You take great pride in your lush, well-maintained lawn, but taking care of it is often challenging. Pushing the mower week after week quickly grows tiring. Plus, push mowers leave behind uneven patterns and crooked lines.

A riding mower is the better option because it cuts grass quickly and evenly. Even better, you get to ride in comfort rather than walk behind a noisy push mower. A 30″ riding mower is a tough one to find, but is perfect for efficiency and maneuverability.

Buying a riding lawn mower is a fairly big investment, so you want to make sure you choose the best one for your needs. Here’s a closer look at the five best riding mowers for 2019, plus a complete buyers guide:

At a Glance – Our Top Picks.

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The Six Best 30 inch Riding Lawn Mowers – Reviews

1) Snapper 2911525BVE Classic

If you’re looking for a small riding lawn mower, the Snapper 2911525BVE Classic is probably your best bet.

Snapper’s classic red riding mower is small yet powerful and easy-to-control with a classic style. It has an 11.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton four-cycle engine.

It’s a rear-engine mower, and the design is compact and simple with a five-speed, shift disc-drive system. It’s a little tricky to figure out how to mow in reverse, but most of the features are straightforward, and once you use them, you won’t forget.

Every riding mower needs occasional maintenance, and Snapper makes DIY maintenance easy. There’s only one belt, and all of the major components are easy to access.

When not in use, you can stand it up for vertical storage. It’s the best choice if you have limited storage space in your garage. Since this mower has a bit of a space-saving design, it mows through tighter spaces, like between trees, without issue.

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2) Ariens Zoom 34 Small Zero Turn Lawn Mower

If you’re looking for a small zero-turn lawn mower, the Ariens Zoom is a solid bet. Zero turn mowers are fantastic as they are not only fast, but they are extremely maneuverable (hence the name zero turn, they can literally turn in place). They do take a bit of getting used to, as you operate them via levers rather than a normal steering wheel.

If you’ve got a small yard and want maneuverability, go with this amazing piece of machinery by Ariens. It’s got a 19 Horsepower Kohler Series 6000 engine that packs a punch, a 34″ cutting deck, and EZT transaxles.

There’s a reason every professional landscaper uses a zero turn, and if you’re looking for a small lawn mower and don’t mind paying a couple extra bucks to cut your lawn faster, I’d highly recommend this one.

3) Cub Cadet XT1 Front-Engine Riding Mower

Combining power with control, Cub Cadet’s XT1 is a solid choice for general-purpose mowing and residential lawns.

It has a Kohler OHV engine with 18 horsepower. It uses has a hydrostatic transmission, which means it doesn’t shift. Instead, you press the pedal for responsive, smooth forward motion.

The 16-inch turning radius allows you to zig-zag around most obstacles, although it’s not quite as good as a zero-turning radius when dealing with sharp corners.

Additionally, I found the seating comfortable, even after long periods of use. It’s a front-engine mower, so you sit over the rear wheels instead of in the middle. Visibility over the top does include a blind-spot directly in front.

The smooth ride is the main selling point here. It’s a powerful, responsive engine that gallops up steep hills but stops quickly. Overall, it’s an excellent choice if you want a solid machine for mowing large areas without an abundance of obstacles.

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4) The Husqvarna YTA24V48 Pedal Tractor Mower

Husqvarna’s Tractor Mower is a top contender if you want a mower you can rely on. The automatic transmission has a maintenance-free operation.

The Husqvarna has a choke-less start for reliable operation. Turn the key, and the engine immediately springs to life. It’s also powered by a Briggs and Stratton Model 44 with 23 horsepower.

One unique and note-worthy feature is the mower’s air induction technology. Air is drawn through the deck, lifting the grass to create an even cut. 

Additionally, many accessories are available, including a tractor and snow plow attachment. Because the manufacturer makes the accessories, they fit securely and properly.

Husqvarna offers several reassuring warranties. The entire mower has a three-year limited warranty. An additional five-year warranty covers the frame, chassis, and front axle. The cutting deck has a 10-year consumer warranty.

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5) Troy-Bilt TB46 Riding Lawnmower

Troy-Bilt’s TB46 riding mower is maneuverable enough for small backyards but powerful enough for even the wildest and most overgrown lawns. It has a powerful Briggs & Stratton Intek engine with a 540cc and 19 horsepower.

I love the nimble, easy controls, and the unique Soft Touch Steering Wheel is comfortable to grip and doesn’t vibrate relentlessly when the engine’s running. Plus, the mower doesn’t just travel in reverse; it mows in reverse. Overall, it’s highly maneuverable.

I also liked the seat because it has plenty of padding and lumbar support. You’ll stay comfortable even during long mowing sessions.

Aside from the high-performance engine, the mower also has top-tier wheels. Large and with solid traction, they’re 15 by 20 inches. The mower can hit speeds up to 5.2mph, which is reasonably fast for its size.

Another thing I appreciate about the Troy-Bilt mower is that it’s safe. As soon as you take your foot off the gas, the mower stops almost instantly. Also, the seat has five adjustable positions. You’ll always have a clear picture of what’s in front of the mower, and the confidence you can stop quickly before hitting anything unexpected.

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6) Craftsman Z560 Gas-Powered Riding Lawn Mower

With the strength and reliability you’d expect from Craftsman, the Z560 is a gas-powered mower suitable for both large and small lawns.

The 24-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine conquers slopes and hills with ease. Plus, the one-of-a-kind ReadyStart technology means you never have to worry about pulling on a choke and struggling with engine start-up.

It has two features I like a lot. First, it cuts in reverse, which helps get every blade on a small lawn. Secondly, it’s a zero-turn mower with maximum maneuverability.

Traction is solid with 11-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear ones. They provide suitable clearance to avoid buried rocks and other hidden obstacles.

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30 Inch Mower Buying Guide

There’s no one best riding mower for all yards. Instead, the best mower for you depends on the size and shape of the area mowed. Here’s what to consider when shopping for a mower:

The Size and Shape of Your Lawn

The size of the lawn helps determine the type of mower:

Half an Acre to One Acre

You don’t need anything with tons of power here. Choose a mower with a deck up to 42 inches long for the best maneuverability. Also, the mower should have an engine with at least 14 horsepower.

One to Two Acres

You’ll want a wider, more powerful mower. The deck length should be between 42 and 46 inches. The engine should have between 14 and 16 horsepower.

Three Acres and Up

Large estates require a powerful riding mower. Choose one with an engine deck between 46 and 54 inches, and an engine with 18 to 24 horsepower.

Aside from acreage, the type of terrain is also essential. A lower-powered engine is fine for flat, clear areas. However, you’ll want a stronger mower for conquering hills and bumpy terrain. Additionally, a zero-turn-radius mower allows for the best maneuverability when mowing an uneven landscape.  

Power Supply

Mowers are either gas or electric powered.

Gas mowers are the most popular. They have two types of tanks:

• Standard size tanks hold four gallons
• Oversized

Also, unless you’re mowing multiple acres at a time, a standard tank of gas should be enough for most backyards.

On the downside, buying fuel gets expensive. Plus, gas-powered mowers emit fumes when running.

Electric mowers are cleaner to operate. However, they need access to an electric outlet. Some mowers operate off a rechargeable battery while others operate off a long cord.

Mowing while managing the attached cord is the biggest drawback to electric-powered motors. Accidentally running over the cord can cause serious injury – to the mower and yourself!

Deck Size

The deck size is the width of the mower’s blades. Larger decks have bigger blades. Large blades cover areas quickly, but with a reduction in mobility. Large blades are cumbersome to use on hilly or uneven terrain.

Decks range in size from 20 to 70 inches. A thirty-inch deck is the most common size for residential lawn mowers. Unless you’re mowing large fields, any deck larger than 30 inches will likely be too awkward for use around the house. 

Speed

Do you feel the need for speed? While a riding mower is hardly a high-performance vehicle, a few speed options are available:

• Single-speed mowers are the simplest and most affordable. They have a single, fixed speed.
• Multi-speed mowers have up to seven speeds. They allow you to adjust speeds on-the-fly based on terrain.

Handling

While it’s not a sports car, your mower still should have tight, precise controls. Three factors determine the handling prowess:

• Turning Radius
• Traction
• Suspension

The turning radius determines how tight the mower can navigate. In small yards, especially ones with lots of obstacles, a mower with a zero turning radius provides the most control.

Traction is the mower’s ability to grip the ground. The type of tires and overall engine power determine grip. Traction is extra important if your yard is hilly or you live in an area with frequent wet weather.

The suspension system minimizes bumps and impacts on the driver. A comfortable ride is especially important if you mow for long periods. Fortunately, many riding mowers are far more comfortable than you might think; you don’t have to suffer while you sit.

Attachments

Mowers have a variety of attachments. These are the four most common:

Bagger

Baggers collect grass automatically, which you can then use for mulching and composting. Plus, they leave your yard looking clean. Manufacturers typically make the best-fitting baggers. Note that not all riding mowers can accommodate a bag. 

Snowblower

A snowblower attachment not only removes snow, but it also allows you to mow the grass underneath. They’re primarily used commercially, but work great in a residential backyard, too. You can find small attachments capable of clearing a light dusting or larger attachments that can handle more.

Spreader

Usually found on farms, a spreader lets you drop large quantities of seeds. It attaches to the back of the mower with up-front controls. You can spread any seed: crops, grass, or even fertilizer are the most popular. 

Aerator

Aeration delivers nutrients to your garden while also promoting healthy drainage. Attaching an aerator to your mower is often an easier option than using a standalone aerator. You only have to make one pass across your lawn instead of two. Aside from a single aerator, other options include dual-aerators and aerators/spreaders.

Cart

Finally, you can attach a tool cart to your mower to hold garden equipment, tools, or hauling debris. Although most carts attach to the rear of the mower, you can also find ones that go in front. Carts have a variety of functions. They’re the most popular addition to mowers.   

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Different Types of Lawn Mowers?

Don’t let the jargon confuse you. Mowers are fairly simple. Here’s a rundown:

Mowers can be either walk-behind or riding. Walk-behind mowers are also called push mowers. They’re easy to operate and store. Because they don’t take up much space, they work well for many suburban homes.

However, push mowers are slow. Plus, walking and pushing the mower can quickly grow tiring, especially if you have a medium-sized or large yard.

Riding mowers are vehicles with a seat, steering wheel, and engine. They let you sit in comfort and style. Riding lawn mowers allow you to mow large areas quickly and easily. They’re popular for both commercial and residential use; you don’t need a massive estate to benefit from a riding mower. They’re useful even in small backyards.

Riding mowers have three different types:

• Rear Engine Mowers
• Tractors or Tow-Behind Mowers
• Zero Turn Mowers

Rear Engine Mowers

Rear engine mowers are compact, zippy mowers that are popular for residential use. As the name implies, these mowers have their engines in the back of the vehicle, which increases maneuverability and front-facing visibility.

Additionally, rear-engine mowers have a low center of gravity. They can handle uneven terrain and short hills. They typically have a top speed of about five miles per hour.

On the downside, they’re not the best option if you want to pull any attachments such as a wagon.

Tractor Mowers

Tractor or tow-behind mowers are the largest and strongest option. They can pull a variety of accessories and equipment, including a wagon or ATV. Mainly used for commercial purposes, they clear large ground quickly.

Zero Turn Mower

Also called ZTRs, a Zero Turn Mower delivers maximum maneuverability. They have a 360-degree turning radius, making them perfect for mowing in tight spaces and around obstacles. Plus, they handle steep hills with confidence and seemingly gravity-defying powers.

How Do I Drive a Riding Mower?

Riding mowers are usually simple to operate. The engine powers both the blades and the wheels, although most mowers have the option to turn off the blades when driving.

As the driver, you’ll sit on top of the mower in the seat. With rear-engine mowers, the seat is typically in the middle. With front-engine mowers, the seat is usually in the rear, which can create a slight visibility issue. 

Not all riding mowers have brakes – and you don’t necessarily need them. Many mowers have a one-pedal operation. When you take your foot off the pedal, the mower stops immediately. Other motors are more like cars with both an acceleration pedal and a brake.

The deck is the circular area, which includes the blades and the covering. The blades cut the grass, while the deck shields the driver from grass clippings and debris.

Are Riding Mowers Safe to Use?

Generally, but they are powerful machines with sharp blades. Always stay alert when behind the wheel. Limb and eye injuries are the most common, which is why the American Society for Surgery of the Hand has published a variety of safety tips. When using a riding mower, follow these safety tips:

• Always check the mower thoroughly before use
• Pick up any rocks, sticks and other objects in the mowing area
• Wear protective gear including goggles, earplugs, and long pants
• Keep children and pets inside
• Never ride in reverse for extended periods

Also, avoid mowing wet grass. The water adds weight and volume to each blade. Cutting wet grass makes your mower work hard, wearing down the blades and engine. Also, it creates an uneven cut. Of course, never use an electric mower on wet grass due to the significant risk of electrocution.

What is the Best 30″ Riding Lawn Mower?

All the mowers on the list above combine power, tight controls, and reliable construction. However, there’s one on our list that is a cut above the rest.

If you’re not sure which mower to get, choose the Troy-Bilt TB46. It offers several features ideal for anyone new to riding mowers or uncomfortable about using one. For example, the single-pedal operation is simple but also stops the mower quickly and effectively.

Also, it’s easy to control. Steering is fast and responsive. Additionally, front-end visibility is wide and clear.

Finally, it’s a comfortable option. The Soft Touch steering wheel is easy to grip. The padded seat protects against vibrations and provides much-needed lumbar support. You’ll have no problem staying comfortable even if you’re mowing all day.  

Don’t let mowing tire you out and wear you down. Any of the riding mowers listed above, including the Troy-Bilt TB46, increase mowing efficiency and comfort. Your lawn will look better than ever!