A riding mower is a step up from a powered push mower since they let you simply sit and navigate a huge yard. Without proper research, you can end up with expensive and inefficient models that can break in the middle of a job.
This is why our experts tested the best riding lawn mowers for 2 acres, durable enough to maintain the whole lawn.
Reviews of the Top Riding Mowers for 2 Acres
1. RYOBI 42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower
This Ryobi 42-inch 100 Ah Batter Electric Riding Lawn Mower is a great option for those who value cleanliness and peace while working in their yard. You can mow up to 3 acres on a single charge with its four efficient brushless motors, 42-inch deck, and 100 Ah batteries.
Its sophisticated control panel informs you of the battery life left before the tool is recharged. A charging port is also located in the back for easy access in case of low battery.
From the same interface, you may use the blades, the slow-speed mode, and the LED lamps for low-visibility cutting situations. It has no spark plugs and filters making it easier to clean than a traditional riding mower.
What We Like
- Powerful electric riding mower
- 7mph mowing speed
- LED headlights
- It features a USB phone charger
- Cruise control feature
- Allows you to adjust blade tip speed
What We Don't Like
- High-priced
- Best for even terrain
2. John Deere Z355E ZTrak 48-in 22-HP
While it’s true that battery-powered lawn mowers have many advantages, in practice, it’s often quicker to fill up a gas tank than to recharge multiple batteries.
This John Deere Z355E gas-powered mower has a 22-horsepower twin-cylinder engine, so it can get the job done quickly. Additionally, the zero-turn riding mower features a 48-inch cutting deck that may be easily adjusted using the two lap bars.
Its bright yellow seat is well-designed for the comfort and convenience of the driver, with a cupholder, spring suspensions, armrests, and several storage compartments, all conveniently located within easy reach.
What We Like
- Best mower features
- Fuel indicator
- Heavy-duty riding mower
- Dual hydrostatic transmission
- Twin-cylinder lawn tractor engine type
- Durable gas mower
What We Don't Like
- Tank capacity might be insufficient for some tasks
- Mulching kit sold separately
3. Troy-Bilt Pony 42 in. 15.5 HP
The cost of the Troy-Bilt Pony is lower than most riding lawn mowers. Despite this, it has surprisingly good efficiency and performance, making it another great candidate for the best riding lawn mower for 2 acres.
This mower features a tough and potent 15.5 HP 500cc OHV Briggs & Stratton engine that guarantees a precise cut. You can confidently trim grass clippings near lawn ornaments and trees and mow in narrower spaces thanks to its 18-inch radius turn.
If you have uneven terrain, you’ll appreciate the convenience of the 7-speed Shift-on-the-Go transmission, the pneumatic tires, and a manual gear system that puts you in control of the mower.
What We Like
- Best riding mower for rough terrain
- Briggs & Stratton zero
- Compact mower
- Deck wash system with easy garden hose connectivity
- 18-inch turn radius
What We Don't Like
- Mulch kit is sold separately
- You may need to add padding on the seat
4. EGO POWER+ 42-in 22-HP
It can be inconvenient to refill the mower if it runs out of gasoline in the middle of a task, and gas riding lawn mowers are notoriously loud. However, these problems are addressed by the electric Ego Power+ 42-Inch 22-HP Riding Mower and its silent operation along with the use of rechargeable batteries for energy.
It includes four batteries and a charger that can energize up to six batteries at once, making this mower even more convenient than charging all six batteries with a single charger.
Despite its emission-free functioning, the engine provides an output equal to a 22-horsepower gas engine. The cutting deck measures 42 inches, and it has LED headlights for use in low light.
What We Like
- 1-hour runtime
- Quiet lawn equipment
- Charger and 4 batteries included
- Good riding mower that is CARB compliant
What We Don't Like
- It takes time to charge the batteries
- It requires assembly
5. Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP
Even though a new riding mower is usually thousands of dollars, the Husqvarna Z242F is more affordable than the best riding mowers on the market.
We like that you can get an 18-horsepower zero-turn riding mower at this price and that you can easily take care of a lawn that is 2 acres or larger. It also features a 10-gauge steel cutting deck that is 42 inches in diameter.
The hydrostatic transmission on this Husqvarna mower is smooth and user-friendly, and it also features a park brake that Husqvarna has patented. You can settle into the cushioned driver seat after ensuring the 3.5-gallon gasoline tank is full.
What We Like
- Park-brake feature
- User-friendly
- ClearCut deck
- Affordable lawn mower
- High-performance blades
What We Don't Like
- Mulching kit sold separately
- Not ideal for use in the dark
6. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series LT
If you’re on a tight budget, consider purchasing the Cub Cadet XT1. The mower is affordable, but it has a lot of smarts. IntelliPower technology is built in and constantly analyzes the engine speed and external circumstances to maximize power production.
The technology instantly adds 20% extra power by adjusting the throttle position automatically. Therefore, the engine will not be slowed by difficult conditions such as damp, heavy grass.
The power of this Cub Cadet comes from a 547 cc gas engine, and the operation is streamlined because of the lack of shifting required by the hydrostatic gearbox. To get moving, you need only to step on the gas.
Read Next: In-Depth Review of the Cub Cadet XT1
What We Like
- Cruise control feature
- IntelliPower tech
- LED headlights
- Affordable but good mower features
- 50-inch cutting deck width
What We Don't Like
- You may need a large storage space
- Not as fast as other riding lawn mowers
7. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 in.
More deck space is always ideal for those with a sizable lawn to maintain. The gently rolling hills and various obstacles are perfect for the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1’s 50-inch wide, 11-gauge triple-blade manufactured Aeroforce deck.
The lawn may be groomed more uniformly with fewer stragglers and clumps thanks to the deck’s stronger leading edges. A dual hydrostatic transmission connects the Cub Cadet engine to the wheels, allowing for 7.5 mph forward and 3.5 mph reverse.
We like that this Cub Cadet zero-turn riding mower is powered by a high-quality 726 cc twin-cylinder Kawasaki zero-turn engine, which generates 23 HP to provide commercial-grade performance for even the toughest yards.
(Must-Read: Kawasaki vs Kohler Comparison: Which is Better?)
What We Like
- 726 cc Kawasaki zero-turn engine
- Dual Hydrostatic transmission
- Best riding lawn mower with 3.5 tank capacity
- Ideal for maintaining the entire lawn
- Adjustable seat
What We Don't Like
- It might be too bulky for storage
- A bit too loud
What is a Riding Lawn Mower?
Riding lawn mowers, often known as lawn tractors or ride-on mowers, have a larger and heavier mowing deck than traditional push mowers.
The “rider” operates the equipment while seated on the provided seat. Riding lawnmowers function similarly to vehicles in many ways and have a design reminiscent of tiny tractors.
They have four wheels that speed up when the driver presses a pedal or uses the steering wheel or levers.
Electric mowers, which run on rechargeable batteries and are quieter than gas-riding mowers, are available in abundance and eliminate the need for constant gas replenishment.
Regarding practicality, riding lawnmowers is the first and only choice for farmers and landowners with lawns greater than an acre (or multiple acres). Riding mowers are far more efficient when cutting large, open grass areas than traditional push mowers.
Riding Mowers for 2 Acres Buyer’s Guide
Mower Type
Zero-Turn Mower
For yards that are two acres or more in size, a zero-turn mower is the best option because of its improved mobility and zero-degree turn radius in comparison to rear-engine riding mowers. Although zero-turn mowers have the most desirable features, they also cost the most money.
Rear-Engine Riding Lawn Mower
This style of riding mower gets its name because the engine sits behind the driver’s seat. These mowers are considerably more compact than lawn tractors, and their cutting decks are typically only 30 inches wide. With less mass and energy requirements, the price tag drops, too.
Lawn Tractor
A lawn tractor’s simple controls—a wheel and pedals—make it easy for even inexperienced drivers to get the hang of things quickly.
These machines typically feature hydrostatic transmissions, allowing for seamless speed changes. Nevertheless, their larger turning diameters compared to zero-turn mowers can limit their mobility.
Also Read: Recommended Finish Mowers for Tractors
Engine Power
The next thing to think about is the engine and how much power it has. While most riding mowers rely on gas engines for propulsion, several modern versions are powered instead by a battery pack.
The revolutionary construction of the lawn mower’s batteries greatly decreases noise and exhaust pollutants, but a big drawback is that the batteries require a recharge.
In contrast to gas mowers, which can be restarted by adding fuel, electric riding mowers’ batteries typically need to be recharged for many hours before you can use them again.
It would be easier to plug the batteries into a charger if there was a gas can sitting around, but if there weren’t, it would be necessary to go somewhere to get gas.
Both engine types have advantages and disadvantages, so picking one is really a question of taste. Make sure the motor is adequate for the task at hand.
The ideal range for a riding mower’s engine size is 17 to 29 horsepower. So, it’s better to select riding mowers with more horsepower, but for a 2-acre lawn, that’s overkill.
Battery or Fuel Capacity
When you’re almost done with a task, nothing is more aggravating than having the riding mower quit because it needs gas or new batteries.
When choosing the best riding lawn mower for 2 acres, research the battery capacity or fuel of the mower before deciding on a riding mower. Most electric riding mowers have a run time of between 1 and 2 hours on a single charge.
However, it may be impractical for owners to mow their whole yards if the batteries take hours to charge after use fully.
(Speaking of batteries, learn more about the voltage of a lawn mower battery here.)
Typically, gas-powered riding lawn mowers with a capacity for 2 acres of grass can hold anywhere from 2 to 5 gallons of fuel. You can keep a small gas on hand if the lawn mower runs out of gas amid a task.
Also Read: Best Diesel Zero-Turn Mowers
Amp Hours Duration
A battery’s amp hour rating is the amount of time it will take to completely lose its charge if a device is continuously drawing that many amps from the battery. The battery will drain after being used for an hour and must be recharged.
According to our tests, the longer a battery lasts, the higher the Ah rating. [1]
Lawn Size, Slopes, and Terrains
Riding lawn mowers with a cutting deck width of 42 to 54 inches are best for mowing lawns that are two to four acres in size. Mowing 4–6 acres may take longer using a mower with a smaller deck.
The ideal width for a deck is between 54 and 62 inches. If your property is above six acres in size, a 60-inch deck is a way to go.
Smaller deck sizes, from 30 inches and up, are available on mowers, but they’re only suitable for one acre or fewer lawns. The most efficient deck width is 42 feet, so use that or a broader ship.
When mowing uphill or downhill, a zero-turn mower’s front caster wheels make it nearly impossible to steer. The vehicle’s path is out of your hands.
Deck Size and Cutting Depth
Because you can chop more grass in a single pass with a larger deck, a riding mower’s cutting speed and efficiency are directly proportional to its deck size.
Steel is commonly used to make cutting decks, albeit the thickness varies by brand and model. Steel with a thicker gauge is more resistant to wear and tear, making it a suitable option for yards with many rocks that could kick onto the deck.
As a rule of thumb, the width of a cutting deck is between 30 and 50 inches. But lawn mowers with a deck of at least 42 inches in width are suggested for efficient maintenance of 2 acres. To cover a bigger area, you should get a mower with a deck that is wider than 50 inches.
Speed and Performance
You must look for the best riding lawn mowers that can get the job done quickly. The typical top speed of a ride-on mower is between 4 and 16 miles per hour.
Although you need a mower that can cut 2 acres in 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, a speed of more than 6 miles per hour is recommended.
Maneuverability and Braking
A riding lawn mower, like a car, has brakes to slow the vehicle down for a turn or a stop. Both vehicles have pedals, but those with a steering wheel use the wheel as a brake.
Regarding maneuverability, larger ones are less likely to get stuck on uneven ground. You should also ensure your tires have deep treads for the off-roading you’ll be doing.
Transmission
Hydrostatic Transmission
Hydrostatic transmissions are similar to automatics, except they use hydraulic fluid instead of belts to transfer power. It’s easy to use, doesn’t get scratched up easily, lasts a long time, and needs very little upkeep. The only controls you need to operate are forward and reverse.
Automatic Transmission
Like gear-driven transmissions use a series of toothed wheels, automatic transmissions use a similar arrangement of gears. However, just like an automated car, an automatic riding lawn mower will change gears without input from the operator.
Gear-driven Transmission
To change from low to high RPM, a gear-driven transmission will use a series of toothed wheels with varying gear sizes or ratios (rpm).
Each gear, including the reverse, must be selected by the operator by hand. This is the simplest setup, but it also requires the most work from the driver.
Controls and Navigations
Turning Radius
The turning radius is not zero when using lap bars, but they are present when using steering wheels. The larger the turning radius in inches, the more time it will take to turn and resume mowing. You should limit the turning radius to 16 and 18 inches at most.
Steering Wheel or Lap Bar?
Steering mechanisms vary among ride-on mower models, but cutting height settings are standard. It can either have a wheel or two lap bars.
You may guide the mower in any direction by turning the wheel in the vehicle’s center.
On the other hand, when you install lap bars, you have complete command over how fast your back wheels go. A forward push on the handlebars propels the mower, while a backward draw on it stops it.
To make a turn, you must first press forward on one of the bars, which then causes only one of the rear wheels to revolve. Zero-turn technology allows mowers equipped with lap bars to make sharp turns in a fraction of the time.
However, the front wheels become unsteerable, making them behave like supermarket cartwheels. Climbing or descending a slope with such a unit is next to impossible.
Zero-Turn Capability
Some homeowners like landscaping their yards by adding flower beds and other features. A mower must be able to zero-turn around obstacles to mow an area of 2 acres.
Some zero-turn mowers feature a 45-degree turning radius, despite the name. Knowing this will help you choose the best mower.
Safety Features
Idling mowers are risky since they may reach speeds of up to 6 mph and traverse uneven ground. Blade clutch systems allow the operator to remove the blade without turning off the engine to prevent unintentional injuries.
You should search for a mechanism to prevent a mower from flipping over, as hills and valleys provide potentially dangerous impediments.
If you like to mow when the sun is lower in the sky, you should look for a riding mower equipped with a reverse-awareness mechanism, bumpers, and headlights in case you run into anything you can’t see.
Rollover Protection
The rollover barricade consists of two upright poles above the rider’s head. These stakes will prevent you from sliding down the slope, which could cause serious injury.
Storage
It’s not a good idea to mow with your phone, keys, or anything else in your pockets. They may fall off because of the vibrations, and tracking them down afterward may be difficult.
You may store your belongings out of sight and easily accessible with under-seat storage. Having a place to put your drink is a nice touch that some units include; they assist in keeping things tidy.
Build Material
The sturdy construction materials ensure that they will last for a long time. The deck of the riding mower was mostly constructed out of 12 gauge steel. It’s difficult to penetrate the soil or overcome impediments like groups of trees.
Moreover, every manufacturer runs thousands of tests on their mowers to ensure their longevity before releasing them to the public.
Seat System and Comfort
Comfort is important to consider if customers want to spend an hour or more seated on the lawn mower.
Shock-absorbing, padded seats are recommended due to the mower’s vibrations. Built-in storage, armrests, and cupholders are some of the conveniences available on some riding mower models. Users should go with a mower that they are confident riding and handling.
Other Options or Features/ Accessories
These specs aren’t even close to what you’d need in a riding mower for a 2-acre yard. However, for yards larger than 2 acres, you should first investigate mowers’ steering system, engine power, cleaning system, cutting width, transmission system, engine power, etc.
Included below is a table detailing the many capabilities of the riding lawn mower for your convenience.
Price and Warranty
Like a car, a riding lawn mower contains several moving parts that will eventually need to be serviced. Ease of use is a top priority, so choose anything electric that you can turn on and off with the push of a button. There is no need to change the oil or filter.
If you must choose a gas-powered vehicle, look for one that doesn’t require tools to change the oil and filter.
The built-in washout ports remove grime and moss accumulated under the deck.
The language of a guarantee is not always easy to follow. Be sure to read the fine print, as the deck, front axle, and deck could all have different coverage durations and conditions.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Be sure to keep in mind the following guidelines for the safe use and upkeep of your new riding lawn mower:
- Never put a foot or hand under a lawn mower.
- Before using, make sure you've read the instructions.
- Keep your eye out for projectiles in the yard (debris, toys, stones, etc.)
- Always protect your eyes, hands, and ears by donning appropriate gear before handling.
- Maintain a razor's edge.
- When using a lawnmower, you should avoid reversing it as much as possible.
- Keep your mower away from the grass while it's wet.
- Instead of mowing down a slope at an angle, you should go up and down it.
- Keep in mind that changing the blades without removing the spark plug or turning off the power is unsafe.
FAQ
How long does it take to cut grass within 2 acres of land?
The time it takes to cut a lawn that’s two acres in size might vary widely based on factors like the mower’s deck size and grass variety.
With a small riding mower, you should expect the job to take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, while a large zero-turn mower may need 20 to 30 minutes.
What mower size should I get for 2 acres?
You should have at least a 42-inch deck, as these are the most compact, high-performance options available. In addition, you can usually cut on two to three acres with a single charge or tank of petrol.
How many acres can a lawn tractor cover?
Depending on the size of the deck and the type of lawn tractor, you can mow anywhere from one to three acres each hour.
A zero-turn lawn tractor with a large cutting deck can mow more than 3 acres in an hour, while a compact riding lawn tractor may mow 1 to 2 acres in the same period.
How long can my lawn mower last?
A riding mower’s longevity is determined by its initial build quality and your commitment to routine maintenance.
The average lifespan of a riding lawn mower is around ten years, but the greatest riding lawn mower for a lawn of 1 acre can last as long as 20 years with regular servicing.
How can I increase the power of my riding mower?
Unless you know with small engine repair, you shouldn’t mess with your lawnmower, but if you want more power from your riding mower, you can unscrew the flywheel housing, remove the governor flap, and then reassemble the engine and the flywheel housing.
Our Top Pick For a Riding Mower for 2 Acres:
RYOBI 42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower
Our lawn care team’s choice for the best riding lawn mower for 2 acres is the Ryobi 48V 42” zero-turn mower.
It is superior to conventional riding mowers because of its compact design, control system, high-quality cut, blade brakes, and cruise control. Even if you’ve never maintained a lawn, you won’t have any trouble with this mower.
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