Best Riding Lawn Mower for 1 Acre
Buying a suitable riding lawn mower for your 1 acre lawn will enable you to achieve remarkable cutting results.
But the question is, considering that there are a lot of brands to choose from, how do you pick a riding lawn mower that is sturdy, reliable and efficient? We would like to make the decision-making process easier for you.
In this article, we share 6 top-rated riding lawn mowers for one acre.
In a hurry? Check our top three product lists below:
Best Riding Lawn Mower for 1 Acre: Top 3 Picks
- 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine provides reliable startups.
- Roll-over Protection System enhances improved safety on uneven terrain.
- High back seat with armrests makes mowing comfortable.
- The Reverse Operating System allows you to mow in reverse with a simple turn of a switch.
- The 13-inch mid-back seat and easy step-through design provide comfort.
- The 18.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek engine offers powerful performance.
- Air induction mowing technology delivers superior cuts on lawns.
- 26 HP Kohler engine provides reliable startups.
- The 54-inch cutting deck is made of heavy-flat stock steel for maximum durability.
1. Husqvarna MZ61
- Engine: 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Height: 12 positions, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches
- Cutting Width: 61 inches
- Warranty: 4 years
- Capabilities: Side Discharge, Mulching and Bagging (Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately).
- Number of Deck Positions: 12
- Weight: 770lbs
- Cutting Blades: 3 in the deck
- Deck Thickness: 11 gauge
- Front Wheel Size: 13 inches
- Rear Wheel Size: 22 inches
Pros:
- The model’s 3-blade system makes it easy to trim the lawn in a few passes.
- The riding mower has a high-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips to provide operator comfort while mowing.
- It has a removable foot pan for easy access to the cutting deck.
Cons
- It is a bit pricey.
- It has only a single-point adjustable height.
The Husqvarna MZ61 delivers commercial-grade power and well-suited ergonomics to ensure a smooth lawn mowing experience.
Design
The MZ61 runs on a 27HP Briggs and Stratton engine for reliable startups and high-ground speeds.
The rollover protection system ensures improved safety while mowing on uneven terrain.
The mowing machine is designed with ergonomic features such as a high-back seat with armrests, vibration dampeners and foam-padded hand grips for maximum comfort.
Cutting Power & Performance
The zero-turn mower comes with a 61-inch cutting deck for superb grass-cutting performance on 1-acre lawns. Its 3-blade system makes it easy to trim the lawn in a few passes.
The air induction mowing technology improves grass lift and delivers superior cuts on lawns.
The riding lawn mower enables you to adjust the cutting height in twelve different positions, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit your varying needs.
Speed
It has a top speed of 8.5 mph for a quick mowing operation.
Accessories
You can improve the mower’s capabilities with accessories like a mulching kit, bag kit, and trimmer rack.
Read full Husqvarna MZ61 Review
2. Ariens IKON XD-52
- Engine: 24 HP Kohler Engine
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Height: 13 Positions ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches
- Cutting Width: 52 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Capabilities: Side discharge, Mulching and Bagging (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)
- Number of Deck Positions: 13
- Weight: 681lbs
- Cutting Blades: 3 in the deck
- Deck Thickness: 11 Gauge
- Front Wheel Size: 11 inches
- Rear Wheel Size: 20 inches
Pros:
- The Ariens IKON XD-52 runs on a powerful engine for efficient mowing on your 1-acre lawn.
- It features a high back seat with armrests for comfort.
- The gas lawn mower operates efficiently on thick and tall grass.
Cons
- Not suitable for smaller yards.
- Accessories such as mulching and bag kits are sold separately.
The Ariens XD 52 is a durable machine ideal for handling your 1-acre lawn with efficiency.
Design
The zero-turn mower is equipped with large tires that provide better traction as well as a smooth riding experience.
The high back seat with armrests enhances comfort and stability while mowing.
It runs on a 24HP Kohler engine that provides enough power to mow a 1-acre lawn. The zero-turn mower comes with a park brake system for improved safety.
Cutting Power & Performance
The gas-powered mower comes with a 52-inch fabricated deck that can cover a wide area to mow at a single pass.
The riding lawn mower enables you to adjust the cutting height in thirteen different positions, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Its zero-turn radius technology enhances an efficient cut because of the 180-degree turn at the end of the row.
Speed
It has a ground speed of 7mph forward and 3mph reverse.
Accessories
The XD-52 model supports a full line of accessories such as a 2-bin bagger, mulch kit, hitch kit, and headlights for increased mower performance.
3. Husqvarna Z248F
- Engine: 21.5 HP Kawasaki Engine
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Height: 6 positions, ranging from 1.5-4.0 inches
- Cutting Width: 48 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Capabilities: Side Discharge, Mulching and Bagging (Mulching kit and bagger kit sold separately).
- Number of Deck Positions: 6
- Weight: 656 Pounds
- Cutting Blades: 3 in the deck
- Deck Thickness: 10 gauge
- Front Wheel Size: 11 inches
- Rear Wheel Size: 18 inches
Pros:
- The riding mower is equipped with a 48-inch cutting deck that drives the mower blades for superior cuts on lawns.
- The LED headlights ensure safer operations in dark conditions.
- The rubber bellows prevent moisture from gaining access into the control system.
Cons
- Some users complained about zero-turn transmission tearing up their lawns.
- The Z248F model consumes more fuel.
The Husqvarna Z248F has a 48-inch deck suited for optimal cutting performance on your 1-acre lawn.
Design
The Husqvarna Z248F comes with LED headlights which ensures safer operations in dark conditions.
The three anti-scalping wheels decrease the risk of scalping on your lawns. It has a deluxe mid-back seat which offers superior support and comfort while mowing.
The zero-turn mower is powered by a 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine for reliable startups at a maximum speed of 6.5 mph.
Cutting Power & Performance
The 48-inch cutting deck features sturdy mower blades for optimal grass-cutting performance on lawns.
The deck is made of reinforced steel which makes it enough to handle your mowing tasks.
It has six different cutting heights which can be adjusted from 1.5- 4.0 inches to allow you to cut the grass to the desired grass height.
Speed
The riding mower has a top speed of 6.5 mph.
Accessories
The zero-turn mower supports a host of accessories such as mulching kit bag kit and tow behind striping kit.
Read full Husqvarna Z248F Review
4. Ariens Edge 42 inch 19 HP Zero-Turn Mower, 915245
- Engine: 19HP Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin Engine
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Height: 7 Positions, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches
- Cutting Width: 42 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Capabilities: Side discharge, mulching and bagging (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)
- Number of Deck Positions: 7
- Cutting Blades: 2 in the deck
- Deck Thickness: 11 gauge
- Front Wheel Size: 11 inches
- Rear Wheel Size: 20 inches
Pros:
- The Ariens Edge 915245 model runs on a versatile 19 HP Kohler engine for a powerful mowing operation.
- The mower’s front and rear wheels provide better traction on lawns.
- The zero-turn mower comes with a high back seat for maximum comfort while mowing.
Cons
- Accessories such as mulch and bag kits are sold separately.
- The mower has a small gas tank.
The Ariens Edge 915245 is designed with premium features that deliver optimal cutting results on lawns.
Design
The Ariens Edge 915245 runs on a 19 HP Kohler engine for a powerful mowing operation. The front and rear tires provide excellent traction and a smoother ride on lawns.
Its high back seat offers maximum comfort and support while carrying out mowing operations.
The zero-turn mower has twin EZT hydrostatic transaxles for easy control of the machine.
Cutting Power & Performance
The mowing machine features a 42-inch cutting deck with a four-point hanging system for efficient mowing on your 1-acre lawn.
It has seven cutting heights which can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit your mowing requirements.
In addition, the Ariens Edge mower performs incredibly well on tall and tough grasses.
Speed
The riding lawn mower has a maximum forward speed of 6mph and a maximum reverse speed of 3mph.
Accessories
Homeowners can attach accessories such as mulch and bag kits to aid the usability of the machine.
5. Husqvarna YTH18542
- Engine: 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Height: 6 positions, ranging from 1.5-4 inches
- Cutting Width: 42 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Capabilities: Side Discharge, Mulching and Bagging (Mulching kit sold separately).
- Number of Deck Positions: 6
- Weight: 443lbs
- Cutting Blades: 2 in the deck
- Deck Thickness: 13 gauge
- Front Wheel Size: 15 inches
- Rear Wheel Size: 20 inches
Pros:
- The Husqvarna YTH18542 has LED headlights for better visibility in dark or low light conditions.
- Its anti-scalp wheels decrease the risk of scalping when mowing on uneven terrain.
- The deck wash port is connected to the water hose for easy cleaning of the deck.
Cons
- It has a small fuel tank.
- Not ideal for large estates like golf courses.
The Husqvarna YTH18542 is a powerful and user-friendly riding mower perfect for both small and large-scale mowing.
Design
The YTH18542 model features headlights for better visibility in dark or low light conditions. The mower’s anti-scalp wheels help to decrease the risk of lawn scalping.
It runs on an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine for a smooth mowing operation. The riding lawn mower has an adjustable sliding seat to help optimize operator position.
Cutting Power & Performance
The durable 42-inch cutting deck enables you to cover your 1-acre lawn in a minimal time.
The YTH18542 is equipped with two mower blades that can easily mow through tall grass.
Its cutting options range from 1.5- 4.0 inches to enable you to cut the grass to an ideal grass height.
Speed
The gas mower has a maximum forward speed of 5.5mph and a maximum reverse speed of 2.5 mph.
Accessories
The riding lawn mower supports a full line of accessories such as 130 Lb. Tow-behind spreader, mulch kit, tire chain, 12.5 C.u. Ft. Poly Swivel Dump Cart and triple bag collector to aid the mower’s versatility.
Read full Husqvarna YTH18542 Review
6. Husqvarna Z254
- Engine: 26 HP Kohler Engine
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Height: 6 positions, ranging from 1.5-4 inches
- Cutting Width: 54 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Capabilities: Side Discharge, Mulching and Bagging (Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately).
- Number of Deck Positions: 6
- Weight: 549lbs
- Cutting Blades: 3 in the deck
- Deck Thickness: 11 gauge
- Front Wheel Size: 11 inches
- Rear Wheel Size: 18 inches
Pros:
- The Husqvarna Z254 model has large cooling fans to keep the engine operating at an ideal temperature.
- The rubber bellows prevent debris and moisture from gaining access into the control system.
- The 54-inch cutting deck enhances efficient mowing on your 1-acre lawn.
Cons
- Not the most suitable for small lawns.
- Not the most fuel-efficient.
The Husqvarna Z254 top rated zero turn mower has enough capacity to deliver a satisfactory output on your 1-acre lawn.
Design
The Husqvarna Z254 has a high back seat for maximum comfort while mowing. The 26HP Kohler engine provides high power output for optimum mowing performance.
The robust frame and casters ensure increased durability while its removable foot pan gives easy access to the top of the cutting deck.
Cutting Power & Performance
The riding mower comes with a 54-inch cutting deck for efficient grass-cutting performance on lawns.
The air induction mowing technology improves grass lift and delivers superior cuts.
Its six different cutting positions can be adjusted from 1.5-4 inches to suit your mowing needs. In addition, the cutting blades perform well on thick grass.
Speed
The Z254 model has a top speed of 6.5 mph for fast mowing.
Accessories
The Z254 model supports a host of accessories such as a mulching kit, tow behind striping kit and triple baggers for improved mower performance.
Read full Husqvarna Z254 Review
Final Verdict
When it comes to efficiency, versatility, and durability, the Husqvarna MZ61 riding lawn mower is our top pick.
The mowing machine is designed with ergonomic features such as a high-back seat with armrests and foam-padded hand grips for maximum comfort. Its rollover protection offers improved safety while mowing on uneven slopes plus the model’s 3-blade system makes it easy to trim the lawn in a few passes. These make it a solid riding mower for rough terrains.
- 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine provides reliable startups.
- Roll-over Protection System enhances improved safety on uneven terrain.
- High back seat with armrests makes mowing comfortable.
Factors to Consider Before Buying A Riding Lawn Mower for 1 Acre
If you are in the market for a durable and sturdy riding lawn mower for your 1-acre lawn, there are some factors to consider. Here are some of them:
Engine Power
The engine horsepower indicates the power output of the engine. Models with a higher rating may deliver a more powerful output than lower-rated models.
For optimal performance on your 1-acre lawn, we recommend a riding mower with at least an 18.5 HP rating.
Deck Size
A mower’s cutting ability depends on the size of the deck. It is advisable to buy a riding mower with a large deck size for your 1-acre lawn.
Riding mowers that are within the range of 36-48 inches will take about 45-60 minutes.
Fuel Tank Capacity
It is advisable to get a perfect model that has the fuel tank capacity to handle your 1-acre lawn.
You should get the one with a large fuel tank to avoid stopping to refuel the tank at intervals while working on your lawn.
Comfort
Make sure that you look out for ergonomic features such as a high back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips, and vibration dampeners for easy and comfortable mowing operations.