6 Best 42 Inch Riding Lawn Mowers of 2025

Silence meets brute cutting power in the Greenworks 60V CrossoverT — a game-changing electric ride-on that redefines what it means to mow without gas. With a 24 HP equivalent output and a relentless 17,000 feet-per-minute blade speed, this mower delivers laser-precise, even cuts across thick grass and uneven terrain, all while running 4x quieter than gas models at just 90 dB. The 42-inch reinforced deck paired with a high-efficiency brushless motor ensures maximum torque and durability, making it a standout for eco-conscious homeowners who refuse to sacrifice performance.

In real-world testing, the “Mow, Swap, and Go” battery system shines — you get up to 1.5 acres of coverage by rotating the included four 8.0Ah batteries with the dual-port turbo chargers, achieving a 90-minute recharge cycle. The 8 MPH cutting speed is best-in-class, letting you blaze through medium-sized lawns with zero lag, while the IPX4 waterproof rating ensures reliability in light rain or damp morning conditions. However, on steep inclines over 15°, the traction shows slight hesitation, and the lack of zero-turn agility means tighter landscapes require more maneuvering.

Positioned between traditional tractors and high-end zero-turns, the CrossoverT is ideal for suburban lawns up to 1.5 acres where clean operation and low maintenance are priorities. Compared to the gas-guzzling Husqvarna Z242F, this Greenworks model eliminates oil changes, fuel storage, and noise complaints — trading raw vroom for smooth, silent dominance. While it doesn’t match the acreage of EGO’s ZT4204L, it delivers a smarter balance of price, innovation, and usability for those stepping into premium electric mowing.

The Greenworks 80V Zero Turn isn’t just electric — it’s electrifying, delivering 32 horsepower equivalent muscle that obliterates tall grass with unrelenting force. At the heart of its dominance is the Cyclone Cut Technology, a power-rush system that ensures blades maintain a constant 17,000 FPM tip speed, so cutting never slows, even in wet or overgrown conditions. With an 8 MPH top speed and a 42-inch 12-gauge steel deck, this mower slices through 2 acres on a single battery rotation, making it the undisputed king of high-performance electric mowing.

Real-world performance confirms its elite status: the four 5.0Ah batteries and three rapid 8A chargers keep downtime minimal, while the 15° hill-climbing ability handles sloped yards with confidence. The industry-exclusive rear dump bed with hydraulic assist is a revelation for hauling mulch or debris — no more stopping to unload mid-mow. That said, the tight turning radius demands open space, and on uneven terrain, the rear caster wheels can lose grip, slightly affecting stability during aggressive turns.

When stacked against the EGO ZT4204L, the Greenworks 80V trades slightly shorter battery runtime for faster charging and superior hill performance. It’s engineered for serious lawn owners with 1.5–2 acres who want zero emissions without compromising speed or strength. While pricier than gas alternatives, its long-term savings on fuel and maintenance make it a forward-thinking investment. For those seeking electric power that finally outmuscles gas, this mower is the breakthrough.

The Husqvarna TS 146 is the quintessential gas-powered workhorse, built for homeowners who value dependable, no-frills mowing over flashy tech. Its 22HP Briggs & Stratton EXi engine delivers smooth, consistent power, effortlessly spinning the 46-inch stamped deck to cover large yards with fewer passes. Backed by a K46 Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission, it offers buttery-smooth speed control and reliable reverse operation — a rare plus in this category — making it a top pick for traditionalists who want simplicity with serious cutting width.

In testing, the 3-gallon fuel tank provides up to 2 hours of runtime, ideal for sprawling lawns over 2 acres, though the 5 MPH forward speed feels sluggish compared to 8 MPH electric rivals. The mower handles flat to gently rolling terrain with ease, but struggles on wet grass where the rear wheels can spin. While the deck delivers clean mulching and bagging, height adjustments are manual and limited, requiring a stop-and-adjust approach that interrupts workflow on uneven lawns.

Versus the Greenworks CrossoverT, the TS 146 wins on deck size and fuel availability but loses on noise, emissions, and maintenance. It’s best suited for rural or suburban users with big, open yards who prioritize cutting width and engine reliability over innovation. If you’re not ready to go electric but want proven durability and wide-swath efficiency, this tractor is a no-nonsense champion that outperforms its price with old-school muscle and rock-solid build.

EGO’s ZT4204L isn’t just another electric mower — it’s a precision-engineered powerhouse that matches gas in grit while surpassing it in intelligence. With 22 horsepower equivalent output and a zero-turn radius, this mower zips around trees, flower beds, and obstacles with pinpoint accuracy, all while reaching 8 MPH top speed. The 42-inch stamped steel deck delivers flawless cuts across 2 acres on a single charge, and with four 10.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries included, you’re ready to mow big lawns right out of the box — no extra purchases needed.

On the ground, the LCD interface with three driving modes — Standard, Control, and Sport — lets you tailor responsiveness to terrain or comfort, a feature no gas mower offers. The 10-position height adjustment (1.5” to 4.5”) ensures perfect grading, and 3-in-1 functionality (mulch, bag, side discharge) adds versatility. However, the two-hour recharge time means you can’t quickly resume mowing — a gap the Greenworks 80V closes with faster charging. On wet grass, rear traction is adequate but not exceptional.

Compared to the Greenworks 80V, the EGO trades slightly slower recharge for larger battery capacity and a more intuitive user experience. It’s built for tech-savvy homeowners with 1.5–2 acre lawns who want maximum customization and seamless electric performance. While it’s the most expensive option, it offers the deepest integration of smart features and cutting power, making it the pinnacle of residential electric mowing — where innovation meets raw capability in one seamless ride.

The Husqvarna Z242F is the budget-savvy gateway to zero-turn performance, offering 21.5HP Kawasaki power and a 42-inch welded deck at the lowest entry point in the lineup. Its hydrostatic, no-maintenance transmission delivers smooth, reliable operation across flat to gently rolling lawns, and the patent-pending auto park brake — which engages when levers are released — adds a touch of modern safety without complexity. While stripped of premium extras, it delivers core zero-turn agility and gas-powered reliability for cost-conscious buyers.

In testing, the mower handles 1–2 acre lawns with ease, though the 3.5-gallon tank requires frequent refueling in larger yards. The welded deck performs well in mulching and side discharge, but bagging and mulching kits are sold separately, inflating the total cost. On damp grass, traction is acceptable but not stellar, and the lack of LED lights or height presets means a more manual experience than high-end models.

Against the Special Edition Z242F, this model sacrifices cosmetic upgrades and warranty length but retains the same core engine and deck performance. It’s ideal for first-time zero-turn owners or weekend warriors with medium to large yards who want pro-level maneuverability without pro-level pricing. While it doesn’t match the innovation of EGO or Greenworks, it offers proven gas-powered simplicity and rugged build — a no-frills performer that proves zero-turn doesn’t have to mean zero savings.