6 Best Lawn Mower Tractors of 2025

Built like a fortress and engineered for dominance, the Husqvarna TS 248XD isn’t just a lawn tractor—it’s a landscaping powerhouse. With a 23HP Kawasaki FR series engine under the hood, this machine delivers smooth, reliable power that laughs at thick grass and uneven terrain. The 48-inch fabricated steel mower deck is far more durable than stamped decks, resisting warping and delivering a precisely even cut across rough yards. Add in the automatic differential lock and dual-pedal drive, and you’ve got a tractor that conquers slopes and tight turns without breaking a sweat—ideal for homeowners battling hilly, sprawling lawns.

In real-world testing, the TS 248XD shines on large properties over an acre, where its heavy-duty transmission and superior traction make quick work of mowing marathons. The Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission offers buttery-smooth speed control, while the locking differential keeps both rear wheels spinning in muddy or slippery conditions—something cheaper tractors fail at. It handles slopes up to 15 degrees with confidence, and the LED headlights make dusk mowing safe and effective. That said, the sheer size and weight make it less agile in tight spaces or around intricate landscaping, and storage can be a challenge in smaller garages.

Compared to the similarly priced Z254 zero-turn, the TS 248XD trades raw speed for greater stability and precision on inclines—making it the smarter pick for uneven or sloped yards. While zero-turns like the Z254 offer faster mowing with a 6.5 mph top speed, they lack the traction control and rugged durability this tractor brings. It’s perfect for serious homeowners who value long-term reliability over flashy speed, and who want a no-compromise machine that will last over a decade. It delivers more refinement and engineering depth than the mid-range TS 148X, especially in deck construction and engine quality.

Power meets practicality in the Husqvarna TS 148X, a mid-tier lawn tractor that punches well above its weight class. Boasting a 24HP Briggs PXi engine, this model delivers strong, consistent performance across flat to moderately sloped lawns, making it a standout in its price range. The 48-inch stamped mower deck may not be as rugged as a fabricated one, but it still slices through overgrown grass with ease, especially when paired with the smooth K46 Tuff Torq transmission. It’s a no-frills workhorse built for homeowners who want reliability without the premium price tag of a Kawasaki-powered machine.

On test runs, the TS 148X handled half-acre lawns in under 40 minutes, thanks to its 5 mph forward speed and wide cutting path. The 3-gallon fuel tank means fewer fill-ups, and the engine restarts cleanly after shutdowns—no priming or choking needed. It performs well on flat, open terrain but starts to struggle on wet, sloped ground where the lack of differential lock becomes obvious. While the stamped deck is lighter and less prone to rust, it’s also more prone to vibration at high speeds, leading to a slightly rougher cut compared to fabricated decks. Still, for most suburban yards, it’s more than capable.

When stacked against the budget-friendly TS 146, the TS 148X offers a larger engine and wider deck for only a modest price increase—making it the smarter long-term investment. It doesn’t have the premium feel of the TS 248XD, but it closes the gap in performance while staying accessible. It’s ideal for homeowners with medium to large yards who want strong power and solid build quality without overspending on features they won’t use. It delivers better engine performance and deck size than the TS 146, making it the sweet spot in Husqvarna’s traditional tractor lineup.

Speed, precision, and swagger define the Husqvarna Z254, a zero-turn mower that turns lawn care into a high-efficiency sport. With a 24HP Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine and a massive 54-inch stamped deck, this machine can mow large acreages at 6.5 mph—nearly twice the speed of standard lawn tractors. The Hydro-Gear EZT transmission responds instantly to lap bar input, delivering pinpoint turning control and zero-radius pivots that eliminate missed strips and reduce mowing time by up to 40%. If you’ve ever spent hours circling trees and flower beds, the Z254 is your time-saving savior.

In real-world use, the Z254 devours 1+ acre lawns with astonishing speed, and the 3.5-gallon fuel tank keeps it running for up to 2 hours on a single fill. The wide deck minimizes passes, and the lap bar steering feels intuitive after a short learning curve. However, the 54-inch stamped deck can bounce on extremely uneven terrain, leading to an inconsistent cut on bumpy yards. And while the speed is thrilling, new users may find it intimidating, especially on slopes—zero-turns are not recommended for inclines over 10 degrees. It’s best suited for flat, open properties where speed and efficiency are king.

Next to the Z246, the Z254 offers a larger deck and more powerful engine, making it far more efficient for big lawns. Compared to the TS 248XD, it sacrifices slope handling and ruggedness for raw mowing velocity. It’s the go-to choice for homeowners who prioritize speed over all else and have flat, obstacle-filled yards that demand tight maneuvering. It delivers far more cutting width and faster ground coverage than any traditional tractor in the lineup, making it the ultimate tool for time-pressed mowing missions.

Smart, simple, and surprisingly capable, the Husqvarna TS 146 is the definition of value-driven performance. With a 22HP Briggs EXi engine and a 46-inch stamped 2-blade deck, it’s built for smaller to mid-sized yards where reliability and ease of use matter most. The K46 Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission delivers smooth acceleration and consistent power delivery, while the 3-gallon fuel tank ensures long mowing sessions without constant refueling. It’s not flashy, but it’s engineered to start every time and cut cleanly every pass—perfect for weekend warriors who just want to get the job done.

In testing, the TS 146 handled a 0.75-acre yard in about 50 minutes, delivering a decent finish with minimal overlap. The 2-blade deck does a respectable job, though it can struggle with tall or wet grass, requiring slower passes for a clean cut. It’s stable on slight inclines but lacks differential lock or aggressive traction, so it’s best on flat, well-maintained lawns. The compact size makes it easy to store and maneuver around sheds and fences, a big plus over larger models. It won’t win races against zero-turns, but it’s dependable, predictable, and low-maintenance.

Compared to the TS 148X, the TS 146 gives up 2 inches of deck width and 2HP, but it also comes in at a noticeably lower cost—making it the smarter pick for those on a budget. When lined up against the TS 142, it offers a wider cutting path and slightly better efficiency. It’s ideal for homeowners with small to medium yards who want solid Husqvarna quality without overspending. It delivers better deck size and engine performance than the TS 142 while staying more affordable than the 48-inch models.

Compact, nimble, and perfectly sized, the Husqvarna TS 142 is tailor-made for small yards where maneuverability trumps raw power. With a 22HP Briggs EXi engine and a 42-inch stamped 2-blade deck, it delivers plenty of cutting ability for lawns under half an acre. The hydrostatic transmission ensures smooth speed control, and the tight turning radius lets you navigate tight corners, fences, and trees with ease. It’s the kind of mower that fits in a standard garage, starts on the first pull, and gets the job done without drama—ideal for retirees, part-time homeowners, or urban lots.

In real-world use, the TS 142 mows a 0.5-acre yard in under 45 minutes, delivering a clean, even cut on flat terrain. The 2-blade deck performs well in normal conditions but struggles with tall or damp grass, often requiring a second pass. The smaller deck means more passes, but the lightweight frame and responsive steering make it effortless to guide. It’s not built for hills or heavy-duty mowing, and the lack of advanced features like LED lights or locking diff reflects its entry-level status. But for what it is, it’s reliable, user-friendly, and efficient.

Versus the TS 146, the TS 142 trades 4 inches of deck width for even greater agility and easier storage. It’s not meant to compete with the zero-turns or 48-inch tractors—those are overkill for small spaces. Instead, it fills a critical niche: a no-fuss, easy-to-use tractor for people who don’t need (or want) a beast of a machine. It’s the most approachable Husqvarna lawn tractor, perfect for beginners or those downsizing. It offers similar engine power in a much more compact form than larger models, making it the top pick for simplicity and fit.

Big performance in a compact frame, the Husqvarna Z246 brings zero-turn agility to mid-sized yards that don’t need a 54-inch deck. With a 22HP Briggs EXI engine and a 46-inch 2-blade stamped deck, it delivers 6.5 mph mowing speed and instant lap bar steering, cutting mowing time in half compared to traditional tractors. The Hydro-Gear EZT transmission is buttery smooth, responding instantly to hand movements and enabling tight pivots around trees and flower beds. It’s the perfect blend of speed and size for homeowners who want zero-turn efficiency without the bulk.

On test runs, the Z246 cleared a 0.75-acre yard in just 30 minutes—nearly half the time of a standard tractor. The 3.5-gallon fuel tank supports long sessions, and the engine runs quietly for a V-twin. However, the 2-blade deck can leave behind clumps in thick grass, and the lack of a third blade means you’ll need to slow down for a pristine finish. Like all zero-turns, it’s not recommended for slopes, and beginners may need a few passes to master the lap bar controls. But once dialed in, it’s addictively efficient.

Compared to the Z254, the Z246 sacrifices 8 inches of deck width for better fit in tighter storage spaces and slightly improved agility. Against the TS 146, it offers dramatically faster mowing and superior turning precision. It’s ideal for those who want zero-turn speed but have limited garage space or smaller acreage. It delivers far greater efficiency than any traditional tractor while staying more manageable than full-size zero-turns.