The Best Used Riding Lawn Mower in 2025 : Tested & Review

Is it even worth buying a used riding mower? Absolutely—if you know what to look for. After testing over a dozen machines, I can confidently say the best used riding lawn mower can still offer years of reliable service—at a fraction of the cost of new models. I bought my first used mower back when I couldn’t justify spending $3,000+ on a brand-new one, and it surprised me with how well it performed over time.

When you choose wisely—looking at maintenance history, brand reputation, and build quality—you can score a good used lawn tractor that rivals newer ones. Brands like Husqvarna and John Deere have models known for durability, and I’ll walk you through what to avoid, what to buy, and how to make your mower last. Ready to find a dependable, low-maintenance used riding mower without breaking the bank? Let’s get into it.

What to Look for When Buying Used

Buying a used riding mower can save a lot of money, but you need to choose carefully. Always check:

• Service history – A mower with oil change records and blade sharpening is a good sign.
  
• Engine and transmission – Make sure it starts easily and drives smoothly without strange noises.
  
• Cutting deck – Look for rust, cracks, or worn belts that could cost more to fix.
  
• Hours of use – Under 400 hours is ideal for most lawn tractors.
  
• Brand reputation – Husqvarna, John Deere, and Cub Cadet are known for lasting a long time.

Best Overall :Husqvarna Z254F Zero Turn Mower Review

The Husqvarna Z254F delivers power and precision in use. I tested it on a 1.5-acre yard with both flat and sloped areas. The wide deck cut mowing time nearly in half compared to my old tractor mower. Even wet, tall grass didn’t bog it down. The engine feels strong, and the mower responds quickly to turns without jerking.

It starts every time, and the controls are intuitive—even if you’ve never used a zero-turn before. The fabricated deck handles bumps well, and the anti-scalp wheels prevent uneven cuts. For comparison, the Ariens Ikon XD 52 has a similar feel, but the Z254F is easier to control at higher speeds.

It’s not a small machine, so it’s best for people with medium to large yards. If you want a reliable mower that saves time and feels good to use, the Z254F is a great investment.

Read Our Husqvarna Z254F Zero Turn Mower In Depth Review

Best Zero-Turn: Ariens Ikon XD 42 Review

If you’re stepping into the world of zero-turn mowers for the first time, the Ariens Ikon XD 42 is one of the easiest and smoothest ways to start. It’s built tough, runs quiet, and makes yard work feel way less like work.

The Ariens Ikon XD 42 performs better than you’d expect from a mid-size zero-turn mower. I tested it on my 1-acre lawn, which has a mix of slopes, tree lines, and some tight spots. It handled them all with ease. The 18 HP Kawasaki engine doesn’t feel underpowered at all—it starts right away and keeps a steady, strong pace while mowing.

The 42-inch fabricated steel deck gives a nice clean cut, even when the grass is thick. I didn’t need to double-pass, and the anti-scalp wheels really help on small bumps and dips. It feels a bit sturdier than the John Deere Z325E, especially in how the deck holds up over rough patches.

Using the controls is easy. The lap bars respond smoothly, and the mower feels very stable—great if you’re still getting used to zero-turn steering. Adjusting the cutting height takes a moment to figure out at first, but once set, it stays locked in place.

This mower is perfect for homeowners and seasonal users who want a reliable, simple-to-use machine without jumping to a full commercial model. It’s small enough to store easily but tough enough to last many seasons

Read Our Ariens Ikon XD 42 In Depth Review

Best Electric: Greenworks 80V 42” Riding Lawn Tractor Review

If you want power without gas, this electric riding mower is a game changer. It’s clean, quiet, and strong enough for big yards.

The Greenworks 80V 42” electric mower runs smoother and quieter than most gas mowers. We tested it on a ½-acre lawn with tall summer grass. It cut through it all in one pass without choking or bogging down. The twin blades under the 42-inch deck give a nice, even cut. Even near trees and edges, it stayed accurate.

Using it feels like driving a golf cart. The controls are simple. Just turn the key and go. There’s no pull cord, no oil, no gas mess. That alone makes it easy for older users or new homeowners. The seat is comfy, and the zero-turn steering helps it move around tight spots fast.

However, battery life is about 60–70 minutes. If you have more than an acre to mow, you might need a second battery. Compared to gas models like the Husqvarna TS 142X, the Greenworks is cleaner and easier, but not as strong on thick brush.

This mower is perfect for eco-conscious homeowners with medium lawns. If you want quiet, clean, and easy mowing without fumes, this one’s a solid pick. It’s best for seasonal users or everyday homeowners—not for heavy-duty commercial use.

Read Our Greenworks 80V 42” Riding Lawn Tractor In Depth Review

Best Budget: EGO ZT4204L Zero Turn Lawn Mower

If you’re looking to switch from gas to electric without spending a fortune, the EGO ZT4204L is a solid option. It’s clean, quiet, and surprisingly powerful for the price.

EGO ZT4204L | 42-Inch Zero Turn Riding Mower

What We Like What We Don’t Like

Very quiet during use Not ideal for mowing wet grass

Fast charging with included rapid charger May struggle slightly on steep slopes

Handles tight turns with ease

Comfortable padded seat for long mowing jobs

Simple controls, even for new users

The EGO ZT4204L might be budget-friendly, but it doesn’t feel cheap. This zero-turn mower runs on a 56V ARC Lithium™ battery system, which is powerful enough to cut up to 2 acres on a single charge. In our test, we used it on a slightly overgrown backyard, and it didn’t bog down once. The twin blade setup gave us clean, even cuts—even in thicker patches of grass.

Controlling this mower is a breeze. The lap bars respond quickly, and it can turn within its own footprint. That’s great for navigating tight spots or around trees. The ride is smooth, and the seat is well-padded, so you don’t feel sore after a long mow.

However, like many battery mowers, it can slow down if the grass is wet or too thick. It also isn’t the best on steep hills. Still, when compared to gas zero-turn mowers like the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42, the EGO holds up well—especially if you value quiet operation and no fuel fuss.

This mower is perfect for homeowners who mow once a week and want something low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and easy to learn. It’s best for seasonal users or first-time riders who want a quiet, clean cut without spending a fortune

Read Our EGO ZT4204L Zero Turn Lawn Mower In Depth Review

Husqvarna TS354XD Review: Built Like a Tank, Mows Like a Pro

If you’ve got a large yard or tough terrain, the Husqvarna TS354XD is the kind of mower that steps up. It’s heavy-duty, powerful, and handles tough mowing jobs with ease.

Husqvarna TS354XD | Best for Heavy-Duty Work

The Husqvarna TS354XD runs with serious power. Its 24HP Kawasaki engine delivers smooth performance, even when cutting thick grass or damp patches. During my tests, it never bogged down—even when climbing hills or dealing with overgrown edges.

The 54-inch fabricated steel deck is solid. It cuts a wide path, which means less time mowing. In addition, the cut is even and clean, even on rough terrain. The rear locking differential is a game-changer. It gives better traction on slopes or wet areas where cheaper mowers might slip.

This mower feels strong but still easy to control. The hydrostatic transmission responds well, and steering is light. Compared to the John Deere E180, the Husqvarna gives better traction and a smoother ride—though the John Deere is a little more compact.

Setup is simple, but the size and weight may be too much for small yards. If you own several acres or run a small property maintenance service, this is a great fit. Homeowners with big lawns or seasonal users who need real power will get the most from it.

Read Our Husqvarna TS354XD In Depth Review

Quick Comparison Table: Best Used Riding Lawn Mower

 1. Engine Power & Performance

I tested these mowers on hills and rough ground. The Husqvarna TS354XD felt strong and never slowed down. The John Deere E180 was powerful but slipped a bit on steep slopes.

Winner: Husqvarna TS354XD — It feels strong and reliable on tough spots.

2. Cutting Deck & Mowing Quality

I cut tall, thick grass with all five mowers. The Husqvarna’s 54-inch steel deck made clean cuts every time. Cub Cadet was close but left some small strips uncut.

Winner: Husqvarna TS354XD — Best deck size and build for smooth cuts.

3. Ride Comfort & Ease of Use

Mowing takes time. Comfort matters. Husqvarna’s seat is soft and the drive is smooth. Toro’s suspension is comfy but harder to use.

Winner: Husqvarna TS354XD — Comfy and simple to drive all day.

4. Durability & Build Quality

A mower must last long. Husqvarna’s steel deck and frame feel tough. Cub Cadet also feels strong. Craftsman feels lighter and less solid.

Winner: Husqvarna TS354XD — Built tough to last years.

5. Maintenance & Ease of Service

No one wants hard upkeep. Husqvarna is easy to service. Parts are easy to reach. Toro’s suspension needs more care.

Winner: Husqvarna TS354XD — Easy to service and maintain.

.How We Tested These Mowers

I tested more than a dozen used riding mowers on different yards. Each mower was used on flat and sloped lawns, both dry and wet. I checked how fast they cut, how clean the cut looked, and how easy they were to drive.

I also looked at comfort, build quality, and how simple it was to start and maintain them. For fair results, each mower was tested for at least two full mowing sessions.

This way, I could see which models worked best for different yard sizes, grass types, and user needs.

Final Thoughts

If you want a mower that feels strong and lasts a long time, the Husqvarna TS354XD is a great choice. It made mowing my big yard easy and even fun. But if you’re looking for something lighter or easier to store, you might want to check other models. From my experience, this mower works best for anyone who needs power and comfort without fuss.

FAQs About Buying a Used Riding Lawn Mower

Q1: Is it worth buying a used riding lawn mower?
Yes, a used mower can save money if it’s well-maintained. Brands like Husqvarna or John Deere last for years when cared for.

Q2: How many hours is too much for a used lawn tractor?
Most lawn tractors last 500–1000 hours. A mower with under 400 hours and good service records is often a safe buy.

Q3: What should I check before buying a used mower?
Look at engine condition, deck rust, tire wear, and service history. Always test start and drive the mower before paying.

Q4: Which used riding mower brand is most reliable?
Husqvarna, John Deere, and Cub Cadet are top picks. They are known for strong engines, durable decks, and easy part availability.

Q5: How much should I pay for a used riding mower?
Prices vary by age, brand, and condition. Most used lawn tractors cost $800–$2,000, far less than new models.

Q6: Can a used zero-turn mower be a good deal?
Yes. A used zero-turn mower can save time and give pro-level cuts. Check deck wear and hydro drive before buying.

Q7: How long will a used Husqvarna lawn tractor last?
With regular oil changes and blade care, a Husqvarna tractor can last 10–15 years even if bought second-hand.

Q8: What is better for small yards, a lawn tractor or zero-turn?
A zero-turn is easier for tight spots, but a small lawn tractor is cheaper and good for flat, simple yards.

Q9: Can electric riding mowers be bought used?
Yes, but check battery health. Greenworks and EGO batteries lose power over time, so a new battery may be needed.

Q10: How do I know if a used mower was well cared for?
A clean engine, sharp blades, new belts, and service records are good signs. Avoid machines with oil leaks or rusted decks.