Navigating the world of riding mowers can be a bit of a maze! I know how frustrating it can be to find the perfect one only to realize it’s riddled with issues or doesn’t play well with accessories. So, I’ve put on my detective hat and dove deep into reviews of the best riding lawnmowers with baggers. I’m here to guide you to the right choice, ensuring you get a mower that keeps your lawn looking its best. Let’s find that perfect mower together!
Reviews of the Best Riding Lawn Mowers with Bagger
1. Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
I 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. I 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 I Like
- It can be fitted with bagger or mulcher
- It has a high-back seat for comfort
- Durable cutting deck
- It has a patent-pending park brake
What I Don’t Like
- It mows better uphill than downhill
- Mowing can get messy without accessories
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. I was 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. I love the Craftsman because of its adjustable cutting heights.
What I Like
- The side discharge lawn mower
- The powerful 23-HP engine
- High maneuverability
- It has an adjustable cutting height
What I Don’t Like
- It has trouble with steep inclines
- It has no foot brake
3. Ariens Edge 52 in. 726 cc Zero-Turn Lawn Tractor
My 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 I Like
- It's compatible with baggers and other accessories
- The foot-operated controls
- It has a powerful 726 CC Kawaskai engine
- Zero turn radius
What I Don’t Like
- The gas tank could be larger
- It has no park brake system
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.
I particularly love 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 I Like
- It is compatible with baggers and mulchers
- The ergonomic steering wheel
- Hydrostatic transmission for smooth riding
- It has high traction tires
What I Don’t Like
- It's not a zero turn mower
- The engine could use more horsepower
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 plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of your mowing session. To assess a mower’s cutting performance, factors such as speed, deck size, and maneuverability should be taken into account. These elements greatly influence how quickly and effectively the mower can trim your lawn.
Comfortable Seating
Turning Radius
Deck Size
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?
Top Pick For a Riding Lawn Mower with Bagger: Husqvarna Z254
During the reviews, I 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.
More options:
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.
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