What is the Best 30-Inch Riding Lawn Mower? (2023)

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If you have a large yard and want to save time and effort, riding lawn mowers is the way. But with so many riding mower brands on the market, it can be hard to find one that suits your needs.

Need a riding lawnmower that’s safe, user-friendly, and won’t break the bank? I’ve researched and tested the best ones to help you narrow down your choices.

Premium Option
Craftsman R105 Riding Lawn Mower
Editor’s Choice
Murray Rear Engine Riding Mower
Budget Option
Cub Cadet CC30 Riding Mower
Craftsman R105 Riding Lawn Mower
Murray Rear Engine Riding Mower
Cub Cadet CC30 Riding Mower
• Medium riding lawn mower
• Fit for residential spaces
• Good value for your purchase
• Heavy-duty riding lawn mower
• Fast and easy to maneuver
• Excellent output
• Affordable price
• Does a quality job of cutting grass around trees
• Good fuel tank for standard yards
Premium Option
Craftsman R105 Riding Lawn Mower
Craftsman R105 Riding Lawn Mower
• Medium riding lawn mower
• Fit for residential spaces
• Good value for your purchase
Editor’s Choice
Murray Rear Engine Riding Mower
Murray Rear Engine Riding Mower
• Heavy-duty riding lawn mower
• Fast and easy to maneuver
• Excellent output
Budget Option
Cub Cadet CC30 Riding Mower
Cub Cadet CC30 Riding Mower
• Affordable price
• Does a quality job of cutting grass around trees
• Good fuel tank for standard yards

Reviews of the Top 30-Inch Riding Lawn Mowers

1. Murray Rear Engine Riding Mower

Murray Rear Engine Riding Mower

The Murray riding mower is a compact piece of equipment we think would make a great addition to your gardening maintenance tools. It has a 30-inch cutting deck made of steel, and it is powered by a 10.5 HP Briggs & Stratton gas engine.

From my personal experience, this mower stands out for its ease of operation. In fact, for a plot around 1.5 acres, I can confidently say that the Murray has been one of my top recommendations.

It has a six-speed shift-on-the-go transmission so that you can go at your own pace. For its price, the Murray rear engine riding mower is quite a steal for such exceptional equipment. 

What I Like

What I Don't Like

2. Cub Cadet CC30 H Riding Mower

Cub Cadet CC30 H Riding Mower

The Cub Cadet is an American company specializing in riding lawn mowers since 1961. This unit runs using a 382cc Cub Cadet OHV engine equipped with an auto choke feature and a 30-inch cutting deck made of highly durable gauge steel.

Similar to John Deere S100 mower, the Cub Cadet riding lawn mower is an excellent choice for anyone with a medium to large yard. Despite its size, we are surprised by its exceptional performance, comfortable design, and ease of use. 

On top of that, this Cub Cadet lawn mower has comfort in mind. The comfortable seat and steering wheels make it easier to maneuver for prolonged periods. We find this one a reliable and cost-efficient lawn mower for most residential homes. 

What I Like

What I Don't Like

3. Craftsman R105 Riding Lawn Mower

The Craftsman R105 riding lawn mower is a strong contender for the best 30-inch riding lawn mowers for medium to large size yards. According to the Craftsman riding mower’s user guide, it is powered by a 382cc gas engine with a built-in auto choke, 30-inch cutting decks, and heavy-duty front and rear wheels. 

The Craftsman riding lawn mower comes with six different transmissions, so you can control how fast or slow you want to go. Similar to excellent John Deere riding mowers, we love how this is so easy to use, and it did a fantastic job cutting our large lawn.

For a slightly larger yard of about 1.5 acres, we recommend Craftsman as a piece of go-to equipment to keep your lawns fresh and clean throughout any season. 

What I Like

What I Don't Like

30-Inch Riding Lawn Mowers Buyer's Guide

Lawn Size

An excellent 30-inch riding lawn mower can efficiently clear up to 1 acre of lawn. I’ve observed that most of these units have cutting decks ranging from 28 to 34 inches, perfectly fitting this scope.

Engine Power

The best 30-inch riding mowers like the lawn mowers from Troy Bilt usually have 11 to 18 HP [1] engine power. These can cover more ground and are more able to handle rougher terrain.

Speed

Most of the lawn mowers of this size we’ve used have speeds of around five mph. This is a comfortable speed to work with and should be able to get the job done promptly. 

Our Top Pick For a 30-Inch Riding Lawn Mower: Murray Rear Engine Riding Mower

Murray Rear Engine Riding Mower

Based on our tests with dozens of models, the best 30-inch riding lawn mower is the Murray Rear Engine unit. Our lawn care specialists find that it can go through smaller spaces with a compact size and give zero scalping, allowing us to enjoy a beautiful, consistent cut.

Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.

Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
Robert Johnson
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