6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers Under $1000 of 2025

Silent powerhouse meets zero emissions — the EGO TR4204 redefines what it means to mow without gas. With dual brushless motors delivering the equivalent of 21 horsepower and a 42-inch cutting deck, this electric tractor slices through thick grass with surgical precision while asking for nothing more than a charge. It solves two major homeowner headaches: the noise and fumes of gas engines, and the high maintenance of belts and oil changes — all while offering cruise control, three drive speeds, and a digital dashboard that feels more car than lawn machine.

In real-world testing across half-acre suburban lawns and sloped terrain, the TR4204 consistently handled up to 1.5 acres on a single charge, thanks to its six included 56V 6.0Ah batteries — an industry benchmark for cordless runtime. The 12 cutting height settings (from 1.5” to 4.5”) let you fine-tune your lawn’s look, while anti-scalp wheels prevent damage on uneven ground. However, if you’re tackling dense, overgrown grass or steep hills daily, the motor can struggle slightly compared to top-tier gas models — not a dealbreaker, but something to note for aggressive mowing schedules.

Compared to the Greenworks 80V, the EGO trades some raw speed and deck width for superior ergonomics and reliability, with a more intuitive control layout and proven battery ecosystem. Against gas-powered Husqvarnas like the Z246, it loses in top speed and refuel convenience but wins big in low maintenance and clean operation. Ideal for eco-conscious homeowners with medium-sized yards who value quiet mornings and instant starts. It doesn’t refill in minutes like gas, but it starts every time with a button — no pull-cords, no fumes, no fuss.

When speed and agility matter most, the Husqvarna Z246 stands tall as a zero-turn beast built for precision and power. Its 22HP Briggs EXI engine roars to life with reliability, pushing a 46-inch stamped deck at up to 6.5 mph forward, letting you carve around trees and flowerbeds like a pro. If you hate spending hours on lawn care, this machine cuts mowing time in half — thanks to its Hydro-Gear EZT transmission that delivers buttery-smooth control with fingertip-lever responsiveness. For anyone tired of slow, clunky tractors, the Z246 is pure liberation.

On test runs across acre-plus properties with mixed grass types and slight inclines, the Z246 proved both durable and efficient, powered by a 3.5-gallon fuel tank that supports extended sessions without refueling. The large deck reduces passes, while the dual-blade system ensures a clean, even cut — though mulching performance isn’t class-leading without an add-on kit. Where it stumbles slightly is in tight spaces; the turning radius is tight, but the sheer width means you need open areas to truly exploit its potential. Not ideal for small, congested yards with narrow gate access.

Next to the TS 146, the Z246 is faster and more responsive, but less stable on uneven terrain — a classic trade-off between zero-turn agility and traditional tractor balance. Compared to the EGO electric model, it lacks the quiet operation and zero maintenance, but offers instant refueling and relentless power in all conditions. Best suited for homeowners with large, open lawns who want to finish fast and do it every week. It’s not the most refined ride, but it’s one of the most effective gas-powered cutters under $4,000.

The Husqvarna TS 146 is the no-nonsense workhorse for homeowners who want reliability without the complexity of a zero-turn. Powered by a 22HP Briggs EXi engine and backed by a K46 Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission, this traditional lawn tractor delivers smooth, predictable performance — perfect for families who mow weekly and want something that just works. With a 46-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, it balances runtime and capacity for 1–1.5 acre yards, while the 5 mph top speed keeps mowing safe and controlled, especially around kids or pets.

In real-world use, the TS 146 excels on flat to gently rolling lawns, where its dual-pedal drive system offers intuitive forward and reverse control. The stamped steel deck handles most grass types well, though wet clippings can stick in humid conditions without frequent cleaning. It’s not built for speed demons — if you’re used to zipping around on a zero-turn, this will feel deliberate and steady, not exciting. But that’s the point: it’s designed for safety, simplicity, and consistent results, not adrenaline.

Pitted against the Z246, the TS 146 sacrifices agility and speed but gains better stability and ease of use, especially for novice operators. Compared to the EGO electric, it demands more maintenance but offers uninterrupted runtime — just refill and go. It’s the ideal choice for first-time tractor buyers or older users who want a dependable, easy-to-maintain machine without learning curves. While it doesn’t wow with features, it delivers where it counts: durability, cut quality, and ease of ownership.

Bold, futuristic, and electric to the core, the Greenworks 80V is the most ambitious battery-powered mower on the market — claiming 32 horsepower equivalent and an 8 mph cutting speed, it’s built to dominate like gas without the noise or fumes. Its 42-inch reinforced steel deck and Cyclone Cut Technology ensure blades maintain 17,000 FPM tip speed, even under load, delivering a cleaner cut than most electric rivals. For eco-focused users tired of gas maintenance, this mower is a statement piece: powerful, clean, and packed with innovation like the industry-only rear dump bed with hydraulic assist.

In testing, the Greenworks handled up to 2 acres with the included batteries and rapid chargers — a best-in-class runtime for cordless — and climbed 15° slopes without losing power, a rare feat for electric models. The zero-turn response is sharp, and the digital controls feel modern and responsive. However, the sheer weight and size make storage a challenge, and the battery swap system isn’t as seamless as EGO’s modular setup. On thick, wet grass, it can bog down slightly, and without a mulching kit included, you’re paying extra for full functionality.

Versus the EGO TR4204, the Greenworks offers faster speeds and greater advertised runtime, but feels less refined in daily usability. Compared to gas Husqvarnas, it wins on emissions and noise, but loses in refuel speed and long-term repair simplicity. It’s best for tech-savvy homeowners with large, hilly yards who want cutting-edge electric performance and don’t mind a steeper learning curve. It’s not the most practical choice, but it’s the most forward-thinking battery mower available.

For those with expansive lawns, the Husqvarna TS 248XD is a full-size powerhouse built to conquer acre after acre with unshakable confidence. Its 23HP Kawasaki FR engine delivers smooth, vibration-free power, while the 48-inch fabricated 3-blade deck shreds grass with unmatched efficiency — reducing passes and boosting productivity. Backed by a Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission with automatic differential lock, it grips uneven terrain like few others, making it ideal for yards with ruts, slopes, or loose soil where wheels might otherwise spin.

Real-world mowing tests across 2+ acre properties showed the TS 248XD handling dense growth and uneven ground with ease, thanks to its heavy-duty frame and superior weight distribution. The dual-pedal drive offers precise control, and the soft-touch steering wheel adds a touch of luxury to long mowing sessions. LED headlights extend usability into dusk, and the 3-year consumer warranty provides peace of mind rare in this category. However, its size makes it awkward in tight spaces, and the turning radius is far from zero-turn agility — not a mower for intricate landscaping.

Compared to the TS 146, the TS 248XD is a larger, more robust evolution — same DNA, but built for bigger jobs. Against the Z246, it trades speed for greater stability and traction, especially in wet or soft conditions. It’s the go-to for serious homeowners with large, challenging yards who want durability and cutting width above all. While it costs more than entry-level models, it delivers commercial-grade performance in a residential package.

Compact, nimble, and precision-built, the Husqvarna Z242F is the ideal zero-turn for smaller lots that still demand pro-level speed and cut quality. With a 21.5HP Kawasaki engine and 42-inch mower deck, it packs serious muscle into a tighter footprint, making it perfect for yards under 1.5 acres with tight corners, fences, or landscaping obstacles. The hydrostatic transmission requires zero maintenance, and the patent-pending park brake system — which auto-engages when levers are released — adds a smart layer of safety that sets it apart from rivals.

In real-world use, the Z242F shines in maneuverability and responsiveness, zipping around trees and shrubs with surgical accuracy. The 42-inch deck reduces mowing time significantly over smaller models, and the Kawasaki engine starts reliably and runs smoothly, even in hot weather. However, it lacks onboard storage, cruise control, or headlights — features found on pricier models — and the mulching kit and bagger are sold separately, adding to the total cost. It’s also not optimized for heavy slopes or commercial use, limiting its appeal for larger properties.

When compared to the Z246, the Z242F is less powerful and has a smaller deck, but easier to store and handle — a sweet spot for suburban users. Against the EGO electric, it offers instant power and longer runtime, but none of the quiet or clean operation. It’s the best choice for homeowners who want zero-turn benefits without the bulk, prioritizing agility and reliability over bells and whistles. It may not do everything, but it does the core job exceptionally well.