10 Best Riding Lawn Mower for Rough Terrain Buying Guide for 2020
A lawnmower is a machine that trims the grass and weeds of your garden and backyard. If you are living in a place that has rough terrain, then ordinary lawn mowers will not be enough for you. You need a particular lawnmower, aka rough terrain lawnmower, which is perfect for your backyard. In case your yard is more significant than half an acre, you need to buy a riding lawn mower for this purpose.
This article lists all the possible best riding lawn mower for rough terrain, which are efficient and durable and offer a great user-friendly experience. The riding lawn mowers are either zero-turn type or lawn tractors. These machines can quickly move in your backyard along with other features like pulling aerators, spreaders, plows, trailers, etc. Make sure to check this list before you buy a new mower for your lawn-
Top 10 Rough Terrain Riding Lawn Mower Review
1. Craftsman T135 18.5 HP Briggs and Stratton, 46 Inch Gas, powered Riding Lawn Mower
- POWERFUL BRIGGS AND STRATTON GAS ENGINE WITH READY START: Powerful gas engine suitable for larger yard jobs while ready start technology provides a...
- 46-INCH CUTTING DECK WITH INCLUDED DECK WASH: Lawn tractor comes equipped with wide 46-Inch cutting deck for cutting, trimming, and clipping grass in...
Craftsman is a trusted and well-known company for riding lawnmowers. This company designs mowers that have great features and are compact. If you want to have a mower with easy using guides and exceptional performance, make sure to check this mower out for at least once. The bonus point is that this craftsman comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for convenience.
Features
- It has reliable engines from Stratton and Briggs. The twin-cylinder engine comes with an auto-choke starting system. That means you can quickly start it without checking for priming.
- Has efficient CVT automatic transmission for better speed. You also get variable speed options for a better mowing experience.
- Runs on gas
- A 46-inch cutting deck that cuts or clips and trims grass in just one stroke.
- Additionally, it has an innovative air induction cutting deck that uses high force air to cut the grass and also offers to bag the cut grass efficiently.
- The blades can go in direct or reverse direction simultaneously. So, you can easily cut grass in every possible direction without moving too much.
- Weight: 503 pounds
- Dimension: 70*47*35.5 inches
- 2 years warranty
2. Troy- Bilt 540 cc Riding Mower
- Powered by a reliable 19 HP/540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek engine and a Foot-Pedal automatic transmission
- Featuring power and operator comfort, this automatic mower is ideal for mowing large areas
It is a contender for the title of Best riding lawn mower for rough terrain easily. This mower is robust and works like magic. It can make the toughest mowing job more comfortable with faster performance. It is also designed for the rough and uneven terrain and offers the rider a great comfort.
Features:
- A full 46-inch cutting deck that efficiently cleans the grass with swift motions.
- The mower comes with an automatic foot-pedal that makes mowing down the lawns easier.
- The powerful 540cc engine is enough to offer excellent performance.
- It has a comfortable and ergonomic design.
- The power control makes controlling the mower a breeze even in rough terrains. The steering is also easy to use and works perfectly.
- Troy-Bilt 540 cc mower has an ergonomic mid-back rider seat. The seat allows the user to sit comfortably while cutting the grass. You can even sit for hours without any discomfort.
- This model comes with side discharges to allow you to reduce the grass.
- Reverse mowing is available.
3. Ryobi 38 inch Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower RY48110
- Battery Operated: fully electric and 0 emissions
- 3 Brushless motors for superior power and performance
If you are an absolute nature lover and want a greener solution for a lawnmower, then you can choose this model. The Ryobi 38 inch lawn mower RY48110 runs on electric. It has a battery that can be charged and then used as per your convenience. Cutting grass cannot be more eco-friendly at a high price. It is one of the best lawn mowers for rough terrains. It does not pose any threat to nature yet efficiently does what the manufacturers claim.
Features-
- Runs on electricity. That means it can be a great choice in the places where gas emission is not legal.
- The battery offers a two hour run time. This is enough to mow a more extensive lawn with an area of 2 acres.
- Charges faster
- You can recharge the battery with ordinary 120-volt power outlet
- The three brushless motors ensure performance.
- 38-inch full deck for cutting grass.
- There are no spark plugs or belts or filters in this model. Hence, it requires lower maintenance.
- No carbon emission
- Weight: 595 pounds
- Cones with twin decks with 12 different positions for a clean mowing experience.
- Has LED flashlights and a USB port for charging your mobile devices
- This machine does not make sounds while cutting grass
4. Ariens 991151 Apex 60” 24 HP Kawaski FR730 V Twin Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning,...
This riding lawn mower is perfect if you want to have comfort and features combined in harmony. It offers a great user experience, along with many beneficial features. If you want a mower that has commercial features but does not put a hole in your pocket, then Ariens 991151 Apex is your best choice.
Features:
- This riding lawn mower comes with a durable steel frame that lasts for a long time.
- It is fast, hence mowing your lawn becomes more comfortable and quicker
- It can easily navigate through rough terrains without any problem and can clean even a large garden or backyard within minutes.
- Dimension: 74.5*62.8*42 INCHES
- Weight: 855 pounds
5. Husqvarna Z254 inch 26HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
- 26 HP Kohler engine provides reliable startups and a max speed of 6.5 MPH
- A patent-pending park brake system automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward
If you like Zero-turn mowers, then it is the possible best riding lawn mower for rough terrain that you can buy. This mower from Husqvarna is a pure delight. The makers offer premium lawn mowers in an excellent price range, and this model is also a gem from their house. It is a maintenance-free mower and allows you to get rid of the excessive maintenance processes. You get a high performance regardless of the small size. It offers excellent features and does its job efficiently. So, if you want to buy a mower that can impress people with its performance, buy this without hesitation.
Features:
- 26 HP Kohler high-performance engine that can allow you to run the mower at a speed of 6.5 miles per hour.
- Husqvarna Z254 has an innovative automatic brake system. That means you can activate or deactivate with the movement of the steering.
- Husqvarna model comes with a special air induction mowing technology. This means the mower draws the air from the upper and lower side of the deck. It offers better performance for cutting grass.
- The steel cutting deck is for heavier jobs and is long-lasting.
- You can discharge or mulch or store the clippings in a bag. You need to buy a bag. Mulching kit and attachments separately.
- Has a bumper with headlights
- The Z254 model has three anti-scalp rollers
- Fuel capacity: 3.5 gals
- Dimension: 72*61.49*34.48 inches
- Item weight: 2 lbs. That means it is extremely lightweight and easy to handle.
6. Snapper 2691319 360Z Riding Zero-turn Mower
- The integrated rear cargo bed makes this zero turn more versatile than ever before. Plus, the rails allow for the use of aftermarket ATV accessories...
- A fully-welded steel frame, thick-walled front axle, durable mower deck, and ball bearings in the caster spindles ensure durability and a great cut.
This is another zero-turn mower on the list. It comes from the production house of Snapper. It has a compact design and allows you to carry the grass after you mow your lawn. This mower also has great accessories. If you are now wondering about the durability, then it is right for you. This snapper 2691319 comes with a professional engine for rugged performance. It allows you to ride and mow your lawn without thinking about any problem or discomfort.
Features:
- The most prominent feature is its integrated design. You get cargo to carry weight up to 50 pounds.
- This riding mower also comes with ports for ATV accessories. So, you can upgrade it whenever you want.
- The machine has a durable steel body. It is supposed to and can last for a long time without any problem. It also has a thick front axle and capable ball bearings.
- The snapper 2691319 model has two cutouts to insert removable wooden 2×4 tailgate.
- The engines are from the Briggs and Stratton. So, you get a high-performance lawn mowing experience. These engines allow you to cut even a large backyard faster than you think.
- The manufacturers want to give a great experience to the users. Hence, the mower has a hydrostatic transmission. Therefore, you can ride the ZTR model without any discomfort.
- The adjustable 48-inch deck is a breeze. It has an industrial style liftable design. You can change the height of the floor by your foot. It has 13 different deck positions starting from 1.5 to 4.5″.
- This model comes with a high back seat for better seating experience. The control levels bend and allow you to keep your hand in front of your legs while you are operating the machine.
- It also has a convenient cup holder and a storage compartment to store your belongings, including mobiles, wallets, and keys.
- This model has a three-year warranty facility.
- Dimension: 71*59*42 inches
- Weight- 2 pounds’
7. XT1 Enduro Series LT 46 inch 22-HP V-Twin Kohler Hydrostatic Gas Front-ENGINE Riding Mower
If you want comfort with features, then this XT1 Enduro series model is the best riding lawn mower for rough terrain in your budget. This machine is durable and comes with a hydrostatic transmission drive. It allows you to mow the lawn with efficiency and offers a clean-cut experience. XT1 enduro is excellent if your yard has a lot of obstacles like weeds.
Features:
- A 22horse horsepower engine from the famous Kohler ensures a great riding. The engine also has a hydrostatic transmission drive. So, you can cut and mow your lawn with a simple push on the pedal.
- Enduro LT 46 has a 46-inch deck with a 16-inch turning radius. So, pulling out obstacles and maneuvering these things becomes easy.
- The steering comes with a comfortable grip, and you can handle the wheel without discomfort.
- Another feature that you always need to consider is its adjustable seat. The seat has a slope setting, and you can adjust the position as per your preference.
- Dimension: 67*56*43 inches
- Weight: 600 pounds
8. Snapper 2911525bve Classic RER 28 INCG 11.5 hp 340CC Rear engine Riding Mower
- 11.5 hp Briggs & Stratton Power Built 4-Cycle OHV Engine
- Vertical Stand-on-Edge Capability
Another model from the house of snapper in this list. This is a model with a smaller deck and lesser horsepower. But it offers excellent performance. You can sit comfortably, operate the mower with ease. The bonus point is effortless maintenance. It is a compact model. So, you do not need to have larger storage to keep it.
Features:
- A powerful 11.5 horsepower engine for Briggs and Stratton makes this mower a powerhouse. The 4-cycle power built OHV engine is ideal for the rough grass and weeds.
- This riding mower comes with an extra full 50-inch cutting deck for a broader section. That means more grass in one swipe. The deck is reversible. So, you can cut with the mow-in-reverse motion for easily maneuvering things.
- The steering wheel has a soft touch feature. It makes controlling the machines easier than you think.
- This Snapper 2911525BVE runs in gasoline and has a three-gallon tank. So, you get rest from refueling the mower after a single-use.
- This seat is ergonomically designed and offers enough space for your legs; It does not make you feel cramped in a seat while driving.
- This mower has a vertical stand-on-edge feature. So, you can maintain it easily.
- You also get a two years manufacturer warranty with this riding mower.
9. Troy-Bilt 382 CC 30-Inch Premium Neighbourhood Riding Lawn Mower
- Powered by a 382cc Auto Choke OHV engine with top forward speeds of 4.25 MPH and a 6-speed transmission
- The 30-Inch cutting deck featuring 5 adjustable settings couples the benefits of a standard riding mower with the size of a wide cut walk behind mower
Troy-Bilt is another name for comfort and performance. So, this is the second model from the company. It is a bit different from the previous model. But, it offers a similar experience for mowing rough terrain. It is a smaller mower with a compact design that is great in case you have a space crunch.
Features
- The 382cc auto choke OHV engine is known for its durability and performance. The mower can run with a maximum speed of 4.25 MPH. You also get six different speed transmission options.
- The deck design is innovative, and a useful 3o inch full deck allows better coverage. You can also change the setting and height of the deck for six different positions. This will enable you to mow your lawn in a cleaner and better way. Additionally, the model has an 18-inch cutting radius.
- This model from Troy-Bilt has two 13”*5” front wheels and a pair of 16”*6.5” rear wheels.
- It comes with manual starting option
- You can easily adjust and insert the blade without spending a lot of time.
- This is great for medium to large-sized rough terrain and uniform terrain.
- The 1.3-gallon fuel tank with a single-window is for an available gas level check
- Dimension: 62*34*26 inches
- This model also comes with two years of manufacturing warranty.
10. Craftsman T225 19 HP Briggs and Stratton Gold 46 Inch Gas Mower with mower cover
- POWERFUL BRIGGS AND STRATTON GAS ENGINE WITH READY START: Powerful gas engine suitable for larger yard jobs while ready start technology provides a...
- 46-INCH CUTTING WITH INCLUDED DECK WASH: Lawn tractor comes equipped with wide 46-Inch cutting deck for cutting, trimming, and clipping grass in one...
This is the last machine on this list. It is an easy-to-use mower. You can use it in rough terrain and uniform terrain with the same efficiency. It allows you to mow your lawn without any worries. If you want a mower that offers performance and features together, then choose this craftsman, T225.
Features:
- The twin-cylinder engine from the house of renowned company Stratton and Briggs guarantees for a powerhouse performance. The auto choking function prevents any kind of choking during the power-up session.
- The easy to handle CVT automatic transmission system is a breeze. You can operate it with just the pedals to speed up the process.
- This tractor type lawn mower can clip or cut or trim grass in a single stroke. For mowing, you get a 46-inch cutting deck. The blades are reversible and can cut grass in reverse direction.
- The front axle of durable iron ensures the machine lasts for a longer time.
- This machine comes with a cover for a convenient storage purpose.
- Weight: 503 pounds
- Dimension: 70*47*35.5 inches
- Craftsman T225 also has a two-year warranty facility.
How to buy a perfect lawnmower for the uneven ground
If you are living in a place that has rough terrain( for example. The hilly region), mowing becomes a challenging task with a standard conventional mower. Hence, you need to buy a particular mower that serves your purpose. A lot of people, at times, get confused while purchasing a new mower. If you want to buy the best riding lawn mower for rough terrain within your budget, then you need to look for specific points.
Here are these factors in detail
The steering wheel
For a perfect mowing experience in the uneven terrain, the steering plays an important part. If the seeing is easy to handle, then it becomes easier to move the mower. Models with power steering are the best choice. A mower should be easier to drive.
Durable design
This is the next point you should consider. A lawnmower for uneven terrain should have a durable design to ensure it stays in shape for a long time without any problem.
The power of the engine
You have to check the horsepower of the driver before buying it. The more strength means quick and efficient mowing of the grass. If you have a medium-scale backyard, then you can go with a riding mower with horsepower to 10 to 25. But, for a large area, it is better to go for riding mowers with a minimum 20 horsepower engine.
The size of the blade or cut width
It is the third point you should keep in mind. Small or medium-sized mowers have a cutting width of 20 to 30 inches. On the contrary, the larger models can have 40 inches to 50 inches and even larger cutting blades. It is better to go for a reversible blade that offers fast mowing. Make sure to check if the blade has an adjustable height. More extensive models take less time to complete the task. But if your lawn has more trees, then you need to buy a compact mower.
Fuel Capacity
A fuel capacity of the mower provides you a sneak peek for how much time a mower can run with a full tank. The size of the container usually is proportionate to the size of the mower model. So, smaller models have a smaller tank, and larger ones can have a three to four-gallon tank. But, your mower needs to have a standard tank size. This is because small containers make you need to make a stop while mowing the lawn only to refuel it. This can be time consuming and hectic.
If your mower runs on electricity, then check the voltage and the charging time. Also, ask the seller about the battery capacity. You need to buy a riding mower that can at least run for two hours at a full battery charge.
Check if spare parts are available easily
Always make sure to check if the spare parts are available easily. That is because if a piece gets broken, you need to get a spare part as quickly as possible to repair it. If the parts are not available easily, you may not have a great experience with the mower in the long run.
Is there any warranty available?
This is another question you need to ask. The warranty allows you a little relief. This is because if something happens within the warranty period, you will get assistance in repairing. So, buying a model with a manufacturing warranty is a must.
Some maintenance tips:
If you want the lawnmower to last for a long time, then make sure to maintain it regularly. Even the mowers with low maintenance options need minimum maintenance. Here are some general tips-
1. You need to check the mower if all the parts are in place. In the case of damaged parts, replace them as soon as possible. Blades need regular inspection.
2. During the mowing season, make sure to lubricate the wheels and the blade for better performance.
3. Clean the debris and dirt and empty the mowing bas as soon as the task ends. Undesirable trash can damage the riding mower.
4. Always make sure to check the mower tank before cutting the grass. If the tank seems empty, fill it before working.
5. If your mower runs on electricity. Make sure that it has a full charge before you start to mow your lawn.
6. Keep the mower in a secured place and place a cover over it.
Conclusion
If you want to buy the best riding lawn mower for rough terrain, you can do your research before buying one. You can buy any of the mowers from the list as per your budget. Make sure to obtain a mower that suits your requirements and is easy to use.
