The best riding lawn mowers you can buy

Durable, full of features to make mowing easier, and up to the task of cutting a few acres, a riding lawn mower can save you time and energy on lawn care. Our top pick, the Cub Cadet XT1 18 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor, combines great value, ease, and features that ensure a clean, accurate cut.If you find yourself dreading mowing the lawn because of the physical effort and time it takes to cover the area with a push mower, then it might be time to upgrade to a riding lawn mower (also called a ride-on mower), especially if you have acres of grass to cut. Riding mowers take much of the physical effort out of mowing, and because they have larger mowing decks than push mowers, they can cover a larger area in less time. But finding the right riding mower for your needs takes some time and research; riding mowers are expensive investments. It's a significant purchase, so you want to make sure that you don't overlook anything. Some lower-end mowers are rickety and uncomfortable to use, and some mowers don't have the power necessary to mow inclines or tall grass. And, you want to make sure you have the room to park the thing.We've researched and identified the best riding mowers of 2019. We've assessed these mowers on a number of factors, including engine power, overall performance, deck size, and ease of use. Many of these mowers include features that make for easier and more comfortable operation, from ergonomic seats and controls to hydrostatic engines that require no shifting.The mowers in this list are all intended for residential use. Some are suitable for up to an acre or two, and some have the power to mow up to four acres. If you have significant acreage, then you should look at commercial-grade riding mowers that are better designed for large areas. For homes with yards too big to handle with a push mower but not large enough to warrant a commercial riding mower, these models will suit your needs without breaking the bank. Here are our top picks for the best riding mowers of 2019:Best overall: Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series LT 42-in. 18-hp Kohler Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Lawn TractorBest budget riding mower: Troy-Bilt Pony 42-in. 17.5-hp Manual Drive Briggs and Stratton Gas Lawn Tractor Riding MowerBest zero-turn riding mower: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50-in. 23-hp Kawasaki Zero Turn MowerBest for smaller acreage: Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn MowerBest premium riding mower: John Deere E180 25 HP V-Twin Lawn TractorKeep scrolling to read more about our top picks.