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Lawn Tractor vs. Garden Tractor: How to Pick the Perfect One for your Yard

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If you’re in the market for a lawnmower, you should be well aware of the bewildering variety on the market. Besides the much popular zero turn mower, you have two additional options: the lawn tractor and the garden tractor. Though it may seem like a battle between lawn tractor vs. garden tractor,  the core functionality of both is exactly the same. What sets these two apart is their other potential uses, their design, build, comfort, features, and, of course, costs. Therefore, it is essential to define your particular needs and choose one or the other accordingly.

Garden Tractor vs. Lawn Tractor

In the following sections, we will outline some key differences between the lawn tractor and the garden tractor to help you decide which of these two is more suitable for your needs.

What Is A Lawn Tractor?

Lawn tractors are used for mowing large open grassy areas. These can either be private land or large public parks. The key difference between a garden tractor and a lawn tractor is the fact that lawn tractors are self-sufficient and come with their own set of implements, making them ideal for commercial use.

What Is A Garden Tractor?

Garden tractors are designed for use in private gardens and are generally smaller than lawn tractors. These are particularly good for limited spaces and uneven terrain because they have more compact builds and are lightweight. This is what makes garden tractors appropriate for both private and professional use, but we will take a closer look at the latter.

Size Comparisons

Lawn tractors are the biggest of the two. Their design is more of a cross between a mower and a small tractor than a mower. These have heavy-duty frames and are manufactured with the sole purpose of mowing the biggest of properties. Garden tractors, on the other hand, are much smaller. These are the best option for small outdoor spaces and gardens. They can also be used for light-duty professional purposes.

Build Comparisons

Lawn tractors are big. Their frame is much more robust than garden tractors. The design of these is more like a traditional tractor than that of a mower, except that they need implements for different functions.

Garden tractors, in comparison, have a lighter build due to their intended use. They are appropriate for use in private homes, not necessarily commercial use. However, some garden tractors can be modified to work as lawn tractors, while retaining their original purpose. Again, this depends on the purchase and need, so always shop around and find the right one for you.

Power Comparisons

Lawn tractors need to be powerful as they are meant to mow large properties and therefore use larger motors with greater horsepower. They normally have between 5 and 12 horsepower. Further boasting features like locking differential, PTO, power steering, and so much more, they can be operated with ease, making them one of the most powerful and versatile to own.

Garden tractors, on the other hand, use a lot less power with around 1.5-4 horsepower. This is perfectly adequate for most home gardens.

Price:

Lawn tractors are available at some of the highest prices in the market. A commercial lawn tractor for small-sized properties may cost around $9500. With a high price tag like this, you are bound to get the full spectrum of features.

Garden tractors, meanwhile, are very attractively priced. You can even find them in the $100 to $1000 price range, which is a cost-effective solution to your gardening challenges.

Riding Lawn Mower Vs Tractor

Even though lawn tractor vs. garden tractor presents both in a similar light, the wide differences between them cannot be overlooked. So, if you need to mow your garden but are on a tight budget, you can decide to go for a garden tractor. Unless the lawn fame is too large for your garden tractor, chances are it will fulfill your needs. On the other hand, if you need to mow the large property, your options are more than plentiful. In such cases, you can buy a lawn tractor, which is more expensive but is a durable and considerably easier to use and powerful machine. You can also consider going for the full upgrade and purchasing a riding lawn mower vs tractor. Read our guide regarding the best riding lawn mower.

Best Electric Riding Lawn Mower: 6 Top Picks In 2023

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Did you know that electric lawnmowers were invented back in the 1930s? [1]

However, nobody paid much attention. In turn, this caused production to be ceased.

It wasn’t until years later they became popular.

And rightfully so!

Not only do electric riding lawn mowers save you gas money, but they’re also quiet. In addition, more advanced battery technology means they are constantly improving [2].

With performance similar to gas mowers, you need one of these monsters in your garage!

Below you can find the 10 best electric riding lawn mowers in 2022.

What Is The Best Electric Riding Lawn Mower?

So, what is the best electric riding lawn mower?

From personal experience and countless hours of research, you can’t go wrong with the Cub Cadet CC30E.

This lawn mower has power similar to a gas mower without the loud engine. You’ll also get a mulch kit, multiple cutting heights, and a clean cut.

The 6 Best Electric Lawn Mowers

Would you rather compare your options before making a purchase decision? That’s fine!

Below is a  list of the 8 best electric riding mowers. These electric mowers are ranked based on performance, speed, battery life, comfort, and more.

1.Cub Cadet CC30E Riding Mower (Best Overall)

Cub_Cadet_CC30E
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Check Price On Cub Cadet

Specifications:

  • Cutting Deck: 30″
  • Battery Life: 1 hour
  • Speed:  4mph
  • Charging Time: 4 hours
  • Cutting Height: 1.5-4″

The Cub Cadet CC30E is a top-rated electric lawn mower that offers homeowners a range of features and benefits. The 30″ cutting deck is perfect for small to medium-sized yards.

In addition, the electric motor is whisper-quiet, making it ideal for mowing any time of the day. Not only will you be proud of this mower, but the neighbors will thank you!

But most importantly…

How does it cut?

According to countless previous customer experiences – pretty damn well!

In fact, most people can’t tell the difference between a gas mower. The cut is clean and leaves your lawn looking a million dollars.

Cub Cadet has even included a mulch kit. That means you can re-use grass to keep your lawn nice and healthy.

However, not everybody wants to mulch their clippings, right!? That’s fine! 

Cub Cadet has designed a bagger to collect your trimmings. Unlike the mulch kit, you will need to purchase this separately.

On a more positive note, the seat springs ensure a comfortable ride. Unfortunately, many electric lawn mowers are uncomfortable, so this is a significant upside.

And if that wasn’t enough, you also get a cup holder. Because who doesn’t enjoy a coffee while mowing the lawn!?

Although this seems like the perfect mower, there are some downsides…

The smaller cutting deck and short battery life (1 hour) mean it’s not good for larger lawns.

Also, it doesn’t handle wet clumps of grass well. There’s a chance the blades will disengage.

What I Like…

  • Perfect for small to medium-sized yards.
  • Wayyyy quieter than gas mowers
  • Includes a mulch kit
  • Comfortable seat

What I Don’t Like…

  • Not ideal for larger lawns
  • Can’t be used in wet grass

2.Ryobi RY48111 Riding Lawn Mower (Fastest Speed)

Check Price On Amazon
Check Price On Home Depot

Specifications:

  • Cutting Deck: 38″
  • Battery Life: 2.5 hours
  • Speed:  8mph
  • Charging Time: N/A
  • Cutting Height: 1.5-4.5″

You may think this mower is basic, but looks are deceiving! With speeds of 8mph, it’s actually one of the fastest on the market. Make sure you buckle up when taking this one for a spin!

It has a bigger cutting deck than the Cub Cadet CC30E Mower, so I recommend it for medium to large-sized lawns. The battery also lasts up to 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to tackle large areas.

You can see when the battery is low by checking the battery indicator. I like this feature because it gives you time to prepare. Without it, you could stall halfway through cutting your yard.

And who wants that?

If you enjoy mowing in the dark, you’re also in luck. The Ryobi Lawn Mower comes with headlights, so you can cut your grass without fear of collision.

And although not as comfortable as gas-powered mowers, this model does come with reverse function and mulching capability to make up for it!

When mowing in reverse, you will hear a beeping sound. This instructs people of your whereabouts.

In terms of downsides…

Be prepared for a bumpy ride, as the seat is uncomfortable. The Cub Cadet CC30E is a better choice if you’re looking for comfort.

In addition, it’s much heavier than other electric riding mowers.

What I like…

  • A top speed of 8mph
  • Bigger cutting deck than the Cub Cadet CC30E.
  • 2.5 hours battery life
  • Bright headlights of nighttime mowing

What I Don’t Like…

  • Less torque than gas-powered mowers
  • Much heavier than most electric riding lawn mowers.

3.RYOBI 100 Ah Electric Riding Mower (Best Zero Turn)

42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower
Check Price On Home Depot

Specifications:

  • Cutting Deck: 42″
  • Battery Life: 3-4 acres
  • Speed:  7mph
  • Charging Time: N/A
  • Cutting Height: 1.5-4.5″

Ryobi’s 100 Ah Electric Riding Mower is an excellent choice when switching from gas mowers. The zero-turn design makes it easy to maneuver, so take notes if you have trees in your yard.

According to previous customers, you can expect around 4 acres before it needs charging. This is excellent if you’re mowing for commercial purposes. 

However, the battery indicator can sometimes be faulty, so it may not display the correct percentage.

That won’t affect the performance, though!

In fact, it handles thick grass better than the last 2 mowers because of its more powerful engine.

Not only is the engine powerful – but also quiet. With the bright headlights, this means you can mow at night without disturbing the neighbors.

Plus, it mulches well. But you will need to purchase a kit separately.

Furthermore, the Zero-turn design will take some getting used to. However, it takes the strain off your wrists, which is better for people with wrist injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

It can also mow in reverse. Although, it’s a little tricky. When reversing, the blades will shut off automatically, so you’ll need to re-engage them each time.

Not fun.

What I like…

  • Zero-turn design for excellent maneuverability
  • Cuts 4 acres in one go
  • Works great on thick grass
  • The quiet engine lets you mow at night

What I Don’t Like…

  • The blades need to be re-engaged when reversing
  • The zero-turn design takes some getting used to

4.Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E (Best For Hilly Terrain)

Cub-Cadet-XT142E-360_1
Check Price On Cub Cadet

Specifications:

  • Cutting Deck: 42″
  • Battery Life: 1.5 hours
  • Speed:  5.5mph
  • Charging Time: 4 hours
  • Cutting Height: 1-4″

The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E is perfect for people with hills to climb. It’s built with a 42″ cutting deck, meaning it can tackle 2 acres of land before needing to be recharged.

If you’ve got a larger lawn (over 2 acres), you can split the mowing between morning and evening. The time in-between can be used to charge the battery. It only takes 4 hours to recharge.

Another thing that stood out was the noise level. With this mower, you won’t need to wear ear protection like gas alternatives.

And that’s not all – it has a lithium-ion battery which lasts twice as long as other types of batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, enhancing power and performance [1].

This means you’ll spend less time cutting your lawn and more time enjoying yourself!

Because of the powerful battery, you can also hook up a small trailer to the back.

The only real complaint was the ride could feel rough on bumpy terrain, but this may just be due to overinflated tires.

Also, if you’re mowing in the sun, be prepared for a hot seat. Why? Because it’s black, which attracts heat. This can be a little uncomfortable after a while.

After all, we’re all trying to cool down when the sun’s out, right!? Not warm up!

What I Like…

  • 42″ cutting deck is perfect for 2 acres
  • Superior battery for enhanced performance
  • More powerful than the Ryobi RY48111 Mower
  • Can tow a small trailer

What I Don’t Like…

  • Rough ride on bumpy terrain
  • The seat gets hot in the sun

5.E-Rider Electric Rear Engine Mower (Best For Small Yards)

E-Rider 30in. 72V Lithium-Ion Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Mower
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Specifications:

  • Cutting Deck: 30″
  • Battery Life: 2 hours
  • Speed:  3.7mph
  • Charging Time: 2 hours
  • Cutting Height: 1-4″

Let me introduce you to the E-Rider Electric Mower.

It may look like a golf cart, but it sure performs like a lawnmower!

The 30″ cutting deck and 2 hour charge time make it perfect for people with smaller yards (under 1/2 acre). Compared to the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E, the charge time is cut in half.

But you have to remember, it has got a smaller cutting deck than the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E. That means it will take longer to mow the lawn.

It arrives fully assembled, so you can start cutting the grass immediately. Good news for people who don’t know how to assemble lawnmowers, huh!?

When you get off the mower, it automatically shuts off, saving precious battery life.

I sure wish gas mowers had this feature.

In addition, the ability to maneuver in tight areas puts this electric mower in a league of its own. With a turning radius of 20-24″, it’s great for people with lots of trees or obstacles on their lawns.

And if you thought these benefits were good, there’s one more thing…

It can stand upright, making it excellent for storing in your garage while conserving space.

With all these great benefits come a few minor downsides.

It comes with an instruction manual that’s difficult to understand. In addition, the seat is uncomfortable.

So, you may want to bring a pillow along.

What I Like…

  • 30″ cutting deck is great for small yards
  • Charges faster than the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E
  • It arrives fully assembled
  • Shuts of when you leave the seat

What I Don’t Like…

  • Useless instructions
  • Uncomfortable seat

6.Turf One Riding Mower (Best For Medium Sized Lawns)

Volt-32C 32in. 72V Lithium-Ion Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Mower
Check Price At Home Depot

Specifications:

  • Cutting Deck: 32″
  • Battery Life: 2.5 hours
  • Speed:  4mph
  • Charging Time: N/A
  • Cutting Height: 1-5″

The Turf One Riding Mower is a mower that offers many benefits. It has a bagging system, which is uncommon for riding lawn mowers. Typically, it needs to be purchased separately.

In addition to a bagging system, you also get a mulch plug. This offers an excellent way to keep your lawn healthy.

Turf One recommends this mower for flat terrain. However, I found it works well on a slight incline, even if the grass is tall.

The maximum cutting height of 5″ ensures you get the perfect cut every time. This mower has the highest cutting height on this list.

You also get 2-1/2 hours of continuous run time with this machine, so it’s great for medium-sized lawns up to 3 acres in size!

With its tight turning radius of 19″, difficult maneuvers are a thing of the past!

However, some customers had complaints about the blades despite all these great features. They also mentioned the deck was a bit small.

What I Like…

  • Includes a bagging system
  • Works on a small incline.
  • Comes with a mulching plug
  • Maximum cutting height of 5″

What I Don’t Like…

  • Some customers had issues with the blades.
  • Would be better with a bigger cutting deck.

How To Choose The Best Electric Riding Lawn Mowers

Battery Life

I can’t stress this enough.

You must determine the battery life of a mower before purchasing. And don’t take the manufacturer’s word for it.

Go out and do your own research. Compare different products and look at customer reviews.

With gas-powered lawn mowers, it’s easier to determine the run time based on fuel consumption.

But an electric riding mower is a little different.

This brings me to my next point – cutting deck size.

Cutting Deck Size

Cutting deck and battery life go hand in hand.

An 18″ cutting deck with a 2-hour battery life will take longer than a 45″ cutting deck with 1-hour battery life.

I’m not saying you should choose a mower based solely on cutting deck size.

You need to determine the size of your lawn beforehand. If you’ve got a larger yard, try to pair a large cutting deck with long battery life.

Normal-sized lawns can get away with a smaller cutting deck. However, you still need to choose something with decent battery life.

Speed

The faster your mower, the quicker it cuts, right!?

Well – kinda.

But the faster your drive, the more battery power is consumed.

So it’s a catch 22.

Although, Ryobi electric mowers have high top speed and long battery lives.

Ride-On VS Zero Turn Mower

When looking at an electric riding mower, you will encounter 2 options.

Ride-on and zero-turn.

Ride-on mowers have a steering wheel and operate similarly to a golf cart.

On the flip side, zero-turn mowers are not much different. However, they can turn 360 degrees on the spot.

This is going to save you time. Not only that, but it makes it easier than ever to maneuver through tight areas.

Excellent if you have lots of obstacles in your backyard.

Although, electric mowers do take some getting used to. They are operated with levers rather than pedals and a steering wheel.

Comfort

Because you will be using an electric riding lawn mower for long periods – comfort is important.

However, it is often overlooked.

Here’s my theory…

Electric riding lawn mowers are much lighter than gas alternatives.

Therefore, you feel the impact more, primarily when operating on bumpy and hilly terrain. With gas mowers, you have a heavy solid base.

Unfortunately, the same cant be said for an electric lawn mower.

Pro Tip: Try letting some air out the tires to increase comfort.

Bagging System (Optional)

A bagging system is attached to the back lawn mowers. It’s designed to collect grass clippings. This makes it easy to dispose of them.

While not essential, bagging systems will save you time when disposing of clippings.

Most electric riding mowers don’t include them. Therefore, you will need to purchase them seperatly.

The only riding mower that includes a bagging system is the Turf One Riding Mower.

FAQ

Are Battery-Operated Riding Mowers Any Good?

Yes, electric riding lawn mowers are excellent.

They don’t require gas, are environmentally friendly, lightweight, and don’t require much maintenance.

With gas mowers, you have to worry about the following:

  • Oil
  • Gas
  • Spark plugs
  • Engine

You only need to worry about charging the battery with electric riding mowers.

Sound like a good tradeoff, right!?

But you do have to be careful when buying an electric lawn tractor.

Some of them are very unreliable and break easily. You need to stick with reputable brands such as Cub Cadet and Ryobi.

Are Ryobi Electric Riding Lawn Mowers Any Good?

Ryobi stands out for its high-quality mowers when looking at all the best electric riding mower brands.

But it’s not just reliable mowers that set this company apart.

Their products also have long battery lives and fast top speeds.

How long do electric riding mowers last?

An electric riding mower will last a long time.

However, it’s the battery you have to worry about.

On average, a lawn mower battery lasts between 3-5 years. Although, it depends on the type of battery.

You have lithium and lead-acid batteries.

My advice is to stick with lithium batteries. They are newer, more reliable, and even charge faster.

On the flip side, lead-acid batteries are older. Their power output decreases with time, lasting between 1-3 years.

However, they do perform well in colder temperatures.

So that’s something to consider.

Should I Switch To An Electric Mower?

Switching to an electric riding mower is an excellent choice.

Here’s why:

  • Less maintenance
  • Save money on fuel
  • Zero emissions
  • Quieter engine
  • No breathing in fumes

The only real sacrifice with electric riding mowers is comfort.

Because they are lightweight, shock is not absorbed as well as gas mowers.

Summary

Cars are becoming electric, so why not lawn mowers?

Designed to save you money and time while providing excellent power, electric mowers are growing in popularity each year.

But it’s important to choose one that’s reliable.

I recommend sticking to popular brands with previous experience designing electric mowers. If you have any questions about a product, drop a comment below and I can help