Admit it or not, buying yard machines isn’t a cheap investment. So it’s only natural that you’re having a hard time finding the best riding lawn mowers under $1000.
We understand your budget constraints, so our team decided to comb through the market to test different riding mower options and non-riding alternatives closer to the $1000 price tag.
Reviews of the Top Riding Lawn Mowers Under $1000
1. Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Mower
Key Features
- 30-inch fine-cutting deck design
- Built-in hydrostatic transmission
- Deck wash system integration
- Forward and reverse mowing
- Protective anti-scalp wheels
- Supportive mid-back seat
Above anything else, the feature that makes Troy-Bilt Pony 42x an indispensable riding lawn mower is its powerful engine. If you’re mowing residential lawns with complex obstacles, a cutting tool with a 24HP Twin-Cylinder motor should help you cut grass smoothly.
Unlike other options, this riding lawnmower operates with hydrostatic transmission. Thanks to this, our testers didn’t have a hard time running the mower deck in reverse. And since Troy-Bilt Pony 42x is constructed with a 30-inch cutting deck, moving around narrow spaces like flower beds wouldn’t be as hard as when using other mowers.
On top of that, it requires minimum maintenance. You’ll have no problem cleaning this Troy-Bilt unit after cutting grass because it has a reliable deck wash system.
What We Like
- It’s a low-maintenance mower
- More affordable than other riding mowers
- Capable of intense mowing work
- Equipped with dual cutting blades
What We Don't Like
- Not the best riding mower for large lawns
- No mulching kit included upon purchase
Verdict
Troy-Bilt Pony is the best lawn mower to buy if you’re keen on reverse mowing and want a unit that requires minimum maintenance. Although it’s easier to assemble than other riding mowers, its features suit those users who are already familiar with using lawn mowers.
2. Snapper 2911525BVE Riding Mower
Key Features
- Ergonomic steering wheel
- Space-saving and compact construction
- Forward and reverse mowing operations
- Inclusion of wide-range speed options
If user-friendliness is on the top of your list, you should check out Snapper 2911525BVE riding mower. New users will experience no hassle driving this unit because its lever position can be adjusted in any direction.
Besides its easy-to-handle steering wheel, this riding mower gives users enough visibility. Its construction and design made it easy for us even for pregnants to use the mower and move around flower beds and trees on flat terrain. It also includes reverse gear, so navigating the cutting deck backward should come easy.
Another feature we like about this riding lawnmower is its oil-draining hose. Thanks to this, you can easily drain oil from the fuel tank before putting the unit away for storage.
What We Like
- Best riding lawn mowers for beginners
- It has adjustable and durable blades
- It takes up less space in the storage
- Easy to assemble and clean
What We Don't Like
- Heavier than other lawn tractors
- It may not suit uneven and rough terrain
Verdict
Given that this lawn mower has its engine mounted on the rear, users can expect stable operations when you cut grass. Many professionals recommend this unit for newbies not only because it’s compact but also because it’s easy to maintain than most options.
3. Weed Eater WE-ONE Riding Lawn Mower
Key Features
- Adjustable 26-inch cutting blade
- 18-inch turning radius & strong wheels
- Four-speed options & electric starter
If you’re eager to find the best riding lawn mower under $1000, all you need to do is add a few hundred bucks to buy Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-inch Riding Lawnmower. Besides its affordable price range, this riding mower has a lightweight construction capable of swiftly completing any cutting task.
Upon test drive, we concluded that its 26-inch cutting blade and powerful engine are enough to deliver a decent grass-cutting experience. You can adjust the cutting blades in five positions to ensure that your mower captures all the grass clippings[1].
What We Like
- Can cut grass swiftly and efficiently
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Less noise during cutting operations
- Equipped with a powerful engine
What We Don't Like
- Mulching bag not included upon purchase
- Product availability may vary
Verdict
Unlike a heavy-duty riding lawn tractor, WE-ONE is light enough to run at a speed of 4.25 mph. On top of that, it features wider cutting blades, so you can expect faster operations when you cut thick grass.
4. EGO Power+ ZT4204L Riding Mower
Key Features
- 42 inches cutting width & zero-turning radius
- Fast charging 56V Arc Lithium batteries
- Three to seven MPH operating speed
- Five-year limited product warranty
If an environment-friendly option is what you seek, the right mower for you is a battery-operated unit like EGO Power+ ZT4204L. Although it’s operating with lithium batteries, you can compare its offered power capacity to a 22 HP engine.
Its cutting deck runs with a zero-turn radius, so the unit is less likely to leave any lawn grass corner uncut. This zero-turn lawn mower can also cover 2-acre of land on a single charge. If you need to mow wider areas, all you need to do is add more batteries.
What We Like
- Capable of cutting 2-acre of land at a single charge
- Zero-turning radius and wide cutting width
- Battery-operated but comparable to a 22 HP lawn mower
- Includes three different mower driving modes
What We Don't Like
- Product assembly requires experience and time
- Lawn mower accessories are sold separately
Verdict
Some may argue that a battery-operated lawn mower isn’t as powerful as gas units. However, EGO Power+ ZT4204L proved that it could deliver high-powered performance thanks to its 56V Arc Lithium batteries. The model is also compatible with universal mower accessories for bagging, mulching, and side-discharging.
5. Craftsman Z560 Zero-turn Mower
Key Features
- Different speed options & zero-turning radius
- 24 HP 382 cc fuel-powered mower engine
- Thick-padded & comfortable mid-back seat
- Lightweight construction and durable wheels
It’s a zero-turn mower, so users can expect Craftsman Z560 to deliver a smoother job than regular lawn mowing equipment. Don’t worry about maintaining its wide cutting deck because you can rely on its deck wash system for easy cleaning.
This Craftsman riding lawn mower is also surprisingly lighter. Because of this, it can finish the mowing job faster than typical mowers.
In addition, it has a 24 HP engine that can withstand tough lawn conditions. Even if your cutting deck has to run through complex obstacles, trust that you can rely on its durable front and back wheels.
What We Like
- Equipped with a long-lasting mower engine
- Features zero-turning radius for easy maneuver
- Budget-friendly and easy to maintain
- Cutting deck suitable for different lawn sizes
What We Don't Like
- Unavailable in some local stores
- Needs regular mower maintenance
Verdict
Consistency should be your main objective when buying this Craftsman model, as it allows you to adjust speed options depending on your needs. On top of that, it’s compatible with mulching kits and other accessories that’ll help you in different lawn care tasks.
6. Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower
Key Features
- 42 inches reinforced cutting deck
- Innovative air-induction technology
- Foot-pedal hydro-static transmission
- One-press reverse gear switch
For a mower equipped with a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, it’s only natural that this unit is sold in a higher price range than typical brands.
Changing direction during the cutting operation won’t be a hassle because it operates with hydrostatic transmission. Because of this, you have better control over the mower with just a pedal push.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that its cutting deck is made of durable stainless steel. It also features air induction technology that produces better airflow on the deck, leading to a more even cutting experience.
What We Like
- It has a powerful and durable engine
- Capable of mowing in reverse
- Offers efficient driving control
- Can navigate around tight areas
- Comfortable and easy to use
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than other lawn tractor options
- The warranty period and conditions may vary
Verdict
It’s the perfect mower for users dealing with tough landscaping as it’s equipped with a high-powered engine and durable wheels. However, it’s important to note that this unit belongs to the higher price range.
7. Husqvarna MZ61 Zero-turn Riding Mower
Key Features
- Ergonomic deck lifting system
- Steel cutting deck construction
- Hydrostatic transmission drive system
- High-back seat with armrests
- 61 inches mower cutting width
- Briggs Endurance engine
Another unit you may want to consider if you’re not tight on a budget is Husqvarna MZ61 Zero-turn Riding Mower. Powered with a 27HP engine and 61-inch size, we don’t doubt that it can cater to different commercial mowing needs.
Using this mower is bliss because you can easily access the adjustment options from the operator’s seat. As if that’s not efficient enough, the manufacturers of this machine also equipped it with no-hassle startups and higher ground speeds to get the job done swiftly.
What We Like
- Suitable mower for commercial mowing
- It has efficient and convenient controls
- Made out of durable steel material
- Precise hydraulic wheel drive system
What We Don't Like
- Mulching and bagger kits are sold separately
- Sold at higher pricing than other options
Verdict
Given its price range and massive features, we’ll only recommend MZ61 if you’re mowing extensive and tough landscapes. It’s designed with a high-powered motor and high-capacity cutting deck, so rest assured that it can withstand rough mowing conditions.
8. Cub Cadet XT1 Riding Lawn Mower
Key Features
- Kohler Endure engine 18 HP
- E-coat rust protection system
- Three-year limited warranty
Not many cutting machines can navigate well at night, but Cub Cadet XT1 proved us wrong with its front dividers. With this feature, users can get enhanced visibility during the mowing operations.
Another unique feature of this Cub Cadet unit is its e-coat. It’s a protection system protecting its components from rusting, making them long-lasting and durable even when used in tough weather conditions.
What We Like
- Perfect mower for uneven landscapes and obstacles
- It has sufficient power to tackle regular lawn tasks
- Weather and rust-resistant mower components
What We Don't Like
- Massive weight makes the unit slow
- Product availability is not guaranteed
Verdict
Overall, this unit is the ultimate time-saver. Not only does it allow mowing in reverse, but it also features a massive handle that allows users to lift and lower the deck without any hassle. Catering to long mowing hours won’t leave you all fatigue because it’s a lightweight unit with an adjustable seat for utmost user comfort.
Top Alternatives for Riding Lawn Mowers
1. EGO Power+ LM2021 Push Lawn Mower
