If you are looking for a commercial mower to handle different types of lawns, then you’re at the right place. In this article, we’ll be showing you the best riding lawn mowers, their pros and cons, and which one is best for your mowing needs.
9 Best Riding Mowers
| Best riding mowers | Price |
| Simplicity 59001744 Contender Xt Zero-Turn Riding Mower | $5,599.00 |
| Snapper 560z 61-Inch 24hp Kawasaki V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Drive Mower | $5,499.00 |
| Husqvarna Yth18542 42” Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Mower | $2,099.99 |
| Ego Power+ ZT4204L 42” Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower | $5,299.95 |
| Troy-Bilt 30-inch premium neighborhood riding lawn mower | $2,265.082 |
| Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower | $4,699.00 |
| Simplicity 2691337 Broadmoor Riding Mower, Tractor | $5,599.00 |
| Snapper 360z 52-inch 25hp briggs & stratton v-twin engine zero-turn lawn mower | $3,699.00 |
| Ikon 23-HP V-twin dual hydrostatic 60 inches zero-turn lawn mower | $4,399.00 |
Simplicity 59001744 Contender Xt Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Price: $5,599.00
Engine performance
The most important part of this mower users will come to appreciate along the way is the Briggs and Stratton engine. It is so powerful that it has become the go-to engine for most mower brands.
Offering durability, speed, and continuous torque, homeowners are guaranteed maximum performance regardless of lawn type or terrain.
With this engine, mowing under harsh conditions such as rough terrain, lopsided grounds, and areas riddled with immovable objects is a piece of cake.
I enjoyed using it on my hilly lawn, during which I got reminded of how easy mowing could be, compared to using other mower types.
The integrated cyclonic air management system ensures that the engine receives maximum protection against dust and debris while ensuring ventilation, thereby eliminating any risk of overheating.
This has been a cause of concern for most users since overheating causes downtime and reduced work, especially on commercial mowers. But as a professional, this mower guarantees extended mowing time and a cool engine.
Deck performance
The heavy-duty mower deck is built to last for a long time, as it is made from rugged 10-gauge steel with reinforced top and steel edges.
This is maximum impact protection for users who cannot completely avoid riding into objects while they mow. To add to it, the steel deck also has a lifetime warranty, which I think is unnecessary because of the sturdiness of the deck. Cover for riding lawn mower.
Nonetheless, the warranty is there for added assurance. Adjusting the steel deck is super easy with the mower deck lift system on this mower type.
By simply using the foot pedal and pin, you can easily adjust the deck to your desired height. This means maximum performance regardless of the grass heights and terrain.
Performance from the rear
Looking at the rear of this mower, one might ask, what’s there to enjoy? At first glance, you may ponder such a question, but after using it for a few days, I found the integrated rear cargo very useful for carrying additional tools.
I didn’t have to go back to my storage unit to get my tools as I had everything with me. The rear and front suspension also mean added comfort when mowing for any length of time.
Additional Features
Stay hydrated by having your water with you as you mow. It also has headlights for low light mowing, so you can be flexible with your time.
The high back seat ensures that you’re comfortable as you mow. Lastly, the innovative mulching kit ensures that the health of your lawn is improved and maintained.
Pros
● Front and rear suspension for smooth rides
● Heavy-duty deck for extended durability
● Lifetime deck warranty and 90 days commercial warranty
● Sturdy and fast
Cons
● Slightly expensive
● Bulky
Snapper 560z 61-Inch 24hp Kawasaki V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Drive Mower
Price: $5,499.00
Engine performance
If you’re all about engines like myself, then you’re at the right stop. Engine performance is the best way to determine a mower’s performance, hence why we like the Briggs and Stratton Engine and Kawasaki FR830V engines that can be found in this mower type.
They both offer durability, speed, a continuous torque, and optimal mowing. Getting this mower ensures peace of mind on two fronts: performance and durability.
Easy to Use
While everyone desires an endless array of features on their mower, we must first consider ease of use. While this mower type has countless features, it doesn’t compromise on ease of use.
For example, with its easy operation, I was able to find and use the ergonomic controls on this mower without straining my eyes or hands.
This was further complemented by the streamlined design which removes the complexity that comes with so many commercial mowers. In addition to ease of use, the convertible design provides easy grass management.
Choose from mulching, bagging, and side discharge to suit your needs. If your grass is losing its color or showing signs of poor health, then mulching the clippings to return nutrients back on the lawn will restore the health of your lawn.
Faster mowing
Mowing shouldn’t be a whole day’s work, especially when you have other lawns to mow. As a professional whose time is precious, the wide 53” fabricated mower deck with a speed of up to 9” mph should interest you as it ensures speedy mowing in fewer passes.
This allows you to move from lawn to lawn so you maximize your day, while the reinforced steel prevents damage.
Ergonomics
This mower’s 18” high back seat provides maximum lumbar support, ensuring that users are comfortable during extended mowing sessions, which is very common with professional mowers.
This feature has been able to improve the back posture of professional mowers.
Pros
● Easy to use
● Ergonomic and accessible controls
● Fast
● Durable
Cons
● A bit noisy
Husqvarna Yth18542 42” Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Mower
Price: $2,099.99
Easy and Safe Hydrostatic transmission
Speed, direction, and driving control are all distinguished to ensure maximum attention and easier controls. Driving is controlled by the steering wheel in front of the driver, while speed and direction are managed by the pedals in the driver’s feet area.
This allows the user to maintain their attention on the lawn and the steering while adjusting the other settings.
Durable Cutting Deck
No one wants to spend any of their income or savings on deck repair just months into its purchase. Aside from the additional cost on the user’s part, such a problem could reduce sales for the mower manufacturer.
I guess that’s why Husqvarna equipped this mower with a stamped cutting deck with heavy flat-stock steel to ensure extended durability.
Comfortable Seat
This is what I enjoyed most in this mower type. As a professional mower, you spend most of your days mowing, and doing it on a comfortable seat makes the task more enjoyable, less stressful, and, most importantly, good for your back.
Do away with the lever and the stress of adjusting yourself, as this seat will automatically fit your position. The adjustable sliding seat on this mower is automatically moved forward and backward to suit user preference.
In addition, mounting and unmounting this mower is easy with the step-through feature.
Cup holder and Headlights
When you find yourself at the extreme of a lawn and dehydrated, simply reach for the cup holder located close to the driver and enjoy your refreshment.
Mowing at low light or even at night without bumping into objects such as trees, walls, or even driving into your roaming pet is also possible with this mower.
Equipped with bright headlights to give users the right illumination, professional mowers can mow all day long.
Easy maintenance
Keeping your deck clean is essential to the durability and performance of your mower. But cleaning can be a tough task, especially for mowers that require the removal of components to reach the inside of the deck.
But that’s not the case as this mower has a deck wash port. Simply plug in your garden hose, turn it on, and remove debris and dirt.
Pros
● Safety feature to turn off blade and engine
● Durable and consistent performance
● Air induction
● Ergonomic seat and controls
● Cheaper than most drive mowers
Cons
● Engine shuts off with the blade when safety is activated
● Low-quality spindles
● Very limited warranty
Ego Power+ ZT4204L 42” Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower
Price: $5,299.95
Extended battery life
When you think of battery-powered mowers, you’re probably thinking of a single battery in a lawnmower, however, Ego decided to go beyond your imagination to provide extended battery life to mow large lawns at a go.
Users will get up to 3350 watts with the six 10Ah batteries fitted inside this mower. However, since the product only comes with 4 batteries, users will have to buy the additional two batteries.
These batteries can also be used in other Ego garden products. A complimentary component to go along with the many batteries is the mower charger which can get the four batteries to full charge in about two hours.
I enjoyed using this mower as it provided comfort and peace of mind. I never had to worry about recharging the batteries as the fast-charge feature was ample time to get something else done before coming back to the task at hand.
We recommend using the original charger for the batteries to avoid damage or a short lifespan. If damaged, check if it’s covered in your warranty or buy a replacement from a trusted dealer.
Maneuverability
This mower is equipped with independently-controlled wheels made possible by the lap bars in front of the driver’s seat. They control the 18” rear wheels and 11” front wheels.
These big wheels allow for easy turns around corners, providing quick maneuverability around obstacles such as trees.
This also makes it easy to mow on rough terrain. If not for anything, I think the zero-turn radius on this mower is a feature you may want to try out.
LED lights
Not done mowing and it’s evening already? Simply turn on the headlights to keep mowing all evening and night. You’ll also find the taillight useful for when you’re reversing.
Height adjustment
The mower is equipped with 10 height adjustment levels between 1.½ in. to 4.½ in so users can attend to different grass heights accordingly. To find the control, look to the driver’s right for the manual height adjustment lever. Each adjustment has a difference of ⅓.
Pros
● Long battery life
● Onboard fast charging system
● LED for low light mowing and safety
● Ergonomic seat and controls
Cons
● Unpopular ⅓ in. deck height increments.
Troy-Bilt 30-inch premium neighborhood riding lawn mower
Price: $2,265.082
Easy Maneuverability
Have you always wanted a riding mower but can’t simply settle for the bigger ones because of their limited maneuverability.
The small cutting deck of the Troy-Bilt neighborhood riding lawn mower offers you the highest level of maneuverability to enter even the tightest corners and move around obstacles effortlessly. Its compact size doesn’t take up much storage space either.
Equipped with a mid-back seat
While it is not the regular high-back seats we are used to, the mid-back on this mower also offers comfort and ensures correct back posture while mowing for longer periods.
Easy Maintenance
Equipped with a wash port, users can simply connect their garden hose to remove debris and dirt. However, I didn’t find the end result satisfactory, so I turned to manually cleaning the mower.
Thoroughly cleaning it would require shutting off the engine, removing the spark plug, and spraying it by hand. Remove any dirt on the plug and check that it is usable, if not, buy a replacement for less than $6.
We recommend cleaning the mower after every use and having thorough maintenance at least once a month, depending on the frequency of use.
Safety
Manually disable the blade when not in use for guaranteed safety.
Pros
● Easy to assemble and use
● Quick maneuverability
● Quick storage
● Great cutting quality
● Powerful and durable engine
Cons
● Difficult to shift to reverse
● Inconsistent on slopes
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Price: $4,699.00
Comfortable and flexible Steering
Equipped with lap bars to independently control each wheel, users will enjoy high maneuverability on this mower. Rubber isolators also improve user comfort and reduce fatigue by separating the user from the frame.
Furthermore, the ergonomic seat provides enough comfort while mowing for extended periods. You will also find the easily accessible controls to be a great added advantage as they make in go adjustments easy.
Maintenance
What most users have trouble with is maintaining their lawnmower. Keeping up with the maintenance requirements can be a daunting task, which has led to avoidable damages and a poor life span.
Meanwhile, the hour meter with service reminder on this mower indicates when it needs maintenance, thereby saving you the trouble of hiring a professional to inspect your mower when there’s nothing wrong with it.
Equally, the oil, spark plug, filter, battery, and hydraulic drive systems are all within reach. Lastly, the removable foot pan makes clean-up easy and guarantees quick access to the deck belt and pulleys.
As you have seen, this is arguably the easiest mower to maintain on our list of best riding lawn mowers.
3-in-1 Grass management
Keeping our lawn healthy and clean has never been easier than with this mower. Choose between mulching, bagging, and side discharge to manage the clippings from the freshly cut lawn.
In case, you don’t already know, mulching cuts the clippings into fine pieces to return nutrients back to your lawn, bagging stores the clippings to keep your lawn clean, while side discharge is the best option for wet grass.
Reliable engine
Powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine, this mower promises high performance on all lawn types, including rough terrain. It provides easy startups and covers much ground speed consistently.
Pros
● Enhanced maneuverability
● Easy to assemble
● Value for money
● Safety features
● Ergonomic controls and seat
Cons
● Tires rip off wet lawns
● Vibration causes loose screws
Simplicity 2691337 Broadmoor Riding Mower, Tractor
Price: $5,599.00
Rear suspension comfort system and Comfortable seat
With the focus on speed, it is easy to get uncomfortable due to the bumps on the lawn as you mow. However, the exclusive rear suspension system keeps the users comfy while mowing at the highest available speed.
Professional mowers benefit more from this feature since they can breeze through large lawns comfortably and go on to the next lawn. Along with a comfortable ride, the ergonomic mesh seat ensures that you’re back is fine.
I found these ergonomic features really helpful when mowing a commercial-sized lawn. I was able to stay on the mower for hours and ride on rough terrain without experiencing bodily fatigue.
Free-floating deck
Now, you don’t get a floating deck so often, which makes this mower valuable. Mow rough and lopsided lawns with ease as the deck follows the contours of your lawn, ensuring a smooth scalp-free cut.
While using this mower, I rarely had to adjust the height positions because the free-floating deck did the hard work for me, cutting grasses of all heights evenly. Now, that’s an automated feature you wouldn’t want to pass on.
Easily accessible controls
I didn’t need to expend valuable time searching for the height-of-cut adjustment lever, push start button, clock, and hour monitor since they were all on the dashboard.
All I had to do was to extend my arm to reach the specific control, make the adjustment, and continue with mowing my lawn. Having all the controls in one place will help reduce mowing time and help you concentrate better.
Pros
● Suspension comfort system and ergonomic seat
● Free-floating deck
● Compatible on rough terrain
● A complete dashboard
Cons
● Low accessory compatibility
● Low versatility
Snapper 360z 52-inch 25hp briggs & stratton v-twin engine zero-turn lawn mower
Price: $3,699.00
Integrated cargo bed
Move around your lawn with anything you can carry that would be useful as you mow. The integrated cargo bed provides versatility, making it more than a simple zero-turn mower.
For me, I think it would be a really good feature to hold snacks when indulging in a long day’s work.
Commercially-Inspired
The commercially designed mower has everything to keep it strong for long and provide the perfect cut for large lawns.
The fully-welded steel frame, thick walled front axle, and durable deck makes it perfect for any tough task you may have to throw at it.
In addition, it has a cutting width of 36”, 7 adjustable cutting height positions, rear bumper, cup holder, fuel level indicator, hour meter, and armrest.
Maneuverability
As mentioned earlier, this mower has a 36” deck, which makes it perfect for moving in between small spaces and maneuvering around objects, fences, and walls.
The small size also means you would not be requiring too much storage space to keep this mower.
Foot operated height of cut
Keep your hands on the steering and your eyes on the road with the innovative foot-controlled height of the cut that allows users to switch between 7 positions from 1.5 in. to4.5 inches.
Pros
● Easy to use
● Maneuverability
● Adjustable seat
● Electric blade engagement
Cons
● Inconsistent steering in parking position
Ikon 23-HP V-twin dual hydrostatic 60 inches zero-turn lawn mower
Price: $4,399.00
Commercial style deck
Just like the previous mower, the Ikon 23-HP V-twin dual hydrostatic 60 inches zero-turn lawn mower is built with a 4.5 inch fabricated deck to meet commercial needs.
When mowing, the deck needs maximum airflow to ensure quality cut and to keep the mower in good working condition. This deck is specially built to allow for the maximum airflow.
Comfort
Who doesn’t want to feel comfortable when mowing? That’s why Ikon included a padded ergonomic seat to this mower. The plush high-back seat comes with two armrests to help you feel comfortable and relaxed as you mow through large lawns.
Pros
● Powerful and durable twin engine
● Ergonomic seat
● Maneuverability
Cons
● Oil funnel not properly installed
Conclusion
The best riding mower on our list is the Simplicity 59001744 Contender Xt Zero-Turn Riding Mower for its outstanding deck and engine performance. However, you should consider each mower for yourself to determine which one best suits your needs.
