Garden maintenance is integral to homeownership as it enhances the aesthetic appeal and resale value. And as you are planning to invest in a lawnmower, you must have realized that your options are divided between walking and riding lawnmowers. And as walking models may be ideal for a smaller yard, you might want to upgrade to riding lawnmowers if your yard size exceeds half an acre, and thus, you must be looking for the best riding lawn mower for 1 acre. Cutting down your mowing time in half and providing better power and performance are just a few of the many benefits of a riding lawnmower.
Investing in a riding lawnmower will not just give you a grass-cutting machine but will also aid in other upkeep and maintenance jobs. You can use several attachments like dump carts and snow plows and transform your mower for purposes like clearing debris or battling winters. We know the ultimate choice will be yours. Still, we have curated this list of excellent riding lawnmower options and points of consideration while shopping for a mindful and informed decision. These are the top picks for the best riding lawnmowers for one acre.
Contents
11 Best Riding Lawn Mower for 1 Acre
Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 in. 19 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine Automatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Mower
Specifications
- Suitable for ½ to 2 acres.
- Front motor riding type.
- Rear-wheel drive type.
- Electric start type.
- Automatic transmission.
- Residential model.
- 19HP 540cc Briggs and Stratton engine.
- Fuel tank capacity of 1.3 gals.
- 15-inch front and 20-inch rear wheel.
- 13 gauge steel 42-inch mower deck width.
- Twin blades.
- Cutting height range of 1.25″ – 3.75″.
- The maximum forward speed of 5.5mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 2.5mph.
- Two-year limited warranty.
Overview
One of the bestsellers on the home depot website, this Bronco 42 has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 by over 2500 verified buyers. This Troy Bilt riding mower is an excellent gas-powered mower with a 19 HP 540cc Briggs and Stratton engine. Foot pedal-controlled auto drive transmission for adjustable speed delivers a forward speed of 5.5mph and a reverse speed of 2.5mph. The deck width of 42 inches is ideal for 1-2 acres of land and to avoid backbreaking work. Getting on and off is a piece of cake due to the Step-through frame and ample leg room.
Five cutting positions, single lever height adjustment, and a side discharge deck allow a clean cut with twin blades. The maneuverability and control over the machine are enhanced through the 18-inch turn radius. And staying comfortable for a long work day is achievable through the mid-rise seats and rubber foot mats. The rear hitch can be used for attachments to make your machine capable of doing various tasks. Headlights are available for low light conditions.
Pros
- The deck is rust-resistant.
- Translucent fuel tanks for visibility purposes.
- Capable of reverse mowing.
- American built, making it easier to locate parts.
- A rear hitch is available.
Cons
- The mulching kit is sold separately.
- Complaints regarding poor build quality of belts and tires are difficult to replace as they are pneumatic tires.
- The gas tank is held with a zip tie and might break.
RYOBI 48V Brushless 30 in. 50 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Mower
Specifications
- Suitable for ½ to 2 acres.
- Rear engine riding mower.
- Rear-wheel drive type.
- Automatic transmission.
- 12 gauge steel deck of 30 inches.
- 13-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel.
- Cutting height range of 1.5″ – 4.5″.
- Twin blades.
- Maximum forward speed of 5mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 2mph.
- 50Ah lead acid battery.
- Brushless motor.
- 3-year warranty on the tool and 1 year on the battery.
Overview
The RYOBI 38V is a top seller on the home depot website with 4.5 out of 5 ratings, making it the leading choice in battery-powered riding lawn mowers. A battery-powered mower has benefits, such as hassle-free maintenance, emission-free, and a quiet mowing experience. This mower is integrated with three brushless motors that ensure the motor’s longevity, considering reducing losses due to friction.
The 50Ah lead acid battery gives about an hour of runtime upon fully charging. Adjustable cutting height with a single lever height adjustment offers seven different positions for a clean cut. Other features of this mower include variable speed for handling different kinds of grass, headlamps for low light conditions, and is capable of mulching and bagging.
Pros
- Brushless motor.
- Battery level indicator.
- Capable of mulching and bagging.
- Rust-resistant deck.
- Capable of reverse mowing.
Cons
- Batteries are not included and have to be bought separately.
- Some complaints regarding battery level indicator displaying a fully charged mower but the machine would not start, but these are isolated events.
- The battery loses power eventually and needs to be replaced.
EGO POWER+ 22-HP Brushless Motor Direct Drive 42-in Zero-turn Lawn Mower
Specifications
- Suitable for 1-2 acres.
- Zero-turn mower.
- Direct drive type.
- Brushless motor.
- 11-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel.
- 12 gauge steel deck of 44.1 inches.
- Cutting width of 42 inches.
- A cutting height range of 1.5″ – 4.5″.
- Maximum forward speed of 8mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 3.5mph.
- Four 56V batteries are included.
- 5-year limited warranty.
Overview
With over a thousand people rating this EGO POWER mower a 4.5 out of 5 on lowes website, it is one of the most popular battery-operated zero-turn options. Zero-turn mowers are already known for their superior maneuverability and 180-degree turn radius, and this mower combines it with the comfort and ease of being battery-powered.
This mower can hold up to 6 EGO 56V batteries and deliver 22HP, making it comparable to gas-powered options minus the hassle and emission. It consists of four brushless motors ensuring longevity. Adjustable deck heights offer up to ten distinct cut heights for a clean cut and feature three driving modes: Control, Standard, and Sport. It also provides unique aspects like a USB charging port and Bluetooth and a customizable ride with UI.
Pros
- Brushless motor.
- Variable speed.
- Adjustable hydraulic seat suspension for superior comfort.
- A customizable ride with the user interface.
- Bluetooth and USB charging port available.
Cons
- The bagging and mulching kits are not included in this purchase and are to be bought separately, making it one of the more expensive options.
- Battery performance may vary.
- The software could be more efficient, and there have been incidents of motherboard failures.
Toro 42 in. 22.5 HP TimeCutter Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed
Specifications
- Suitable for ½ to 2 acres.
- Zero-turn mower.
- Hydrostatic transmission type.
- Rear-wheel drive type.
- 22.5 HP 708cc Toro engine.
- 13 gauge steel deck of 42 inches.
- Fuel tank capacity of 3 gals.
- 11-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel.
- Maximum forward speed is 7mph.
- Maximum reverse speed is 3mph.
- Twin blades.
- Cutting height range of 1.5″ – 4.5″.
- 3-year unlimited warranty on the tool and a 3-year commercial engine warranty.
Overview
One of the highest-rated mowers on the home depot website, this Toro zero turn model has a 4.7 out of 5 by over 500 verified buyers. This mower is exceptional with unique and exciting features other than cutting your mowing time in half and a compact design for more accessible storage. It comes with Toro’s Smart Speed Technology giving you complete autonomy over your mower’s speed. Capable of mulching, bagging, and side discharge.
For extreme comfort of the operator, the handles are adjustable and antivibration, and handcrafted seats with a seat cubby for your belongings and a built-in cup holder. Swivel wheels also ensure superior maneuverability, and the deck is rust-resistant, making it durable. The maintenance is also made more accessible through tool-free oil and filter changes. White Glove delivery offers assembly and set up of the took by a certified professional.
Pros
- Rust resistance.
- Swivel heals for increased maneuverability.
- Tool-free maintenance.
- White Glove Service.
- Washable ports.
- Power steering.
Cons
- Doesn’t perform well on uneven or sloping landscapes.
- The rust resistance claims may vary.
- The home depot does not provide prompt customer service, so it may be a hassle in case of faulty equipment or damaged parts.
Also read: Toro Timemaster Review | Innovations At Your Doorstep?
Cub Cadet Ultima 42 in. 22 HP V-Twin Kohler 7000 Engine Dual Hydrostatic Drive Gas Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Specifications
- Suitable for ½ to 2 acres.
- 22 HP 725cc Kohler engine.
- Zero-turn mower.
- Variable speed.
- Electric start type.
- Hydrostatic transmission.
- 11-inch front and 20-inch rear tires.
- Fuel capacity of 3gals.
- 12- gauge steel deck of 42 inches.
- Maximum forward speed of 7.5mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 3.5mph.
- Twin blades.
- Cutting height range of 1″ – 4.5″.
- 3-year/unlimited-hour warranty and limited lifetime warranty on frame.
Overview
This Cub Cadet model is a customer favorite on the home depot website, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 by over three thousand certified buyers. This mower ensures reliable power and performance through its 22HP HP Kohler 7000 V twin-cylinder engine and a sturdy tubular framing that can tackle tasks throughout the year. Dual hydrostatic transmission ensures a smooth ride and swivel wheels for 18-degree maneuverability.
The adjustable 20-inch seat, adjustable lap bars, and rubber foot pads keep the operator’s fatigue at bay. A clean cut is achieved through the adjustable cutting height and twin S-blades. The open frame design and removable floor plans allow easy maintenance and oil change.
Pros
- It will work well in sloping landscapes.
- Open frame design and removable floor plan.
- Swivel wheels.
- Variable speed.
Cons
- All the attachments are to be bought separately.
Husqvarna YTH Riding Lawn Mower, 42 in., 18.5 HP
Specifications
- Suitable for ½ to 2 acres.
- Pedal-operated transmission.
- Variable speed.
- 18.5HP 540cc Briggs and Stratton engine.
- 13 gauge stamped steel deck of 42 inches.
- 15-inch front and 20-inch rear wheel.
- Maximum forward speed of 5.5mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 2.5mph.
- 16-inch turning radius.
- Twin blades
- 18500 rpm blade speed.
- Cutting height range of 1.5″ – 4″.
- 3-year limited warranty.
Overview
Husqvarna mowers are peoples’ choice, with over two hundred certified buyers rating this Husqvarna model a 4.3 out of 5, it is a popular choice on the tractor supply website. This is one of the more compact gas-powered options for easy storage. The 18.5HP 540cc Briggs and Stratton Intek engine delivers reliable performance. The foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission changes speed and direction very readily and hands-free, allowing superior control over the machine.
The ease of maneuverability is possible with the 16-inch turning radius and is capable of reverse mowing. The operator’s comfort is also considered with a 13-inch mid-back seat, an easy step-through frame, and built-in cup holders. Headlamps are available for low light weather.
Pros
- Pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission.
- Variable speed.
- Capable of reverse mowing.
- Adjustable seat.
Cons
- It is not recommended for sloping landscapes.
- A limited warranty does not cover a lot of damage.
- Rattles significantly.
CRAFTSMAN Z5200 20-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 42-in Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
Specifications
- Suitable for 1-2 acres.
- Dual hydrostatic transmission.
- Zero-turn mower.
- 20 HP 656cc Kohler engine.
- Fuel capacity of 3.5 gals.
- 15-inch front and 20-inch rear wheel.
- 13 gauge steel deck of 48 inches.
- Cutting width of 42 inches.
- Cutting height range of 1.25″ – 3.75″.
- Twin blades.
- Maximum forward speed of 7mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 3.5mph.
- 3-year limited warranty.
Overview
This Craftsman zero-turn mower brings power and performance with the Kohler 7000 series engine. Rated 4.3 out of 5 by over 150 verified buyers on the lowes website, makes it the most popular within the brand for the yard size of 1-2 acres. The frame design and deck are steel, making it durable and sturdy.
The machine can be controlled and operated with ease with dual hydrostatic transmission. The operator’s comfort is not compromised with a high back seat and rubber foot mats to reduce vibration. Rear attachment is available to make your mower usable throughout the year.
Pros
- Zero-turn mowers come with swivel wheels for ease of maneuverability.
- Customer service is prompt.
- Variable speed.
- Great cut quality.
Cons
- Mulching and bagging kits are sold separately.
- Cruise control is not available.
- Not capable of reverse mowing.
- No headlights.
Ariens IKON-XD 52 Kawasaki
Specifications
- Suitable for 1-3 acres.
- Electric deck engagement.
- 11-gauge steel deck of 52 inches.
- 52-inch cutting width.
- 23 HP 726cc Kawasaki engine.
- 11-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels.
- Fuel tank capacity of 2.8 gals.
- Cutting height range of 1.5″ – 4.5″
- Maximum forward speed of 7mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 3mph.
- 3-year residential warranty.
Overview
Ariens lawnmowers are unmatched in power and performance. The 23 HP Kawasaki engine delivers reliable performance and zero turns to provide excellent maneuverability to steer better around obstacles regarding the massive 52-inch deck. The operator’s comfort is considered with high back adjustable seats and armrests.
The foot-operated deck lift system and thirteen different cutting height positions will help you steer through any grass and make your lawn look professionally manicured.
Pros
- Works well on hilly terrains.
- Fabricated deck.
- Easy to assemble.
- Prompt customer service and financing are available on the official website.
Cons
- Rubber foot mats are not available.
- Smaller gas tank.
- Headlights are not available.
- Legroom is a bit restricted.
John Deere S130 Riding Lawn Mower 22-HP V-twin Side By Side Hydrostatic 42-in Riding Lawn Mower
Specifications
- Suitable for 1-2 acres.
- 22HP 724cc engine.
- Hydrostatic transmission type.
- Fuel tank capacity of 2.4gals.
- 13 gauge steel mower deck of 42 inches.
- 15-inch front and 20-inch rear wheel.
- Twin blades
- Cutting height range of 1″ – 4″ with 16 cutting positions.
- 18″ turning radius.
- Maximum forward speed of 5.5mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 3.2mph.
- 2-year limited warranty.
Overview
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5, this John Deere model is one of the most popular choices for 1-2 acres. It offers a promising performance being a gas-powered mower with a 22 HP V-Twin John Deere engine. The cutting height can be easily adjusted and provides a range of one to four inches of cutting height with a ¼ inch increment rendering us a staggering 16 distinct positions. It also features a side-by-side hydrostatic transmission type and cruise control.
Compatible with front and rear attachments. Includes a 30-second oil change system and all-in-one oil for an effortless and hassle-free oil change. Other impressive features include adjustable control, an easy-to-read fuel gauge, electric blade engagement, grease fittings, headlamps, and the capability of bagging, mulching, and side discharge.
Pros
- Cruise control.
- Engine oil is included in the purchase.
- Front and rear attachment compatible.
- Operator-controlled reverse mowing.
- Easy oil change.
Cons
- The mulching kit is sold separately.
- The functions and performance of the 30-second oil change may vary.
- Incidents of faulty electronic gauge.
Greenworks Pro 60V 42 in. Electric CrossoverT Riding Lawn Mower with 8.0Ah Battery and Turbo Chargers
Specifications
- Suitable for 0.5 to 2.5 acres.
- 15-inch front and 20-inch rear tires.
- 12 gauge stamped steel deck of 42 inches.
- Electric blade engagement.
- Brushless motor.
- 15-inch turning radius.
- Blade speed of 2400 to 3000 rpm.
- Twin blades.
- Maximum forward speed of 8mph.
- Maximum reverse speed of 3mph.
- Cutting height range of 1.5″- 4.5″.
- 4-year tool limited warranty.
Overview
With probably the most impressive features in the battery-powered riding mower segment, this Greenworks PRO 60V is easily a customer favorite on the tractor supply website, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 by over 60 verified buyers. With the 6 high-powered 60V 8Ah batteries, this machine can deliver a performance equivalent to a 23 HP mower. And the brushless motor ensures longevity due to no frictional losses leading up to a run time of 2.5 hours upon charging, which makes it the highest run time of all battery-powered mowers we have discussed.
This mower features the Smart Cut technology that adapts to the grass conditions and a high-back padded seat for superior comfort for the operator. The integrated cargo bed can haul up to 200lbs of mulch of soil, and the LED headlamps are ideal for low light conditions. Apart from all these unique features, the Greenworks PRO 60V comes with all the other benefits of a battery-powered mower, like hassle-free maintenance, no toxic emissions, and low noise.
Pros
- Brushless motor.
- It can work up to a 15-degree inclined slope.
- Cruise control.
- Deck washout.
- Run time of 2.5 hours.
- Smart Cut Technology.
- Capable of mulching.
Cons
- Bagger is sold separately.
- Power steering is not available.
Weibang E-Rider 30in. 72V Lithium-Ion Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Mower
Specifications
- Suitable for ½ to 2 acres.
- Automatic transmission type.
- Electric start type.
- Rear-wheel drive type.
- 10-gauge steel fabricated deck of 30 inches.
- 72V lithium-ion batteries and chargers are included.
- Twin blades.
- Cutting height range of 1″ – 4″.
- Maximum forward speed is 3.7mph.
- Maximum reverse speed is 3.1mph.
- 3-year residential warranty.
Overview
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on the home depot website, this Weibang mower has become a popular battery-operated choice. Being battery-operated, this mower is environmentally friendly, does not produce any emissions, is quieter, and is hassle-free due to ease of maintenance and no oil change. The 72V lithium-ion batteries provide sufficient power and a runtime of about two hours, and the brushless motor ensures longevity.
A battery level indicator is also present; the user-friendly control panel with forwarding, neutral, and reverse modes. The twin blade cutting system provides a height range of 1 to 4 inches with 10 distinct cutting positions with the single lever height adjustment. LED headlamps are present for low light conditions, and an adjustable seat for superior comfort of the operator.
Pros
- Brushless motor.
- Cruise control.
- Battery level indicator.
- Capable of mulching and side discharge.
- Capable of reverse mowing.
Cons
- The drive function may cut out abnormally.
- Customer service is not very prompt.
- Repair shops are challenging to locate in case of any damage.
Buying Guide | Best Riding Lawn mower for 1 acre
Now, as tempting as on-paper specifications may appear, you need to be fully informed on the kind of lawnmowers you should go for and the features that will fulfill your requirements. So to help you narrow down your choices, we have curated this list of all the things you should consider before buying a riding lawnmower.
Power source
Mowing a lawn of a greater size requires plenty of power and performance to sufficiently cut down the mowing time in half. Hence gas powered mowers are still the most popular riding lawn mowers available in the market. Mowers with an 18-24 HP engine are ideal for a yard size of ½ to 2 acres. The gas-powered mowers do, however, produce emissions and noise and need regular servicing and maintenance to stay in tip-top shape.
Sustainable technology is the need of the hour, and the garden maintenance area is not untouched. Battery-powered mowers are quickly gaining traction due to their hassle-free maintenance. Using the mower only requires a fully charged battery and is a quieter and emission-free alternative. The battery’s performance depends on the voltage rating to be comparable to gas-powered ones. These might become more expensive, and the batteries need to be replaced as they eventually lose power.
Deck size and cutting width
The deck size and cutting width dictate the width of the patch of grass that the mower will work upon. Although the cut quality depends on the cutting height, the number of blades, and its sharpness, a better cut is achieved with a more expansive deck. However, it is worth considering that wider decks are not very maneuverable and hence are not ideal for flower beds or gardens with other obstacles as such, and they might want to go for a smaller deck size.
Transmission
Gas-powered riding mowers usually offer three kinds of transmission: manual, automatic, and hydrostatic. The manual transmission is very self-explanatory as gear is to be selected by the operator and might be difficult for some users. The automatic transmission changes the gears automatically through a system of belts, and the user can start the machine with the gear they please. One step ahead is the hydrostatic transmission as they use hydraulic pressure, making it the easiest to operate out of the three and delivering a smooth ride.
Battery-powered mowers use direct drive motors on all the individual components and are powered by the battery, making them the easiest to use and maintain.
Attachments
Buying an expensive machine for one season may not be the most financial decision you can making your mower a year-round device is entirely possible. Riding lawnmowers usually have front or rear attachment compatibility, so you can attach things like dump carts or snow blowers to make them versatile.
Operator’s comfort
Operating a riding lawn mower can be exhausting, especially the gas-powered variants that vibrate considerably. Hence the comfort of the operator should be considered with padded seating and armrests for superior comfort. Rubber foot mats reduce the vibration, and ample leg room eases the experience. Look out for these features if comfort is a priority for you.
Additional features
Some additional features unique to brands or specific lineups can be a pleasant upgrade and improve your mowing experience. A deck washout port makes cleaning debris and clippings very easy as a hose can be directly attached to the deck. Twin engines deliver superior performance in case of bigger yard sizes. Easy oil and filter changes can reduce the hassle of a gas-powered mower. Smart Cut technology adapts to grass conditions to deliver a more significant cut quality. These are some of the many features you can consider.
FAQs | Best Riding Lawnmower for 1 acre
Is it worth buying a riding lawnmower?
Riding lawnmowers are a considerable investment, but as they are built to last for years, buying the mower might be more economical if your requirements fit a riding mower. Getting your lawn serviced may end up costing more in the long run.
How much does a riding lawn mower cost?
A riding mower usually costs between $2000 to $3000, but zero turn or battery-operated variants may cost more if the attachments are sold separately.
Closure
Riding lawnmowers are dependable and fantastic performing beasts if you have a greater yard size and a challenging terrain to mow. We have tried to cover as much as possible, if not everything, to help you make an informed decision and choose a riding lawn mower that fits you down to the tee. And as we realize that this might be a momentous financial decision, we encourage you to research on your own with the knowledge we have attempted to provide.
Please feel free to contact us in case of any further queries or information that might have slipped through the cracks. We wish you a delightful shopping experience.