10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Small Yards – Top Pick 2023

A lawnmower is a machine for cutting the grass on a lawn. But a riding mower or ride-on lawnmower is somewhat different than mowers which are pushed or towed. In case of riding type, an operator is seated wearing heavy footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection while doing the mowing job. Use of the Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Small Yards are necessary to have a lush, leafy green lawn.

Different types of lawn mowers are available on the market. A few of these are a cylinder, rotary, hover. Cylinder lawn mowers feature cylindrical blades that rotate vertically at the front of the mower. Cylinder lawnmowers are best used in flat lawns. They keep grass short and manicured.

Rotary lawnmowers have a single blade that rotates horizontally underneath the mower, more like the propellers of a plane. These are the most versatile type and will cope with most types of grass. They are better than the cylinder type since they are capable of cutting longer and rougher grass.

Hover lawnmowers as the name suggest hover above the ground allowing them easier to push and adept at mowing uneven surfaces. They are good equipment for manicuring unusual-shaped lawns. These are relatively cheaper than other types of lawn mowers. So, with all of these different types of lawn mowers, how do you pick up the best riding lawn mowers?

Our Top Rated Riding Lawn Mowers (Quick View)

Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Small Yards – Top 10 Reviews

01 Poulan Pro P46ZX Riding Mower

Poulan pro riding mower comes with powerful 22 HP Briggs and Stratton engine. It offers 10- year warranty with 46 inches RZ reinforced deck. It features durable caster wheels and welded frame. This lawn mower is comfortable to ride thanks to its 15 inches extra high back seat. It includes 6 position cutting height adjustment with easy access panel.

Other features of this mowers are a digital hour meter, a nose roller, 3 anti-scalp rollers and easy-to-operate dual levers with foam padded hand grips. At a top speed of 6 mph, this powerful and efficient ZTR can cut up to 2.4 acres per hour spending 3.5-gallon fuel. Measuring 78 x 61.5 x 35.5 inches it weighs 750 pounds.

Specifications

Pros

• 22 HP Briggs v-twin pro engine
• 46-inch stamped reinforced deck
• Hydro-gear EZT transmission
• Electric clutch
• 5 Gallon fuel tank
• More maneuverability
• Shorter mowing time
• Longer lasting
• Less trimming in the yard
• Very fast and smooth cutting
• Cuts cleanly

Our Remarks

Poulan pro riding mower delivers comfort, durability, and performance. Two great advantages of these lawn mowers are maneuverability and shorter mowing time. Another great feature of it’s long-lasting. With all of these positive features of this product, it could be a useful riding lawn mower for every gardener.

02 Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Tractor Mower

Husqvarna tractor offers a maintenance free operation due to its fast auto transmission. These lawn tractors or garden tractors features choke less start, charge port and electric clutch. Air induction mowing technology is used here to improve airflow within the deck which ensure a consistent cut every time. Its deck lever is spring assisted for easy operation.

Different parts of this tractor mower carry a different warranty. For example, frame/chassis and front axle have a 5-year warranty, cutting deck 10-year warranty and the product itself has a 3-year limited warranty. Its motor is Briggs Stratton twin V 24. It does not have a lithium-ion battery. Its battery is 24-volt lawnmower battery.

Specifications

Pros

• Fast auto transmission
• Air induction mowing technology
• Convenient fender mounted deck lever
• Maintenance free operation
• Easy operation
• Excellent power
• Works like a pro mower
• Great for lawn mowing

Our Remarks

The great feature of Husqvarna tractor is it provides fast auto transmission for maintenance-free operation. Its convenient fender mounted deck lever is spring assisted for easy operation. The lawn tractor ensures a consistent cut every time thanks to its air induction mowing technology which improves airflow within the deck.

03 Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower

Troy-Bilt riding mower is powered by a 382cc Auto choke OHV engine. This engine is designed to last and provides clean performance. Its fuel tank capacity is 1.3 gallon and the tank feature a fuel sight window which allows you to check gas level. This mower comes with a 5-height adjustable blade with a manual power take-off for easy and fast blade engagement.

To enhance comfort, the seat of the mower is raised to mid-back and steering wheel is a 13-inch soft grip wheel.

This riding lawn mower is designed with an 18-inch turning radius with 13 x 5-inch front wheel and 16 x 6.5-inch rear wheels. With this mower, maneuver easily with the 18-inch turning radius along with manual power take-off. This product is strong or durable and built to last wheels. Its front wheel measures 13 x 5 inches, and large rear wheels measure 16 x 6.5 inches.

Specifications

Pros

• 382cc auto choke OHV engine
• 30-inch cutting deck
• Manual power takes off
• This powerful engine is built to last and provide clean performance
• Fuel tank capacity allows you to check gas levels
• The extensive coverage will give the durability
• Provide high-powered speed and speed transmission
• Manual power take-off for fast and simple blade engagement

Our Remarks

The Troy-Bilt lawn mower is known as neighborhood mower. This best lawn mower is ideal for standard landowners with a medium sized landscape and relatively even terrain. The Troy-Bilt offers a 2-year limited warranty with extensive coverage to give you the durability you should desire.

04 Husqvarna GT52XLSI Lawn Tractor

The Husqvarna lawn tractor comes with 24HP Briggs & Stratton engine with 52 inches Fabricated deck. It offers easy cut height adjustable seat and comfortable to use. This mower performance well-cutting grass on steep hills. It includes a traction control system which will not turn sharp while on use as it just pushes the turned tires straight ahead. It has a battery life indicator. But this indicator actually kills the battery. You have to unplug the indicator to save battery.

In order to change the oil of the tractor, you have to connect to a yellow nipple-thing. But the problem is the manual that is included with the product does mention anything about how to put into service the nipple thing. If you extract or pull it out, the oil dribbles out. If you extract or pull too far, it falls off, and oil goes everywhere. Mower height handle is in correct position where you would get off the tractor. One weird nature of the mower is sometimes when you turn the wheel the tractor continues to go straight.

Specifications

Pros

• 52 inches Fabricated deck
• Great tractor for steep hills
• Easy cut height adjustment
• Easy seat adjustment
• Comfortable to use
• Heavy duty lawn tractor for fast cutting

Our Remarks

This Husqvarna has decent enough mowing power, runs well and has friendly options. It is a heavy-duty lawn tractor. Purchasing a lawn mower for $3500 online seems to be crazy. But its positive features like plenty of power and grass cutting will surely justify the price.

05 Yard Machines 420cc Riding Lawn Tractor

Yard machine riding lawn tractor is powered by a strong 420cc engine with the shift on the go drive system. This lawn tractor is equipped with a 7-speed gear shift to make your mowing task as easy as possible. It features a 42-inch blade that can handle the cutting task of a large area in a shorter amount of time. To added comfort, it includes comfortable mid-back seat to make your lawn jobs a little less back-breaking. Front and rear wheels are assembled in such a that to deliver maximum maneuverability.

Measuring 70 x 47 x 35.5 inches, the lawn tractor from the manufacture Yard machines weigh 490 pounds. The engine of this 420cc riding mower is made by MTD. It does not come with a snow blower attachment. It can go reverse. But it will not cut in reverse. It does not include a grass catcher. But you can buy one. One important thing regarding this lawn tractor it will come to you with 96% assembled. The remaining assemble task can be done with very basic tools.

Specifications

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Easy to maneuver
• Cuts gross good
• Much easier to mow
• Blade cuts wide area
• 7-speed gear shift
• 42-inch blade

Our Remarks

Yard machine riding lawn tractor is built for tackling your lawn mowing task with ease. Mowing your lawn and hilly, grassy areas will be a breeze with this lawn mower. It includes mulching and bagging to help you improve and maintain the appearance of your yards. This model is particularly useful for mowing large yards. It offers a 2-year limited warranty.

06 CUB CADET XT1 Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower

The Cub Cadet riding mower comes with 22 HP Kohler V-Twin OHV engine. This engine ensures powerful performance and hydrostatic transmission drive for a smooth and simple operation that eliminates the need for shifting. To operate it, simply push the pedal and go. Its signature cut 46 inches deck and 16 inches turning radius is great for maneuvering around obstacles with ease. What’s more, the riding mower’s adjustable seat and soft grip wheel make it so comfortable to handle.

Other features of this mower are louder than deer. You must use choke every time to start. Its operation manual is available online. But on some points, Cub manual and Kohler manual do not agree with each other. For example, Cub manual says to use no water of any part of the machine except under deck with hose connect. But the dealer says otherwise. It says not to use water on under the deck. One problem with this product is a black seat gets very hot in the sun.

Specifications

Pros

• Comfortable to use
• Versatile to use
• Smooth and simple operation
• Powerful engine
• Durable
• Hydrostatic transmission drive
• 16 inches turning radius

Our Remarks

Cub Cadet riding mower is designed for providing comfort and versatility. It delivers a smooth and simple operation. Win any obstacle with ease with its signature cut 46- inch deck and 16 -inch turning radius. It features an adjustable seat and soft comfort grip steering wheel to provide the ultimate handling and comfort. It is designed with 67 x 56 x 43 inches and weighs 600 pounds.

07 Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp Zero Turn Lawn Mower

These zero turn mowers come with 19 HP or 600 engine power and have 34 inches cutting width. The engine belongs to Kohler 6000 series. It is an incredible mower for the money. This model is particularly useful if you have a one and half to 2- acre lot to mow with gates and other obstructions.

It is very heavily made. It includes 34 inches stamped deck and 2 spindles EZT transaxles. This is especially a homeowner mower. It works wonderfully in a tight space. But if you plan to start a lawn business, then this model will not serve your purpose. Instead, you should use 42 zoom model instead of 34 inches.

Specifications

Pros

• Heavily made
• Great piece of equipment
• Medium range cutting width
• Powerful engine
• Durable
• Kohler 6000 series engine

Our Remarks

This zero-turn lawn mower is more appropriate for residential use. This model is great for small to medium-sized applications. After just one month of use, you would regret yourself why you had not used it before? The bottom line is it is not a nonsense piece of equipment.

08 Husqvarna 967271701 Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower

Husqvarna zero turn mower comes with a few great features. Starting with Air induction mowing technology which is responsible for improving grass lift and delivering a superior lift. Its integrated zero turn transmissions deliver maintenance free as well as worry-free performance. The stamped steel cutting or trimming deck is reinforced with heavy flat-stock steel for enhanced strength and durability on the leading-edge and trim side.

What’s more, the deck lift system is spring assisted for ease of use and easy reach of the operator. This product is awesome to ride. The controls are so sensitive that tiny changes will make a big difference in your path. At its fastest rate, it goes 5 miles per hour.

Specifications

Pros

• Faster operation
• Super cut
• Maintenance free performance
• Convenient to use
• Durable
• Air induction mowing technology
• Integrated-turn transmissions
• Stamped steel cutting deck
• Spring assisted deck lift

Our Remarks

What makes this model is so unique is that it features an automatic choke system to provide simplified starting with user input required. The product is durable due to its robust frame. Husqvarna ZTR offers a 4-year warranty. The tractor is well balanced with noticeable cutting quality. It will greatly fulfill your outdoor power equipment needs.

09 Husqvarna GTH52XLS 24V Hydro Pedal Tractor Mower

Husqvarna mower features FAST auto transmissions for maintenance-free operation. Its ergonomic design is equipped with an adjustable high back seat with armrests and comfortable grip steel wheel. It features electric engagement cutting blades, simply pull the switch to start operation. Its convenient fender mounted deck lever is spring assisted for easy operation.

Its different parts offer a different warranty. For example, the product itself carries 3-year limited warranty while frame/chassis and front axle have a 5-year warranty. This particular model mower has an 11-gauge fabricated deck. With this model, you need a 52 inches Husqvarna or Poulan pro bagger. This tractor mower can fit with a snow blower attachment. The top forward speed of the mower is 7.8 mph. Husqvarna riding mower is powered by a 24hp Briggs and Stratton endurance series V-twin two-cylinder engine.

Specifications

Pros

• Easy operation
• Maintenance free operation
• Comfortable grip steering wheel
• Durable
• Fast auto transmission
• Electric cutting blades
• 24V Hydro pedal tractor mower
• Fast auto transmission

Our Remarks

Husqvarna hydro pedal tractor mower is designed for durability, comfort, style, and precision. This model is ideal for demanding extensive use thanks to its pedal-operated EHD hydrostatic drive FAST transmission, 52 inches fabricated deck and a heavy-duty chassis.

10 Yard Machines 24″ 190cc Gas Riding Mower

This lawn tractor manufactured by Yard machines comes with 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine. With one blade, its deck cutting width is 24 inches. The assembly of this riding mower is pretty easy. It includes one bolt to attach the steering wheel, two bolts to attach the seat and two more bolts if you need or require to change the side chute to the mulching plug. It has a key to start.

This mower does not mow in reverse. This model comes with a battery. The battery is a small white one. But it does not come with a mulcher attachment. It does not have a mulching kit either. There is no bagger attachment for this mower. Its motor is a 4-cycle stroke motor. The actual side-to-side max width of the machine is 30 inches.

Specifications

Pros

• Quiet
• Reliable riding lawn mower
• Comfortable to sit in
• Cut the grass effortlessly
• Low price

Our Remarks

Yard machine riding mower is powered by 1900cc Briggs and Stratton engine. Featuring one blade its deck cutting width is 24 inches. It includes one bolt to attach the steering wheel, two bolts to attach the seat and two more bolts if you require or want to change the side chute to the mulching plug. It is a nice little tractor. It comes at a reasonable price.

How Do We Pick Riding Lawn Mowers for Small Yards?

With a wide of variety of lawn mowers available to choose from, it may be little daunting to pick the best riding mowers.  In this best riding mower review, we try to make it as simple as possible. From our extensive study on this topic, we have identified that you need to consider below points with much emphasis to find the best riding lawn mowers.

Deck size/Cutting Width: It means the capacity. The area that a mower can cover in a certain frame. Most riding lawn mowers deck widths range from 30 inches to 54 inches. You will also find sizes between 36 inches, 42 inches, 46 inches, 48 inches, 52 inches.  54 inches mowers are best for large yards of the surface area of 2-3 acres. So, depending on your lawn area, choose the best lawn tractor.

Maneuverability: Maneuverability means how easily the lawn mower can be move. In this case, the size of the mower and turning radius decides mower maneuverability. Turning radius is measured in inches, the smaller the number, the more maneuverability the mower offers. If your yard has many tight spots and passages, the large size mower will work here. You need use here a relatively smaller size mower with more turning radius.

Reliability: This is another important when deciding your best riding lawn mowers. You need to check manufacturer’s warranty as well as customer feedback regarding the issue. After all, who wants to purchase a product with a low warranty.

Cutting Height: Most units offer the cutting height of 1.5inches and 4-6 settings to choose from. In this case, generally costlier items come with more options. But for residential needs, there are cheap riding lawn mowers that have settings.

Cutting Methods: Things here to consider is, does the unit include collecting and mulching capabilities or only side discharge. This is an import for any buyer.

Transmission Type: Does the model feature manual or automatic transmission. Max forward speed: Average models max forward speed is 5-8 mph. This feature is important if you have a lot of very flat ground to cover.

Drive Method: It is our last point. Does the unit lever operate or pedal-operated?   Below we have complied, a list of best riding lawn mowers so that you can find the one that will best serve your need.

Final Verdict

In this riding lawn mower reviews, we have discussed many things. Our main objective was finding the best riding lawn mowers so that you can have a lush green tidy lawn. Now, confident enough? Well, we do not want to leave you right now. We want to help you further with a suggestion to ease out your decision-making process. Please continue reading.

If quality or grade of excellence is the main point that prescribes or dictates your buying decision process than two top quality products are CUB CADET XT1 Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower and Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp Zero Turn Lawn Mower. If you love products with elegant features than we suggest two products. These are Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower and Husqvarna 967271701 Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower respectively.

If you have a tight budget, then we have two low price products: Yard Machines 420cc Riding Lawn Tractor and Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Tractor Mower. And lastly, if you want a product that is in the middle of the price spectrum with many advanced features, then we suggest Husqvarna GTH52XLS 24V Hydro Pedal Tractor Mower. However, the final decision is yours. So, happy buying!