Riding Mowers Save Cutting Time
Many homeowners that have a mowing chore generally use a walk-behind lawn mower to cut small to medium size yards of grass. However, for those homeowners that have larger lawns to mow, most use a riding lawn or tractor mower. The best-selling riding lawn mowers will help you do discover the best model for your lawn cutting needs.
Many of these mowers now come with a zero radius turn feature that allows the mower to rotate 180 degrees and move away on the same path that it came on. The benefit of this type of mower is you can mow close to buildings and landscape with ease. These mowers can cut down the mowing time which means you have more time for other things.
These machines are very powerful and can be dangerous if not used properly.
Did you know, that over 34,000 consumer injuries have been related to riding lawn mowers between 2010-2012, as stated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission? So it’s very important that you follow all of the safety rules that govern riding lawn and tractor mowers as we do not want you to become another statistic.
Looking For The Best Riding Lawnmowers? We have reviewed and used some and here are the results.
For further reading, the following topics will be offered for your review. Just select a topic of interest and you will be taken directly to that section. Or, just scroll down to view them all.
- Video: Lawn Mower Safety Tips
- Comparison Chart – Best-Selling Riding Lawn Mowers
- Basic Riding Mower Safety Tips
- Before You Mow Safety Tips
- Slope Safety Tips
- Operating A Riding Lawn Mower
- Zero-Turn Riding Mower Safety Tips
- Shop Best-Selling Riding Lawn Mowers
Video: Riding Lawn Mower Safety Tips
This is an excellent video on riding mower safety tips. Please review before using your new machine. Take a look now!
Some of the hazards of riding lawn mowers are:
- Lawn mower tips over
- Victim is thrown from or falls off machine
- Victim falls under or is run over by the machine
Comparison Chart – Best-Selling Riding Lawn Mowers
The comparison chart will have the following features on the top 25 mowers for you to see at a glance:
- Manufacture
- Model Number
- Engine Power – In cc’s or HP
- Cutting Width – In inches
- Cutting Height – In inches
- Tank Size
- Transmission
- Price
- Weight
- Turning Radius – In inches
- Warranty
- Country of Origin
The price information is provided and is subject to change because of discounts being offered at the time of purchase. Discounts change from time to time and in some cases are not offered at all.
Manufacture | Model # | Engine | Cutting Width | Cutting Height | Tank Size | Transmission | Price | Weight | Turning Radius | Warranty | Origin |
Troy-Bilt | 13A721JD066 | 382cc OHV | 30″ | 5 Positions | 1.3 Gal. | 6-Speeds | $1,568.19 | 340 lbs. | 18″ | 2 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | 960430211 | 15.5 HP | 42″ | 6 Positions | 1.5 Gal. | Auto | $1,499.95 | 585 lbs. | 18″ | 2 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | YTH24V54 | 24 HP | 54″ | 1.5-4″ | 3 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $2,299.99 | 492 lbs. | 16″ | 3 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | YTH22V46 | 22 HP | 46″ | 1.5-4″ | 2.5 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $1,799.99 | 440 lbs. | 16″ | 3 Yr. | USA |
Weed Eater | WE1 | 190cc | 26″ | 1.5-4″ | .5 Gal. | Friction Deck | $967.87 | 196 lbs. | 30-40″ | 2 Yr. | N/A |
Husqvarna | 960430173 | 22 HP | 42″ | 1.5-4″ | 2.5 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $1,899.00 | 438 lbs. | 16″ | 3 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | MZ61 | 27 HP | 61″ | 1.5-4″ | 5 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $5,020.24 | 770 lbs. | Zero | 3 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | 9670036-04 | 724cc | 54″ | 1.5-4″ | 3.5 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $2,999.00 | 640 lbs. | Zero | 3 Yr. | USA |
MTD | 13A2775S000 | 420cc | 42″ | 1-4″ | 1.3 Gal. | CVT | $1,249.00 | 485 lbs. | 18″ | 2 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | 967324301 | 26 HP | 54″ | 1.5-4″ | 3.5 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $3,199.95 | 598 lbs. | Zero | 3 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | RZ3016 | 16.5 HP | 30″ | 1.5-4″ | 3 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $2,349.95 | 395 lbs. | Zero | 3 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | 9604302-03 | 22 HP | 42″ | 1.5-4″ | 3 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $2,599.95 | 560 lbs. | 16″ | 3 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | GT52XLSI | 24 HP | 52″ | 1.5-4″ | 4 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $3,599.95 | 630 lbs. | 18″ | 3 Yr. | USA |
Husqvarna | GTH48XLSI | 24 HP | 48″ | 1.4-4″ | 4 Gal. | Hydrostatic | $3,499.95 | 630 lbs. | N/A | 3 Yr. | USA |
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice and may not be the actual price you pay at the time of purchase.
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Basic Riding Mower Safety Tips
While using a lawn tractor or other type of riding lawn mower can significantly reduce the amount of time needed to care for your lawn, it’s important to thoroughly understand the machine so that you can safely operate it. Because lawn tractors and riding mowers move much faster than a walk-behind mower, all it takes is a small lapse of attention to cause an accident or an injury.
- Read the owner’s manual prior to using the machine for the first time. It will provide information when to perform certain types of maintenance and at what intervals. This is important so that you do not invalidate the warranty.
- Wear goggles or other eye protection.
- Wear sturdy shoes – no sandals or bare feet.
- Wear pants that completely cover your legs – jeans will work fine.
- Wear protective gloves on your hands.
- Inspect all wearable parts before starting.
- Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
- Do not mow in reverse unless it’s absolutely safe to do so.
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Before You Mow Safety Tips
Below are some basic safety tips to read before you even start mowing your lawn using a riding mower.
- Keep hands and feet clear from rotating parts or under the machine when it’s still in the on position.
- Allow only responsible people and those who are familiar with the instructions to operate the mower.
- Clear the area of all rocks, wire, toys, etc., which can be thrown by the blade(s).
- Never carry passengers.
- Be sure the area is clear of bystanders. Stop the mower if anyone enters the area.
- Avoid discharging clippings toward anyone or against a wall.
- Stop the blades when crossing graveled areas.
- Slow down when turning.
- Don’t leave the machine running when unattended.
- Understand all of the components of your riding mower or lawn tractor, and thoroughly read its operation manual before ever starting the machine.
- Check to make sure that the mower’s operator-presence control system, a safety feature that shuts off the blades when the operator dismounts the machine or rises from the seat is functioning properly.
- Know how to stop the lawn mower engine quickly in the event of an emergency.
- If your lawn tractor is equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS), be sure that it is installed properly. Never operate a ROPS-equipped tractor without this protective structure in place.
- Confirm that the mower’s blade drive belt is set at the proper tension and that it is free of debris.
- Check for proper functioning of the interlocks that prevent the lawn mower engine from starting while the mower is in gear or the blade is engaged.
- Do not remove or disable guards or other safety devices.
- Dress properly for the job. Always wear substantial shoes or safety boots, long pants and close-fitting clothes. Wear heavy work gloves to protect your hands when handling the blades and other items that might be sharp or have nicks or metal burrs on the edges.
- Before you start mowing, clean up the area and clear the lawn of pets and people, especially children.
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Slope Safety Tips
Below are some safety tips while using a riding mower on a slope.
- Don’t mow on a side of hill if the grade is greater than 5 degrees.
- Don’t mow uphill if the grade is greater than 10 degrees.
- Never mow down a slope greater than 15 degrees.
- Never attempt a turn on a side of a hill.
- Mow up and down and not across any slope to prevent tip overs.
- Watch out for ruts, holes, bumps, rocks or any hidden objects. Tall grass can obscure hidden obstacles.
- Use the low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
- Do not mow on wet grass as tires may lose traction.
- Keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not coast.
- Avoid stopping, starting, or turning while on a slope. If you should experience the tires losing traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
- Keep all movements on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or in direction, which can cause the machine to roll over.
- Use extra care when using a grass catcher or other attachments as they can affect the stability of the machine. Do not use on steep slopes.
- Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
- Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge of if the edge caves in.
The above safety tips were taken from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (www.saferproducts.gov)
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Operating a Riding Lawn Mower
Below are some basic tips for operating a riding lawn mower:
- Fill your gasoline tank only when the engine is cold. If you need to refuel before completing a job, turn off the lawn tractor or riding mower and allow the engine to cool.
- Avoid spilling any gasoline during the refilling process, and never smoke or light a match around gasoline.
- Before starting your lawn tractor or riding mower, inspect it for loose belts, screws, and bolts or other damaged components.
- Always start your riding mower or lawn tractor from the operator’s seat. Never start the machine while standing beside it.
- Riding mowers and lawn tractors are one-person machine. Operate from the driver’s seat only, keeping both feet on the tractor at all times, and never carry any passengers, especially children.
- Take care not to throw a unit into gear accidentally, which could cause it to jerk ahead unexpectedly.
- When operating a riding mower on uneven terrain, use extreme care. Always mow up and down slopes—never across—and avoid sudden starts, stops or turns.
- To prevent tipping, decrease your speed when going down slopes or around sharp corners.
- Maintain a minimum ground speed and make turns wide and gradual.
- Never dismount from or jump off a riding mower or lawn tractor with the engine running. Always observe proper shutdown procedures before dismounting.
- Routinely remove any accumulations of grass, leaves or excessive grease to reduce fire hazard.
Following these safety tips as recommended by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute will ensure that your mowing tasks are as safe and enjoyable as possible.
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Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower Safety Tips
Below are some safety tips for zero-turn riding mower models. With these models they all come equipped with ROPS (rollover protection system) as standard. Be sure that this feature is in its proper position before ever starting and using the machine.
- Read the owner’s manual carefully.
- Make sure all safety equipment is functional and utilized.
- Never bypass or remove any safety equipment.
- Perform regular equipment inspections and replace any parts, tires, belts, blades and fuel system components. Follow operator’s manual instructions for the correct replacement parts to be used.
- Have all operators of the machine read the owner’s manual and fully understand the operation of the mower prior to using it.
- Allow only the persons who have read the manual and have been given your permission before they operate the machine. This will help to prevent possible injury while the machine is in use by them when you are not present.
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Shop Best-Selling Riding Lawn Mowers
You can shop the 25 best-selling riding lawn mowers on Amazon by clicking on an image of the mower that is of interest. You will be taken to the ordering page where you can read the customer reviews if available and other product information before purchasing.
Troy-Bilt 382cc Premium Riding Lawn Mower, 30″ |
Husqvarna YTH24V54 24 HP Yard Tractor, 54-Inch |
Husqvarna YTH22V46 22 HP Hydro Pedal Yard Tractor, 46-Inch |
Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc Briggs & Stratton 875 Series Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower With Electric Start |
Husqvarna 960430173 656cc 22 HP Gas 42 in. Lawn Tractor |
Husqvarna MZ61 27 HP Zero Turn Mower, 61-Inch |
Husqvarna 967 00 36-04 Briggs & Stratton 724 CC 3-in-1 Zero-Turn Mower with a 54 Inch 12-Gauge Cutting Deck |
Yard Machines 420cc 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mower |
Husqvarna GT48XLSi (48″) 24HP Smart Switch Garden Tractor – 960 43 01-77 |
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