Husqvarna mower battery size. Best Lawn Mower and Tractor Batteries Types, Sizes, and Replacements
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.
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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.
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.
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!
Best Riding Lawn Mower Reviews 2023
Tired of spending the best part of your Saturday walking behind a lawn mower? You’re not alone and our team has pulled together our recommendations for the best riding lawn mower in 2023. Whether you’re a homeowner or commercial Pro, or you’re on the hunt for a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower, we have you covered. Thinking about making the switch to battery power? We have thoughts on electric riding lawnmowers as well.
Considering walk-behind mowers? Check out our Best Lawn Mower main page.
- Best Commercial Riding Mower (Find a Dealer)
- Best Residential Riding Lawn Mower (Buy at Tractor Supply)
- Best Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower (Buy at Acme Tools)
- Best Lawn Tractor (Buy at Tractor Supply)
- Best Consumer Electric Riding Lawn Mower (available at Lowes or Home Depot)
- Best Riding Lawn Mower For Small Lawns (Buy at Lowes)
- Best Riding Lawn Mower For Medium Lawns
- Best Riding Lawn Mower For Large Properties
- Best Riding Lawn Mower For Hills
- Best Riding Lawn Mower For The Money (Buy at Tractor Supply)
- What We Look For In The Best Riding Lawn Mower
- Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
Best Commercial Riding Lawn Mower
Hustler Hyperdrive Series Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
Professional lawn care crews who FOCUS on residential lawns (affectionately known aa “mow and blow” crews) have to hit a lot of lawns every day during the mowing season and they’re tough on their equipment. Exmark, Hustler, and Scag all come up frequently in conversations about the best commercial mower, and our top choice is the Hustler Hyperdrive series.
Best Lawn Mower Battery – Reliable & Affordable!
While the Super Z series is likely more popular, the Hyperdrive series adds additional durability to the transmission system, keeping your downtime to a minimum.
Deck sizes range from 60 to 72 inches and there are 35 to 40 HP engine options from Kawasaki and Vanguard. For those of you who like to mow at speed, you can run up to 16 MPH on this model. No matter what your mowing style is, Hustler has a 3,000-hour warranty on the hydraulic system and a 5-year/1200-hour warranty on the full mower.
Price: Contact your local dealer
Best Residential Riding Lawn Mower
Toro Timecutter Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
For residential use, we recommend Toro’s TimeCutter as the best residential riding lawn mower for a variety of reasons. What it boils down to is that you get an excellent balance of performance, comfort, and reliability for the price.
The line currently includes 17 models (including CARB-friendly options). Deck sizes start at 34 inches for small lawns and run up to 60 inches for those of you with acreage to maintain. The base-level models are an excellent value for most people, but if comfort is a high priority, step up to the MyDrive models to get an upgraded suspension and easier ride.
Best Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX6 Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
While Toro earns our pick as the best overall riding mower for residential use, Cub Cadet’s Ultima ZTX6 series is the creme de la creme for those of you with a bigger budget. Earning our choice as the best residential zero-turn riding lawn mower, the ZTX6 is at the top of Cub Cadet’s residential-focuses Ultima line.
These mowers bridge the gap between residential and Pro needs, giving you a ride and performance that feels more professional while keeping the overall price down from premium professional mowers. The ZTX6 comes with a 25HP Kawasaki commercial-grade engine and either a 54 or 60-inch deck size. If you prefer a steering wheel over lap bars, there’s now a ZTXS6 option that has you covered.
Price: 8999.00 – 9299.00 (10299.00 for the 60-inch ZTXS6)
Best Lawn Tractor
Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro FAB Series Lawn Tractor
Cub Cadet lawn tractors are very popular and consistently earn high ratings from owners. If you’re looking for the best lawn tractor among them, we recommend the XT1 Enduro FAB series. They’re a bit more expensive than others in the XT1 line, but they upgrade from a 13-gauge stamped steel deck to an 11-gauge fabricated steel one, improving the long-term durability.
Available with a 50 or 54-inch deck, these mowers are suitable for covering larger lawns than lawn tractors in the 30 – 48-inch range. Thanks to a Kohler 24HP engine, they have better overall performance than most of its competition as well. While they don’t turn as tight as a zero-turn, they do have a 16-inch turning radius that gives them a tighter turn than others.
Best Electric Riding Lawn Mower
Try as we may, we couldn’t pick just one electric ride-on lawn mower as the best. However, we do have three that stand out from the rest.
Commercial: Greenworks Commercial 82V OptimusZ Series Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
Greenworks was one of the first to push into the commercial electric zero-turn lawn mower market and they have learned a lot over the years. The culmination of that experience and the best of today’s technology come together in the Greenworks OptimusZ zero-turn and earns our recommendation as the best electric commercial riding lawn mower.
The line includes both ride-on and stand-on models, and we even got to see an operational prototype of a fully-autonomous version. Focusing on the ride-on models, there are 48 – 60-inch deck sizes with either 18KWh or 24KWh battery packages. On the 60-inch mower, the larger battery bank can run up to 8 hours on a charge.
The top speed is impressive, reaching up to 16 MPH with the blades on. Security is already onboard thanks to the combination of 4G and GPS connections. If all that sounds great, but you’re still not sure it can hold up, keep in mind that Greenworks backs these mowers with a 5-year/2,000-hour warranty.
Residential: EGO 56V E-Steer Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
EGO is making it easier to transition from gas to battery power and into the zero-turn market with the 56V E-Steer riding lawn mower. It takes the lap bars and exchanges them for a steering wheel, making for a much more approachable mower if you’re not used to traditional ZT steering. Beyond that, the design team shifted the controls/info screen onto the steering wheel where they’re easy to keep an eye on while you’re mowing.
The mower sports a 42-inch deck with cutting speeds between 4 and 8 MPH and matches the power of a 22HP gas engine. For the power source, EGO uses the same 556V batteries that power its other mowers and handheld tools. With a full load of six 12.0Ah batteries, expect to cut nearly four acres on a charge. With the four batteries that come with the mower, there’s enough juice to cover 2.5 acres.
Price: 5999.00 with four 12.0Ah batteries and onboard charger (scheduled for May 2023 launch)
Residential: Ryobi 80V iDrive Series Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
Ryobi’s iDrive zero-turn lawn mowers break the mold of lap bars, but not with a steering wheel. It uses joystick controls, making you feel a bit more like a lawn-cutting fighter pilot (without the missiles, of course). While it certainly breaks the norm, our crew was able to adjust to the steering quickly.
There are three deck sizes covering 30 to 54 inches and they primarily use 80V suitcase-style batteries for power. These mowers also have slots to use Ryobi’s 40V batteries if you need to extend your runtime beyond what the 80V packs offer.
The power ranges from a 28HP – 42HP gas equivalent with runtime covering 1 – 4 acres, depending on which model you go with. Plus, this mower uses the CrossCut stacked blade system to give you better cut quality than you’d get with single blades.
Price: 5999.00 – 7999.00 ready to mow
Take a look through our full list of Best Electric Lawn Mower recommendations!
Best Riding Lawn Mower For Small Lawns
John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor
Lawn tractors are great for small to medium-sized lawns and the John Deere S130 lawn tractor is our choice as the best riding lawn mower for small lawns. The S100 comes in at a lower price, but moving up to the S130 is worth it in our opinion.
Both feature a 42-inch mowing deck, but the S130 has a significantly stronger 22HP V-twin engine and it has John Deere’s super-easy 30-Second Oil Change system. The S130 also upgrades with cruise control and an electronic PTO system. Overall, it balances ease of ownership and performance well while keeping a safe distance away from the price of zero-turn mowers.
Best Riding Lawn Mower For Medium Lawns 1 Acre to 5 Acres
Husqvarna Xcite Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
The best riding lawn mower for medium-sized lawns is the Husqvarna Xcite. There are two models available featuring a 54-inch 10-gauge deck that’s a great size for those 1 – 5–acre properties.
What’s exciting about the Xcite is a combination of innovative features and a design that feels more Pro even though these target residential users. Starting from the top, your start/stop and blade engagement controls are on the lap bar ends where you can easily reach them with your thumbs. Then there’s the suspension system. 4 bar links and 10 adjustment settings let you customize the setup based on your size, weight, and preferences to dial in a comfortable ride.
Depending on the model, you get either a 24HP or 26HP Kohler engine with a top speed of either 7 or 9 MPH. On the business end, Husqvarna puts stock blades that can go up to 5 years without needing to be sharpened. Husqvarna targeted a Pro feel with the convenience and ease of ownership homeowners crave with the Xcite and they nailed it.
Best Riding Lawn Mower For Large Properties
Exmark Lazer Z Series Deisel Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
When it comes to maintaining large areas where you need a cleaner cut than a bush hog leaves behind, there are a few large-deck options. Leading the pack in size and with a robust professional resume’, the Exmark Lazer Z Deisel is our choice as the best riding lawn mower for large properties.
When we say large, we mean it. The Lazer Z diesel line includes 60, 72, and 96-inch options along with a monstrous 144-inch model. Ang get this—Exmark rates the largest mower’s cutting rate at up to 11.5 acres per hour! In terms of productivity, that’s going to be tough to beat.
These mowers aren’t cheap, though. They start at just over 27,000 and the 144-inch model is over 35,000.
Price: Starting at 27,099.00
Best Riding Lawn Mower For Hills
Cub Cadet Pro Z 972 Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
If you have hills, you need both power and traction to mow effectively. In our team’s opinion, the best riding lawn mower for hills is the Cub Cadet Pro Z 972 series SD/SDL models. What sets these mowers apart is a combination of their dually rear wheel and steering wheel designs.
Four rear wheels help prevent the back end from slipping, even in wet conditions. The steering wheel makes it easier to manage on slopes and there’s an option for a pivoting seat that keeps you more upright on those hills. As part of Cub Cadet’s commercial mower lineup, you can expect a commercial-level build and high-end comfort features as part of the package.
Best Riding Lawn Mower For The Money
Toro Timecutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
What’s the best riding lawn mower for the money? For that, we return to the Toro TimeCutter series. Specifically, it’s the 42-inch 75746. This isn’t the least expensive 42-inch in the line, and it’s not the most expensive, either. By upgrading from the entry-level version (3299), you’re moving from a 15.5 HP Briggs Stratton engine to a much stronger 22HP Kohler engine. up to a more durable 10-gauge fabricated steel deck.
If your lawn is 2 acres or less, this model offers the best balance of performance, durability, comfort, and price. But what if you have more then 2 acres? Stick with the Toro TimeCutter and move up in deck size to match your lawn.
What We Look For In The Best Riding Lawn Mower
Lawn Tractor or Zero Turn?
When you’re choosing the best riding lawn mower for your lawn, the first thing to decide is which style you want.
Lawn tractors have several advantages. They tend to be a smaller overall size, are less expensive, and are easy to use with their steering wheel/pedal control systems. The downsides are that they tend to be slower and don’t reach larger deck sizes. They also aren’t as efficient in your mowing pattern because they require a larger turning radius.
Zero-turn lawn mowers make it easier to efficiently mow straight lines. While they’re more expensive, larger, and can take some time to get used to lap bar controls, you can get larger deck sizes, they have higher speeds, and they’re better for large properties. If comfort is a high priority for you, you’ll find better options with ZTs and lawn tractors.
Gas or Battery?
Now that battery-powered riding lawn mowers are at a point where they really can replace gas, the conversation is shifting away from just power and runtime.
Gas mowers tend to be less expensive and you can usually find someone to service/repair them within a reasonable drive of your home. The trade-off is the noise, emissions, managing fuel and oil, and more required maintenance.
Battery-powered mowers have a push-button start system that’s ready when you are, assuming you charged the batteries. They’re remarkably quiet compared to gas, have no emissions, and your HOA isn’t going to suddenly rewrite the rules to eliminate them. Maintenance primarily boils down to blowing off the deck and maybe rinsing under the deck. The primary downsides at this stage are that you don’t have as wide of a selection as gas, they’re more expensive, the batteries need replacing every 3 – 5 years, and there aren’t nearly as many service centers close by.
Durability and Reliability
As you go up in price from entry-level riding lawn mowers to mid-range and high-end models, there are significant changes. A more powerful engine is only part of it. The design of the engine and its quality typically improves as you move up the line, giving you a more reliable engine to go along with the higher performance of more horsepower.
You also see the strength of the build improve. Some of it is the thickness of the metal or moving from stamped steel to fabricated steel on the deck. Other components come into play as well, with higher quality transmissions and electronics packages improving.
Generally speaking, if you’re looking at an entry-level model, see if your budget has room to move up into the middle or even high end of the line. The durability and reliability you gain are worth it in the long run.
Deck Size
The deck size you need depends on the property you’re mowing. 42-inch riding lawn mowers are a good starting point for lawns up to an acre or where you need to squeeze through a narrow gate. If you have more than an acre, go ahead and look at models up to 60 inches.
Realistically, it’s a matter of finding the right balance between how much lawn you have to cut, how much storage space you have available, and what your budget is.
Speed
Speed is primarily a concern for professional lawn crews who need to move from one property to the next quickly or on campuses with significant travel distance between the shop and where they’re mowing. They usually want a mower with a top speed over 10 MPH.
Even homeowners can make their mowing chores more efficient with some decent top-end speed, though. 7 MPH or more is a good benchmark for those models. If you tend to take your mowing more casually, 5 – 6 MPH is just fine.
Comfort
The larger your lawn, the more time you need to spend in the driver’s seat of your riding lawn mower, and the more comfort comes into play. Entry-level mowers are going to bounce you around more than mid-range and high-end models. Look for a seat with plenty of cushioning, an adjustable tension knob, and enough travel for you to sit without having to scrunch up.
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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.
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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.
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
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.
Why spend weekends pushing a loud gas mower and breathing exhaust fumes? Let one of these autonomous electric mowers do the work cleanly and quietly.
By Mark Wolfe | Updated Jul 18, 2023 10:43 AM
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Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Improvements in rechargeable battery tech and intelligent software have dramatically changed the way we live. Smart televisions and lighting systems improve our sensory environment, while other automated home devices like vacuum cleaners, thermostats, and refrigerators minimize many more mundane tasks. Similarly, robotic lawn mowers can now keep the grass at just the right height, eliminating a time-consuming weekend chore.
These devices may even cost less to own and operate than gasoline-powered mowers while making very little noise and producing no exhaust emissions. They maintain up to an acre or more on most types of terrain, and they work automatically so folks with lawns have more time to relax and enjoy their green space.
No doubt, all of this sounds great—but how well do these robots actually perform? To find out, we put some popular models through their paces on real-life lawns. Read on to learn about the criteria we used to select these mowers, and then check out our product reviews to find out how each one did on our test turf. Anyone in the market for a new mower might just discover that a robot model can be a Smart, time-saving investment. R2-D2 would surely approve!
- BEST OVERALL:Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Gardena 15001-20 Sileno City Automatic Robotic Mower
- UPGRADE PICK:Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR STEEP HILLS:Redback MowRo 9.5-Inch Robot Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS:Husqvarna Automower 115H Robotic Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS:Gardena 15202-41 Sileno Minimo Robotic Mowe
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
How We Tested the Best Robotic Lawn Mowers
All of the robotic lawn mowers we tested use 14-gauge low-voltage wire to establish the barrier. We assembled two barriers around two 1,200-square-foot patches of lawn—one with Bermuda grass and a steep slope and one mostly flat area with centipede grass. Each test area included two large open spaces connected by a narrow bottleneck corridor, and all the mowers were tested on both test areas.
We established a daily mowing schedule for 7 days in each location. We observed the ease of programming and communication with the mower as well as its actual performance. Criteria to be included in this guide were as follows:
Battery lawnmower Husqvarna LB144i #shorts
- Consistently reliable mowing on schedule and returning to the base station after initial setup and first-day adjustments
- Consistently navigating the narrow corridor to mow both large areas
- Avoiding random obstacles intentionally left within the boundaries
- Returning to the base station in the event of rain or sprinklers
- Avoiding excessively steep slopes without becoming stuck
- Complete coverage of the test area—no noticeable missed spots for the entire test week
Our Top Picks
We measured the following robotic lawn mowers against our shopping considerations (detailed below) and put each one to work for a 7-day home trial. Find out why we recommend them among the best robot lawn mowers available.
Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower
The popular Worx Landroid robotic mower lineup includes models S, M, and L for yards up to 0.125 acre, 0.25 acre, and 0.5 acre, respectively. While they offer many similarities, we found that the Worx Landroid M offers the best combination of capability and affordability. It is powered by a 20-volt 4-amp-hour lithium-ion battery for 2 hours of runtime per 90-minute charge. It can mow on a 20-degree slope thanks to a pair of high-efficiency brushless wheel motors that provide extra traction. The Landroid’s 8-inch self-leveling mowing disc cuts closer to the edges of the yard than many competitors. The blade height manually adjusts from 1.5 to 3.5 inches.
Landroid connects to a home Wi-Fi network via Bluetooth and automatically keeps its own software up to date. You can easily set or adjust the custom mowing schedule or monitor the mower on the go via the Landroid mobile app. An integrated rain sensor stops the mower from cutting if rain starts and sends it back to its charging station.
The Landroid M performed at or near the top in most of our testing rubric categories. Assembly and programming were easy, mowing was reliable with excellent coverage, communication through the mobile app was intuitive, and runtime was superior—all for a very competitive price. Runtime was especially impressive: We clocked it at 2 hours 35 minutes, the longest of all the mowers we tested.
Unfortunately, we subtracted points for poor docking ability. Landroid was the only mower we tested with recharging contacts located on the side of the machine rather than the front or back. To recharge, it must be perfectly positioned in relation to two flexible contact points as it passes over the base station; otherwise, it continues tracking along the perimeter wire without stopping. After resetting the base station three times and ensuring it was absolutely level in all directions with a long, straight approach, we finally achieved satisfactory results.
Aside from that issue, the Landroid provides outstanding overall functionality for the price. Available upgrades include the ACS module that prevents collisions, Find My Landroid GPS cellular module, Radio Link module to extend Wi-Fi connectivity for improved artificial intelligence, an Off Limits module for wire-free no-mow zones within the main mowing area, and the Landroid Garage.
Product Specs
- Coverage area: 0.25 acre (10,890 square feet)
- Mowing height range: 1.5 to 3.5 inches
- Slope rating: 20 degrees
- Includes everything you need to get started and clear step-by-step instructions for easy installation
- User-friendly mobile app makes it simple to control the mower and check status remotely
- 2 hours of runtime per charge means more mowing and less time spent charging
- Competitive price point for a highly capable robotic lawn mower
- Base station must be installed perfectly or the mower may not align properly for charging
- Some desirable features are not included with the base kit
Get the Worx robot lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Gardena 15001-20 Sileno City Automatic Robotic Mower
Anyone shopping for an affordable and uncomplicated robotic lawn mower for a small yard would do well to consider the Gardena Sileno City. It navigates slopes up to 25 percent and corridors as narrow as 24 inches wide. Plus, it works rain or shine, day or night.
Available with either a 2,700-square-foot or 5,400-square-foot maximum mowing capacity, the Sileno City is a great option for most urban landscapes. It requires a flat, level area for the charging station and a nearby power source. A low-voltage perimeter wire keeps the mower inbounds and may be configured to mow a secondary area that is isolated from the primary lawn.
You can customize the mowing height between 0.8 inch and 2 inches high by means of a manual adjustment knob. The Gardena Bluetooth app makes it easy to operate the mower or customize the schedule and other settings from any mobile device, or use the onboard control panel to make adjustments.
It took about 1.5 hours to set up the Gardena Sileno City in our testing area. The kit included everything needed to get started, along with clear instructions. We plugged in the base station and allowed the mower to charge while we installed the perimeter wire and guide wire. The guide wire is an extra wire that bisects the lawn from the base station to the most distant portion of the perimeter wire. All Gardena (and parent company Husqvarna) robot mowers use it to navigate more efficiently.
After installation, we followed the instructions to calibrate the system and program the schedule. Starting with a pre-mowed lawn, we adjusted the mower height to mow 1.5 inches high, and the yard looked great throughout the test period.
One feature that shoppers should be aware of is the maximum daily runtime of about 3.5 hours per day (for the 2,700-square-foot version that we tested). Don’t bother scheduling the mower to run more than 3.5 hours total per day since after reaching the time limit, the device will simply return home until the following day. Since we mowed no more than 2.5 hours per day, we didn’t have a problem.
Product Specs
- Coverage area: 2,700 square feet
- Mowing height range: 0.8 to 2.0 inches
- Slope rating: 14.04 degrees
- Value-priced yet feature-rich robotic mower ideal for smaller lawn areas
- Kit includes everything needed for installation and easy-to-follow instructions
- Reliably and quietly mows all kinds of grass, day or night, rain or shine
- Navigates slopes up to 25 percent and passages as narrow as 24 inches
- Preprogrammed with a daily runtime limit that stops the mower regardless of battery status
- Not Wi-Fi or GPS enabled
Get the Gardena 15001-20 robot lawn mower at Amazon or Gardena.
Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower
Here is a well-equipped mower for warm-season grasses up to 0.4 acre, especially lawns with challenging obstacles, narrow passages, and sloped terrain. With a mowing height range of 0.8 to 2 inches, the Husqvarna Automower 415X is designed for maintaining low-mow grasses like zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede. It is powered by an 18-volt 2-amp-hour lithium-ion battery that delivers a runtime of 50 minutes per charge and recharges in 60 minutes. This premium mower features a high-resolution onboard display, rugged poly front bumper, LED headlights, and coarse-tread wheels that easily handle slopes up to 40 percent.
The Automower 415X is loaded with communication and control features, beginning with cellular and Bluetooth connectivity. It is easily controlled via the Automower Connect mobile app and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Smart devices. Husqvarna’s intelligent mapping technology uses GPS sensors to virtually map the lawn, enabling zone control with customized settings, and real-time tracking through the app. This high level of communication pairs nicely with precision control and automated features like electric height adjustment, automatic passage handling, remote location starting, spiral- and spot-cutting capabilities, wireless firmware updates, theft protection system with GPS tracking, and more.
The Automower 415X arrived for testing with everything we needed for a quick and easy DIY installation. The layout and setup were similar to the other models we tested but with the unique addition of a central guide wire running through the middle of the mowing area to assist with navigation back to the home base. Initial programming was fast and intuitive with the mower’s onboard controls. After downloading the app, we spent some time customizing mowing options, adding the targeted mowing height and spiral mowing options. Targeted mowing automatically lowered the cutting height each day until our preselected height was achieved. With spiral mowing engaged, the mower automatically detects extra-tall or dense growth and mows that isolated area in a spiral pattern. These two options were especially helpful in combination, as we needed to get our overgrown Bermuda grass under control.
Our testing lawn was an irregularly shaped area encompassing 1,200 square feet, with a tree isolated by the boundary wire near the middle and two larger lawn areas on either side. Part of the test area included a steep slope, close to 50 percent in one small area, and the 415X had no trouble. We noticed after the third or fourth mowing that the robot was making more efficient linear cuts and less frequently getting caught up in multipoint turns.
During the target-height adjustment period, the mower seemed to FOCUS more time on a section after it had been sufficiently cut, then running out of battery before fully cutting the other section. Once the target was achieved, however, daily mowing at 1.25 inches kept the grass looking great. Docking at the base station went perfectly every time. Easy setup, reliable operation, Smart tech, and a lower mowing height range make this a good choice for most small to midsize yards with warm-season lawn grass.
Product Specs
- Coverage area: 0.4 acre (17,424 square feet)
- Mowing height range: 0.8 to 2 inches
- Slope rating: 22 degrees
- Precision control features allow you to target portions of the lawn that require more attention
- GPS-assisted navigation allows the robot to mow challenging areas more efficiently
- Easily navigates obstructions like toys and lawn furniture as well as difficult terrain
- Cellular and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to connect and control the mower remotely
- Premium price point for top-of-the-line robotic mowing technology
- Highly efficient mowing capability is offset by a somewhat limited runtime per charge
Get the Husqvarna Automower 415X robot lawn mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.