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Best Riding Lawn Mower Under $2000 (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

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The job of mowing the grass becomes hectic and tiresome, particularly if you own a yard or a large lawn. The best riding lawn mower under $2000 is making work easier and faster.

Usually, these lawn mowers have large wheels equipped with bearings, increasing the smooth running and service life. The height of the lawn can be independently selected because of the significant adjustment.

Husqvarna YTH18542 42 Inch 18.5HP Briggs Stratton Riding Lawn Mower Best Riding Lawn Mower Under 2000 2
Husqvarna YTH18542 42 Inch 18.5HP Briggs Stratton Riding Lawn Mower via Amazon.com

The engine is powerful and runs quietly so that you can use it even in the early morning or late night. Also, the motor rotates at high speeds, which ensures easy and fast mowing.

These mowers are lightweight, maneuverable, and easy to operate, making them ideal for all people. The body is made of high-quality material, resistant to scratches when mowing along the walls. Thanks to the handle, which can be adjusted to fit the height of the operator.

These lawn mowers are equipped with a knife with different heights to allow you to adjust the cutting size. The handle is non-slip, which can reduce vibration and allow you to ensure a tight grip.

They have these blades that are sharp that cut grass and even small twigs at your desired height. The cutting width can be adjusted, and they have wide wheels that ensure mobility. 

This makes it easy to handle areas adjacent to a fence, house wall, or tree.  If you want the best riding lawn mower under $2000, continue reading this article.

Factors To Consider When Buying the Best Riding Lawn Mower Under $2000

Deck material

A deck is a part of a lawn mower with knives. Usually, it is made of different materials like aluminum, which is a metal that increases the device’s price. Also, those made of plastic are the most profitable deck material, and the steel material offers a medium-priced option.

To increase the service life of the riding lawn mower, choose the suitable model with an aluminum deck. It differs from the plastic version in increased strength because it has a lower weight and is resistant to corrosion. 

A plastic deck is used in the cheapest mowers. But, sometimes, when servicing a plot with an area of ​​2-4 acres, it makes no sense to overpay. 

Wheels

When buying the best riding lawn mower under $2000, you need to consider the wheels. The wheelbase makes the unit mobile, and the swivel wheels increase maneuverability, which is very important for areas with plantings. 

When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to the wheels’ diameter and width. The broader wheels do not push through the soil, and there are no marks on the lawn. In addition, these wheels make it easier to move on waterlogged soil and less damage to the yard.

Knife

Mowing grass, especially on a lawn, where the appearance of the entire area depends on the uniformity of mowing, you need to use a sharp knife. Consider the high quality, suitable in size, and the best brand. Like any cutting element, it can become dull over time. 

There are two options: you can sharpen or buy a new one because they are not expensive.  Stones, metal objects, and ropes tied up in the garden can harm the knife. Make sure you don’t scatter these materials around the site.

Another problem can be the lack of spare blades on the market, especially for discontinued models. The lawn mower can be working well, but the knife is entirely out of order. 

It is better to stock up the spare blades in advance rather than experiment. A small knife will reduce productivity because the cutting width will be narrower, but the larger one will wear out the engine faster.

Grass cutting width

This is one of the major parameters on which the efficiency of the grass cut depends. To find optimal value, you need to build the lawn’s shape and size of the site.

The grass cut width varies greatly. If the width is not adjustable, its choice must be approached responsibly. The coverage depends on it and the time during which you can process the entire area.

But choosing the model with the maximum width is also wrong. You will have to bend around trees and shrubs, which is easier with a small lawn mower.

Grass cutting height

The cutting height of the grass can be between 20 and 80 mm. It is adjustable on many models, so you can cut the grass just as you want it. Depending on the model, the height can be adjusted in 3 ways.

This includes screwing the axis on the deck into a new hole, using a lever on the wheels of equipment, and using the lever or button on the setting panel.

The latter is considered the best option since the first two are not entirely convenient. When choosing the riding lawn mower under $2000, you need to select a model that has the optimal height range for you. As a result, you can handle almost any area.

Cub Cadet XT1 Front Engine Riding Lawn Mower Best Riding Lawn Mower Under 2000 2
Cub Cadet XT1 Front Engine Riding Lawn Mower via Amazon.com

Movement type

According to this factor, these lawn mowers are of two types: self-propelled and non-self-propelled. The self-propelled types include gasoline and electric models.

They require a minimum of physical effort, so men, women, and even teenagers can work with them. Also, these lawn mowers are excellent for large areas. The non-self-propelled mowers include mechanical models. The muscular force of the operator drives these devices.

When working with them, you need to put a lot of physical effort (especially when avoiding obstacles), which not everyone can do. Older people, women, and adolescents with such models are not recommended to work.

Motor power

One of the factors to consider when buying the riding lawn mower under $2000 is the motor power. Many models are equipped with 500-3000W motors. 

The more powerful the engine, the faster and longer the equipment will work. But buying a device that is too powerful is not worth it because it will consume a lot of power without a noticeable effect. The performance should be appropriate for the area of ​​the plot and the height of the grass.

To give a standard size (6-10 acres), a lawn mower with a 0.6-1.0 kW motor is enough. The capabilities of the same equipment will be enough to service the plots at least once a week. 

If the grass is rarely mowed or the plot area is large enough, you should think about purchasing a lawn mower with a power of at least 1.5 kW.

Comfort

The state of the teeth for the landscape rakes determines the materials to use. Some teeth come together to remove fine material. Others are long to allow them to sink deep into the soil.

Rounded teeth cannot gouge like the pointed teeth. Typically, the number of teeth differs a lot because of the size of the rake head. The teeth are made of steel or aluminum and must be solid and resistant to rust and corrosion.


5 Best Riding Lawn Mower Under $2000

1. Craftsman 17ARFACT091 23HP 46-Inch Hydrostatic Lawn Mower

Craftsman 17ARFACT091 23HP 46 Inch Hydrostatic Lawn Mower Best Riding Lawn Mower Under 2000

The Craftsman model is known for the optimal efficiency that offers the best mowing experience. For one thing, it comes with a zero-turn radius, which can allow easy and quick directional changes.

The dual hydrostatic transmission and a high-back seat can offer premium comfort and support when operating the lawn mower.

You will get the strong 23 HP twin-cylinder motor, which comes with a reliable and easy starting system without a prime or choke.

The 20-inch rear wheels and 15-inch front wheels are durable, long-lasting, and can tackle uneven terrain. In a like manner, this model has a robust steel frame, which is designed for an enhanced mowing experience.

It comes with the adjustable cutting height feature that can allow you to set a cutting height, which can work best for you.

Usually, the minimum cutting height is 1.25 inches, and the maximum cutting height of 3.75 inches. Also, it has a wide 46-inch cutting deck that is crucial when trimming, clipping, cutting grass.

Pros
  • Easy to maneuver
  • The engine has no choke and prime
  • Durable and reliable
  • Ultimate mowing experience
  • The starting system is easy and reliable
  • Adjustable cutting heights
  • The high-back seat ensure premium comfort and support
  • Easy to handle the uneven surface
  • The wheels are long-lasting and durable
  • It is versatile
  • Wide cutting deck
Cons
  • Sometimes the starting system fails

2. Husqvarna YTH18542 42-Inch 18.5HP Briggs & Stratton Riding Lawn Mower

Husqvarna YTH18542 42 Inch 18.5HP Briggs Stratton Riding Lawn Mower Best Riding Lawn Mower Under 2000

Many people go for this product from Husqvarna because it offers exceptional performance with quality results. Notably, it comes with the foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission that can allow you to change direction and speed.

Also, it will enable you to keep two hands on a steering wheel for ideal driving control. Thanks to the 16-inch turning radius, you can navigate around the obstacles and mow tighter spaces.

The seatback can offer you relaxation and allow you to complete the task quickly without any pain. Equally important, it comes with a 42-inch reinforced cutting deck and dual anti-scalp wheels that can ensure comfortable and straightforward operation.

I appreciate the air induction mowing technology because it improves the airflow within a deck, providing a consistent and clean cut every time.

Besides, it has a reverse operating system, allowing the lawn mower to cut in reverse with the simple switch turn. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver and needs less space when storing.

You will get the dual draglink and cast-iron front axle that can give the overall balance. Even more, it comes with an 18.5hp engine, which can offer powerful performance.

Pros
  • The engine ensures powerful performance
  • Easy to change direction and speed
  • The cutting height is adjustable
  • It is very fast
  • The steering wheel offers optimum driving control
  • Provide easy operation and comfort
  • Easy to operate
  • It has the compact size
  • The wheels are anti-scalp
  • It looks intelligent and fashionable
  • You can mow when reversing
  • The mid-back seat is adjustable
  • Easy to maneuver
  • It is versatile
Cons
  • A warranty does not cover it

3. Troy-Bilt 30-Inch Riding 382cc Lawn Mower

Troy Bilt 30 Inch Riding 382cc Lawn Mower Best Riding Lawn Mower Under 2000

Are you looking for a riding lawn mower that can ensure a comfortable operation? Go for this product from Troy-Bilt because it automatically mows, making it ideal for cutting a large area.

It cuts the grass quarter of an acre for only 20 minutes and clears debris from disorganized trails like it is nothing.

This mower comes with a 570 cc 19HP Briggs & Stratton engine, which is reliable and enables you to cut more than half of the acre flawlessly.

According to your desire and needs, a 46-inch cutting deck is available, which can be adjusted either down or up. On the other hand, it has a 5-position hand lever that can help you change the height as per your desire.

A 6-speed versatile transmission is paramount because it allows you to mow at your speed. There is a mid-back seat and soft-touch steering that can facilitate ultimate comfort.

The manual PTO offers accessible and fast blade engagement, and an 18-inch turning radius gives impressive maneuverability. Also, there are other optional attachments like the mulching kit and rider bagger to enhance mowing.

Pros
  • Easy to maneuver
  • The engine is powerful and dependable
  • It is versatile
  • The foot-pedal offer automatic transmission
  • Easy blade engagement
  • The mid-back seat has ultimate comfort
  • It is reliable
  • The cutting height is adjustable
  • It has a warranty
Cons
  • Not steady on the slope

4. Cub Cadet XT1 Front-Engine Riding Lawn Mower

Cub Cadet XT1 Front Engine Riding Lawn Mower Best Riding Lawn Mower Under 2000 1

This riding lawn mower from Cub Cadet is the category-leading product that can facilitate strength, versatility, and comfort.

It comes with the 18HP Kohler OHV engine, which has powerful performance and a hydrostatic transmission that enables smooth and straightforward operation. This eliminates a need for shifting.

Moreover, it comes with a 16-inch turning radius and 42-inch deck that allows it to maneuver around the obstacles with ease. Thanks to the comfort-grip steering and adjustable seating, which can provide support and cushion while operating.

More importantly, it has a height adjustment feature to efficiently help your family members or friends use it.

The design is perfect because of the fantastic cool led lights fitted into a groove to ensure beautiful frontage.

There is a simple steer mechanism that can make it feel smooth to navigate the terrain or garden. What is more, it is durable and flexible, which makes it easy to go forward or turn around the corners confidently.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • It ensures strength, versatility, and comfort
  • The steering has a comfortable grip
  • The seat is adjustable
  • Easy to maneuver
  • The engine offers smooth and simple operation
  • It has a fantastic design
  • Mowing height is adjustable
  • Durable and flexible
  • Easy to drive
Cons
  • The warranty doesn’t cover transmission leaks

5. Husqvarna YTH24V54 54-Inch 24HP Riding Lawn Mower

Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 Inch 24HP Riding Lawn Mower Best Riding Lawn Mower Under 2000

Are you looking for the best riding lawn mower which is reliable and efficient?

Go for this model from Husqvarna because it has a powerful 24 HP Briggs and Stratton V-Twin Intek engine that can provide maximum power for the most demanding lawn care requirements. The steering wheel is crucial because it ensure optimum driving control.  

There is the foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission that can allow you change direction and speed to keep both hands on a steering wheel.

The tight 16-inch turning radius helps to navigate around obstacles and cut in tight spaces. In the same case, it has a 15-inch adjustable high-back seat, and the easy step-through design, which can provide easy operation and comfort.

I really appreciate the electric cutting deck engagement that can allow the mower turn on a mower deck with a pull of the switch on a control panel.

With large front and rear wheels are available, it ensures increased traction. Also, this mower has the air induction mowing technology, which can improve the airflow, ensuring a consistent and clean cut every time.

Pros
  • The cutting height is adjustable
  • Easy to operate
  • The frame is durable and heavy-duty
  • It is compact
  • Easy to maneuver
  • It is affordable
  • It is versatile
  • Reliable and efficient
  • Easy to maneuver
Cons
  • It has constant repair and breakage

Conclusion

The benefits of having the riding lawn mower under $2000 are evident because they save you much effort and time when mowing.

They have a handle that can be adjusted in height and is foldable for easy storage and transport. The engine is strong enough to drive a group of knives and also the wheels.

Likewise, the blades are reliable, well hardened, do not dull for a long time, and will not need to be replaced during the entire period of operation. The wheels are made of durable material, which can withstand uneven surfaces. 

Craftsman 17ARFACT091 23HP 46-Inch Hydrostatic Lawn Mower is the best-selling product because it has a strong 23 HP twin-cylinder motor that can make it reliable.

Similarly, it comes with an adjustable cutting height to allow you to set the correct cutting height, which fits you.

This product has achieve the above features because it comes with a powerful motor that ensures better cutting power and adjustable height to accommodate everybody’s height.