The 7 Best Riding Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2018

When you simply need the best riding lawn mower, high-end options can provide more capabilities and features that will save you time. High-end mowers come with better engines, larger/more adjustable cutting decks, and advanced features like reverse mowing and mulching. Whether you need to cut a larger yard or just want something that will last, this type of riding mower is a great, long-term investment.

Painted with the signature John Deere green finish, the E160 is the newest model and it has some cool features like a 30-second quick oil change so you can service your tractor in a jiffy. You can lower the deck easily at increments between 1 and 4-inches at 1/4-inch intervals given you the customizable option for your preferred level of grass. ​You'll also get a seat with plenty of lumbar support and a powerful new battery that starts even after lengthy storage. 

Money might be tight, but you can still get a quality riding mower for under $1,500 as long as your yard isn’t massive. The Tractor Lawn 42 Inch 420CC gets solid reviews from users who say it boasts a good amount of power and features for the price—and it sure beats a push mower. This traditional riding mower has a 42-inch steel deck and a seven-speed transmission

Unlike other mowers on the market, the Tractor Lawn 42 Inch 420CC is easy to maneuver, has a tight turning radius, and offers a comfortable ride. Most reviewers were happy with their purchase and would easily recommend this mower as opposed to pricier models. 

In recent years, electric riding mowers have become a great alternative to traditional gas-powered engines. Easier to operate and maintain, the combination of a battery and electric motor is plenty for the average household yard. Better still, without the need for refilling the tank, electric riding mowers will save you money in the long run. Using this type of mower is easy: ride the mower when you need; park it and plug it in when you don’t.

The 48-volt Ryobi RM480E provides a silent ride and large cutting swathe using its 38-inch two-blade deck. Lacking many of the common small parts like belts and spark plugs, the all-electric drivetrain of this mower is easier to maintain. The 48-volt battery provides up to two hours of running time and charges through a standard 120-volt wall outlet. For convenience, you will also find an easy-to-use cruise control and USB charging port. 

Many people assume that small yards aren’t large enough to warrant the use of a riding lawnmower. While a large riding mower may be overkill for the typical neighborhood yard, a mid-size mower with a smaller cutting deck can be a perfect match. Using a small frame and tight turning radius, a mid-size mower like the Troy-Bilt Premium makes mowing much faster than using its push mower cousin.

Powered by a 382cc Auto Choke OHV engine, the Premium hides a lot of power in its small frame. The 30-inch cutting deck is perfect for smaller yards, especially if the yard’s layout has awkward curves and corners to navigate. With an 18-inch turning radius, the small profile of this mower will maneuver around obstacles and patios while you sit in comfort on the padded, durable mid-back seat. 

For those with medium-sized yards, the top-rated Poulan Pro PP19A42 is widely considered to be one of the highest quality riding mowers available on the market today. Compact in size and perfectly suited for small-to-medium lawns, the Poulan Pro boasts a powerful 19 HP OHV engine with automatic transmission, which makes for fast and efficient grass cutting. In addition, it has a 42-inch mowing deck that results in a cleaner, more even cut.

Users love that the Poulan Pro’s size allows for easy storage, and it has a 16-inch turning radius for tight corners. This, coupled with the mower’s extra features (like a cup holder, headlights, and six cutting positions), renders the black and yellow Poulan Pro the perfect neighborhood mower for landowners with medium-sized lawns.

Large yards are where riding lawn mowers truly shine. It is difficult to underestimate how much time and effort you can save when riding around a 24 horsepower mower with a comfortable, padded seat. Unfortunately, not all riding mowers are capable of handling larger yards with ease. To really get the most efficiency from the mower, you need a large, adjustable cutting deck with multiple blades.

When a maximum cutting area is required, the best choice is the Cub Cadet XT1 ST mower. With a 54-inch fabricated deck, three spinning blades will make short work of large yards. Powered by a 24 horsepower V-Twin gas engine, the ST can cut and mulch around steep angles, tight turns, and obstacle-laden yards. To keep maintenance quick and simple, the mower will even connect ​to your smartphone so you can access maintenance reminders, mower settings, log reports, and more. 

If you have hilly terrain or want to cover a lot of acreage in a short amount of time you might want to opt for this high-powered motor that acts more like a commercial mower at a residential price. With this purchase, you'll get a 23-HP V-Twin engine that handles smooth, is quiet, and has long-lasting durability. This mower can go up 6.5 MPH in forward and 4 MPH in reverse with many reviewers saying it takes them about 1 hour to handle a 2.5-acre plot with lots of trees. 

For those with uneven terrain, you'll be pleased to hear this has anti-scalp deck wheels that not only protect your lawn but help you handle any uneven surfaces. 

Want to mulch your lawn too? You can buy a separate kit that will allow you to do so easily.