What is the Best Riding Lawn Mower with Bagger? The Ultimate Picks in 2023

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Riding mowers with a bagger can help keep your lawn manicured and clean. But shopping for mowers can be tricky – you don’t want to end up with a product that has technical faults, or worse, isn’t compatible with accessories. Our team of experts conducted reviews of the best riding lawn mowers with baggers to help you pick the right product.

Best Overall
Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Best for Flexibility
Ariens Edge 52 in. 726 cc Zero-Turn Lawn Tractor
Husqvarna Z254 No Background
Ariens Edge No Background
The Husqvarna Z254 has multi-accessory compatibility that makes it the overall best riding lawn mower with a bagger. This tractor also has other unique features like an air induction mowing system, park brakes, and a zero turning radius.
The Ariens Edge has a foot-operated deck lift system that puts it ahead of most other riding mowers. It is also highly compatible with baggers, mulching kits and other accessories. With a 726 CC engine, it’s powerful enough to get the job done.
Best Overall
Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Husqvarna Z254 No Background
The Husqvarna Z254 has multi-accessory compatibility that makes it the overall best riding lawn mower with a bagger. This tractor also has other unique features like an air induction mowing system, park brakes, and a zero turning radius.
Best for Flexibility
Ariens Edge 52 in. 726 cc Zero-Turn Lawn Tractor
Ariens Edge No Background
The Ariens Edge has a foot-operated deck lift system that puts it ahead of most other riding mowers. It is also highly compatible with baggers, mulching kits and other accessories. With a 726 CC engine, it’s powerful enough to get the job done.

Reviews of the Best Riding Lawn Mowers with Bagger

1. Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Our team of experts love the Husqvarna Z254 because of its multi-accessory compatibility. It can be fitted with a bagger, mulching kit, or any other accessories you want. The mower also has 26 HP and a max speed of 6.5 mph, meaning it can tame any lawn in record time.

Other cool features of this riding lawn mower include an air induction mowing system that drives air through the bottom of the deck and improves grass cutting. We also loved the steel cutting deck, park brake, and high-grip tires. This mower is a zero turn mower, which means it has maximum maneuverability.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

2. Craftsman 17ARFACT091 46-Inch Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower

The Craftsman has a Kohler twin-cylinder engine with an incredible 23-HP capacity. Despite all this power, the mower also has remarkable maneuverability, being able to turn on a dime thanks to its zero turn radius. Our experts were impressed that the combination of power and flexibility enables users to mow at a remarkably consistent pace.

The Craftsman 17ARFACT091 is also highly versatile because it can be fitted with a bagger. This makes it easier to manicure your lawn and control its aesthetics. However, this lawn mower also has a side discharge mechanism, which it’s perfectly safe without any add-ons. Our team loves the Craftsman because of its adjustable cutting heights.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

3. Ariens Edge 52 in. 726 cc Zero-Turn Lawn Tractor

Our favorite feature of the Ariens Edge is its wide cutting deck. Its size can make short work of almost any medium-sized lawns. It also has a sturdy 11-gauge steel construction, which means the deck is as durable as they come.

The Ariens Edge is fitted with a 726 CC Kawasaki engine with a remarkable top speed. Additionally, it has a zero turn radius, giving the rider maximum maneuverability while mowing. Other great features include a foot-operated deck lift with simple controls and high grip traction tires. The mower also has a shock-absorbing high-back seat for rider comfort.

More zero turn mowers: 

 

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

4. Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in. 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower

The gas-powered Husqvarna YTH18542  riding mower has a ton of useful features that riders can maximize. For example, it has a foot-pedal operated hydrostatic transmission that allows you to change speed and direction effortlessly. It also has an ergonomic steering wheel that’s both responsive and easy to control.

Our team of experts particularly loves the side-discharge mechanism because it’s just as effective without a bagger. But users who want to attach a bagger also have that option. One other amazing feature about this riding mower is its reverse operating system that lets you mow in reverse by simply flipping a switch.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Riding Lawn Mowers with Bagger Buyer’s Guide

Design and Weight

Most of the list’s riding lawn mowers weigh about 700 pounds. You don’t have to worry much about this weight since you can drive the mower in and out of storage. Look out for mowers with ergonomic design because these can contribute significantly to how you use the machine.

(More options here! Read this review of the top-quality zero-turn mowers with a bagger!)

Engine Power

Any mower with an engine power of 18 HP (or the CC [1] equivalent) and above such as the Troy Bilt lawn mower is perfect for your needs. These tend to have enough speed and cutting efficiency to get the job done.

Cutting Performance

Cutting performance can mean the difference between a quick mowing session and one that takes ages. You can identify a mower’s cutting performance by looking at the speed, deck size, and maneuverability.

Comfortable Seating

You want a mower with a high back seat because they are more comfortable. If the mower also has springs and shock absorbers, even better. Comfortable seating means you can cut for longer without getting tired or stressed, and thus, get more done.

Turning Radius

Zero turn mowers have more maneuverability and are often preferred in many instances. However, the design and performance of other kinds of mowers also make them a worthwhile purchase.

Deck Size

As a rule of thumb, the wider your deck, the better. That’s because you can speed up the cutting process. Mowers with a large deck also tend to have a deck wash port, which makes them much easier to clean and maintain.

Price and Warranty

Even though riding mowers are more expensive than push mowers, they are worth every penny due to the manufacturer’s warranty. For instance, once you encounter any problem in your Troy Bilt zero turn mower, the warranty will always come in handy. 

FAQ

What is the best riding lawn mower with a bagger?

The best riding lawn mower with bagger is the Husqvarna Z254. It is also compatible with a mulching kit and other accessories. The mower also has other impressive qualities, like an air induction system and high-grip parking brakes.

Our Top Pick For a Riding Lawn Mower with Bagger: Husqvarna Z254

During our reviews, our team of experts found that the Husqvarna Z254 is the best riding lawn mower with bagger. Besides its compatibility with accessories, the mower also has a powerful 26 HP engine, a top speed of 6.5 mph, and automatic parking brakes.

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
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