Tag: Riding Mower

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Gas vs Battery Powered Riding Mowers: 2024 Buying Guide

Toro timecutter zero turn

Gas vs battery powered riding mowers is a question nobody would have contemplated 10 years ago. Heck, even five years ago. Battery powered riding mowers have made significant improvements that make them a better choice for homeowners.

In order to maintain your lawn, you need the right kind of lawn and garden equipment.  If it’s time for you to upgrade to a riding lawn mower, you’ll have a lot of choices to make.

How much horsepower do you need? How big should the cutting width be? Do you need a zero-turn or a lawn tractor? You’ll also have to decide whether you want a gas or battery powered rider. This final decision may, in fact, be the most important. Let’s break it down.

My experience with gas and battery 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.

Choosing between gas and battery powered riding mowers

While gas mowers have long been the only choice, battery power is fast becoming nearly as popular (for homeowners). You may be wondering whether it’s best to buy a gas powered mower or if battery power is best.There are several reasons to focus your attention on the type of fuel your riding mower uses including price, performance, and durability and most notably – maintenance.

Here are a few pros and cons for each fuel source you should take note of:

Pros of Gas Power for Riding Lawn Mowers

All the commercial folks and really anybody above 55 rolls their eyes at me any time I put a piece of content out about electric riding mowers. And that is for one simple reason: the majority of the riding lawn mowers in use today are equipped with a gas engine. They’re strong, effective machines that can operate for long periods to accomplish large scale mowing tasks. 

One main pro is that as long as you have gas, you can cut all day long. Not a single electric or battery powered tool can say the same. Any batteries will require downtime for recharging. If you run a commercial landscaping company, you better have a solution for this or you will struggle to put food on the table.

Cons of Gas Power for Riding Lawn Mowers

One of the biggest drawbacks of operating a gas-powered riding lawn mower is the noise. These things are dang loud. But, that’s just the beginning. Because it burns gas and oil, the mower also releases toxic exhaust into the air, harming the environment.

Yeah, I get it. Your riding mower probably isn’t putting enough exhaust out to cause the polar bears to lose their homes, but it definitely isn’t helping. The other difficult thing about gas mowers is the maintenance schedule. These things are practically cars. In fact many of these cost more than many cars I’ve purchased. But maintenance on them can be complex. New filters, new tires, oil changes, spark plugs, and batteries (yes, even gas-powered lawn tractors and zero-turns have batteries).

All the maintenance is costly, but also just plain annoying.

Pros of Battery Power for Riding Lawn Mowers

As you can imagine, a battery-powered riding lawn mower is much quieter than a gas mower. That means you can keep the lawn mowed without disturbing the neighbors or your family.They’re perfect for smaller lots in cozy neighborhoods. Eco-conscience homeowners may also find this option attractive.

One reason I like battery powered riding mowers is that I can pop in some Airpods and rock out. I also like that I don’t smell like gasoline and exhaust when I am done. 

But my absolute favorite part of battery powered riding mowers as compared to gas is the lack of maintenance. There is no oil to change, there are no spark plugs, filters, or really anything else. And after a long winter, these just require a quick pop of the battery and you’re good to go.

If you’re a homeowner, it kind of makes a LOT of sense.

Cons of Battery Power for Riding Lawn Mowers 

Despite the many benefits of battery power, there are some negatives. First, batteries have a much shorter life than a tank of gasoline. Therefore, it takes longer to get the same amount of work done. Once the battery runs out, it takes time to recharge. Batteries are also super expensive, so despite not having to fill up gas anymore, you still have to shell out a good chunk of change for new batteries. Oh – and they need to be charged, too.

For residential and commercial landscapers, this is a huge problem. Landscaping companies live off of moving from job to job and going quickly. Stopping to charge batteries is going to present a major problem if they can’t find a way to keep them charged and ready to go. And that gets expensive and requires a custom trailer build or some sort of super amped up (literally) rig.

Gas or Battery Powered Riding Mower: My recommendation

Knowing the key differences between gas and battery power riders is important. After reviewing the information here, you can make an informed decision that suits you. For me, I recommend a battery powered riding mower for homeowners and a gas powered mower for landscapers. I think battery technology will only improve, so over the long term I think the battery wins out. In fact, some states like California are banning gas powered lawn tools in general.

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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7 Keys to Maintaining A Riding Mower: 2024 Update

Your riding lawn mower, much like your car or truck, requires regular maintenance to perform at its peak. Neglecting your riding mower can result in unreliable operation, expensive repairs, and endless frustration. 

No matter what make, model, brand, or size your riding mower is, there are some key maintenance tasks you should be performing on a schedule. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned lawn mower, follow these tips to keep your riding mower running smooth.

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.

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.

Top tips for maintaining your riding mower

Let me break out the must-have riding mower maintenance tips that you shouldn’t forget if you spend the big bucks on a riding mower. Not all of these apply to every brand of riding mower, but these are generally good rules to follow.

Use Your Riding Mower Correctly

Whenever operating your riding lawn mower, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it runs safely and efficiently. Avoid mowing over debris that can harm you or the mower such as branches, metal, toys, and trash. A quick walk around the yard will help avoid costly repairs.

This may seem obvious, but I’ve seen riding folks basically use these as golf carts and take them all over the road and even off-road. Tip number one: use it to mow lawns.

Keep Track of the Oil

Oil is literally the lifeblood of your lawn mower’s engine. Literally. It must be maintained at the proper level at all times. Make sure you check the oil before every use to avoid expensive engine issues later. Oil changes are necessary for all gas-powered riding mowers. 

How often to change the oil on your riding mower depends on the mower’s engine:

  • No oil filter? Change the oil every time you reach 25 hours of use.
  • Oil filter? After 100 hours of use, change the oil.

Use High-Quality, Low Ethanol Gas

You won’t use low-grade gasoline in your car, and you shouldn’t use it in your riding mower either. But, be careful about the fuel you use. Your car can handle E87, but it’s got too much ethanol for lawn equipment. Opt for E-10 to protect your mower’s engine.

Or if you’re a purist who only loads your truck with pure gasoline like me, then treat your mower the same. It will save you money in the long run even if it feels more expensive up front.

Keep Your Mower’s Engine Clean

Dirt and debris go with the territory when mowing your lawn. When it gets lodged in the spaces inside your ring mower’s engine, it’s more than a nuisance. Debris can block the airflow, causing your engine to work too hard, brush away dirt and remove grass clippings, leaves, and other debris after every use.

You’d be surprised at what can pop up and launch into parts of your mower that you wouldn’t normally expect. If you lift the hood up after a mow, you can find dirt, pollen, and small rocks. Mix that with some moisture, heat, and time and you start to get some serious problems. A quick wipe down can prevent a lot of trouble.

Keep a Clean Machine

Regularly wash your riding lawn mower using a hose or pressure washer and a mild soap and give it a good hand dry, just like your car. Be sure to get all those grass clippings from the blade area that have become stuck, otherwise they’ll hinder the mower’s performance. 

The deck wash port here is the black nozzle.

Many of these riding mowers have a deck wash port where you can connect your hose, run some water, and it will circulate water through the deck. This makes super quick work of cleaning out your cutting deck, which can be a really easy task to ignore. I mean it is generally the last thing I want to do after I’ve spent an hour mowing my grass. I want to water my grass, not my mower.

 Lastly,clean the wheels to maintain good traction. I recently had a friend mow on a hill and the machine fell over, nearly killing him. Serious stuff here.

Store Your Riding Mower Properly

How you store your riding mower after each use, an in the off season, can impact its performance.Take care to keep it out of the harsh elements to protect the mower body and engine.Never leave your mower outside and don’t cover it with a tarp, or it’ll rust and corrode.. Store it in the garage or a weather-proof shed for maximum protection.

If you don’t have either, get a nice tarp and keep it covered. Whatever you do, keep it dry and try to keep it out of the sun. A car port or something similar can also work in a bind.

Use Your Best Judgment

Using a riding mower makes lawn work easy and fast, but you have to take care of it. Follow the tips above and remember, if the weather is comfortable for you, it’s also a good day to mow. On the other hand, leave your rider to rest when it’s hot and muggy or the engine, and you may overheat.

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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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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3 Convenient Trailers for Hauling with Your Lawn Mower

Trailers on lawn mowers are underappreciated tools that let you turn a normal lawn tractor into a straight up do-it-all beast. My favorite trailer for lawn mowers is the Agri-Fab 750 lb trailer because it can hold a huge load and is inexpensive.

Could use bigger tires, but is great and dirt cheap.

Yes, there’s a reason they’re called tractor trailers – many tractors originally served as the ultimate vehicle. Fortunately, folks like Ford bailed us out and gave us the F150 straight from heaven. 

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for a good old trailer for your lawn mower. These are great for hauling hay, mulch, feed, salt, or anything else across your property. Luckily, there are a ton of options and plenty of buying options – many of which you can get delivered straight to your house.

Let’s explore the best trailers for lawn mowers:

  1. A tow-behind dump cart
  2. A sweet multi-purpose lawn mower trailer
  3. A super heavy-duty lawn mower trailer

Ranking the best lawn mower trailers

Because all of these are such different trailers with different uses, it’s hard to compare them equally. So we’ve gone ahead and broken them down by category – with the ability to purchase online and even have them delivered. Pretty dang cool. Let’s get started.

One of these can help get the job done.

If you’re looking for some good lawn tractors, check out Husqvarna!

Best lawn mower tow behind dump cart: Agri-Fab 750 Pound

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned dump cart for your lawn mower, this is going to be the best lawn mower trailer for you. When it comes to moving mulch, seed, water, or other things – this is the classic trailer that you have in mind.

A few things we love about this tow-behind dump trailer:

  • Made in America (USA #1)
  • A universal trailer hitch that fits any lawn tractor
  • Steel bed with 750 lb capacity and 12 cubic feet
  • Big pneumatic (air-filled) tires
  • A really convenient foot lever that lets you pump up the dump cart and tip it back

It’s really convenient that it can fit any lawn tractor and carry quite a bit of mulch, hay, or whatever else you need to haul around. 

The best part is you can order this online and have it shipped straight to your house. This one is for sale on Amazon for a really good price and is pretty easy to put together.

Best multi-purpose lawn mower trailer: Gorilla Carts 2-in-1 Convertible handle

Now this lawn mower trailer has me scratching my head. I honestly don’t understand how it is able to pull off such a ridiculous payload, but here we are. What struck me about this 2-in-1 Gorilla Cart was why on earth anyone would NOT buy it? Everyone needs a good yard cart (they’re 1000x better than a wheelbarrow) and if you ever need to hitch it to a lawn mower or ATV – then you’re set. 

The handle on this dump cart not only allows you to pull the cart behind you on the four pneumatic tires, but serves as a lever to pump the back of the cart up for dumping. Oh – and it also hitches to a dang lawn mower. 

But I glossed over something here – this has 4 tires on it, making it really easy to transport and takes a massive amount of weight off of your shoulders if you are hand-pulling it. It also keeps the cart flat when being towed.

This thing is the gardener’s dream.


Another huge benefit is that you can unlatch it from the mower and keep pulling it by hand if you need to take it the last mile by yourself. With traditional lawn mower trailers, you are out of luck.

This one is really crazy as well because it has multiple purposes and functions, a huge 1200 lb capacity, and is an insane price on Amazon, where it has over ten thousand 5 star reviews. Holy cow…

Best heavy duty lawn mower trailer: MotoAlliance Impact 1500 lb 

So this one is really designed for ATVs and UTVs, but has the same hitch as a lawn mower and can easily be towed by most zero-turns with big engines. This one made the list because it most closely resembles a normal trailer but will take you places a normal trailer can’t go.

The MotoAlliance Impact has a 1500 lb capacity and 15 cubic feet. We love that it has a huge bed and steel construction but also love the super wide tires that help it go over concrete, snow, or really anything else. It is a huge tire upgrade from the other two options on this list and it shows.

It also has big side rails that can hold in hay bales or anything else, but are also removable for dropping in trees or brush. One of my good friends has one of these at his lake house for hauling wood and uses an old ATV to pull it around. It does a great job and has been worn down for a long time. 

I love the removable side rails on this one.

While it is super heavy duty for a lawn mower trailer, it still comes in at a decent price. You have to do some assembly if you buy it online, but it is well worth it. 

You can grab it on Amazon for just under $500.

Lawn mower trailers: The bottom line

If you have a lawn tractor and want to use it for things besides just cutting the grass – turn it into a multi-use vehicle and grab a trailer. This is one of those simple pleasures in life that made me smile when I got to turn my mower into a little truck. 

This is super helpful if you have bagged mulch from Lowes or somewhere else. Simply rack and stack and haul off to the nearest bed.

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 this tool testing stuff 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. 

What to look for in a trailer for a lawn mower

When we check out a new trailer for our riding mower, we have a few things we make sure to check out. While some of it may be obvious, these trailers are different from the ones you use with your truck. Here’s how:

Weight capacity

This one is pretty obvious. You want your lawn mower trailer to be able to hold enough weight to get your job done, but not leave you on two wheels spinning in the mud. Most of the lawn mower trailers hold under 1,000 lbs – not because they will fall apart but because they will burn  out your lawn tractor.

Dimensions

Mower trailers vary a bunch in size, with some being basically wheelbarrows to some looking like they could tow a boat. Don’t get any more than you need by spending a lot of money. You can always make multiple trips.

Usability

Make sure to grab a trailer that functions in ways that are helpful to you. I’ll get more into it later, but some of these can be used for multiple purposes outside of just a lawn mower trailer. Get more bang for the buck instead of buying a lawn mower trailer and a yard cart.

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5 High Quality Husqvarna Riding Mowers

Husqvarna riding mowers are super recognizable and known for one thing: quality. My favorite Husqvarna riding mower is the YTH24V48 because it has a massive cutting deck but is still easy to drive and relatively cheap.

They sell a handful of riding mowers that are absolute beasts and targeted for homeowners that give a crap. 

Every Husqvarna riding mower comes with a powerful engine that is outsourced to Kawasaki, Briggs and Stratton or Kohler – all magicians in the small engine game.

Today we will break down which Husqvarna riding mowers are the best and will take into consideration size, build quality, bells and whistles, and cost. 

Let’s get started.

***SPOILER***: Recommended Husqvarna Riding Mower: YTH24V48

Best Husqvarna Lawn Tractors: Ranked

Now that we understand how amazing the products are that Husqvarna makes, let’s start breaking down a ranking of their best riding mowers. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of these, but I am going to rank them holistically. 

1. Husqvarna YTH24V48 Riding Mower

I put the YTH24V48 at number one for a few reasons. Before I get into that, I just want to highlight the naming convention here. The 24 means it is a 22 HP engine and the 48 means it has a 48 inch wide cutting deck. 

Yes, that is a four foot wide cutting deck on a riding mower. Some are bigger, but this is also bigger than many zero-turn mowers. Heck yeah.

Simple, beastly, inexpensive.

In fact, one of the top reasons I ranked this number one is because it is the biggest and baddest riding mower from Husqvarna that can still fit in your garage (hopefully). The others really start to top out space and require a separate shad or even a whole spot in your garage.

Another reason I ranked this one number one is that it was the best value. Not the cheapest, but pound-for-pound most value dense. 

Here’s why I think so:

  • Super wide cutting deck without being obnoxious, the perfect size
  • Hydrostatic transmission operated by a pedal
  • Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin 24 HP engine, putting it top of class for riding mower horsepower
  • Cast Iron front axle, meaning it won’t bend or break

All-in this thing has an MSRP value of $2,799. Husqvarna uses local dealers to help you find a sales location. You can find yours by clicking here.

2. Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower

The Husqvarna YTH18542 is second for me. This is the base model for Husqvarna’s YTH series and reminds me a lot of the classic, famous John Deere E100. Both are base models of brands that are known for quality and durability. 

I’ve done a full review of the Husqvarna YTH18542 that I placed at number two here, but will try to summarize why I like this riding mower so much. It is honestly extremely similar to the YTH24V48 with a few exceptions. For starters, this has a single cylinder engine instead of a twin cylinder. It also is about 10 inches narrower and 6 less horsepower. 

Slimmer but still a beast!

All of these are differences likely not noticed by the average homeowner looking to cut their yard, outside of how dang wide the 24V48 is. But many of the features are exactly the same, including:

  • The super sturdy cast iron front axle
  • Attachment-capable system for year-round use, for things like snow plow attachments or pull-behind trailers
  • Hydrostatic transmission for smooth gear changes

All-in-all this is a great entry point into Husqvarna for first time riding mower buyers. The price point is a huge reason that this one is so popular and widely recognized. 

This thing has an MSRP value of $2,399, or about $400 cheaper than our top ranked model. Husqvarna uses local dealers to help you find a sales location. You can find yours by clicking here. 

3. Husqvarna TS 354XD Riding Mower / Lawn Tractor

The Husqvarna TS 354XD is hands down the absolute most powerful and freakishly badass riding mower Husqvarna offers. At first glance, it is noticeably dominant. It stares you in the eyes until you back down.

What I ride on to pick up your girl for a date. Photo cred: Husqvarna

Just kidding. But it does have a super high-back chair with armrests that make it seem like the most comfortable riding mower in existence. 

The things that really set apart this mower are:

  • A 54 inch cutting deck, which rivals most zero-turn mowers and is 4.5 feet wide. Holy guacamole. 
  • A 24 horsepower engine, yes please.
  • 6 anti-scalp wheels that keep the blade stable when you’re going over steep banks and hills
  • A front brush-guard
  • A Kawasaki engine

I mention the Kawasaki engine here because when it comes to larger engines, Husqvarna tends to use Kawasaki engines instead of Briggs and Stratton. 

The TS 354XD truly does rival the size of zero-turn mowers, so if you’re more of a lawn tractor guy and don’t need a zero-turn, this thing is your best bet. This has added functionalities and attachments that you can buy that make this more functional than just a lawn mower. This riding mower is truly a year-round utility vehicle that happens to cut grass.

At close to $5,000 MSRP, you know it means business. 

4. Husqvarna TS 242XD Riding Mower

If you’re looking for a mower with almost as much functionality as the TS 354XD but you aren’t quite ready to drop 5k, then check out the TS 242XD. 

The TS 242XD is a toned down version of the TS 354XD, but it still has some of the features that make it incredible for over $1,200 cheaper. Sadly, the really cool high-back chair with armrests doesn’t come with this one. 

But here are the things that DO come with it that make it an incredible option for those that are still looking to have a year-round lawn tractor. 

  • 2 cylinder Kawasaki engine (21.5 HP)
  • Front brush guard
  • Hydrostatic transmission

The main differences (outside of aesthetics) are the fact that this mower cuts a foot more narrowly than the other and has 2.5 less horsepower.

Nice side profile! Photo cred: Husqvarna

It’s a great entry point into year-round lawn tractors that are attachment capable and do way more than just cutting your grass. 

It comes in at $3,700 and can be purchased at your local Husqvarna dealership.

5. Husqvarna TS148X Riding Mower

The TS148X Riding Mower is a great lawn mower. I mean that because it isn’t going to do all of the crazy things that the other TS series mowers are doing, but it also isn’t as highly priced. 

So yes, you are not getting a brush guard and a bunch of insane attachments on this one, but it is a high quality, powerful lawn mower that is great for cutting grass.

It still has a 24 horsepower engine with a Briggs and Stratton Endurance V-Twin engine and cuts 4 feet wide. It is most similar to the YTH24V48, but comes in at a higher price and doesn’t have all that many differences. I still prefer the YTH24V48 for several reasons, but if you can’t get your hands on it, this is a great, slightly more expensive alternative.

Photo cred: Husqvarna

This one comes in at close to $3,100 MSRP, making it a great mower but slightly overpriced compared to our number one choice. That’s why we ranked it last on this list (but at least it made the list!).

The Bottom Line on Husqvarna Riding Mowers: They’re good

You really can’t go wrong with Husqvarna’s riding mower and lawn tractors. You can close your eyes and throw a dart at their catalog and end up being fine. But if you’re picky or have certain jobs you want to do, some of these are going to suit your needs better. 

For us, we loved the YTH24V48 because it’s powerful, wide, but not over-the-top and very fairly priced. 

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. 

How we spend our time now.

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. 

About Husqvarna

Husqvarna is one of the most respected names in lawn care. Not only are they producers of great, high quality lawn care tools for residential property owners, but they also create really great machinery for commercial use in parks, golf courses, and all over construction sites.

They’re well known for these bad boys.

Husqvarna’s bread and butter is the heavier, commercial machinery for sure. For example, they don’t have a huge presence in the push mower space, but have some absolute units in the zero-turn mower space. Likewise, they produce big boy commercial lawn mowers and chainsaws that you will see clearing forests. 

That being said, you can see how all of Husqvarna’s industry experience could lead to them making the best riding mowers for homeowners. 

What to look for in a riding mower

With the dawn of zero turn mowers, electric riding mowers, and flying hovercraft mowers with drone weed whackers (only kidding), the classic lawn tractor is often overlooked.

The reality is that lawn tractors are great machines that still have a place in the modern lawn care garage. Lawn tractors are great for people with a half of an acre up to two acres. They are also fine for people with more than 2 acres with few obstacles to navigate.

The zero-turn mower craze is largely hyped up for the average homeowner by the admittedly cool features. The downside of these mowers is the massive price tag and difficulty with storage. 

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