If you have property that’s an acre or more in size, a riding mower is the best solution for cutting the grass. Depending on the other tasks you wish to complete, you might prefer a garden tractor. Garden tractors sometimes offer the option to mount a snowplow blade, a mulcher, a bagger, or other accessories
Top Lawn Mowers for Large Yards
Either way, the best lawn mowers for large yards come with a bewildering array of features. To help you narrow down your selection, we’ve reviewed the top models for cutting large lawns. We’ll begin with smaller models and work our way up to tractors and zero turn radius mowers.
Troy-Bilt WC33 420cc 33-inch Wide Cut RWD Lawn Mower
The American-made Troy-Bilt WC33 offers a wider cut than the typical self-propelled mower. The 33-inch cutting deck reduces the number of passes you’ll need to make to cut the lawn. Meanwhile, the rear wheel drive offers four different speeds plus the unusual ability to turn on a dime.
The mower has a 420cc OHV engine with electric start. Then, while you work, you can discharge out the side or mulch. (Troy-Bilt sells an optional bagger, too.) The 8-inch front caster wheels and 16-inch rear pneumatic wheels make it easy to maneuver on rough terrain. But the plow-type handle may take a little getting used to if you’ve only ever used a push mower.
Once you’ve finished for the day, the mower has a built-in wash-out port for quick cleanup. And it’s covered by a three-year limited warranty.
Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
opular Troy-Bilt 30-inch riding mower hits a top speed of 4.25 mph with its six-gear transmission. It has an 18-inch turning radius to help you navigate around flowerbeds and trees.
This riding mower is convenient if you have a relatively flat yard. Steering with the padded steering wheel is easy. But it will take a little time to get used to the manual takeoff and controlling the speed by stepping on the clutch.
The fuel tank holds 1.3 gallons and has a window so you can check the level. It doesn’t come with a bagger, but it’s possible to buy one for this mower. Plus, Troy-Bilt offers a two-year warranty.
Poulan Pro 960220027 30″ Rear Engine Riding Mower
Poulan Pro also makes a 30-inch rear engine riding mower for yards measuring between half an acre to 2 acres. It has a smaller turning radius than the Troy-Bilt model above. Plus, it features a 10.5HP Briggs and Stratton engine.
Although you can purchase a two-bin bagger separately, the mower ships with the ability to side discharge and mulch. It also comes with a cup holder and a four-speed manual transmission.
Poulan Pro 960420182 Automatic Hydrostatic Transmission Drive Riding Mower, 42″
Let’s graduate up to a 42-inch riding mower from Poulan Pro. It runs on a 15.5hp Briggs & Stratton engine. It also has a hydrostatic transmission for easy shifting and speed control.
Some of the advantages of this mower include a vented deck to handle tall grass. It can mulch or bag if you purchase the optional attachments. And it has a six-inch turn radius to cut up close to obstacles.
Husqvarna YTH20K42 20HP 42″ Lawn Tractor #960430274
Husqvarna makes an efficient 42-inch lawn tractor that runs off a 20hp Kohler OHV engine and has a pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission. The transmission allows you to control the speed and shift gears with your feet.
Although this is a base model, you can purchase towable accessories and a mulch kit. It also comes standard with an adjustable seat and cup holder.
Ariens Zoom 42 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
While we’re in the 42-inch category, let’s look at a zero turn radius mower. It can literally turn on a dime because the front two wheels are on casters. If you’ve wished for a zero turn mower, the Ariens Zoom 42 is a great entry-level model.
The mower is powered by a 19hp Kohler engine with a top speed of 6mph. It comes with a comfy seat suspended on springs plus a wash-out port. It’s also covered by a five-year warranty.
Troy-Bilt Mustang 46-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
The Troy-Bilt Mustang is a speedy zero turn mower with a 24hp Briggs & Stratton engine. It has electric power takeoff and moves up to 7mph. But there’s even more to love.
This American manufacturer has paid close attention to what customers love best. For example, the seat has an 18-inch high back plus a spring suspension, so it’s comfortable for a long day of mowing. Next, the lap bars adjust to accommodate riders, and they automatically engaged the parking brake.
In addition, there’s an integrated wash port to clean the underside of the deck. And you can attach a variety of accessories to get more out of your mower. Finally, Troy-Bilt offers a three-year limited warranty with a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Swisher ZTR2454CL Classic 24HP 54″ Zero Turn Mower
Swisher’s 54-inch Classic zero turn mower has control levers instead of lap bars. This Rapid Response Control System is said to be more comfortable to use. It’s also easy to drive because of the hydrostatic transmission and Ogura clutch.
This is made to cut the lawn in record time. It has a 24hp Briggs & Stratton engine as well as three Gator mulching blades for superior cutting ability. It can move up to 8mph both forward and reverse. Furthermore, it’s covered by a three-year residential warranty.
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54-Inch Lawn Tractor
The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco lawn tractor has one of the most comfortable seats you’ll find on a riding mower. It even has padded armrests that lift up and out of the way. Its maximum forward speed is 5-½mph, and it has a 16-inch turning radius.
It has electric blade engagement, plus it can mow in reverse. The 25 hp Kohler engine starts with the press of a button. Then you can maintain speed with cruise control and a foot on the hydrostatic transmission pedal.
This lawn tractor has large wheels with good tread for uneven terrain. And it offers twelve different cutting heights. Although it ships with only the ability to discharge outside, it’s possible to mount attachments like a mulcher or a bagger.
Swisher Z3166CPKA Big Mow Commercial Pro 66″ Zero Turn Mower
If you have 2 acres or more, try the Big Mow Commercial Pro from Swisher. It has a 66-inch cutting deck and a 999cc Kawasaki engine that cuts grass at up to 10mph. This American-made zero turn mower sports features that professionals love.
For example, it has a comfortable, adjustable seat with a high back and good suspension for a smooth ride. And it’s controlled by a pair of ergonomically-designed levers and a hydrostatic transmission. Plus, it even has a seat belt and a roll bar for the rider’s protection.
The three Gator commercial-grade mulching blades neatly mow the thickest of grass. And the hour meter helps you keep track of when it’s time to service the mower. Of course, it has a cup holder and LED headlights so that you can work all day long. Finally, you can flip up the deck to store the mower.
Conclusion
It’s not hard to mow a large yard if you have the right lawn mower. Take into account how big of a cutting deck you need. Then look for features like maneuverability and power to match the kind of terrain and grass you’ll be cutting. But don’t overlook comfort as you’ll be spending an hour or more on your new riding mower.
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