What is the Best Riding Lawn Mower Under $1000? (Zero-Turn Unit) (2023)

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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. 

Premium Option
Snapper 2911525BVE Riding Mower
Editor’s Choice
Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Mower
Budget Option
Weed Eater WE-ONE Riding Lawn Mower
Snapper 2911525BVE Riding Mower
Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Mower
Weed Eater WE-ONE Riding Lawn Mower
• Compact Lawn Mower Design
• Ergonomic Steering Wheel
• Adjustable Cutting Blade
• Cutting Width: 28-inch
• Rear-mounted Engine
• Reverse Mowing
• Oil-change Hose
• Ergonomic Mid-Back Seat
• 7 Speed Adjustment Options
• Steel Mower Deck
• Dual Cutting Blades
• Mulching Feature
• Steel Front Axle
• Reverse Gear
• Cutting Blade Adjustment: 3-inch
• 26-inch Mower Deck
• 3-speed Adjustments
• Friction Disk Transmission
• Non-slip Foot Pedal
• Full Electric Start
• Fuel-efficient Capacity
Premium Option
Snapper 2911525BVE Riding Mower
Snapper 2911525BVE Riding Mower
• Compact Lawn Mower Design
• Ergonomic Steering Wheel
• Adjustable Cutting Blade
• Cutting Width: 28-inch
• Rear-mounted Engine
• Reverse Mowing
• Oil-change Hose
Editor’s Choice
Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Mower
Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Mower
• Ergonomic Mid-Back Seat
• 7 Speed Adjustment Options
• Steel Mower Deck
• Dual Cutting Blades
• Mulching Feature
• Steel Front Axle
• Reverse Gear
Budget Option
Weed Eater WE-ONE Riding Lawn Mower
Weed Eater WE-ONE Riding Lawn Mower
• Cutting Blade Adjustment: 3-inch
• 26-inch Mower Deck
• 3-speed Adjustments
• Friction Disk Transmission
• Non-slip Foot Pedal
• Full Electric Start
• Fuel-efficient Capacity

Reviews of the Top Riding Lawn Mowers Under $1000

1. Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Mower

Key Features

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

What We Don't Like

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

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

What We Don't Like

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

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

What We Don't Like

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

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

What We Don't Like

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

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

What We Don't Like

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

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

What We Don't Like

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

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

What We Don't Like

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

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

What We Don't Like

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

Best Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
EGO Power+ LM2021 Push Lawn Mower
Best Robotic Lawn Mower
Husqvarna Robotic Lawn Mower
Best Cordless Lawn Mower
Worx WG744 Cordless Push Mower
EGO Power+ LM2021 Push Lawn Mower
Husqvarna Robotic Lawn Mower
Worx WG744 Cordless Push Mower
• Stainless Steel Mowing Deck
• Battery-powered Operations
• Brushless Motor
• Fast Charging
• DIY installation
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Quiet Mowing
• Cutting height: 2 to 3.6-inch
• 20V PowerShare battery
• Height Adjustment Options: 6
• Mulching & Bagging
• Charging Gauge
Best Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
EGO Power+ LM2021 Push Lawn Mower
EGO Power+ LM2021 Push Lawn Mower
• Stainless Steel Mowing Deck
• Battery-powered Operations
• Brushless Motor
• Fast Charging
Best Robotic Lawn Mower
Husqvarna Robotic Lawn Mower
Husqvarna Robotic Lawn Mower
• DIY installation
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Quiet Mowing
• Cutting height: 2 to 3.6-inch
Best Cordless Lawn Mower
Worx WG744 Cordless Push Mower
Worx WG744 Cordless Push Mower
• 20V PowerShare battery
• Height Adjustment Options: 6
• Mulching & Bagging
• Charging Gauge

1. EGO Power+ LM2021 Push Lawn Mower

Key Features