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Riding lawn mowers are a great tool to keep your property looking nice and presentable especially if you have a large area to maintain. Some consumers think twice about getting a riding lawn mower or a walk-behind mower due to the vast difference in the price. However, the riding lawn mowers offer great perks and a heap of convenience compared to the other type.

While you can, of course, opt for getting a walk-behind mower, if you have a huge area to keep up, you may experience a hard time maintaining your lawns as these units can be slow and cover limited space. We’d recommend you to choose a riding lawn mower if your budget allows, as this device can finish work fast, and they can be fun to use, too!

Now, if you’ve decided about opting for this kind of mower, we’re unveiling here the list of the best riding lawn mowers for the money this 2021. First, we’re giving you tips on getting the best product for your needs.

Tips When Getting a Riding Lawn Mowers

There are a few kinds of mowers that can be something you push or ride. Depending on the type of product you’ll get are the factors to consider when buying a mower. For this section, we’re focusing on riding lawn mowers or tractors. For this kind, it can be pricier, but the perks you will get are more and better. For instance, tractors are more convenient to use.

However, if you have a small lawn, you may want to opt for the walk-behind mowers, which can fit your space and do the job while allowing you to save a couple of bucks. For riding lawn mowers, however, here are a few points to consider when getting this product.

Recommended: Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers

The Size of Your Yard

It’s important to match the size of your lawn to the cutting width of your mower. For riding lawn mowers, it can work well for ¾ acres to 2 or more. Matching the size of your area to the capabilities of the mower is one of the first steps you should do before getting a unit. Not only the acre size is what you’re going to consider at this part, but also the slopes you have in the area.

Look around the terrain of your property and check if there are slopes, obstacles, or lawn decorations that you will encounter every time you use your lawnmower. For spaces that have slopes, or obstacles like flower beds or fountains, you may want to pick a riding lawn mower with a zero-turn-radius. This feature will allow you to easily maneuver around blocks like this, as well as drive seamlessly on different land types whether rocky, soil, or just flat terrain.

Fuel Level

When getting a riding lawn mower, getting a unit with cutout allowing you to see the fuel level will not only be convenient but also helpful for you to assess if you need to refill the gas tank or not yet. Ideally, the fuel meter must be located somewhere it’s easily seen from the seat.

Apart from the fuel meter, some lawn mowers offer an hour meter, which allows you to check the period of how long has the engine been working. It’s also the feature where you can see the last time the tractor has underwent oil change, as well as other maintenance factors. Some advanced models can be connected via Bluetooth or a mobile app that you can conveniently access to see the conditions of the mower.

Comfort

Features that support comfort are also crucial factors to look out for when getting a riding lawnmower. If you have a large area to work on, chances are you will be riding the tractor for hours. It means, while you’re using it you must feel comfortable all through-out use just like when you’re riding a car.

Features for comfort can be a cup holder, high back-seat, lumbar support, large legroom, armrests, and rubber foot pads. These features can make your work a lot easier especially if you will be using the tractor under the hot sun.

Added attachments may also add to the unit’s comfort and convenience. It’s better to look for this kind of feature that can be dump carts, lawn aerators, lawn rollers, rakes, and more. Although usually attachments are bought separately, some models come with these added accessories.

Cruise Control

Cruise control allows you to lock in speed and mow a straight line. This feature is usually available in automatic models or those units with hydro-static transmissions. Cruise control in your mower is hugely helpful if you have large terrain to work on. It will help you save energy and effort while using the tractor.

Another feature supporting easy maneuver is the lawn mower’s turning radius, which pertains to how tightly you can turn the tractor. If your area has lots of obstacles, you may want to opt for a unit with a smaller turning radius, allowing you to easily make sharp turns and avoid hurdles precisely.

Cutting Width

The cutting width of the lawnmower you will get is also a crucial factor to consider when buying this product. This attribute determines the scope of the cutting you’re riding lawn mower can perform.

It also means that the wider the cutting width the tractor has, the faster it can finish a job. However, this factor also means you have to base it on the area of your lawn. If you have a tight space, you may want to opt for an appropriate cutting width that can fit your area.

The sharpness and other technologies that improve the cutting abilities of the lawnmower are also additional features to look for if you want a premium experience from your device. Some advanced models provide consistency in cutting with the technologies they equip to the lawnmowers.

However, although it’s not always the case, the more advanced the model you’re getting, the pricier it can get. You will have to weigh out these factors to be able to purchase the right product for you that fits your needs and your budget.

7 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for The Money 2020

Now that we’ve given a few tips on how to get the right mower for you, maybe you’re now ready for this list of some of the best riding lawn mowers that are bang for the buck. Although these devices are quite an investment, the price still varies. The cost may be dependent on the brand or features the unit offers.

We have provided the most important details about each model for you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each unit. Below are the best riding lawn mowers that you can find in the market today. Check out these products that could be the tractor that fits your needs.

#1 Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower

The Husqvarna YTH18542 is one of the leading models among its category in lawnmowers. This model is compact yet efficient, offering professional results. It’s easy to use and provides features supporting comfort. The Husqvarna YTH18542 also boasts a powerful engine and is fuel-efficient. However, the fuel tank could have been larger. Know if this is the product you’re looking for by reading on.

Husqvarna YTH18542 Specs

• 18.5 hp Briggs and Stratton Intek engine
• Foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission
• Tight 16 in. turning radius
• Adjustable 13-inch mid-back seat
• Ergonomic steering wheel
• Easy step-through design
• 42 inch reinforced cutting deck
• Air induction mowing technology
• Dual anti-scalp wheels
• Reverse operating system
• 2.5-gallon fuel tank

Equipped with an 18.5 hp Briggs and Stratton Intek engine, this lawn mower offers a powerful performance. It can make your grass cutting chore much easier, and with a foot pedal that’s operated under a hydrostatic transmission, you can change speed and direction seamlessly. This feature allows you to keep your hands on the handle, maneuver easily.

The Husqvarna YTH18542 also boasts a tight 16-inch turning radius for sharp turns, which allows you to maneuver around obstacles. It’s a wonderful feature for lawns with sloped terrains, areas with decorations, fountains or with varied land types. Another feature supporting comfort is the adjustable 13-inch mid-back seat for a more relaxed position while you work on your lawn. The ergonomic steering wheel is also a notable highlight, which makes maneuver seamless and comfy.

When it comes to design, the Husqvarna YTH18542 has an easy step-through model for more ease and simple operation. You will also have a 42-inch reinforced cutting deck with air induction mowing technology and dual anti-scalp wheels with Husqvarna YTH18542. These features all contribute to the efficiency and durability of the model.

The cutting is large enough for completing yard tasks fast, while the anti-scalp wheels mean long-lasting rollers on their top quality. The system of this model is reverse operating, too, which means you can mow in reverse by simply turning on the switch.

The Husqvarna YTH18542 is an excellent choice for a riding lawn mower, which doesn’t take a lot of space due to its compact size, but offers a satisfying outcome and is easy to use. However, the downside is that the 2.5-gallon fuel tank could have been larger. Although the model is fuel-efficient and you will less likely to run out of gas while mowing standard to large-sized areas.

Click here to check out the full review for the Husqvarna YTH18542

Pros

• Easy to operate
• Safe
• Powerful engine
• Compact
• Tight turning radius
• Large cutting deck
• Comfy
• Precise
• Fuel-efficient

Cons

• The fuel tank could have been larger

Where can I buy Husqvarna YTH18542

#2 Husqvarna YTH24V48 48 in. 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower

Another model that tops the list of our best riding lawn mowers is the Husqvarna YTH24V48. It’s a bit similar to the first tractor we discussed, but this model is a bit bulkier and it comes with a cruise control option. As mentioned in our tips when getting a riding lawn mower, getting a model with cruise control is beneficial for efficiency and comfort. Know more about this product by reading on.

Husqvarna YTH24V48 Specs

• 24 hp Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine
• ReadyStart for easy starting
• Foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission
• Cruise control
• Electric cutting deck
• Tight 16 inch turning radius
• 48-inch triple blade
• Reinforced cutting deck
• Air induction mowing technology
• 4 anti-scalp wheels
• 3-gallon Fuel Tank

The Husqvarna YTH24V48 is equipped with a 24 hp Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine. Apart from being powerful, this engine when combined with the Stratton Intek V-Twin means it produces less vibration, too. This model is to start and it provides powerful performance. Hence, the Husqvarna YTH24V48 offers satisfying professional results.

With a foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission, you can easily change speed and direction using your feet while keeping your hands on the steering wheel. Meaning, the maneuver is easy, efficient, precise, and more importantly, safe. Optimum driving control is achieved with the Husqvarna YTH24V48 with these features.

Another noteworthy highlight of the Husqvarna YTH24V48 is cruise control, which allows you to use the tractor at a consistent speed in any kind of terrain whether smooth or rough. This model is also equipped with an electric cutting deck, which means the easy start of the mower deck by just pulling a switch on the panel. The Husqvarna YTH24V48 also has a tight 16-inch turning radius. This feature allows you to use the tractor in tight spaces, as well as maneuver around obstacles and different kinds of the land surface.

With a 48-inch triple-blade, it can cut through a large scope. Combine this feature with a reinforced cutting deck and air induction mowing technology for precise and consistent mowing.

The Husqvarna YTH24V4 also has anti-scalp wheels that can last durable for a long time, and with a 3-gallon fuel tank, you will not run out of gas while using the tractor. The only downside of this model is it’s bulky. You must have a large space to work on, so this model can fit.

Pros

• Easy to operate
• Safe
• Powerful engine
• Tight turning radius
• Large cutting deck
• Comfy
• Precise
• Large fuel tank
• Cruise control

Cons

• Bulky

Where can I buy Husqvarna YTH24V48

#3 Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna Z242F is one of the best Zero Turn riding mowers in the market. This rugged bad boy has a seamless maneuver that you can get at a fair price. Although used by professionals, it’s easy to operate that you can actually have fun utilizing but is sharp and precise. Learn more about this product by reading on.

Husqvarna Z242F Specs

• 18 HP Kawasaki engine
• Max speed of 6.5 MPH
• Hydrostatic
• No-maintenance transmission
• A patent-pending park brake system
• ClearCut deck
• 42-inch cut width
• Better bagging
• Deep deck design
• Superior air-flow
• High-performance blades
• Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged

The stylish Husqvarna Z242F is equipped with a powerful 18 HP Kawasaki that can run at a max speed of 6.5 MPH. You can rely on this model when it comes to starting up and it doesn’t require maintenance for the transmissions. This model is hydrostatic, which means you can carry on different cutting conditions. The Husqvarna Z242F also has a unique brak system that automatically turns on and off when the steering levers are moved out or inward. The model’s ClearCut deck is top-class. With a 42-inch cutting width, you can complete a task fast with a large scope of cut.

The design of the Husqvarna Z242F is a deep deck, which means better bagging. It also has superior airflow, allowing a consistent performance. With high-performance blades, the model cuts sharp and precisely. This model is easy to maneuver with seamless steering, and with an anti-slip foot feature, accidents are avoided with use. The Husqvarna Z242F is an excellent riding lawn mower for average to large areas that you can get at a fair price. However, it may not be the best model for terrains with slopes.

Click here to check out the full review for the Husqvarna Z242F

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Large fuel tank
• Automatic brakes
• Large cutting width
• High-performance blades
• Fair price

Cons

• Not the best for sloped terrains

Where can I buy Husqvarna Z242F

#4 Snapper 560Z 52-Inch 25HP Briggs & Stratton Commercial Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower w/ Cargo Bed, 5901564

The Snapper 560Z is one of the compact and powerful riding lawn mowers in the market. It boasts a Briggs & Stratton Commercial engine. It also has a relatively large cutting width for the fast completion of tasks, and it’s easy to use. There are more highlights to know about the Snapper 560Z, which you’ll know here. Read on to know if this is the product of your needs.

Snapper 560Z Specs

• Built for high-performance
• Hydro-Gear ZT-3200 hydrostatic transaxles
• Commercial-inspired components
• 1.5” x 2” steel front axles
• Wrap-around steel bumpers
• 52” fabricated mower deck
• Thick 10-gauge steel
• Maximum speed of 9 mph
• Welded and reinforced for years
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Easy-to-use lawn mower controls
• Fuel-level indicator
• Wide-mouth gas
• Convenient deck-lift
• Adjustable grass cut height from 1.5″ to 4.5″
• Briggs & Stratton Commercial Engine
• 3-gallon fuel capacity

The Snapper 560Z is equipped with a commercial Briggs & Stratton engine. It has a 52” mower deck that is fabricated, created from 10-gauge steel that can run up to 9 mph. This model is specifically built for high-performance. With Hydro-Gear ZT-3200 hydrostatic transaxles, it can smoothly cut grass of different types even rough of thick bushes while allowing you to change speed or direction.

This riding lawn mower has a rugged 1.5” x 2” steel front axles as well as steel bumper that’s wrapped around the bumper to ensure that this model handles heavy-duty mowing. The Snapper 560Z is also built with easy to operate controls. There’s a fuel-level indicator that you can get a glimpse and reach easily. As discussed earlier, having a fuel-indicator is a great benefit that you can have in these models as it gives you an idea of how long you can still use the tractor.

Apart from having a large fuel capacity of 3 gallons, we also like that this model has a wide gas-mouth, which allows easy refilling of gas without spilling. The deck lift is convenient, too, in which you can adjust the cut height from 1.5″-4.5″. The drawback, however, of this model is it lacks anti-scalp wheels, as well as it has no cargo beds. Apart from that, we think this model is a great choice for a mid-tier model that is also powerful and compact.

Pros

• Compact
• Powerful
• Easy to use
• Lifetime warranty
• Large cutting width
• Durable
• Fuel-level indicator

Cons

• Lacks anti-scalp wheels

Where can I buy Snapper 560Z

#5 Husqvarna MZ61 61-inch 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna MZ61 has a powerful 27 HP Briggs engine that allows it to cut any type of grass or bush. It’s made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability for long years. It also boasts a 0-degree turning radius, as well as features to support full comfort. There are many things to love about this product, which you will all know by reading on.

Husqvarna MZ61 Specs

• 61-inch zero-turn lawn mower
• MZ series
• Commercial-grade power
• Amazing ergonomics
• 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine
• Reliable startups
• High ground speeds
• Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck
• 54-inch cut
• Ergonomically designed deck lifting system
• Quick and easy adjustments of the operator’s seat
• 9-bushel triple bag collection system
• High-back seat
• Armrests
• Foam-padded hand grips
• Vibration dampeners
• 0 Degree Turn Radius
• Comfortable Steering
• Hour Meter with Service Reminder
• 9 Bushel Collection System

The Husqvarna MZ61 is a 61-inch zero-turn mower, which can deliver a commercial-grade outcome. It’s part of the MZ series and built with excellent ergonomics. This model is equipped with a powerful 27 HP Briggs engine that has a reliable startup as well as a fascinating speed.

This model has an 11-gauge steel cutting deck, which provides a 54-inch cut width. With a well-designed ergonomic deck lifting system, you can quickly and easily adjust the operator’s seat. The clippings of this model can be discharged with its 9-bushel triple bag system. You can also mulch and bag the clippings with this system. Although the bag attachment and mulcher kit are bought separately.

The Husqvarna MZ61 is built with comfort in mind. It’s equipped with armrests, the handgrips are foam-padded, and there are also dampeners for the vibration. Mowing is much easier and comfortable using this model even if you use it for hours.

With the model’s 0 Degree Turn Radius feature, the maneuver is easy and precise using the individual, hydraulic wheel-drive. This highlight allows you to rotate the mower around its own axis, minus the need to turn any radius.

This model also offers comfortable steering. It has rubber isolators that separate the rider from the frame. It means you will significantly experience less exhaustion from using the tractor. Furthermore, the ergonomic seats provide extra comfort riding the mower even throughout extended shifts. Riding the lawnmower is ultra-comfortable and you will feel it on your back.

The Husqvarna MZ61 also has ergonomic controls which make steering and adjustments swift and easy. This model also has an hour meter, which allows you to detect if it’s time to service your mower. The downside, however, is that the Husqvarna MZ61 can be expensive.

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Comfortable
• Durable
• Large cutting width
• Easy to use
• Easy to adjust
• Hour meter

Cons

• Expensive

Where can I buy Husqvarna MZ61

#6 Simplicity 2691339 Conquest Mower, Riding, Tractor

The Simplicity 2691339 is probably one of the most powerful riding lawn mowers in the market today. It boasts a Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series V-Twin-Engine, and it’s even equipped with cyclonic technology to further improve its capabilities.

There are many things to love about this product if you’re looking for an efficient tractor. However, this product is bulky and can be expensive. Know if this is the product you’re looking for by reading on.

Simplicity 2691339 Specs

• The Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series v-twin
• Electronic fuel management (Efm)
• Automotive-style starting
• Cyclonic technology forces
• Simplicity’s Signature Free Floating Mower Deck
• Scalp-free cut
• Rugged 52″ fabricated mower deck
• 10-gauge steel
• Durable
• Automatic controlled traction
• Continuous drive power
• Superior traction
• Full power steering
• Intuitive dash system
• Deluxe instrument panel
• Fuel gauge
• Tachometer with “best cut” indication
• Maintenance reminders
• Free Floating mower deck for a scalp-free lawn
• Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series V-Twin engine
• Electric Height-of-Cut Control
• LED Headlights
• Quick Hitch Deck Removal System
• Suspension Comfort System with both Front and Rear suspension
• 3600 RPM per SAE J1940 horsepower

The Simplicity 2691339 as mentioned earlier has a powerful engine of Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series as well as V-twin. Not only that this engine is powerful but it can also reduce the vibrations produced during use. This model has electronic fuel management (Efm) which supports automotive-style startup.

The product’s cyclonic technology pushes the debris away from the air cleaner and then expels the collected debris through a one-way valve. This system results in a durable engine that’s ready for heavy-duty work.

This model has a Signature Free Floating Mower Deck, which allows precise contours of your lawn. With the mower’s rugged 52″ fabricated deck made from 10-gauge steel and reinforced top, side skirts, corners, and front edge, it ensures durability and quality work for many years of use. This model also has automatic controlled traction with a drive power supply that’s consistent with all tires.

The Simplicity 2691339 has a full power steering feature, which allows easy and swift maneuvers. You can easily move around obstacles and turn effortlessly with this feature.

The intuitive dash system of this model includes a push-button for a startup as well as a deluxe instrument panel to completely gauge fuel. This model also has a tachometer along with a “best cut” indication as well as maintenance reminders to provide you with easy use and maintenance of the tractor.

This model has LED headlights, allowing you to use the tractor whenever you like and still have good visibility of what you’re working on. The tractor, for added comfort, has both front and rear shocks, which causes 25% less impact than a standard tractor minus suspension. This highlight provides enhanced comfort as you achieve a premium cut.

The Simplicity 2691339 is an excellent candidate for a great riding lawn mower with high potential. However, it can be bulky and the price is a bit higher than the average models.

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Power steering
• Gauge panels
• Cyclonic technology
• LED lights
• Less vibration/impact
• Wide blades
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Bulky
• Pricey

Where can I buy Simplicity 2691339

Conclusion

We hope you liked our list of the Best Riding Lawn Mowers For The Money for 2020. There are not a lot of options for this kind of device in the market. Because these products can be expensive, it’s just wise to be careful and picky about choosing the right riding lawn mower for you. The technicalities of choosing the right tractor can be tricky and technical.

If you’re not familiar with some of the terms you encountered here in our post, you can research more about them and understand what they mean. It will help you as well learn how these mowers work, which can be useful and beneficial the time you get the product and actually use it. If you think you have found the product for you on this list, let us know in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!