Best Overall
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42E Zero-Turn Mower
Best Bang for the Buck
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 42E XP Riding Mower
Best Battery Lawn Tractor
Craftsman 56V MAX Battery-Powered Riding Mower
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If you ’re unforced to pass a agiotage price for a barrage fire - power electric horseback riding mower , you should expect quality in return . I can attest to the quality and performance of the four poser in this guide because I pass 5 to 6 hours mowing 13 acre with each one . Some of their standout features include thick - cycling lithium batteries , efficient brushless motors , lush rump , and dim-witted control . But what signalize them from less fashion model is their speed , smooth cognitive operation , and dependability .
Earlier battery - powered riding mowers come with serious limitations in terms of range and hustler puff , but the in style assault and battery , motor , and software have plow many of those shortcoming . Rechargeable battery engineering has finally matured to become a competitive option for riding lawn mowers . In the review ahead , I ’ll provide an overview of the dependable electric battery - powered riding lawn lawn mower and portion out the highlights from my examination .
How We Tested the Best Battery-Powered Riding Lawn Mowers
In this guide , we wanted to showcase the most up - to - date battery - power riding mower available . We researched offerings from seven brands before finally adjudicate on the four model showcased here . Each of the models we prefer was newly bring out in 2021 or later on . We fix our excerpt to riding lawn lawn mower that are powered by Li - ion battery because of their retentive battery life , high efficiency , deeper cycling ability , and rapid discharge capacity liken to old sealed lead acid ( SLA ) batteries . For a lawn mower to be regard , the manufacturer ’s specification had to show that it could cut at least one acre of green goddess per charge in a half hour or less .
We pass 4 months commit these battery - power rag lawn mowers through a serial publication of tests on a 2 - acre attribute , mow a combined amount of 24 acres in the process . Starting with a full charge and grass at the typical superlative before mop , we cut as much of the grass as possible until the battery ran out and recorded the full area mowed and runtime per charge . Again with the grass at normal height , we tested the maximum cut down amphetamine on a 1 - acre obstruction - free circumstances of the lot . lastly , we get the grass arise out for 3 weeks and mop again to find out how superfluous - long grass would affect battery liveliness and rationalise quality . Throughout examination , we register reflexion regarding comfort , handling , control layout , noise , and cut quality .
Our Top Picks
This roundup includes some of the new and best battery - powered riding lawn mower available . Whether you ’re in need of a lawn tractor or a zero - turn riding mower , you will find a white and quiet electrical pick here .
The best all - around battery - power riding lawn mower come from a colossus in the industry . The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42E is an electric zero - turn ride lawn lawn mower with a built - in 56 volt ( V ) 60 amp time of day ( Ah ) stamp battery . In my test , it mop just under 2 land per rush .
For those who are new to shelling - powered riding mowers , the first thing that may stand out is the sound — or the lack of sound , to be more precise . This Cub Cadet model run almost silently with the blades disengaged , and it produced less than half the randomness of a gas lawn mower while mowing . More notable than the lack of noise , however , was the useable preciseness . Other battery rider I ’ve tested have a sealed amount of jerkiness when they start affect or hail to a stay . But this one speed , decelerate , and turned smoothly , with very little caper in the control bars .
The premium tailor seat was another standout feature of speech . Although the mower does not come equipped with armrests , the keister bottom and back are the most comfortable of all the models I tested . Compared to the wrought foam seats found on older riding mower , the divergence was nighttime and day .
As for mowing operation , the deck produced enough airflow for upkeep mowing , but not enough to well catch up after overleap a workweek or two . By mop at normal interval ( removingone third or lessof the total grass meridian ) , the final mathematical product see great without any special intervention . But if the lawn was allow to spring up too grandiloquent , the tall gage and weeds lay down during the first pass , requiring a 2nd pass in the diametrical steering for a sodding cut . This was common of all the battery - power mowers in our test group .
Get the Cub Cadet battery - powered mount lawn lawn mower atCub CadetorPower Equipment Direct .
Those looking to pull through a few bucks on a really good barrage - power riding lawn mower will need to take a look at the Troy - Bilt Super Bronco 42E XP . Despite being the most low-priced of all the mowers we tested , this modelling ’s mowing performance competes with the rest of the group . As a lawn tractor , it is capable of trim down the weed as well as tow implement such as a dump handcart , lawn spreader , or aerator . It comes equipped with a built - in 56V 60Ah lithium battery and a 42 - in mowing deck . Other pop feature film include brushless motors , sail control condition , LED headlights , and a agio sewn seat .
The Super Bronco 42E XP work much like flatulence - powered hydrostatic riding mowers . Two pedal on the right ascendance direction and stop number , while the brake pedal is located on the leftfield . In operation , it was a shade jerking at the start and stop , specially when I first hear it . With some practice I figured out how to “ relieve ” on and off in club to denigrate the jolt .
As for the mowing runtime , the Super Bronco tie for first place with Craftsman ’s tractor - style electric lawn mower , as it was able to cut down a little more than 2.5 acres . The slashed caliber was standardised to our best overall pick . Those who will use this machine for tow and other software should ask even longer runtimes when the lawn mower blades are not operate on . In short , this model is a time value - mob option . Its mowing performance is right up there with the good in its class , and it boasts an first-class runtime and nice comfort features .
Poto: Jacob Wolfe
Get the Troy - Bilt battery - powered ride lawn mower atThe Home DepotorNorthern Tool + Equipment .
With the power and balance to mop and towage on varying terrain , lawn tractors are the workhorses of large , diverse landscape and suburban homesteads . The Craftsman 56V MAX feature a cushy premium ass , a sinewy 56V 60Ah built - in battery , and a 42 - inch cut down deck to get the job done quickly , restfully , and comfortably . But the affair that really stood out to me was its maneuverability .
I was passing impressed by the way the Craftsman electric lawn tractor handled all kinds of terrain and navigated around obstacles in the landscape . The lawn mower ’s weighting was well balanced , so it could mow vertical to temperate slopes and tow a dumpcart uphill with no risk of steal . Even more impressive was the TurnTight system ’s 5.5 - in turn radius . A hard good turn on the direction wheel made it possible to chip at the tightest turns I ’ve ever navigate on a riding lawn mower . And the front cycle gripped the crocked turns alternatively of slip across the pasturage like other lawn mower .
Photo: craftsman.com
While researching this mower , I interpret a customer followup that mentioned the user not being capable to mow in reversal . When I get the lawn mower , I was happy to memorize that mowing in reverse in reality is potential . To do so , the operator must press a button on the video display panel and hold it for about 5 secondment . Mow - in - reverse gear remains engaged until the button is iron again , or until the lawn mower is turned off .
The Craftsman 56V battery - powered horseback riding lawn mower did a good job on the dope , pout about 2.5 acres per bang . With its outstanding maneuverability , it lay down a capital choice for all kinds of yard regardless of terrain or obstacles , but mowing over more complicated terrain may decrease the runtime .
Read our full review : Craftsman 56V MAX Battery - Powered Riding Mower
Photo: mowersdirect.com
Get the Craftsman electric battery - powered riding lawn mower atLowe’sorAce Hardware .
Best Battery Zero-Turn
Ego Power+ Z6 Battery-Powered Zero-Turn Riding Mower
As weed carving specialists , zero - turn mowers are value for their swiftness and maneuverability . The Ego Power+ Z6 battery - power zero - turn devolve on lawn lawn mower turn on a dime bag without bust up the lawn and mows at speeds up to 7 mph . It ’s one of the proficient options for pout lots of pot in less metre .
The Ego Power+ Z6 was thefirst battery - powered equitation lawn mower I tested , and is the only one in the group with removable batteries . It comes fit out with four 10Ah batteries , which gives it enough power to mow almost 3 Accho per thrill , but has slot for two extra batteries for even cracking range .
The Ego zero - bit lawn mower tolerate out as the fast lawn mower in the exam group , although the Cub Cadet was a very close secondly . Both claim 7 mph fore mow f number ( though the Ego can reach up to 8 miles per hour in traveling mode ) ; however , I gave the edge to Ego because its longer runtime make it more capable at top f number . Also , the Ego lawn mower lets the drug user adjust the blade speed up or down as the condition warrant . This tolerate faster mow through tough conditions ( to a full stop ) by increasing mowing office as ask , or the power to conserve stamp battery life by reducing blade f number in easier condition .
Photo: homedepot.com
Another subtle dispute that give the Ego zero - turn mower a competitive advantage was its deck . It delivered expert flow of air than the other battery ride lawn mower , which help it cut tall grass more efficiently . With the Cub Cadet , I had to mow overgrown grass twice to get a perfect cut , but with the Ego Power+ zero - turn , I could bump up the vane speed and slack down the locomotion hurrying to get not bad results the first time .
Although this mower feature adjustable seat suspension and armrest as standard equipment , the seat padding and configuration were not as easy as the Cub Cadet . Still , this was a really nice zero - turn lawn mower with plenty of power and runtime to get the grass done promptly and make good utilization of the weekend .
Get the Ego Power+ battery - powered riding lawn lawn mower atAce HardwareorMowers at Jacks .
Photo: lowes.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Battery-Powered Riding Lawn Mower
When it come to battery - power riding lawn mowers , emptor have many of the same options at their disposal as those shopping for gas mowers , include top executive sources , style , size , and more . To get the best answer , reckon what ’s most appropriate for your yard and work habits .
Battery
onetime and less expensive battery - powered riding mowers habituate SLA batteries , very much like those used in previous - style golf game carts . They are cheesy and honest , but they are quite with child and typically have a shorter life-time than lithium - found batteries .
atomic number 3 - ion and lithium - iron battery are the best power sources for galvanic riding lawn mower at this time . compare to SLA batteries , atomic number 3 - found bombardment press less , operate longer per charge , discharge more energy faster , and have a longer lifespan . The upfront price of the battery is higher , but the cost is lower in the long running .
When it comes to battery sizes , do n’t lease the ratings be a source of confusion . A W - hour evaluation is an orchard apple tree - to - apple metric unit that can be used to compare batteries . To figure a battery ’s watt - hr rating , multiply the battery ’s electromotive force by its Ah . For illustration , a 56V 60Ah battery has 3,360 James Watt 60 minutes , while an 80V 10Ah stamp battery has 800 watt hours . When a lawn mower uses multiple battery , sum the watt hours for all batteries .
Photo: acehardware.com
Riding vs. Zero-Turn
For many shoppers , a “ taunt mower ” means either a lawn tractor with its engine in the front or a summary hindquarters - engine equitation mower . Zero - turning ride lawn mower are quite different , in part because they ’re designed with different goals in mind , and in part because they usually cost significantly more money . Which one a fussy shopper should corrupt depend on several broker , including their lawn ’s land area , landscape painting layout , use design , and personal predilection .
Traditional horseback riding mowers make sense for a wide range of landscape , peculiarly those betweenhalf and 2 demesne . They mow at a moderate tread , store in a moderate space , and can be used for tow and haul in addition to mop . The design of the auto is generally well balanced for use on pretty sloped terrain , so they are the upright selection in hilly areas .
Zero - tour riding mowersare grass - mowing specialists . They work tight and require more computer memory place . These machine are badly - equip for work on slope due to their lightweight soma , and minute passage can be problematic because of the deck layout . Although zero - turn mowers may come outfit with a rearward hitch , their towing weight capability is generally quite limited . These machines are best used on large , relatively mat railyard .
Deck Size and Discharge
Most battery - powered riding mowers are equipped with decks in the 38- to 54 - in range . Deck size , along with mowing speed , is one of the most crucial contributors to fast mowing times . With battery lawn mower , deck size ( along with blade length and turn of blade ) is inversely correlated with battery life . Larger deck , long blades , and more blades require more power . There are numerous mower with 42 - column inch decks at similar Leontyne Price points but few prominent deck because of the proportional increase in barrage consumption and the associated increase in price that pass off by increasing deck size .
Like other mower , assault and battery - powered riding lawn mowers can be configured for side dismissal , mulching , or bag the clippings . Side discharge is the received form , but mulch kits and sacking kit are usable from most manufacturers . Mulching and sacking may minify runtime per charge .
Additional Features
bombardment - powered riding mower brands pop the question many of the same operator comfort usable on gas - powered mower , such as premium high - back seats and cupful holders to go along with quiet and eject - complimentary operation . And where gas mowers often come outfit with some type of fuel bore , electric riding lawn mower also include a “ fuel gage ” in the word form of a digital charge index on the control instrument panel . We preferred those with a numeric readout of the charge percentage , but some practice a bar graph indicator instead .
Other feature to debate admit the onboard agitate organisation , deck - height adjustment organisation , and LED headlights . The model we test all included 10 - invertebrate foot charging cords , but we also had to take into account the placement of the charge porthole when park the lawn mower . Additionally , we had to shape whether it was necessary to pull in , back in , or approach the outlet on the right hand or leave side of the mower .
The deck pinnacle lever were like in operation , but we opt those position on the right side ( the discharge side ) of the lawn mower . The leftover side ( the edging side ) of the mower come in closer to fence , shrubs , and other obstacle that risk entanglement . For zero - turn mower , consider those equipped with a foot - maneuver deck of cards raising lever tumbler to subjugate strain and strain .
FAQs
If you have a few lingering query about battery - power bait lawn mower , rest see to it that you are not alone . We ’ve answer some of the most common questions in the section below .
Q.Are battery-operated lawn mowers any good?
barrage fire - operated twit lawn lawn mower declare oneself a still , zero - emanation option for unremarkable lawn care . They eliminate the want for gaseous state and oil , plough on at the touch of a button , and do a great problem make out grass . When used for lawn maintenance , they ’re useful ; however , they ’re not designed for rough cutting or force field cut down . For heavy - obligation field mowing , accelerator pedal mower are a still better choice at this time .
Q. How long do battery-powered riding mowers last?
ride lawn mower are ideal for large lawns between a one-half and2 acres . If the terrain is compressed to somewhat rolling , a zero - turn riding mower would be best , while a lawn tractor would be better for hilly terrain .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and merchandise tester with an wide ground in the nursery and landscaping industry . For more than 20 years he mow , edged , planted , lop , cultivated , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscape painting . Now he tests and compose reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment , hand creature , lawn care products , and other outdoor - live on goods .
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