#10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Small Yards 2023

The operator sits on top of the lawnmower while the blades spin in the cutting deck below. There are a lot of different sizes and styles of the best riding lawn mowers for small yards, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Read this article to find out which product is the best on the market.

👤 Written by: A. K. Sari
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A riding lawn mower is perfect for anyone with a big or small yard who doesn't want to get tired of cutting the grass. It takes less time and energy to use than a traditional push mower. A push lawn mower will take a lot of your time and tire your muscles.

On the other hand, a riding lawn mower will save you from both of those problems if you know what to look for. If you don't understand the features, you'll end up with a product that isn't very good and that you might as well send back. This article lists the best riding lawn mowers for small yards that you might want to buy so you can mow your lawn more easily. Let's get started!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What are the types of best riding lawn mowers for small yards?

There are four kinds of riding lawn mowers:

  1. Lawn tractors: The classic front-engine riding mower was driven with a steering wheel and a brake, just like a car.
  2. Rear-engine ride: Lawn tractors are heavier and less maneuverable than these. The back-mounted engine doesn’t block the operator’s view. It allows for tighter turns and cutbacks.
  3. Zero-turn radius mowers: Rather than a steering wheel, these mowers utilize two “lap bars” that control the drive wheels’ speeds. It allows precise turning and cutting.
  4. Garden tractor: Most garden tractors are more powerful and stable and include attachments for tilling and plowing snow.

How fast do riding lawn mowers go?

Standard riding lawn mowers usually go between 4 and 6 miles per hour. Most zero-turn mowers can go between 8 and 10 miles per hour, which is much faster.

What should I consider to find the best riding lawn mowers for small yards?

Here are some things to consider for the best small riding lawn mower.

  • Power Source: One of the first things you’ll have to decide is whether to buy a riding lawn mower that runs on gas or electricity. You can check an explanation regarding gas- or electric-powered riding lawn mowers in our article: Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass.
  • Deck Size: The width of the path and the size of its deck determines a lawn mower’s cuts. Decks that are bigger cut wider tracks with each pass.
  • Grass Clipping: Consider how the lawnmower handles grass clippings. Some machines throw the grass clippings back onto the lawn, while others can bag or mulch the grass.

How much is the average price for the best riding lawn mowers for small yards?

The brand and features affect the price. A budget of $2,000 is an excellent place to start. Prices for these mowers range from $1,300 to $4,200.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
YTA24V48 Riding Lawn Mower  HUSQVARNA
HUSQVARNA
YTA24V48 Riding Lawn Mower
#1 Amazon Husqvarna.com eBay
RY48111 Riding Mower RYOBI
RYOBI
RY48111 Riding Mower
#2 Amazon Homedepot.com eBay
LT42 XT1 Enduro Hydrostatic Drive Gas  Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet
LT42 XT1 Enduro Hydrostatic Drive Gas
#3 Amazon Cubcadet.com eBay
2911525BVE Classic Rear Engine Riding Mower Snapper
Snapper
2911525BVE Classic Rear Engine Riding Mower
#4 Amazon Williambesttools.com eBay
Z242F Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower  HUSQVARNA
HUSQVARNA
Z242F Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
#5 Amazon Husqvarna.com eBay
Pony 42X Riding Mower for Small Yards Troy-Bilt
Troy-Bilt
Pony 42X Riding Mower for Small Yards
#6 Amazon Troybilt.com eBay
V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn  TORO
TORO
V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn
#7 Amazon Powerequipmentwarehouse.com eBay
Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower Troy-Bilt
Troy-Bilt
Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower
#8 Amazon Troybilt.com eBay
E225 Electric Riding Lawn Mower Craftsman
Craftsman
E225 Electric Riding Lawn Mower
#9 Amazon Craftsman.com eBay
S120 V-Twin Riding Lawn Tractor John Deere
John Deere
S120 V-Twin Riding Lawn Tractor
#10 Amazon Deere.com eBay

10 List of Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Small Yards

  • HUSQVARNA YTA24V48 Riding Lawn Mower
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    with this product?
    #1

    HUSQVARNA YTA24V48 Riding Lawn Mower

    Best Choke-free Lawn Mower

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Husqvarna YTA24V48 is a gas-powered lawnmower that is strong, reliable, and easy to use. It is suitable for most residential mowing and yard care tasks. This machine is easy to use for people who have never used a ride-on mower before because the engine starts without having to choke it, and the transmission is sealed. Most people who bought this small yard riding lawn mower were happy with how it worked.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Choke-free start-up
    Maintenance-free, automatic transmission
    10-year consumer warranty on the cutting deck

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Poor traction on steep hills

    What other experts liked

    This model has enough power for most residential uses, a lot of comforts, and is easy for most homeowners to use.
    Evergreen Seeds

    What other experts didn't like

    Not very good on hills and steep slopes, and the seat has no spring suspension.
    Bird and Feather
  • RYOBI RY48111 Riding Mower
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    with this product?
    #2

    RYOBI RY48111 Riding Mower

    Best Quiet Operation

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Ryobi RY48111 has a very long run time for a battery-powered mower, and it has more power than the other electric model that is looked at here to mow larger areas. Buyers like how quiet and easy it is to keep up, but some were unhappy with how comfortable it was to ride or how much power it had on steep hills. Overall, this machine is a good choice for anyone with a larger yard that isn’t too steep and doesn’t want to deal with the hassle and pollution of a gas-powered lawn tractor.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Long run-time up to 2.5 hours per battery charge
    12-position deck height adjustment
    Clean, quiet operation

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    It comes with light-duty cutting blades

    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 operator had to slow down the mower to protect the engine from stalling in thick grass.
    Tools Official
  • Cub Cadet LT42 XT1 Enduro Hydrostatic Drive Gas
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    with this product?
    #3

    Cub Cadet LT42 XT1 Enduro Hydrostatic Drive Gas

    Best Versatile Gas Mower

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This XT1 Enduro small yard riding lawn mower is a powerful and versatile gas mower that you can’t go wrong with. It has a 541cc engine with 19.5 HP and a 42-inch deck with a twin-blade system that sends grass clippings out the side. The tractor and deck are made of solid materials, and Cub Cadet backs them with a three-year warranty with no limit on the number of hours they can be used.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Hydrostatic transmission eliminates shifting
    Adjustable seat
    Tight turning radius
    Compatible with a variety of attachments

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Complicated to mow in reverse

    What other experts liked

    XT1 LT42 and LT46 are comfortable and quiet. This series' attachments are fantastic. This machine may be used year-round with the correct accessories.
    The Lawn Review

    What other experts didn't like

    When the power take-off is on, it makes a loud noise, and the mower's manual power take-off made it hard to remove the deck.
    Tools Official
  • Snapper 2911525BVE Classic Rear Engine Riding Mower
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    with this product?
    #4

    Snapper 2911525BVE Classic Rear Engine Riding Mower

    Best Storage Space

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

    The unusual rear-engine design of the Snapper gives it excellent front visibility. Many buyers say it’s fun to drive and does a good job mowing. This model’s ability to be stored on its end is a big plus for people who don’t have a lot of storage space. However, because it looks like a go-cart, this small yard riding lawn mower is probably best for people who like to try new things.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Fuel-efficient 11.5 hp Briggs & Stratton Engine
    On-edge vertical storage capability
    Fun go-cart style design

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Wide turn radius of 28-inches
    The cutting deck is narrower than wheel-base

    What other experts liked

    This rear-engine riding mower includes easy-to-use controls. Everything is easily accessible. It's one of the easiest and most comfortable mowers we've encountered.
    Ride on Lawn Mower Reviews

    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 Review
  • HUSQVARNA Z242F Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
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    with this product?
    #5

    HUSQVARNA Z242F Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

    Best Powerful Engine

    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Husqvarna Z242F is a good choice if you want a robust and long-lasting mower that will work well on your lawns without sacrificing comfort. It has steel frames and a wheel to handle tall grasses and stubborn lawns. Z242F has a strong engine with a top cutting speed of 6.5 mph, which makes it an excellent powerhouse for trimming medium-sized to large yards. The seat on this machine is comfortable and easy to adjust, so you can mow for long periods without getting tired.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Extremely easy to use
    Strong and durable
    Comfortable and adjustable seat design
    Powerful engine
    Ideal for mid-sized to large lawns

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Expensive
    Heavy
    No Expert Review found.
  • Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Mower for Small Yards
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    with this product?
    #6

    Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Mower for Small Yards

    Best Heavy-duty Mowing

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Many people who have bought the Troy-Bilt Pony 42X say they are happy with how it works. This mower is made for larger yards and more heavy-duty mowing conditions than some of the other mowers. Those who have used gas-powered mowers before might find this one easier to use than those who have never used a ride-on mower before. If you are in this group, you will probably find that this is the best riding lawn mowers for small yards.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Powerful 547cc Troy Bilt engine
    Large capacity, 3-gallon gas tank
    Solid steel front axel

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Limited, 2-year warranty

    What other experts liked

    This mower has a wide cutting deck and a tight turning radius. The 7-speed shift-on-the-go transmission makes it easy to change the speed.
    Best Riding Lawn Mowers

    What other experts didn't like

    The 42X is great for larger yards, but its gas tank is smaller. Because it's small, you have to stop to get more.
    Green Grass Mower
  • TORO V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn
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    with this product?
    #7

    TORO V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn

    Best Washout Ports

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Toro Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn small yard riding lawn mower is perfect for anyone with a big yard with lots of obstacles. It has a zero-turn design that lets you turn on a dime, and its 22.5 horsepower engine can handle almost any situation. Also, the 42-inch steel deck enables you to cut wider paths. It also has a storage space under the seat, a built-in cupholder, and a step-through front end to keep you comfortable.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Extremely powerful
    Ideal for large yards
    Built-in washout ports
    Includes white glove delivery

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The learning curve with handles bars

    What other experts liked

    If you need a zero-turn mower, this is a good one. It rides well and is easy to control.
    Detroit Michigan

    What other experts didn't like

    It was so slow to move. It was like driving a tank; it didn't move as quickly as my other mower.
    PastorT
  • Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower
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    with this product?
    #8

    Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower

    Best Comfortable Seating

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Troy-Bilt Mustang is another good riding mower that would be great for your small lawns. It has a 34-inch cutting deck that can cut your tall grass to the level of a carpet. The mower is also a bit easy to move around because it is small and can fit through narrow roads. The mower has two suspension springs that absorb bumps and impacts. It makes the mower easier to move and saves time.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Comfortable seating
    2-year warranty
    Quick maneuver
    Super cutting ability

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The mower has a heavy lever
    It doesn't perform zero turns

    What other experts liked

    The Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit features a genuine zero turning radius, so you won't have to backtrack. Its three-year guarantee demonstrates it's well-made.
    Lawn Mower Review

    What other experts didn't like

    This lawn mower isn't the most powerful one on the market, and it doesn't have some features that other models do.
    Ballachy
  • Craftsman E225 Electric Riding Lawn Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #9

    Craftsman E225 Electric Riding Lawn Mower

    Best Low-maintenance Lawn Mower

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This small yard riding lawn mower is great for people with small yards or gardens who don’t want to deal with the maintenance and fumes of a gas-powered mower. Craftsman does have less power overall than a gas-powered one, and it runs for much less time and needs to be charged more often than a gas-powered model. Most people who have bought this model say they are happy with how it works and that it came fully assembled and ready to use after the battery is charged.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Low-maintenance
    Environmentally friendly, no-fumes operation
    Small, 5-inch turn radius

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Limited, 1-hour run time between charges

    What other experts liked

    Craftsman E225 42-in Lithium-Ion riding mower's 56V lithium-ion battery is eco-friendly. Energy-saving 2250-watt-hour battery. Clean electric power reduces pollution and saves maintenance time.
    Tractors Info

    What other experts didn't like

    This mower stopped working after it was used for the third time. It said it had a electrical fault and would not start at all. 
    Joseph
  • John Deere S120 V-Twin Riding Lawn Tractor
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #10

    John Deere S120 V-Twin Riding Lawn Tractor

    Best Durable Construction

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Homeowners have more options with lawn tractors like the John Deere S120. This gas-powered machine can do more than just mowing the lawn. It can also spread grass seed, sweep the yard, and blow snow in the winter. This lawn tractor has a steel frame, and 13 different cutting heights welded together. The seat can be moved to 10 positions to make you more comfortable, and the oil change system only takes 30 seconds, making it easier to take care of.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Durable construction
    Adjustable seat
    Wide range of accessories available
    “30-second oil change” system

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Bagging and mulching kits are sold separately

    What other experts liked

    The mower looks great, seems to run well, and does a great job cutting.

    What other experts didn't like

    JD seems to have welded the belt adjustment bracket to the deck so it can't be relocated. They saved a few pennies per deck. It ruins the deck. Concerned about other shortcuts.
    Retirednomoney

Conclusion: Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Small Yards

After staring at a few of the products on our list of the best riding lawn mowers for small yards, you’ll find it easier to choose the one that’s right for you. Though if you’re still not sure what to buy, we’ve put together a list of one of our favorite products.

The RYOBI RY48111 Riding Mower is one of the best riding lawn mowers because it can run for two and a half hours, does a good job, and is easy to take care of. However, it all depends on your needs. please choose and make changes to fit your needs.

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