Summer is coming, and lawn maintenance is a top priority. However, the riding lawn mowers that homeowners want to tackle their lawns are expensive. Unfortunately, a new riding lawn mower could have you spending anywhere between $1,300 to $5,500. The good news is that some of the most reliable riding lawn mower brands on the market have the potential to silence your reliability concerns.

Choosing the best type of lawn mower for your yard

There are several different types of lawn mowers out there. Among the most common types of lawn mowers are riding mowers, self-propelled mowers, and zero-turn mowers. Typically, riding lawn mowers are best for big yards and can cut two to three times faster than many gas-powered self-propelled mowers.

On the other hand, zero-turn mowers come equipped with a rear engine and a pair of levers for steering. This type of lawn mower is often used by landscapers and is easy to maneuver around obstacles. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that zero-turn mowers are usually more expensive than riding mowers.

The most common lawn mower problems to know about

Lawn mowers aren’t always problem-free; like any other motorized or electric machine, it has the potential to break. As a matter of fact, nearly 30% of riding mowers are likely to develop problems or break during the first five years of ownership. 

It’s a common occurrence for operators to run into a mower that won’t start. According to Bob Vila, some of the most common reasons why a mower won’t start include a clogged carb filter or obstructions. However, even with the most common issues owners face, choosing a top-performing mower from a reputable brand can put some of your concerns away.

These are the most reliable riding lawn mower brands

Unsurprisingly, Honda, John Deere, and Toro earn top spots on Bob Vila’s list of the best mowers on the market. Moreover, John Deere’s riding mower options earn top accolades for reliability, reputation, and customer service.

Of course, John Deere isn’t the only reliable riding mower brand. Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Husqvarna also earned praise for their value and reliability. Moreover, Cub Cadet’s XT1 Enduro is one of our picks for the best riding mowers of 2023.

The most reliable zero-turn lawn mower brands

Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, and Kubota all earned top spots on Bob Vila’s list of the best mower brands. Specifically, the Kubota 42-inch Zero-Turn, Husqvarna’s Zero-Turn, and the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 Zero-Turn Mower all provide commendable mowing and maneuverability. However, the Husqvarna and Cub Cadet models both start under $3,700.

Buying the best lawn mower doesn’t have to be stressful

Reliability is key when it comes to shopping for a new lawn mower. With this data in hand, the good news is that choosing the best lawn mower for your hard doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, start by checking out these brands, and chances are you’ll be the proud owner of a reliable new lawn mower.