The best. Interesting concept. What’s best for one is horrible for another, what’s horrible for one, could be just-the-right-fit for the next…so what’s the best riding lawn mower for you? Before we can answer this question, a few variables must be determined.

Your Lawn
First and foremost is the size of the lawn, or lawns, you need to mow. Are we talking a small patch of grass, where maybe you fire up your new beast and plod along, calling it a good days work after 5 or 10 minutes? Or are we talking acres, rolling hills, hours of endless puttering knocking down the evermocking green blades of grass that are your bane? The best riding lawn mower is wholly dependent upon your needs.

The ‘Feel’
Once you determine your application, your lawn, the next step is brand. There are household names that tout ‘the best riding lawn mower’ all day long. But how can we know for sure? John Deere, Toro, Snapper, all Giants in the quest for Kingship amongst the Lawn Mowing populous. While each offers similar ends, the small details matter. Do you like the feel of the John Deere mower, or do you nestle nicely into the Toro’s seat, the contours, the welcoming grip and ride that could make your Saturday afternoon chore a true pleasure? Or will it be the Snapper’s snarl, the growl of the Briggs & Stratton humming at your back making you feel like the Lawn King? Personal preference is key – don’t be shy when shopping, saddle up to these babies and see if you can really get comfortable in the driver’s seat, because in the end the best riding lawn mower for you will be the one that feels right.

Mower envy is a viscous creature. Maybe your neighbor hunkers down on his green glowing John Deere every Saturday, with steely eyes steadily staring you down knowing full-well that your walkbehind Snapper, throwing black smoke and sputtering, is on it’s last limbs….maybe he does this, and maybe it eats you up inside. We understand. Name is huge. Who to buy? Who makes the Best Riding Lawn Mower, from a mechanical standpoint?

While all major manufacturers like John Deere, Toro, and Snapper, have their High Points…like Snappers RE200 Ground Hugger Traction, simply too much to resist, or Toro’s LX Cruise Control feature, or even the John Deere’s 7-Iron Deep Deck mower, each major brand has many great features to offer the lawn mowing enthusiast.

So what’s right for you? If you’re still waffling, and can’t quite make the final decision don’t forget to consult our Buyer’s Guide to help you solidify your next purchase, so you can find the best riding lawn mower for your needs!