#10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Rough Terrain 2023

Our lawns would be as flat as a football field in a perfect world. Alas, that’s not always the case, which makes cutting the grass a real chore when you’re on rough terrain. With that in mind, We’ve put together this review of the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain.

👤 Written by: A. K. Sari
⏳ Updated on:
📋 List: 10 items
👀 Reader: 47 views

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Many homeowners will agree that nothing looks better than a beautiful lawn near the house. But what if you have a huge territory or small business for big plots? In this case, you must find the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain.

A perfectly trimmed and beautiful lawn shouldn't take much time and effort. In this review, we will cover all aspects of how to choose the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain. Luckily, the variety of mower types and models is huge, and everyone can find a suitable option. So, what are the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain, if you're wondering? Which option is the best for me? Let's find this out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.

Do I need a riding lawn mower for rough terrain?

Besides looking out your windows and using your common sense, there is a very simple way to figure this out. If you’ve got:

  • Using a reel, battery-powered, or electric mower would be best to cut the grass to half an acre of land.
  • A gas-powered push mower is the right tool for a half-acre to an acre.
  • And if you have more than one acre but not more than four, you should buy a riding mower.
  • Even so, it’s really up to you. It depends on how much space you store, how much money you have and if it’s useful enough to use on your lawn.

What engine size does the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain have?

Different lawn mower models have different-sized engines. Some engines are as small as 14 ccs and as big as 1000 ccs. The more power the mower has, the faster it will go, and it’s easy to mow in rocky areas. But keep in mind that as the engine power increases, so does the fuel used. But even with that, any engine with 20 horsepower or more is more than enough for rough and hilly terrain.

What size cutting deck should best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain have?

The cutting deck cuts grass, which is why you purchased a mower. Depending on the model, this part has the mower blades and possibly other parts. The most important thing is the size of the cutting deck, which will tell you how wide your lawn will be cut. If the cutting deck is bigger, you’ll need to make fewer passes over the grass to get the job done. You will need a mower with a bigger cutting deck for lawns and land that are bigger.

Follow the rules below as a general rule:
Up to a half-acre can be mowed with a mower with a cutting height of 40 inches or less. For half an acre to two acres, you should look at a mowing deck that is 42 to 48 inches wide. And you need 50 inches or more for anything bigger than three acres.

What are the benefits of having the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain?

  • Most of the time, riding lawn mowers uses less gas than other mowers.
  • They come with cutting decks that can be moved so that you can make different kinds of cuts.
  • Very good at cutting grass on large areas.
  • Allows you to use different attachments to spread seed and fertilizer.
  • Riding lawn mowers in rocky areas can have a huge amount of power, which is needed for rocky areas.
  • For riding lawn mowers, the design language is ergonomic, so the weight is spread out evenly. This will let you mow and cut the grass and other things better.
*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
915223 IKON-X FR691 Series Mower Ariens
Ariens
915223 IKON-X FR691 Series Mower
#1 Amazon Ariens.com eBay
MZ61 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower HUSQVARNA
HUSQVARNA
MZ61 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
#2 Amazon Husqvarna.com eBay
RY48111 Electric Rear Riding Lawn Mower  RYOBI
RYOBI
RY48111 Electric Rear Riding Lawn Mower
#3 Amazon Ryobitools.com eBay
YTH24V54 Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower  HUSQVARNA
HUSQVARNA
YTH24V54 Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower
#4 Amazon Husqvarna.com eBay
2911525BVE Classic RER Riding Mower Snapper
Snapper
2911525BVE Classic RER Riding Mower
#5 Amazon Alldadelawnmowers.com eBay
Briggs & Stratton Riding Lawnmower Troy-Bilt
Troy-Bilt
Briggs & Stratton Riding Lawnmower
#6 Amazon Troybilt.com eBay
New RedMax RZT54 Riding Mower HUSQVARNA
HUSQVARNA
New RedMax RZT54 Riding Mower
#7 Amazon Redmax.com eBay
2691319 360z Riding Mower Snapper
Snapper
2691319 360z Riding Mower
#8 Amazon Snapper.com eBay
S100 Gas Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor John Deere
John Deere
S100 Gas Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor
#9 Amazon Deere.com eBay
XT1 Enduro LT Riding Lawn Tractor Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet
XT1 Enduro LT Riding Lawn Tractor
#10 Amazon Cubcadet.com eBay

10 List of Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Rough Terrain

  • Ariens 915223 IKON-X FR691 Series Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #1

    Ariens 915223 IKON-X FR691 Series Mower

    Best Fits Any Budget

    11  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Ariens 915223 tool is a complete lawn mower for people with small to medium-sized lawns who want a reliable and efficient garden tractor that picks up cut grass and leaves perfectly. The tool is powered by a Kawasaki FR V-Twin Engine 52 and can be started automatically or by hand. It works well for mowing and edge processing. The mechanical transmission has six forward and one backward speed, making it easy to move around.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Comfortable seat
    Modern and convenient design
    It can be used all year round

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    You can`t return it

    What other experts liked

    The mower has a good engine, so even when going slowly, it has a lot of torque. It is built to last and does a great job of cutting grass.
    Tools Official

    What other experts didn't like

    The tank is made of plastic and doesn't have much of a window, so it can be hard to tell how much fuel is in it.
    Green Grass Mower
  • HUSQVARNA MZ61 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #2

    HUSQVARNA MZ61 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

    Best Maneuverability Zero Turn Mower

    3  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Husqvarna MZ61 Kawasaki zero-turn mower will help you get the job done quickly. The details on the Electric Start Kawasaki FR Series are made to last, and the product will work well for a long time. With a 61-inch cutting deck, the riding mower can cut up to 4.2 acres per hour. It also has three ways to use it: you can vacuum, clean the side, or mulch for a perfectly trimmed lawn. With this riding lawn mower for rough terrain, it’s easy and quick to clean up and take care of your yard or lawn.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Excellent maneuverability
    Easy management
    V-engine with 27 HP

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    A bit expensive

    What other experts liked

    The Husqvarna MZ61 prioritizes productivity, performance, and comfort. As predicted, I completed my job quickly, and my bosses were thrilled. 9.5 out of 10
    Columbia Florist

    What other experts didn't like

    The mower doesn't have a hose washout connector, which makes it hard to use a hose to clean the middle blade area.
    Tools Official
  • RYOBI RY48111 Electric Rear Riding Lawn Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #3

    RYOBI RY48111 Electric Rear Riding Lawn Mower

    Best Company’s Rated

    2  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Ryobi RY48111 48-Volt Electric mower is one of the few rider lawn mowers that lets you take care of your yard in a more eco-friendly way from the seat of the mower. With a 38-inch cutting path and three brushless motors, this mower will make you feel strong while driving. And if you’re worried about power, you can rest easy knowing that the RY48111 is a robust mower. The battery will last for two and a half hours of mowing with one charge.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Battery-powered
    12-position deck
    Works silently

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The battery runs out quickly

    What other experts liked

    The Ryobi RY48111 is a powerful and quiet riding mower that can help you take care of your backyard. Plus, it runs on batteries.
    TopTen Reviews

    What other experts didn't like

    The Ryobi RY48111's seat didn't have springs, so it was very bumpy to ride.
    Tools Official
  • HUSQVARNA YTH24V54 Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower
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    with this product?
    #4

    HUSQVARNA YTH24V54 Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower

    Best High-quality Details

    7  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This riding lawn mower for rough terrain is for personal use and works well on small to medium-sized lawns. The tool can be used in different ways and has useful parts, like the grass catcher. The Husqvarna Series engine is powerful for its class, and it has an easy-start system to make it easier to move around and handle. Hydrostatic transmission with pedal control allows the operator to adjust cutting speed and direction with both hands on the steering wheel.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    High-quality details
    Excellent functionality
    Long service life

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    A bit pricey

    What other experts liked

    The 54-inch cutting deck is strong and has air induction technology for accurate and consistent cutting.
    Best Riding Lawn Mowers

    What other experts didn't like

    This is a private-use mower that costs a lot. It needs a lot of force to turn because the mower is so heavy.
    Best-lawn-mower-review
  • Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER Riding Mower
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    with this product?
    #5

    Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER Riding Mower

    Best Storage Capability

    1  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Snapper Classic RER Rear Engine Riding Mower has a Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle OHV engine with 11.5 horsepower built into the back of the vehicle. It’s easy to use and perfect for people who have never used a riding lawnmower. It has a cutting width of 28-33 inches, which is suitable for most lawns. It has a five-speed shift-on-the-go disc drive system, a 28-inch turning radius, and a super-convenient stand-on-edge feature that makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Suitable for all lawns
    Comfortable drive
    Easy-to-use controls
    Simple operation
    Excellent storage capability
    Name to trust

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not ideal for very large areas
    A user might struggle on really rough terrain
    Not as powerful as other options

    What other experts liked

    Snapper Riding Mower 2911525BVE is well-made and offers handy features. Classic design with durable materials including a welded steel axle and machine frame.
    Best Riding Lawn Mowers

    What other experts didn't like

    For a grass catcher to be set up, it also needs a bagging blade. Since they have a friction disc drive, they can't pull heavy loads.
    Pauls Lawn Mower Reviews
  • Troy-Bilt Briggs & Stratton Riding Lawnmower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #6

    Troy-Bilt Briggs & Stratton Riding Lawnmower

    Best Integrated Deck-wash System

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower for rough terrain has a 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek engine with 19 horsepower for powerful mowing. It also has a single-cylinder automatic transmission and a 46-inch side discharge mowing deck. You can easily mow backward, and the mid-back seat, patented soft-touch steering wheel, and step-through frame makes it easy to get on and off. The strong wheels are just what you need to mow your lawn at up to 5.2 miles per hour on uneven ground.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Name to trust
    Integrated deck-wash system
    Deck wheels to help prevent scalping
    Five-position height adjustment

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not ideal for smaller users

    What other experts liked

    The mower cut well because it had a good cutting deck, and it wasn't hard to put together.
    Tools Official

    What other experts didn't like

    Used it once and the belt wheel broke, so I was not happy at all.
  • HUSQVARNA New RedMax RZT54 Riding Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #7

    HUSQVARNA New RedMax RZT54 Riding Mower

    Best Electric Clutch

    1  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Husqvarna RZT54 has a cutting deck that is 54 inches wide and a 24-horsepower Kawasaki engine. It has a hydro-gear transmission, a super-comfortable high-backed seat, and a tubular frame that is very durable and long-lasting. You can collect the grass, mulch it, or let it fall out the side. An ergonomic control panel puts everything at your fingertips and a non-slip footrest area for extra safety and comfort. The RZT can handle difficult terrain with little trouble.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Top-quality construction and premium materials
    Electric clutch
    Large fuel tank volume with reserve
    Ten gauges fabricated decks

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not as well known as other brands

    What other experts liked

    Great mower, good price, and I even got a backpack blower for free!!! It's easy to get started and simple to use.

    What other experts didn't like

    The deck pins fell out, causing my deck to drop, which bent the bottom deck protectors. It's hard to start, it makes a big cloud of blue smoke, and they won't do anything about it.
    Bfuller
  • Snapper 2691319 360z Riding Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #8

    Snapper 2691319 360z Riding Mower

    Best Tough and Durable Construction

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Snapper has a built-in rear cargo bed that gives it more use. It can also be customized with a lot of available accessories and add-ons. It has a heavy-duty cutting deck, a foot-adjustable cutting height system, and a Briggs and Stratton professional series engine. The cutting deck is built into a fully-welded steel frame. This riding lawn mower for rough terrain has 23 horsepower, 3600 RPM, and a 48-inch cutting width that evens the grass.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Tough and durable construction
    Name to trust
    Highly versatile
    Choice of cutting deck sizes available
    Hydro-gear transmission

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Some versions don’t come with the cargo hold

    What other experts liked

    Big back wheels are safe and pleasant because they distribute weight evenly. This offers the machine a sturdy base and improves its performance on hills.
    Commercial Mower Reviews

    What other experts didn't like

    Wheels built poorly. I've had to replace each tire's bolt many times. They support the deck to prevent cuts.
    Ron Park
  • John Deere S100 Gas Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #9

    John Deere S100 Gas Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor

    Best Premium Build Quality

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    When it comes to lawn tractors, mowers, and other heavy-duty machines for taking care of the land, John Deere needs no introduction. This 42-inch mower has a gas engine with 17.5 horsepower and hydrostatic transmission. Side-by-side pedals make it easy to change the mower’s direction quickly. You’ll spend less time cutting your grass because it’s easy to move around obstacles, and the power under the hood means you can still bag, mulch, and mow even in tough conditions.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Premium build quality
    Wash port
    MowerPlus App
    Compatible with multiple accessories
    Fully welded steel frame and cast iron front axle
    White glove delivery service available

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The belt easy to broke

    What other experts liked

    The 17.5 horsepower engine can handle most of your gardening needs. For the operator's comfort, there is a storage tray and a cup holder.
    Igra-world

    What other experts didn't like

    Even though the engine only has 9 hours on it, a hole blew right through the block. Garbage.
    Swirly
  • Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT Riding Lawn Tractor
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #10

    Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT Riding Lawn Tractor

    Best Advanced Engine Technology

    3  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Cub Cadet’s Enduro XT1 42-inch beast has a huge 547cc engine with IntelliPower technology that gives it up to 20% more power than other machines in the same class. With a 16-inch turning circle and a cutting deck with two blades and handles like a car, you can turn on a dime with the optimized steering system. The hydrostatic transmission and adjustable seat make this riding lawn mower for a rough terrain machine a joy to drive. The transmission is easy and smooth, and anyone can use it.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Advanced engine technology
    Large, easy-fill fuel tank
    Foot-controlled transmission
    LED headlights
    Compatible with multiple attachments
    Cruise control

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Speed and Cutting-Position Levers made of flimsy plastic

    What other experts liked

    The lawn mower looks and feels sturdy, and it cuts grass evenly no matter how long, wet, dry, or dense it is.
    Tools Official

    What other experts didn't like

    This flat seat slides up and down slopes, and the grass goes a long way.
    Lawn Mower Review

Conclusion: Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Rough Terrain

No matter if you’re looking for the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain or rocky and uneven terrain, our list has you covered. We’ve reviewed ten products, all of which have the best rating on the market and are easy to use. So, you can be sure that our list will help you find the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain.

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