Riding lawn mowers make cutting grass easier and faster, especially for larger yards. They let you sit while mowing, which saves energy compared to push mowers. Inexpensive models offer many of the same features as pricier ones but at a lower cost, making them a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.
These mowers come with different engine sizes, cutting widths, and turning radiuses. Choosing the right one depends on your yard size, storage space, and how often you mow. Even with a limited budget, you can find a mower that handles basic yard work well.
When buying an inexpensive riding mower, it’s important to pay attention to engine power, build quality, and ease of use. Warranty and maintenance needs also matter for keeping the mower going long-term. We tested several budget-friendly options to find those that offer the best value and performance without a high price tag.
Best Inexpensive Riding Lawn Mowers
We have researched and tested several riding lawn mowers that offer good value without costing too much. Our list focuses on machines that are reliable, easy to use, and budget-friendly. Here are the best options to consider for keeping your lawn neat without spending a lot.
Craftsman 36″ Gas Riding Mower
This mower offers solid performance and comfort at a price that fits a tight budget, making it good for smaller yards.
Pros
- Cuts well with a durable steel deck
- Easy to maneuver thanks to a sharp turning radius
- Comfortable seat and multiple speed options
Cons
- Assembly takes some time and tools
- Engine may stall under heavy use for some
- Weight can make transport difficult
We found the 36-inch deck size works nicely for yards up to about two acres. The Briggs and Stratton engine starts quickly and keeps a steady pace while mowing.
Getting the mower set up required a bit of work, including having the right tools ready. Once running, navigating around trees and flower beds was simple thanks to the tight turning circle.
Comfort is a plus with the padded seat, and having seven speeds lets us adjust how fast we wanted to go depending on the grass. However, a few times the engine cut out under load, so some users might see that issue.
Overall, it’s a practical choice if you need a reliable riding mower without spending a lot.
Craftsman 42″ Gas Riding Mower
This mower is a solid buy if you want reliable power and comfort without spending too much.
Pros
- Powerful 17.5 HP engine starts easily and runs strong
- Comfortable seat and controls make long jobs less tiring
- Good maneuverability with tight turning radius and sturdy wheels
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky, with parts like bolts sometimes missing
- Belt issues reported after short use by some users
- Manual transmission takes time to get used to
Taking this mower around our yard felt smooth thanks to the tight turning radius. It’s easy to steer around trees and flower beds without struggling. The engine fired up quickly every time and kept a steady power that made cutting our grass a breeze.
We appreciated the seat’s low back design. It helped with comfort on longer mowing days, so we didn’t end up stiff or sore. Changing speeds with the 7-speed transmission gave us control, though shifting required some practice to feel natural.
Some assembly parts were missing when ours arrived, which caused delays. Also, a few users found the blade belt to slip off after a while, which could be a hassle. Overall, the mower delivers good value if you keep an eye on maintenance and setup.
Greenworks 60V Zero Turn Mower
This Greenworks mower offers solid power and quiet operation at a price that won’t break the bank, great for medium-sized yards.
Pros
- Runs quietly compared to gas mowers
- Long run time with four batteries included
- Easy to handle with zero turn capability
Cons
- Assembly takes some time and effort
- Slightly heavy to move without power on
- LED lights are helpful but dim for very early or late use
We found the Greenworks 60V Zero Turn mower impressive for its quiet, battery-powered operation. The four batteries mean you can mow up to 1.5 acres without losing power, which made our work less stressful.
The cutting deck handles thick and tall grass well, keeping a consistent blade speed for a smooth cut. Its zero turn design made it easier for us to maneuver tight spaces.
On the downside, setting it up took more time than expected, and without battery charge, pushing it around felt heavy. The LED headlights worked fine but could be brighter for low-light conditions. Overall, it’s a solid pick if you want a quiet, efficient mower without a gas engine.
Husqvarna TS 146
We found the Husqvarna TS 146 to be a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable riding mower without spending too much.
Pros
- Powerful 22HP engine handles thick grass well
- Comfortable seat and steering for long mowing sessions
- Strong steel deck with good cut quality
Cons
- Assembly takes some time and effort
- Slightly heavy, so maneuvering in tight spots can be tricky
- Limited fuel capacity means more refills for large lawns
Using the Husqvarna felt sturdy right away. The engine starts smoothly and has enough power to get through thick patches without bogging down. The 46-inch deck covers a lot of ground quickly, which makes mowing faster than many cheaper options we’ve tried.
We appreciated the comfort of the seat and the easy-to-use hydrostatic transmission. It helped reduce fatigue, especially during longer jobs. However, the mower isn’t the lightest, so turning sharply or handling narrow areas requires some care.
The fuel tank is on the smaller side at 3 gallons. For big yards, we had to stop a few times to refill. Assembly was a bit tricky at first, needing some patience to get everything put together right. Overall, it’s a dependable mower that feels like good value for the price.
Husqvarna 24HP Riding Lawn Mower
This mower offers strong power and a wide cutting deck at a price that’s hard to beat for heavy-duty yard work.
Pros
- Powerful engine handles thick grass easily
- Smooth traction with differential lock and wide tires
- Comfortable ride with a well-designed seat and steering wheel
Cons
- Steering setup can feel awkward and cramped
- Ride feels firmer than expected on uneven ground
- Some users report assembly and maintenance issues
We found that the 24 horsepower engine makes short work of mowing big yards, even through tougher patches. The 54-inch deck cleared wide paths fast, which saved us time.
The hydrostatic transmission with the differential lock gave us good control on slopes and rough spots, making it easier to keep the mower steady without harming the grass. The wide rear tires also helped with grip and reduced damage to the lawn.
Comfort is better than many other affordable models. The seat is tall enough, and the steering wheel feels solid. Still, the space between the wheel and seat is tighter than expected. Also, the ride can feel a bit stiff, which could be an issue on very bumpy lawns. Assembly could be tricky if you’re doing it yourself.
If you want a reliable, powerful riding mower without spending too much, this model works well but plan for some adjustments and maintenance.
Husqvarna TS 148X
This mower is a solid choice for those who want a reliable, powerful machine without spending too much.
Pros
- Strong 24HP Briggs engine handles thick grass well
- Comfortable seat and easy steering for long mowing sessions
- Large 48-inch cutting deck covers more ground fast
Cons
- Assembly takes some time and effort
- Weighs nearly 500 pounds, making it tough to move off the lawn
- Limited fuel capacity means more refills on big yards
We found the Husqvarna TS 148X easy to use for larger lawns. The Briggs engine starts quickly and keeps running smoothly, even when the grass was thick. The wide cutting deck helped us finish faster than smaller mowers.
Sitting on the mower is comfortable, with good back support. The steering feels natural, so turns are smooth and less tiring. However, it does take a while to put together when you first get it. Also, moving it around off the grass is tricky because it’s heavy.
Fuel runs out faster than we’d like during long sessions, so keep extra gas handy if your yard is big. Overall, this mower balances power, comfort, and price well for those who need more than a basic model.
Husqvarna Z254F Zero-Turn Mower
This mower is a solid choice for anyone who wants powerful performance without spending a lot.
Pros
- Strong 23 HP engine handles big lawns easily
- Comfortable and safe controls for long mowing sessions
- Wide 54-inch deck cuts down work time
Cons
- Some reports of durability issues with parts
- Heavier machine can be hard to move off the lawn
- Extra accessories like bagger sold separately
When we used the Husqvarna Z254F, we immediately noticed how smoothly it runs. The Kawasaki engine delivers plenty of power, slicing through thick grass without slowing. The zero-turn design made tight corners and obstacles much easier to manage.
The seat is comfortable even after hours of mowing. The control panel is simple and user-friendly, which keeps us focused on the job. The anti-slip foot area gives extra grip so we never felt unsafe while cutting.
However, the mower is quite heavy, so moving it around when not mowing can be tough. We also found that some add-ons, like the mulching kit, cost extra. A few users mentioned parts wearing faster than expected, so it pays to check for warranty and support options.
Overall, this mower balances price and power well for medium to large yards. It’s best if you want an upgrade to riding mower performance but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Ryobi 48V Electric Riding Mower
This mower is a solid choice if you want a quiet, eco-friendly ride-on mower without spending too much.
Pros
- Runs quietly, so we don’t disturb neighbors
- Long battery life that covers about 2.5 acres
- USB charger and cruise control add convenience
Cons
- Battery may need replacement after a year
- Manual deck adjustments take some time
- Some parts feel less durable than gas models
Using the Ryobi felt easy right from the start, especially because it’s quiet. We enjoyed mowing early in the morning without loud noise. The LED headlights helped on dimmer days, so we could see the grass clearly.
The run time is decent for a yard around 2 acres. Charging it through a standard outlet is simple too. However, we noticed the battery might wear out after a year if used often. This could add extra cost.
Adjusting the cutting height wasn’t as quick as we hoped. It requires manual tuning, which took more time than expected. Still, the overall experience was smooth and less stinky compared to gas mowers we used before.
Ariens Edge 52″ Kawasaki Zero Turn
We found this mower powerful and easy to use, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a good cut without a high price.
Pros
- Strong Kawasaki engine handles big yards easily
- Smooth zero turn makes mowing faster
- Durable deck cuts clean and steady
Cons
- Takes some practice to master controls
- Package arrived with minor damage
- Fuel tank could be bigger for long jobs
The Ariens Edge is a solid machine, especially for its price. We noticed that the 21.5HP Kawasaki engine runs smoothly and has enough power to mow over five acres without strain. The 52-inch deck lets us cover more ground quickly.
Getting used to the controls took some time, but once we got the hang of the zero turn feature, it made navigating tight spots a breeze. The transmission responds well to adjustments, so mowing feels precise.
One downside was a small dent on delivery, but it didn’t affect performance. We also wished the fuel capacity was larger to reduce refills during longer mowing days. Still, for the price and power, it’s a dependable mower that handles most lawn needs well.
Husqvarna Z246 Mower
This mower offers strong performance and a solid deck size at a price that fits smaller property owners well.
Pros
- Powerful 22HP Briggs engine handles thick grass easily
- 46-inch deck cuts a good swath for faster mowing
- Hydro-Gear EZT transmission makes steering smooth
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky and requires a claw hammer
- Some users report early shutdown or noise issues
- No direct Amazon warranty support for gas-powered parts
We found the Husqvarna Z246 to be sturdy and easy to handle once set up. The strong engine gave us confidence when moving through dense or tall grass without bogging down. The 46-inch deck was big enough to make a noticeable difference in mowing time compared to push mowers.
Steering is sharp and responsive thanks to the EZT transmission, helping us turn tightly around obstacles. The fuel tank lasted well during each session without frequent refills. However, the initial unpacking required care. The crate was well built, but the packaging took some effort to break down.
While most of our experience was positive, we noticed a couple of reviews mentioning early mechanical glitches and difficulty getting warranty help. If you buy this mower, make sure you follow the assembly and maintenance instructions closely to avoid problems. Overall, it’s a solid pick for homeowners who want a budget-friendly zero-turn mower with decent power and cutting width.
