Consumer Guide of the Best Riding Mowers

Small

• Smaller riding lawn mowers that accept few or no attachments typically work best on small, flat lawns. The budget-priced Weed Eater One riding mower comes recommended by Consumer Reports and is just 31 inches wide, which is small enough to fit through most garden gates. The mower has a 190 hp engine and weighs a little more than 200 pounds. One negative is that the wheels might sink into the ground when mowing a lawn with loose, sandy soil.

Electrical

• Riding mowers with electric engines provide an environmentally friendly option to gas-powered mowers. The Ariens Amp runs on electrical power and works well on lawns 3/4 of an acre or less. The mower's battery accepts about 200 recharges before replacement becomes necessary. The 27-inch Recharge Mower-G1-RM10 runs for about three hours on a single charge. Although its maximum cutting height is only 2.75 inches, the mower provides a good cut for lawns where the grass isn't meant to grow too high.

Lawn Tractors

• Lawn tractors are larger riding mowers that accept a variety of rear attachments. They not only cut grass but also help with other other yard work, such as fertilizing your lawn. The John Deere X304 comes recommended by Family Home and Garden magazine, which rates mowers. This model also was rated favorably by the Telegraph, a London newspaper. The mower cuts a 42-inch-wide swath and features four-wheel steering. Another prominent lawn tractor, the Snapper NXT2346, provides a 46-inch-wide cut and has a push-button start.

Zero Turn

• Zero-turn riding mowers move easily around obstacles, resulting in less trimming after mowing. They mow quicker than the typical lawn tractor, but most models do not accept attachments. The Snapper 150Z ZT2142 model has a 42-inch-wide cut with a 21 hp engine. The John Deere Z225 also provides a 42-inch-wide cut and possesses a top speed of 7 mph. It has a maximum cutting height of 3.5 inches.