Best Budget Riding Lawn Mowers That Cut Better Than I Expected
You don’t need to spend a fortune to stop pushing your mower across an acre and a half. Budget riding mowers have come a long way, and several brands now offer reliable, no-frills options that hold up season after season.
You won’t find luxury seats or touchscreen controls here, but you will find solid cut quality, dependable engines, and enough power to get the job done without giving out on a hill.
These mowers prove you can get performance without paying for extras you don’t need.
Troy-Bilt Bronco 42
The Bronco 42 comes with a 19 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a 42-inch cutting deck. It’s one of the more affordable riding mowers out there that still feels steady and well-built, especially for small to medium-sized lawns.
It features a foot-pedal automatic transmission, so it’s simple to use even if you’re new to riding mowers. It doesn’t handle steep slopes like a garden tractor would, but for flat or gently sloped yards, it’s a dependable option.
Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT42
This one lands on the higher end of “budget,” but you get a lot for the price. The XT1 LT42 features a 19.5 HP Kohler engine and a 42-inch deck with a tight turning radius, which helps if you’ve got trees or landscaping to mow around.
It has a hydrostatic transmission, so no shifting is needed. The ride feels smooth and the cut is consistent. For folks wanting a step above the entry-level models without breaking the bank, this one hits a good middle ground.
John Deere S100
The John Deere S100 is a reliable entry-level option with a 17.5 HP engine and a 42-inch stamped deck. It’s ideal for flat lawns up to about an acre and gives you that Deere durability in a simpler package.
It uses a traditional shift-on-the-go transmission, which isn’t fancy but works well. Maintenance is easy, parts are widely available, and you’re not paying for extras you might not need anyway.
Husqvarna YTH1942
The YTH1942 is powered by a 19 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and features a 42-inch cutting deck. It’s built for residential use and handles open areas and narrow turns pretty well thanks to its compact frame.
It comes with a hydrostatic transmission, which gives smoother speed control than gear-driven models. If you want something that feels like a step up from bare bones, this one does the job without straying into high-dollar territory.
Craftsman T110
The Craftsman T110 is one of the most budget-friendly riding mowers you can find. It has a 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a 42-inch deck, keeping it simple and easy to maintain.
It uses a 7-speed manual transmission, so it’s more old-school than hydrostatic models, but that’s part of what keeps the cost low. It’s best for smaller, flat yards and folks who want basic mowing power without overcomplicating things.
Snapper SPX 42
The Snapper SPX 42 gives you a 42-inch deck and a 21.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, offering a little more power than most budget mowers. It also comes with a tight 14-inch turning radius, which helps in cluttered yards.
This mower includes a hydrostatic transmission and comfortable seating. It’s not stripped down, but still stays in a reasonable price range for folks who want a mix of value and comfort.
Murray 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mower
Murray’s 42-inch riding mower uses a 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s about as basic as riding mowers get, but it’s cheap, available, and simple to fix.
If you’re mechanically minded or just want a starter riding mower that won’t leave you walking halfway through the job, this is a solid choice. The price usually undercuts most others in its class.
RYOBI 38″ 100Ah Battery Electric Riding Mower
This battery-powered mower comes in under budget for electric, and the 100Ah model gives you up to two hours of run time on a single charge. The 38-inch deck is better for narrow areas, and you don’t need gas, oil, or spark plugs.
It’s quiet, low-maintenance, and good for smaller, flatter lawns. If you want to skip the engine work altogether and still get the job done, this one’s worth checking out—especially if your garage is already full of RYOBI gear.
Poulan Pro PP19A42
Poulan Pro’s 19 HP riding mower is another budget option that gives you solid power and cut performance. It’s paired with a 42-inch deck and a pedal-operated automatic transmission that feels smoother than you’d expect at this price.
It’s good for lawns up to about two acres and handles uneven terrain decently. It doesn’t have all the comforts of higher-end models, but the engine and deck are built well enough to last more than a couple seasons.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
