5 Best American Made Riding Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

This beast of a mower doesn’t just cut grass—it dominates it. With a 24 HP engine and a 54-inch ClearCut deck, the Husqvarna B087ZRH97R delivers commercial-grade performance in a residential package, making light work of uneven terrain and thick overgrowth. The electronic differential lock is a game-changer, giving you unmatched traction on slopes and wet soil without tearing up the lawn, a common pain point for homeowners with hilly yards. If you’re tired of mowers that stutter on inclines or leave uneven strips, this one is engineered to erase those frustrations.

Out in the field, the hydrostatic transmission shines, offering buttery-smooth acceleration and rock-solid control, especially when navigating tight corners or bumpy ground. The 54-inch cutting deck handles up to two acres with ease, and its multiple cutting height positions let you tailor the trim for everything from lush Kentucky bluegrass to coarse fescue. While the mower excels on open lawns, it does require a bit more clearance around trees and landscaping due to its wider turning radius—don’t expect zero-turn agility here. Still, the heavy-duty alloy steel frame and brush guard bumper mean it can take bumps and scrapes like a workhorse.

Compared to the Ariens Edge and EGO ZT4204L, this Husqvarna trades electric quietness and nimble handling for raw power and durability, positioning itself as the go-to for serious mowing tasks. It’s not as agile as a true zero-turn, but it outperforms budget tractors like the Craftsman B09KB18F11 in both deck size and terrain handling. Ideal for homeowners with 1–2 acre lots and uneven terrain, this mower is built like a commercial unit but priced for dedicated residential use. It delivers more muscle and deck width than the Ariens, without the premium electric price tag of the EGO.

Don’t let the budget-friendly label fool you—this Craftsman packs a surprising punch for small to mid-sized lawns. The 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine fires up reliably and maintains steady power across flat to gently rolling terrain, making it a solid pick for homeowners who want dependable performance without overspending. With a 42-inch stamped steel deck, it efficiently covers up to two acres, and the 18-inch turning radius helps dodge trees and flower beds with respectable precision. If your yard isn’t a jungle and you’re not chasing zero-turn speed, this mower solves the core problem: getting the job done without breaking the bank.

In real-world use, the 7-speed manual transmission gives you fine control over mowing pace, though it lacks the seamless glide of hydrostatic models. The mower handles dry, firm ground like a champ, but on wet or soft soil, the rear-wheel drive can struggle—especially on slight inclines—where models with differential locks or zero-turn traction pull ahead. The stamped steel deck is durable but not as robust as fabricated decks found on pricier zero-turns. Still, with an optional mulching kit, it delivers clean, even clippings, and the contoured low-back seat keeps fatigue at bay during longer sessions.

Stacked against the Husqvarna B087ZRH97R or Ariens Edge, this Craftsman sacrifices power and deck width for accessibility and simplicity. It’s not built for steep slopes or dense grass, but for flat, 1-acre lawns, it’s a no-frills, reliable performer that undercuts premium models by thousands. Perfect for first-time mower buyers or those with modest lawn care demands, it proves you don’t need cutting-edge tech to get a clean cut. It offers far better value than the EGO electric model for those who don’t mind gas and want to keep costs low.

The future of mowing has arrived, and it’s whisper-quiet, emissions-free, and packed with smart tech. The EGO ZT4204L is the only electric zero-turn in this lineup, delivering gas-equivalent power (22 HP) with the instant torque and smooth acceleration that lithium batteries enable. With a zero-turn radius, it pivots on a dime, making it incredibly agile around tight landscaping, trees, and garden obstacles—ideal for yards where precision beats brute force. If you’re tired of noise, fumes, and oil changes, this mower redefines the experience with a clean, customizable ride.

Powered by four 56V 10.0Ah batteries, it consistently cuts up to two acres per charge, and with optional battery expansion, you can scale up for larger properties. The LCD interface lets you toggle between Standard, Control, and Sport modes—perfect for adjusting responsiveness based on terrain or user preference. On flat to moderate slopes, it performs flawlessly, but on wet or uneven ground, the rear-wheel drive lacks the traction of models with differential locks. Recharge time is impressively short at just two hours, but battery degradation over time remains a long-term concern compared to gas engines.

Compared to the Husqvarna Z254 and Ariens Edge, the EGO trades fuel autonomy for eco-friendly operation and digital control. It’s not as rugged for heavy-duty use, but for eco-conscious homeowners with 1–2 acre manicured lawns, it’s unmatched in convenience and innovation. While it lacks the raw durability of steel-framed gas mowers, its smart features and zero emissions make it a standout. It offers more tech and agility than the Ariens 915283, but with higher long-term battery costs and less hill-climbing confidence.

When speed, power, and wide-swath cutting are non-negotiable, the Husqvarna Z254 rises as the ultimate tool for large-property owners. Its 24 HP Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine delivers relentless performance, effortlessly powering through tall grass and damp conditions where lesser mowers bog down. The 54-inch stamped deck slices a massive path, reducing mowing time by nearly half compared to 42-inch models—ideal for 2+ acre lawns. With a 6.5 mph forward speed and zero-turn radius, it combines commercial efficiency with residential usability, making it a top pick for those who value time savings and precision.

In testing, the Hydro-Gear EZT transmission provided buttery-smooth control and excellent responsiveness, allowing for tight turns without scalping corners. The 3.5-gallon fuel tank supports long runtime—up to 2.5 hours on a full tank—meaning fewer interruptions on expansive lawns. While the stamped deck is lighter than fabricated ones, it still delivers a clean cut, though it may dent under heavy impact. On uneven terrain, the mower stays stable, but the lack of differential lock means slight wheel slip can occur on wet slopes—not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

Up against the Ariens Edge 915283, the Z254 wins on deck size, speed, and fuel capacity, making it better suited for large, open lawns. It’s more powerful and efficient than the EGO ZT4204L, though it lacks electric quietness and eco-benefits. This is the go-to for homeowners who mow big, open spaces weekly and demand speed without sacrificing cut quality. It delivers broader coverage and longer runtime than the Ariens, with a performance edge that justifies its position as the best for large yards.