6 Best Lawn Mowers 2024, Top Rated Lawn Mower Reviews

Pros:

• MyRide suspension system adjusts the “bounciness” of the mower
• Armrests with cup holder
• Thick steel and quality construction
• Easy speed adjustment
• Many modifications available
• Safety mechanism deploys when you leave the seat
• Deck height adjustment is extremely easy

Cons:

• Doesn’t have headlights
• No storage compartment
• Mine pulls to the left

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 is a classic zero-turn lawn mower that ages like a fine wine. Each year, Toro releases a new version of the TimeCutter and this year I got a first look at the beautiful new features of this iteration. As I expected, the mower was an absolute beast. As I didn’t expect, the TimeCutter was extremely comfortable and fun to use, rising to the top of my rankings as the best zero-turn mower of the year.

The TimeCutter is the most comfortable zero-turn mower on the market. Toro’s new MyRide suspension system is an absolute game-changer. MyRide is a shock system connected to both the seat and the footplate of this mower. It works by absorbing the bumps and vibrations along your ride in the seat of the mower and the footplate. MyRide provides a superior experience because your entire body is unaffected by the jostling of a normal zero-turn.

Additionally, the Toro TimeCutter has nice armrests, cup holders and an easy-to-use interface that allows you to adjust the height, choke and power of the mower. Not only was this comfortable to use, but the cutting experience was exactly what you would expect from a Toro TimeCutter–flawless. It truly is the best gas lawn mower.

The new Toro TimeCutter will run you about $3450 over at Home Depot.

Power source: Gasoline | Weight: 504 lbs. | Deck Type: Stamped | Cutting width: 42 in. | Lawn capacity: 1-2 acres | Discharge location: Side | Horsepower: 15.5 hp

What to Look for When Buying a Lawn Mower

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a lawn mower so it suits your needs. In addition to easy operation, how well the machine performs over time and longevity of the engine is important. You want a mower that doesn’t require constant repairs, too. After using hundreds of mowers, these are the main considerations that I keep in mind for any mower purchase:

• Metal cutting deck: Metal cutting decks are the dominant material used on lawn mowers. Every gas-powered mower I have seen and used (including riding mowers, zero-turn mowers and push mowers) includes a metal deck. Some of the battery-powered and electric mowers I have used have plastic cutting decks. Plastic cutting decks tend to be more frail and able to crack or break over time.
• Self-propelled: This one only applies to push lawn mowers. This feature will help push your lawn mower forward for you. It can be a major benefit and makes the lawn mowing experience much easier. Many push lawn mowers these days come with a self-propelled function.
• Yard size: From push mowers to zero-turn mowers, there is a massive range in the price and type of mower you should be using based on the size of your lawn. For lawns with under a half of an acre, I recommend using a self-propelled push mower. For lawns between a half and one acre, lawn tractors are great. Anything above an acre should be cut with a zero-turn mower.
• Power source: Just like the car industry, lawn mowers are becoming more electric-focused. The great debate is between gas and electric these days. Both have pros and cons, but if you have a large yard or are cutting multiple lawns in one day, gas still reigns supreme. For most homeowners battery powered mowers are the best choice.

Why You Should Trust Us

We have personally tested dozens, if not hundreds, of lawn mowers. From multiple robot mowers, push mowers, lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers, we have put just about every mower on the market to the test.

As a former landscaper, I developed a unique love for lawn mowers after using them every day for years. With my deep love for lawn mowers, I became an absolute lawn mowers snob. I recently completed an extensive test that includes some of the mowers from this article where I walked battery-powered lawn mowers with the self-propelled function on until they died. I also tested the smoothness and evenness of their cut quality, ran them in tall brush until they cut out, and tested out their charge times. In other words: I put the mowers through the absolute ringer.

How We Found the Best Lawn Mower

We found the best lawn mower in each of the categories above by simply trying them and testing them. We’ve also spoken with other folks just like you and me who have used them. Additionally, we went straight to the manufacturer for some of the mowers to hear why they think their mowers are the best and what makes them stand out.

In addition to using just about every lawn mower on the market, I researched some of the new up-and-coming lawn mower releases for 2024 and read reviews for mowers that I have never seen before. After looking through dozens of mowers for each category, I was able to narrow the list down to the best mower.

FAQ

What is the most reliable brand of lawn mower?

One of the most reliable brands of lawn mower is Toro. They have created gas-powered mowers with extreme reliability and affordability. I like to refer to them as the Honda of lawn mowers.

What’s better Briggs and Stratton or Kohler?

Briggs and Stratton and Kohler both make small engines. I think Briggs and Stratton makes better engines for smaller lawn mowers, like push mowers, whereas Kohler makes better engines for zero-turn mowers.

Is gas or electric lawn mower better?

Electric lawn mowers are better for smaller yards whereas gas mowers are better for large yards and commercial use.

When’s the best time to buy a lawn mower?

The best time to buy your next lawn mower depends on one of two factors: availability and cost. Early spring is the ideal season to purchase top-rated lawn mowers that are pushing newer models, or for selecting a mower you’ve had your eye on but was sold out during the last season.

Early fall is the best time of year to shop for lawn mowers at a discounted price since it’s no longer mowing season, meaning the demand is low, and stores are looking to reduce their spring and summer inventory to get ready for fall and winter.

Ashlyn Needham, freelance writer and home decor expert, contributed to this piece. 

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