Husqvarna 48 mower battery. 8 Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers of 2023 Reviews

Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers of 2023 [Reviews]

Zero-turn mowers are the most efficient style of lawn mower available today — they’re fast and maneuverable, make short work of large lawns, and they are trusted by pros and homeowners alike. But what is the best zero turn lawn mower for your yard?

We reviewed over two dozen zero-turn mowers to come up with our top eight picks based on power, cutting deck size, deck height, special features, and price. We’ve also included a handy buyers guide and FAQ to help make your shopping experience easier.

But first, what is a zero-turn lawn mower? Using hydraulic transmissions, the engine of a zero-turn lawn mower supplies power independently to the two drive wheels. This lets the operator spin the machine on a dime, or stop a wheel to create a seamless U-turn.

Zero-turn mowers aren’t cheap. Compared to other riding lawn mowers, zero turns generally fall at the higher end of the cost spectrum.If you plan to invest in a high-quality zero-turn mower, it’s important to choose the right one.

Because of zero-turn mowers fluctuate with sales and availability, we’ve provided a general idea of price.

  • “Inexpensive” – Under 3,500
  • “Moderate” – 3,500-4,000
  • “Expensive” – 4,000 and above

We also have listed multiple buying options, when available, to make it easy to compare prices.

Top 8 Zero-Turn Mowers — Reviews

1. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
2. Husqvarna Z254
3. Ryobi 42-inch Zero Turn Mower
4. Toro 42-inch Timecutter
5. John Deere ZTrak Z375R
6. Ariens Ikon XD-52
7. EGO Power Z6
8. Troy-Bilt Mustang

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

A top-of-the-line zero-turn mower for residential markets, Cub Cadet’s Ultima series makes short work of the largest lawns. Driven by a 22-horsepower Kohler engine, this machine can reach a forward speed of 7.5 mph.

The ZT1 provides ultimate comfort with a fully adjustable racing-style seat. The lap bar control is also adjustable to ensure precise maneuverability. Dual LED headlights help you cut in low-light conditions, and the rubberized cockpit floor reduces vibrations.

The 20-inch rear wheels and 11-inch front wheels offer enough traction to tackle gentle hills, and are engineered to protect your turf while pivoting. A 3.5-gallon gas tank lets you spend more time mowing and less time refueling.

Cub Cadet offers a three-year, unlimited hour powertrain warranty and a lifetime warranty on the frame. The ZT1 also comes in a 50-inch version for added efficiency and coverage. Cub Cadet has also recently released the Ultima ZT1 56V Max 60 electric zero-turn.

Specifications

Power Source: 22 HP 725cc Kohler 7000 series twin-cylinder engineTop Speed: 7.5 mphTransmission: HydrostaticDeck Width: 42 inchesCutting Height: 15 positions, 1 to 4.5 inchesPrice Range: Inexpensive

Pros

✓ Powerful 22hp engine✓ Fully adjustable seat and controls✓ Best-in-class warranty

Cons

✗ No gas gauge✗ Attachments sold separately

Best Lawn Mower and Tractor Batteries. Types, Sizes, and Replacements

A lawn mower, tractor, and garden starting batteries are used for starting/cranking internal combustion engines and sometimes for powering other electric loads, including lights, smaller winches, various pumps, and similar devices.

When looking for a new battery, one must pay attention to several details in order to get the right battery that will serve well for years ahead.

Updated: October 27, 2022.

On This Page:

Intro to Lawn Mower, Lawn Tractor, and Garden Starting Batteries

Riding lawn mowers, lawn tractors, power generators, and other tools and appliances are commonly powered by internal combustion engines, which use small rechargeable batteries for starting.

Most of such vehicles, tools, and appliances also feature a manual recoil starting system, but it is much more convenient to press the button or turn the key and start the engine. just like in cars.

The size of the internal combustion engines found in power generators, lawn mowers, and tractors vary from just 2-3 HPs to large 30-40 HP gas engines powering large riding lawn mowers.

And because of that, starting batteries used in such vehicles and devices vary from small batteries being able to provide a few dozen of CCA Amps to larger batteries being able to crank even a smaller car.

When looking for a lawn mower battery replacement, there are a few things to consider first:

Battery Voltage: Is a riding lawn mower battery a 12-volt battery?

Most riding lawn mowers use 12V batteries, but there are also some models, especially smaller ones, that use 6V batteries.

Since most manufacturers tend to move to 12V electric systems, in this article, we are going to discuss only 12V batteries.

Battery Chemistry Types

There are basically two types of batteries used as starting batteries. lithium and lead-acid batteries.

Lithium batteries, even Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, are rather sensitive power sources that feature Battery Management Systems (BMS) that make their use much safer since BMS protects the battery from unwanted events like overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, short-circuit, over-temperature, etc.

Thanks to the built-in BMS, lithium batteries can be recharged using onboard alternators and often using older style lead-acid battery chargers (model dependent), but they should NOT be recharged using modern intelligent lead-acid battery chargers. such chargers can even damage the BMS system and void the lithium battery warranty.

Although lithium starting batteries are several times lighter than lead-acid batteries, weight savings for lawn mowers and tractors, and other similar vehicles and garden tools and appliances are not worth the price difference and potential complications. IMHO, of course.

When compared with lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries are much heavier, have issues with capacity decrease when being discharged with strong currents, don’t support a large number of charging/discharging cycles, etc.

But, as starting batteries, lead-acid batteries are very reliable, robust, and very tolerant to charging conditions, and they are mostly cheaper than lithium batteries.

Lead-acid batteries differ in design and can be wet/flooded, enhanced wet/flooded, Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM), and Gel-Cell batteries.

Since AGM and Gel-Cell batteries are spill-proof and maintenance-free batteries, they are recommended models for lawn mowers, lawn tractors, power generators, etc.

Terminal Position and Type

Batteries come with different terminal types and with different terminal orientations.

When buying a new battery, be sure that the terminals and the orientation of the new battery match the terminal type and orientation of the old battery.

If they don’t, one may have issues connecting the new battery. If that happens, the workaround is to use cable extensions and terminal adapters.

However, the best thing to do is to get the battery with the same terminal type and orientation.

Fortunately, most starting batteries come with standardized terminals depending on their size/group.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) is the maximum current that a new, fully charged, 12V battery can deliver for 30 seconds, with the voltage NOT dropping below 7.2V, at 0°F (-18°C).

The new battery replacement for starting applications should have the same or better CCA rating in order to perform well.

Battery Capacity (Ah)

The capacity of lead-acid batteries is determined by how many amps of current can new, fully charged 12V battery at 80°F (~25°C), deliver for 20 hours without its voltage falling below 10.5V.

The capacity of starting/cranking batteries is often given for a period of 10 hours and not 20 hours. they are, after all, not designed nor intended for deep discharge applications.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

RC (Reserve Capacity) is the number of minutes that a new, fully charged battery (at 80°F, ~25°C) can deliver a 25A current and maintain a voltage above its cut-off value (10.5V for lead-acid batteries).

RC value is important for deep cycle batteries used in marine applications (for trolling motors, for example), RVs (in-house batteries), solar systems (off-the-grid applications), etc., and not so for riding lawn mowers, lawn tractors, and similar.

Of course, sometimes there are other things to consider when buying a new lawn mower battery, but these are the most important ones.

How to Charge Lawn Mower and Tractor Batteries

Lawn mower and tractor starting batteries are charged via an onboard alternator and charge controller, if present. Whenever the engine is turned On, the alternator recharges the battery and keeps it fully charged.

When the batteries are being charged separately, it is important to use a proper battery charger:

When wintering the lawn mowers and tractors with internal combustion engines, it is a good practice to recharge the battery fully and connect it to the battery maintainer during the storage period.

Lithium batteries generally have a much lower self-discharge rate than lead-acid batteries and can be left in the lawn mower and/or tractor for a longer period of time without recharging. as long as the parasite loads are minimum, preferably zero.

Most Common Lawn Mower Starting Battery Sizes

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular lawn mower batteries with their most important features and specifications.

Note: Capacity, CCA, and weight are given for the lead-acid batteries.

Battery Size Dimensions (inches/mm) Capacity CCA Weight
U1 U1R 7.75 x 5.1875 x 7.3125197 x 132 x 186 35 Ah (20h) 300-320 22-26 lbs 10-11.8 kg
YTX30L-BS 6.5625 x 4.9375 x 6.875166 x 126 x 175 30 Ah (10h) 360-400 17-22 lbs7.7-10 kg
YTX24HL-BS 8.0625 x 3.4375 x 6.375205 x 87 x 162 21 Ah (10h) 300-350 13-18 lbs5.9-8.2 kg
YTX20L-BS 6.875 x 3.4375 x 6.125175 x 87 x 155 14-20 Ah (10h) 220-330 11-14 lbs 5.0-6.4 kg
YTX14-BS 5.875 x 3.4375 x 5.75150 x 87 x 146 12-14 Ah (10h) 190-235 8-11 lbs 3.6-5.0 kg
YTX12-BS 5.875 x 3.5 x 5.125150 x 88 x 130 10 Ah (10h) 160-210 7-10 lbs3.1-4.5 kg
YTX9-BS 5.875 x 3.4375 x 4.125150 x 87 x 105 6-8 Ah (10h) 120-180 6-8 lbs 2.7-3.7 kg
YTX5L-BS 4.4375 x 2.75 x 4.125113 x 70 x 105 4 Ah (10h) 70-80 3.3-4.5 lbs1.5-2 kg

As one can see, CCA values differ from 70-80 Amps for YTX5L-BS batteries to 400 Amps for YTX30L-BS AGM batteries, while lithium models often can provide 500 or even more starting Amps.

Best Group U1 U1R Battery Equivalents and Replacements

BCI Group U1 and U1R batteries are mostly general-purpose/deep cycle batteries, with only very few models being designed as dual-purpose and/or starting batteries.

Groups U1 and U1R batteries’ physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 7 3/4 x 5 3/16 x 7 5/16 inches (~197 x 132 x 186 mm) with the U1 battery having a positive terminal on the left side, and U1R having a positive terminal post on the right side of the battery (hence the ‘R’ as part of the label).

The average lead-acid U1/U1R battery’s 10-20h capacity is usually in the 33-37 Ah range, and the average weight is around 23-26 pounds.

As starting batteries, best U1/U1R batteries feature CCA ratings in the 300-320 range, while most of the batteries are able to provide at least 300 Amps for 3-5 seconds, with some models being able to provide 500 Amps for 3-5 seconds.

The following cross-reference chart lists the most popular U1/U1R batteries with their most important features and specifications.

Capacity (Ah)

Discharge Characteristics

Weight (lbs/kg)

Note: Amazon affiliate links (‘Model’ column) in the table open in the new Windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Best BCI Group U1 and U1R AGM batteries include:

VMAXTANKS V35-857 Battery

VMAXTANKS V35-857 battery, which features a CCA rating of 300 Amps and an RC value of 75 minutes at an acceptable weight of 25 pounds (~11.3 kg).

VMAXTANKS V35-857 battery is labeled as a deep-cycle battery, but it is an excellent all-around performer and is commonly used as a starting battery in lawn mowers and lawn tractors that use U1 batteries.

Also, it is often used as a kayak trolling battery, as a small off-the-grid battery, as a solar battery, as a backup/UPS battery, and similar.

The battery is able to withstand the following:

  • 3500 cycles at 10% DoD,
  • 1500 cycles at 25% DoD,
  • 900 cycles at 50% DoD,
  • 300 cycles at 100% DoD,

which is a very good result for a battery that is labeled as a deep-cycle battery, but it is actually a dual-purpose battery.

VMAXTANKS V35-857 battery is a spill-proof, maintenance-free battery that can operate in almost any position (except upside down), it accepts charge well and features a relatively low self-discharge rate (1-2% per month at room temperature).

Mighty Max ML-U1-CCAHR battery

Mighty Max ML-U1-CCAHR battery is a specially designed U1 lawn mower and tractor battery.

It is lighter than other U1 batteries, weighs only 14.57 pounds (~6.6 kg), and features a 10h capacity of only 18 Ah.

But, Mighty Max ML-U1-CCAHR also features a CCA rating of 320 Amps and is able to provide 20 Amps for 30 minutes down to 9.6 volts.

When the battery is stored for a longer period of time, recommended charging point is @55-60% SoC, or when the voltage is around 12.35.

Note: the battery lifetime can be even prolonged if the stored battery is connected to the intelligent battery maintainer.

When the battery is stored @20°C, the average self-discharge rate is ~3% per month. recharge the stored battery every 3-6 months, and it will be fine.

For lawn mowers and tractors with a battery charging system requiring only starting/cranking U1 battery, Mighty Max ML-U1-CCAHR is perhaps the best choice.

Weize LFP1235 Deep Cycle AGM Battery

Weize LFP1235 is another excellent all-around performer, being able to provide 350 Amps for 5 seconds and 20.4 Amps for 60 minutes, down to 10.5 volts.

Also, it is one of the lighter AGM U1 batteries, weighing 23.2 pounds (~10.5 kg).

Weize LFP1235 (sometimes labeled as Weize TL1235) deep cycle battery is a spill-proof, maintenance-free, Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery that can operate in almost any position (except upside down), and it is vibration- and heat-resistant.

Thanks to the very balanced design, the Weize LFP1235 battery is one of the most popular U1 batteries, commonly used as lawn mower/tractor battery, wheelchair battery, in electric vehicles, for security systems, UPS battery, etc.

Mighty Max ML35-12 Deep Cycle AGM Battery

Mighty Max ML35-12 is one of the most, if not the most, popular U1 battery. it has excellent features, it comes at an affordable price, and it is one of the best-documented batteries of this size.

Mighty Max ML35-12 battery is a deep cycle AGM SLA battery, being able to provide 330 Amps for 5 seconds and 17.2 Amps for 60 minutes (down to 10.5 volts).

It accepts charge well. it features a max. charging current 10.5 Amps, which is excellent for a 37 Ah battery.

However, like all other batteries, when being recharged using AGM battery chargers, the charging current should be kept around 0.1C-0.15C.

Mighty Max ML35-12 battery also features a very low self-discharge rate. when the battery is stored @20°C, capacity drops:

As a general rule of thumb, lead-acid batteries should be recharged when their capacity drops down to 80%. Or, they should be connected to the advanced battery maintainer.

If You are looking for an all-around U1 battery, Mighty Max ML35-12 is one of the best choices.

Of course, other batteries in the chart are also commonly used in applications requiring U1 and U1R batteries and are tested by numerous users in real-life situations on a daily basis.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the 12V 35Ah U1 Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

Best Group YTX30L-BS Battery Equivalents and Replacements

YTX30L-BS batteries feature physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 6.5625 x 4.9375 x 6.875 inches (166 x 126 x 175 mm) and are some of the largest Motorcycle/Powersports batteries, optimized for starting/cranking applications.

As such, YTX30L-BS batteries commonly have CCA ratings better than larger and heavier U1 and U1R batteries. on average, YTX30L-BS batteries feature a CCA rating of 280-385 Amps for lead-acid batteries and 480-720 Amps for lithium batteries.

The 10h capacity of the YTX30L-BS batteries varies around 28-30 Ah for lead-acid batteries, while the capacity of lithium batteries varies greatly and is usually in the 10-20 Ah range.

One of the very interesting features of YTX30L-BS batteries is that the negative battery terminal is set to the left, hence the ‘L’ as the part of the label. YTX30 L.BS battery.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular lead-acid and lithium YTX30L-BS batteries, with their most important features and specifications:

Model 10h Capacity (Ah) CCA (Amps) Weight (lbs/kg) Review
Banshee DLFP30-HL 12.5 625 (Lithium) 6.3 lbs; 2.86 kg
Banshee YTX30L-BS 28 350 22 lbs; 9.97 kg
Chrome 30L-BS Zipp 30 385
Chrome YTX30L-BS 30 385 19.8 lbs; 8.97 kg
DEESPEAK DS-30L-BS 16 720 (Lithium) 8.2 lbs; 3.71 kg DEESPEAK DS-30L-BS
Energizer TX30L 30 385 21.6 lbs; 9.8 lbs
Mighty Max YTX30L-BS 30 385 21.4 lbs; 9.7 kg
MMG YIX30L-BS MMG-7 480 (Lithium) 4.18 lbs; 1.9 kg
Neptune YTX30L-BS 30 290 19 lbs; 8.61 kg
NOCO NLP30 7.8 700 max. (Lithium) 5.0 lbs; 2.27 kg NOCO NLP30
PowerStar YTX30L-BS 30 385
TPE YTX30L-BS 16 720 (Lithium) 7.28 lbs; 3.3 kg
UPLUS YTX30L-BS 30 400 20.7 lbs; 9.38 kg
Yuasa YUAM22H30 YB30L-B 30 300 13.22 lbs; 6.0 kg
Yuasa YUAM6230X YIX30L-BS 30 385 22 lbs; 9.97 kg
Weize YTX30L-BS 30 385 17.7 lbs; 8.1 kg Weize YTX30L-BS

Note: Amazon links (Model column) open in the new Windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

As one can see, there are several YTX30L-BS AGM batteries that feature a 10h capacity of 30Ah and a CCA rating of 385 Amps, with the most popular models being Chrome YTX30L-BS, Weize YTX30L-BS, Yuasa YIX30L-BS, etc.

Although AGM batteries are generally very good all-around performers and YTX30L-BS batteries can be used for powering various other loads, not just engine starters, they are designed for high-current applications, and they should be used as such.

Best Group YTX24HL-BS Battery Equivalents and Replacements

YTX24HL-BS batteries feature physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 8.0625 x 3.4375 x 6.375 inches (205 x 87 x 162 mm), 10h capacity of ~21 Ah, and CCA rating in the 260-350 Amps for AGM/Gel-Cell batteries and up to 420 Amps for the lithium batteries.

Despite having a 30-40% smaller capacity than YTX30L-BS batteries, YTX24HL-BS batteries feature CCA ratings that are very close to the CCA ratings of the YTX30L-BS batteries. YTX24HL-BS batteries are designed as ‘High Performance’ batteries, hence the ‘H’ as part of their labels. YTX24 H L-BS battery.

Also, YTX24HL-BS batteries feature a negative battery terminal to the left side of the battery, hence the ‘L’ as part of their label. YTX24H L.BS battery.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular YTX24HL-BS batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Model 10h Capacity (Ah) CCA (Amps) Weight (lbs/kg) Review
Chrome YTX24HL-BS 21 300 13.11 lbs; 5.94 kg
Chrome YTX24HL-BS Pirate Bay 21 300 13.11 lbs; 5.94 kg
Energizer TX24HL 21 350 16 lbs; 7.25 kg
EverLast CTX24HL-BS 21 330 18 lbs; 8.16 kg
KMG YTX24HL-BS 24 350
Mighty Max YTX24HL-BS 21 260 15 lbs; 6.78 kg
Mighty Max YTX24HL-BS Gel 21 210 14.35 lbs; 6.5 kg
MMG YTX24HL-BS AGM 21 350 14.4 lbs; 6.52 kg
MMG YTX24HL-BS Lithium 7 420 (Lithium) 4 lbs; 1.81 kg
PowerStar PM24HL-BS 24 320 17 lbs; 7.7 kg
Protek YTX24HL-BS 21 350 17 lbs; 7.7 kg
UpStart YTX24HL-BS 21
Yuasa YTX24HL-BS 21 350 17 lbs; 7.7 kg

Note: Amazon links (Model column) open in the new Windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Lithium YTX24HL-BS batteries are not yet as popular as AGM/Gel-Cell batteries. they are used in high-performance motorcycles, snowmobiles, and similar vehicles where weight savings of 10-12 pounds can lead to improved performances, justifying the price difference and lower actual capacity.

Although YTX24HL-BS batteries are smaller than YTX30L-BS and especially U1 and U1R batteries, they can often crank/start surprisingly large engines.

For lawn mowers, lawn tractors, power generators, and other similar applications, AGM and Gel-Cell batteries are the most cost-effective batteries and the recommended ones.

Best Group YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS Battery Equivalents and Replacements

YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries share the same physical dimension and terminal orientation (‘L’. negative to the LEFT side of the battery), but the YTX20HL-BS batteries are considered as ‘High-Performance’ versions of the ‘basic’ YTX20L-BS batteries.

Physical dimensions of these batteries are (L x W x H) 6.875 x 3.4375 x 6.125 inches (175 x 87 x 155 mm).

YTX20L-BS lead-acid batteries feature a 10h capacity of 14-19 Ah, a CCA rating of 220-270 Amps, and a weight of 12.5-15.0 pounds.

YTX20HL-BS lead-acid batteries feature a similar 10h capacity of 18-19 Ah and weight of 13-15 pounds, but the CCA rating is higher and is around ~310 Amps, allowing YTX20HL-BS to crank larger engines more easily.

Lithium YTX20L-BS/YTX20HL-BS batteries are not as common as lead-acid sealed batteries, but they offer a weight savings of around 10 pounds and are able to provide stronger currents, generally in the 350-500 Amps range.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries with their most important features and specifications.

Model 10h Capacity (Ah) CCA (Amps) Weight (lbs/kg) Review
Antigravity AG-ATX20-RS 10 680 (lithium) 3.8 lbs; 1.73 kg Antigravity AG-ATX20-RS
Banshee 20HL-BS 18 500 (Lithium) 4.95 lbs; 2.24 kg
Banshee YTX20L-BS 18 310 18 lbs; 8.16 kg
Battery Tender BTL20A360CW 6.1 360 (Lithium) 3.42 lbs; 1.55 kg
Chrome YTX20HL-BS 18 310 13.52 lbs; 6.12 kg
Chrome YTX20HL-BS Pirate Bay 18 310 13.22 lbs; 6.0 kg
Chrome YTX20L-BS 18 270 13.52 lbs; 6.12 kg
Chrome YTX20L-BS Pro 18 270 13.88 lbs; 6.29 kg
Chrome YTX20L-BS Zipp 18 270 13.88 lbs; 6.29 kg
Chrome YTX20L-BS 18 270 13.88 lbs; 6.29 kg
Energizer TX20HL 18 310 13.67 lbs; 6.2 kg
EverLast CTX20HL-BS 18 310 14.89 lbs; 6.75 kg
EverLast CTX20L-BS 14 220 13.77 lbs; 6.24 kg
ExpertPower YTX20L-BS 20 330 13.7 lbs; 6.2 kg
ExpertPower YTX20L-BS Gel 20 340 13.7 lbs; 6.2 kg
Mighty Max YTX20L-BS 18 270 13 lbs; 5.9 kg
MMG YTX20L-BS MMG-6 420 (Lithium) 3.09 lbs; 1.4 kg
NOCO NLP20 7 600 max. (Lithium) 3.73 lbs; 1.7 kg NOCO NLP20
PowerStar YTX20L-BS 18 220 15 lbs; 6.8 kg
SigmasTek STX20HL-BS 18 310 13.44 lbs; 6.1 kg
SigmasTek STX20L-BS 19 270 11.61 lbs; 5.26 kg
TPE DLF20L-BS 12 620 (Lithium) 4.4 lbs; 2.0 kg
TPE YTX20L-BS 7 700 (Lithium) 3.09 lbs; 1.4 kg
Weize YTX20HL-BS 18 310 12.85 lbs; 5.82 kg Weize YTX20L-BS/YTX20HL-BS
Weize YTX20L-BS 18 270 12.59 lbs; 5.7 kg
Yuasa YTX20HL-BS 18 310 13.91 lbs; 6.3 kg
Yuasa YTX20L-BS 18 270 14.85 lbs; 6.73 kg

Note: Amazon links (Model column) open in the new Windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

As one can see, many brands manufacture both YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries, despite very similar performances.

YTX20L-BS batteries are designed with reliability, robustness, and vibration resistance in mind and are, as such, perhaps a better choice for lawn mowers, lawn tractors, power generators, and similar vehicles and applications.

The most popular YTX20L batteries are:

Weize YTX20L-BS High-Performance Powersports AGM Battery

Weize YTX20L-BS is a very popular SLA AGM starting/cranking YTX20L- BS battery, featuring 10h capacity of 18Ah and 270 CCA.

The battery weighs ~12.6 pounds (~5.7 kg), it is a completely sealed, spill-proof, maintenance-free battery with increased resistance to mechanical impacts and vibrations, making it one of the best choices not only for motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and similar vehicles but also for lawn mowers and garden tractors.

When the battery is being charged outside the vehicle, recommended charging current is 1.8V (0.1C). the use of an advanced AGM battery charger with temperature compensation is highly recommended.

Review of Husqvarna Z248F Zero Turn Lawn Mower 48″ Deck 23HP Kawasaki | #lawncare #husqvarna

Yuasa YUAM320BS YTX20L-BS Battery

Yuasa YUAM320BS YTX20L-BS battery is another very popular YTX20L-BS battery featuring 18Ah (10h) capacity and 270A CCA current.

husqvarna, mower, battery, best, zero-turn, lawn

The battery is Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA), sealed AGM battery, designed to be robust and reliable and to endure vibrations and mechanical impacts. use it, but don’t abuse it!

When the battery is charged outside the vehicle, recommended charging current is 1.8A (0.1C).

The battery weighs 14.85 pounds (6.73 kg).

Note: battery is delivered dry and must be activated by the user.

On the other hand, YTX20HL-BS batteries are designed with performance in mind and are, as such, a better choice for high-performance motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and similar.

And thanks to the advanced AGM and Gel-Cell technologies, these batteries are also very reliable and vibration resistant.

Many manufacturers offer YTX20HL-BS batteries, but again, Weize and Yuasa stand out of the crowd thanks to very balanced designs.

Weize YTX20HL-BS High-Performance AGM Battery

Weize YTX20HL-BS High-Performance AGM Battery, also labeled as Weize TLM20-12, features a 10h capacity of 18Ah, and a CCA value of 310 Amps, which is an excellent result for a 12.85 lbs (5.82 kg) battery.

Because of the spill-proof, maintenance-free design, good resistance to vibrations, and mechanical impacts, the Weize YTX20HL-BS battery is one of the best buys and one of the most popular YTX20HL-BS batteries on the market.

When the battery is charged using a battery charger, recommended charging current is 0.1C (1.8A).

Weize YTX20HL-BS battery is intended for motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other Powersports vehicles, making it a preferred model for lawn mowers and garden tractors as well.

Yuasa YUAM620BH YTX20HL-BS Battery

Yuasa YUAM620BH YTX20HL-BS Battery is another very popular high-performance YTX20HL-BS battery featuring 18V 10h capacity and 310 CCA Amps.

The battery is a VRLA AGM spill-proof and maintenance-free battery and can operate in all positions except upside-down.

The battery weighs 13.91 pounds (~6.3 kg). the battery is delivered in dry condition and must be activated when it arrives.

Note: some people prefer dry batteries that must be activated, while other users don’t want to do anything regarding battery acid.

Best Group YTX14-BS Battery Equivalents and Replacements

YTX14-BS batteries feature physical dimensions of 5.875 x 3.4375 x 5.75 inches (150 x 87 x 146 mm) and the same with less popular YTX14L-BS batteries (negative battery terminal to the Left).

YTX14-BS and YTX14L-BS lead-acid batteries feature a 10h capacity of 12-14 Ah and a CCA rating of 190-235 Amps.

YTX14-BS and YTX14L-BS lithium batteries are not as common as lead-acid batteries, but they ensure weight savings of some 7-8 pounds while having a CCA rating of 300-500 Amps.

Note: there are several battery dimensions that share a very similar label, but they differ in size, including YTX14AH-BS and YTX14AHL-BS batteries, which feature physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 5.25 x 3.5 x 6.5625 inches (134 x 89 x 166 mm), ~12Ah 10h capacity and 190-235 CCA rating.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular YTX14-BS batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Model 10h Capacity (Ah) CCA (Amps) Weight (lbs/kg) Review
AMPXELL AMX12-ST080B 8 480 (Lithium) 3.2 lbs; 1.45 kg AMPXELL AMX12-ST080B
Banshee YTX14-BS 14 200 10 lbs; 4.53 kg
Banshee YTX14L-BS 8 380 (Lithium) 3.1 lbs; 1.41 kg
Chrome YTX14-BS iGel 12 200 9.92 lbs; 4.5 kg Chrome YTX14-BS iGel
Chrome YTX14-BS Pirate Bay 12 200 9.7 lbs; 4.4 kg
DEESPAEK YTX14-BS 9 520 (Lithium) 3.5 lbs; 1.58 kg
Deka ETX14 12 220 12 lbs; 5.44 kg
DS18 YTX14-BS 14 210A @5sec 10.2 lbs; 4.62 kg
Energizer YTX14-BS 12 200 9.81 lbs; 4.44 kg
EverLast CTX14-BS 12 190 10.71 lbs; 4.85 kg
ExpertPower ETX14-BS 14 220 10 lbs; 4.53 kg
Interstate YTX14-BS 12 200 11.42 lbs; 5.17 kg
KMG YTX14-BS 12 180 9 lbs; 4.08 kg
Mighty Max YTX14-BS Battery 12 200 9.92 lbs; 4.5 kg
Mighty Max YTX14-BS Gel 12 200 10.42 lbs; 4.72 kg
MMG YTX14-BS MMG-4 300 (Lithium) 2 lbs; 0.91 kg
NiCHE YTX14-BS 12 180 9.7 lbs; 4.40 kg
NOCO NLP14 4 500 max. (Lithium) 2.58 lbs; 1.17 kg NOCO NLP14
PowerSource WP14-BS 12 210 11.8 lbs; 5.34 kg
PowerStar PM14-BS-HD 14 225 10 lbs; 4.53 kg
Shorai LFX21A6-BS12 315 (Lithium) 3.03 lbs; 1.4 kg Shorai LFX21A6-BS12
SigmasTek YTX14-BS 12 200 9.5 lbs; 4.3 kg
TPE YTX14-BS 12 520 (Lithium) 4.15 lbs; 1.88 kg
UPLUS YTX14-BS 12 200 9.5 lbs; 4.3 kg
Upstart UB-YTX14-BS 12 200 9.9 lbs; 4.49 kg
Weize YTX14-BS 12 235 9.46 lbs; 4.29 kg Weize YTX14-BS
Yuasa YTX14-BS 12 200 8.2 lbs; 3.7 kg

Note: Amazon links (Model column) open in the new Windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Lithium YTX14-BS batteries are gaining in popularity, but AGM YTX14-BS batteries are still a much more popular type.

Manufacturers of lithium starting batteries, YTX14-BS size included, often label their batteries with the ‘lead-acid equivalent’ capacity, although their batteries have a much smaller actual capacity.

Although actual capacity is of lesser importance for starting batteries, parasite loads may discharge smaller capacity lithium batteries much faster than the larger lead-acid AGM and Gel-Cell batteries.

To prevent issues due to the parasite loads, some manufacturers include in their lithium batteries over-discharge protection with the Reset Button. when the parasite loads discharge the battery too low, BMS cuts off the battery from the vehicle. By pressing Reset Button, the user can activate the battery, which still has enough charge left to more or less safely crank the engine.

Note: Such system is NOT present in all lithium starting batteries, YTX14-BS batteries included.

Best Group YTX12-BS Battery Equivalents and Replacements

YTX12-BS batteries are very similar in size to YTX14-BS batteries. their physical dimensions are 5.875 x 3.5 x 5.125 inches (150 x 88 x 130 mm).

Lead-acid YTX12-BS batteries feature a 10h capacity of ~10 Ah, CCA rating in the 180-210 Amps range, and weigh 7-10 pounds.

Since YTX12-BS batteries are very popular Motorsport/Powersport batteries, many manufacturers also offer lithium YTX12-BS starting batteries which offer weight savings of 6-7 pounds, smaller capacity, but a better CCA rating of 250-500 Amps.

For high-performance and professional applications, lithium YTX12-BS batteries are highly recommended, but for residential riding lawn mowers and tractors, a good AGM or Gel-Cell YTX12-BS battery is the way to go.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular AGM, Gel-Cell, and Lithium YTX12-BS batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Model 10h Capacity (Ah) CCA (Amps) Weight (lbs/kg) Review
AMPXELL AMX12-ST080B 8 480 (Lithium) 3.2 lbs; 1.45 kg AMPXELL AMX12-ST080B
Anti-Gravity AG-ATX-12-HD 8 480 (Lithium) 3 lbs; 1.36 kg
Banshee 12-BS 10 330 (Lithium) 3.45 lbs; 1.57 kg
Battery Tender BTL12A270CW 4.5 270 (Lithium) 2.54 lbs; 1.15 kg
Chrome YTX12-BS 10 175 7.21 lbs; 3.27 kg
Chrome YTX12-BS iGel 10 180 7.78 lbs; 3.53 kg
Energizer TX12 10 180 8.8 lbs; 4.0 kg
ExpertPower YTX12-BS 10 8.86 lbs; 4.02 kg
ExpertPower YTX12-BS(iGEL) 10 190 7.5 lbs; 3.4 kg
Mighty Max YTX12-BS 10 180 8.4 lbs; 3.80 kg
Mighty Max YTX12-BS Gel 10 180 8.4 lbs; 3.80 kg
Mighty Max YTX12-BS 3.5 250 (Lithium) 1.0 lbs; 0.45 kg
MMG YTX12-BS 4.0 280 (Lithium) 2 lbs; 0.91 kg
PowerStar PS12-BS 10 180 9 lbs; 4.1 kg
Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 6 270 (Lithium) 2.19 lbs; 1.0 kg
SigmasTek STX12-BS 10 180 8.06 lbs; 3.65 kg
Weize YTX12-BS 10 210 7.06 lbs; 3.2 kg
Yuasa YTX12-BS 10 180 9.27lbs; 4.2 kg

Note: Amazon links (Model column) open in the new Windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Although their capacity is relatively small, AGM and Gel-Cell YTX12-BS batteries are often used even in deep discharge applications, like small kayak trolling motor batteries for quick hops from one position to another, as a fish-finder battery, small inverter batteries, and similar.

Although starting AGM and Gel-Cell batteries are much more tolerant to deep discharges than wet/flooded starting batteries, they should not be used as such. a few cycles down to 50-80% DoD will not harm these batteries if they are soon after the discharge cycle recharged (preferably) using a Smart AGM/Gel-Cell battery charger.

Also, be aware that a semi-discharged lead-acid battery is unable to provide as strong starting current as a fully charged battery.

Best Group YTX9-BS Battery Equivalents and Replacements

YTX9-BS batteries feature physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 5.875 x 3.4375 x 4.125 inches (150 x 87 x 105 mm) and are used as starting batteries for small to medium-sized motorcycles, ATVs, riding lawn mowers, power generators, and other vehicles and appliances.

Lead-acid YTX9-BS batteries feature 10h capacity in the 6-10 Ah range and are able to provide 120-180 CCA Amps. Also, they weigh 6-9 pounds, depending on the model.

While wet/flooded lead-acid YTX9-BS batteries are being phased out in favor of AGM and Gel-Cell spill-proof maintenance-free batteries, lithium YTX9-BS batteries are becoming increasingly more present on the market.

Lithium YTX9-BS batteries’ typical weight is in the 2-3 pounds range, and they are able to provide 150-300 Amps for short periods of time, allowing them to easily crank/start gas and even diesel engines commonly found in small to medium motorcycles, ATVs and other Powersport vehicles and power generators.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular YTX9-BS batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Model 10h Capacity (Ah) CCA (Amps) Weight (lbs/kg) Review
Banshee DLFP9-BS Lithium Battery 8 150 (Lithium) 2.3 lbs; 1.04 kg
Chrome YTX9-BS iGel Battery 6 180 6.61 lbs; 3.0 kg
Chrome YTX9-BS Pirate Bay Battery 8 120 6.61 lbs; 3.0 kg
Deka Sports Power ETX-9 8 120 7 lbs; 3.17 kg
Energizer TX9 AGM Battery 8 120 6.75 lbs; 3.06 kg
EverLast CTX9-BS Battery 8 135 7 lbs; 3.17 kg
ExpertPower ETX9-BS Battery 9 180 6.04 lbs; 2.73 kg
Mighty Max YTX9-BS Battery 8 135 6.72 lbs; 3.05 kg
MMG YTX9-BS Lithium Ion 5 300 (Lithium) 2 lbs; 0.91 kg
MotoBatt MBTX9U Battery 10.5 8 lbs; 3.62 kg
NOCO NLP9 3 400 max. (Lithium) 2.29 lbs; 1.03 kg NOCO NLP9
NOCO NLP14 4 500 max. (Lithium) 2.58 lbs; 1.17 kg NOCO NLP14
PowerStar YTX9-BS Battery 8 9 lbs; 4.08 kg
Power-Sonic PTX9-BS Battery 8 120 7 lbs; 3.17 kg
SigmasTek STX9-BS Battery 8 120 6.19 lbs; 2.80 kg
UpStart UB-YTX9-BS Battery 8 6.5 lbs; 2.95 kg
Weize YTX9-BS Battery 8 135 6.16 lbs; 2.79 kg Weize YTX9-BS
Yuasa YUAM329BS YTX9-BS Battery 8 135 7.4 lbs; 3.35 kg

Note: Amazon links (Model column) open in the new Windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

For smaller lawn mowers that feature the electric start of their internal combustion engines, AGM and Gel-Cell YTX9-BS batteries are recommended models. they are reliable and durable batteries that come at rather an acceptable price.

Lithium YTX9-BS batteries may lead to some weight savings, and they can offer even stronger starting currents, but such advantages are not of great importance for lawn mowers.

Best Group YTX5L-BS Battery Equivalents and Replacements

YTX5L-BS batteries are some of the smallest cranking/starting batteries commonly found in smaller motorcycles, power generators, entry-level ATVs, smaller outboard marine motors, etc.

Their physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 4.4375 x 2.75 x 4.125 inches (113 x 70 x 105 mm), and they are most commonly lead-acid batteries, although ultralight lithium batteries are slowly appearing in this battery size, too.

Despite their compact size, YTX5L-BS batteries are able to provide 70-130 CCA Amps, although there are manufacturers that claim even more CCA Amps.

The typical weight of AGM and Gel-Cell YTX5L-BS batteries is 3.5-4.5 pounds, while lithium YTX5L-BS batteries weigh just 1.0-1.2 pounds.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular YTX5L-BS batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Model 10h Capacity (Ah) CCA (Amps) Weight (lbs/kg) Review
AJC ATX5L 70 4.14 lbs; 1.87 kg
AMPXELL YTX5L-BS 3.5 210 (Lithium) 1.77 lbs; 0.80 kg
Chrome YTX5L-BS 4 70 4 lbs; 1.82 kg
Chrome YTX5L-BS iGel 4 70 4.05 lbs; 1.84 kg
Chrome YTX5L-BS Pirate Bay 4 70 3.7 lbs; 1.68 kg
Energizer TX5L 4 70 3.92 lbs; 1.78 kg
Everlast CTX5L-BS 4 80
ExpertPower YTX5L-BS 5 75 3.62 lbs; 1.64 kg
ExpertPower YTX5L-BS Gel 5 3.61 lbs; 1.64 kg
Interstate YTX5L-BS 4 80 4.77 lbs; 2.16 kg
MaxLithium YTX5L-BS 3.5 210 (Lithium) 1.76 lbs; 0.80 kg
Mighty Max YTX5L-BS 4 65 3.62 lbs; 1.64 kg
Mighty Max YTX5L-BS Gel 4 80 3.69 lbs; 1.67 kg
MMG YTX5L-BS Gel 5 (20h) 80 4 lbs; 1.82 kg
MMG YTX5L-BS 1.67 120 (Lithium) 1.07 lbs; 0.49 kg
Moskee YTX5L-BS 4 70 3.97 lbs; 1.80 kg
Neptune YTX5L-BS 5 (20h) 70 3.7 lbs; 1.68 kg
NOCO NLP5 2 250 max. (Lithium) 1.5 lbs; 0.69 kg NOCO NLP5
PowerStar PS5L-BS 4 145 4.5 lbs; 2.04 kg
PowerTex PTX5L 2.5 75 (Lithium) 1.1 lbs; 0.50 kg
SDULIBITIY YTX5L-BS 2 200 (Lithium) 0.84 lbs; 0.38 kg
SigmasTek ST5L-BS 4 80 4.14 lbs; 1.86 kg
TPE YTX5L-BS 3 200 (Lithium) 0.86 lbs; 0.39 kg
UPLUS EB5-3 4 80 3.97 lbs; 1.80 kg
Yuasa YTX5L-BS 4 80 4.2 lbs; 1.90 kg
Weize YTX5L-BS 4 125 3.38 lbs; 1.53 kg

Note: Amazon links (Model column) open in the new Windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Lead-acid YTX5L-BS batteries are maintenance-free, spill-proof batteries that are very resistant to vibrations and mechanical impacts and can last a long time when protected from overcharging and summer heat.

When disconnected from the vehicle, AGM and Gel-Cell YTX5L-BS batteries should be charged with Smart battery chargers with dedicated AGM/Gel-Cell charging modes with charging current in the 0.5-1.0 Amps range.

Also, such battery chargers, after recharging the battery, automatically switch themselves into maintenance mode, keeping the battery fully charged over a longer period of time. highly recommended when wintering the vehicles and appliances that use YTX5L-BS batteries.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the YTX5L-BS Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

Lawn Mower and Tractor Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about lawn mower and tractor batteries and starting batteries in general.

What kind of battery do I need for my riding lawn mower?

Riding lawn mowers require small lead-acid or lithium starting batteries. exact battery size differs, so it must be checked for each lawn mower/tractor.

How long does a lawn tractor battery usually last?

A lawn tractor battery may last a few years, depending on the use and maintenance. if the lawn tractor is stored with the battery connected to the maintainer, such battery usually lasts a few years longer.

Is a riding lawn mower battery a 12-volt battery?

Most riding lawn mowers come with 12-volt electric systems, batteries included. But, just in case, check the Owner’s Guide of the lawn mower that You have.

How to charge a lawn tractor battery?

The lawn tractor battery is charged via an alternator connected to the lawn tractor engine. However, if the unit is not used periodically, it is a good practice to recharge the battery from time to time with a good battery charger and to store the lawn tractor with its battery connected to the battery maintainer.

Some smaller and older units don’t feature onboard battery chargers, requiring users periodically to recharge them using Smart battery chargers, usually in the 1-5 Amps range.

Such batteries should be recharged every 2-3 months or when cranking becomes difficult and slow.

Will a lawn mower battery start a car?

It depends on the size of the battery and the size of the car’s engine. Smaller lithium starting batteries will NOT start car engines since their BMS will disconnect the battery due to the too-strong current.

Smaller lead-acid batteries may even start a car engine, but that would be really too big load for smaller lead-acid batteries, shortening their lifetime.

Larger starting lead-acid batteries found in larger lawn mowers and tractors may start the car’s engine, although they are not intended for such use. it all depends on the battery size, its condition, CCA, and the size and type (gas, diesel) of the car’s engine, external temperature and similar.

Are tractor batteries the same as car batteries?

Tractor batteries and car batteries are of the same type and internal construction, but car batteries are generally larger.

P.S. yes, Yugo 45 is also considered a car, but its engine can be started with a larger lawn mower/tractor battery easily.

Can you use a car battery to charge a lawn mower battery?

If the fully charged car battery is connected to the discharged lawn mower battery (both batteries are of the same type/chemistry), some of the car’s battery charge will be transferred to the lawn mower battery.

However, initial charging currents can be rather large and may even damage the lawn mower battery.

If lawn mower/tractor battery charging is required, charge the lawn mower/tractor batteries using advanced battery chargers that monitor the battery condition and adjust the charging process according to the battery condition.

When should I replace my riding mower battery?

If the lawn mower/tractor features a battery charging system (alternator charge controller) and when:

  • the engine start becomes sluggish and slow,
  • the lights are dim,
  • the battery voltage is constantly around or below 12V with the engine Off,

it is time to replace the battery.

If the lawn mower/tractor doesn’t feature a charging system, take the battery out, recharge it completely and check how it performs. if it shows signs of a weak battery (slow and sluggish starts, dim lights, etc.), it is time to replace the battery.

Can you put a car battery in a lawn tractor?

Car batteries are generally too large for lawn tractors and cannot fit the lawn tractor’s battery compartment.

But, even if it is possible to put a car battery in a lawn tractor, don’t forget that too large battery can lead to alternator failure. whenever replacing the lawn tractor/mower battery, check the documentation that came with the unit and use replacement battery as recommended by the manufacturer.

Few Final Words

When looking for a new lawn mower replacement battery, be sure to match the old one regarding battery type/chemistry, size, terminal orientation, and terminal type.

Both the capacity and CCA rating of the new battery should be the same or better than the capacity and CCA rating of the old battery.

When wintering your lawn mower, check its Owner’s Guide regarding battery maintenance. if allowed by the lawn mower manufacturer, disconnect the battery (if there are no parasite loads, there is no need to disconnect the battery) and keep it charged using a Smart battery charger/maintainer.

During the summer heat, keep the lawn mower in the shade or preferably in the air-conditioned garage/storage room.

Note: internal combustion engines should be operated only in the open, not in garages, storage sheds, or similar, regardless of how good ventilation is. internal combustion engines produce colorless and tasteless Carbon Monoxide (CO), which is a very dangerous gas for humans and animals.

Also, these batteries often look like toys, but they pack quite a strong punch!

Whatever You do, stay safe!

The best cordless lawn mowers in 2023

Looking for the best cordless mower? Browse our experts’ pick, from budget to premium models.

A lawn mower may be one of the first purchases we make when getting a garden of our own, but that doesn’t mean finding a good quality one is easy. There are so many models and brands on the market to choose from, including corded electric and petrol, but as their range increases and fall, cordless, battery-powered models are an increasingly popular option.

Light and compact compared with traditional petrol models, cordless mowers are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre around the garden, and have none of the maintenance and servicing needs or costs of petrol lawnmowers. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which charges up quickly and won’t lose power in storage, they’re also quiet and emission free.

To compare these cordless mowers against other types of mower, we’ve reviewed the best lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers and push mowers, too. And if your lawn needs a bit of attention, our experts have tested a range of the best manual and powered aerators and scarifiers.Keep edges looking neat with our pick of the best strimmers, the best garden shears and the best lawn edging, and if you’re thinking about somewhere to store your new mower, our comprehensive guide to choosing the best garden shed will be helpful.

For your next DIY project, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best cordless mowers to buy at a glance

Cordless mowers. Buyer’s Guide video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

Getting the best cordless lawn mower for you means ensuring it has the correct cutting width, range of cutting heights, and weight plus a battery run time that matches the size of your lawn. We’ve tested a range of cordless push mowers, putting them through their paces across a range of grass and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Best Buy cordless mowers

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

  • Quiet
  • Cuts even long grass with ease
  • Battery level visible while mowing
  • Small and compact for easy storage
  • Part of the POWER FOR ALL cordless range

Part of the new Husqvarna Aspire cordless range, which includes a hedge trimmer, pruner and leaf blower, this 34cm mower is powered by an 18V POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE battery and charger. These are interchangeable with tools in other leading brands such as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch so if you also invest in tools in these ranges, you’ll only need to buy the bare tool and won’t have different batteries and chargers taking up space in the shed.Great for small gardens the mower comes ready to go, there’s no assembly or handles to attach, and it folds down to a compact size when you’re finished, with a telescopic handle that folds completely flat over the body of the mower. It can then be stood up against a wall or hung up, and even comes with a handy hook. The 30l grass bag also flattens down to take up very little room and can be hung on the mower. The Aspire is light, with a carry handle so that lifting it up steps or into other areas is easy and it has an adjustable handle to suit different height users. It’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around the garden and has just four cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 25-65mm and changed easily with a single lever on the body of the mower. It cuts grass quietly and smoothly and has an automatic boost that increases blade speed when you’re mowing in tougher, longer areas that works well. You can hear it kick in when you push the mower into longer grass and unlike other cordless mowers that can cut out, just carries on cutting the grass. While you mow the battery charge level is always clearly visible so you know how much battery you have left and when it needs charging. It comes with a two year warranty and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 95 mins; run time. 500sqm. Cutting: width. 34cm; height. 25-65mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Buy the Husqvarna Aspire C34-P4A cordless mower from Husqvarna and Sam Turner

Greenworks GDG24LM33

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Comfortable padded handle
  • Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
  • Interchangeable battery with Greenworks 24V family

Ideal for smaller gardens this sturdy, great value cordless mower is easy to put together, well thought out and simple to use. Thanks to a padded handle it’s comfortable to push, although it did feel a little short for our taller tester, and it’s light and easy to manoeuvre around trees and beds and borders. There are five cutting heights to choose from, adjusted with the simple lift of a lever and it offers the choice of collecting clippings in the 30 litre fabric grass bag or inserting the mulching plug and leaving them on the lawn to break down and feed the grass. It mows well but doesn’t like very long grass, with the battery cutting out occasionally but its long lasting brushless motor offers a a decent run time of 46 minutes and it charges in two hours. Plus, as part of the Greenworks 24V family, both the battery and charger are interchangeable with all the other tools in the range, saving you money if you invest in more in the future. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless mower in 2023.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 120 mins; run time. 46mins. Cutting: width. 33cm; height. 25-70mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Yard Force LMG37A 40v 37cm

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

  • Rear roller
  • Double folding handle for easy storage
  • Quickest charge time
  • Part of the Yardforce GR40 cordless range

This sturdy mower has a 37cm cutting width and useful features including a rear roller for those much desired stripes. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for small to medium lawns, clippings are collected in the large 40 litre fabric grass bag. It offers a wide choice of seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm, and is easy to fold away at the end of the day. The 40V battery is quick to charge, taking just 50 minutes and when full it has the capacity to cut a 400m2 lawn.

5 Best Zero Turn Mowers 2023 | Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower 2023

Specs: Battery: charge time. 50 mins; run time. 400sqm. Cutting: width. 37cm; height. 25-75mm. Grass box. 40 litre.

Buy the Yard Force LMG37A 40V 37cm cordless mower from Yard Force, Amazon and Wickes

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
husqvarna, mower, battery, best, zero-turn, lawn

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.

husqvarna, mower, battery, best, zero-turn, lawn

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.

The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023

These achieve the rare feat of making lawn mowing fun.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 1, 2023

When it comes to yard work, zero turn mowers do the impossible. They make lawn mowing fun. They accomplish this by putting unprecedented speed, control and maneuverability at the disposal of the person mowing the lawn. The so-called “zero turn” feature of these mowers converts a grass cutting machine into something akin to an amusement park ride. You steer the machine with two levers—the left lever controls the left wheel, the right lever the right wheel. With that steering setup, you can zoom over the landscape cutting straight lines, curves, or pivot the mower into and out of a corner. What’s not to like?

Read on to understand how these agile grass cutters work, how we go about testing them, and see some candidates that we’ve recently tested as well as some that we haven’t but that we think look particularly promising.

How Zero-Turn Mowers Work

A zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck.

When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability.

Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to be built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain.

As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look.

Selecting a Zero-Turn Mower

Everyone would like to select the biggest possible zero-turn mower with the hope of whittling a big grass cutting job down to size as quickly as possible. Reality usually intercedes because these machines are expensive and the wide range of options available today quickly drive up the cost. Roughly speaking, you start somewhere in the range of a mower with a 42-inch deck costing in the vicinity of 3200 to 3500 and move up in increments of 1000 to 1500 until you reach entry-level commercial-grade equipment that costs 7000 to 8000.

Again, speaking in terms of approximation, a mower with a 42-inch deck will cut a two-acre lot (that takes into account that the house, driveway, outbuildings and various landscape features are taking up some of that space). Use a mower with a larger deck to cut anything over two acres. But here’s the caveat. That entry-level ZTR mower (3200, say) with a 42-inch deck will wear out faster and need more maintenance than a mower with a 50-inch deck, a heavier frame, larger engine and higher quality transmissions, and thicker deck with more robust blade spindles, costing 4500.

In the simplest possible terms, you can cut a smaller area with a larger mower and expect more longevity out of the machine (not to mention a nicer mowing experience) or you can cut a larger area with a smaller machine and encounter more maintenance and a mowing experience that will be, we might say, a bit more rugged.

But there are still other factors to consider, in selecting a mower other than deck size and your budget. Larger mowers take more space in a garage or outbuilding. And a mower with a 50-inch or even 60-inch deck, as useful as it might be in getting the job done more quickly, may not fit through a fence’s gate, and it might be more difficult to maneuver in tight spots without creating scalp marks on the lawn from a lot of close-quarter pivoting.

Carefully consider all these factors when shopping for a mower: your budget, maintenance and whether you will perform that work yourself, mowing speed and time, maneuverability and trimming in tight areas, the importance that you place on your comfort while mowing, cut quality, longevity, storage, and access to the landscape.

How We Select and Test

There’s only one way to test a mower, and that’s to cut grass with it. But we also do more than mow.

We raise and lower the deck and adjust the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—we investigate whether the mower delivers a decent cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers.