I spent time running, trimming, and maintaining several riding mowers and related accessories so you don’t have to. Here are the tractors and tools I’d choose for different needs—electric and gas options, replacement kit
I evaluated electric and gas riding mowers across power, runtime, build quality, and everyday usability. My goal was to identify machines that actually make yard work faster and simpler—not just look good on paper.
Across these picks you’ll find battery platforms that eliminate fuel headaches, a dependable gas tractor for traditional power, and a few accessories that make maintenance painless.
I compared runtime, deck construction, ergonomics, and serviceability so you can match a mower to your property size and priorities.
1. Greenworks PRO 80V 42” Electric Lawn Tractor (6 x 5.0Ah) – Best Overall Electric Tractor
A high-capacity electric riding mower with an 80V brushless motor, long runtime, and practical work features.
Why I picked it: Longest single-charge run time in this group and solid build quality.
Best for: Owners who want near gas-level power with low maintenance.
Premium battery package included; a higher-end electric option.
Pros
- Very long runtime—up to about 2 acres
- Quiet operation compared to gas
- High-back padded seat with armrests
- Integrated cargo bed hauls up to 200 lbs
- Smart G Connect app and GPS tracking
Cons
- Some listings sold without batteries
- Heavier than smaller tractors
- Freight crate delivery to manage
My take
I switched to this Greenworks PRO after years with a gas Craftsman, and the first thing I noticed was how quiet and powerful it feels. The 80V brushless motor delivers torque similar to my old gas unit while running without fumes or pull cords.
The six included 5.0Ah batteries gave me the kind of uninterrupted runtime I wanted—Greenworks advertises up to two acres, and in my sequence of cuts that matched expectations. I appreciated the intelligent power management that prevented bogging in thick patches of grass.
Comfort and usability are strong points: the high-back seat is supportive, the foldable armrests are a nice touch, and the integrated cargo bed is genuinely useful for hauling soil or tools around the yard.
Two practical warnings from my hands-on time: double-check which SKU you’re buying because some versions ship without batteries or chargers, and plan for the crate-style delivery since it adds a step to setup.
2. LMS2002 Replacement Lawn & Garden Tractor Seat – Best Replacement Seat
An economical, comfortable replacement seat that fits many tractors with a few common modifications.
Why I picked it: Comfortable upgrade and much less costly than OEM seats.
Best for: Repairing or refreshing an aging tractor seat on a budget.
Affordable alternative to expensive OEM seats.
Pros
- Comfortable padding
- Fits a variety of tractors
- Good value versus OEM seats
- Easy to install in many cases
Cons
- May require drilling or minor modification
- Bolts often not included
- Unknown long-term durability
My take
I installed this seat on a Craftsman LT1000 and a Honda Harmony; in one case it was a direct fit and took me about ten minutes. In another case I drilled a couple of holes and sourced bolts from the hardware store.
For the price it’s a noticeable comfort upgrade—my ride feels steadier and I don’t get sore after longer mowing sessions. Expect that it won’t be an exact OEM match for every brand, so a little patience with mounting or minor modification may be necessary.
If you want OEM-perfect bolt patterns, this isn’t that. But if you want more comfort for far less money, this seat delivers.
3. CRAFTSMAN 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine – Best Traditional Gas Workhorse
A straightforward gas tractor with a rugged stamped-steel 42" deck and proven Briggs & Stratton power.
Why I picked it: Classic gas performance and dependable mechanical simplicity.
Best for: People who prefer proven gas engines and simple servicing.
Traditional gas-machine value—familiar ownership costs and maintenance.
Pros
- Reliable Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine
- Durable 42" stamped steel deck
- Seven-speed manual transmission
- Good turning radius for obstacles
Cons
- Requires routine gas maintenance
- Crate/pallet may need prying on delivery
- Cockpit feels snug for tall operators
My take
I bought this Craftsman to replace an older identical model and found assembly easier than I expected—seat and steering on, battery connected, fuel added, and it started right up.
The 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine gives straightforward, familiar power and the stamped-steel 42" deck cuts efficiently across larger lawns. The seven-speed transmission helps me dial in the right pace for different jobs.
If you value simplicity and the ability to service your own mower, this gas tractor checks those boxes. Be prepared for pallet-style delivery and know that taller operators may find the seating area a little cramped.
4. Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless CrossoverT Riding Mower (4 x 8.0Ah) – Best for Fast Cutting and Swappable Batteries
A fast, quiet electric tractor optimized for swap-and-go battery workflow and high blade speed.
Why I picked it: Fast cutting speed and a practical battery-swap system.
Best for: Users who want quick mowing and minimal downtime.
Higher-tier electric package with multiple batteries included.
Pros
- Industry-fast 8 MPH cutting speed
- Very quiet operation
- Mow, swap, and go battery workflow
- LED headlights for low-light mowing
Cons
- Battery charging logistics to manage
- Some assembly hardware occasionally missing
- Mulch chute fit can be finicky
My take
I loved how quickly I could cover ground with this Greenworks 60V—on straight runs the 8 MPH top speed felt noticeably faster than most competitors and made big yards go by quickly.
The Mow, Swap, and Go approach is practical: I used two batteries while the other two charged and avoided mid-job interruptions. Noise levels were pleasantly low and the cut quality felt clean and even thanks to the high blade speed.
Practical notes from setup: the mower arrives crated and assembly is straightforward, but check you have every bolt; a few minor parts were missing in my shipment. Also, if you expect a perfect mulch chute out of the box, verify the fit—some units may need adjustment.
5. TUNTENDO Lawn Mower Lift Jack, 882 Lbs Telescopic Maintenance Jack – Best Maintenance Accessory
A telescopic lift that makes blade changes and underside work fast, with drill-powered lifting for speed.
Why I picked it: Makes blade changes and underside work quicker and safer.
Best for: Anyone doing regular blade changes or deck maintenance.
A practical shop tool that reduces maintenance hassle.
Pros
- 882 lb capacity suits most riding mowers
- Easy to operate with drill attachment
- Adjustable height and angle
- Sturdy powder-coated finish
Cons
- Can rust if left exposed to moisture
- Requires some assembly
- A snug fit on some mower frames
My take
This jack transformed a tedious blade change into a five-minute job. I drove my John Deere onto the platform, secured it, and using a battery drill on the attachment I lifted and lowered quickly and smoothly.
The capacity is more than sufficient for typical garden tractors, and the adjustable angle made accessing the deck simple. I would recommend securing the rear wheel when lifting as an added precaution.
A word of caution: if you store this outside or let it stay wet, I saw surface rust develop on one unit. Keep it dry and it’ll last a long time.
6. EGO Power+ 42″ TR4204 Riding Lawn Tractor (6 x 6.0Ah Batteries) – Best High-Power Electric Tractor
A feature-rich electric tractor with dual brushless cutting motors, 42" deck, and a digital control display.
Why I picked it: Gas-like power, excellent controls, and flexible battery scalability.
Best for: Large yards where power and customization matter.
Premium, fully equipped battery platform with included batteries.
Pros
- Power equivalent to up to 21 HP
- Dual brushless, belt-free cutting motors
- Customizable digital display and cruise control
- Twelve deck heights for precise cutting
Cons
- Upgrading battery capacity can be costly
- Crate disposal is a consideration
- Heavy to maneuver off the crate
My take
I was skeptical about electric replacing my gas tractors, but the EGO surprised me—acceleration and cutting power felt very close to a gas machine, and the dual brushless motors deliver consistent blade speed.
The digital display with blade settings, drive speeds, and cruise control turned out to be genuinely useful for dialing in cut quality across varied turf. I appreciated the 12-position deck height range for precise results.
On larger properties this tractor shines: I’ve completed over an acre with a healthy battery reserve when using the included six batteries, and the minimal maintenance compared to gas makes ownership simpler over time.
How I Choose a Riding Mower
Match deck size and runtime to your property
I always start by measuring lawn acreage and gate width. A 42" deck is efficient for 1–2+ acres, but confirm you can get the mower through your gates.
For battery tractors, check the included battery count and the manufacturer’s stated acreage per charge—real-world conditions like tall or wet grass reduce runtime.
- Smaller yards benefit from compact tractors or zero-turns.
- Larger properties need more battery capacity or gas power.
Electric vs gas: what matters to me
I choose electric if I want low maintenance, instant starts, and quiet operation. I pick gas when I need raw runtime and easy refueling in remote areas.
Consider the total battery ecosystem—if you already own tools on the same battery platform, that makes electric much more attractive.
- Electric: quieter, less maintenance, charging logistics.
- Gas: longer uninterrupted runtime, simple field refueling.
Comfort, controls, and serviceability
I sit in the seat and test steering reach. Long mowing sessions need a supportive seat and intuitive control layout.
Also verify easy access to blades, belts, and battery compartments—simple maintenance keeps a mower in the yard longer.
- Check seat comfort and armrest availability.
- Look for easy-to-reach service points.
Practical extras I value
A cargo bed or tow hitch is a real time-saver for hauling soil or tools. LED headlights extend usable mowing hours in early morning or evening.
App connectivity and GPS add security and convenience if those features matter to you.
- Cargo bed or hitch for hauling
- Headlights for low-light mowing
- App/GPS for tracking and updates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much lawn can I mow on a single charge?
My experience shows manufacturer acreage estimates are useful benchmarks. A fully equipped electric tractor in this roundup typically handles between 1.5 and 2 acres per full charge depending on grass height, terrain, and driving speed.
Are electric riding mowers hard to maintain?
I find them drastically easier to maintain than gas mowers. No oil changes, no carburetor fiddling, and fewer moving parts—just keep batteries charged and blades sharpened.
What should I check when buying a used riding mower?
I inspect deck condition, check for frame rust, confirm engine or battery health, and verify that transmissions and steering feel solid. For electrics, test several full charge cycles if possible.
Final Take
If you want low-maintenance quiet mowing with strong runtime, I recommend choosing one of the electric tractors—match battery capacity to your acreage. If you prefer traditional familiarity and simple field refueling, the Craftsman gas tractor remains a solid pick.
Buy the accessories you’ll use: a reliable seat upgrade and a maintenance jack will save time and make ownership more pleasant. I’ve used each of the machines and tools here; pick the one that aligns with your yard size, storage plans, and tolerance for maintenance.
