The 5 Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres Reviews and Buying Guide in 2024

Troy-Bilt Pony 42 inch
Troy-Bilt Pony 42 inch
9/10
  • Gear drive transmission
  • Deck wash
  • Larger cutting deck
Ryobi RY48111
Ryobi RY48111
8.5/10
  • Great controlling
  • Excellent cut
  • Environment friendly
Ultima Series ZT1 42 inch
Ultima Series ZT1 42 inch
9.3/10
  • V twin engine
  • Rear wheel transmission
  • Aero-force cutting

This is our review of the best riding lawn mower for 2 acres in 2024.

The best riding mower for a 2-acre yard must be strong and durable.

Generally in the USA, we are always seeing flat or uneven types of ground. If our mower is not durable or didn’t provide efficient cutting performance, we are abusing money.

I’m a former lawn mower expert who researched the best riding lawn mower for 2 acres to help you find the best riding mower for your lawn.

After gathering 35 riding lawn mowers and collecting as much data as possible we decide that the Ryobi 38 inch 75AH is the best riding lawn mower for 2 acres. 

With its fast and efficient cutting quality, durable, long-lasting battery life, and eco-friendly there is no question how reliable the mower is. Whether it is flat or hilly yards, its rear engine always produces enough power to handle the mowing job.  

Every lawn is different. So, I’ve included reviews of the best riding mowers for every type of lawn.

Let’s get started.

Quick Summary: What is the Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres?

The fact is that the more models and types are available, the more choices you have, but it is also hard to select the best riding mower that meets all your requirements. 

Based on our experience, the overall winner should be the Ryobi 38 inch 75 Ah electric riding mower.  It is very easy and comfortable to drive. 

On the other hand, if you’ve hilly lawn John Deere S120 42 in. 22 HP V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic Lawn mowers if good fit you. 

But if you’re looking for a mower that is a good fit for all types and sized lawns, we highly recommend you go with Ultima Series ZT1 42.

For those who are in a rush, I have summarized some of the highlights of the 7 best riding lawn mowers for 2 acres on the market. Let’s see what these features are.

1. Best Overall: 38 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower

2. Best budget: Pony 42 in. 15.5 HP Briggs and Stratton 7-Speed Manual Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor

3. Premium Choice: Ultima Series ZT1 42 in. Zero-Turn Mower, 17AREACS010

4. Best gas: XT1 Enduro LT 46 in. 22 HP V-Twin Kohler 7000 Series Engine Hydrostatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Mower (CA Compliant)

5. Best for hill: S120 42 in. 22 HP V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor-California Compliant

Best Riding Lawn Mowers For 2 Acres – Comparison Chart

Before jumping on the main reviews section will make a handy comparison guide chart. This will help to eliminate the riding mower easily and offer to pick the best one. 

Let’s take a look. 

NameExperts RatingEngine PowerDeck sizeTurning RadiusFuel Capacity
Ryobi RY48111#1 Overall Winner ?19.5 HP38″16″100 Ah Battery
Troy-Bilt Pony 42 inch#2 Budget Pick15.5 HP42″18″1.3 gallons
Ultima Series ZT1 42 inch#3 Premium Choice22 HP42″0″3.5 gallons
XT1 Enduro#4 Best Gas22 HP46″16″3 gallons
John deere S120#5 Best for hill22 HP42″18″2.4 gallons
best riding lawn mower for 2 acres

Reviews of Top 5 Riding Lawn Mowers For 2 Acres

The following is a list of the 5 top riding lawn mowers for 2 acres. As you go through the list, consider making a note of some of the features that interest you. Of course, the pros and cons should also be noted so you are aware of the upside and downsides of each saw.

Let’s begin with the first riding mower on the list:

1.Best Overall: 38 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower

What you will love 

Compact design, excellent cut, and cruise control, blades brakes, and its controlling system that much better than a traditional riding mower. In fact, if you’re a beginner at mowing then you can easily handle it. 

The 5 Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres Reviews and Buying Guide in 2024 1

Performance

Goodbye, the messy gas-powered lawn mower. With Ryobi 38inch 100 Ah battery-powered electric rear engine riding mower that drives transmission blades to wheels and easily handles the toughest mowing job. 

However, the 48-volt brushless mower makes sufficient power to tackle residential flat or sloped areas without losing any power. 

Its on-bard control panel technology informs you of the battery life, allows cruise control, operates the LED lights and it can charge USB portable gadgets like mobile phones. 

The cruise control features help to maintain the mower’s speed based on the yard types. 

Cool. Right?

However, the Ryobi including the blades brakes that disengage the blades and allow the mower to move. 

Deck

The 12 gauge steel deck is hard to break in the soil.  

Its 12 positions 38-inch blades cut the grass efficiently allowing a nice and clean-looking lawn. 

When the twin blades combined with the two brushless motor blades offer an exceptional cutting experience that you can’t imagine. 

Anyway, when it comes to grass management, it allows mulching, bagging, and side discharge. As a riding mower, most people love side discharge. But we are not recommending you always side discharge the grass. To maintain a healthy lawn we also recommend mulching. 

Easy of Use

Goodbye mower seat belts. From my perspective, I hate seat belts. But when I saw this machine, I felt great. It seats and steers in the perfect position that anyone can love. On the other hand, it is so easy to start and control. 

Also, it is a good option for those who are beginners at mowing. 

Just simply engage the blades and set the cruise control on the onboard control panel. It will maintain the mowing speed automatically. 

However, this mower is small and compact in design, also if you have a leaf blower, you can easily clean the mechanic with it after the mowing. 

Battery

The machine’s 100 Ah battery holds the charge 2.5 hours in your running time. But the drawback is, it requires overnight charging from a 120v outlet. 

The 2.5  hours is enough to cut the 2 acres area. 

Though this mower’s main intention is for residential usages, you can easily use it if you have a small lawn mowing company. 

Bottom line

Ryobi RY48111 is an environment-friendly lawn mower that delivers enough power to provide a clean cut. Overall it’s a great mower at this price range. If you don’t like mower vibration or fumes then I will encourage you to go with it. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Specifications

Type of mowerElectric mower
Engine power output19.5 HP
Fuel tank capacity100 Ah Battery
Size of the cutting deck38″
TransmissionAutomatic
Turning radius16″
Speed8mph

2.Best budget: Pony 42 in. 15.5 HP Briggs and Stratton 7-Speed Manual Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor

What you will Love

Extreme level durable, powerful 500 cc engine with gear drive transmission ensure the highest performance of cut. As a matter of fact, it’s a larger cutting deck, multiple cutting positions with deck wash port consume the mowing and maintenance time. 

The 5 Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres Reviews and Buying Guide in 2024 2

Performance

The Troy-Bilt Pony comes with less price than the other riding mower. We pick in our best budget section for its affordable price tag with high-efficiency performance.  

In fact, its durable and powerful 15.5 HP 500cc OHV Briggs & Stratton engine ensures a clean and efficient cut. 

However, its 7-speed Shift-on-the-Go transmission allows easy speed adjustment that is useful if you’re mowing on the hilly yard or if you’re a beginner at a gas riding mower. 

Also, rear-wheel-drive manual gear transmission and Pneumatic tires provide better traction and maneuver in any mowing conditions.  

Moreover, its 18-inch radius turn allows you to mow in the tighter spaces and navigate around obstacles, trim close to trees and other landscaping features in confidence. 

Moreover, its reverse cutting capability easily allows the maneuver to mow in any space. 

Its translucent fuel tank oil capacity is 48 OZ and we highly recommend for its engine please use 10W-30 lawn mower oil.

Awesome right?

Though a gas riding mower, we think it makes louder noise and as well as messy fumes. But thanks to Troy-Bilt, they specially built this mower for residential usage and they are highly focused on consuming noise and sounds. 

Deck

The 42-inch twin-blade cutting swath is wide enough to cut a sufficient area in each space. 

The 13 gauge steel deck is the hardest in the soil and any hard obstacle in the yard. 

It’s a single level 5 position adjustable cutting deck that offers to cut the grass at 1.25 inches to 2.5 inches. 

For ensuring long livity they attach a deck wash system though the deck is dust resistant. 

The deck wash port allows easy cleaning of the deck with a garden hose reel. 

Thumbs up. 

For superior grass management, it has a rear bagger and mulching kit. But you have to buy it separately. 

Ease of use

After analyzing all the specs and features the mower is really easy to use. 

But the drawback is I didn’t like its seat though it’s a good fit at this price range. 

The mower required assembled and automatic headlights for mowing in the dark. And if you think you need a cup of coffee, its cup holder suits it.  

On the other hand, the mower electric start system is also great. It offers a hassle-free start every time. 

Great. Right?

Bottom Line

Durable, powerful, manual transmission system with unlimited running time. Furthermore, its deck wash port saves your lots of time, when you need to clean the deck. Overall it’s a great mid-budget mower.

Specifications

Type of mowerGas riding mower
Engine power output15.5 HP
Fuel tank capacity1.3 gallons
Size of the cutting deck42″
TransmissionShift-on-the-Go transmission
Turning radius18″
Speed5.5mph

3.Premium Choice: Ultima Series ZT1 42 in. Zero-Turn Mower, 17AREACS010

What you will Love

The square tubular construction design makes it lightweight and durable in soils. The ZT1 powerful 22 HP v twin maximizes the performance and quality cut without losing any mowing portion. 

The 5 Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres Reviews and Buying Guide in 2024 3

Performance

The ZT1 Ultima series is one of the revolutionary designs made by cub cadets. The mower 22 HP V-Twin Kohler 700cc engine maximizes power and efficiency. 

The ZT1  tubular steel frame provides you with the optimal durability and strength you demand.

Its easy-adjust lap bar offers ease to control and its over-molded rubber handgrip dampened the vibration (specially optimized for comfort). 

In fact, its dual hydrostatic transmissions with dual hydro-gear EZT-2200 provide rear-wheel transmission for quick and effortless 7.5 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH reverse zero-turn controlled ground speeds, which quickly leaves your lawn with a professional-quality finish within an hour. 

Sounds good?

Moreover, the mower has turf damage prevention and turf premium tries to offer better traction, minimizes turfing, and provides a better ride on uneven ground at higher speeds. 

Deck

It’s 42 aero-force cutting combined with 7mph speed to cut the larger yards in a short period and offers you spending more time with your family in the yards. 

The razor-sharp arc blades cut the grass smoothly and its deem dome deck design provides flawless results. In fact, the deck is rust-resistant.

The deck is made of 13 gauge steel that is hard to break in soil. The mower has a foot operator deck lift and its dial-up knob offering 15 quarters in. deck height adjustments from 1 in. to 4.5 in. leading to a precise and even cut. 

For better grass management, it has an optimizing bagging system that is specifically designed to prevent clumping and blockage, you get even more from your mowing experience. 

Ease of use

The ultima ZT1 design is inspired by the automobile. In fact, it’s a high-performance, fully adjustable premium 18 in. H-back seat and a durable, advanced polymer seat suspension system, adjustable lap bar specially optimized for your comforts. 

Also, the mower control panel enhances the mowing productivity while you’re mowing.

Unlike the other mower, it requires little maintenance, and its removable fool pan allows easy access to the deck and engine for cleaning.

Its illuminating dual-LED headlights allow it to mow in the dark conditions. 

On the other hand, it has a 3.5 gal fuel tank capacity that is quite good for cutting the 2 acres. 

For ensuring the long life, the cub cadet offers a 3-year/unlimited-hour warranty plus a limited lifetime warranty on frame. 

Bottom line

If you have flat to hilly yards, I will strongly encourage you to pick it. Its dual hydrostatic rear-wheel transmission with turf prevents tires from using better traction and aero force cutting always provides you smooth cuts. 

Specifications

Type of mowerGas Zero Turn Riding Mower
Engine power output22 HP
Fuel tank capacity3.5 gallons
Size of the cutting deck42″
TransmissionDual hydrostatic transmissions
Turning radius0″
Speed7.5 mph

4.Best gas: XT1 Enduro LT 46 in. 22 HP V-Twin Kohler 7000 Series Engine Hydrostatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Mower (CA Compliant)

What you will Love

Versatility design, responsive handle, advanced cutting performance, and its IntelliPower engine technology. In fact, the XT1 enduro compact design saves lots of garage space.

The 5 Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres Reviews and Buying Guide in 2024 4

Performance

Cub cadets are always good at their superior performance, durability, and comfortness. The XT1 is an entry-level powerful mower that is suitable for especially beginners. 

The machine is powered by a 22HP Kohler V-Twin OHV engine that is combined with hydrostatics transmission for cutting grass efficiently and operating the mower smoothly. 

To deliver a better cutting performance the machine features 12 changeable height adjustment features. The PTO lever allows you to set it down and it’s located on the right side of the mower. 

However, though a gas mower provides sufficient torque to maintain any mowing conditions during flat or hilly yards. 

In fact, its push-button cruise control easily maintains the mower speed. So don’t worry about the speed if you’re at the beginner level. 

The rear-wheel-drive system is excellent when someone asks about the traction. Moreover, the mower has both forward (5.5 mph) and reverse (2.5 mph) speeds. 

Thumbs up. 

Forward and reverse speed features help to reach the lawn’s tiny space and cut the grass efficiently. 

The machine is fully optimized for gas. The mower has 3 gallons fuel tank capacity. And in our experience, it’s quite good for 2 acres. 

Let’s have a look at the deck system. 

Deck

In our experience, the mower deck gets easily dirty. This is too annoying. But thanks to its deck wash system. It’s a kind of plug-and-play system. You can just add a garden hose with clean water, it automatically cleans it. 

The stamped deck is made of 12 gauge steel and it helps to fly the grass fine easily when you’re using side discharge. 

On the other hand, the mower bagging system is also great. But the drawback is if you really want a bagger then you will buy it separately.  

Ease of use

It’s a great yard tool for both advanced and beginners at mowing. The mower is specially optimized for comfortness. The innovative automotive style allows you a 16-inch turning radius that is really impressive when you’re working on a tiny lawn. No need to cut the grass manually. 

It’s a two-wheeled machine and the steering system is really responsive. Also for ensuring the long life the mower has an e-coat corrosion defense system that resists wear and tear. And also cut cadet offers your 3-year warranty. 

Bottom line

The mower is really optimized for beginners to advanced-level mowing experts. The mower is really great at price. 

Specifications

Type of mowerGas riding mower
Engine power output22 HP
Fuel tank capacity3 gallons
Size of the cutting deck46″
TransmissionHydrostatic transmission
Turning radius16″
Speed5.5mph

5.Best for hill: S120 42 in. 22 HP V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor-California Compliant

What you will Love: 

The 30-second oil changing features, hydrostatics transmission, easy-to-read fuels gauge, and 22hp powerful engine with a larger cutting swath that you will love. 

The 5 Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres Reviews and Buying Guide in 2024 5

Performance

This is the most entry-level lawn tractor made by john deere. Featuring a 22HP V twin gas engine with a solid cast iron axle front wheel that is specially designed for mowing flat to hilly larger lawns. 

It’s a rear-wheel-drive transmission lawn mower. And the rear wheel as always provides better traction in any challenging mowing condition. 

The 42 larger cutting path saves lots of time that you can’t imagine. But as usual, when it comes to the tall grass it has some power. It’s not an important drawback. 

But thanks to it 13 different easy height caning features. It can easily solve this matter if you can set the maximum cutting height. 

Anyway, this lawn tractor cuts the grass like a butter knife and provides a neat and clean look. 

Moreover, its hydrostatics system with cruise control feature never goes down the mower speed and hilly to muddy lawn it always climbs up easily and provides a clean cut. 

Deck

It is a stamped 13 gauge steel deck that is so tough to break in soil. Also, it’s great for bagging and mulching through the mower has only side discharge options available. 

If you need a bagging system and mulching plug then you should buy it separately. 

Ease of use

We are honest with you. This mower is really easy to use. We all know changing lawn mower oil is too annoying. But it’s an easy-to-change 30-second oil change system under the hood that allows anyone to easily change the oil.  Moreover, it’s not a required tool. 

The 15-inch high back seat is adjustable with 10 positions and the seat chusin is great. If you position it properly you will never feel back pain. 

On the other hand, john deere has a specialized app for mowing that views engine hours and fuel levels. 

Warranty

For ensuring john deere tractor durability they are provided a 2-year bumper warranty. 

But please don’t worry about the other parts. They are well-known brands in the USA. Their manufactured products are always great. They are always careful about their consumers like you. 

Bottom Line

In our experience, john deere s120 is really performing well in the different types of yards and grass. Its powerful gas engine is really impressive to tackle any kind of mowing job. 

Especially, if you have a rough lawn and don’t know which one is suitable for you then we strongly recommend you to go for it. 

Specifications

Type of mowerGas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Engine power output22 HP
Fuel tank capacity2.4 gallons
Size of the cutting deck42″
TransmissionHydrostatic transmission
Turning radius18″
Speed5.5 mph

Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres Buyer’s Guides: How To Choose The Best Riding Lawn Mower?

If you’re new at riding a lawn mower, some specs and features confuse you. Along with, if you don’t know about all the features, you can’t take full advantage.

For this reason, we add this buying guides section that helps you to know the most essential features of each mower above we mentioned.

Power Source: Electric Vs Gas Riding Lawn Mower

Both types of mowers have some advantages and disadvantages.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly, quieter, easy to store, maintained, and operated; an electric lawn mower is a good option for you.

On the contrary, Some electric mowers have battery heating issues, have limited running time, and are less powerful. So before buying the mower, you have to know the battery type, charging time, running time, and battery warranty as well.

Anyway, if we take a look at the gas-powered riding mower,they are powerful, easily tackle any kind of tough mowing job, but not quieter than an electric mower.

On the other hand, gas riding mowers require maintenance every year for their long life. They are not environmentally friendly and sometimes make fumes.

So considering everything, based on the yard type you have to select one option.

Engine Horsepower

Engine horsepower directly refers to how much power an engine can produce. In general, it’s calculated though how much power needs to move 550 pounds.

In general, all types of riding mower comes with more than 20 HP which is great for flat types of yards.

But if your lawn is rough terrain then choose more than 30 HP.

Transmission: Hydrostatic vs Automatic Lawn Mower

Hydrostatic transmission works like an automatic transmission. But it uses fluid rather than belts to deliver sufficient power on the front or rear wheels. Also, it offers a smooth ride, requires less maintenance, and lasts longer.

Conversely, Automatic transmission or manual transmission works as a car transmission. With it, you can change lawn mower speed, motor, and blade speed manually.

If you want to save money then automatic transmission is a good choice. But it’s required maintenance.

Maneuverability

Mowing 2-acre yards effortlessly, you will need a mower that maneuvers easily. Basically, mower maneuverability depends on the machine transmission mechanism. So, that is why for smoothing cutting performance you have to check the lawn mower transmission system before buying the riding lawn mower.

Cutting Path

A wider cutting path gives you the fastest mowing experience. It covers enough area in a single pass. 42 inches to 54 inches riding lawn mower deck is a good size for a 2-acre area.

Comfort

For mowing the 2 acres area a riding mower takes at least 45 to 1.5 hours. But it depends on mowing performance, yard condition, cutting deck, and riding lawn mower speed. For seating at least 1-hour ensure that the seat is comfortable for you and keep you at work.

Operate: Lap Bar VS Steering Wheels

Traditional big Zero Turn Mower (ZTR) comes with a lap. It will give you independent control on each wheel. That means you can control the wheel position by changing the lab bar positions (Forwards and backward). And also, you can change the mower speed and direction at the same time.

On the contrary, steering wheels are best for turning the mower in a short space; its caster wheels increase the stability on the lawn slopes.

It’s a little more pricey than the lap bar.

Fuel Capacity

Mowing on the 2-acre area with a riding mower 2.5 gallons of oil is enough to mow. But if you choose an electric riding lawn mower, ensure that the mower battery charge is full.

Zero Turn Capability

Some of the homeowners love to plant trees or decor their garden with flower beds or other things. For mowing the 2 acres area with obstacle zero turn capability are the most essential features for a mower.

Though zero-turn mowers have turning areas “0” degrees, some of them have 45 degrees. So before picking a mower we have to know it.

Speed

To get the fastest mowing experience, we have to choose the speedy riding mower. Generally riding mower speed ranges between 4 MPH to 16 MPH.

Though we are picking a mower for cutting 2 acres of area, more than 6 mph speed is good for finishing the mowing at 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Build Material

Build material ensures durability. Most of the riding mower deck was built of 12 gauge steel. It’s hard to break into the soil or meet with other obstacles like tree clumps.

And also before releasing a lawn mower on the market every manufacturer checks the mower durability thousands of times for ensuring longevity.

Riding Mower Features and Options

Apart from these features, we are not talking about the riding mower for 2 acres yards. But for 2 acres yards, you can initially take a look at mower engine power, cutting width, engine power, transmission system, steering system, cleaning system, etc.

For better understanding will add a table that will help you understand the riding lawn mower features.

Easy to use

Easy to use means, how to operate the mower and how to maintain the mower. Ensure that you pick a mower that offers the best comforts while you are working in yards.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long does it take to mow a lawn of 2-acres?

Based on the cutting width, mower performance, and speed it will take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Also with a few obstacles mowing, time might be changed.

What size mower do I need for 2 acres?

For 2 acre yards, more than 42 to 48-inch decks will be appreciated. Because it offers you the fastest mowing experience, consider adding an extra buck.

Final Verdict: Best Riding Lawn Mower For 2 Acres

With so many lawn mowers, it can be difficult to know which is the best riding lawn mower. It’s important to consider the jobs you’re doing, what type of riding mower suits your budget, and what kind of features that you need.

Finding the one that’s right for you that can enhance your overall riding mower experience.

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