Types of Riding Lawn Mowers
Lawn Tractors
Standard riding lawn mowers, also called lawn tractors or garden tractors, have a traditional ride-on design and operate with a steering wheel, making them easy to drive and maneuver over uneven terrain.
They work well for lawns from 3/4 acres to 2 acres or more. With optional attachments, you can bag clippings and leaves, haul landscaping materials, spread seed and — with some models — aerate, dethatch and remove snow.
Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mowers
Zero-turn riding lawn mowers steer with a pair of lap bars or levers instead of a steering wheel. This may take longer to get the hang of, but the benefits justify the learning curve.
Front caster wheels allow the mower to pivot at sharper angles than standard riding lawn mowers. Zero-turn mowers can cut closely around flower beds, trees and landscaping, helpful for large lawns with obstacles.
Gas vs. Electric Riding Mowers
Gas Riding Lawn Mowers
The most affordable option, gas-powered riding lawn mowers offer long-lasting reliability, but they require regular maintenance. Typical maintenance includes changing the oil and replacing components like oil filters, air filters and spark plugs, much like maintenance for a car.
There’s no concern about battery run times or waiting for batteries to charge to mow your lawn. You can also avoid the cost of replacing batteries as they lose capacity.
Properly fueling your riding mower is key to performance and longevity. Follow the manufacturer's requirements and read our guide to fueling power equipment for tips on keeping your machine running properly.
Electric Riding Lawn Mowers
Electric riding mowers are powered by rechargeable lithium batteries. Depending on the battery configuration and capacity, an electric riding mower can cut up to 3 acres or more on a full charge. A variety of battery power options means you can find an electric riding mower for many different lawn types and sizes.
Why Consider Battery Power?
Although typically more expensive, electric riding lawn mowers offer several benefits that might make them worth the investment:
- Less Maintenance: While proper battery charging and storage is necessary, there’s no need to change the oil or replace engine components like on a gas riding mower.
- Reduced Noise: An electric motor runs quieter than a gas engine, which can be a benefit for you and your neighbors.
- Lower Vibration: Electric riding mowers operate with less vibration, making them more comfortable, especially for longer jobs.
- No Emissions During Operation: Battery power means there are no gas fumes or engine exhaust when you mow.
- No Gasoline: Battery power means there are no trips to the gas station before you mow, no need to store gas and no need to add stabilizer to ensure the gas stays fresh.
Balance the benefits with these factors to decide if an electric riding mower is right for you:
- Lawn Size: Make sure the battery runtime fits your lawn. If you’re replacing a riding mower, compare the run time to how long it typically takes to mow.
- Terrain Type: Hilly terrain and thick, heavy grass will impact the actual run time of a battery-powered riding mower.
- Recharge Time: Ideally you’ll be able to mow on a single charge, but pay attention to the charge time for the batteries and charger that come with the mower.
- Charger Location: Some battery-powered riding mowers include larger wall-mount chargers, so make sure you’ve got the space to install the unit in a convenient charging location.
- Battery Replacement: Batteries eventually lose power and runtime, so you need to plan for eventual replacement.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Riding Mower
- Engine Size: Gas-powered mowers with single-cylinder engines are less expensive than those with larger engines but lack some power. For small lawns (1 acre or less) with few obstacles, a single-cylinder engine is a suitable, economical option. For larger yards, a zero-turn mower with a V-twin engine provides adequate torque and performance to tackle the job.
- Reverse Mowing: Some zero-turn mowers have the flexibility to mow in reverse for better maneuvering across challenging terrain.
- Seat: The seat type on a riding mower can make a huge difference — especially if you have a large area that requires long mowing sessions. Look for high-back seats, lumbar support and, on some zero-turn mowers, armrests.
- Cost: A mower is a major investment and zero-turn mowers tend to have higher purchase costs than lawn tractors. While budget is always a factor, consider the durability of the mower. A higher-end mower that lasts longer may make financial sense in the long run.
Check the mower manual for information on the maximum slope the mower can handle and tips for mowing slopes safely.
Match Riding Mower Size to Your Lawn Size
No lawns are exactly alike, but here are some general tips to help you find a riding lawn mower size that works for your lawn size. Keep in mind, there is overlap among sizes, and other factors such as hilly terrain and obstaclesNo lawns are exactly alike, but here are some general tips to help you find a riding lawn mower size that works for your lawn size. Keep in mind, there is overlap among sizes, and other factors such as hilly terrain and obstacles, as well as fuel and battery capacity, are factors in choosing the right mower:
- 3/4- to 1-Acre Lawn: 30-in to 42-in cut width
- 1-Acre to 2-Acre Lawn: 42-in to 52-in cut width
- 2-Acre to 3-Acre Lawn: 48-in to 54-in cut width
- 3-Acre to 5-Acre Lawn: 48-in to 60-in cut width
- 5-Acre Lawn or Larger: 60-in or greater cut width
If your lawn is smaller than 3/4 acres, consider a push mower. See our Push Mower Buying Guide to learn your options.
If you’re considering an electric riding mower, pay attention to battery runtime and recharge time.
Riding Lawn Mower Transmissions
- Hydrostatic Transmission: A hydrostatic system works like an automatic transmission but uses hydraulic fluid to provide smooth, continuously variable speed control.
- Automatic Transmission: This transmission type performs like the automatic transmission in a car. Easy gear changes are useful when you quickly slow down to work around obstacles.
- Manual Transmission: Typically a less expensive option, a manual transmission offers a range of set speeds. Look for mowers that let you shift up or down without stopping or using a clutch.
All types of riding mowers require regular maintenance to run correctly and efficiently. See How to Maintain a Riding Mower and learn how to keep a riding mower in top shape.
Riding Lawn Mower Specifications and Features
- Engine horsepower (HP) measures the power output of the engine that's available to share among mower components, such as the transmission and blades.
- Engine displacement describes the size of the cylinder in the engine in cubic centimeters (cc). Larger, more powerful engines typically have higher cc ratings.
- Engine types for gas mowers are typically either V-twin or single cylinder. A V-twin engine typically creates less vibration, meaning less wear, quieter operation and better comfort. A V-twin engine is common on larger, more powerful riding mowers.
- Cruise control is available with some automatic and hydrostatic transmissions, allowing you to engage one speed and mow long, straight stretches easily.
- Cut width describes how wide the mower cuts a strip of grass in a single pass. pass and is directly related to the number of blades on the mower deck.
- Turning radius describes how tightly you can turn the mower. A smaller turning radius means you can make sharper turns and more easily mow around obstacles.
- Bagging capability indicates you can use a bagger attachment with the mower. You'll typically need to purchase the bagger separately.
- Comfort features like a high-back seat, armrests, lumbar support, extended leg room and rubber foot pads make mowing less tiresome.
- All-in-one oil change cartridges contain oil and an oil filter in one component. This cartridge allows oil and filter changes without needing to drain oil from the engine.