At around $3,800, it is a splurge, but several features justify the price tag. She has over eight years of experience in management within health and care and brings this passion and expertise to her writing. And if you live in a winter climate, you can choose between a snow plow or a snow blower. Why opt for a riding mower over a push mower? The scores have a numeric value from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). 1, Danny Bonaduce undergoing brain surgery after shock health diagnosis, Haunting image surfaces after missing teen jumped off ship into 'shark-infested' water, Breaking News Now: Suns tap ex-Lakers coach to replace Monty Williams, Natalie Portman, Ben Millepied fight for marriage amid affair with 25-year-old, Price comparable to gas mowers the same size, Suitable for average suburban-sized lawns, Motor can slow down mowing tall, dense, weedy areas, Very sensitive acceleration and deceleration until one gets comfortable with it. Here we find the biggest spread between average scores: 5.1 for electric againstwait for it2.4 for gas when measured at the ear. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter. These are the best riding lawn mowers out there to help you blaze through lawn day. Riding lawn mowers can make maintaining large patches of grass easy, but without a bagger, they can often create a larger mess than you started with. If you want a spotless finish, youll be pleased to know this mower is compatible with a bagger, saving you from raking unsightly clippings. Sometimes I dont know if I turned it on or not. This is a BETA experience. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named. It also features perks like a digital battery display, cruise control and a USB port to charge your phone. Influence-free. Instead, they will have to frequently use fertilizer to keep their lawn in pristine shape, explains Mark. Some mowers offer things like four wheel drive and cruise control, which can be helpful options to have if your yard tends to be hilly or you need to cover a lot of land. With a 50 amp-hour battery on board, the mower can run for an hour or so, or about one acre of solid mowing, which is more than enough for many homeowners. Over the long term, models at lower and average prices also can be more cost-effective than gas, even more so if fuel prices rise and batteries continue getting better and cheaper. It pays to consider factors like speed, quality of the cut, and cost. If your neighbors are sleeping in on Saturday morning, you wont make any friends if you crank up your old gas-powered mower that emits around 95 decibels of racketcomparable to the sound of a motorcycle running. The gas models that were noisiest scored 1 (poor) against the noisiest electric models, which scored 3.3 (good). Riding lawn mowers can significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to mow a lawn, says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. The Troy-Bilt TB30B scores a commendable 4.2 out of 5 out of 245 reviews on Home Depot. Learn more. The mowers hefty weight502 poundshelps it stay firmly on the ground as you travel up and down hills. While gas tractors still rule for multi-acre lawns, Consumer Reports rigorous mower tests reveal you can now find many strong electric competitors. Cordless models can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on battery capacity and other features. Most recently, her home- and shopping-related beats have included appliance and grocery stores, generators, homeowners and flood insurance, humidifiers, lawn mowers, and luggageshe also covers home improvement products like flooring, roofing, and siding. Want manicured results? $29 at Amazon. Our guide to the best riding lawn mowers takes you through the buying process, step-by-step. The best reviews, product advice, news and more! Environmental and noise concerns: Many communitiesplus the state of Californiaare effectively banning gas outdoor power tools to curb the air and noise pollution they generate. She attended the University of Central Oklahoma and worked as a pumper in the oilfield in Oklahoma for nine years. The 7 Best Riding Lawn Mowers of 2023 - Riding Mower Reviews If going green is your top priority, a corded electric mower is likely to have the least impact on the environment. The Ryobi 54-Inch Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower is electric, so you dont have to worry about breathing in fumes while you mow. Recommended wide-deck tractor: Craftsman 20445, $1,500 Like with any category of tool, there are a ton of different options available for riding mowers. This extra-large double bagger fits Ultima ZT1-50 and ZT1-54 zero-turn lawn mowers, offering ample room with a 6.5 bushel capacity. The Husqvarna Z254 54-inch riding lawn mower is a monster of a machine, with enough horsepower to tackle any home lawn and then some. The last thing you want to do is stop mid-mow to recharge or swap out the tractors battery. Gone are the days of weak batteries being the only option when it comes to large-scale equipment like lawnmowers. Many electric mowers also can be stored vertically, saving you room in your garage. The Husqvarna Z254 54-inch 26 HP hydrostatic zero-turn riding lawn mower is one of those machines that might just be too much for some people. The Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills of 2023. Gas edges out the electrics here, too, with a few models attaining a score of 4.9 against the electrics top score of 4.3. Keep in mind that you tend to get what you pay for. Pros and Cons of Four Mower Types Our top choice is the Ryobi 38-Inch Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower for its ability to run for up to two hours on a single charge and nice built-in perks that make mowing less of a. Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Ad-free. If your lawn is flat and relatively easy on your mower, your battery will likely make it to the maximum shown. The downsides? We tried the viral Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil to test the hype and this is what we found, Craftsman 56V MAX Battery-Powered Brushless Riding Mower. So, what does zero-turn mean? Our top choice is the Ryobi 38-Inch Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mowerit can run for up to two hours on a single charge, is relatively low-maintenance and meets the mowing needs of most homeowners. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hassle-free way to keep their lawn looking its best. COUNT ME IN Best Battery Lawn Mowersand the Worst Consumer Reports' tests found that the best battery walk-behind mowers are from Ego, Greenworks, and Ryobi By Tobie Stanger. Have some stubborn grass? The Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower ticks all these boxes for me, making it an attractive option for those who want a reliable and efficient lawn mower for an average-sized lawn. If youre opting for a battery-powered version, just double check that it can run for enough time to cut all of your grass. This beast of a machine can tackle plots over 5 acres, including ones with slight hills. The added benefit, though, is that most manufacturers offer other tools that can share that battery, says Misha Kollontai, the CR engineer who heads mower and tractor testing. A zero-turn mower may also be a good option, provided your hills arent too steep; a mower with all-wheel drive (AWD) is another solid choice, as the function enables your mower to power over inclines. Though some users have reported some quality issues, particularly around the belts that drive the mower deck, the S100 is protected by John Deeres 2-year/120-hour bumper to bumper warranty. Which is better? But for less maintenance, ease of handling, no. It comes with 2 bags, providing ample capacity for up to 6.5 bushels. Thanks to a Kawasaki 23-horsepower engine, it offers impressive power. But electric models are still generally more pricey upfront. Finally, if you took it out, replace the battery and store the mower in a dry, protected area. Choose whats important to you. Cub Cadet XT1 scores a decent 4.0 out of 5 on the manufacturers website. But when it comes to factors including noise, smell, maneuverability, and ease of maintenance, electric mowers have the advantage. That said, many companies offer a wide variety of attachments, including bagging systems, dump carts, lawn aeration trailers, and even snowblowers. Kameryn also enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, Texas BBQ, and riding his motorcycle across the country. Keep in mind that we devised this head-to-head to compare models across categories. The takeaway: There are plenty of electric mowers that match the best gas models when it comes to even cutting (just over half of the electric mowers we tested earned an excellent score in this regard), but the odds of selecting a random gas mower that gives a precise cut is much higher. With a corded electric mower, you wont run out of power, but youre restricted by the length of the extension cord (50 to 100 feet), so electric mowers are better for small yards under 1,500 square feet. Cutting width: 42 inches | Power type: Gas | Weight: 520 pounds | Cutting options: Reverse mowing, bagging, mulching | Ideal size of yard: 2 acres, The Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Tractor packs plenty of punch thanks to its 15.5 horsepower engine. As with all home maintenance products, there is a range. For example, a one-acre yard only needs a 30-inch cut width, while a five-acre yard may need a 60-inch cut width or more. Technically, theres some variation in deck widths when it comes to yard size but, in general, a larger deck width will help you get the work done faster. Give today! Powered by consumers. The cutting deck is narrower than other options, so you may need more passes to cover the space. Additionally, the propel pedal (its not a gas pedal) and the reverse pedal are very sensitive, so its easy to take off pretty quickly if you press a little too hard too fast. At around $2,400, the Cub Cadet XT1 isnt the cheapest lawn mower with a bagger, but it may be worth the investment if you want maximum power. Clever design features like the anti-scalp wheels help you minimize unsightly tire marks. Reset your password. (The lowest evenness score for a gas mower was still a solid 3.5.) Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Billy is our Delivery Driver and holds a CDL. Most Reliable Gas Riding Mower Brands The hood design has been improved to provide optimal performance, delivering a neat finish. Gas, by a sliver, with an average score of 4.6 vs. 4.3 for electric. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, This mower is designed with convenience in mind. All mowers should have their blades sharpened annually (usually in spring) to ensure that they leave a clean cut on grass blades. Were happy to answer your questions here at Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment. However, several reviews suggest the pedal is stiff, which may be tiring if operating it for hours at a time. Not all baggers fit all mowers, so check this before you commit. If you are on the higher end of the range, maybe an electric lawnmower isnt the best lawnmower for you quite yet. This zero-turn mower lets you whip around obstacles like trees and flower beds in your yard like its nothing. And it can travel up to five miles per hour, which is far faster than a person pushing a mower can go. Calories burned per hour: 325 For example, the. Combined with a super-sized 50-inch cutting deck, it makes light work of mowing the largest yards. Purely on cutting performance and upfront cost, gas is a better bet. Riding lawn mower with a bagger This mower is also compatible with a bagger, which you can purchase separately for sections you want to keep pristine. A 56-volt max lithium-ion battery allows to you tackle up to an acre of grass in one charge. Charge times are improving to less than an hour and a half for most batteries in CRs lawn mower and tractor ratings. Choose between the option of discharging your grass or mulching it. Bell curves show where a majority of models of each type fall in terms of performance. Every lawn mower has different power outputs, including horsepower and battery life. A riding mower is an excellent choice for those who have a large garden or lawn to mow. Browse a variety of Bobby Fords Kubota mowers now! You can even use this mower as a small lawn tractor, adding on attachments like a tow-behind cart, sweeper and snow blower. Riding mowers are convenient for large plots, making short work of lawns of several acres. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Purely on cutting performance, gas walk-behind mowers slightly outmatch electrics. These two Honda mowers, a push and a self-propelled model, are recommended by Consumer Reports for their solid overall performance. If youre mowing on a grand scale, collecting all the grass clippings can be daunting. The handling is smooth, and the small size allows the mower to fit in and out of tight spacesit can travel through a standard 36-inch wide gate, for example, something many riding mowers cannot do. Keep reading for the pros and cons of a zero-turn mower. It's suitable for other mowers with a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, including Craftsman, Columbia, Remington, and Yard-Man products. Accelerating up to 5.5 mph, it makes short work of the largest plots. 2023 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. The separate bagger accessory makes for easy clean-up, as you dont have to comb the lawn for stray clumps of grass. Despite that power, operation is reportedly smooth and quiet for a gas-powered mower. Perfect for any standard lawn under 2-acres, the lawn mower can also be upgraded with a mulching kit, a bagger, and even a snow plow blade. In general, though, you can expect your riding lawn mower to last for at least 10 yearsand likely more. If power, performance, and durability are at the top of your must-haves list, then the Husqvarna Z254 54-inch riding lawn mower might be the machine for you. The other main reason people choose a mower with a bagger is to enhance curb appeal, as it creates a well-groomed look. To clean an electric lawn mower, first, make sure it is turned off, and the battery is removed if possible. On top of that, I didnt want the hassle of dealing with gas cans and spark plugs and oil changes I have enough of that on the car I also had to acquire with this move. Rarely did I have to visit a spot twice, and those few times were when I had let the grass get exceedingly long for the purposes of this review. If you plan on driving in and around a lot of obstacles or on narrow paths, then a smaller deck might be worth sacrificing mowing speed for. Choose between bagging or mulching settingsits up to you. All of this means it cuts down on mowing time, allowing you the leisure to sit back and admire your handiwork. We added you to the list. We test each mower for how well it handles mulching, side discharging, and bagging (collecting 3,000 pounds of clippings in the process). Short of occasional blade sharpening, electric mowers are largely maintenance-free, though you cant store the battery in extreme heat or cold. So, whats best? He went to Brazosport College and has played guitar for over ten years. That said, the noise level is less than that of its gassed-up counterparts. Gas mowers are among the most expensive: You can find models starting around $350, but in the upper range, they reach as high as $850 or more for a self-propelled gas mower. We'll be in touch soon. The higher-priced ZRTs will move faster than a lawn tractor. One year of lawn-care services can easily cost $1,000 or more, depending on where you live. Youre getting multiple benefits from the same battery.. Ed is one of our Technicians at Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment. Compatible 42 Inch and 46 Inch Double Bagger Frigidaire FRFN2823AS French Door refrigerator review, Whirlpool WRS325SDHB side by side refrigerator review. This data enables us to arrive at the Overall Score youll find in our ratings. It includes two bags with a 6.5 bushel capacity. Professional models can run you well over $10,000. These carts are small and easy to use. Premium models, like the Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower, may cost upwards of $3,000. Before co-founding Landscape Management Network, Bradley built TBG Landscape from a backyard business into one of North America's Top 100 landscape contracting companies. The content on this site reflects my own opinions and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of my employer or Kubota Tractor Corporation. However, bigger isnt always better. If you have a large lawn (more than 14,000 square feet) and want to finish mowing in one shot, a gas mower can go the distance (as long as it has enough fuel). Corded models are generally less expensive, with prices starting as low as $100 up to $300. Reel mowers are still available to purchasebut dont necessarily compete with the convenience of upgraded machinery. We found that to be true when comparing lower- and average-cost electric and gas models. The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro riding lawn mower is a beast of a machine at the price. Recommended tractor: John Deere X300, $3,000 Some of the newer battery models are also self-propelled, but this option usually reduces battery run time by about one-third. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. In his free time, he enjoys theatrical sound design for local theater and home improvement projects at home. If youre using an electric mower, make sure to check that your tractor can handle your acreage (many will say how many acres it can tackle on one charge). And prices for electric mowers could in fact increase in the near future, according to Courtney Pennicooke, the CR market analyst who covers outdoor power equipment, due in part to higher demand for these products when Californias zero-emissions mandate rolls out next year. Cub Cadet XT1 LT42. The Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower battery does not come out. Heres what you should keep in mind as you sort through all the machines on the market. While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as the tight legroom and occasional slow-down in dense grass, overall, it is a reliable and efficient choice for anyone with a yard up to an acre in size. And you won't even break a sweat. Recommended electric mower: Black & Decker SPCM1936, $450 The main idea here is that you must be willing to maintain and learn how to drive a zero-turn lawn mower. Owners can add a bagger, a mulching kit, a sprayer, sun shades, a trailer, and a leaf collection system. This is plenty of time to mow my entire .75-acre yard, with enough juice left over for some light trimming. And because batteries continue to improve, you can find several electric zero-turn riding mowers that can cut more than an acre of grass on a single charge, and a couple with run times of nearly 2 hours, enough to mow nearly two acres of grass. Heres our cons list. A riding mower lets you do just that, without losing a moment of productivity. Zero-turn vs. Riding Mower | Pros and Cons of a Zero-turn Mower Recommended gas single speed: Toro 20339, $350 Its important to note that best is a relative term, and the features that make a riding lawn mower a great choice for you may not make it a perfect fit for your neighbor. A hydrostatic transmission eliminates the need to manually shift as youre moving, so you can focus on the mowing task at hand. Its fairly obvious the Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower boasts a 56-volt battery, which falls well within the standard range. Not all baggers fit all mowers, so check this before you commit. Our test measures how much the bag held before it was filled completely or the chute clogged. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. A 15-inch high-back seat has a 10-degree incline to help you max out your comfort as you work. Gas vs. Electric Lawn Mowers Understand how gas, corded electric, and battery-powered. We independently select all products and services. Price range: $70-$200 Most and Least Reliable Refrigerator Brands, Most Reliable Central Air-Conditioning Systems. The best riding mowers make cutting the grass as easy as possible on you. Barry is our Inventory Manager. This makes customizing the length for different parts of my lawn quite easy. Your deck size determines how often youll need to cut back and forth across your lawn. You may opt-out by. Gas vs. Electric Lawn Mower: Which Is Better? The length settings are set in quarter-inch increments and can be adjusted quickly and easily with the lever located directly beside the seat on the right side of the body of the mower. The fact of the matter is that this is the way of the future. Find more mower picks of every type in our full mower Ratings and recommendations. Cutting width: 42 inches | Power type: Gas | Weight: 510 pounds | Cutting options: Bagging, mulching | Ideal size of yard: 1-2 acres. Every February our testers head down to Florida, where we put that years crop of new lawn mowers to the test on 500,000 square feet of grass at our testing grounds. Influence-free. In his free time, Garrett enjoys fishing, grilling, and spending time outdoors on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Pros & Cons of Carts for Riding Lawn Mowers Choosing the right mower ultimately depends on the size of your yard, and whether you prefer sheer power over a more budget-friendly and eco-friendlier machine. Cost: Theres a decent argument to be made that electric walk-behind mowers, both push and self-propelled, are cheaper to own in the long run than gas mowers when annual maintenance and gas prices are taken into account. People praise the speed, with several mentioning it cut down on mowing time. Reel mower Price range: $70-$200 Best for: Small lawns. Louise has been published in The Guardian, Live Science, Fit & Well, Toms Guide, Planet Mindful, Breathe, and Psychreg. No, no, I dont mean quiet, I mean zero sound. Typically, riding lawn mowers cost at least $2,000. Pros. One thing to note: Averages can be misleading because they include outliers that are either exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. While these powerful tools can make yard care a breeze, D & H Truck & Tractor of Statesboro, GA, reminds consumers that these vehicles aren't for everyone. The information below should help you as you weigh your options. Thanks for contacting us. Gas mowers will require regular maintenance, like oil changes, while battery-powered versions may require you to replace the battery over time. Which is better? Email us and we'll compare notes. A riding mower is very efficient at cutting the grass and can quickly cover a lot of ground. So, if you simply dont have the time to spare, using a service might be a better option. Best for: Small lawns. Side-by-side foot pedals and a hydrostatic transmission make the S100 easy to maneuver around your yard. Recommended zero-turn-radius rider: Troy-Bilt Mustang 17WFCACS, $2,300 A handful of reviews mention it is lightweight, which means its best suited to flat terrain to avoid tipping over. Cutting width: 38 inches | Power type: Electric | Weight: 595 pounds | Cutting options: Two-blade deck | Ideal size of yard: 2 acres. We dont recognize that sign in. Sat: 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Sun: Closed, Mon Fri: 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Considering riding lawn mowers last for years, theyre the more economical option over time. But: Cutting tends to be uneven. No electric mower scored lower than 3.3 in handling. When choosing a bagger, compatibility is the top consideration. This judgment includes ease of operating drive controls (on self-propelled models), pushing and pulling, making U-turns, and maneuvering the mower in tight spots. Our top choice is the Ryobi 38-Inch Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower for its ability to run for up to two hours on a single charge and nice built-in perks that make mowing less of a chore. The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro riding lawn mower is a beast of a machine at the price. A hydrostatic transmission eliminates the need to manually shift as you're moving, so you can focus on the mowing task at hand. Jaycob is one of our Sales Representatives and has been with Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment for four years. Purely on cutting performance and upfront cost, gas is a better bet. It doesnt disappoint on mowing performance either. One of the starkest differences is its complete lack of sound when powered on. The Ryobi 38-Inch Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower is a quiet, zero-emission machine without the hefty price tag of some of its competition. If you want a riding mower that comes with high horsepower or a wide deckor features bells and whistles like a built-in phone charger or cup holderthe price will creep up. A 22.5 horsepower engine packs plenty of punch for you to tackle all kinds of terrain. Gas vs. Electric Mowers: The 7 Biggest Differences - Bob Vila Lawn & Garden What's the Difference? They're quiet, inexpensive, and relatively safe. I have memories of my dad getting the Craftsman tools he needed from Sears and commenting he wouldnt go with any other brand due to their incredible warranty and, well, craftsmanship. Roger is one of our Technicians and has 20+ years of equipment experience. Orin is an Assembler at Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment and is currently a student at BCC. You can use this bagger to collect leaves in the fall, making it a versatile choice. If youre in the market for a riding mower, there are several factors to weigh up. The right riding lawn mower for you depends on a number of personal factorsfor example, the size of your lawn and whether you live on hilly terrain. Owners of gas mowers should also drain the gasoline from the tank at the end of the mowing season, because over the winter, the ethanol can separate from the other components, causing the fuel to degrade and keep the mower from starting easily next year. Of course, a riding lawn mower is a big investmenta quality machine will typically set you back $2,000 or moreso youll want to choose carefully. Hes a Wyotech Graduate, U.S. Army Veteran, and currently holds a Kubota Master Technician certification. Best riding lawn mower with a bagger Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Many mowers run on traditional gasoline, but as battery power improves, more electric options are coming onto the market. And best of all, you dont have to deal with the fumes or noise pollution of a gas-powered equivalent machine. People love the superior performance and maneuverability of this zero-turn mower. Compatible 42 Inch and 46 Inch double bagger Its a fantastic way to return nutrients to the soil, resulting in a greener, healthier lawn. You can also gear it up to bag your cuttings or mulch them. Best Globes. Corded electric mowers are the least expensive because they dont feature a gas engine or batteries, and you can pick one up for around $150 to $250. Users were impressed with the power of the machine, with several mentioning it can handle bumpy and challenging terrain, including hills. Thats still not an insignificant time, so you need to factor that in when planning your mowing. Plus, it can even handle hills, ideal if youre on an uneven plot. Christian is one of our Parts Counter Personnel and a Certified Kubota Parts Pro. Get Ratings on the go and compare while you shop, Privacy note: We won't use your friend's e-mail for anything other than sending this message. In fact, it has an 18-inch turning radius, so you can get in and out of the tight corners of the yard. Visit our corporate site. There are many cases, with tools, where making the transition to electric means sacrificing some power or performance, but the Ego Power+ Z6 has all the performance that youd need, above and beyond many gas-powered equivalents. In your own yard, the only thing that matters is the performance of the specific mower you choose. Get the best deals and the best advice dropped right in your inbox. Its compatible with Cub Cadet XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series lawn tractors with a 42 or 46-inch mowing deck. If were being picky, it could benefit from a few features to finish it off, like armrests and an hour meter, but overall, its a top-quality mower. CR recommends leaving your mown grass clippings on your lawn to fertilize it. Once those blades get going, were up and running, and I would say the cutting force feels comparable to that of a gas-powered motor. Lets start with the pros! Again, just remember that itll likely end up costing you more in the long run. Simply hop on your machine, fire it up and get to work. Calories burned per hour (by a 150-pound person): 434, Price range: Gas, $150-$350; electric, $160-$690 We still dont recognize that sign in. And itll save your back, your legs, your arms, and anything else that normally hurts after youve pushed a lawn mower over an acre of grass.
pros and cons of riding lawn mowers