Depending on the size of your yard, you may find yourself in need of a riding lawn mower or tractor. Fortunately, there are several options worth your consideration. But when it comes to choosing the best riding lawn mower or tractor for satisfying your lawn care needs? Consumer Reports’ data shows that you really can’t go wrong with a John Deere riding lawn mower or tractor. Let’s find out why.

How to choose the best riding mower or tractor 

Now, John Deere isn’t the only one manufacturing riding lawn mowers and tractors these days. While that’s undoubtedly good news, it could make shopping for the best riding mower or tractor for your needs feel like an overwhelming task. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be.

Consumer Reports suggests determining what type of lawn mower you actually need to choose the best riding mower or tractor for your lawn care needs. While lawn tractors are best suited for large lawns, a zero-turn mower will be easier for you to maneuver. You might also consider a rear-engine rider. Though these types of mowers are typically cheaper, Consumer Reports claims they don’t cut grass quite as well.

The John Deere S240-48 is the best riding mower and tractor

When it came to identifying the best riding mower and tractor, Consumer Reports couldn’t help but tap the John Deere S240-48. Ringing in at $2,900, this John Deere riding lawn mower will cost you a pretty penny. But, according to Consumer Reports, it’s an ace performer.

It earned Excellent side-discharging, mulching, and bagging performance ratings. Consumer Reports also gave it a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Consumer Reports added that this John Deere riding mower and tractor benefits from a “comfortable high-back seat that gives you a clear view of the fuel level and a washout port that lets you easily clear clippings beneath the mower deck.”

The John Deere Z375R-54 ranked as the second-best riding mower and tractor

Now, the John Deere S240-48 isn’t the only lawn mower Consumer Reports included in its list of the best riding mowers and tractors. The organization also included the John Deere Z375R-54 in its selection of the best riding lawn mowers and tractors, adding that while it may be second-ranked among all riding mowers and tractors, it is the best zero-turn-radius lawn tractor.

Much like the John Deere S240-48, the John Deere Z375R-54 earned itself some pretty impressive ratings too. In fact, Consumer Reports gave it Excellent in evenness, side-discharging, mulching, and handling. It’s a smooth operator too and has comfortable handles. Consumer Reports says its 54-inch deck makes mowing large yards easy too.

As for how much this zero-turn-radius lawn tractor will cost you? According to the manufacturer’s website, you can expect to spend approximately $3,499 on this John Deere lawn tractor.