Perhaps you’ve found yourself standing in the middle of a vast grass field after making the best purchase of your life, but now a sinking feeling haunts you. How will you maintain it? Have no fear, because once you’ve read through this article, you’ll be able to find the best riding lawn mower for 2 acres at the press of a button!
As a farm owner myself, I know the struggles of keeping grass well-maintained and how a good riding mower can help get the job done. Some grasslands are too long and wide for even the sheep to stomach, so keeping the grass nice and clean around your home is vital to keeping out pests and odors!
A good riding lawn mower should have exceptional grass-cutting ability and intuitive handling for easy steering and acceleration. You don’t want to experience that daunting feeling that you’re mowing your lawn against your will.
The best riding lawn mower would make you look forward to grass-cutting time as a leisurely activity with satisfying results. Whether you choose to go for a gas or an electric lawn mower is entirely up to you as both have their unique benefits, and you’ll also want to consider looking into zero-turn mowers.
If you are reading this and have no clue about any of these concepts, then don’t run away just yet, because we’ll explain throughout this article where we do more than just review lawn mowers, but we guide you every step of the way!
Best riding lawn mower for 2 acre yards
John Deere S180 54 in. 24 HP V-Twin ELS Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Specifications
- Power: 24 hp
- Engine: V-Twin ELS
- Deck Size: 54-inches
- Cutting Options: 13
- Seating: 15-inch Back Height with Lumber Support
- Tank capacity: 9.1 L
What’s Included
- John Deere S180 54 in. 24 HP V-Twin ELS Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Pros
- 13 cutting heights to cater to all grass height preferences.
- Huge tank capacity means fewer pit stops and more cutting.
- Easy change system allows you to change oil within 30 seconds.
- A comfortable seat with good back support helps maintain posture.
- 2-year product warranty for any defects related to manufacturing or material defects.
Cons
- Does not include a bag for grass clippings.
- Bulky size may be difficult to store.
Overall John Deere S180 Lawn Tractor Review
If you are after the biggest in the business, you’ll love the John Deere S180 Lawn Mower with a massive 54-inch deck size and powerful V-Twin ELS engine. With a whopping 13 different cutting options, you can mow grass to just about any length.
Additionally, it’s easy to change the oil with John Deere’s Easy Change system, which lets you get the job done in under 30 seconds! Best of all is the ultra-comfortable 15-inch seat that has plenty of back support and turns an otherwise mundane and exhausting job into one of pleasure and relaxation.
Complete with a cutting capacity of 2.5 acres before needing a gas refill, the John Deere S180 comes in a bright yellow and green color that suits the theme of grass and sunlight, making it look surprisingly fitting for the outdoors.
Finally, it comes with an easy-to-read fuel gauge, so you always know when to fill up. You also don’t want to forget the heavy-duty automatic hydrostatic transmission, which results in lower maintenance requirements, a smooth ride, and long-lasting lawn mowing.
Check out this excellent gas riding mower for 2 acres using the link to Home Depot above and purchase with the peace of mind of a 2-year manufacturer warranty!
John Deere S160 48 in. 24 HP V-Twin ELS Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Specifications
- Power: 24 hp
- Engine: V-Twin ELS
- Deck Size: 48-inches
- Cutting Options: 13
- Seating: 15-inch Back Height with Lumber Support
- Tank capacity: 9.1 L
What’s Included
- John Deere S160 48 in. 24 HP V-Twin ELS Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Pros
- Gas capacity to cut down 2 acres in a single trip.
- Comfortable seat with 15-inch back height and lumbar support.
- V-Twin ELS engine power and hydrostatic transmission create a smoother ride.
- The 48-inch cutting deck makes it easier to store in a garage.
- 2-year manufacturer warranty for any defects related to materials or craftsmanship.
Cons
- No attachments included such as sweeper bag and canopy.
- May be difficult to maneuver in wet grass.
Overall John Deere S160 Lawn Tractor Review
The S160 riding lawn mower is essentially the little brother of the S180, coming in with a smaller deck size but an equally powerful mower engine of V-Twin ELS and hydrostatic transmission. The great thing about the S160 is you’ll have an easier time storing it in tighter garage spaces and will also be able to maneuver it easier due to a less bulky construction.
Other than the less “heavy-duty” components, the S160 riding mower has the same perks and benefits as its S180 counterpart. You still get a comfortable seat, easy read fuel gauge, 9.1 L fuel tank, and 13 cutting height options. Upon purchase, you’ll also be getting the classic John Deere 2-year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind!
Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro ST 50 in. Fabricated Deck 24 HP V-Twin Kohler 7000 Series Engine Hydrostatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor
Specifications
- Power: 24 HP
- Engine: 725 cc Kohler 7000 Series Twin Cylinder
- Deck Size: 50-inches
- Cutting Options: 12
- Seating: 15-inch Back Height, 10-degree Incline
- Tank capacity: 10.6 L
What’s Included
- Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro ST 54 in. Fabricated Deck 24 HP V-Twin Kohler 7000 Series Engine Hydrostatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor
Pros
- A big tank capacity of 10.6 L allows four or more acres per trip.
- Adjustable cutting height with 12 different options.
- Comfortable seat with 10-degree incline and adjustable features.
- Large rear wheels enable mowing on rough terrain.
- 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons
- Bulky size may be difficult to store and maneuver.
- No fast-attach blades included.
Overall Cub Cadet Riding Lawn Mower Review
The Cub Cadet takes things to the next level with a more extended manufacturer warranty of 3 years and a larger fuel tank capacity of 10.6 liters, kicking it up a notch from its competitors at John Deere’s. Like the S180, the Cub Cadet is also a big and bulky mower with a mower deck of 54-inches which houses its enormous engine and gas tank.
The great thing about this mower is the large rear wheels that give it an extra push to mow wet grass, a rough lawn, or an uneven terrain. Another nifty feature is the steering wheel which delivers a 16-inch turning radius and provides optimized control and command for smooth cutting and maneuvering.
Essentially, this feature lets you turn on your own axis like a Beyblade or fidget spinner, meaning you can rotate on the spot without struggling to cover pieces of the lawn you may have missed or a little trickier to get to.
In reality, bulky riding lawn mowers are almost always difficult to maneuver. The trick is to find one with enough torque power and steering control to mitigate that shortcoming as much as possible. The Cub Cadet indeed does a great job with this.
In addition, they couple it with hydrostatic transmission, providing smooth operation and requiring no shifting, allowing you just to push the pedal and go!
Don’t worry, you won’t need to keep that foot pressed on the pedal for big jobs. The Cub Cadet also features a cruise control option at the push of a button to maintain desired speeds for consistent mowing. So head over to Home Depot now and purchase your own Cub Cadet at an affordable price and with the peace of mind of a 3-year manufacturer warranty!
Snapper 360Z 52-Inch 25HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Specifications
- Power: 25 hp
- Engine: 724 cc Briggs & Stratton
- Deck Size: 52-inch
- Cutting Options: 13
- Seating: 15-inch Mid-back, Adjustable
- Tank capacity: 11.3 L
What’s Included
Snapper 360Z 52-Inch 25HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower w/ Cargo Bed, 2691323
Pros
- The durable alloy steel material used for the deck.
- Huge rear wheels make it easy to mow across tough terrain.
- High-performance ready start engine designed to perform year after year.
- Rear cargo bed for convenience in carrying extra accessories.
- Limited manufacturer warranty included.
Cons
- No grass clipping bag included (sold separately).
- May be hard to mow corner fences.
Overall Snapper Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Review
You may be wondering what the term “zero-turn” refers to, and if you’re anything like me, the first thing you thought was, “so it can’t turn?” In fact, the opposite is true. This mower can turn on its own axis, covering a 360-degree range of motion, requiring “zero radii” to make a turn.
As a result, you get fantastic maneuverability and can easily cut the grass smoothly without missing a spot. You don’t have to go back over the lawn again and again. Furthermore, the Stratton engine allows you to cut grass for longer, maintaining its high performance for years on end.
Coming in with a funky red color that gives off a more modern look, this mower is every man’s dream with its almost racecar-looking appearance. You may have also noticed that the Snapper comes with two levers that give further control and maneuverability over the mower instead of a steering wheel.
Each lever controls a different set of wheels so that you could think of this ride-on mower as a four-wheel-drive-Esque mower specializing in control and agility. The ideal mower for 2 acres of rough or uneven terrain, I’d highly recommend the Snapper for those who need more than just a flat surface mower, but something that can tackle the more difficult mowing tasks.
Husqvarna MZ48 48 in. 23 HP Kohler V-Twin Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Specifications
- Power: 23 hp
- Engine: Kohler KT730
- Deck Size: 48-inches
- Cutting Options: 13
- Seating: High-back
- Tank capacity: 13.2 L
What’s Included
- Husqvarna MZ48 48 in. 23 HP Kohler V-Twin Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Pros
- Plenty of cutting height options to achieve your desired lawn appearance.
- The zero-turn capability enables better maneuverability and control.
- Easy and quick adjustments were made possible from the rider’s seat.
- Excellent fuel tank capacity lets you mow way beyond 2 acres.
- Durable alloy steel design is long-lasting and resistant to rust and corrosion.
Cons
- Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately.
- Lack of steering wheel may be difficult to use for some.
Overall Husqvarna 48-inch Zero Turn Riding Mower Review
All things considered, this gas mower truly excels in its fuel capacity size and the extraordinary turning abilities of the zero-turn mower. In addition, unlike the traditional riding mower, the Husqvarna uses a deep deck design that enables better bagging and superior airflow, and high-performance blades.
It also comes with a high-back seat equipped with armrests, foam-padded handgrips, and vibration dampeners, making the mowing process comfortable for hours without stopping.
Couple this with a pedal-assisted cutting deck lift, ergonomically designed to offer precise cutting height adjustment that is quick and easy to control from the rider’s seat. You got yourself one of the most prestigious riding lawnmowers on offer!
The other incredible feature of the Husqvarna Zero-Turn mower that you won’t find in the average lawnmower is the 13.2 L fuel tank, a size that is simply out of this world. With this kind of capacity, you could cut down your 2-acre fields without even filling up for the next time you decide to cut down the 2 acres again!
You also get an hour meter with service reminders, so you always know when it’s time to service your mower. At 48-inches of deck size, this motor is an excellent balance between compact and heavy-duty, allowing you to store it in convenient spaces easily. It also provides enough comfort and room for you as the rider while generating plenty of horsepower to get the job done.
Indeed, maintenance is minimized, coupled with zero-turn capabilities and an incredible range of cutting options. As a result, it could be the best riding mower on the market today!
Snapper 560Z 61-Inch 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Specifications
- Power: 24 hp
- Engine: Kawasaki V-Twin
- Deck Size: 61-inches
- Cutting Options: 13
- Seating: 18-inch High-back
- Tank capacity: 18.9 L
What’s Included
- Snapper 560Z 61-Inch 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Pros
- Extra-high seat to suit individuals of any height.
- A massive fuel tank capacity of 18.9 liters means no refilling is needed when mowing the entire lawn.
- The zero-turn feature enhances maneuverability and control with a 0-degree turn radius.
- Steel bumper ensures mower can handle tough mowing applications.
- Easy-to-use lawn mower controls and wide-mouth gas fill make mowing and maintenance both hassle-free.
Cons
- No deck wash system.
- Very bulky.
Overall Husqvarna 61-inch Zero Turn Riding Mower Review
We have another older sibling with this one, the 61-inch Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Mower is a step up from the 48-inch version but comes in with an abundance of different features beyond just size. For example, this mower features a Kawasaki V-Twin engine which is even more powerful than the Kohler V-Twin, designed to move this huge chunk of steel to a record 9 miles per hour.
Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the Husqvarna 61-inch is welded and reinforced for years of repeat mowing. You can repeatedly go back and forth on your 2-acre land, potentially for the rest of your long life, provided you maintain the mower according to guidelines.
Speaking of maintenance, we still haven’t talked enough about it! This mower puts most gas mowers to shame with additional perks that make the rider’s life that much easier. For example, the integrated cargo bed dumps to the rear for easy clean-up while providing the real-time versatility essential to achieving the perfect mow for your residential lawn.
Dirt-hauling, tool-toting, and flower-delivering are all made possible with this awesome cargo bed which is guaranteed to make the kids want to jump in the back for a ride (not recommended though!)!
Whether you choose to use this mower’s features, you’ll love it, from the mowing speed right down to the storage compartment. So grab yours today using the link to Amazon’s online store!
RYOBI 42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower
Specifications
- Power: 100 Ah (0 hp)
- Engine: Ryobi
- Deck Size: 48-inches
- Cutting Options: 12
- Seating: 17-inch Back Height
- Tank capacity: N/A (Electric Operated)
What’s Included
RYOBI 42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower
Pros
- Higher 17-inch back height seat provides comfort for a wider range of heights.
- The compact mower is easy to store in the garage.
- 4 high powered brushless motors provide plenty of push to cover a 3-acre field.
- Low maintenance due to no spark plugs, belts, or filters.
- A battery-powered mower means no gas fumes, noise, and gas refills are required.
Cons
- The battery must be charged periodically.
- May struggle with hilly or rough terrain.
Overall RYOBI 42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower Review
With all these bulky mowers on the market, it’s nice to finally have the option of purchasing a compact electric mower, thanks to the RYOBI 100 AH Battery Electric Riding Lawn Mower. Built with four motors that can be charged via USB through standard 120 Volt power outlets, you can finally say goodbye to those nasty fumes and maintenance efforts from gas riding mowers.
It’s also rechargeable, so you can save quite a bit as you won’t need to purchase gas. The additional costs to your electricity bill will be minimal and practically unnoticeable.
Electric mowers also tend to be quieter with their mowing than gas riding mowers, so if you’re on a tight schedule and need to mow in the early morning hours, you could probably get away with it without waking up your neighbors!
One of the best aspects of the RYOBI electric riding lawn mower is the intuitive control panel that allows you to adjust the mower and blade tip speed. In addition, you can keep an eye on your mower’s battery level from the comfort of your seat, and better yet, you can even charge your phone or related devices using the included USB port as part of the control panel.
With 12 different cutting height options, you can adjust it to any setting between 1.5 and 4.5-inches, meaning you can go for a slightly grown and lush look or a more flat carpet look. You also won’t have any trouble getting through rough terrains with this mower which comes with substantial back wheels and larger than average front wheels too.
Check out the link to Home Depot and see more details, specs, and purchasing options for the RYOBI 42-inch Electric Riding Zero-Turn Mower!
Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. 56-Volt MAX 60 Ah Battery Lithium-Ion Electric Drive Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor
Specifications
- Power: 60 Ah (0 hp)
- Engine: XT1 Enduro LT
- Deck Size: 42-inches
- Cutting Options: Side-discharge
- Seating: 15-inches, Adjustable
- Tank capacity: N/A (Electric Operated)
What’s Included
- Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. 56-Volt MAX 60 Ah Battery Lithium-Ion Electric Drive Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor
Pros
- Electric-powered benefits such as no gas fumes, reduced noise, and rechargeable capabilities.
- The comfortable seat of 15-inches can be adjusted to suit any height rider.
- Nice, compact size of 42-inches means you can easily store this mower in tight spots such as the corner of your garage.
- 2 USB charging ports to charge your devices on the go while on the job.
- Unlike other riding lawn mowers, no exhaust, carbon monoxide, or unburned hydrocarbons are emitted.
Cons
- Requires 4 hours of charging for a full battery.
- No attachments or lawn equipment included.
Overall Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT Riding Mower Review
The Cub Cadet offers this unique electric lawn mower, the XT1 Enduro LT, completely battery-operated and features a twin-blade cutting deck that can power through 2-acre fields or up to 1.5 hours before a recharge is required.
The best part is there is no power fade during the entire lawn mowing process, meaning you can mow from start to finish at the same level of performance. This includes cutting abilities, acceleration, and maneuverability with no loss in results as the battery nears its end.
Unlike most riding mowers, the Cub Cadet also features LED headlights for greater visibility that enables you to mow even in the dark of night, should it suit your preferences.
Backed by a 3-year limited residential warranty and a 4-year limited battery warranty, you can purchase the Cub Cadet with the peace of mind that the customer support team will look after you and expect the highest quality with craftsmanship and materials as promised.
Of course, this mower goes beyond high-quality materials and construction. It also comes with zero-turn mechanics that allow you literally to spin on your own axis (think fidget spinners!). You can imagine how much extra control and maneuverability that comes with.
Pinpointing the “best lawn mower” on the market is not a matter of objectivity. Still, we can point you to Cub Cadet for possibly the best electric mower experience you’ll ever find!
What is a Riding Lawn Mower?
A riding lawn mower, otherwise known as a lawn tractor or ride-on mower, is a lawn mowers that involves a bigger and bulkier mowing deck. The user or “rider” sits on a provided seat and operates the machinery. Essentially, riding lawn mowers have an appearance that resembles a small tractor and very much operates similar to a vehicle.
They come with a pedal, steering wheel or levers, and four wheels that accelerate at the command of the engine motors. Of course, there are plenty of electric mower options that eliminate the need for refilling gas, as they come with rechargeable batteries and are generally more silent in their operation than gas riding mowers.
In terms of practicality, riding lawn mowers are designed to cover larger lawns the size of an acre (or multiple acres), even being the bare minimum and first choice for farmers and owners of large lands. All-in-all, riding lawn mowers will save you plenty of time, effort, and energy than a push lawn mower when mowing long and wide fields of grass.
Related: Best riding lawn mower for 1 acre
Hydrostatic vs Automatic Lawn Mower
The main difference between hydrostatic and automatic lawn mowers is that the former uses fluid to transfer power from the engine to the wheels, while the latter uses belts to make this transfer. As a result, hydrostatic lawn mowers provide a smoother ride for the user while also lasting longer in terms of lifespan and requiring less maintenance than the automatic types.
On the downside, this sophisticated craftsmanship is not cheap to make. So, you can expect to pay a higher price point for hydrostatic lawn mowers. However, it will undoubtedly be a worthwhile investment for most homeowners as they are a common feature among the best riding lawn mowers.
Gas or Battery Capacity
A gas-powered mower is generally more potent in energy output than electric or battery mowers. However, battery-powered lawn mowers are hard to beat for their economic and sustainable features. They are highly cost-efficient to operate and can easily be recharged with a power outlet without denting your electricity bills.
They are also significantly cheaper than gas capacity mowers. If you want to leverage even more on savings, you can opt for the cord versions, which are essentially the most budget-friendly type of riding lawn mowers you’ll find on the market.
Best riding lawn mower for 2 acre FAQ
What size mower do you need for 2 acres?
As a bare minimum, I’d recommend a 42-inch deck size for your first riding mower, as this is considered among the most compact yet high-performance products you can get. In addition, they generally can mow 2-3 acres of grass in a single cycle before you need to either refill the gas or recharge the battery (depending on the type of mower you choose).
What is the most reliable riding lawn mower?
Many renowned brands offer highly reliable and effective riding lawn mowers for homeowners at affordable prices. Generally, companies such as RYOBI, Troy Bilt Pony, and John Deere are excellent choices for buying a reliable riding lawn mower that can get the job done!
How long does it take to cut 2 acres of grass?
Depending on how effective your mower is and how experienced and skilled your maneuverability and comfort with the riding lawn mower is, it typically can take between 1 to 2 hours to cut 2 acres of grass. Factors for your mower include the cutting speeds of the blades, the max speeds of the motor, the acceleration features, and the engine power.
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