The Best Riding Lawn Mowers You Can Buy Right Now

If you’ve got more grass than you can knock out with a push mower, it’s time to look at a rider. But not every mower out there is worth the money. Some struggle with hills, others break down too soon, and a few are flat-out uncomfortable to sit on for more than 15 minutes.

This list covers riding mowers that actually hold up—machines with solid cuts, reliable engines, and comfort where it counts. Whether you’re working with an acre or five, these are the mowers that get the job done without complaining.

John Deere S130

The John Deere S130 is built with a 22 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a 42-inch deck. It’s great for 1–2 acres and handles hills better than a lot of mowers in this class.

You get a hydrostatic transmission, which means no shifting gears, and the seat is comfortable enough for longer jobs. It’s built well, and parts are easy to get if you ever need them.

Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT42

This one runs on a Kohler 18 HP engine and has a 42-inch deck. It’s quick, smooth, and cuts evenly even on bumpy yards. The steering feels tighter than most budget riders.

The frame is solid, and the mower deck has good airflow for mulching. It’s also got a wide, comfortable seat and cruise control—something you don’t always find at this price.

Husqvarna YTH22V46

The YTH22V46 runs a 22 HP Briggs & Stratton engine with a 46-inch deck. It’s a strong pick for mid-sized yards and does especially well in open areas with few tight turns.

It’s easy to operate with a pedal-driven hydrostatic transmission. The cutting height is easy to adjust, and it starts reliably every time. This one’s built to keep going season after season.

Troy-Bilt Pony 42

Troy-Bilt’s Pony 42 is an affordable option with a 42-inch deck and a 17.5 HP engine. It’s made for smaller properties and folks who want a rider without spending a fortune.

It uses a 7-speed shift-on-the-go transmission, which takes a little getting used to but works fine once you’re rolling. It’s not fancy, but it cuts clean and has a solid reputation for reliability.

Toro 42” TimeCutter

The Toro TimeCutter isn’t a traditional rider—it’s a zero-turn—but it often shows up in riding mower searches. It runs fast, cuts clean, and handles tight turns with ease.

It has a 22.5 HP Toro engine and a 42-inch deck. It’s a great choice if you’re mowing around trees or landscaping and want something faster than a tractor-style mower.

Craftsman T110

This Craftsman is one of the more budget-friendly riding mowers you can get. It has a 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a 42-inch deck, making it good for smaller yards.

It uses a 7-speed gear transmission and has a lower profile that fits through gates easily. It’s simple, reliable, and cuts well without a bunch of extras you don’t need.

Ryobi 48V 38-Inch Electric Riding Mower

If you’re looking to go electric, the Ryobi 48V is worth a look. It’s quiet, charges overnight, and cuts up to two acres on a single charge. No gas, no belts, no oil changes.

It’s got a 38-inch deck and handles flat lawns best. If your property is small to mid-sized and you’re tired of gas engines, this mower keeps things low maintenance and efficient.

John Deere S100

The S100 is a smaller, more affordable version of the S130. It’s got a 17.5 HP engine and a 42-inch deck—perfect for basic mowing needs and smaller properties.

You still get the reliability John Deere is known for, with an easy-to-use hydrostatic transmission and solid cutting performance. It’s a great starter mower for someone new to riding models.

Cub Cadet XT2 LX46

The XT2 LX46 offers a bit more muscle with a 46-inch deck and a 22 HP Kawasaki engine. It’s made for slightly larger properties and holds up well under regular use.

The seat is comfortable, the cut is consistent, and the steering is smooth. If you want a mower that’s a step up from entry-level without jumping to commercial, this one hits the mark.

Husqvarna TS 354XD

This is a heavy-duty garden tractor with a 24 HP Kawasaki engine and a 54-inch deck. It’s built for larger properties, especially if you’re dealing with rough or sloped terrain.

The locking rear differential gives it better grip on hills, and the deck is fabricated, not stamped, so it holds up longer. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of the toughest riders in the residential market.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.