Best commercial riding mower..

What is the best ride on lawn mower to buy?

Here are the best riding lawn mowers..
Best Overall: RYOBI 100 AH 38" Electric Riding Mower at Home Depot. Jump to Review..
Best Gas: Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. ... .
Best Zero Turn: Toro 42 in. ... .
Best Lawn Tractor: John Deere 42 in. ... .
Best Small: Cub Cadet 30 in. ... .
Best for Hills: Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 in..

How much should I spend on a riding lawn mower?

If your lawn is small, you could opt for a low-cost reel mower for about $115 on average. However, if you need a riding mower for a large property, it would cost an average of $3,070. The walk-behind mower, which is the most common style for homeowners, costs an average of $475.