Stick shift lawn mower. CRAFTSMAN T100 11.5 HP Manual/Gear 36-in Riding Tractor Lawn Mower

The History of John Deere Riding Mowers: 1960s to 2000s

With a long line of history in producing riding mowers. John Deere has introduced hundreds of models that have played a significant role in the evolution of our lawn and garden equipment today. When looking at a John Deere riding mower, many questions arise like – What year was it produced? How did the technology evolve? Is there a larger model available? Which one is right for me?

It would certainly be difficult to address all of these questions for every riding mower model that has ever existed. However, we wanted to put together this series to help you get a better understanding of the history behind John Deere riding mowers.

In this post, we’ll look at the evolution of the John Deere riding mower from the 1960’s to present time. Enjoy!

History of John Deere Riding Mowers: The 1960s

The 1960s was an exciting decade for John Deere as it laid the groundwork for years of success to come. From the creation of the original model 110 to the introduction of the model 140, there is no denying that the foundation for the history of John Deere riding mowers was a strong one.

Where It All Began

In 1963, John Deere first broke into the lawn tractor market by introducing the model 110. The John Deere 110 had a 4-stroke petrol-fueled engine with 7 horsepower.

At the time, lawn mowing was becoming a much more popular leisure activity. This prompted John Deere to dive into the marketplace by offering many similar features and implements that the bigger farming tractors incorporated. The 110 was a big hit, likely because of the impressive design and futuristic features.

Urbanization

After proving success with the model 110 mower, John Deere introduced the model 60 shortly after. This was particularly designed with more urban customers in mind – those who had less land and didn’t necessarily need the larger model 110.

The John Deere 60 was useful for customers who needed to conquer their lawn work with a versatile machine, as this model offered a variety of attachments, including:

Taking Things a Step Further

Continuing on the success of the 110, Deere decided to launch a larger model that carried a similar style only with a bigger motor and wider deck. For customers who needed a machine for larger jobs than the 110 and 60 were capable of, the 112 was perfect.

Shortly after, Deere also introduced a small machine that offered a ton of power – the model 140. With 14 horsepower (compared to the 110, which offered 7 horsepower), the 140 was far ahead of its time.

For a complete list of riding mowers by model, year and serial number, check out the chart below.

History of John Deere Riding Mowers: The1970s

Despite having produced lawn tractors for nearly a decade by the time the 1970s rolled around, John Deere did not take this time to sit and rest. Instead, the 1970s were a time of advancement, resulting in 3 new series of mowers that were designed to go beyond expectations.

Improvements to Riding Mowers in the 1970s

Although a few existing models that were originally introduced in the 1960s were upgraded in the early 1970s, Deere took on some major advancements in 1975 when the 200, 300 and 400 Series riding mowers hit the market. These machines provided customers with new and exciting features, which we’ll dive into below.

200 Series

This series included some similar features to the John Deere 110 and 112, like the V-belt Variator Drive and mechanical clutch PTO. However, the new design gave customers engine options between 8-16 horsepower, a rubber Iso-mounted, a fully-shrouded engine with a low tone muffler system, and a new style hood and grill. The design of the 200 Series mowers took on the styling of full-sized Deere agriculture tractors with a back-sloped brow.

300 Series

The 300 Series was a hydrostatic model that was upgraded to a 16 horsepower Kohler K-Series engine. Most upgrades to this machine were made to the body, as it took on more of a square hood design with integral headlights, engine side panels, and a black instrument panel. One of the biggest changes included the engine being moved from under the hood to under the rear fender pan.

400 Series

Following the trend of design improvements, similar to the 300 Series, Deere continued making more visible advancements with the 400 Series. This included the wheelbase on the 400 becoming 6 inches longer than the 140, a track that was 7 inches wider, and the weight of the machine being 250 lbs more. Along with the size and style of this machine being updated, Deere also added power steering, which was a complete game changer at the time.

Check out the chart below for a complete list of riding mower by model, year and serial number.

History of John Deere Riding Mowers: The 1980s

At John Deere, the 1980s were a time for evolution and reaching milestones. In addition to introducing new designs, such as the R and S Series, John Deere also manufactured its millionth lawn and garden tractor during this decade!

Deere Goes Diesel

In 1984, Deere’s first tractor to combine a diesel engine with hydrostatic drive and power steering made quite the impression in the tractor industry. This impressive machine was the John Deere 430, which was very similar to the 420 model, but powered with a Yanmar 3-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine instead. The 430 weighed 1,170 lbs, making it the heaviest and strongest John Deere of its time.

Evolution of the 300 Series

The redesign of the 300 Series led to the introduction of the 318. What was great for customers was that many attachments of the 140 and 300 Series could still be used on the new model 318; however, many exciting features were added:

• Rear-frame redesign from “closed” to “open” configuration
• Annunciator lights implemented into the dash panel
• Square-shaped fender deck
• Reserve fuel tank for increased productivity

The best part? During this time, John Deere hit the big 1 million milestone – manufacturing its millionth lawn and garden tractor, with the 318 model outselling any other models.

The R and S Series

As we know, Deere always looked to accommodate customers managing both big and small operations, which is why the R Series and S Series were introduced.

The R Series (R70, R72, and R92) was a good fit for customers needing a solution for smaller pieces of land. Key features included 5-speed gear-drive transmission, in-line gearshift, full-length welded steel frame, and a tight turning radius of 27 inches. This provided operators with even more dependability, long equipment life, as well as on-the-go shifting.

For those with a lawn slightly bigger than what was fit for the R Series to undertake, Deere produced the S Series riding mower (S80 and S82). These machines had a 30-inch cutting width, electric start and 8 horsepower engines.

For a complete list of riding mowers by model, year and serial number, check out the charts below.

John Deere Riding Mowers in the 1990s

Not to be undermined by the previous decade, the 1990s carried on the trend of growth for John Deere lawn and garden tractors. With the introduction of several new models, including the LT, LX, GT, and GX series, John Deere hit 2 more exciting milestones before the close of the millennium.

Exponential Growth

The 90s were known for many things but for Deere specifically, this was a time for exponential growth in both numbers and technology. In the 1990s John Deere hit both the 2 million and 3 million milestones, manufacturing its 2 millionth lawn tractor with the LX188 model and its 3 millionth tractor with the LT133 in 1998.

This is certainly a sentiment to how the company increased sales during this time; however, it’s not the only thing Deere was working on during this time. Let’s look through a few landmark models that were critical to the history of the John Deere riding mower.

LT Series

In the late 1990s, the LT Series (133, 155, and 166) became one of the most popular John Deere mowers ever. With this series, operators could experience high-quality wide cuts and a greater amount of fuel compared to competitive models in its class. An emphasis was put on comfort with the adjustable operator seat for those who spent long hours on their equipment The new Xenoy material instead of steel-hood also kept this machine in better condition.

LX Series

The LX Series was first introduced in the 90s and remained for 16 years to follow. Customers remember this series for its versatility, as each model was compatible with several sizes of mower decks to meet operators’ needs. The LX Series was also great for a variety of other projects around the yard. For example, owners could latch a snow blower attachment to the machine to help fight off winter storms.

GT and GX Series

The GT and GX Series were very similar to one another when it comes to style and uses. For customers with plots of land around 4 acres in size, both machines can hook up to other implements like snow blowers, baggers, carts, front blades and a variety of rear attachments like aerators, and utility carts. These machines were best fit for owners who needed a little more power and size for their weekend activities.

Check out the charts below for a complete list of riding mowers by model, year and serial number.

John Deere Riding Mowers in the 2000s

Last but certainly not least, Deere made a few noteworthy updates to existing models in the 2000s. The FOCUS here has largely been around offering more power to customers thanks to models in the LA and X Series.

LA Series

This model combines power and versatility to make a perfect fit for medium-large-sized lawn owners. Key features include the full-length steel welded frame, full pressed lubrication, cast iron front axles, headlights, translucent fuel tank including a sight gauge, comfortable operator station, Edge Cutting system, and option for Reverse Implement. Backed with plenty of power, this series also incorporates John Deere’s trademarked CargO Mount system, allowing for a large bagger or other heavy rear-mounted equipment to be easily attached. Other attachments like lawn sweepers, front blades, tractor shovels, mid-mount blades, carts, snow blowers, sprayers, and aerators can be easily added to the LA.

X Series

What’s unique about this series of John Deere riding mowers? The technology is what sets this machine apart, as it transfers power to the wheels through the use of the hydrostatic transmission to save time during operations and eliminate unnecessary gear-changing to speed up or slow down. The X Series also incorporates the Edge Cutting System and tight turning radius. This all helps improve convenience, performance, and reliability.

The charts below provide a full list of these riding mowers by model, year and serial number.

We hope this historical breakdown helped you get a better idea of how riding mowers got to where they are today. Still interested in learning more about the history of John Deere riding mowers? Be sure to check out some of the related articles listed below.

History of John Deere Riding Mowers FAQs

When did John Deere produce their first lawn tractor?

In 1963, John Deere entered into the lawn tractor market by introducing the model 110. The John Deere 110 had a 4-stroke petrol-fueled engine with 7 horsepower.

When was the first John Deere diesel lawn mower created?

In 1984, Deere created their first tractor to combine a diesel engine with hydrostatic drive and power steering.

What riding mower series were released in the 1970s?

3 new series of mowers that were designed in the 1970s including the 200 Series, 300 Series, and the 400 Series.

What decade did John Deere produce their millionth lawn and garden tractor?

John Deere manufactured its millionth lawn and garden tractor in the 1980’s.

What’s unique about the X series of John Deere riding mowers?

The technology of the X series is what sets this machine apart. It transfers power to the wheels through the use of the hydrostatic transmission to save time during operations and eliminate unnecessary gear-changing to speed up or slow down.

Related Articles:

If you have any questions about John Deere lawn care equipment, you can contact your local John Deere dealer.

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CRAFTSMAN T100 11.5 HP Manual/Gear 36-in Riding Tractor Lawn Mower

This item is not currently available for immediate purchase, but can be ordered by visiting the selected store.

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is ther t100 and the t85 lawn mowers electric start. can’t find anything about this in the specs

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Rated 5 out of 5 by Ron from Easy to handle [This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Actually the first riding mower I’ve ever owned. Search for several months on different mowers and came across this one. I got to say I know I made the best decision. It does a remarkable job. Would highly recommend this mower. I’m 65 years old and this mower makes my job a pleasure

Rated 1 out of 5 by Brandon from Worst mower I’ve ever owned DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. I have owned this mower for 6 months. My battery has been replaced, both rear tires have went flat, excessive vibration after 4th use, the blades were easily chiped and bent. When attempting to replace the blades the nuts were torqued down so tight that I broke an adjustable wrench and a ratchet trying to remove them and then I gave up entirely on trying to remove it. I am a mechanic by trade. Additionally it is not a rough terrain that I am mowing on just a typical flat yard. I have never been this disappointed by a purchase on anything else in my entire life. I have attempted to contact craftsman regarding my warranty and everything that has broken so far has not been included in the warrenty.

Rated 5 out of 5 by PaulB from Front Engine Mower This is a replacement for a well used mid engine mower. I read the reviews and was a little reluctant on this purchase but went ahead with my purchase. In the review I noted that there were many reviews pointing out that the mower would lurch forward when the clutch was engaged and I found it to be true BUT as an old man who drove many a stick shift vehicles (you know the kind with the third pedal on the left) and remembered it was an accelerator and clutch dance.accelerator. throttle same thing! Before placing the mower in gear drop the throttle to lowest setting, engage the clutch, move the drive lever into forward (or reverse) and slowly release the clutch and you find there is no lurching. Increase the throttle to your needed run speed and you are off. when you disengage the clutch, drop the throttle the lowest setting. Happy Mowing

Rated 5 out of 5 by NewRider from 2 Months with Craftsman T100 Riding Mower Having had a push mower the last ten year’s, I had decided to go with T100 riding mower. This riding mower has the feel of an entry level model and has performed beyond my expectations. I look forward to hopping each time as I’m able to cut the lawn in half the time. It’s easy to use and has a good turn radius to get around objects. Also the ease of storing this lawn mower in a two car garage with two cars inside made it ideal.

Rated 1 out of 5 by RayinPA from Disappointing Initially, I liked this machine, but that quickly changed. About 20 minutes in to my first mowing with it, the engine began to buck and sputter. Then the governor started to hunt back and forth, and it quit altogether. I got it started again, but within a minute it quit again. Ended up having to push it back on to my truck. Returned it for a refund. Very disappointing.

Rated 1 out of 5 by unhappy from Bad move do not buy This mower has been nothing but trouble since I purchased it. It vibrates badly and parts take forever to get. So far I have had to replace the blade engage cable twice,now the deck drive belt has frayed and needs replacement. After waiting a week for a replacement from craftsman, I find they ordered the wrong belt and had to reorder. while replacing it I found the left hand idler pulley broken loose from the weld on the deck.I wish I had never ordered this mower and don’t know how craftsman allowed this to be sold under their name.I have been a faithful customer of craftsman for 50 years. but do not intend to ever purchase another yard or garden tool form them. Now, do I y a try to order a replacement deck form them or remove the deck and try to get it rewelded? do not purchase unless you wish to have a recurring headache.

Rated 4 out of 5 by Madmike from Craftsman T100 lawn tractor We moved to a place with a tiny lawn. I am an older man with arthritis and can no longer operate a pull start or wrestle a walk behind mower. I bought this mower because it is compact. It does the job of mowing, mulching and hauling well. It has taken me a while to get accustomed to the controls. I miss a button operated pto switch. I wish it was slower in low gear and the clutch is a little grabby but is getting better as it is breaking in. Otherwise I have no complaints.

Rated 1 out of 5 by Puneet from Returning it and getting something else. Not my first riding lawn mower experience so I can safely say I am decently experienced to write a review on this. For me 2 major points are. 1. The gas pedal, which engages when you release it, so if your foot slips, the tractor starts moving. Needless to say it is a big safety concern. 2. I am 5’8 ,for me to keep my foot on the gas pedal was so inconvenient, stretch one leg maintaining forward pressure on the pedal while the other knees bumps against the tractor. If i move the seat back then to make room then i am pushing one leg so unnaturally that it is not sustainable without hurting my back. Beyond that some smaller points. If you set the speed to medium and engage the cutting blades, the whole tractor shakes violently. the engine does not generate enough rpm to engage the cutting blades but if you set it to high, the transition is so jerky that you get small whiplash jerks.

Rated 1 out of 5 by no good from dont buy Says it comes with mulch kit. I had a mulch kit on my other mower it did a great job This one must not have mulch blades on it because it throws out grass from inder tbe deck on both sides no matter how low the deck is. Aslo you cannot change the speed inless you stop and press in the brake/ clutch pedal and adjust the lever. If you putbthe speed leber up to high and let the clutch outbto gsst you will be thrown off the mower when it goes into hear. A very dangerous mower. You cant go back and change your spelling mistakes on here inless you erase from whete uou are. Poor program.

Rated 4 out of 5 by Ron from Satisfactory for a Low-End Riding Mower Purchased in February 2020 to replace a 13-year old MTD 13.5 HP, 42 cut with starting problems (Tecumseh engine). The first thing I noted was that this mower is practically identical in design/function to my old MTD mower. Controls are in the same place (throttle, mower deck engagement, mower deck lift mechanism, etc.) so evidently made by the same folks who made my old MTD (despite the Craftsman name). The mower does a reasonable job on my current 1-acre lot (where I’m not interested in winning the Yard of the Month competition). I disabled the irritating engine-kill safety function associated with backing while the mower deck is engaged and the engine-kill function for the rider’s seat when dismounting the mower (see YouTube instructions). I know these functions might be important to some and perhaps mandated by law now but I’ve been using a riding mower for over 40 years and exercise proper caution. It has a little less power than my old MTD (due to the.2hp comparison) but I don’t have any exceptionally steep areas to contend with. If you have a larger than postage-stamp yard without any steep grades and want a reasonable mowing experience and results without having to pay 3X for a zero-turn mower, this one will probably serve you well based on the fact that my virtually-identical MTD mower lasted so long, most of that mowing a 2 acre native lot.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Arrty from Just what I needed. After coming out of surgery for cancer I knew I wouldn’t be able to push our lawn mower like I use to and decided to get a lawn tractor. The problem was the opening into my fence was only wide enough to allow a 36” deck through it and everywhere I had gone were 42” decks or bigger. I just so happened to look on line and found the tractor I was looking for. It was everything I had hoped for and makes my life so much easier.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Swannie from Better then expected Well I must say I had some reservations before buying this riding mower when reading all the reviews. Some said the steering wheel would cut their hands when steering, well the seam is gone for a smooth steering wheel. Also others said that it was delivered rusty and had looked like it had been kept outside when delivered, mine was not, clean as a whistle, and as shiny as a fire truck. Also was a review about not being suited for a short person, I am 5 ft 5, all i did was unscrew the bolt under the seat, adjusted it closer to the peddle and all was good for a short person! And last but not least, being jerked when releasing the clutch, this is a no brainer! anyone who has driven a manual shift car knows to let the clutch out slowly. I am very happy with this mower, it used to take me two days to mow my lawn, with this machine it took me one hour. Nice little mower, and worth the price. My only complaint was it did back fire on me once, but I figured it was part of the breaking in process.

Rated 3 out of 5 by Al C from It’s not a bad investment for a small yard. Wasn’t assembled very well. Had to tighten some screws after I received it. Still has issue with the steering, lots of play is steering wheel.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Eddie from Perfect Rider for half an acre This is my first rider. I have just under an acre of yard and I love this machine. Ive always been a fan of Craftsman and this does not disappoint. This rider gives a low, smooth and even cut. The mulcher (which comes included) works phenominal without any unessessary cleaning of grass clippings. I specifically purchased this mower because its small enough to fit through my Fence gates. no complaints.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Adam from Solid Machine We purchased this lawn mower in summer of 2021 and it has been welcome addition to our lawn care equipment. The 36 inch cutting deck is the perfect size for our property and the engine has been flawlessly reliable. The winterization maintenance I did last fall was very easy and clearly explained the manual. Looking forward to lots of use in the years to come.

Rated 4 out of 5 by DWank from Craftsman T100 Riding Mower Good mulching mower with adequate power. Wanted a smaller deck (36”) to make it easier to store. This fits the bill. It will go into reverse with the blades engaged, but the process is hard to get used to and the gear selector is on the left side of the seat. The price was a little more than I wanted to pay but the Lowe’s employees that helped me load it were great. They were quick, they had ramps, and they knew what they were doing. It wasn’t their first rodeo. Thank you.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Jeff from Great Lawn Mower Purchased this lawn mower based on the Brand and Price. Great lawn mower. I know I will enjoy using it as my yard is small and this works wonderful for the size

Rated 3 out of 5 by eoghlinn from Be mechanical first time around the yard the steering came apart ,the entire front end was loose had to tighten all the bolts. The rest of the mower still not made of the same quality as it used to be does run and seems to work fine.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Buddy Day from Works Great! No Problems! Works great to mow a small area that is just a bit too big for a fat guy and a push mower

Rated 1 out of 5 by disappointed from T140 we purchased the T140 and couldn’t even find it to review! had mower 3 FULL months and it quit! already taking it to the shop! it cranked. idled and then died when I went to put in drive and WILL NOT CRANK AGAIN! It is like it is not getting gas! we purchased the 2nd mower for our other property so we would not have to use our home mower and haul back and forth. extremely disappointed in this product! it didn’t even make one season before going to shop! we have mowed 4 times. thats it and off to the shop it goes!

Rated 4 out of 5 by Crashman from Nice mower for the money but it’s cheaply made. I’ve been using a John Deere rider for years and it came time to replace it. I wanted something smaller as my yard is less than an acre and the T100 fit that need perfectly. I have to say that in regards to construction the Craftsman doesn’t even compare to the Deere. It is less expensive though and does perform quite well. I find it also does a better job mulching. Overall, I’m happy with this tractor and anticipate many years of use. In addition my 15 year old son who is actually the one cutting the lawn says he’s much happier riding around on a red mower over a green one!

Rated 2 out of 5 by Packrat from Without scalp wheels w/no option add them Purchased in August 2020. Poorly engineered, gives uneven cut especially when turning, will scalp the grass in places it shouldn’t. The quality is good, but if your yard is not perfectly level, don’t invest in this model. I can only mow about 75% of my yard with this mower, then use a push mower to finish up to make the yard look nice.

Rated 4 out of 5 by CRAFTSMAN from The craftsman t100 lawn tractor is ok. I don’t like the fuel tank in with the engine. It doesn’t mow in reverse, with the seat adjusted forward as far as it can go my wife at 5’1” can’t depress the brake pedal/ clutch while trying to engage the mower blade, engine stalls. just to forewarn people of small stature. it mowed great, good speed. I would recommend to potential buyers

Rated 5 out of 5 by Schpunty from My requirements met Just retired, needed a lawn tractor to mow my 1/4 acre. 36 deck is fine for me. Bought at the store on a Saturday morning, delivered Monday. Everything went well. Have used the tractor twice so far, no issues. Plenty of power for the places in my yard that equal the 15% grade and then some. Mowed today in pretty wet grass, no slipping, spinning, etc. This machine sips gas, very efficient. Fits great in my garage.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Russ from Craftsman 36 Mower Perfect smaller riding mower for all of us that don’t have huge properties but still need a riding mower. We love that the mower has engine in the front for all the people that don’t like the others with rear engines on the market. Runs great and keeps our lawn neat trim. Russ

Rated 3 out of 5 by PNWguy from Small but mighty Purchased this quickly out of necessity after previous rider died. Pros: Cuts as expected. Fits through standard gates. Comes with mulching setup. Cons: Comes with mulching setup only. No side discharge and no bag options available (hence 3 stars). Other: I see negative reviews about cut quality. Most likely because of chopping down tall grass. After that it maintains your lawn just great.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Barnes from Great I’ve got a two acre yard, with a few hills, stumps, bushes, trees, etc in it. Mower goes up the steep hills fine and turn radius is great for going around objects. Very easy to operate and user friendly.

Rated 2 out of 5 by kawena from no support Craftsman, a formerly trusted brand, offers no help, its not there’s. I’m referred to MTD Products whose online system does not recognize this product and they don’t answer phones (2x 90 min then hang up). Cuts fine on straight but bites into lawn on turns. Manual does not indicate deck adjust for turns. If one cant get post sales support, how good is this product?

Rated 4 out of 5 by Mrfixit14526 from Easy operation but poor mulcher. The tractor is very easy to operate, has a short turning radius, and mows in reverse with ease. I don’t like the fact that the brake has to be pressed in order to shift gears. You CAN shift on the fly, but only is if the brake is partially depressed. My primary objection is that the mower always leaves a line of grass on the right edge of the mowed strip. I assume this is because it is not mulching very well.

Rated 2 out of 5 by OldGuy from Rough Incomplete Cutting Mower engine and transmission runs fine UNTIL the mower/cutting capability is engaged. The sound and tractor begins to shake and run rough. Cutting leaves an uncut strip of grass down the middle. This requires a second pass in order to get a full, complete and almost clean cut. Do not know if blades need balancing or just what. This has been in place since the first day of use. A waste of money.

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What Time of Year Is Cheapest To Buy a Lawn Mower?

Choosing the right season to buy a self-propelled or riding lawn mower could save you money in time for fair-weather lawn care.

Summer is upon us, and cheap new lawn mowers are on many homeowners’ minds when it comes to property maintenance. However, buying a new or used lawn mower in the wrong season could cost you more than you’d like. So, what time of year boasts the cheapest bounty of self-propelled and riding lawn mowers?

What is the best month to buy a lawn mower?

When it comes to new mowers, your best bet is to wait for a promotion or sale. According to Forbes, many purveyors of new mowers will have discounts and events for lawn equipment around the Memorial Day timeframe (late May).

over, peak summer holidays like Independence Day (July 4th) and Labor Day (the first Monday in September) often feature events. Whether you’re looking for a simple self-propelled or a riding lawn mower, checking out one of these events could save you money.

Wright Manufacturing agrees that spring and late summer can yield good deals on equipment like mowers. During these timeframes, small retailers and large stores like Home Depot and Lowes have lots of inventory to meet the demand for fair-weather lawn care. Of course, some homeowners or renters in states with compliant climates can buy at their convenience, although picking a discount event is still worthwhile.

Do lawn mowers go on sale in winter?

While many markets, like sports cars, incentivize potential owners to stick to the off-season for low prices, winter has the potential to be problematic for lawn mowers. Large retailers tend to schedule discounts and events for the complimentary time of year. For instance, a big store like Home Depot might discount mowers in the spring and fire pits in the winter.

over, buying equipment like a riding lawn mower in the winter could limit your ability to assess whether you made the right purchase. If your mower resides in a shed or garage during the colder months, it will be tricky to discern problems and defects or whether it suits your property.

How often should you buy a new lawn mower?

In short: you should buy a new lawn mower as needed. However, a good rule of thumb is to assess the value of repairing versus replacing. Replacing your mower is likely the better option if it is five or more years old.

However, depending on the make and model, some larger equipment will carry a factory warranty for 24 months or more.

Should you buy a used lawn mower instead of a new one?

A used lawn mower has the potential to be a much more affordable option than a new model. However, new models feature the latest technology and an intact warranty, something an older mower might not have.

For instance, saving money on a used riding lawn mower with an old-school manual transmission might seem acceptable. However, newer models with a hydrostatic transmission promise smoother throttle application for easier cutting.

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.