Matching the Mower to the Land

Designating any product as “best” or “top” is a very subjective endeavor. If you do a Google search for the best of anything, the results can be daunting. Although they all address the same basic product, everyone has their own opinion, and the lists are all quite different.

Often, when you are done reading these articles, you know a lot more than you needed to know and are no closer to finding the right product for you.

In this article, we will try to cut through some of the noise about riding lawnmowers by considering the top five models in each category of mower according to the average opinions of all those ponderous lists.

In other words, we’ve done a lot of the preliminary work for you so we can tell you which ones seem to float to the top of the heaps across all the blogs, ads and reviews. Then we’ll look a little closer at the consistently top-rated models in each of those categories.

Most of you folks reading this article are small- to medium-acreage owners, so, we are going to be focusing on that demographic — you. We know you don’t really need full-scale farm equipment, but at the same time, you don’t want to mow that big, beautiful lawn with a self-propelled push mower.

What you really need is equipment of some kind that is versatile, maneuverable and efficient, and that does what you need it to do on your property.

There are five different types of mowers that might fit that bill: the lawn tractor, the zero-turn mower, compact and subcompact tractors, stand-on mowers and walk-behind hybrids. Let’s take a look at each of these categories.

Lawn & Garden Tractors

A perennial workhorse, the lawn tractor has for decades been synonymous with the riding lawnmower. It has a small learning curve, does well on hills as well as flat ground and is very attachment-friendly.

For these reasons, the lawn tractor has earned the reputation as the best all-around homeowner option. There are many brands and models in this field, but five that rise nearest to the top in most surveys are:

• Cub Cadet XT1/Xt2 Enduro
• John Deere X350/X500 Series
• Craftsman T-Series (a budget-friendly option)
• Husqvarna TS 200/TS 300 Series
• Troy-Bilt Pony/Super Bronco

At the top of this list, the Cub Cadet is a strong mid-tier performer with power and comfort. And though last on this list, the Troy-Bilt is still a top-rated solid entry-level machine.

Zero-Turn Mowers

In recent decades, the zero-turn mower has given the lawn tractor a run for its money in popularity in the lawn care field.

These mowers are now recognized as being the best for speed and maneuverability. They dominate the field in flat to moderately rolling properties with obstacles. The top five make/models in this category are:

• Toro TimeCutter MyRide (top-rated in comfort and residential durability)
• John Deere ZTrak Z500 Series (dealer support and reliability)
• Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 (balance between value and performance)
• Hustler Raptor X / XD (entry-level commercial durability)
• Gravely ZT HD (highly rated as heavy-duty homeowner to light commercial)

Compact & Subcompact Tractors

Located comfortably between the lawn tractor and the farm tractor, the compact/subcompact tractor is rated best for versatility.

If you want one machine to do everything — from mowing to moving dirt and snow and more — this is the one for you. It will support loaders, PTO-driven mowers and dozens of attachments. Top makes/models are:

• Kubota BX 23S / BX2680
• John Deere 1025R
• Massey Ferguson GC1700 Series
• Kioti CS Series
• Yanmar SA Series

Stand-On Mowers

These have been commonly used in commercial landscaping for decades, but have gained traction with acreage owners in recent years. They have a smaller footprint than zero-turn riders and are faster on and off for properties with heavy obstacles. So, they are rated best for tight properties and for efficiency. Look for these top models:

• Wright Stander B
• Toro GrandStand
• Exmark Vertex
• Hustler Dash XD (great compact option)
• Scag V-Ride II

Walk-Behind Hybrid

These handle rough brush and uneven terrain better than riding mowers, and they also have a lower cost entry point. They are good for smaller acreage, slopes or rough ground. So, they are rated best for budget or rough terrain. These top models include:

• DR Power Field & Brush Mower
• BCS Two-Wheel Tractor (with mower deck)
• Billy Goat Outback Brush Mower
• Ariens Razor Walk-Behind
• Husqvarna Walk-Behind Commercial Series

Attachments

This is where acreage equipment becomes truly useful. By itself, a mower cuts grass. But add attachments, and that same mower becomes a year-round multi-purpose workhorse. Consider these common add-ons for the lawn tractor:

• Agri-Fab 42-inch Lawn Sweeper/Hopper
• Brinly-Hardy Aerator/Spreader Combo
• Stellweilan Tessberg 42-inch Landscape/rock rake
• Dextrus Dump Cart
• Agri-Fab 24-inch Lawn Roller

Final Thoughts

For most small to medium acreage properties, a mid-sized riding mower (42- to 50- inch deck) is the most practical and cost-effective choice. If your property includes obstacles or you want to cut mowing time down significantly, upgrading to a zero-turn mower may be worth the investment. If you need a mixed-use machine, a compact tractor will provide the most versatility. And if you are highly budget-conscious or will be working in very tight spaces, a stand-on or walk-behind may be just what you need.

We hope this article has cleared up some of the fog surrounding makes, models, types, categories, prices and uses of lawn machines that you will inevitably find in most of the online “best of” blogs, articles and reviews.

At the end of the day, the best is what you need, can afford and works best for you.

Category Level Comparison Chart