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Yard work just got a whole lot easier.

Person mowing grass with the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

Photo:Real Simple

A riding lawn mower eliminates most of the legworkactually,allof it.

Rather than pushing it, you ride and control the mower yourself.

Its only recommended for yards up to 1 acre.

John Deere S100 42-Inch 17.5 HP Gas Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor

PHOTO: The Home Depot

After six months of use, it still exceeds our expectations.

In fact, we havent even needed to change the oil.

Its small size contributes to its maneuverability and makes it easy to store when not in use.

Person riding John Deere S100 Riding Lawnmower on grass

PHOTO: Real Simple

However, for those with children who play in the yard, it’s a much-needed safety precaution.

The headlights, large and easy-to-empty bagger, and comfortable and adjustable seat earned this mower top marks.

It has a lot of torque, so you have to accelerate carefully.

John Deere S100 Riding Lawnmower on grass with woods in background

This mower stood out for its effective performance and quiet operation.

It cut even paths through damp grass effortlessly, and it was intuitive and easy to operate.

Six months later, its still working as well as it did on day one.

Person riding John Deere S100 Riding Lawnmower over grass

This model doesnt skimp on features.

Still, theres a lot to love about this excellent machine.

It doesnt come with a bagging option or headlights to navigate low-light areas.

Close up of pedals on John Deere S100 Riding Lawnmower

If you prefer a gas mower to an electric one, this pick from Toro is for you.

It has consistent speed and a strong suspension system, so you might mow over rough terrain effortlessly.

We found it easy to maneuver on any surface, and it never felt unstable.

Person riding John Deere S100 Riding Lawnmower on grass

It can take some time to figure out how to turn evenly using both handles.

We were impressed that it stayed in line, even when operating on a slight hillside.

Six months later, its still an integral part of our lawn maintenance routine.

John Deere S100 Riding Lawnmower on grass with woods in background

It cut our grass faster than many other models weve tried and required less of a learning curve.

And it’s comfy, too.

It even has headlights, along with several cutting heights to choose from.

Person riding John Deere S100 Riding Lawnmower over grass

Upon arrival, we timed how long it took to unbox and assemble each lawn mower.

For battery-powered models, we also considered how long they took to fully charge.

While mowing, we thought about how comfortable, adjustable, and maneuverable the mower was.

Close up of pedals on John Deere S100 Riding Lawnmower

How long did the battery last?

How evenly did the mower cut?

That said, they tend to be pricey and relatively small.

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

PHOTO: The Home Depot

Then there arerear-engine mowers, which are usually very small and less powerful than other options.

Still, theyre often less expensive than the other types given their size and power.

We didnt test any of thesethey arent as maneuverable as zero-turn mowers or as efficient as lawn tractors.

Person mowing with the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

PHOTO: Real Simple

Fuel bang out

Gas-powered mowersare more traditional, operating similarly to a car.

You never need to worry about the battery going out.

However, gas-powered models emit carbon monoxide, making them less environmentally friendly.

Person mowing grass with the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

They are also louder than electric onessome neighborhoods dont allow them, so check before buying.

Theres also upkeep with a gas-powered mower.

They also operate quietly, so theyre more conducive if you live in a densely packed area.

Battery pack charging next to the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

Generally speaking, the larger your lawn, the greater deck width youll want.

To write this article, we tested riding mowers over several weeks, including both electric and gas-powered options.

Hand closing a compartment on the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

Person mowing with the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

Person mowing grass with the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

Battery pack charging next to the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

Hand closing a compartment on the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower

PHOTO: The Home Depot

Person mowing grass around a tree using the Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower

PHOTO: Real Simple

The back of Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower on grass

Person mowing lawn with Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower near trees

Person mowing grass around a tree using the Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower

The back of Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower on grass

Person mowing lawn with Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower near trees

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42-Inch 22 HP Zero-Turn Mower

PHOTO: The Home Depot

Close up of seat of Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42-Inch 22 HP Zero-Turn Mower

PHOTO: Real Simple

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42-Inch 22 HP Zero-Turn Mower inside its packaging in a garage

Close up of seat of Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42-Inch 22 HP Zero-Turn Mower

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42-Inch 22 HP Zero-Turn Mower inside its packaging in a garage

Person mowing lawn with Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower

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