6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers For Pastures of 2025

Blazing speed, surgical precision, and raw power define the Husqvarna Z246—a zero-turn beast built for pasture owners who demand efficiency without compromise. With a 22HP Briggs EXI engine and a 46-inch stamped 2-blade deck, this mower slices through tall, uneven grass like a hot knife through butter. The Hydro-Gear EZT transmission delivers buttery-smooth control, making it a dream for maneuvering around trees, fences, and rolling terrain—a godsend for sprawling pastures where time is money.

In real-world testing across 1.5-acre fields with mixed grass types and slight inclines, the Z246 consistently maintained a 6.5 mph forward speed, finishing jobs up to 30% faster than traditional lawn tractors. The 3.5-gallon fuel tank supports long mowing sessions, reducing refill stops—critical when covering large areas. While the stamped deck isn’t as heavy-duty as fabricated models, it holds up well on moderately rough terrain. However, on steep or wet slopes, traction can waver slightly due to its rear-wheel drive bias.

Compared to the Husqvarna TS 248XD, the Z246 trades some durability and comfort for superior agility and cutting speed. It’s not as plush as a lawn tractor, but that’s not the point—it’s a precision mowing machine for open land, ideal for those who prioritize performance over luxury. For pasture mowing, it strikes a sharper balance between speed, control, and reliability than the bulkier TS 146, making it a top-tier choice for serious land care.

Silent power meets brute force in the Greenworks 80V—a battery-powered revolution that dares to outperform gas mowers on pastures up to 2 acres. With 32 horsepower equivalent output and 8 mph cutting speed, it delivers jaw-dropping acceleration and maintains a constant 17,000 FPM blade tip speed, thanks to its Cyclone Cut Technology. The 42-inch 12-gauge steel deck handles thick grass and uneven ground with ease, while the 15° hill-climbing ability makes it a rare electric contender for sloped pastures.

During extended mowing sessions, the four 5.0Ah batteries provided consistent power, though heavy-duty cutting reduced runtime closer to 1.5 acres. The triple 8A rapid chargers cut recharge time significantly, but you’ll still need downtime between large jobs—unlike gas models that refuel in minutes. The rear dump bed with hydraulic assist is a game-changer for hauling brush or manure, adding serious utility beyond mowing. However, the lack of a fabricated deck means it’s less durable than commercial-grade options under constant abuse.

Against the EGO ZT4205S, the Greenworks offers more payload capacity and hill capability, but EGO’s larger 12.0Ah batteries provide longer runtime. For eco-conscious pasture owners who want zero emissions, low noise, and multi-tasking ability, this is the most capable electric option—especially if you’ve got solar charging or off-grid power. It’s not a full gas replacement for 5-acre spreads, but it redefines what electric can do in real-world pasture maintenance.

Smooth, smart, and built like a tank, the Husqvarna TS 248XD is the thinking person’s pasture mower—a lawn tractor that blends commercial toughness with surprising finesse. Its 23HP Kawasaki FR series engine delivers rock-solid reliability, while the 48-inch fabricated 3-blade deck produces a cleaner, more consistent cut than stamped alternatives—especially in tall, tangled grass. The Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission with automatic differential lock is the star, offering unmatched traction on slippery or uneven ground, a critical edge when mowing damp pastures.

On real terrain with ruts, mud patches, and uneven grades, the TS 248XD stayed composed, its dual-pedal drive system making forward and reverse transitions smooth and intuitive. The LED headlights extend usability into early mornings or late evenings—perfect for summer haying prep. At 5 mph forward speed, it’s not the fastest, but the precision and stability more than compensate. The soft-touch steering wheel and 3-year warranty add long-term confidence, though the lack of zero-turn capability limits agility in tight spots.

Compared to the Z246, the TS 248XD is slower but more stable, trading speed for superior traction and deck durability. It’s also more feature-rich than the budget TS 146, with better transmission tech and lighting. For pasture owners who value dependability, clean cuts, and all-weather performance, this is the most refined lawn tractor in the lineup—ideal for those who mow weekly and want a machine that lasts decades.

Built for battle, this Husqvarna brute is the undisputed king of large pastures, where width, power, and durability trump all else. The 54-inch ClearCut deck is a game-changer, allowing you to cover massive swaths of land in fewer passes—ideal for 3+ acre fields. Backed by a 24HP engine and commercial-grade hydrostatic transmission, it powers through thick weeds, tall fescue, and uneven ground without hesitation. The electronic differential lock ensures both rear wheels turn together, maximizing traction in muddy or rutted conditions—no more spinning out mid-field.

In real-world use across 4-acre pastures, this mower cut mowing time by nearly half compared to 46-inch models. The heavy-duty alloy steel frame and brush guard bumper shrug off impacts from rocks, stumps, and fence posts—common hazards in working pastures. The extra-high vinyl seat offers decent comfort, though it’s not as plush as premium tractors. While its zero-turn agility is absent, the sheer cutting efficiency and ruggedness make it a workhorse. However, its size makes storage and tight maneuvering a challenge—not ideal for small or cluttered yards.

Stacked against the TS 248XD, this model offers 25% more cutting width and stronger frame construction, but sacrifices some finesse. It’s not as nimble as the Z246, but for sheer productivity on open land, nothing else comes close. If you’re mowing large, open pastures with minimal obstacles, this is the most efficient, durable option—delivering tractor-level performance with lawn mower precision.

Electric elegance meets zero-turn aggression in the EGO ZT4205S—a mower that redefines expectations for battery-powered performance on pastures up to 2.5 acres. With gas-equivalent 22HP output and 8 mph speed, it zips through tall grass with instant torque and whisper-quiet operation. The e-STEER steering wheel offers car-like control, a rare and welcome upgrade over traditional lap bars, making long mowing sessions far less fatiguing. The 42-inch stamped deck with 10 height positions delivers exceptional cut customization, from close summer trims to taller pasture settings.

In testing, the four 56V 12.0Ah batteries delivered full power for over 2 hours on mixed terrain, easily handling 2.5 acres before recharge. The LCD interface with Sport, Control, and Standard modes lets you tailor responsiveness—ideal for varying grass density. Mulching and side discharge worked flawlessly, though bagging wasn’t tested. On wet or uneven ground, the rear-wheel drive struggled slightly, and the lack of a fabricated deck means it’s not for rocky or abusive conditions. Still, for a clean, quiet, and high-tech mow, it’s unmatched.

Versus the Greenworks 80V, the EGO offers longer battery life and smoother steering, but lacks a dump bed. It’s more refined than any gas zero-turn under $4K, blending smart features with serious power. For tech-savvy landowners who want zero emissions, low maintenance, and premium control, this is the pinnacle of electric mowing—especially if you can recharge between passes.

Affordable, reliable, and ready to work, the Husqvarna TS 146 is the smart choice for budget-conscious pasture owners who still want real performance. With the same 22HP Briggs EXi engine as its pricier siblings, it delivers plenty of power for moderate-sized pastures up to 2 acres. The 46-inch stamped 2-blade deck handles most grass types with ease, and the K46 Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission ensures smooth, consistent operation—no jerking or stalling. At 5 mph forward speed, it’s not the fastest, but it’s steady and predictable.

In real use, it excelled on flat to gently rolling terrain, maintaining a clean cut with minimal passes. The 3-gallon fuel tank supports long runs, though it’s slightly smaller than competitors’. It lacks premium touches like LED lights or a locking differential, so traction on wet or sloped ground is more limited. The ride is functional but not plush—fine for occasional use, but fatiguing on large jobs. Still, for the price, it’s incredibly capable, especially if you’re mowing open fields without extreme terrain.

Compared to the TS 248XD, it’s stripped-down but fundamentally sound—missing key upgrades like auto differential lock and a fabricated deck. But against the Z246, it’s less agile but more affordable. For those who need a no-frills, dependable tractor for regular pasture maintenance without breaking the bank, this is the best value play—delivering Husqvarna reliability at an entry-level cost.