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Look…I feel you.
Normal lawnmowers can be a pain sometimes. Plus, they aren’t the most comfortable. Because who wants to spend hours pushing around a heavy piece of metal? Not me!
That’s where riding lawn mowers come in. And considering you’re reading this article, I’m guessing you’re trying to cut a smaller yard. No problem!
I’ve got exactly what you need…
In this article, you will learn about my top 3 picks in 2022. The mowers below are reviewed based on comfort, cutting width, maneuverability, and ease of use.
If you’re in a hurry, I recommend the Husqvarna YTH18542. The 42″ cutting deck lets you cut the lawn in record time, whereas the 16″ turning radius provides excellent maneuverability.
What more could you ask for!!?
3 Best Riding Mowers For A Small Yard
1. Husqvarna YTH18542 (Best Overall)
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The Husqvarna YTH18542 has a 42″ cutting deck, making it perfect for small yards.
It has no problem plowing through tall, dense and thick grasses. The adjustable seat provides exceptional comfort for bad backs or existing injuries.
And if that wasn’t enough, it can fit through a 48″ wide garage door, making it easy to store.
You don’t need to assemble this riding lawnmower- it can be used right out of the box!
This mower also comes with a 16″ turning radius, making navigating tight spaces a breeze!
However, there are some downsides…
It doesn’t work well on hills, and if you want a mulch kit – it’s sold separately.
Overall though, this is one of the best riding lawnmowers that I know of for smaller yards.
What I Like…
- 42″ cutting deck, which is perfect for small yards.
- The 16″ turning radius makes for easy navigation
- An adjustable seat provides comfort
- No assembly required
What I Don’t Like…
- Doesn’t work well on hills
- You have to buy a mulch kit separately
Best Feature: Comfortable Seat
2. Husqvarna TS 354XD (Biggest Cutting Deck)
- 24 hp Kawasaki engine
- Electric locking differential locks the rear wheels for increased traction
- 54\
The Husqvarna TS 354XD is a top-of-the-line riding lawnmower. With a 52″ cutting deck, It’s best for small to medium-sized lawns and comes with the ability to cut in reverse.
The engine is Kawasaki, so you know you’re getting exceptional quality, and it can maneuver in tight spaces with ease. With all these features, this mower is sure to be your best friend around the yard!
Combine these benefits with the top speed of 5.5mph, and you’ve found yourself a winner!
But wait…It gets even better! When Wintertime comes around, you can turn this bad boy into a snowblower.
Who said lawnmowers only work on grass!?
The only drawbacks are that you must attach the seat and bumper yourself, and it doesn’t come with instructions (although they can be found online).
Overall, this product will make your life easier when maintaining those pesky blades of grass!
What I Like…
- Bigger cutting deck than the Husqvarna YTH18542
- Top speed of 5.5mph, saving you time
- Can cut in reverse
- It has a Kawasaki engine
What I Don’t Like…
- You need to attach the seat and bumper yourself
- Instructions are found online
Best Feature: 5.5mph Top Speed
3. Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower (Most Compact)
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If you are looking for a great riding mower for a small yard, this is it!
The Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower has a relatively compact design which makes it easy to store in most garages. It also has a reasonably quiet engine which means you can mow your lawn in the evening.
Read Also: Best Small Riding Lawn Mower
This model starts on the first try and requires minor assembly before use. The adjustable seat caters to both shorter and taller people.
Plus, 5 cutting heights let you choose how short or long to cut your grass, depending on what mood strikes!
With that being said, there are 2 minor downsides…
Firstly, the cutting deck is only 30″. And secondly, the body is made of plastic. Many customers have said it’s a reliable choice despite these drawbacks, so I wouldn’t worry too much!
What I Like…
- Easy to store in most garages.
- Relatively quiet engine
- Starts on the first try.
- The seat caters to both shorter and taller people.
What I Don’t Like…
- Cutting deck is only 30″
- Body is made of plastic.
Best Feature: Easy Storage
How To Choose The Best Riding Lawnmower For A Small Yard
Cutting Width
It’s best to go for a smaller cutting width because it will be much easier to maneuver around your yard.
Also, storing a smaller mower is a lot easier than a big one. Trust me, you don’t want to buy a large bulky lawnmower if you have a small garage entrance…
I mean, where would you store it!?
Engine Horsepower
Horsepower refers to the engine’s power. More horsepower means it’s easier to cut thicker grass which saves you time mowing your lawn!
After all, the last thing you need is a mower that fails to perform when the grass gets longer…
Especially a riding mower!
Comfort
Comfort is essential when choosing a riding mower. You want to be able to drive it for several hours without feeling any discomfort.
That’s why you should choose a model with adjustable high back seats, so you can control the height and tilt of the seat.
Also, easy to reach controls will make things even easier on your body.
If you want to take comfort to the next level, you can even go for a mower with built-in cup holders. I mean…who doesn’t enjoy a coffee when cutting the lawn!?
Ease Of Use
A lawnmower that’s easy to use is essential for any homeowner. You want to be able to store your mower, start it up with ease, and know you can adjust the seat’s height without any difficulties.
Too many consumers overlook these features when shopping, which is why they’re stuck with a difficult-to-use lawnmower for years!
That’s not what you want at all!
It will lead to frustration, and you’ll hate cutting the lawn.
Assembly
Here’s the thing…
The last thing you need is to spend hours up hours setting up your lawnmower. Not only is it going to cause frustration, but it could also lead to errors.
For example, if you have to assemble the whole mower, there’s a chance you could make a mistake. This will lead to the mower not functioning correctly.
My advice? Find a mower that comes pre-assembled.
However, that’s easier said than done, especially with riding mowers.
Therefore, it’s best to choose something that only needs minor assembly, like attaching the seat and steering wheel.
Also, try to find something that comes with reliable instructions.
Speed (Optional)
In nearly all cases, riding lawn mowers will cut grass faster because of their larger cutting decks.
With that being said, it’s always a good idea to check their top speed if time is of concern.
Durability
All the factors mentioned above are important, but mean nothing if your mower doesn’t work, right!? Choosing a mower that’s built to last is essential.
But how do you choose a reputable brand?
I recommend sticking with big well-known companies, such as Husqvarna Troy-Blit. These brands have been operating for many years and provide great quality mowers.
FAQ
Does a 1/2 acre need a riding mower?
A riding lawn mower is an excellent option for a 1/2 acre lawn. You’ll want to go for a model that has a powerful engine and a cutting deck that’s at least 34″.
This will ensure that you can get the job done quickly and easily!
Does a 1/4 acre need a riding mower?
With only 1/4 acre to cut, you don’t necessarily need a riding lawnmower. However, that’s not to say you can’t use one.
Is a riding mower worth it?
There are many reasons why you should purchase a riding lawn mower for your small yard.
A riding lawn mower is much more efficient than a push lawn mower, for starters.
It can cut thicker grass in half the time, so you spend less time mowing your lawn and more time enjoying it!
Another great reason to buy a riding lawn mower is you don’t need to push them, unlike regular mowers.
They’re also more comfortable to drive, so you can mow your lawn for hours without feeling any discomfort.
In Summary
Just because riding mowers are designed for large areas doesn’t mean you can’t use them in your smaller yard.
They will save you time while making cutting the lawn an enjoyable experience.
However, choosing the right one is essential.
Read More: Best Riding Lawn Mower For 5 Acres