Did you know most Americans spend about 4 hours a week on their lawn?
And we’re talking normal-sized yards here, not just the ones with sprawling, super high grass to cut.
But 5 acres!? Boy, you’ve got your work cut out!
I’m not going to explain why you shouldn’t use a regular push mower for a job like this, because you’re not stupid.
So, I’m going to get straight to the point.
The best riding lawnmower for 5 acres is the Craftsman 17ARFACQ091. With a 50” cutting deck, zero-turn capabilities, and a heavy-duty frame – what more could you want?
If you want to learn about my other 4 top picks, keep reading…
5 Best Riding Mowers For 5 Acres
Table could not be displayed.1.Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 (Best Overall)
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The Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 is the best riding lawn mower for 5 acres on the market.
With a zero-turn design, 50″ cutting deck, and adjustable handles, it’s easy to see why this machine is in a league of its own.
Not only does it get the job done in record time, but it also has excellent maneuverability.
5 acres doesn’t sound so bad now, does it!?
The frame is made from heavy-duty steel, so damage is the last of your worries! Plus, it comes with an easy-to-follow manual, so setup is hassle-free.
However, You’ll need to remove it from the crate before assembly, but that’s a simple task (providing you have the correct equipment!).
What’s more, you’ll need to purchase a bagger separately if you’re planning to dispose of your clippings.
What I Like…
- Easy setup
- Made from heavy-duty steel
- Easy to comprehend instruction manual
- Zero-turn design
What I Don’t Like…
- Can be difficult to remove from the crate.
- Doesn’t include a bagger
Best Feature: Excellent Manuverability
2.Ariens IKON XD (Best Zero Turn)
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This zero-turn riding mower can cut up to 3 acres per hour. Damn – that’s fast!
It’s got 13 cutting heights– so no matter your height preference, this baby will be able to handle it. You can cut between 1.5-4.5″.
After prolonged use, all lawnmowers need new blades. Luckily, you can find replacement blades for the Ariens IKON XD rather easily online.
With its forged steel body, 7mph top speed, and comfortable seat- this lawnmower cuts 5 acres in under 2 hours while providing exceptional comfort.
Kiss goodbye to back strain with this beast!
Although, the cutting deck is smaller than the Craftsman 17ARFACQ091. However, the top speed of 7mph makes up for this slight disadvantage.
In addition, it may take some getting used to. After all, zero-turn mowers are not the easiest to operate.
What I Like…
- Top speed of 7mph
- Comfortable seat
- 13 cutting heights
- Easy to find replacement blades
What I Don’t Like…
- Smaller cutting deck than the Craftsman 17ARFACQ091
- Takes some getting used to
Best Feature: Fastest Cutting Time
3.Husqvarna YTH18542 (Best Budget)
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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly lawnmower, you’ve found it! The Husqvarna YTH18542 is the creme of the crop!
With a 42″ cutting deck and adjustable seat, it will get your yard done quickly and comfortably. If you have rough terrain or need to turn on a dime, it also performs in those departments!
In addition, it’s not difficult to control, like the zero-turn mowers listed above. Simply use the foot pedals to move backward and forwards.
Doesn’t get any easier than that, right!?
And if that wasn’t enough…
Its excellent maneuverability means you can navigate in tight spaces with ease.
The downside? It can get loud, and the seat sometimes comes loose, causing you to slide backward!
But with these minor issues aside, I’d recommend giving this one a shot.
What I Like…
- Adjustable seat
- 42″ cutting deck
- Easy to operate with foot pedals
- Comfortable seat
What I Don’t Like…
- Loud engine
- Seat can sometimes slide backward
Best Feature: Easy To Use
4.Husqvarna Z254F (Biggest Cutting Deck)
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The Husqvarna Z254F is a standout choice with a big cutting deck.
Read Also: Best Small Riding Lawn Mower
This mower has the largest cutting deck on this list, 52 inches in total, so you can cut your lawn at turbo speed!
But how fast?
6mph – to be exact!
It also comes with headlights, which means you can mow at night as well! Although, you might want to clear it with the neighbors first, right!? (Or not?)
As an added bonus, there are built-in armrests. These are excellent when mowing for longer periods, as they provide additional comfort.
However, you’ll need to attach them yourself.
It also arrives with engine oil, so you don’t need to buy it before.
However, there are some downsides…
A common complaint is that it struggles on hills – but if your yard isn’t too hilly or bumpy, then you’ll be fine.
Also, it’s difficult to remove from the crate, especially if you don’t have the correct tools.
What I Like…
- Biggest cutting deck
- Mow in the dark with headlights
- Armrests for additional comfort
- Use the lever to adjust the cutting height
What I Don’t Like…
- Not great for hills
- Difficult to remove from the delivery pallet
Best Feature: Headlights
5.Husqvarna TS 348XD (Best For Hills)
The Husqvarna TS 348XD is the best option for anyone who needs a powerful (24HP) lawnmower that can handle hills.
It can also pull trailers, which is excellent for general yard work.
Combine that with the 48″ cutting deck, and you’ve got a force to be reckoned with.
In addition, there are plenty of features that make it comfortable, like an armrest and long seat.
And while it may not be the fastest machine out there (1.5 acres per hour), its high-quality construction means you’ll get years of use from this one investment.
Unfortunately, it uses a considerable amount of fuel. If you want something more energy-efficient, another mower would be more suitable.
What I Like…
- High-quality engine
- 48″ cutting deck reduces the number of passes you need to make
- Comfortable armrests and seat
- Can pull trailers
What I Don’t Like…
- Uses a lot of fuel
- Slower than other mowers
Best Feature: Comfort
Choosing The Best Riding Lawn Mower For 5 Acres: A Complete Guide
Cutting Deck Size
Choosing the right cutting deck size is vital. The larger it is, the more time you will save when cutting.
A large cutting deck can mean fewer passes needed to cut your entire lawn, which means you spend less time on the chore.
But which size should you go for?
For 5 acres, I wouldn’t go any lower than 40″. Otherwise, you’re going to find it takes much longer to cut the entire lawn.
Power
Since the engine on a lawnmower provides it with power, you need to choose wisely.
You’ll want an engine that is powerful enough to cut through tough grasses and weeds without slowing down too much.
If you’ve ever used a cheap corded mower before, then you’ve probably noticed it stalls with denser grass. This is because the engine is not powerful enough.
Luckily, most riding lawnmowers have powerful engines, so I wouldn’t worry about this too much.
However, speed is more important…
Top Speed
When faced with 5 acres to mow, you need something capable of reaching a decent speed.
Otherwise, you’ll be there for days. Yes, days – not hours!
So what speed should you settle for? In my opinion, you’re erring on the side of caution if you go any lower than 4mph.
Zero Turn (Optional)
Zero-turn is an excellent option for anyone who wants to save time when cutting the lawn.
So how do they work?
Well, a zero-turn mower can make a complete 360-degree turn in the same spot, which means you can quickly turn around when you reach the end of the lawn.
It’s more difficult with a regular riding lawnmower, especially if it’s awkward to maneuver.
However, a zero-turn mower is by no means essential.
Comfortable For Long Durations
If you’re going to be mowing for hours on end, it’s best to have a comfortable riding lawnmower.
There are plenty of different features that make the ride smoother and more enjoyable.
For example, some mowers come with armrests and long seats that support your body weight.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right riding lawn mower for 5 acres can be difficult, but you’ll find it much easier by following this guide.
A zero-turn option is perfect if you want to save time when cutting your lawn. And if comfort matters more than anything else, armrests and seats are an excellent investment.