Riding lawn mowers can get quite expensive. If you’ve always wanted a riding lawn mower but didn’t think you could afford one, I bet you would be surprised to know that you can pick one up for under $2500.
Whether you have a large property to maintain or prefer a riding mower over a conventional push mower, finding a cheap riding lawn mower has never been easier. I’ve taken the guesswork out of trying to find the right mower with the right price.
Husqvarna YTH18542-CARB
We’re starting to go up in price a bit, but pretty much anything under $2k in my mind qualifies as a cheap riding lawnmower. The Husqvarna 42 inch tractor still features a great price at just under $2500. The great thing about this mower is the ability to adjust the cutting height with a fender-mounted lever, headlights, and it’s very comfortable to operate.
It has a Briggs & Stratton engine and hydrostatic transmission. This model uses air induction technology to provide a consistent cut through and through.
When I mentioned it’s comfortable, the seat is padded and adjustable, and it has an ergonomic steering wheel making it a pleasure to operate.
If you want a bit more from your mower, you can definitely use this model as an all-around lawn maintenance vehicle. It has towing capabilities, which are perfect for hauling small loads such as wood or attaching a trailer for other similar duties.
Husqvarna YTH18542-CARB Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine (Intek)
- Cutting Deck Width- 42 Inches
- Towing Capability
- Multi-purpose lawn tractor
- Operator Comfort
CRAFTSMAN T140
My second pick for cheap riding lawn mowers has a 46-inch cutting deck powered by a 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Powerbuilt engine. It’s quite a step up in power in size from the previous model, yet it’s only slightly more expensive. I’m listing these mowers in price, but this is probably my top pick based on function and price.
The 42-inch CRAFTSMAN T140 mower can handle much larger lawns and has many additional features you would expect to find on a much more expensive lawnmower.
It has an electric start, so you are sure to get it to start the first time every time. It also has a 6-speed transmission with shift on the go technology. It is extremely well built, featuring a steel deck and a lever-operated drive system.
This model does not offer multiple grass management as some of the other models do. It lacks some features it definitely makes up for in price, quality of cut, and operator comfort.
CRAFTSMAN T140 Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine 18.5 HP
- Cutting Deck Width- 42 inches
- Operator Comfort
- Large Tires for Maneuverability
Troy-Bilt TB30R (30″) 420cc
The Troy-Bilt TB30R is much smaller than many riding lawn mowers. Though, the OHV engine is way better on fuel and doesn’t vibrate as many mower engines.
A great thing about this mower is the electric start. This ensures a proper start every time and no having to hassle with a choke.
With a 6 speed transmission, the TB30R can reach speeds of 1.5 to 4.25 MPH. The transmission works as a shift on the go, which is a major improvement over the We-One mower. I should also mention, you can mow in both forward and reverse.
Another great thing about a smaller mower like the TB30R is you can maneuver this thing just about anywhere versus the much larger and bulky lawn tractors. There are five adjustable positions for the cutting height allowing for more control over the cut.
The TB30R is considered an entry-level riding lawnmower. I would recommend this mower to anyone with less than an acre of lawn to maintain. I think the TB30R is a great pick for a cheap riding lawn mower and perfect for the weekend warrior.
Troy-Bilt TB30R Highlights
- OHV 420cc 4 Cycle Engine
- 6 Speed Transmission
- Electric Start
- Cutting Height Adjustment- 5 Positions
XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. – For 1/2 acre yard
The XT1 Enduro LT 42 inch mower looks very similar to the previous Husqvarna YTH18542-CARB. However, there are some distinct differences, yet only $300 currently separates these models in price.
The XT1 Enduro LT has a Kohler 5400 Series Engine with a bit more power than the previous models. This model has a hydrostatic transmission which also features a shift on the go drive.
While side discharge is the standard grass management with many Cub Cadet Machines, this model also allows for bagging and mulching. Mulching is a great way to provide nutrients back into the lawn, keeping it healthy and green.
A difference in cutting deck width doesn’t seem like much, but there is quite a bit of difference between these two models. Both are priced just right, so you mainly need to evaluate your needs based on the size of lawn you need to maintain and the frequency. It’s also important to consider storage and the size of any gates you may need to go through to access your property – it is very small!
XT1 Enduro LT 42 in. Highlights
- Kohler 5400 Series Engine
- CA (CARB) Compliant
- Cutting Deck Width- 42 Inches
- 7 Speed Transmission
- 3 in 1 Grass Management Capabilities
Poulan Pro PB155G42 42 inch 6 Speed
The Poulan Pro has a 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine with a 6-speed gear-driven transmission. The step-through area is rather large, making it easier to get on and off the mower.
The Poulan Pro features 20-inch turf saver rear tires making it easy to maneuver and saving grass from getting chewed up. This is a highly efficient mower and easy to operate.
The Pro has a high back seat which is important for comfort. It also comes with a deluxe steering wheel and a cup holder. If you’ve ever operated a riding lawn mower, you know that little comfort features are important.
The front axle is made of rugged cast iron, while the deck is made of steel. This is a well-constructed mower built to last. The Pro delivers a professional-looking cut.
Poulan Pro 42 Inch Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine 15.5 HP
- Cutting Deck Width- 42 Inches
- 6 Speed Transmission
- 14 Inch Turning Radius
- Turf Saving Rear Tires
Husqvarna YTH2042 42-Inch 540cc 20 HP
Husqvarna has a long-standing reputation for producing quality and durable products from their chainsaws to their lawnmowers. The YTH2042 is a step up from the Pro in HP and available features.
The YTH2042 has a 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine with a 42-inch cutting deck. The transmission is also hydrostatic, with speed control mounted on the fender for easy access. The cutting height can also be adjusted with the fender-mounted lever.
Cutting height can be adjusted from 1.5 to 4 inches, and you have the option of mulching, collecting, or side ejection. The tires are 20 inches in the rear and 15 in the front allowing for an impressive 16-inch turning radius.
The fuel tank has a 2.5-gallon capacity which is nice and an improvement over the Pro. This thing even comes with headlights!
If innovation is important, the Husqvarna features air induction technology. With improved airflow, you will get a more consistent and clean cut without going over the same area multiple times. Another great thing about this mower and most Husqvarna mowers is modifying this into a true property management tool. You can add attachments that will allow for towing and other property management duties.
As for price, this definitely falls under the cheap riding lawn mowers guideline, though the quality and durability of this machine make it anything but cheap. I would classify this mower as a mid to high-level model of riding mowers.
Husqvarna YTH2042 Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine 20 HP
- Cutting Deck Width- 42 Inches
- Hydrostatic Transmission
- 2.5 Gallon Tank
Poulan Pro PB195A46LT 19.5 HP
This is a larger model of the Poulan Pro line of riding lawnmowers. This model has a 46-inch cutting deck which is great for those with mid to large size lawns. The engine on this model is also a Briggs & Stratton and puts out 19.5 HP.
Believe it or not, but this model has a 16-inch turning radius for the size of this mower that truly is impressive. The rear wheels measure 20 inches, and the front 15. The seat is an 11-inch mid-back and adjustable for optimal comfort. This model also has a hydrostatic transmission and a manual clutch.
The downside to this model is, of course, the size of the tank. At 1.5 gallon capacity on such a large mower, I’m not sure what Poulan was thinking. Don’t get me wrong, this is a great mower, and Poulan makes a great line of mowers. I wish for greater fuel capacity to make this model more versatile and more available for people with anywhere from ¼ acre to several acres of lawn to maintain.
Currently, I would recommend this model to anyone with ¼ acre and up. Just be prepared to have to refuel if you have several acres to maintain.
Poulan Pro 46 Inch Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine 19.5 HP
- Cutting Deck Width- 46 Inches
- 16 Inch Turning Radius
- Hydrostatic Transmission, Manual Clutch
- 1.5 Gallon Tank
Yard Machines 13A326JC700 190cc Gas 24 in. Riding Mower
Coming in at my first pick for cheap riding lawn mowers, this is definitely one of the smaller mowers available. With a 24-inch cutting deck, you can expect easy maneuverability around trees and obstacles, as well as more convenient storage and the ability to go through residential gates.
The Yard Machines 24 inch riding mower was designed with the weekend warrior in mind and a perfect mower for those with up to an acre of lawn to maintain.
The 24-inch mower is powered by a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine. It has plenty of power to get the job done yet fuel-efficient. A 6-speed transmission gives you full control over speed and power.
Doyle Mathews Lawn ExpertOne of those things you might miss with this mower is flexible grass management. The Yard Machines 24 inch mower does not have the capability of bagging or mulching. The grass is discharged on the side. The other feature that many of the more expensive mowers come with allow for towing, which is not included in this model.
If you are looking for a riding mower that won’t hurt the pocketbook yet provides a quality cut, I highly recommend the Yard Machines 24 inch riding lawnmower. Currently, this mower is available through Amazon and Sold by CPO Outlets.
Yard Machines 24 inch Riding Lawn Mower Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine 190cc
- Cutting Deck Width- 24 inches
- 6 Speed Transmission
- Easy Maneuverability
- Steel Deck
- Easy Step-Through Access and Operator Comfort
Final Thoughts on Cheap Riding Lawn Mowers
There you have it, ten cheap riding lawn mowers at well under $2000. There are, of course, several other models of mowers I could have included in this list. I chose the above mowers based on price as well as availability. As price and availability change quite often, I will keep this post updated to know which mowers are currently priced the cheapest.
All in all, I think this is a pretty comprehensive list of cheap riding lawn mowers that can perform for a variety of lawn sizes and budgets. Thank you for taking the time to check out my site. If you found the information helpful, please share this page with your friends. If you have any questions regarding riding lawn mowers, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or use the contact tab to reach me via email.
