Honda powered riding mowers. 9 Fixes For When Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

There are a number of reasons, mechanical and otherwise, why a mower won’t run. The good news is that fixing most all of the issues is easy enough for a DIYer to handle.

By Tony Carrick and Manasa Reddigari | Updated Aug 8, 2022 4:03 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Lawn care can be tedious, but once the grass starts growing in the spring, mowing becomes a fact of life in most neighborhoods. When you finally muster the strength to tackle that first cut of the season, there are few sounds as disheartening as that of a lawn mower engine that turns over but doesn’t start.

Before you drag the mower in for repairs or invest in costly replacement parts, first make sure that a clogged air filter, soiled spark plug, damaged safety cable, clogged mowing deck, or contaminated gas isn’t to blame. Work through the following steps, and you may be able to get your puttering grass guzzler up and running again in no time.

A lawn mower repair professional can help. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from pros near you.

Change the lawn mower carburetor filter.

Your lawn mower’s air filter guards the carburetor and engine from debris like grass clippings and dirt. When the air filter becomes clogged or too dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting. To keep this from happening, replace paper filters—or clean or replace foam filters—after every 25 hours of engine use.

The process for removing the filter depends on whether you are operating a riding or walk-behind lawn mower. For a riding mower, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake; for a walk-behind mower, pull the spark plug wire from the plug. Then, lift the filter from its housing.

The only choice for paper filters is replacement. If you’re cleaning a foam filter, wash it in a solution of hot water and detergent to loosen grime. Allow it to dry completely, and then wipe fresh motor oil over the filter, replace it in its housing, and power up the mower—this time to the pleasant whirring of an engine in tip-top condition.

Check the spark plug.

Is your lawn mower still being stubborn? The culprit may be the spark plug, which is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If it’s loosened, disconnected, or coated in water or carbon residue, the spark plug may be the cause of your machine’s malfunction.

Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower, and disconnect the spark plug wire, revealing the plug beneath. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it.

Check the electrode and insulator. If you see buildup, spray brake cleaner onto the plug, and let it soak for several minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth. Reinstall the spark plug, first by hand, and then with a socket wrench for a final tightening. If the problem persists, consider changing the spark plug.

Clear the mower deck of debris.

The mower’s deck prevents grass clippings from showering into the air like confetti, but it also creates a place for them to collect. Grass clippings can clog the mower deck, especially while mowing a wet lawn, preventing the blade from turning.

If the starter rope seems stuck or is difficult to pull, then it’s probably due to a clogged deck. With the mower safely turned off, tip it over onto its side and examine the underbelly. If there are large clumps of cut grass caught between the blade and deck, use a trowel to scrape these clippings free. When the deck is clean again, set the mower back on its feet and start it up.

Clear the vent in the lawn mower fuel cap.

The mower started just fine, you’ve made the first few passes, then all of a sudden the mower quits. You pull the cord a few times, but the engine just sputters and dies. What’s happening? It could have something to do with the fuel cap. Most mowers have a vented fuel cap. This vent is intended to release pressure, allowing fuel to flow from the tank to the carburetor. Without the vent, the gas fumes inside the tank begin to build up, creating a vacuum that eventually becomes so strong that it stops the flow of fuel.

To find out if this is the problem, remove the gas cap to break the vacuum, then reattach it. The mower should start right up. But if the lawn mower won’t stay running and cuts off again after 10 minutes or so, you’ll need to get a new gas cap.

Clean and refill the lawn mower fuel tank.

An obvious—and often overlooked—reason your mower may not be starting is that the tank is empty or contains gas that is either old or contaminated with excess moisture and dirt. If your gas is more than a month old, use an oil siphon pump to drain it from the tank.

(It’s important to be careful as spilled oil can cause smoking, but there are other reasons this might happen. Read more about what to do when your lawn mower is smoking.)

Add fuel stabilizer to the tank.

Fill the tank with fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer to extend the life of the gas and prevent future buildup. A clogged fuel filter is another possible reason for a lawn mower not to start. When the filter is clogged, the engine can’t access the gas that makes the system go. If your mower has a fuel filter (not all do), check to make sure it’s functioning properly.

First, remove the fuel line at the carburetor. Gas should flow out. If it doesn’t, confirm that the fuel shutoff valve isn’t accidentally closed. Then remove the fuel line that’s ahead of the fuel filter inlet. If gas runs out freely, there’s a problem with the fuel filter. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on replacing the filter and reassembling the mower.

Inspect the safety release mechanism cable.

Your lawn mower’s reluctance to start may have nothing to do with the engine at all but rather with one of the mower’s safety features: the dead man’s control. This colorfully named safety bar must be held in place by the operator for the engine to start or run. When the bar is released, the engine stops. While this mechanism cuts down on the likelihood of horrific lawn mower accidents, it also can be the reason the mower won’t start.

The safety bar of a dead man’s control is attached to a metal cable that connects to the engine’s ignition coil, which is responsible for sending current to the spark plug. If your lawn mower’s engine won’t start, check to see if that cable is damaged or broken. If it is, you’ll need to replace it before the mower will start.

Fortunately, replacing a broken control cable is an easy job. You may, however, have to wait a few days to get the part. Jot down the serial number of your lawn mower, then head to the manufacturer’s website to order a new cable.

Check to see if the flywheel brake is fully engaged.

The flywheel helps to make the engine work smoothly through inertia. When it isn’t working properly, it will prevent the mower’s engine from working.

If it is fully engaged, it can make a mower’s pull cord hard to pull. Check the brake pad to see if it makes full contact with the flywheel and that there isn’t anything jamming the blade so the control lever can move freely.

If the flywheel brake’s key sheared, the mower may have run over something that got tangled in the blade. It is possible to replace a flywheel key, but it does require taking apart the mower.

Look out for signs that the mower needs professional repairs.

While repairing lawn mowers can be a DIY job, there are times when it can be best to ask a professional to help repair a lawn mower. If you’ve done all of the proper mower maintenance that is recommended by the manufacturer, and gone through all of the possible ways to fix the mower from the steps above, then it may be best to call a pro. Here are a few signs that indicate when a pro’s help is a good idea.

• You see black smoke. The engine will benefit from a technician’s evaluation, as it could be cracked or something else might be worn out.
• Excessive oil or gas usage. If you’ve changed the spark plugs, and done all of the other maintenance tasks, and the mower is consuming more than its usual amount of oil or gas, consult a professional for an evaluation.
• The lawn mower is making a knocking sound. When a lawn mower starts making a knocking sound, something could be bent or out of alignment. It may be tough to figure this out on your own, so a pro could help.
• A vibrating or shaking lawn mower can be a sign of a problem beyond a DIY fix. Usually something is loose or not aligning properly.

Best Push Mowers with Honda Engines in 2023

Walk-behind mowers that require manual pushing to operate are known as push lawnmowers. The incorporation of Honda engines into this category of lawnmowers facilitates efficient and comfortable mowing.

There are several push lawnmowers available in the market that are powered by Honda engines. They include the Honda HRN216VKA, Toro Recycler 20379, Troy-Bilt TB160, Honda HRS216PKA, and Lawn Boy 10736, among others.

This article provides a comparison of the leading five Push Mowers with Honda Engine To discover more, go through the article.

What are the Advantages of Push Lawnmowers?

Push lawnmowers are available with a variety of functions, including rear bagging, side discharge, and mulching making them adaptable and appropriate for a variety of mowing applications.

They remain a popular choice among homeowners as well as professional landscapers, due to their price, convenience of use, compact size, and ability to deliver a clean and well-manicured lawn.

Why Do People Need Push Lawnmowers with Honda Engines?

Honda-powered push lawnmowers have various benefits that make them a popular option among homeowners and landscapers.

Benefits of Push Mower with Honda Engine

Here are some of the primary benefits of utilizing a Honda-powered push lawnmower:

Honda engines are renowned for their high quality and reliability, delivering dependable service over many years. This ensures that your push lawnmower will always start quickly and operate efficiently, no matter how long you have had it.

Honda engines are designed to be fuel-efficient, so you will use less gas when mowing the lawn. Because of this, a Honda-powered push lawnmower might save you a substantial amount of money over time.

Honda engines can mow through rough terrain with ease, leaving you with a clean and organized lawn.

Many distinctive features make Honda-powered push lawnmowers easy to operate. So, they are suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Honda engines are meant to be ecologically friendly, emitting few pollutants and consuming little fuel. Thus, choosing a Honda-powered push mower can help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to environmental protection.

Top 5 Best Push Mowers with Honda Engine Available in the Market (2023)

According to consumer preferences, the top five Honda engine-powered push lawnmowers are listed below.

• Honda HRN216VKA
• Toro Recycler 20379
• Troy-Bilt TB160
• Honda HRS216PKA
• Lawn Boy 10736

A Comparison of Top 5 Push Lawnmowers with Honda Engine

Honda HRN216VKA

The Honda HRN216VKA Self-Propelled 3-in-1 variable-speed lawnmower has a new GCV 170 engine and auto choke. The Honda GCV170 engine is dependable and provides simple starting power to combat even the most challenging mowing conditions.

This mower has a 21-inch 16-gauge steel cutting deck that provides superior cut quality whether mulching or bagging. The user-friendly dual-lever height adjustment system has front and rear levers that can be adjusted to seven distinct cutting heights.

The clip director knob enables effortless switching between mulching, bagging, and discharging. In addition, the micro-cut twin-blade system has a stacked and offset twin-blade design that offers superior cut quality and smaller cuttings for improved mulching and bagging.

Adjusting the speed of the mower according to the user’s movement is one of its distinguishing features, ensuring optimum comfort while mowing. The Smart drive’s variable speed control and five adjustable parameters make mowing simple while ensuring the user is in a comfortable position.

Overall, the Honda HRN216VKA mower is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, reliable, and efficient lawnmower for their lawn care needs.

Pros

• Comes with a powerful 166cc GCV170 engine that can handle tough mowing conditions.
• The Smart Drive system allows for variable speed control, making it easy to mow at your own pace.
• Large rear wheels and sturdy construction make it easy to maneuver in rough terrain.
• Dual-lever height adjustment makes it easy to adjust cutting height.
• Large fuel tank capacity.
• Comes with a large bag for collecting grass clippings.
• Comes with a 3-year residential warranty.

Cons

• Can be relatively expensive compared to other models.
• Bagging performance can be hit or miss, depending on grass type and cutting conditions.
• May not be as maneuverable in tight spaces.

Toro Recycler 20379

The Toro Recycler 20379 is a self-propelled mower with a Honda GCV 160 engine. The 160cc Honda engine provides powerful performance and ensures that the mower can easily handle tough and wet grass.

With the variable-speed front-wheel drive, you can mow in confined spaces. The mower’s lightweight and maneuverable 11-inch rear wheels ensure great traction on rough and uneven terrain.

It also features a 22-inch mower deck with a side discharge system. The steel frame of the mower’s durable deck guarantees years of use, and the compact size of the deck provides superior cutting and mulching capabilities in tight spaces.

The quick-connect bagging system makes switching from bagging to mulching a breeze. The patented Recycler cutting technology allows for the return of nutrient-rich clippings to the soil, resulting in a lawn that appears healthy.

With three versatile options for cutting, including mulching, bagging, and side discharge, the mower is suitable for any mowing preference. In addition, the absence of oil changes makes maintenance uncomplicated; all that is required is a periodic inspection and adding oil as needed.

With nine cutting positions and 1-4 inches cutting height range, you can customize your lawn to your specifications. Also, the mower’s single-piece handle makes it easy to adjust to two different handle heights without using tools.

The Toro Recycler 20379 residential lawnmower can be used on fields that are small to medium in size. It is perfect for people who want a strong, flexible lawnmower.

The Toro Recycler 20379 is easy to use and move, even for people who have never used a lawnmower before. Additionally, the 3-year guaranteed-to-start engine warranty ensures reliability, and the 2-year full warranty offers peace of mind.

Pros

• Comes with a powerful 160cc Honda GCV engine that is reliable and efficient.
• The personal pace self-propel system automatically adjusts to your walking speed, making mowing effortless.
• Quick and easy to assemble, right out of the box.
• Large rear wheels and ball-bearing support for easy maneuverability.
• Comes with a 2-year full warranty.
• Has a washout port for easy cleaning.
• Has a sturdy deck and a durable build.

Cons

• The self-propel system can be inconsistent and difficult to control.
• The belt stops working.
• The body construction may not hold up as well over time as other models.
• The bagging system may not be as efficient as other models.

Troy-Bilt 11A-A2RQ563

The Troy-Bilt TB160 is a push mower that is powered by a Honda GCV160 auto choke engine. This engine eliminates the requirement for the operator to manually adjust the choke setting before. It has a 21-inch mower deck.

The TB160 lawnmower is ergonomically designed to make mowing more comfortable. The handle is equipped with a comfortable grip. It has multiple grass-clipping disposal options, including a rear bag, mulch pack, and side discharge.

The mower’s 11-inch-high rear wheels improve traction and maneuverability when mowing in slopes and uneven areas of the lawn. over, dual-lever height adjustment permits Rapid adjustments to the cutting height.

The tri-action cutting system utilizes a rake guard, symmetrical deck, and specialized blade to deliver a precise and even cut every time. The Troy-Bilt mower is delivered entirely assembled, except for the handle, and is covered by a 2-year limited warranty.

The Troy-Bilt TB160 is a great choice for homeowners in suburban areas with medium-sized lawns that need regular care. Also, people who care about durability and speed in a lawnmower might want to think about buying the TB160.

The TB160 might also be a good choice for people who prefer manual lawnmowers to ones that move themselves or are powered by electricity. People in this group might want to get some exercise while mowing the yard, or they might just like to do things in a traditional manner.

Pros

• Comes equipped with a dependable and fuel-efficient Honda engine that has a displacement of 160 cc.
• Adjustable cutting height with 6 different positions.
• Mulching and bagging capabilities, with a large rear bag for easy disposal.
• Affordable price point.
• Compact and easy to store.

Cons

• The bag is the main issue according to many users.
• Some users report that the mower fails to cut grass without stalling.
• The wheel height adjustment handle for the back wheels rubs against the right wheel.

Honda HRS216PKA

The Honda HRS216PKA is a Honda GCV160 engine-powered push mower. The Honda GCV160 4-cycle engine, with a 160cc capacity, is effortless to start. Its Auto Chok system eliminates the need for an engine choke, making it easier to operate.

This push mower has 6 cutting height adjustments ranging from 1-inch to 3.5-inch. The large 8-inch wheels make for smoother movement over rough terrain. To ensure greater durability, the rear wheels have ball bearings.

The mower features a 21-inch side discharge deck made of 16-gauge stamped steel. It has a single blade for either mulching or side discharge, but there is no option for bagging.

It has an ergoactive handle for safety, convenience, and comfort. It also has a flywheel brake safety system. When the flywheel brake lever is released, it quickly stops the engine. Additionally, it has a manual fuel shut-off valve that can be used during transport or storage.

This push lawnmower is designed for residential use. It is suitable for homeowners who have a small to medium-sized lawn and want a reliable and efficient lawnmower that can help them maintain their lawn.

Pros

• Comes with a powerful 160cc Honda engine that is reliable and efficient.
• Durable steel deck construction for long-lasting performance.
• Has a flywheel brake safety system6-position height adjustment for customized cutting.
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• Comes with a 3-year residential warranty.

Cons

• Does not come with a self-propel system, making it more difficult to push on larger lawns.
• Not as efficient at mulching or bagging as other models.

Lawn Boy 10736

The Lawn Boy 10736 push mower is powered by a Honda GCV160 engine. It has a Tri-cut cutting technology, a 21-inch steel deep dome deck that is both lightweight and sturdy, and it offers greater cutting quality and mulching capabilities.

These lightweight, high-wheeled push mowers are simple to manage over difficult, uneven terrain. This manual mower has an adjustable cutting height between 1.25 and 3.75 inches.

Also, for three years, if it does not start after one or two pulls, they will fix it for free. Both labor and parts are covered for two years with a Lawn-Boy warranty.

The LB 10736 is a gas-powered push mower with a powerful engine, which makes it a great option for homeowners with expansive lawns or commercial customers who must mow many lawns daily.

Additionally, the mower’s light weight and maneuverability make it an excellent option for elderly or disabled users.

Pros

• Equipped with a 160cc Honda engine that is potent, dependable, and efficient.
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• Affordable price point.
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• Comes with a 2-year full warranty.

Cons

• Mulching performance can be inconsistent, depending on grass type and cutting conditions.
• Problems with the rear bagging system.
• Uncomfortable handlebar for throttle bar.
• May not be as durable as other models.
• May struggle with uneven terrain and thick grass.

How Should You Choose a Push Mower with Honda Engine?

Choosing a push mower with a Honda engine can be an excellent option for those in search of a dependable and effective mower. If you are also thinking about purchasing a Honda-powered push mower, this buying guide will help you make the best choice:

Engine Size

The effectiveness and efficiency of a push mower may depend on the size of its engine. To decide on the right engine size, you will need to think about the size of your lawn and the sort of grass you have.

Engine Power

Honda engines are known for their power and reliability. When choosing the engine power, consider the size of your lawn and the type of terrain you will be mowing. A larger lawn or rough terrain may require a more powerful engine.

Deck Material

The deck is the part of the mower that holds the blade and determines the cutting height. Consider the material of the deck, which can affect the durability and weight of the mower. Honda push mowers typically have a steel deck for durability.

Cutting Width

The cutting width of a push mower determines how much grass is cut with each pass. Consider the size of your lawn and how much time you want to spend mowing when choosing the cutting width. A wider cutting width will save you time but may be less maneuverable in tight spaces.

Cutting Height

The cutting height of the mower determines how short or long your grass will be after mowing. Consider the height of your grass and how short you want it to be when choosing the cutting height. Some Honda pushes mowers to offer multiple cutting heights for more versatility.

Maneuverability

The extent to which a push mower is easy to maneuver can have an impact on how simple it is to mow around objects or in confined areas. Consider how much the mower weighs, how big it is, and how the wheels and handlebars are designed before purchasing one.

Wheels

The maneuverability of the mower can be affected both by the size of the wheels and the design of the wheels. Wheels with a larger diameter may be simpler to control across uneven terrain.

On the other hand, wheels with a smaller diameter may be simpler to control in confined areas. Consider both the design and adjustability of the wheels.

Grass Collection

If you are into collecting grass clippings, think about how big the bag is and how simple it is to dump out. Some Honda push mowers can also mulch your grass clippings and give your lawn some extra nutrients.

Ease of Use

Think about how the mower feels in your hands, how easy it is to start and stop the engine, and how heavy it is. Honda motors are regarded for their ease of starting, and some models may even have extra convenience features.

Maintenance

Check to see if the oil, air filter, and spark plug can be easily changed on the mower. Honda engines are well-known for their reliability and relative simplicity of maintenance; however, this may not be true for all types.

Price

Consider the cost of the Honda engine-powered push mower. In general, these mowers are more expensive than other models, but they provide superior performance and dependability. Set your budget and choose a model that fits your requirements.

With this information in hand, you should be able to select the Honda-powered push mower that is ideal for your lawn.

Final Words

Whether you need a small, lightweight push lawnmower for your backyard or a heavy-duty model for commercial usage, a push lawnmower with a Honda engine is a wise investment that will help you keep a beautiful, well-kept lawn for years to come.

Honda-powered push lawnmowers are efficient, eco-friendly, and reliable for homeowners and professional gardeners. Honda engines are known for their quality and performance, which increases mowing power, performance, fuel efficiency, and convenience.

s:

Greeting! I am Anthony Harry, a skilled scribe with a FOCUS on the art of lawn mowing and the beauty of all things green. My objective is to impart my knowledge and enthusiasm for lawn care to others, enabling them to attain their ideal lawns.

Explore all Lawn Mowers

Discover the eco-friendly and low-maintenance way to mow with Greenworks’ push and self-propelled electric lawn mowers. From 24V to 80V, find the perfect battery-powered fit for your lawn and ditch the noise, fumes, and hassle of gas mowers for good.

Compare Best Sellers

60V 25 Cordless Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower w/ Two (2) 4.0Ah Batteries Dual-Port Charger

60V 21 Cordless Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower w/ Two (2) 4.0Ah Batteries Dual Port Charger

60V 21 Cordless Battery Push Lawn Mower w/ 5.0Ah Battery Charger

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mulch?

Yes, Greenworks mowers are designed for grass and mulching weeds and foliage—and has a side discharge and a bagging option.

What maintenance is required for my Greenworks mower?

Unlike traditional gas mowers, Greenworks electric mowers require no gas or oil changes, spark plug replacements, or carburetor cleanings. This makes maintenance a breeze, our mowers only need occasional blade sharpening and cleaning (discharge, bag, etc.) to keep them running smoothly.

Can I use these batteries with the string trimmer?

Yes, one battery allows you to mow, blow, cut, trim, cultivate, and so much more! One Greenworks 80V battery works with 75 tools. One Greenworks 60V battery works with 75 tools. One Greenworks 40V battery works with 75 tools. One Greenworks 24V battery works with 125 tools

Will it work in high grass?

Greenworks Intelligent Power™ senses thick, tall, or wet grass and maintains constant high blade speed for the perfect cut.

Does battery temperature matter?

Yes, to keep your lithium batteries in peak condition, store them indoors in a dry, cool place. Check the owner’s manual for storage and temperature instructions and let the batteries warm up to room temperature before using.

Honda To Stop Manufacturing All Gas Powered Lawn Mowers

SOPA Images/Getty Images

Those red walk-behinds are going the way of the brontosaurus. What does that mean for your lawn care routine?

Honda announced in early October that it will no longer manufacture new gas-powered lawn mowers, signaling the end of an era in lawn care. As battery technology rapidly advances, electric-powered lawn care is trending up in a major way— and its gas-powered counterparts might be on their way out.

“The trend away from gas is very clear where I am,” says Jeff Cordulack, who runs the all-electric lawn care service Organic Ways and Means in Stamford, Connecticut. “I get phone calls every week from people who want to switch away from gas and toxins. Half the clients are nature-oriented, and the other half just can’t handle the noise of the ubiquitous gas blowers, especially with the working-from-home trend of late.”

Cordaluck’s clients are not the only ones concerned with lawn mower noise levels and environmental concerns. Those same factors are also some of the driving forces behind Honda’s decision to exit the U.S. gas-powered lawn mower market. The company officially plans to cease all production of gas models by the end of September 2023, selling off its remaining inventory through 2024.

Why is Honda Ditching Gas-Powered Lawn Mower Motors?

A Honda spokesperson told Family Handyman that the decision was “driven by market forces such as stricter environmental regulations, shifting customer preferences and our FOCUS on growing profitable products in our portfolio.”

Is This Going to Affect Any Other Honda Products?

It doesn’t appear so. Honda has stated it “will continue to sell the remainder of its lawn and garden product line and industrial-type power products such as GX engines, generators, and water pumps, and continue to support its service and parts operations in the U.S. market.”

The company declined to comment on any other aspects of this decision, such as whether any remaining stock of gas-powered lawn mowers will be discounted or what their plans are for electric models.

What Will Happen to Honda’s Lawn Mower Manufacturing Plant?

Honda’s gas-powered lawn mowers are currently being produced at the Honda Power Equipment facility in Swepsonville, North Carolina. Next year that facility will instead begin making all-terrain vehicles, which are currently being produced at its plant in Timmonsville, South Carolina. The Timmonsville plant will shift to FOCUS solely on Honda side-by-side production.

Will Other Manufacturers Stop Making Gas-Powered Lawn Mower Motors?

No other manufacturers have made official announcements, but it does appear that the market for gas-powered mowers is shrinking. In 2021, California announced that it would ban the sale of gas-powered lawn equipment by 2024. than 100 municipalities have also banned gas-powered equipment, with many more cities considering similar legislation.

“There’s a lot of activity on this front from local people wanting to make changes in their towns,” says Cordulack. “I spend a lot of time on calls speaking with town committees about my company and my all-electric equipment.”

Are Gas-Powered Mowers Harmful?

Besides being audibly annoying, gas-powered mowers generate between 90 to 105 decibels, which can cause permanent hearing damage to humans, as well as disrupt wildlife communication and nesting birds. One hour of running a gas mower emits as much carbon dioxide as driving a car 300 miles, and together all of that adds up to 5% of our country’s air pollution. Garden and lawn equipment burn up around 3 billion gallons of gasoline annually in the U.S., roughly equivalent to the energy use of 3 million homes.

A freelance writer and indie film producer, Karuna Eberl covers the outdoors and nature side of DIY, exploring wildlife, green living, travel and gardening for Family Handyman. She also writes FH’s Eleven Percent column, about dynamic women in the construction workforce. Some of her other credits include the March cover of Readers Digest, National Parks, National Geographic Channel and Atlas Obscura. Karuna and her husband are also on the final stretch of renovating an abandoned house in a near-ghost town in rural Colorado. When they’re not working, you can find them hiking and traveling the backroads, camping in their self-converted van.

The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.

Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.

While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

• 24HP engine
• 54-inch cutting deck
• Automatic transmission
• Attachments and accessories available

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.

The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

• 2.5 acre max range
• Quick-charge batteries
• LCD heads-up display
• USB charging ports

Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres

Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.

This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

• Mows up to 7 acres at once
• Highly maneuverable
• 10-gauge steel construction
• Tool-free air filters

Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres

Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.

Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

• Battery-powered
• Great for yards up to 1 acre
• Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
• Push-button cruise control

Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre

Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.

It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

• Mow up to 10 acres
• 5.5 gallon gas tank
• Dual hydrostatic drive
• Great for hills and inclines

DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres

The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.

With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.

What is the best riding mower?

I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.

You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.

Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.

An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.

A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.

A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.

How did we choose these riding mowers?

I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:

• Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
• Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
• Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
• Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.

The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.

And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.

How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?

Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.

If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.

How long should a riding mower last?

No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.

Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

What is the cheapest riding mower?

Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.

Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:

John Deere Z530M

The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.

Husqvarna YTH1942

The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.

Murray MT100

For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.