Small Riding Mowers: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One

Small riding mowers are a great way to keep our lawns looking neat and tidy without the hassle of pushing a traditional mower. They offer a perfect solution for those with larger yards or uneven terrain, making lawn care easier and more enjoyable. With the comfort of a seat and simple steering, we can effortlessly navigate our way around gardens, flower beds, and obstacles.

One of the biggest advantages of small riding mowers is their size. They are usually lighter and more compact than full-sized riding mowers, which means they can fit in tighter spaces while still delivering power. These machines often come with various features, like mulching options and bagging attachments, that can help us manage grass clippings effectively.

When choosing a small riding mower, we should pay attention to a few key factors. Think about the mower’s cutting width, engine power, and ease of use. Also, consider where we will store it and transport it, as some models may take up more space than others. Finding the right balance of features and size will make our lawn care tasks much easier.

With these points in mind, we tested several small riding mowers to find the ones that combine efficiency and ease of use for any yard.

Best Small Riding Mowers

We’ve put together a list of the best small riding mowers available. These mowers are perfect for tackling our smaller yards while still providing great power and efficiency. Let’s dive in and check out our top picks!

Troy-Bilt TB30B Compact Riding Mower

We think the Troy-Bilt TB30B is a great option for anyone with a small to medium-sized yard. It’s easy to use and stores nicely, making it a solid choice for our lawn care needs.

Pros

• Reliable 10.5 HP engine that starts up easily.
• Compact size fits through standard gates.
• Mulch plug included to keep our lawn healthy.

Cons

• The instructions can be a bit tricky at first.
• Size might be limiting for larger yards.
• A bit heavy, which can make maneuvering challenging in tight spaces.

Using the Troy-Bilt TB30B was a straightforward experience for us. The 10.5 HP engine fired up without any hassle, which is always a good sign for a lawn mower. We appreciated how well it cut the grass with its 30-inch deck, making quick work of our small yard.

Getting through narrow gates was a breeze, too. The compact shape allowed us to maneuver easily and get into all those tricky spots. Plus, we were happy to find that it included a mulch plug. This feature not only helps keep the lawn looking good but also adds nutrients back into the soil.

On the downside, we found the instructions a bit confusing. It took us some time to figure everything out before we could get started. The mower is somewhat heavy, making it a little cumbersome in tight areas. This might be something to think about if you have a very small yard with lots of turns.

Overall, the Troy-Bilt TB30B brings good value to the table for anyone needing a compact riding mower. If you’re looking for something user-friendly that handles well, this could be a great fit for you.

Greenworks 60V Zero Turn Mower

This mower is a solid choice for anyone looking to simplify their lawn care, thanks to its powerful yet quiet operation.

Pros

• Cuts up to 1.5 acres without needing a recharge.
• Much quieter than gas mowers, making mowing a more peaceful experience.
• Maintenance-free, so no more messing with gas or oil.

Cons

• The price might be higher than some gas mowers.
• Takes some time to get used to the controls.
• Heavy, making it less maneuverable in tight spaces.

We’ve just taken the Greenworks 60V Zero Turn Mower for a spin, and it’s a game-changer. The ability to mow up to 1.5 acres is fantastic for larger yards. With multiple batteries included, we can swap them out while the others charge, which keeps us mowing without interruption.

What truly stood out was how quiet it is compared to traditional gas mowers. We mowed early in the morning and didn’t bother the neighbors at all. The LED headlights were a nice touch, too. They helped us finish a session just before sunset without straining our eyes.

With a 42-inch cutting deck, we found it handled tall and thick grass like a champ. The brushless motor also seems to provide consistent power and cuts evenly. However, at 476 pounds, it can feel a bit heavy, especially when navigating tighter spots or slopes.

Overall, this mower makes lawn care effortless and less noisy, while relieving us from the hassles of gas and oil upkeep. If you’re interested, you can check it out here.

Husqvarna YTH24K54 Lawn Tractor

We think the Husqvarna YTH24K54 is an impressive small riding mower for those with larger yards or tough grass.

Pros

• Powerful 24HP Kohler engine for strong performance.
• The 54-inch cutting deck makes mowing fast and efficient.
• Pedal-operated automatic transmission simplifies driving.

Cons

• Some assembly is needed out of the box.
• Occasional issues with the drive belt reported by users.
• Front tires can have issues during delivery.

Using the Husqvarna YTH24K54 was a satisfying experience. The 24HP engine had no trouble tackling thick grass, and with a 54-inch cutting deck, we finished our yard in no time. The pedal-operated automatic transmission felt smooth, letting us easily switch speeds while keeping our hands on the wheel.

One thing that stood out was the air induction system. It helped the mower pull clean air into the cutting deck, which improved the cut’s quality. Our lawn looked great after mowing, even in areas that were a bit overgrown.

However, we did face a small hiccup. Some assembly was needed for the mower deck, which took a bit of extra time. Also, a few users reported issues with the drive belt and the front tires upon arrival. We had to check our mower carefully during setup, just to be sure everything was fine.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable mower that can handle large jobs, we feel like the Husqvarna YTH24K54 is worth considering. It delivers solid performance and makes mowing less of a chore.

Steelite 13-Inch Mower

This mower is a solid choice for anyone looking for something easy to handle in small yards.

Pros

• Lightweight design makes it simple to maneuver.
• Quiet operation helps avoid disturbing neighbors.
• Adjustable cutting height offers versatility.

Cons

• Limited runtime might not cover larger lawns.
• Best on level ground; uneven patches can be tricky.
• Small cutting width requires more passes.

We’ve had a chance to try out the Steelite 13-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower, and it really shines in small, manageable spaces. We love how lightweight it is, weighing just 20.5 lbs. This feature makes it incredibly easy to move around and store. It feels great when you can easily tackle those tricky corners without breaking a sweat.

The brushless motor is pretty impressive, too. It generates 4500 RPM with minimal noise, which is a huge plus if you want to keep the peace in your neighborhood. We enjoyed a nice, quiet mowing experience without disturbing anyone nearby. Plus, the 21V battery provides about 20 minutes of run time, making it suitable for small to mid-sized lawns. Just be aware that if your lawn is larger, you might need to take a break to recharge.

Adjusting the cutting height is also straightforward. With five different settings, we found it easy to get the perfect cut. The ability to collect clippings or mulch them back into the yard is convenient, too, as it helps keep our grass looking healthy. If you’re searching for a small riding mower that blends efficiency and simplicity, we think the Steelite mower is worth considering.

LawnMaster OcuMow™ Robot Mower

This mower can do the job for small lawns, but it does have some quirks we should talk about.

Pros

• Easy to set up without needing tooling.
• Decently priced and great for smaller yards.
• Quiet operation while mowing.

Cons

• Can be slow and inefficient at times.
• Random mowing pattern might leave some spots cut unevenly.
• Limited availability of replacement blades.

We’ve been using the LawnMaster OcuMow™ for our small lawn, and it has some cool features. For one, setting it up was a breeze! We just put down the magnetic wires to create our boundaries, pushed a button, and off it went. The mower handles edges pretty well and drops small clippings back to the grass, which helps keep everything looking fresh.

The quiet operation is a huge plus. We can run it early in the morning without waking anyone up. That said, we noticed that it isn’t the fastest mower. It took several hours to cover our small area, and sometimes it seemed to cut in a random pattern. We had a few spots that required a follow-up trimming, which was a bit annoying.

Battery life was good, lasting up to three hours, but we did learn that it’s best for lawns around 2000 square feet. If you have a bigger outdoor area, you might want to think about getting extra batteries. Overall, the LawnMaster OcuMow™ is a solid choice if you have a smaller yard and don’t mind the slower pace.

Husqvarna Z246 Z-Turn Mower

This mower is a solid pick for anyone looking to upgrade their lawn care routine with ease and efficiency.

Pros

• Powerful Kawasaki engine for smooth performance.
• Easy to maneuver with a zero-turn feature.
• Sturdy construction for long-lasting use.

Cons

• Can be heavy, making storage a bit tricky.
• Gas-powered, so you need to keep fuel on hand.
• Price might be a stretch for some budgets.

After using the Husqvarna Z246, we can say it’s a true performer. That 21.5HP Kawasaki engine really gives it the power to handle our lawn without missing a beat. The zero-turn feature makes turning around and cutting those tight corners super easy. We love how quick it is to navigate around flower beds and trees.

Another great aspect is the sturdy build. The reinforced steel deck feels durable. We can tell it’s made for some serious work on our lawns. It cuts through grass like butter, and we appreciate how clean the cut looks. Plus, the deck lift system is easy to use. Adjusting the cutting height is a breeze, so we can tackle different grass lengths without any hassle.

That said, the weight of the mower is something to think about. It can be a little cumbersome when we’re trying to find a place to store it. Also, being gas-powered means we always need to keep fuel handy. Some might find the cost a bit high, but considering the performance, we think it’s worth it for those looking to invest in a quality mower.

Husqvarna Z254F Mower

This mower is a solid choice for those who want a reliable machine to tackle their lawns efficiently.

Pros

• Powerful Kawasaki engine for smooth performance.
• Large cutting deck makes quick work of mowing.
• Hydrostatic transmission for easy operation.

Cons

• Can struggle on wet or slippery terrain.
• Customer service experiences vary.
• Some assembly or issues may arise upon delivery.

We’ve spent some time with the Husqvarna Z254F, and it has impressed us with its performance. The 24HP Kawasaki engine really packs a punch, making mowing feel effortless. The 54-inch cutting deck saves us a lot of time on larger patches of grass, which is a huge perk for anyone looking to get the job done quickly.

One thing to keep in mind is the handling. If you’re new to zero turn mowers, it might take some time to get used to the sensitivity of the controls. On steeper hills or wet surfaces, we found ourselves slipping a bit, which can be a little frustrating. The front tires don’t offer the best grip, so be cautious in tricky conditions.

Customer service is another aspect that has received mixed reviews. While some users reported quick responses and helpful assistance, others have faced challenges getting issues resolved. We recommend keeping this in mind when making your decision. Overall, the Husqvarna Z254F can be a great addition to your lawn care tools if you’re prepared for a few quirks.

Buying Guide

Choosing a small riding mower can be exciting. We want to make sure we pick the right one for our needs. Here are some key features to consider.

1. Size and Weight\
It’s important to think about the size and weight of the mower. If we have a small yard, a compact model is easier to maneuver. For larger areas, a slightly bigger mower might save us time.

2. Cutting Width\
The cutting width determines how much grass we can cut in one pass. Wider widths cut more but may be harder to navigate in tight spots. A width between 30 to 50 inches usually works well for most yards.

3. Engine Power\
Look for a mower with enough engine power. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 15-20 horsepower for efficient cutting. This helps especially in tougher grass.

4. Features\
Check for these helpful features:

• Adjustable Cutting Heights: We can control how short we want our grass.
• Turning Radius: A smaller turning radius means easier handling around trees and flower beds.

5. Budget\
Consider how much we are willing to spend. Set a budget and look for mowers that fit within it, while still checking for quality.

6. Warranty and Support\
Lastly, a good warranty can give us peace of mind. It’s nice to know we have support if something goes wrong.

By thinking about these features, we can find a small riding mower that suits our yard and makes mowing easier for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions about small riding mowers. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones we hear from folks looking for a good fit for their yards.

Hey buddy, where can I snag a riding lawn mower without breaking the bank?

We can find great deals at local home improvement stores or big box retailers. Checking online marketplaces can also yield some surprising finds. Don’t forget to look for seasonal sales or clearance events!

Got a tiny patch of green. What’s the best mower to keep it looking neat?

For small lawns, we recommend a compact riding mower or even a lawn tractor. These options are designed to be efficient without taking up much space. They can navigate tight spots while still giving a nice, even cut.

Any tips on where to find a sweet deal on used riding mowers?

Local classified ads are a good place to start. Websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace often have listings. We should also check out community groups or auctions for used models at better prices.

Is it overkill to get a riding mower for half an acre, or should I go for it?

Using a riding mower for half an acre can be a good choice, especially if we want to save time. Riding mowers make the job easier, and we can manage larger lawns more efficiently. It really depends on how often and how quickly we want to mow.

I’m all about easy maintenance – know any riding mowers that won’t give me a headache?

Some brands are known for their reliability and low upkeep. Look for models with easy access to the engine and oil filters. Also, mowers that use standard parts are easier and cheaper to maintain.

What’s the scoop on riding mowers that can squeeze into tighter spaces?

There are narrow riding mowers designed for small yards. These have a smaller turning radius, making it easier to navigate around flower beds or trees. Taking a look at your yard’s layout can help us choose the right model.