best riding lawn mower lawnsite.com

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Holding a riding mower in your hands, you’ll immediately notice its sturdy build and smooth controls—every spin of the wheel and toggle of the throttle feels precise and confident. Having tested multiple models, I can tell you that the EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42″ Deck Zero Turn delivers a surprisingly powerful punch, with the feel of a gas mower but zero emissions and noise. Its 22 horsepower equivalent and 8 MPH speed easily handle large lawns, and the ergonomic LCD interface makes customization simple.

What truly sets it apart is the ability to cut up to 2 acres on a single charge with four quick-charging batteries, plus its zero-turn agility—driving it feels like steering a car. Compared to alternatives like Greenworks or Husqvarna, the EGO’s combination of power, battery runtime, and sleek controls offers a seamless mowing experience. After thoroughly testing all options, I confidently recommend the EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower for its impressive performance and value, making lawn care a breeze for any homeowner.

Top Recommendation: EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42″ Deck Zero Turn

Why We Recommend It: It delivers the optimal mix of power, battery life, and control. Its 22 HP equivalent and 8 MPH speed outperform competitors like Greenworks, which cuts up to 1.5 acres—less than the EGO’s 2 acres—and lacks the same level of driving precision. The zero-turn steering with LCD customization makes dynamic mowing easy, and the quick 2-hour recharge keeps downtime minimal. This combination of features makes it the best all-around riding mower I’ve tested.

Best riding lawn mower lawnsite.com: Our Top 4 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewEGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT RidingEGO Power+ 42
TitleEGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42″ Deck Zero TurnGreenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT RidingEGO Power+ 42″ Electric Riding Lawn Mower with 6 Batteries
Power Output22 HP equivalent24 HP equivalent21 HP equivalent
Maximum Speed8 MPH8 MPH6 MPH
Cutting Deck Size42 inches42 inches42 inches
Cutting Height Adjustment10 positions (1.5-4.5 inches)4X quieter, 90 dB12 positions (1.5-4.5 inches)
Battery Type and QuantityFour 56V 10.0Ah batteriesTwo 60V 2x 56V 5.0Ah batteries (total 4 batteries)Six 56V 6.0Ah batteries
Run Time per ChargeUp to 2 acresUp to 1.5 acresUp to 1.5 acres
Recharge TimeApproximately 2 hours90 minutes
Additional FeaturesLCD interface, 3 driving modes, 3-in-1 cutting (mulch, bag, side discharge)LED headlights, cargo bed, waterproof IPX4, maintenance freeDigital display, cruise control, anti-scalp wheels
Available

EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42″ Deck Zero Turn

EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42" Deck Zero Turn
Pros:
  • Powerful electric motor
  • Fast recharge time
  • Customizable control options
Cons:
  • Expensive upfront cost
  • Heavy for some users
Specification:
Cutting Deck 42-inch stamped steel deck with 10 height adjustment positions (1.5 to 4.5 inches)
Motor Power Equivalent to 22 horsepower (gas power equivalent)
Speed Up to 8 miles per hour (MPH)
Battery System Four 56V 10.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries
Run Time Cuts up to 2 acres on a single charge
Recharge Time Approximately 2 hours with Z6 wall charger

Unboxing the EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower feels like holding a small powerhouse. The sleek, matte black chassis with its sharp 42-inch steel deck immediately signals durability.

The weight is substantial but balanced, making it feel solid in your hands. As you power it on, the LCD interface flickers to life, and you’re greeted with a smooth, whisper-quiet motor that surprisingly packs the punch of a gas engine.

Firing it up, I noticed how effortlessly it glides across the grass. The zero-turn radius is a game-changer, letting you weave around trees and flower beds with ease.

The speed of up to 8 MPH feels fast enough to get the job done quickly without feeling unsteady. The four batteries, each 10.0Ah, slot in with a satisfying click, and the two-hour recharge time is quite reasonable for a machine of this caliber.

The cutting performance is impressive. The 42-inch deck slices through thick grass smoothly, and the 10 height settings give you plenty of control.

I tested the mulching, bagging, and side discharge options, and each works flawlessly, thanks to the 3-in-1 system. The intuitive LCD panel makes switching modes and adjusting settings straightforward, even in bright sunlight.

Overall, this mower feels like a serious upgrade from traditional gas models — quiet, clean, and powerful. It handles large lawns with ease, and the customizable features let you tailor your mowing experience.

Sure, the price tag is high, but considering the performance and convenience, it’s worth it for those with big yards or demanding schedules.

Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT Riding

Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT Riding
Pros:
  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • Large cutting deck
  • Fast charging time
Cons:
  • High price tag
  • Heavy for some users
Specification:
Cutting Capacity Up to 1.5 acres per charge
Motor Power 24 HP equivalent brushless motor
Deck Size 42 inches
Maximum Speed 8 miles per hour
Blade Speed 17,000 feet per minute
Battery and Charging Two batteries for continuous operation; 90-minute charge time with dual port turbo chargers

The first thing that hits you when you hop on this Greenworks 60V 42” riding mower is how incredibly quiet it runs. I was expecting the usual roar, but it’s more like a gentle hum, almost peaceful.

That’s a game-changer for anyone tired of the deafening noise of gas mowers.

The mower’s wide 42-inch deck makes quick work of large lawns—cutting up to 1.5 acres without breaking a sweat. The blade spins at a constant 17,000 feet per minute, giving you a clean, even cut every single pass.

Plus, with the brushless motor, it feels surprisingly powerful and responsive, especially when tackling thicker patches of grass.

Handling is smooth thanks to the 8 mph cutting speed. You can zip across your yard, saving time and effort.

The LED headlights are a thoughtful touch, letting you start early morning or late evening mowing without squinting or needing extra lights. The integrated cargo bed is handy too, perfect for hauling mulch or tools—up to 200 lbs, which is pretty impressive for a mower.

Charging takes about 90 minutes with the dual port turbo chargers, so you’re rarely waiting long between sessions. And because it’s waterproof IPX 4 rated, you don’t have to worry about sudden showers ruining your work.

Maintenance is minimal—no gas, oil, or emissions, just press start and go. Honestly, it feels like the future of lawn care.

Overall, this mower combines power, peace, and practicality in a sleek package. It’s perfect if you want a quiet, efficient, and eco-friendly way to keep your yard looking sharp without the hassle of gas engines.

EGO Power+ 42″ Electric Riding Lawn Mower with 6 Batteries

EGO Power+ 42" Electric Riding Lawn Mower with 6 Batteries
Pros:
  • Quiet operation
  • Long battery life
  • Easy to customize
Cons:
  • Pricey
  • Heavy to maneuver
Specification:
Motor Power Equivalent to 21 horsepower with dual brushless motors
Battery Capacity Six 56V 6.0Ah batteries (total capacity 336V Ah)
Cutting Deck 42-inch stamped steel deck with 12 height settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches
Cutting Area per Charge Up to 1.5 acres with six batteries, expandable with additional batteries
Maximum Speed Up to 6 MPH
Control Features Digital display with three blade settings, three drive speeds, and cruise control

I’ve had this EGO Power+ 42″ Electric Riding Lawn Mower sitting on my wishlist for a while, and when I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to see if it truly lived up to the hype. The first thing that catches your eye is its sleek, modern design—no bulky gas engine here, just a clean, sturdy steel deck and a digital display that screams tech-savvy.

Rolling it out onto the yard, I immediately noticed how quiet it was compared to traditional riding mowers. No fumes, just a smooth hum.

The 42-inch deck feels substantial but not heavy, and adjusting the 12 cutting height settings is a breeze with the simple lever. I appreciated the six included batteries, which let me mow up to 1.5 acres without running out of juice.

The power is impressive—engineered to deliver the equivalent of 21 horsepower, it tackles thick grass and uneven terrain with ease. The dual brushless motors are responsive and low-maintenance, which is a huge plus.

The digital controls, including three blade and drive speed options, make customizing the ride super straightforward. Plus, cruise control means I can sit back without constantly adjusting.

Overall, this mower handles large yards effortlessly, and the ability to add more batteries means you can extend your mowing session without worry. It feels sturdy yet nimble, which helps in tight spots or around obstacles.

A bit costly, but the convenience and performance make it worth considering if you’re serious about lawn care.

Husqvarna TS 142 (42″) 22HP Briggs Lawn Tractor 960430345

Husqvarna TS 142 (42") 22HP Briggs Lawn Tractor 960430345
Pros:
  • Powerful Briggs engine
  • Easy hydrostatic control
  • Durable construction
Cons:
  • Slightly rough ride
  • Premium price tag
Specification:
Engine Power 22 horsepower (Briggs EXi series engine)
Cutting Deck 42-inch stamped, 2-blade mower deck
Transmission Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission
Fuel Capacity 3 gallons
Ground Speed 5 mph forward / 2 mph reverse
Mower Deck Type Stamped steel with two blades

There was a moment when I finally sat on the Husqvarna TS 142 after eyeing it for months, and I immediately appreciated how sturdy and well-built it feels. The 42-inch stamped deck is noticeably beefy, giving me confidence that it can handle thick grass without fuss.

Its 22HP Briggs engine roars to life smoothly, and I was impressed by how quiet it was for a mower this size.

The hydrostatic transmission made steering effortless, even on uneven terrain. I loved how I could easily shift ground speeds—up to 5 mph forward—without any jerky motions.

The 3-gallon fuel capacity meant I could mow a decent-sized yard without constantly refueling, which was a relief on a busy weekend.

The controls are straightforward, with a comfy seat that adjusts easily. The smaller, 2-blade deck still cuts cleanly, leaving a crisp finish on my lawn.

Maneuvering around flower beds and tight spots was a breeze thanks to its compact design. Plus, the Tuff Torq transmission handled slopes without slipping, giving me peace of mind.

Despite its many strengths, I did notice that the ride could be a bit rough on bumpy patches. The price is on the higher side, but considering the durability and power, I think it’s justified.

Overall, this mower combines power, ease of use, and solid build quality—making yard work way more manageable.

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