Best Riding Lawn Mower 2016
Unless you have a thumbnail sized backyard, riding lawn mowers are right up your alley.
Wait, arent those for infinitesimally huge lawns that demand everyday mowing attention?
Not really. Riding mowers are ideal for anyone who has a medium to large sized lawn and hates pushing a mower over uneven terrain or hates accidentally running over the cord. It is easy to use and a one-time-investment that will pay off for years. There’s a whole range of models to choose from and the cutting deck sizes range from 26” to 66”.
Although they can be an expensive choice as compared to other types of mowers, they have many advantages that justify their high price tag.
Let us take the guess work out of it by selecting the best riding lawn mower 2016 in the market for you.
Let us have a look at some of the advantages of using a riding lawn mower
- You can accesorize them: You can add a variety of attachments to ease out ordinary tasks. For example, to bag clippings or mulch, while there are many that come with a combination of both.
- Lawn tractors can integrate a wide variety of accessories, like trailers for feeding your livestock, plow for removing snow, and other accessories
- You no longer have to walk pushing your mower around the whole lawn. You can ride it. It is comfortable and covers a lot of ground requiring fewer passes.
- The large fuel capacity allows you to mow large lawns without refuelling or recharging batteries as compared to self-propelled push mowers.
- The adjustable cutting decks make them very easy to handle and cut grass of almost every type and size. Moreover, finding replacement parts for riding mowers is easier as compared to push mowers.
- Some tractor-type models also come with attachments that not only collects the leaves, but also grinds them and turns it into manure.
- If your mowing involves cutting large amounts of grass around shrubs and trees, you can upgrade to a zero turn riding mower for enhanced precision.
If you’re out in the market looking for the best riding lawn mower 2016, the choices available can be mind-boggling. As always, doing your research lets you make an informed decision. With so many features and styles to choose from, you first need to understand what your priorities are.
- What style of riding lawn mower should I choose?
- What deck size will be right for my lawn?
- What are the transmission choices?
- How big is your lawn?
- Does it have a lot of trees and obstacles that you’d want to avoid?
- How is the terrain?
- Will there be other tasks like roto-tilling or driveway levelling?
- An answer to all these questions will let you make the right decision.
Most home owners are just looking for something that can cut grass. And in such cases, rear engine riding mowers are the perfect choice. And if you want to go on notch higher, then think ZTR or Zero Turn Mowers.
Do take time to browse through our detailed Lawn Mower Reviews for more information on individual products.
#1 - TROY-Bilt 420CC OHV 30-Inch Riding Lawn Mower
With almost 95% positive reviews and more than thousands of units sold around the country, the Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower is the #1 choice for smaller lawns looking for the comfort and power of a riding mower. It features a 30 inch 3-in-1 deck, 6 speed shift-on-the-go transmission and a bundle of other features that make mowing easier than ever.
The Design
This medium-size riding lawn mower is powered by a 420cc premium engine that offers a speed of up to 4.25 mph. The mower has a 6-speed transmission that allows you to adjust the speed on-the-go. It has a fuel capacity of 1.3 gallons and it also features a fuel display to eliminate the guesswork involved in knowing the amount of fuel left in the mower.
It has a 30-inch cutting deck with 5 different grass cutting heights from 1 ¼ inches to 3 ¾ inches. It’s 3-in-1 blade is made from aluminium and the mower also has a manual PTO system to enhance blade engagement. Its high-back end seat offers optimal comfort while riding, whereas its steering wheel and speed transmission placement ensures effortless mowing.
The Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Riding Lawn Mower has a 16 inch by 6.5 inch rear and 13 inch by 5 inch front pneumatic wheels to ensure easy navigation in the tightest of areas.
Mowing Experience
Mowing is as easy as it gets. It makes sharp turns, cuts even tall grass to perfection and the side discharge and mulching functions are equally good.
At a Glance
• Reliable 420cc 4-cycle Premium OHV engine for improved fuel economy and less vibrations
• 6-speed transmission
• Operator Control Reverse allows you to mow in reverse as well
• 30 inch cutting deck
• 1.3 gallon fuel tank
• High back seat for enhanced comfort
• Compact and light weight design
Our Verdict
The no brainer! You cannot go wrong with this one. It is the most basic riding lawn mower without too many bells and whistles. Has a solid engine, proven performance and a comfortable mowing experience. Priced at just under $1100, it cant get better than this.
#2 - Husqvarna YTH24V48 960430182 48 in. 24 HP Triple Blade Tractor
The YTH24V48 is a premium lawn tractor from Husqvarna that offers stellar performance in a pocket-sized body. Easy maneuvers , fender-mounted cutting height adjustment, adjustable seat and an ergonomic steering wheel make this a favorite with one and all. To allow a uniform cut every time, the mower features an air-induction technology that improves the air flow within the deck. Hydrostatic transmission allows easy variable speed in both forward and reverse motions.
The Design
The Husqvarna YTH24V48 is powered by a robust 21 BHP Briggs & Stratton engine. It features twin-blade electric clutches to ensure a smooth driving and cutting experience. The YTH24V48 from Husqvarna goes beyond the models from Poulan and MTD with its use of Hydrostatic transmission to offer speeds up to 7-7.5 mph.
The mower has a heavy-duty reinforced 48 inch cutting deck which translates into fewer passes and hence, reduced fuel costs. You can adjust the height of the mowing blade from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. It also features Briggs & Stratton’s ReadyStart Technology to provide you with a no-choke start every single time. The rear wheels of the mower measure 18 by 8.5 inches and front wheels measure 11 by 4 inches. The seat can be easily adjusted and the driving wheel is padded for enhanced comfort.
And if that aint enough, you can club it with a wide range of accessories like mulching kits and many more.
At a Glance
• Fast pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission for speeds of up to 7-7.5 mph
• Reinforced cutting deck with 10-year warranty
• 724cc Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine
• Electric blade engagement
• Blades can be adjusted from 1.5 inches to 4 inches
• ReadyStart Technology for no-choke start
• Fuel capacity of 5 gallons
Our Verdict
The Versatile Choice! Its powerful, compact, can be manuevered easily around obstacles and has a bundle of other impressive features. If you have a medium sized lawn that demands frequent attention, then go for this.
#3 - Poulan Pro 960420182 Briggs 15.5 hp Automatic Hydrostatic Transmission Drive Riding Mower, 42″
Priced at just over $1500, the Poulan Pro 960420182 Briggs 15.5 hp Automatic Hydrostatic Transmission Drive Riding Mower boasts of impressive features like a 42” two bladed steel deck, a 6-speed gear drive transmission and mowing-in-reverse. Originally manufactured by Husqvarna, these mowers are designed for rugged outdoor performance.
Its ability to reduce the overall mowing time comes from the higher level of maneuverability that it offers. It allows you to zip around obstacles, trees and houses, and allows you to change the directions easily.
The Design
The 42 inch wide stamped steel deck and the ergonomic seating (9 inch low back) make it a pleasure to ride this beautifully designed machine. Features like the Auto Hydrostatic Transmission allows one switch speed control. To increase or reduce speed, you do not have to stop the mower. Just move the Motion Lever forward and you are all set to rev it up.
Its not a ZTR mower. But offers extremely sharp turns thanks to its 6 in turning radius for level cutting. This reduces the time you’d normally spend in trimming near obstacles. There are 6 cutting heights to choose from (1.5 - 4 inch) and you can always choose to mulch or bag with the optional attachments that come with the mower.
The 155 HP Briggs & Stratton single cylinder Overhead Valve Engine is notably cleaner and quieter as compared to some of the earlier models. But the best part is that it provides you with enough brute force when you need it the most. So even if you have around 2 acres of really rough lawn, this baby will get the job done.
One of the caveats that we have noticed is that the steering is not as sturdily made as you’d imagine and some people have reported that the back rest of the seat is too slippery for their comfort, especially while mowing on slopes. We didnt notice the problem with the seat though.
At a Glance
155 HP Briggs & Stratton single cylinder Overhead Valve Engine
42 in Reinforced vented deck
Auto Hydrostatic Transmission
Motion Lever on the fender
Easy to service air filter Design
6 in turning radius
6 cutting speeds
Comfortable mowing with reverse-mowing
The Final Verdict
Value for money! The only reason why this rates behind the other two is the slightly higher price tag. Otherwise, it is as good as the #1 ranked mower in performance. The engine is powerful, mowing is easy and it has enough power to tackle lawns of all sizes and shapes.
#4 - CRAFTSMAN 42″ AUTO 17.5 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON RIDING MOWER
When its a Craftsman, mowing automatically gets easier. The Craftsman 42 in. 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Gold Series (TM) Engine auto transmission riding mower is one of their more popular riding mower models. With features like a pedal-controlled automatic transmission that makes mowing as simple as driving a car, this powerful mower can tackle all kinds of terrain including uneven or sloping lawns.
The Design
Out of the box, you are greeted by a fully-welded 14-gauge steel frame with intuitively placed controls like the gear selector and the push pedal transmission. The mower has a top speed of 5.5 mph and top reverse speed of 2.3 mph. The seat is extremely easy to adjust and provides the right support even when you are mowing on slopes.
With an 18 inch turning radius, it is not exactly the perfect choice for obstacle heavy lawns. But the smooth mowing and the potential to attach accessories for mulching and bagging makes this a versatile choice.
Mowing Performance
The 500cc, 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Gold Engine powers it over most types of uneven and rough terrain with ease. So be it weeds, grass or slopes, it can tackle it easily. If you are planning to mulch or bag, then you will have to buy the attachments separately. The mower comes with in-built hauling capabilities so you can easily add your rolling or aerating equipment to it.
At a Glance
Durable fully-welded 14-gauge steel frame
Pedal Controlled Automatic transmission
Top forward speed of up to 5.5 mph and reverse speed of up to 2.3 mph
Can mow in reverse
500cc, 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Gold Engine
Can be used for hauling
2-year limited warranty, plus a 5-year warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the front axle
The Final Verdict
This is a lawn tractor. Not just a riding lawn mower and considering the additional features, it is a worthy addition to the list of best riding lawn mower 2016. The price is not the cheapest you’ll pay either. So if you are not looking for these features, then it will be an unwanted expense for you.
#5 - Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc Briggs & Stratton 875 Series Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower With Electric Start
With an unbeatable price, the Weed Eater WE-ONE is a powerful competitor in the best riding lawn mower 2016 list. Priced at under $1000, it is branded as the first personal riding lawn mower. Extremely compact in size, it packs enough features to impress both the casual lawn enthusiast as well as the seasoned professional.
The Design
Designed for convenient use from the ground up, the Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc features a rugged 26-inch cutting deck made of durable 13 gauge steel and an attractively designed chassis. No longer pulling the cord as this is an electric start mower. 
The controls are extremely easy to locate and use. The height adjustment for example, is on the left side of the mower. A simple release of the foot puts the mower in cruise control mode for easy mowing. And there are three different drive speeds to choose from.
There is a single pedal to control the brake and clutch with one foot. All you have to do is press the pedal to brake and release it to engage the clutch.
At just 36 inches wide, it is one of the smallest ride-on mowers that allows you tight manuevers and sharp turns around obstacles.
The non-slip foot rests allow you to easily mount and dismount the mower without slipping. The mower also folds flat against the wall when not in use allowing you to store it easily.
Mowing Performance
The WEE ONE is powered by a 190CC (825 Series) Briggs & Stratton which gives it stellar mowing power. It may lack the brute force of some of the higher priced models. But it does a fair job of mowing even on slopes, uneven terrain and tall bermuda grass. The larger 30-inch to 40-Inch turning radius was not the best we’d experienced. But then if you have a lot of obstacles in your lawn, then you are better off paying a slightly higher amount and choosing our #1 rated riding lawn mower.
There are three different speed settings. Speed one is for edging, speed two for regular mowing, and three is when you want to rev it up.
At a glance
Electric Start
26-Inch Deck made of 13 gauge steel
190CC (825 Series) Briggs & Stratton Engine
30-inch to 40-Inch turning radius
13-inch rear tires and 10-Inch front tires
Three-speed transmission (3 forward and 1 reverse)
Intuitive Controls
Easy Mowing
What we disliked
Non CARB compliant
Final Verdict
Cheapest ride-on mower! This is a complete bundle. It is priced under $1000, is a ride on mower. It has enough features and it does a fine job at mowing. Cannot get better than this.
Raven MPV7100 Hybrid Riding Lawnmower Power Generator and Utility Vehicle
Raven’s hybrid utility vehicle is a grand new entrant into the market of mowers. Utilizing gas/electric hybrid technology, it allows you to seamlessly switch from Mower to Power generator to rugged utility vehicle. It has a 46 inch wide cutting deck, small turning radius, can generate up to 7100 Watts and haul just about anything that you’d like to.
That’s not all. This is one of the best looking riding lawn mowers we have seen in a while.
We are yet to review the Raven 7100. But if initial reports are to go by, then we consider it to be a worthy contender for one of the top spots in the race for the best riding lawn mower 2016.
