If you are looking for the best riding mower for small yards then this page is for you. In order to help speed up your search for the most suitable mower for your more compact lawn or landscape we have put together a shortlist to guide you through what we consider to be the 3 best riding mowers for small yards currently available.
Starting with our top choice, we will give you a brief overview of each mower and also links through to the full reviews on each mower so you can check them out in more detail, along with links through to their full product listings on Amazon.com.
We have also added a selection of riding lawn mowers which may be of interest if your yard is on the larger side of being small to give you that little bit of extra choice that quite often can make all the difference between finding the perfect mower for you, and ending up with second best.
If you’re not sure if a lawn tractor or a zero turn would suit you best you can check out this page which points out some of the most asked about differences between them.
We have also posted another page which includes our list of the Top 10 Ride On Lawn Mowers for 2019, and includes the Best Zero Turn Riding Mowers, along with the Best Lawn Tractors which you can check out by clicking here.
Here Are Our Top Picks Of The Best Riding Mower For Small Yards 2019…
#1. Snapper 2911525 BVE Classic RER 28 inch 11.5 HP 344cc Rear Engine Riding Mower 2691525
Our top choice of riding mower for small yards is without a doubt the Snapper 2911525 BVE Classic RER 28 inch 11.5 HP 344cc Rear Engine Riding Mower 2691525, which is designed for ease of use, has a 5-speed drive system, and a small but highly effective 28″ cutting deck.
Measuring approximately just 43″ high x 29″ wide x 66″ long, this small lawn tractor rear engine riding mower is also a great choice if you have limited storage space, especially as it has the unique feature of being able to be stored away while being stood up on its edge.
The Snapper 2911525 BVE Classic RER is an incredibly maneuverable little mower with a 28″ turning radius, which allows you mow in between trees and other obstacles easily, and also has the added advantage of allowing you to see exactly where you are mowing from the driving seat.
The controls are very simple to reach and use, it is easy to start, easy to maintain, has plenty of power, mulches well, and gives a fantastic cut which can literally leave your lawn looking like a carpet.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon.com…
#2. Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
In at number #2 we have our overall top choice of riding mower for 2019- the Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower, or TB30. This mower has a 30″ cutting deck with 5 different adjustable cut heights, and is one of the best riding lawn mowers for home use on todays market.
Measuring just 62″ x 34″ x 26″, the TB30 is another pretty small lawn tractor which can mow where larger riding mowers simply can’t, and is also easy to store away in a shed or garage when not in use. For ease of maneuverability this mini lawn tractor mower has an 18″ turning radius, along with manual power take off (PTO), giving you quick and easy blade engagement.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon.com…
#3. Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin 34″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower
And our third choice is the Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin 34″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower, and although this mower has a slightly larger cutting deck than our two previous choices, it’s zero turn capabilities give it far better handling and maneuverability, making any hard to mow areas easily accessible, plus it can also be used pretty effectively for mowing hills and slopes.
With measurements of L-64 x H-37 x W-42 (including chute, remove the chute and this mower fits through a 36″ gate) it is also slightly wider than our other two choices which is something to keep in mind when making your final decision. It also features a dependable and powerful, easy start engine and hydrostatic transmission for a seamless lawn mowing experience, along with a 4-point hanging deck for a superior cut with greatly reduced scalping.
You also get a vibration reducing, fully welded steel frame for a more comfortable ride and fully adjustable, 3-position control arms to meet the preferences of individual operators.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon.com…
And If You Have A Slightly Larger Yard…
If your yard is somewhere between small and average size, we have selected the following riding mowers for you to take a look at. Being slightly larger in size they may be more suitable for your yard and also help you reduce your overall lawn mowing time.
#1. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series Kohler Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower (Lt 42 In. 18 Hp)
Our first choice of riding mower for yards which are somewhere between small and average in size is the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series Kohler Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower (Lt 42 In. 18 Hp). This is a lawn tractor style mower with a 42″ cutting deck, and which measures 52″ x 67″ x 42″ overall.
The Cub Cadet LT42 features a hydrostatic transmission for a seamless lawn mowing operation without the need for shifting, it has optimized steering with an 18″ turning radius, and has also been pretty cleverly designed for easy maneuvering when mowing around any obstacles and it’s also pretty good for mowing smaller hills too.
The LT42 gives a smooth and even cut and also has a quick-connect high pressure deck washout system for easy cleaning after mowing, plus it’s also a pretty comfortable ride too.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon.com…
#2. Ariens 915213 Zero Turn Mower, 19 HP, 42 in. Cutting W
Next up we have the Ariens 915213 Zero Turn Mower, 19 HP, 42 in. Cutting W which stands 43″ high x 64″ long x 45″ wide, with a 42″ 3-blade cutting deck. Being a zero turn riding mower it has greater maneuverability than lawn tractors like the Cub Cadet LT42 above, however it is slightly wider.
The Ariens 915213 also features a hydrostatic transmission for smooth and effortless operation, along with a fully welded 1.5″ x 1.5″ vibration reducing steel frame which provides a more comfortable ride.
The 4-point hanging cutting deck has 7 different cut heights and gives you a superior cut with reduced scalping for a more professional finish to your lawn.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon.com…
#3. Husqvarna YTH20K42 20HP 725cc Kohler 7000 42″ Lawn Tractor #960430274
The Husqvarna YTH20K42 20HP 725cc Kohler 7000 42″ Lawn Tractor #960430274 is another lawn tractor style riding mower which with overall measurements of L-69.3″ x W-43.5 with the chute up, (49″ with the chute down) H-41.4″, is compact enough to be used efficiently and effectively in smaller to average sized yards.
The engine on the Husqvarna YTH20K42 features SmartChoke technology for easy start ups in any temperature, along with foot pedal operated hydrostatic transmission for smooth and effortless, low maintenance mowing. It also has a best-in-class 18″ turning radius for mowing in and out of difficult spots.
The cutting deck has 4 anti-scalp wheels, to prevent scalping, as well as Air Induction Mowing Technology for superior cutting and more even ejection of clippings. This mower also comes with ConsistentCut technology which allows you to mow straight through tall and wet grass easily.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon.com…
#4. Snapper 2691402 360z Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Red
Our 4th choice of riding mower for slightly larger yards is the commercially-inspired Snapper 2691402 360z Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Red. This Snapper zero turn mower has a brilliant engine which starts up quickly and easily, is good on fuel and pretty quiet during operation. It also features a hydrostatic transmission for shift-free smooth mowing.
Measuring 72″ long x 55″ wide x 42″ high, the Snapper 2691402 is great for getting in and out of those hard to mow areas, and the cutting deck has a foot pedal operated cut height adjustment system with 13 different positions to choose from, plus 2 anti-scalp wheels to protect your lawn during mowing.
Another feature which makes the Snapper 360Z ideal for working in tight yards is its rear engine guard which comes fitted as standard. It also has a tough welded steel chassis to reduce flexing for a more even cut and a deck washout port for easy cleaning after mowing.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon.com…
#5. Ariens IKON-X 42″ Zero Turn Mower 22hp Kohler 7000 Series #915220
And at number 5 on our list we have another zero turn riding mower-the Ariens IKON-X 42″ Zero Turn Mower 22hp Kohler 7000 Series #915220. This riding mower has a great engine which gives great performance and plenty of power while also being pretty economical too. Sizewise it measures up at 77.5″ long, 47″ wide-that’s with the chute up, with the chute down it measures 54″, and 41″ high.
The Ariens Ikon-X 42 also has a hydrostatic transmission for shift-free operation and a 3-blade fabricated cutting deck with 4-point hanging system, operated by a mechanical foot-lift, with 13 different cut heights to chose from.
The tubular frame is fully welded for added strength and reliability, and for your riding comfort during extended periods of mowing there is also a sprung, plush, high-back seat, including armrests which gives great lumbar support.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon.com…
Our Top Choice Of Best Riding Mower For Small Yards For 2019…
If you’re in the market for a top quality riding mower for mowing and maintaining a small yard, we highly recommend checking out the Snapper 2911525 BVE Classic RER 28 inch 11.5 HP 344cc Rear Engine Riding Mower 2691525 first.
This small lawn tractor style rear engine riding mower is also a great choice if you have limited storage space, especially as it has the unique feature of being able to be stored away while being stood up on its edge.
It’s also incredibly maneuverable little mower with a 28″ turning radius, which allows you mow in between trees and other obstacles easily, and also lets you to see exactly what and where you are mowing without you having to leave the driving seat.
The controls are all within easy reach and are also very easy to use, this mower is easy to start, easy to maintain, has plenty of power, mulches well, and also gives the quality of cut which can literally leave your lawn looking like a carpet.
Click here to check it out for yourself on Amazon.com…
