By Timothy Dale | Published Jun 30, 2022 5:17 AM

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Lawn mowers have gone through numerous changes since the invention of manual push mowers, and larger, more powerful mowers that put less strain on the user have been introduced during that time. Riding mowers take things a step further than powered push mowers, allowing the user to sit on the mower and drive it around the yard. These oversize riding mowers are a bit much for small urban or suburban yards, but for those who have a 2-acre yard, it’s necessary to have a riding mower if the desire isn’t to spend hours behind a push mower in the hot summer sun.

Investing in a riding mower with a broad deck can help maintain several acres quickly and effectively, or those who have a smaller yard may want to opt for a mower with a smaller deck and better maneuverability. Consider this list of the best riding lawn mowers for 2 acres, then keep reading to learn more about what factors to look for while shopping for a new riding mower.

Don’t rush into a decision without fully understanding the different riding lawn mower types and various product considerations, including the engine, power capacity, deck size, maneuverability, controls, and safety features that can help keep users protected while they work.

Riding lawn mowers that are large enough to tackle 2-acre lawns come in three main types: rear-engine riding mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers.

The next consideration is the type of engine and the power output. Riding mowers are typically powered by gas engines, but some newer models use a series of rechargeable batteries. This innovative design reduces the noise and fumes created by the lawn mower, but it comes with a major drawback: The batteries need time to charge. While simply pouring some gas into the tank gets a gas mower started again, an electric riding mower usually needs several hours to fully recharge the batteries.

However, if gas is not readily available in the garage or workshop, then it can be more troublesome to have to hop in the car to go and fill up a gas can instead of just connecting the batteries to a charger. Both engine types have benefits and shortcomings, so the final decision is a matter of personal preference. Just make sure the engine is powerful enough to complete the job.

Look for a riding mower with an engine that can operate at about 17 to 29 hp. You can find riding mowers with a higher power output, but it isn’t necessary for a 2-acre lawn.

When the job is almost complete, it’s incredibly frustrating to have the riding mower die because it’s run out of fuel or the batteries need to be charged. Before deciding on a riding mower, research the fuel or battery capacity of the mower. Electric riding mowers operate on battery power, which can typically run for about 1 to 2 hours. However, when the batteries die, they will take several hours to recharge, which may prevent users from mowing the entire yard.

Gas-powered riding lawn mowers for 2 acres generally have a fuel capacity of about 2 to 5 gallons of gas. It’s recommended to carry a small can of gas so that the lawn mower can be refueled if it runs out of gas in the middle of a job.

The size of the deck is directly related to the speed and efficiency at which the user can cut the lawn because the wider the deck, the more area the user can cut with one pass of the riding mower. Cutting decks are typically made with steel, though the gauge of the steel can be thicker or thinner depending on the specific product. Thick-gauge steel is more durable, making it a good choice for rocky yards where a lot of pebbles and stones can be kicked up into the deck.

On average, a cutting deck can range from just 30 inches in width to more than 50 inches in width. However, to maintain 2 acres efficiently, it’s recommended to have a riding mower with a deck that is at least 42 inches in width. If the property is significantly larger, consider investing in a mower with a deck that is more than 50 inches wide.

There are several types of transmissions that can affect the maneuverability of the riding lawn mower, including gear driven, automatic, and hydrostatic.

It’s important to know how to control the riding lawn mower before hopping up into the seat and driving into the yard. Depending on the type of riding lawn mower, users may be dealing with a standard steering wheel with simple foot pedals for braking and acceleration. However, they could also end up in a zero-turn mower with lap bars that are made to control each rear wheel independently for increased maneuverability.

Comfort is another factor that is often overlooked, but if users will be spending an hour or more sitting on the lawn mower, they’ll want to take the time to find a comfortable option. Padded seats with shocks to absorb the motion of the mower are a great choice. Some riding mowers also feature cupholders, armrests, and built-in storage for easy access. Users should select a mower they can feel comfortable riding on and controlling.

If safety isn’t a primary concern when looking for a new riding mower, then step back and consider that these machines have heavy-duty rotating cutting blades capable of slicing through sticks, vegetation, weeds, and more. Riding mowers are dangerous machines that can drive at an average of 6 miles per hour (mph) over uneven terrain. A blade-clutch system allows the driver to disengage the blade without stopping the motor to reduce the risk of accidental maiming.

Hills and valleys can be hazardous obstacles, so it’s recommended to look for a mower with a flip-prevention mechanism. Most people finish mowing when the sun is still high in the sky, but for those users who prefer mowing in the evening, it’s a good idea to find a riding mower with headlights, a reverse-awareness system, and bumpers in case the mower hits any hard-to-see objects.

This list of the best riding mowers for 2 acres was put together based on extensive research into the mower types, engine, deck size, fuel capacity, safety features, and overall quality of various options to help shoppers decide on the right mower for their lawn-care needs.

Designed for large, sprawling yards, the Craftsman Z5800 comes equipped with a powerful, 24-hp twin-cylinder engine that runs on gasoline. The mower can be filled with up to 3.5 gallons of fuel and can drive forward at a max speed of 7 mph. In reverse, the riding mower runs at about half the maximum speed, or 3.5 mph. Users control the direction of the lawn mower with the dual lap bars.

Using the dual lap bars, drivers can turn with a zero-degree radius, making it incredibly simple to maneuver in tight spaces or go over a section that was missed. The Craftsman Z5800 lawn mower has a large 54-inch deck that quickly cuts the grass in broad swaths. It can even be equipped with a mulching kit, though this kit needs to be purchased separately.

Get the Craftsman Z5800 riding lawn mower at Lowe’s.

Riding mowers typically cost thousands of dollars, so no product is inexpensive, but this Husqvarna riding mower does have a lower price than similar options. Take advantage of this bargain to get an 18-hp zero-turn riding mower to maintain 2 or more acres of lawn. The gas riding mower features a 10-gauge steel deck that measures 42 inches in width. It can be equipped with a mulching kit, but this is an add-on that needs to be purchased separately.

This Husqvarna mower has a smooth hydrostatic transmission system that’s easy to use, and it is also designed with a patent-pending park-brake system that will automatically activate or deactivate. Get comfortable on the padded driver seat, but before starting the mower, make sure the 3.5-gallon fuel tank is full. Keep in mind that the mower does not have headlights, so the job will need to be complete before the sun starts to set.

Get the Husqvarna Z242F riding lawn mower on Amazon.

Electric riding lawn mowers are great in principle, but it takes less time to refill a gas tank than it does to recharge four or more batteries. So to get the job done in a hurry, rely on this gas-powered John Deere Z355E riding mower, which is equipped with a 22-hp twin-cylinder engine. The riding mower also has a 48-inch deck that can be maneuvered with the two lap bars to cut broad areas of lawn efficiently.

Drivers will enjoy sitting in the bright yellow seat because it is designed with spring suspensions, armrests, a cupholder, and multiple storage compartments, so everything is within easy reach. The riding mower has a low-fuel indicator to let the driver know when the gas starts to get low, which is imminent because while this mower has a powerful 22-hp engine, it only has a 2.1-gallon fuel capacity.

Get the John Deere Z355E riding lawn mower at Lowe’s or John Deere.

A couple of problems with gas riding mowers are that they make a lot of noise and it can be a hassle to drive to the gas station if the mower runs out of fuel in the middle of a job. This electric Ego Power+ riding mower solves these issues by operating at a much quieter level and using rechargeable batteries for power. The mower can be equipped with up to six batteries to provide a runtime of about 1 hour, though it only comes with four batteries. The two extra batteries, as well as the mulching kit, need to be purchased separately.

However, this mower does come with a charger that can charge up to six batteries simultaneously. While it still takes about 2 hours to charge all six batteries, having a single charger is much easier than trying to deal with six individual chargers. The engine produces a power output equivalent to that of a 22-hp gas engine, despite the fume-free operation. It also features LED headlights for dim lighting and a 42-inch cutting deck.

Get the Ego Power+ riding lawn mower on Amazon or at Lowe’s.

Driving a riding mower with two lap bars is something that takes time to get used to, but the familiar foot pedals and steering wheel of this John Deere S100 17.5-hp lawn tractor can be easier for drivers to use, allowing them to tackle lawn maintenance tasks with better control and efficiency. The obvious drawback of a lawn tractor is that it has a wider turn radius than a zero-turn mower, but if it is being used to mow 2 or more acres of land, the mower will rarely need to make quick, sharp turns.

This lawn tractor has a 17.5-hp gas engine and a hydrostatic transmission system. It also features a durable 12-gauge steel cutting deck that measures 42 inches in width. A major advantage this tractor has over zero-turn mowers is the low price, which can help users save a significant amount if they are willing to invest in a less maneuverable machine.

Get the John Deere S100 riding lawn mower at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.

Hills, valleys, trees, gardens, and lawn ornaments are all obstacles that drivers need to be able to navigate with a riding mower. The Ariens Edge riding mower makes this task much easier with a zero-turn radius that allows the user to turn 360 degrees in the same position. Drivers can quickly turn around to go over a missed patch of grass or use the responsive steering to maneuver up hills, down slopes, into valleys, and around objects.

The riding mower has a 20-hp twin-cylinder engine and operates on gasoline, though it should be mentioned that the fuel capacity is only 2 gallons. This means users will need to spend more time filling the tank and less time mowing. It has an 11-gauge steel deck that measures 42 inches in width, and the mower is also equipped with a belt-free hydrostatic transmission system for effortless control at up to 6 mph.

Get the Ariens Edge riding lawn mower at Lowe’s.

Moving from an apartment or small house into a larger house can come with some extra expenses, like buying new yard maintenance equipment. However, there are three important yard tools included in this Craftsman bundle to help buyers save. The bundle includes a riding mower, backpack leaf blower, and a lawn edger, so users can immediately get started on lawn maintenance tasks.

The blower, edger, and mower all operate on gas, so users won’t need to worry about waiting for batteries to charge. This riding mower has a 22-hp twin-cylinder engine and a 46-inch-wide cutting deck. It also features a belt-free hydrostatic transmission system for smooth operation and zero-turn maneuverability using the two lap-bar steering. Just keep in mind that the mower doesn’t have headlights, so users may need to take a break for the night if the sun sets before the job is done.

Get the Craftsman zero-turn riding lawn bundle at Lowe’s.

Take care of regular lawn maintenance in a hurry with the Craftsman Z5800 riding lawn mower that boasts a 54-inch deck for fast, efficient lawn care. If you’re looking to save on a new riding lawn mower but still need to maintain a 2-acre lawn, the Husqvarna Z242F riding lawn mower is an affordable alternative.

Putting together a list of the best riding lawn mowers for 2 acres started with extensive research into a wide range of products. It was necessary to research the engine, mower type, fuel capacity, battery capacity, deck size, safety features, transmission, wheels, and more in order to gain a clear perspective on which products stood out from the competition.

Product selection was limited to riding mowers that were suitable for 2-acre lawns, but otherwise there was a significant variety of potential choices, including options in both the gas and electric riding mower categories. The final selection was based on providing top-quality options that could handle the required task. Some products made the list because of outstanding features or impressive specs, while other lawn mowers stood out for reliable operation and affordable pricing. Availability was another deciding factor because it’s difficult to research and review products that you can read about but cannot find.

If you are struggling to decide on the best riding lawn mowers for 2 acres, you might just need more details to make an informed choice. Find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about riding lawn mowers below so you can feel confident that you select the best riding lawn mower for your home.

In order to find the right gas or electric riding lawn mower for your home or business, consider the type of mower, the fuel or battery capacity, the deck size, and the size of the lawn. Not every home needs a premium zero-turn riding mower with a 72-inch deck to mow the lawn once a week, but if you do have 3 or 4 acres of grass that needs to be cut, then a large deck can help get the job done. Don’t forget to factor in any safety features and consider whether the type of transmission or wheels the mower uses are suitable for the terrain.

The time it takes to mow a 2-acre lawn depends on the type of lawn mower and the size of the deck. On average, small riding mowers will take about 30 minutes to 2 hours, while large zero-turn mowers may be able to complete the job in just 20 to 30 minutes.

The lifespan of a riding mower depends on the quality of the mower and on the level of care and maintenance over the years. Cheap riding lawn mowers may only last about 10 years, but the best riding lawn mower for 1 acre of lawn could last for up to 20 years if it is properly maintained.

A lawn tractor can mow about 1 to 3 acres per hour, depending on the type and deck size. For instance, a small riding lawn mower or lawn tractor could mow about 1 to 2 acres in an hour, but a zero-turn lawn tractor with a wide cutting deck could cut more than 3 acres in the same amount of time.

It isn’t recommended to tamper with your lawn mower unless you are already experienced with small engine repair, but you can increase the power output of your riding mower by unscrewing the flywheel housing and then removing the governor flap in the engine before replacing the flywheel housing. Additionally, if you feel as though your riding lawn mower isn’t running at the normal power level, inspect the muffler for any cracks or holes, which can reduce horsepower. Also, make sure to replace the air filter regularly to keep the riding mower running at top efficiency.

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