Tag: Lawn tractors

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When To Buy A Riding Mower: 2024 Buying Guide

Toro timecutter zero turn

When should you make the leap to buying a riding mower? During the Spring, Summer, and Fall months, you’re going to need to mow your lawn regularly to keep it healthy and attractive. It can be a back-breaking task, especially if you use a push mower. 

You may have considered a riding mower, but is it the right choice for you and your property? Your physical abilities, yard size, and type are all factors to consider. After reading about my experiences with both push and riding mowers, you’ll be able to make the decision that best suits the needs of your yard.

And make your neighbors jealous.

My experience with riding mowers

When I was a kid and it was my older brother’s turn to mow the lawn, I remember my parents screaming at him for having the speed all the way up to “bunny” when it should have been on “turtle”. The mower was dang fast and my brother took every chance he could to max that thing out.

And at the risk of sounding old, they don’t make them like they used to. But there are still some great brands out there that make awesome riding mowers. Between zero turns and lawn tractors, you can get a high quality piece of equipment that is still made with serious care. I’ve had the pleasure of using dozens of different mowers and have found consistencies across some that have stuck with me over the years.

When to get a riding mower: my process

That is a difficult question for anyone to answer, except you. However, we can say that the type of lawn mower,  lawn tractor, zero turn or push behind, that will work best for you depends on a few things. Before you change over to a new type of mower, ask yourself a few key questions:

Is Your Lawn a Half-Acre or Less?

If you have a smaller yard, a push mower is generally going to be your best option. They are more maneuverable than a riding mower, which is essential for a small space. For lawns more than a half-acre in size, a riding mower will make the job faster and easier.

Here’s how I think about it:

Yard sizeType of mower
0 to ½ of an acrePush mower or self-propelled walk-behind
½ to 1.5 acresLawn tractor
1.5 acres and upZero turn mower
How I approach when to buy a riding mower.

Are You Physically Able to Push a Mower?

Your physical condition and stamina should be a top consideration when deciding on the type of mower to use. Starting a push mower is tough, and pushing it around is even harder. If you’re older, not fit, or suffer from health issues, a riding mower is a safer, more practical option.

A nice self-propelled mower.

You can definitely get self-propelled push mowers which take a lot of the burden off of the operator, but nothing compares to the speed and ease of use of a riding mower.

Do You Want to Decrease the Amount of Time Mowing Takes?

If you have a tiny yard, it might only take a few minutes, but mowing a larger yard with a push mower can be time consuming. If you would rather spend your free time doing things you enjoy, you want to ditch the push mower and get yourself a rider.

My family friend has a .92 acre lot of land where their home sits. Last time I went over there, I spoke with him about how he mows his lawn. One thing I noticed was the narrow stripes in his lawn. I was aghast to learn that he still uses a push mower in his lawn. 

Yeah, this one will save you time.

A whopping one hour and 15 minutes he spends every week pushing a mower across his lawn. A glutton for punishment or someone who uses their mower for cardio? Not sure. Either way, you would find me in a riding mower so fast you wouldn’t know what hit you.

Have Trees, Stones, or Other Landscape Obstructions?

Mowing around landscape features with a push mower can be time-consuming and exhausting.You’ll be pushing and pulling, turning, and back-tracking just to get the job done.Even if your yard is less than a half acre, a riding mower makes it easier on you to mow around obstructions. .

Can NOT disrupt this beautiful scene.

This is where zero-turn mowers have a huge advantage. They are extremely nimble navigators and make quick work of complex lawns. Because you can turn so quickly and tightly, you don’t have to make 8-point turns just to get around your landscaping bed. 

Even riding mowers can do a great job of getting the vast majority of grass, which can then be followed with a nice weed eater to finish the job. Can’t do all that nearly as easily as you can with a push mower.

What’s the Terrain of Your Property Like?

If your lawn is sloped, the downhill strip will be relatively easy with a push mower, but the uphill strip will be much more difficult. With a riding mower, you can handle slopes and other terrain issues without all the physical strain.

One advantage of zero turn mowers vs lawn tractors is lawn scalping. Your lawn can get scalped, or random bald patches where you cut way too deep, because lawn tractors are more rigid in their construction and don’t flow as freely as zero turns.

Do You Need to Move Items on Your Property?

One of the major benefits of a riding lawn mower is that they are often equipped with a hitch on the back. That means you can attach a cart to carry whatever you need to. A dump cart, for example, is a great way to move garden supplies, debris, and more.

A lot of folks reach out to me to ask about what kinds of attachments you can pull. I wrote a long article about the best trailers for lawn mowers that can really up your lawn mower game. Some of them even have little carts on the back, covers for use in the snow, and collection bags – which are great for leaf clean up.

Rider or Push Mower? What’s Your Choice?

Mowing your lawn is a necessity. Working too hard isn’t. Choosing the right kind of new lawn mower can be a bit daunting. But, now you have a few guidelines to help you make the right choice between a riding mower and a push mower.

Why we started writing about mowers

The reason we started The Lawn Review in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

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Zero Turn Mowers vs Lawn Tractors: Which Is Better?

Zero turn mowers are the better choice when compared to lawn tractors because they have more control, are faster, and are nearly equally priced.

Zero turns and lawn tractors are two types of riding mowers that can majorly up your lawn care game. But a lot of people don’t know when you need which kind of mower.

You know you need a ride-on mower to take on your large, challenging property. As you begin to shop, you’ll notice that the most powerful riding lawn equipment options are zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors. Most folks also think zero turns are just for commercial landscapers and “overkill” for homeowners (they’re wrong and jealous). 

Let’s break down when it’s best to get a zero turn and when it is best to get a lawn tractor.

What Is a Zero Turn Mower?

In basic terms, a zero-turn mower is a standard rider with a very tight turning radius – some might even say a zero-degree turning radius. Now, I’ve never gotten my protractor out, but the top of the mower can freely spin over the back tires. This type of riding lawn mower makes it easy to mow closely around trees, flower beds, retaining walls and other obstacles.As you may suspect, there are pros and cons to consider before investing in a zero-turn mower:

  • Speed –  Zero-turn mowers are much faster than any standard riding mower and most lawn tractors.
  • Control – Improved visibility of the front of the mower helps you achieve precise control as you maneuver around plants and other obstacles.
  • Results – Zero-turn riding mowers help homeowners achieve professional results without spending hundreds of dollars on professional lawn mowing services.
  • Confidence – Sitting on a zero-turn mower instills you with the confidence to tackle that lawn, knowing it will be fast and easy. 
  • Cost – You’ll pay more for a zero-turn mower, but it may be worth it.

Who uses zero-turn mowers?

Zero turn mowers are the mower of choice for any landscaper – commercial or residential. Because they are extremely fast, they help get the job done way more quickly than lawn tractors or push mowers. 

It is becoming increasingly more common for homeowners to grab a zero turn as well. If you go buy any Home Depot you will likely see a nice John Deere or Toro zero turn mower sitting right out in front for all to see. For homeowners – look for a smaller width zero turn mower. One major consideration for buying a zero turn mower is making sure it fits into the back gate of your house (if you have one).

Price range of zero turn mowers

Zero turn mowers can be very expensive, but don’t have to be. You can get a great zero turn mower from Home Depot at an awesome price, for example:

You can also grab a used zero turn for a better price as long as it has low hours.

What Is a Lawn Tractor?

Generally between 15 and 22 horsepower, a lawn tractor is the ideal mower for yards spanning ½ to 1.5 acres.  They’re also a good choice for yards with slopes or other challenging topography. Here are a few things to know about lawn tractors:

  • Fast – Most lawn tractors provide cutting widths of up to 48 inches for fast results.
  • Powerful – A high horsepower engine provides the “umph” you need to get the yard work done.
  • Versatile – Not only can a lawn tractor mow, it can also pull a cart to help move supplies and even a trailer, materials, and debris.
  • Durable and Tough – Lawn tractors are made to handle hard work. From the paint job to the frame, it will stand up to whatever you throw at it.
  • It’s an Investment – Because it’s a much larger, more powerful, and versatile machine, expect to pay a premium. But, you’ll be getting a piece of lawn equipment you will use for years.

Who uses lawn tractors?

Lawn tractors are almost exclusively used by homeowners. I recommended one to my friend recently who just moved into a house with about one acre. Lawn tractors have a huge advantage to zero turn mowers – they are more narrow and can fit into back gates relatively easily. These mowers are relatively easy to operate but don’t offer the same versatility that the zero turns have. For those of us that aren’t commercial landscapers or massive yards, lawn tractors will do just fine.

Price range of lawn tractors

Lawn tractors are much more affordable than zero turns. You can grab a nice Troy Bilt lawn tractor for around $2,000. That’s a great deal. But most lawn tractors are between $2,000 and $3,500. One thing to keep an eye out for is the upper range of lawn tractors – you get dangerously close and can often overlap the price range for a zero turn.

In my opinion, getting a cheaper zero turn mower is better than an expensive lawn tractor if they are about the same price. Might as well get the nice benefits of a zero turn mower.

Should I Get a Zero-Turn or a Lawn Tractor?

That really depends upon your property and your needs. Zero-turn riding mowers are ideal for just about any yard, especially when there are landscape elements and plantings that must be mowed around. A lawn tractor, on the other hand, is the right choice for larger lawns and gardens. 

Bear in mind this is a basic guide and you should carefully consider your options before making a purchase. Consider the shape and topographical features of your yard, Decide how much time you want to spend on lawn care like mowing. Ask yourself if you need the machine for more than mowing. Finally, choose a mower that fits your budget.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

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Ultimate Riding Mower Buying Guide: 2024 Update

When buying a riding mower you need to consider the size of your lawn, your budget, mower brand and reputation, and comfort level. One of my favorite riding mower brands is Husqvarna as they have a huge array of quality riding mowers.

Are you ready to upgrade from a push mower to a rider? Congratulations! Your mowing and lawn maintenance tasks are about to get a whole lot easier and faster. That is, as long as you choose the right riding lawn mower for your needs. To ensure you invest in a machine that can handle the workload, follow my guide I created below.

My experience with riding mowers

I actually started this guide after a good friend from college called me up to tell me he was upgrading his family and moving into a home on a little over an acre of land. His old push mower was not going to cut it anymore (pun intended). He called me up, took me on a FaceTime tour of his lawn, and I gave him my thoughts.

I’d like to walk you through all the pointers I gave him that helped him ultimately pick the best riding mower for his budget and lawn. Let’s get started!

Tips for Buying a Riding Lawn Mower

Like any investment into your home and property, you should take the time to carefully consider a few things before spending money on a riding mower. That way, you can rest assured you’ve made the right decision. Here are the criteria I use when helping someone pick out their first (or last!) riding mower.

Your Yard Size impacts the width of the riding mower

Duh. You don’t get a riding mower if you have a tiny lawn, but understanding your lawn size is important for getting the deck width right. A riding mower with a cutting width of 30 to 42 inches will make quick work of mowing a lawn that’s 1.5 acres or less. For lawns over an 1.5, you’ll want a machine with a cutting width of 54 inches or more or you’ll be mowing for days to get it all done. 

It is much more common to see massive deck widths on zero-turn mowers, like the Ariens IKON XD52 or some of the other Husvarna zero-turns. If you are mowing some serious acreage, I recommend going the zero-turn route instead of the traditional riding mower or lawn tractor.

Engine Horsepower should be considered when buying a riding mower

If you’ll be mowing an acre or less, consider a mower with 14 horsepower engine paired with a 42” or less blade width to get the job done fast. Working on a lawn that spans an acre or two? A 16 HP engine is your best bet. An 18 – 24 HP engine is necessary for lots more than a couple acres, or with difficult terrain. 

Whichever way you go, you will want to right-size the power output of the mower with the size of your yard. These are super expensive machines and you don’t want to pay for more than you need to. For most folks, anything under 18 HP is going to be more than enough. Traditional gas push mowers are about 3-5 HP for reference.

Landscaping and Obstacles are considerations when buying a riding mower

If you have flower beds, trees, shrubs, hardscape elements, and other obstacles to avoid, you’ll want a rider with a tight turning radius so you can get up close. A zero-turn riding mower will spin on a dime, making your weekly mowing go faster than ever before.

When my friend showed me his yard, one of the first things I did was tell him to take me to his fence gate. Many, many husbands have come home with a $3,000+ riding mower to show their wives, then only sulk in absolute shame when their new mower doesn’t fit through the gate to their backyard. Don’t be one of those guys.

Either get a bigger gate, add a second door, or buy a mower that can fit through the opening. At my house, I have a gate that is too small for any riding mower, but the larger fence portion is totally detachable for me to pull the entire fence open and easily ride into the back yard.

The Brand Matters

When riding lawn mower shopping, quality is definitely in the name. Look for a brand name you know and trust. John Deere, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna,Troy Built, and Toro are just a few we recommend in our list of best riding mower brands. You may pay a little more for a top brand, but the machine will last longer and perform better than a cheaply made one.

I always equate it to paper towels – when you buy cheap ones, you end up using way more than nicer, more absorbent expensive paper towels. Don’t go cheap on your riding mower or else it will end up costing you much more in the long run.

Consider Your Comfort

Back pain and other discomfort can make yard work even tougher, but your new riding mower can help. Look for a rider that offers a high-backed seat, lumbar support, and arm rests for maximum comfort. You’ll feel less fatigued and sore, even if you spend hours on it.

Believe it or not, I have recommended some mowers to folks based on whether or not they had cup holders. It makes a difference when you’re out in the 90+ degree sun for over an hour. Small creature comforts can make a world of difference when buying a riding  mower.

Set a Comfortable Budget

The Dave Ramsey in me is crying out to tell you to buy a mower you can afford, with cash, like in the bank right now. 

A new riding lawn mower could cost anywhere from $1,800 to upwards of $5,000, depending on the type, size, and features. You don’t have to spend top dollar to get a great mower though. Look for a rider that has the power you need within a comfortable price range for you and you won’t regret it.

Buying a new riding lawn mower is exciting. It will decrease your workload and speed up yard and garden tasks. Just keep the tips we’ve mentioned in mind to ensure you get the right rider for you.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

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3 Most Popular Riding Mower Brands to Know in 2024

The three most popular riding mower brands are John Deere, Husqvarna, and Troy-Bilt.

The best riding mowers are ones that are not only powerful and reliable, but comfortable. As summer progresses, you’re going to spend significantly more time mowing and caring for your lawn. A walk-behind mower may not be tough enough to handle the workload, which means more time spent out in the burning sun.

A riding lawn mower is a wise investment, especially if you’ve got a yard that’s an acre or more. Not only will it make mowing faster and less strenuous, it may also allow you to move supplies, tools, and equipment, plow snow, and more. Sounds good? 

Before you splurge on a new rider mower, find out which brands are worth the investment and which ones just have good marketing budgets. 

Here are my recommendations for best riding mower brands:

  1. Husqvarna Riding Mowers
  2. John Deere Riding Mowers
  3. Troy-Bilt Riding Mowers

Now let me explain why.

Interested in battery powered mower brands – read our post here.

My Experience Using Riding Mowers

When I was a kid and it was my older brother’s turn to mow the lawn, I remember my parents screaming at him for having the speed all the way up to “bunny” when it should have been on “turtle”. The mower was dang fast and my brother took every chance he could to max that thing out.

The new breed is quite different.

And at the risk of sounding old, they don’t make them like they used to. But there are still some great brands out there that make awesome riding mowers. Between zero turns and lawn tractors, you can get a high quality piece of equipment that is still made with serious care. I’ve had the pleasure of using dozens of different mowers and have found consistencies across some that have stuck with me over the years.

Interested in electric riding mowers? Check out our best electric riding mower guide.

How To Compare Riding Mowers Before You Buy

There are so many residential riding lawn mowers available that it can be hard to find the right one for a price you can afford. One of the best ways to simplify the process is to do some online research into the mowers you’re interested in. Compare machines with similar horsepower, blade cutting width, and other features important to you. Still not sure which mower to buy? Shop machines from the top riding lawn mower brands that continue to put out reliable, well-made tools.

So, What Are the Top Riding Lawn Mower Brands?

When it’s time to invest in a new riding lawn mower, a sure-fire way to ensure it’s well made is to shop by brand. Although there are a number of brands available, three brands stand out in terms of reliability:

Husqvarna Riding Mowers

When it comes to durability and reliable service, you can’t beat Husqvarna riding lawn mowers. No matter when your property is like, you can rest assured your Husqvarna mower has the horsepower to get the job done. Be prepared, however, these machines are a bit pricey, but worth it.

Husqvarna generally works through local dealers or through their own franchise dealerships, so grabbing these online is darn near impossible unless you grab a used one. I’ve used the YTH18542 and a few of the others. In fact, the Husqvarna YTH18542 is one of the most popular riding mowers ever. Whenever I go on a road trip to the beach and pass through smaller country towns, I am almost guaranteed to see a handful of these being used by folks with big yards.

One thing I love about Husqvarna’s mowers is that they are super reliable and don’t try to overdo it with the technology. They continue to make sleek looking mowers, but focus on bringing in high quality small engines that flat out last.  

John Deere Riding Mowers

Since the 1830s, John Deere has been building farm and yard equipment and they’re among the best on the market. Under the familiar John Deere green finish and classic style, your riding lawn mower is a precision-made machine that will last for years.John-Deere is a moderately priced brand for price shoppers.

One thing I love about John Deere is that their mowers are super accessible. You can grab some great riding mowers or other John Deere zero turn mowers at just about any Home Depot. They stopped making my favorite John Deere riding mower, the John Deere E100 – but still make a bunch of great models that are nearly identical. 

Another incalculable benefit of a John Deere riding mower is that it is instantly recognizable and will draw the immediate jealousy of your neighbors. This is a very strong power that should be wielded responsibly for only the neighbors you like the least.

Check out the John Deere riding mower lineup at Home Depot here.

Troy-Bilt Riding Mowers

Looking for a great deal and a reliable riding lawn mower? Take a look at a Troy-Bilt riding mower. They’re a budget-friendly initial investment, but that’s not all. Troy-Bilt mowers are powerful and reliable. So, you get more done with fewer repairs and less frequent replacements.

My old Troy Bilt push mower!

In fact, one of my good college friends called me a few weeks ago. He just moved into a new house with his growing family and had a much larger yard – about an acre. He is looking for a nice, new riding mower at an affordable price point. My instant reaction was to tell him to look at Troy Bilt, particularly their Pony riding mower.

The Pony has a goofy name, but is a surprisingly well-built riding mower that’s great for larger yards. It is well-sized to save you a ton of time, but still fits through your back gate without any problems (can’t do that with a zero-turn).

Which Riding Lawn Mower Is the Best Buy?

Every lawn is unique and here’s no one-size-fits-all mower. It’s important to ask yourself many questions before buying a new rider mower. Choose the brand that makes you feel most secure and has a great maintenance schedule for riding mowers. Look for features you need based on the size and complexity of your property. 

Choose a ride that’s easy on your budget, but be wary of deals that are too good to be true. Talk to a lawn and garden equipment specialist at your local dealership, via telephone, or online for expert help and advice.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

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4 Electric Riding Mowers That Made Me Rethink Everything

Electric riding lawn mowers are an excellent way to stay on top of yard work without having to pay for gasoline. You’ll also love not dealing with the headache-inducing maintenance that some gas-powered lawn mowers require. 

As the shift to all things electric grows, so does the supply of electric riding lawn mowers on the market. If you’re dead set on buying an electric lawn mower or even still on the fence, read on to see the best electric riding lawn mowers – I bet we can do some convincing.

We tried our best to stick with just pure electric lawn tractors, but couldn’t resist throwing in a zero-turn in our top picks.

Best Electric Riding Mowers, Ranked:

  1. Greenworks CrossoverT Riding Lawn Mower
  2. EGO Power+ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
  3. Club Cadet XT1 LT42E Electric Riding Lawn Mower
  4. Ryobi 100 AH Electric Riding Mower

The Best Electric Riding Lawn Mowers: 2023 Ranking

Finding the best electric riding mowers wasn’t too tall of an order. A few of these we’ve used personally and frankly, the market still isn’t very large. The bold companies that have put these out there are making a big bet on the future – and I think they’ll be right.

1.) Greenworks CrossoverT Electric Riding Lawn Mower

Greenworks dubs itself the “final evolution of lawnmowers.” When you see the specs and features of the CrossoverT Riding Lawn Mower, you’ll see why. My favorite thing about this mower is that it cuts up to 2.5 acres on a single charge and only takes 90 minutes to recharge. 

Holy smokes, those are some great numbers. 

Not only that, but this electric riding mower comes with six 8.0 Ah batteries and three dual-port turbochargers. Again, you can use these same batteries on any of your Greenworks 60V products. 

Aside from its quick recharge time, the CrossoverT is super comfortable, with padded seats, foldable armrests, and advanced back support. Moreover, you won’t waste any energy thanks to innovative microchips that monitor the grass quality in real time. The mower boasts high-torque rear-wheel drive that lets you climb 15-degree inclines – basically better than my car. 

I also love that there’s built-in theft protection – the perfect way to protect your precious investment. To add the cherry on top, the CrossoverT requires absolutely no maintenance other than recharging and sharpening the blades as needed.

It is truly a beast.

Why this mower made our list:

  • Runs for up to 60 minutes with the included 8.0Ah batteries
  • 90 min charge time (!)
  • Cut like a professional with SmartCut Technology that auto-adjusts and senses grass thickness
  • Features a high-padded seat and armrests
  • Designed with an integrated cargo bed that can hold up to 200 lbs. of yard supplies, like big bags of mulch

The folks at Greenworks absolutely crushed it with this riding mower. While it isn’t a zero-turn, it’s a great, affordable electric lawn tractor that absolutely slaps. They sell these at Tractor Supply Co (we have no affiliation) for $4,500 MSRP. 

2.) EGO Power+ Electric Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Delivering all-electric power comparable to a 22 HP engine (like the one on this Toro zero-turn mower), the EGO Power + Zero-Turn Lawn Mower never fails to deliver. Compared to other electric mowers on the market, this EGO product stands out because it holds six batteries – four of which are included. It also has swanky features like premium LED lights, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth technology. Not bad.

Pretty sophisticated control panel.

It still delivers some serious cutting width, up to 42 inches (about twice the average push mower). This is on the lower end of zero-turn mowers and about average for regular riding mowers. 

Looks pretty dang sweet.

With an adjustable hydraulic seat (WITH ARMRESTS!), you can rest assured knowing you’ll stay comfortable as you accelerate up 7 MPH (or 8 MPH in travel mode). The EGO zero-turn mower can cover up to two acres on a single charge, and recharging only takes a few hours. Given its premium features and three driving modes (Control, Standard, and Sport), some might call this product the Bugatti of electric mowers, and rightfully so. 

Summarizing what we loved about the EGO Power+ Zero-Turn Mower:

  • Supports up to six batteries for longer run time
  • It boasts the electric equivalent of a gas-powered engine with 22 HP
  • Can cut up to two acres of lawn without a recharge
  • Comes with three different driving modes: Sport, Standard, and Control 
  • Features a premium LED interface that gives you complete control over the mower
  • It has a separate charging cord that allows you to charge all the batteries at once
  • You can pop a battery off and straight into your EGO blower or EGO weed eater

These things are absolutely sick, but they come at a cost. If you’re dedicated to electric riding mowers, then you’re going to have to show it at the cash register. You can grab this one from Lowe’s (we have no affiliation) for $5,500. This is on the higher end for a zero-turn mower, especially one with limited run-time, but it’s still great for a homeowner with less than 2 acres.

3.) Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E Electric Riding Lawn Mower

You may have seen the LT42E posted up outside of Home Depot next to its gas counterpart, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42. The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E might not seem like the most innovative electric mower, but it provides great bang for your buck. This all-electric mower can mow two acres (roughly 1 ½ hours) on a single charge. It also doesn’t fade as the battery power starts to decline, meaning you won’t have to re-mow areas of grass – most lithium Ion batteries operate this way. 

More expensive but really snazzy.

Recharging the battery takes around four hours, so it’s not as fast as the Greenworks CrossoverT, but still reasonable. When it comes time to recharging the battery, you can use a standard 110-volt outlet. 

There are two brushless motors that fuel the mower’s steel direct drive and twin-blade cutting deck. And since the mower is completely electric, you’ll never need to shift between gears – just push a button and get ready to rumble. You’ll also enjoy a comfortable ride with a premium adjustable cut-and-sew seat. Since this mower isn’t the cheapest product on the market, you’ll be glad to know you get a three-year limited residential and four-year limited battery warranty.

The highlights:

  • Mow up to two acres without recharging the 3000Wh lithium-ion battery
  • Comes with a (somewhat) fast charger that only takes four hours to recharge the battery
  • Features four-gauge wheels for anti-scalping and a 1” – 4” cutting range
  • Forward speed of 5.5 MPH and reverse speed of 3 MPH
  • Comes with a three-year limited residential warranty and a four-year warranty on the battery

This mower is great for a mid-size homeowner’s lawn. I wouldn’t let it do anything super heavy duty, but it is definitely well constructed. 

One downside of this mower is that Cub Cadet doesn’t have a ton of battery-powered items, so you won’t gain any economies of scale with this battery.

You can check out the price of this one exclusively at Home Depot – where they seem to be selling a lot of them.

4.) Ryobi 100 AH Electric Riding Mower

Ryobi turns it up a notch with its 100 AH Electric Riding Mower. This low-maintenance mower has no filters, spark plugs, or belts. It can run up to 2 ½ hours per charge (approximately 2 ½ acres). It has a sleek black and yellow design paired with a comfortable, well-adjusted seat. 

This one made our list of the crazy Ryobi mowers, coming in at #7 and being the only riding mower.

Minimalistic but still great!

If you want to mow at seven in the morning without waking up your kids, this Ryobi mower will do the trick with its quiet cutting and cruise control. The mower features three cutting options – bagging, side discharge, and mulching. It comes with a three-year warranty, and if you ever run into issues, you can take the mower to one of 300+ service centers nationwide. 

This is definitely the lightest-duty mower on this list, only able to boast a 38 inch cutting deck, but still with an impressive run time. It also is  the lowest price, so is actually one of pound-for-pound strongest electric riding mowers on the market.

Summary of why we liked this mower:

  • Get up to 2 ½ hours (2 ½ acres) per charge despite having a smaller cutting deck
  • Quiet cutting keeps you from waking up your neighbors (this is a negative if you don’t like them)
  • 12-position manual deck adjustment – wish this was electric but still nice
  • Get the job done quickly with a maximum speed of 7 MPH
  • Comes with a three-year limited warranty for extra protection

All-in-all, this one is a really good value if you are more price sensitive. It isn’t quite as comfortable as the others, but will definitely get the job done. 

This one is available for just over $3,000 at Home Depot , which is a crazy good value.

The Bottom Line on electric riding mowers

If you’re considering investing in an electric riding lawn mower in 2023, you can’t go wrong with the EGO, Greenworks, Cub Cadet, and Ryobi brands. These companies offer some of the most inventive electric riding lawn mowers that make mowing fun – not a chore.

And that’s what it’s all about, right?

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Our testing methods are…unique.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

What We Look for in Electric Riding Lawn Mowers

There are various things we consider when looking at electric lawn mowers that make or break their performance. Before pulling the trigger on one of these, make sure you’ve done your research (or just keep reading our recommendations).

Battery life on electric riding mowers

The ideal electric lawn mower should have a good runtime (ideally two hours or more). It shouldn’t take more than four hours to recharge the battery. If an electric mower has a low runtime and high recharge time, cutting your lawn will become a much more difficult feat.

Further, you should be able to pop off one of the batteries and use it with a blower, trimmer, or other lawn tool. This is how you can save some serious money – buying the tool-only version of other tools in the same battery line.

Comfort

Additionally, an electric riding lawn mower should have a comfortable and adjustable seat. After all, you’ll ride it for at least an hour a week – you don’t want dreaded back pain. It sounds ridiculous to make this a sticking point, but it HAS to be comfortable if you are sitting on this bad boy for a while.

Easy to use and control

Moreover, we look at the different cutting options the lawn mower offers. The electric riding lawn mowers we hand-selected have multiple cutting options – bagging, side discharge, and mulching. Lastly, the riding mower should be easy-to-use and relatively maintenance-free.

It’s also really cool that riding mowers can double as little ATVs that pull trailers around your yard.

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Lawn Equipment Costs and Statistics: 2022 updates

Many people seeking to understand various lawn tools need a frame of reference for cost and power comparisons across types of lawn equipment. In this post, we will reference all types of residential lawn equipment to gather a reference resource for all savvy shoppers. Let’s get started!

Looking to update these numbers for 2023 lawn care costs? Click here!

Jump ahead:

Statistics about push mowers

When it comes to push mowers, there are really three main types of power sources:

  1. Battery-powered push mowers: These mowers are powered by a battery and can be easily re-charged and stored. Battery-powered mowers are typically less expensive, easier to store and maintain, and better suited for small yards.
  2. Gas-powered push mowers: These mowers are gasoline-powered and rely on refills, just like a car. Gas-powered push mowers tend to last much longer than electric mowers, but require yearly maintenance.
  3. Corded electric push mowers: Corded push mowers tend to be very similar to battery-powered mowers, except require a long extension cord for power. Be careful not to run it over with the blade!

The average cost of push mowers in 2022

Push mowers range in cost depending on how they are powered, the size of their engine, and the width of their cutting deck. Push mowers are one of the most popular types of mowers because most folks have relatively small yards.

As the rise of townhomes have grown, the small little yards associated with them can be easily taken care of with a small electric mower. Sun Joe offers a ton of these, but also has competition with Greenworks, Ryobi, and a handful of others.

Battery powered mower cost 2022

The average cost of a battery-powered push mower in 2022 is about $300, but can range from $75 – $550 depending on size and features.  

Some of the battery powered push mowers we have reviewed are:

The Greenworks cordless mower is very popular.

Interested in other electric mowers? Check out our list of Top 13 Best Electric Mowers for Small Yards in 2022.

Average cost of a gas push mower in 2022

The average cost of a gas-powered push mower in 2022 is about $250, but can range from $170 – $400.

Some of the gas-powered push mowers we have reviewed are:

The Troy Bilt TB160 was my first mower and still runs like new.

Average cost of an electric mower in 2022

The average cost of a corded electric push mower in 2022 is about $150, but can range from $70 to $200.

The average cost of a riding mower in 2022 (Lawn Tractor + Zero-Turn)

Riding mowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two you will recognize the most are lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers. 

Lawn tractors vs. zero-turn mowers

Lawn tractors tend to have a steering wheel where the engine sits between your legs. Zero-turn mowers have levers that help steer the mower. 

Lawn tractors are best for yards that are between ½ of an acre and 1.5 acres. Zero-turn mowers are great for those with 1.5 acres and above. 

Lawn tractor costs in 2022

The average cost of a lawn tractor in 2022 is about $2,300, but can range between $2,000 and $4,200.

Most lawn tractors sit right around the $2,000 to $3,000 range, but some newer electric lawn tractors can cost over $4,000.

Lawn tractors vary in price depending on their engine horsepower and their cutting width. As you would expect, larger engines and larger cutting decks increase the price of the lawn tractor.

Some of the lawn tractors that we have reviewed are:

The Cub Cadet XT2 is so hot right now.

Zero-turn mower costs in 2022

The average cost of a zero-turn mower in 2022 is about $4,500, but can range from $2,900 to $5,300. Zero-turn mowers range in price depending on the features and the size of the mower. 

Commercial zero-turn mowers can run as high as $10,000 in 2022. 

Some popular zero-turn mowers that we have reviewed include

The Ariens IKON XD52 is an absolute unit.

The average cost of a lawn service in 2022

The average cost of a lawn mowing service in 2022 is about $60 for lots < 10,000 sq. ft.

The average cost of a lawn mowing service for yards between 10,000 sq. ft and ½ acre is about $100 in 2022. 

The average cost of a lawn mowing service for an acre is $150-200 in 2022. 

As a reminder, lawn service usually comes every week or every other week during peak season. These costs can add up extremely quickly, making do-it-yourself lawn mowing easily the most affordable option.

Leaf blowers: A 2022 guide to cost and choice

Leaf blowers come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from some that seem to have the power of a hair blower to others that can send a sailboat across the Atlantic. When it comes to leaf blowers, there are three main types: handheld electric, handheld gasoline, and backpack blowers. 

Handheld electric blowers are slightly more expensive than gas blowers and are often the least powerful. There are a few exceptions, but these hold true. 

Who should buy an electric blower?

Electric blowers are great for those looking for quick, small jobs around the yard. This would include blowing out the garage, blowing off the driveway or back deck, or collecting leaves for a smaller yard. 

Electric blowers have a huge upside in that they are very easy to start and maintain, only requiring a charged battery to begin the work

Average cost of an electric leaf blower in 2022

The average cost of an electric leaf blower in 2022 is $175, but can range from $70 to $350 depending on the quality. 

Some of our favorite electric leaf blowers include:

The Ryobi Brushless Whisper blower is a beast.

Who should buy a gas leaf blower?

Handheld gasoline blowers provide a step up in power, but often require air filter changes and other minorly inconvenient maintenance. Gas blowers are great for people who have up to an acre or so of land and feel comfortable walking around and using the blower. 

Likewise, gas blowers are great for folks who receive a significant amount of leaves, regardless of lawn size. Gas blowers can help move leaves off of your yard much more quickly and will leave less wet leaves stuck behind.

Average cost of a gas leaf blower in 2022

Gas blowers cost about $150, but range from $100 – $250 depending on size and power. 

One of our favorite handheld gas blowers that we have reviewed is the Husqvarna 125B. This blower has an attachment on the end that can provide a super concentrated stream of air, with the ability to blow anything away.

We also love the Stihl BG 86 C – check out our video review on YouTube!

The cool flat tip on the Husqvarna 125B.

Who should buy a backpack blower?

Backpack blowers are the most powerful, expensive, and loudest blowers on the market. These are made popular by commercial landscapers, but anyone with an acre or above could majorly benefit from these.

Backpack blowers provide very high amounts of power and come with the added comfort of straps, advanced features, and an easy to use handle. 

Average cost of a backpack blower in 2022

Backpack blowers will run you about $350 in 2022, but can range from $250 to $750 depending on the size and power.

Some of our favorite backpack blower reviews include:

The Stihl BR600 is a beast and you look like a teenage mutant ninja turtle when you wear it.

Trimmers or Weed Eaters costs in 2022

Trimmers, lovingly known as weed eaters, are tools used to cut grass precisely. These are often used in harder to reach areas, to clear brush, or to fine tune the edges of a property.

Trimmers come in both gas and electric powered forms, with electric becoming more popular. Electric trimmers are very easy to use, but can be less powerful. A plus side to electric trimmers is that they often come with multiple interchangeable heads, allowing for edger, blower, and hedge trimmer attachments to all fit the same body.

Gas trimmers provide relentless, reliable power and are often used by those with bigger yards and of course, commercial landscapers. 

Average cost of an electric trimmer in 2022

Some of our electric trimmer reviews can be found here:

I have the Ryobi 40V trimmer….and I do not like it.

Average cost of a gas trimmer in 2022

The average cost of a gas trimmer in 2022 is about $180, but ranges from $150 to $430 depending on power and included attachments.

Some of our favorite gas trimmer reviews are below:

The ECHO SRM 225 has a powerful trimmer head.

Pressure washer costs in 2022

Pressure washers come in two major forms: gas and electric. Electric pressure washers tend to have less power and lower reliability. Gas pressure washers are more powerful and can get extremely pricey.

Who should buy an electric pressure washer?

Electric pressure washers are great for people who are doing lighter jobs. The perfect person to buy an electric pressure washer is someone looking to clean their windows, their car or boat, or garage door. 

Electric pressure washers are less expensive and relatively easy to use. If you are looking to blast away all of the grime from your long driveway, electric pressure washers will not be the best choice for you.

Average cost of an electric pressure washer in 2022

The average cost of an electric pressure washer is about $190, but ranges from $60 to $300 depending on power and size.

Some of our favorite electric pressure washers include:

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is one of the hottest pressure washers on Amazon.

Who should buy a gas pressure washer?

Gas pressure washers are great for all of the same reasons as an electric pressure washer, but can also remove paint, blast dirt and grime off of old surfaces, and more. 

Gas pressure washers have serious power, but are also pretty loud. They will be more reliable, but also require a little bit of maintenance.

Average cost of a gas pressure washer in 2022

The average cost of a gas pressure washer in 2022 is about $400, but can range from $250 to $1,000 depending on power.

Some of our favorite gas pressure washers include:

The Dewalt 3400 PSI pressure washer provides intense power.

Dethatcher costs in 2022

Dethatchers are lawn tools that pull up thatch, or dead grass, from the bottom of your yard. Thatch forms over time and can suffocate your soil, leaving poor conditions for your healthy grass to grow.

Many people dethatch their lawns before they aerate and seed in the fall. Dethatchers have grown in popularity. They are often electric, corded devices that replace the traditional dethatching rakes. 

Dethatchers typically come corded, meaning you need a long extension cord to operate them in your yard. They are not a danger to your cord like a normal mower, but actually have small metal tines. The tines stick out (kind of like the metal springs in a chip bag clip), and kick up the thatch from the soil.

Average cost of a dethatcher in 2022

The average dethatcher will cost about $150, but ranges from $130 to $200 depending on the width of the machine.

Two of our favorite dethatcher reviews are below:

The Sun Joe Dethatcher is one of the hottest lawn care items in 2022.
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The Cub Cadet XT2 is the Official Mower of Dads

The Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 is the most popular model in the XT2 Enduro series by Cub Cadet. I have reviewed a few Cub Cadet mowers in the past, including an XT1 mower as well as one of their zero turn mowers. 

Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro series, from the back!

The XT2 series is a slightly higher-end version compared to the XT1. They were both built on the same chassis, but some details were changed (more on that later). Let’s take a look at what we will be reviewing today:

Cub Cadet XT2 Riding Mower: Feature review

The Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro series mower has a few options, but today I will look at the best seller – the XT2 LX46. The XT2 LX46 is a step up from the older and similar series from Cub Cadet and has new features not previously available. Let’s get started by checking each important feature out and then comparing the price and overall value of this lawn tractor.

Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 boasts a high horsepower engine

The XT2 Enduro LX46 has a 21.5 hp Kawasaki engine. This is a moderate to high horsepower engine for a lawn tractor. I always like seeing lawn mower companies outsource engines to quality companies. Folks like Briggs and Stratton, Honda, and Kawasaki have divisions that focus specifically on small engines and can provide outsized power and quality in ways that John Deere, Cub Cadet, etc. cannot. This takes a bit of humility on their part, but you will be thankful. 

Another feature of this mower that separates it from the XT1 series and most lower-end mowers is the AGM battery that has slightly more voltage. This allows for reliable starting and reduces the chances that your battery will die in the offseason. Cub Cadet must have heard some negative feedback about the battery dying in the winter because this is a great adjustment. 

Lastly, this thing has the power to pull a lawn mower trailer – which is cool.

Usability

The 46 inch mowing deck on the Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 is pretty standard for most lawn tractors. A differentiator for this mower is that it has a heavy-duty “AeroForce” deck. Frankly, I cannot tell much of a difference from this deck compared to others, other than the shape. It has a more angular shape instead of a smooth, round circle. The benefit to this is that it is sturdier and more reinforced than curved metal. 

The deck also comes with 4 gauge wheels and 12 deck positions to protect against scalping. Scalping is when you are using a lawn tractor and hit an uneven surface and the blades start digging into the earth. There are two blades at the bottom of this mower, meaning you can drive at higher speeds and it will keep up compared to one bladed lawn tractors. The 16 inch turn radius means that you can still make tight turns without having to shell out the cash for a zero-turn mower. 

The XT2 LX46 can go up to 5.5 mph forward and 3 mph in reverse, both are totally standard for a lawn tractor. One new feature to the XT2 not found on the XT1 enduro series is the front bumper. This can help keep brush away from the tires and body of the mower.

Comfort: what this mower does best

The Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 has done one thing that is absolutely perfect, and that is comfort. A noticeable difference from the XT1 to the XT2 series is the presence of armrests. While seemingly trivial, armrests make a huge difference if you are out moving for a long time. My arms get particularly tired as a tall person having to lurch over and keep my hands on the steering wheel.

The arm rests and cup holder on the Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro series.

Another feature that Cub Cadet always gets right is the high seat back. The seat back on Cub Cadet lawn tractors is higher than most other lawn tractors in the business. They truly understand that a comfortable ride makes a huge difference. With this in mind, this mower also comes with a cup holder. 

Again, these small trivial features seem like they would not and should be make or break issues, but experienced mowers will pick these things out each time. To be completely honest, the functionality and performance of most of these lawn tractors are marginally noticeable to normal consumers. The difference makers will be the comfort and operator-centric designs on the Cub Cadet XT2 enduro series.

Maintenance

The Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 comes with a Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission. Basically, this just means that the mower has a smooth transmission that requires less maintenance than standard automatic or manual transmissions. 

Nice brushguard!

Otherwise, this mower has a standard oil change system. This feature is basic, but a lot of folks like John Deere have figured out a way to save you 10-15 minutes on an oil change by just adding a simple cartridge. To me, this should be a negative for this mower because they simply have not innovated in this space. 

I like the large Aeroforce deck on this mower, but I haven’t seen a washout port on it for getting rid of the clumps and mess after a long season. With attention to some details and not others, the durability of this machine is put into question. Keeping grass on the blades and inside the deck can lead to erosion and rust over time. Make sure to life up the deck and spray out after a few mows.

Cost and value: Price of the XT2 Enduro

The Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 comes in at just over $3,000. This is a pretty big price tag and slightly over the standard range for similarly sized lawn tractors. What sets apart the Cub Cadet from its peers is the attention to user experience as well as a powerful cutting engine. 

Bumblebee

I would rank the XT2 series at about expected value. Quite simply, you get what you pay for. The value is definitely there, but you will have to pay for premium features. 

Pros and Cons

Now that we have a good understanding of some of the features, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the XT2 Enduro series

Pros

  • Powerful Kawasaki engine compared to its peers
  • Large, reinforced cutting deck means heavy-duty cuts 
  • Attention to user experience, high seat back, arm rests, and cup holder
  • New features and upgrades from the XT1 including a stronger battery and front brush guard

Cons

  • A little bit on the pricier side
  • Nothing innovative in the maintenance space to help reduce time spent on oil changes

Attachments and accessories

Cub Cadet does a great job with attachments and accessories. One thing I love about the diversity in attachments is that it turns your mower into a year-round vehicle.

Some of the attachments include a snow cab, leaf collector, tire chains, double bagger, cargo carrier, sun shade, sprayer, snow plow blade and more.

The official review

FeatureCub Cadet XT2
Difficulty to useLess difficult due to tighter turn radius than peers.
DurabilityAverage durability of engine and transmission but above average durability of deck due to reinforced steel “Aeroforce”
MaintenanceAverage maintenance, maybe even below average compared to peeers.
ValueYou get what you pay for.
For lots <10,000 sq. ftLess recommended
For lots <1 acreHighly recommended
For lots >1 acreHighly recommended up to about 2 acres.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Cub Cadet’s reputation 

The first Cub Cadet lawn tractor was designed and engineered in the early 1960s here in America. They did not develop another type of equipment until the early 90’s, when they developed a snow blower. Their first 30 years were dedicated solely to lawn tractors, but made cool walk-behind mowers as well.

One of their popular walk-behinds.

While they do not have the same reputation as some of the older brands like Husqvarna, they absolutely are known for their innovation. In fact, they work on some pretty neat pieces of equipment. They develop consumer-centric upgrades like electronic power steering, robotic golf course mowers, and the first mobile app for maintenance.

Who should purchase a lawn tractor

Lawn tractors are great pieces of equipment and essential for many suburbanites. When choosing between a push mower, lawn tractor, or zero-turn mower, it really comes down to lawn size.

I recommend push mowers for those with yards up to ½ of an acre. After that, the job just takes too long and is not worth it. For those with a yard between ½ of an acre to 1.5 acres, I suggest lawn tractors. For those with 1.5 acres and up, a zero turn mower is essential. 

Lawn tractors and zero turn mowers are mostly similar, but zero-turn mowers have additional speed, larger cutting decks, and more nimble turning capabilities. They are great for large yards as mentioned, but also can slow down and handle curves near garden beds or structures very well. 

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The Husqvarna YTH18542 Lawn Tractor Is An Incredible Mower

The Husqvarna YTH18542 is a heavy-duty 42 inch lawn tractor that can tackle just about any job. Husqvarna has a vast selection of lawn materials, ranging from commercial to residential use. Let’s check out why this is one of the most popular riding mowers on the market. 

A beast riding mower.

Today we will review:

The Husqvarna YTH18542 Lawn Tractor: Features

The Husqvarna YTH18542 is a name that rolls right off the tip of the tongue. All jokes aside, let’s check out each element of the YTH18542 that makes it so popular for homeowners. 

The lawn tractor has a powerful 18.5 HP engine

The power of the Husqvarna YTH18542 is slightly above its competitors. This engine comes with a 18.5 HP engine (compared to John Deere’s E100 with 17.5). The YTH18542 also comes with a Briggs and Stratton Intek engine. Briggs and Stratton makes lawn mower engines for some of the most powerful mowers, including some large push mowers I reviewed. 

The 18.5hp Briggs and Stratton Intek engine on the Husqvarna YTH18542.

I have never had issues with this mower and from others that I have heard from, this thing has no issue going up hills. I also love the hydrostatic transmission on this bad boy. Hydrostatic transmissions are awesome for those that don’t love doing maintenance on their lawn mower (umm…everyone). They are smoother and have less moving, clunking parts. 

This lawn tractor is moderately comfortable

While not zero-turn, this mower does have a pretty tight turning radius of 16 inches. Similar to most other type of lawn tractors, it does have a forward and reverse function that is foot-controlled. 

Also what seems to be standard on lawn tractors is their seat back. I honestly do not like how uncomfortable the lawn tractor seat backs are, but then again I am well over six feet tall. On the older models of the Husqvarna YTH18542, there was a metal spring underneath the seat that clasped it to the frame. The newer models use a plastic one. For heavier folks, this could potentially break over time with use (not your fault). 

I do like that the seat is at least adjustable with a lever and lets you drop it closer to the steering wheel if you don’t have freakishly long legs like I do. Another aspect of this mower that I love is the cup holder. I am super easy to please, so having something like this absolutely delighted me. 

It requires standard maintenance

Upfront, something I dislike about the Husqvarna YTH18542 is that it does not come with an hour meter. I use an hour meter to know when I should do an oil change and this one has to be purchased separately. It is something easy and cheap that they could easily add, so this is frustrating.

You can buy an hour meter separately, like this one from Amazon.

Otherwise, this is pretty standard lawn mower maintenance. Oil change and air filters occasionally. One thing I noticed that seems odd to me is that the gas tank is under the hood, right next to the engine. As long as you keep the hood on and do not smoke and mow, you should likely not cause the next forest fire. 

Further, a small detail I like is the washout port for the deck. A lot of push mowers have this function. Basically you just hook up a hose to this little port and the deck has grooves that will run the water through and clean out all of the grass. This is easy and helps not drag in a bunch of grass into your garage or shed. 

The tractor will last you a LONG time

Husqvarna has a reputation for quality and durable equipment. That’s why their products are used for golf courses and national parks. This is demonstrated by a cast iron front axle that simply will not bend under pressure. After about 15 years, this thing may fall apart but that cast iron axle will be there until the day you die. 

The Husqvarna YTH18542 does come with a three year bumper to bumper warranty. Any concerns you have about this mower will be fully addressed in the first three years. This is a great warranty, whereas many competitors have a 2 year warranty. 

Price

The Husqvarna YTH18542 comes in at just around $2,000. This is relatively standard for riding mowers of this size and horsepower. I will say, if you are comparing this to a rival lawn tractor brand, you can get those at a better price. 

The sleek design of the Husqvarna YTH18542.

This is a decent value considering Husqvarna’s reputation for quality and durability. I also think the Briggs & Stratton engine gives it a distinct advantage over John Deere’s comparable lawn tractors in the series. 

The official review

FeatureHusqvarna YTH18542Comparable lawn tractor
Difficulty to useLess difficult due to tighter turning radiusAverage
DurabilityAbove average durabilityAverage durability
MaintenanceAverage maintenanceAverage maintenance
ValueMedium valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftNot recommendedWould not fit
For lots <1 acreHighly recommendedHighly recommended
For lots >1 acreHighly recommended up to 2 acresHighly recommended up to 2 acres

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Husqvarna products

Husqvarna makes chainsaws, blowers, mowers, trimmers, snow blowers, edgers, pressure washers – basically any outdoor tool you would want to use around your home. They stand out with their bright orange color scheme. Commercial landscaping companies love these products, so I guarantee you have seen hundreds of these when you have been driving around.

Most popular item.

If you are wondering how to pronounce Husqvarna, you have come to the wrong place. But this company’s 330 year history started in Sweden by manufacturing muskets. In 1919, they began engineering their first lawnmower engines. Since then, they have become a dominant force in all outdoor equipment. I have reviewed one of their trimmers before and it is an absolute beast!

Riding mowers vs. zero-turn mowers

Many people ask us what the difference is between riding mowers (lawn tractors) and zero turn mowers. Simply put, they are both great. Lawn tractors tend to be less expensive than zero turn mowers. Both are great for lawns between 1-2 acres, but zero turn mowers will take you past two acres. 

The ideal lawn size for a lawn tractor is about a half of an acre up to two acres. Once you hit the two acre mark, you are going to be out there for a long time. Zero-turn mowers would be overkill for a ½ acre lot and can reach almost double the speed of lawn tractors. 

Fortunately, the market for mowers for people with half of an acre to two acres is much larger than the market for people with over two acres. This is why lawn tractors are still so popular. 

Oh – and both can pull little lawn trailers as well which is sweet.

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The Entry-Level John Deere Tractor That Homeowners Love

The John Deere E100 (now S100) lawn tractor is an iconic mower that is one of their best sellers. I have reviewed a different John Deere tractor and ultimately did not love the price. The price on this lawn tractor is much more affordable. Let’s review some of the features and get started on the below:

As an FYI: this mower is being replaced the S-series of mowers by John Deere. You can still buy them used, however.

The John Deere E100 riding mower replaced by S100

Let’s take an up-close look into the features of this mower. While not the most tricked out pony on the market, it certainly has what it takes to get the job done. Here we go!

The John Deere E100 lawn tractor.

Comfort

The John Deere S100 riding mower is a very standard lawn tractor. Nothing wild about it. Growing up, we had a similar lawn tractor in our garage that I would play on. It felt exactly the same as this riding mower. It has a seat with a totally standard seat back and a very normal steering wheel. If you are looking for cup holders, storage spots, or any other unique comfort features, you will not find them here.

Similarly, this mower has side-by-side foot pedals that help give the driver control of speed and forward/reverse with their feet. The seat also is able to be modified slightly to accommodate the size of the driver. The steering wheel is fixed and not adjustable, however. 

Keep in mind, if you are mowing half of an acre to an acre of land with this mower, then you are not going to be out there for a very long time. Bells and whistles are not needed. This is a bare bones, stock level of mower – and that’s totally fine for most people. The need to turn mowers into the next Rolls Royce is not always functional. 

User experience

As I mentioned previously, this is a very standard lawn tractor. This means the deck and blade engagement system is manual in most versions of this model. The John Deere S100 has the manual levers on both sides of the chair that have various functions. 

Remember this?

While some of the more modern and more expensive riding mowers and zero-turn mowers have electronic or dial-operated systems, the S100 is old school. Fortunately, this means less moving parts or things that can break. For those of us that appreciate simplicity, this could actually be a great feature. 

Power

This lawn mower boasts a 17.5 horsepower engine, pretty standard for a lawn tractor. I do like the 2.4 gallon gas tank which allows for basically any job to be completed that you would do with a lawn tractor. 

Pretty sweet.

The E100 offers the lowest amount of horsepower in the E series from John Deere. As you go up to E110 through E180, the horsepower increases modestly to accommodate a wider deck. The standard deck size on the E100 is a 42 inch cutting blade. The body basically stays the same on all of them, however. 

A newer feature of this model is the increased battery power. This is feedback that John Deere received on their older models of the E100. Previously, the mower was difficult to start – the new, larger battery has fixed that issue and increased the reliability of a solid start. 

Maintenance

One thing I do love about John Deere tractors are their relatively easy maintenance requirements. The Easy Change 30-second oil change system they created allows for a super quick oil change. Basically, there is an oil canister that you just pop on to replace the oil. 

This is an amazing feature.

John Deere E100 oil change – pretty simple cannister changeout.

John Deere S100 price new and used

The John Deere S100 is a more affordable lawn tractor. For a new John Deere S100, you will pay about $1,500 for the machine. For a used John Deere S100, expect to pay around $1,000 or so depending on hours. 

A machine with hundreds of hours will bring the price down quite a bit. As I mentioned previously, the low-cost and quick maintenance on these mowers is incredible. Additionally, John Deere mowers have a reputation for being durable and long-lasting.

What’s the difference between the E100 and S100 John Deere mowers?

From what I can tell on the surface, nothing. They have the same horsepower and look basically identical. I’m sure John Deere is rolling in his grave (if he is dead), but these look to be the same. If you are looking between the two, you could probably save a ton of money getting a lightly-used S100 versus chunking out $1,800 for a S100. Totally up to you, though!

The S100 series are available at Home Depot, so you can check the most recent prices here. The E100 are not currently being sold.

The official review: The John Deere S100 lawn tractor

Let’s check out how the John Deere S100 compares to the average lawn tractor.

FeatureJohn Deere E100Comparable lawn tractor
Difficulty to useAverage, maybe slightly more difficultAverage
DurabilityAbove average durabilityAverage durability
MaintenanceLess maintenance due to easy oil changeAverage maintenance
ValueMedium valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftNot recommendedWould not fit
For lots <1 acreHighly recommendedHighly recommended
For lots >1 acreHighly recommended up to 2 acresHighly recommended up to 2 acres

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Mowers are our bread and butter!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

John Deere’s reputation

John Deere is a 180-year old company that has been making things like lawn tractors and large scale agricultural products. While John Deere has a big reputation in the agricultural world, they are also major players in the residential mowing world. They are also featured in the hit country song, “Big Green Tractor” and many other country songs.

Universally recognized!

In addition to their massive pieces of equipment, they also sell things like Gators. Gators are similar to golf carts but more industrial and can carry things around your property. Needless to say, things like lawn tractors are a walk in the park for them to manufacture. 

They make some absolutely sick zero-turn mowers as well!

Lawn tractors: A crash course

Many people who consider a lawn tractor (the traditional riding mower) are considering which option is the best for their yard. Push mowers or even self-propelled push mowers are good for lawns up to about a half of an acre. Zero-turn mowers are great for properties with one or more acres. Lawn tractors fall right in the middle of those. 

While lawn tractors can fit smaller yards, they aren’t always a necessary option for those that are mobile and able to push a mower. With larger yards, lawn tractors again can be used and can be great, but will take much longer than a zero-turn mower. 

Despite being in a “middle ground” of lawn size categories, lawn tractors are still extremely popular. Many people have between a half and two acres of land, so rely on lawn tractors to get the job done. They are also pretty fun to drive around. 

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John Deere X350: Does it run like a Deere?

The John Deere X350 is a riding mower offered by John Deere. When they say “Nothing Runs Like a Deere”, they mean it. These riding mowers are big, powerful, and high quality. 

My first lawn tractor was a John Deere. It sat in my garage when I was a kid and I remember sitting on it and wanting to mow the lawn, even at a young age. The iconic John Deere brand is well known for longevity and reliability. In fact, I went on a hayride with my little one this past weekend and was pulled by one of the big John Deere tractors that looks like it was made in the early 60s. 

Today, we will review all of the important features of the John Deere X350 – particularly the one with a 42-inch deck. While the X350 does come with an optional 48 inch deck, most folks with residential properties will stick with the 42. 

Spoiler:

The John Deere X350 does run like a Deere (duh). It is an absolute beast, but is no longer being manufactured. They have since started moving their X350 series to the comparable E100 series that you can read about here and have made a lot more of their focus shifted to zero turns.

Jump ahead to:

Riding mowers vs push mowers vs zero-turn mowers

When it comes to picking the right size of mower for your yard, there are a few considerations. The first thing to consider is the size of your lawn. For those of us on several acres, a zero-turn mower is going to be the fastest way to get your lawn cut. Zero-turn mowers also offer more agility and nimble cuts if you are working around a circular or wavy structure or garden bed. John Deere also makes some great zero-turn mowers.

If you have more than a half an acre but less than 3 acres, riding mowers are a necessity. Riding mowers offer the speed and power of zero-turn mowers, but are easier to store and not too large for narrow spaces. 

If you have less than a half of an acre, consider a push mower that can handle large yards. You can get self-propelled push mowers that will walk for you to help ease the burden. A riding mower and especially a zero-turn mower are going to be way too large and frankly a waste of power. 

Benefits of riding mowers

As mentioned previously, riding mowers are perfect for mid-sized lawns that are too big for a push mower, but too small for a zero-turn mower. Riding mowers also can fit between two cars in your garage. 

Additionally, riding mowers come in at a lower price point than zero-turn mowers and have a more intuitive steering function (the steering wheel). Another thing I love about riding mowers is their ability to pick up other functions. Some riding mowers come with a trailer hitch or front-end attachment that can allow for things like mini trailers, snow plow functions, brush guards, and more. This can help with multiple other functions around your property other than just cutting the grass. 

The John Deere X350 with a 42 inch mowing deck

While I love riding mowers, the John Deere X350 offers some convenience and functionality I have not seen in others. I have reviewed a couple of other riding mowers, but have seen some new gadgets on this one that have simply blown me away. Let’s check them out below:

Control panel and ease of use

I have gone on and on about this in other reviews I have done, but remember the control panels on the old riding mowers? You had somewhere between a rabbit and a tortoise and had to crank that spring powered gear shifter and hope it landed on the right one? 

Well, those days are gone. Technology has truly advanced to an intuitive experience for the mower driver. Close your eyes and imagine – an electronic fuel gauge, battery life, speed, and everything else in your car’s dashboard – on your LAWN MOWER!!!!!

Okay – now open your eyes (you had to in order to read this, but just go with me) and check out the below picture:

The visually appealing dashboard on the John Deere X350.

Pretty dang cool. Some other perks about the control panel include an easy “Mulch-on, mulch-off” button as well as a cutting height adjuster knob. I love the height adjuster because it gives you ¼ inch increments and really allows you to have total easy control over how much length you want in your grass. 

Maintenance

As John Deere tends to do, the John Deere X350 has a 30 second oil change system. I did not know that was possible, but they have this neat looking tube that you just hook up to your mower and it replaces the oil. 

One thing I love seeing in this mower is the K46 hydrostatic transaxle system. This allows for easier to maintain, less “breakability” movement. 

Further, the John Deere X350 comes with a four year or three hundred hour bumper to bumper warranty. While I’m not in love with the transmission, anything that goes wrong in the first four years is still under warranty. That signifies the confidence that John Deere has in this series of riding mowers. 

Drivability of the John Deere X350

Similar to other riding mowers, the John Deere X350 has a decent seatback and traditional foot pedal system for operating. For me, the traditional riding mowers are always more difficult to operate due to my height. Most people will find this mower comfortable and easy to use, just as any other riding mower.

Unfortunately, nothing really sets John Deere’s X350 apart from its competition in this department. 

Another thing I do not love about this mower is the lack of arm rests. I absolutely need armrests when I use the riding mower and can’t stand just having my elbows dangle. 

Attachments and other fun

The John Deere X350, like other riding mowers, has the functionality to add on attachments. This can turn your mower from a 4-5 month per year machine to a year around machine. The X300 series allows for snow blowers, front blades, baggers, canopy and weather enclosures, sprayers, just about every tow-behind you can dream of, and even utility carts.

The classic green and yellow of the John Deere X350.

I have seen this ability with other riding mowers, but have been blown away by the breadth of attachments that John Deere offers. It looks like John Deere has made a name for itself by trying to offer the most comprehensive suite of attachments and becoming a full year machine. 

The spreader attachment is amazing.

Power

The John Deere X350 offers a 22hp V-twin engine. As you may see in competitors that offer a Kohler or Kawasaki engine, but John Deere manufactures its own engines. The engines are comparable with others and allows for up to 5.5mph of forward speed and 4mph in reverse. 

Now that’s a cool shot. Cred: John Deere.

I have personally never had any issues with power as I mow on relatively flat land, but have heard from others that this machine can struggle with hills. The owner’s manual actually references not using this mower with angles greater than 15 degrees. 

Mower deck

The 42 inch “Accel Deep” mower deck offered by the John Deere X350 is a great steel deck shell. This deck features a wash port for simple cleaning and electric power take-off clutch with in-line belt. 

With an awesome bagging attachment.

Cost and value of the John Deere X350

Right now, the X350 is listed for $3,499 on John Deere’s website. For the price, I don’t love the value of this mower. In fact, you can get some really slick zero-turn mowers for about the same price. In all honesty, I do not think this is worth it. While John Deere mowers are great, I can’t imagine this price point for a traditional lawn tractor riding mower. That being said, inflation is definitely high and that may be having a big impact on this price. Shop around!

John Deere also sells some comparable lawn tractors at Home Depot that you can check out online.

The overall review: The John Deere X350 mower

FeatureJohn Deere X350Comparable lawn tractors
Difficulty to useSlightly less difficultAverage difficulty
DurabilityAverage durabilityAverage durability
MaintenanceRelatively easy to maintainRelatively easy to maintain
ValueLower value to high priceMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftNot recommendedNot recommended
For lots <1 acreRecommended Recommended 
For lots >1 acreRecommended up to 2-3 acresRecommended up to 2-3 acres
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