What is the Best Rear Engine Riding Mower? Your Top Picks in 2024

If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Read more here.

I’ve always been curious: are rear-engine riding mowers superior or just pricier versions of regular mowers? I’ve dug deep and reviewed the top rear-engine riding mowers to save you the hassle. Let’s ensure you get the best bang for your buck and a well-kept lawn to boot!

 

Best Overall
Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Best Premium Choice
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Husqvarna Z254 No Background
Husqvarna MZ61 No Background
The Husqvarna Z254 riding mower features a 26 HP Kohler motor and hydrostatic transmission for maximum efficiency. The Z254 is also a zero-turn riding mower for more control and faster maneuvering. The park brake system will also activate and deactivate appropriately.
If you are looking for a one-time investment to last for years, the Husqvarna MZ61 is a great choice. It is pricey but offers a lot of benefits. It’s also a zero-turn riding mower with efficient transmission and a lot of commercial-grade power from its 27 HP motor.
Best Overall
Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Husqvarna Z254 No Background
The Husqvarna Z254 riding mower features a 26 HP Kohler motor and hydrostatic transmission for maximum efficiency. The Z254 is also a zero-turn riding mower for more control and faster maneuvering. The park brake system will also activate and deactivate appropriately.
Best Premium Choice
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Husqvarna MZ61 No Background
If you are looking for a one-time investment to last for years, the Husqvarna MZ61 is a great choice. It is pricey but offers a lot of benefits. It’s also a zero-turn riding mower with efficient transmission and a lot of commercial-grade power from its 27 HP motor.

Reviews of the Best Rear Engine Riding Mowers

1. Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler 0-Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna Z254 has a 26 HP Kohler engine allows the riding lawn mower to reach speeds of up to 6.5 mph. Aside from a reliable startup, the Z254 also gives dependable brakes with the patent-pending park brake system.

The braking system on this 0-turn mower will activate and deactivate depending on the steering levers. The Z254 incorporates air induction technology for grass clipping that draws air from both the top and the bottom of the deck. Measuring at 54 inches, it gives efficiency and a cleaner cut job.

What I Like

What I Don't Like

2. Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Zero-Turn Mower

The Husqvarna MZ61 is a very large rear motor riding mower with a 61” deck and 27 HP motor that delivers commercial-grade power. The larger deck offers a 54” cut capacity with deck lifts that adjusts to the comfortable chair setting.

Similar to the Z254, the MZ61 lawn mowers can bag, mulch, or discharge the grass clippings. I really enjoyed the back seat on the riding mower and the width it provides with armrests.

The 0-turn tractor mower has comfortable steering and has a meter that clearly displays when your riding mower needs to be serviced.

What I Like

What I Don't Like

3. Ariens IKON XD-52 (52") 24HP Kohler Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Last on the list of best rear engine mowers is the Ariens IKON XD-52. If you want a balance between size and power, the 24HP Kohler engine riding mowers is the one for you. It features a 52” deck and a relatively high back seat that will keep you comfortable while working.

The width of the deck can reduce mow time and is still small enough for a medium-sized yard. As a gas-powered riding mower, the IKON XD-52 provides drive and speed the way an electric rear engine riding mower cannot.

What I Like

What I Don't Like

4. Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower

The budget choice is the Troy-Bilt 30” riding lawn mower perfect for neighborhood mow jobs. The gas-powered mower has a 382cc gas tank and an auto-choke OHV engine that allows it to reach a maximum speed of 4.25 mph.

The smaller deck has 5 different settings and an 18” turn radius. To make sure you’re comfortable, Troy-Bilt features a medium-back seat on their rear engine riding lawn mowers and durable wheels to keep you stable.

Moreover, you can go where larger mowers can’t with the smaller profile of the Troy-Bilt rear engine riding lawnmower.

(If you are working for a 1-acre job, here are the top 1-acre zero turn mowers I reviewed)

What I Like

What I Don't Like

Rear Engine Riding Mowers Buyer’s Guide

Cutting Performance

The cutting performance is the first consideration when buying the best rear engine riding mower. I like lawn mowers that have different settings for width and grass length so you can have more control over the aesthetics of your lawn.

(If you are looking for mowers good for jobsite cutting, here are the best commercial riding mowers that I reviewed)

Turning Radius

I have carefully selected various rear-engine riding lawn mowers models, including one with an 18-inch radius. The turning radius is crucial to the machine’s control and efficiency during turns. I highly recommend the 0-turn feature for superior maneuverability, which allows for precise and agile movement.

Power Transmission

Power transmission refers to the transference of power from the engine to the wheels. There are three main choices for transmission – manual, automatic, and hydrostatic.

I suggest hydrostatics for forward and reverse control. Automatic transmissions are great for even terrain but the manual option will give you more power.

What types of riding mower options are you looking at?

There are electric riding lawn mowers and gas options. An electricity-powered mowing model, such as the ones from Ryobi lawn mowers, will require a large ah battery to operate smoothly. In this case, you will need to check how fast the battery charges and the battery life, as well.

Seat and Steering Wheel

I say the chair of the mowing machine will affect how long you can mow. You want the chair to be adequately padded with a comfortable back to ensure a smooth ride.

As for the steering wheel, make sure it is also padded or has an over-mold grip to give your hands a secure grasp that won’t produce callouses.

Mower Deck

The mower deck is the part of the best riding mowing tool that tells you how fast and how much you can cut at a time. I suggest larger sizes for larger acres of land and smaller ones if you have tight corners or narrow spaces.

Ease of Use

The key to a successful mowing job is to have a lawn mower that isn’t difficult to operate. You want the interface to be straightforward and easy to understand. Make sure the controls are clearly labeled and easily accessible.

(For mowers that are easy to use and maintain, you can also check reliable zero turn mowers for hills here)

Price and Warranty

Any large yard machine such as these mowers can cost quite a bit. However, you can choose from ones that are closer to 1k rather than models that range up to 5K. The difference is, of course, the operation and the features, so I recommend checking over what you need for your yard work before you decide on a model.

For something this pricey, I also suggest making sure your product is covered extensively by a warranty. So, in case you encounter a riding mower having difficulty to forward or reverse, you have a warranty to use. 

FAQ

What is the best rear engine riding mower?

The best rear engine riding mower is the Husqvarna Z254. This mower can mow lawns at speeds up to 6.5 mph powered by a 26 HP [1] engine. The machine also features a patent parking brake and air induction mowing technology for the cleanest cut job.

Are rear engine mowers any good?

Yes, rear-engine mowers are good for homeowners who have larger land but not enough space or budget for a full-sized option. Rear engine mowers can still have a lot of mowing capacity and there are electric options such as models from Ryobi that can cut down the noise.

Top Pick For a Rear Engine Riding Mower: Husqvarna Z254

The top choice for the best rear engine riding mower goes to the Z254 from Husqvarna. It features a 0-turning radius, a powerful engine, and advanced air-induction technology to promise a clean mow job. The deck measures at 54-inches and is a great choice for medium to large lawns.

Having riding mower problems? Then, here’s how you can fix a riding mower with blade unable to engage when powered on. Read next! 

robert headshot

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.

Related Articles
Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free!
0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is empty