9 Best Lawn Mowers for Big Yards – 2024

Purchasing a lawn mower for a large yard is a considerable investment, and finding the best one is challenging. So, we did the work for you. Our team researched lawn mowers at their biggest retailers — Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. After gathering the data, we analyzed it to bring you the best lawn mowers for big yards. 

Our Top Picks

4 Best Lawn Mowers for 1/2 – 1 Acre Yards

Toro TimeMaster 21199

Ego Power+ LM2167SP

Husqvarna Automower 450X

Cub Cadet CC800

3 Best Lawn Mowers for 1 – 2 Acre Yards

John Deere S140

Greenworks Pro CRT428

Husqvarna YTH22V46

2 Best Lawn Mowers for 2+ Acre Yards

John Deere Z515E

Ego Power+ ZT5207L

Top 4 Lawn Mowers for ½- to 1-Acre Yards – Reviews

The Toro TimeMaster 21199 is the best self-propelled lawn mower for flat, sloped, or uneven yards up to 1 acre. It’s fast, powerful, and easy to use with all the bells and whistles homeowners covet. You get a superior cut with Toro’s dual-action Atomic mulching blades and reliable power with a 223-cc Briggs & Stratton engine. 

The TimeMaster comes with Toro’s Personal Pace self-propelled system, which intuitively syncs with your walking speed. It also has Traction Assist for superb mobility, even on uneven ground. Additional features include a washout port, ergonomic steering, and a large 30-inch steel deck. 

Specifications

• Cutting heights: 1.25 – 2.25 inch
• Cutting width: 30 inch
• Engine: 223 cc OHV Briggs & Stratton 
• Fuel tank capacity: 0.3 gallon
• Warranty: 3 years

Mowing Options

• 7 mowing height adjustments
• Bagging capability
• Mulching capability
• Rear discharge

Recommended Lawns

• Size: 1/2 – 1 acre
• Terrain: Flat, sloped, or uneven
• Grass types: Bahiagrass, Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ High-performance ✓ Feature packed ✓ Great for uneven terrain ✓ Intuitive variable speed ✓ Ergonomic steering	✗ Small fuel tank

The best electric walk-behind mower for yards over one-half acre is the Ego Power+ LM2167SP Select Cut XP. Its high-efficiency brushless motor and 56-volt ARC lithium-ion battery give the mower 8.3 foot-pounds of cutting torque. To put that in perspective, heavy-duty gas mowers typically have 7 to 8.5 foot-pounds of torque. 

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly luxury lawn mower, you’ll love the LM2167SP. It has Speed IQ, an intuitive self-propelled drive system that doesn’t require levers or dials. And whether you’re mulching, bagging, or looking for extended runtime, Ego’s Select Cut system has a high-quality interchangeable blade for you. 

Specifications

• Battery: 56-volt, 12 Ah ARC Li-ion
• Charge time: 75 min.
• Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inch
• Cutting width: 33 inches
• Motor: brushless
• Runtime: 90 minutes
• Warranty: 5 years

Mowing Options

• 8 mowing height adjustments
• Bagging capability
• Mulching capability
• Side discharge

Recommended Lawns

• Size: 1/2 – 1 acre
• Terrain: Flat with obstacles
• Grass types: Bahiagrass, Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue, Zoysiagrass

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ High performance ✓ Efficient ✓ Great for tall grass ✓ Intuitive self-propelled system ✓ 3 Interchangeable blades	✗ Some turns aren’t smooth

The best robotic lawn mower for big yards is the Husqvarna Automower 450X. It can mow up to 1.25 acres with GPS-assisted navigation, seamlessly maneuvering around obstacles, and remote object detection, preventing crashes. Additional features include electric height adjustment, GPS theft protection, and access to the Husqvarna Automower Connect app.

Each day the Automower cuts your grass just a little and leaves the clippings on your lawn to fertilize it. It’s so quiet you can listen to birds chirp as it mows your lawn. It’s one of the most silent lawn mowers on the market, never getting louder than 59 decibels. 

Specifications

• Battery: 18-volt, 10 Ah Li-ion
• Charge time: 60 minutes
• Cutting heights: .8 – 2.4 inches
• Cutting width: 9.4 inches
• Runtime: 270 minutes
• Warranty: 2 years

Recommended Lawns

• Size: Up to 1.25 acres
• Terrain: Up to 24-degree slope, uneven terrain, lawns with obstacles
• Grass types: Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Zoysiagrass

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ Effortless ✓ GPS navigation ✓ Quiet	✗ Installation kit sold separately

Another excellent mower for yards 1/2- to 1-acre is the Cub Cadet CC800 self-propelled lawn mower. It has a mighty 344-cc OHV engine and a 33-inch durable steel deck. It’s easy to keep up with maintenance with its hour meter and easy to clean the underside of the deck with Cub Cadet’s Smart Jet wash port. 

The CC800 is full of features, including a 4-speed self-propelled drive system and single lever mowing height adjustments. Its smooth zero-turn capability is helpful when navigating around obstacles, and its heavy-duty high rear wheels move effortlessly through uneven terrain. 

Specifications

• Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 inches
• Cutting width: 33 inches
• Engine: 344 cc Briggs & Stratton, electric start
• Fuel tank capacity: 2 gallons
• Warranty: 3 years

Mowing Options

• 8 mowing height adjustments
• Bagging attachment available
• Mulching capability
• Side discharge

Recommended Lawns

• Size: 1/2 – 1 acre
• Terrain: Flat, sloped, uneven
• Grass types: Bahiagrass, Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Tall Fescue

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ High performance ✓ Durable deck ✓ Zero-turn capability ✓ Heavy-duty wheels	✗ Sometimes the mulch cover comes off

3 Best Lawn Mowers for 1- to 2-Acre Yards

The best gas lawn mower for 1- to 2-acre yards is the John Deere S140 48-inch lawn tractor. It’s fast, potent, and very comfortable. The 22-horsepower V-twin engine starts quickly and runs smoothly. The tractor is exceptionally sturdy and tows up to 500 pounds. Additional attachments are available, such as a snow plow and a mulching kit. 

Comfort is key when mowing a large yard, and the S140’s seat is thickly padded and adjustable with spring suspension. Its foot-pedal-operated transmission enables car-like speed changes, and its solid cast iron transaxles provide a smooth driving experience. 

Additional features include:

• Cup holder
• Extra storage space
• LED headlights
• Wash out port
• Tool-free air filter access
• Tool-free oil draining

The name John Deere has been synonymous with quality since 1837. John Deere was an American blacksmith who listened to farmers’ feedback, then used high-quality materials to make better equipment. Using this method, John Deere became the world’s top farm and lawn care equipment manufacturer. Most of John Deere’s riding mowers are made in Greenville, Tennessee. 

Specifications

• Cutting heights: 1 – 4 inches
• Cutting width: 48 inches
• Engine: 22 HP, 724 cc V-twin engine
• Fuel tank capacity: 2.4 gallons
• Maximum forward speed: 5.5 mph
• Maximum reverse speed: 3.2 mph
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Warranty: 2 years

Mowing Options

• 10 mowing height adjustments
• Bagging attachment available
• Mulching attachment available
• Side discharge

Recommended Lawns

• Size: 1 – 2 acres
• Terrain: Flat with obstacles, hilly
• Grass types: Bahiagrass, Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ Fast ✓ Smooth car-like driving experience ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Durable ✓ Feature-packed	✗ It’s hard to read the fuel gage while mowing

The best battery-powered lawn mower for 1- to 2-acre yards is the Greenworks Pro CRT428. This 42-inch lawn tractor is great for homeowners who want an eco-friendly alternative to gas-guzzling models but don’t want to sacrifice performance. Its DirectDrive commercial-grade motor has as much strength as a 24-horsepower gas engine. 

The CRT428 can tow up to 350 pounds behind it or haul 200 pounds in the rear storage bin. It gets up to one hour of runtime on a single charge, and the included batteries fully charge in 1.25 hours with the included dual-port charger. Additional features include cruise control, a cup holder, and bright LED headlights.

Greenworks is a Chinese company that has specialized in efficient battery-powered tools for over 20 years. Many Greenworks riding lawn mowers are now produced at a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Morristown, Tennessee.  

Specifications

• Battery: 80-volt, 5 Ah Li-ion (6)
• Charge time: 75 minutes
• Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 inches
• Cutting width: 42 inches
• Maximum forward speed: 5.5 mph
• Maximum reverse speed: 3.2 mph
• Motor: 24 HP equivalent brushless motor
• Transmission: Foot pedal electric drive
• Runtime: 60 minutes
• Warranty: 4 years

Mowing Options

• 7 mowing height adjustments
• Bagging attachment available
• Mulching capability
• Side discharge

Recommended Lawns

• Size: 1 – 2 acres
• Terrain: Uneven and flat with obstacles
• Grass types: Bahiagrass, Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ Efficient battery ✓ Fast charging ✓ Cruise control ✓ Rear storage bin	✗ A bit small compared to other lawn tractors

If you want a lawn tractor that is a bit more affordable than the John Deere S140 but just as powerful, consider the Husqvarna YTH22V46. It has a 22-horsepower V-Twin engine and smooth foot-pedal-operated speed adjustment. Even homeowners with rough terrain can quickly cover up to 2 acres with the YTH22V46’s cruise control feature.

Although it’s not as sturdy as the S140, it has durable construction with a reinforced steel cutting deck. It also uses Husqvarna Air Induction technology that keeps grass blades straight for a consistently crisp cut. It can tow up to 600 pounds and has anti-scalp wheels, which are great for uneven lawns.

Husqvarna is a Swedish company known for its quality outdoor tools. The company has been around for over 300 years, and it has been making lawn mowers for over 100 years. 

Specifications

• Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 inches
• Cutting width: 46 inches
• Engine: 22 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin
• Fuel tank capacity: 2 gallons
• Maximum forward speed: 5.5 mph
• Maximum reverse speed: 2.5 mph
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Warranty: 2 years

Mowing Options

• 6 mowing height adjustments
• Bagging attachment available
• Mulching attachment available
• Side discharge

Recommended Lawns

• Size: 1 – 2 acres
• Terrain: Flat with obstacles
• Grass types: Bahiagrass, Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ High-performance ✓ Feature-packed ✓ Tows up to 600 pounds ✓ Ergonomic seat	✗ Shortish runtime before needing to refuel

2 Best Lawn Mowers for 2 or More Acres

The best lawn mower for huge yards is the John Deere Z515E ZTrak riding mower. You can get this zero-turn mower with a 54- or 60-inch mower blade to quickly care for lawns up to 5 acres. John Deere’s ZTrak-series makes lawn care quick and comfortable. The Z515E has an ergonomic adjustable seat, a large foot platform, and easy-to-reach controls. 

You don’t have to sacrifice quality for speed, as many homeowners with multi-acre yards do. The Z515E has John Deere’s Accel Deep deck with forged steel construction for ultimate cutting performance. Its 24-horsepower V-twin engine is potent, reliable, and easy to inspect. The engine also has lower vibration and higher torque than competing gas models. 

Additional features include:

• ROPS (prevents overturning and protects the driver if it does overturn)
• Digital hour meter
• Cup holder
• Washout port
• Electric fuel gauge

Specifications

• Engine: 24 HP, V-Twin John Deere Extended Life Series
• Cutting heights: 1 – 4 inches
• Cutting width: 54 – 60 inches
• Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 gallons
• Maximum forward speed: 8.5 mph
• Maximum reverse speed: 4 mph
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Warranty: 5 years

Mowing Options

• 13 mowing height adjustments
• Bagging attachment available
• Mulching attachment available
• Side discharge

Recommended Lawns

• Size: 2 – 5 acres
• Terrain: Flat with obstacles
• Grass types: Bahiagrass, Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue, Zoysiagrass

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ Fast ✓ Very comfortable ✓ Tons of features ✓ High-quality cutting deck ✓ Very sturdy construction ✓ Advanced safety	✗ You must use your foot and hand to adjust the mowing height

The best electric lawn mower for multi-acre yards is the Ego Power+ ZT5207L zero-turn mower. Ego’s Peak Power technology uses six 56-volt ARC lithium-ion batteries to fuel five high-efficiency brushless motors. As a result, the force of this machine is equivalent to a 25-horsepower gas engine. 

The ZT5207L is also the best mower for homeowners with big yards who mow after dark. In addition to its bright LED headlights, it has lights on the side, providing super clear vision at night. And you can sit comfortably any time of day in its ergonomic seat with height and tension adjustment. The ZT5207L also has a customizable LCD interface where you can set the drive mode to standard, control, or sport. 

Ego is known for high-performing battery-powered tools, and the secret to the manufacturer’s success is industry-leading battery technology. Although expensive, ARC lithium-ion batteries are more durable, powerful, and efficient than the competition.

Specifications

• Battery: 56-volt, 12 Ah ARC Li-ion (6)
• Charge time: 180 minutes
• Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 inches
• Cutting width: 52 inches
• Maximum forward speed: 8 mph
• Maximum reverse speed: 3.5 mph
• Motor: 25 HP equivalent brushless motor
• Transmission: Manual/Gear
• Runtime: 90 minutes
• Warranty: 5 years

Mowing Options

• 10 mowing height adjustments
• Bagging attachment sold separately
• Mulching attachment sold separately
• Side discharge

Recommended Lawns

• Size: 1 – 3 acres
• Terrain: Flat with obstacles
• Grass types: Bahiagrass, Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue

Pros and Cons

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
✓ Excellent night vision ✓ Efficient ✓ Comfortable ✓ Digital control panel ✓ Durable	✗ Expensive

Buyer’s Guide to Lawn Mowers for Big Yards

When shopping for any lawn mower, but especially mowers for large properties that require high quality and longevity, it’s important to consider the following:

• Mower Type
• Power Source
• Lawn Size
• Grass Type
• Features
• Cost

Mower Type

The type of mower that’s best for your lawn depends on yard size, grass type, budget, and preference. Most lawns are manicured by one of the following:

• Riding mowers: Riding lawn mowers are great for larger yards because they get the job done quickly. Lawn tractors are more affordable than zero-turn mowers, but zero-turn mowers cut the lawn faster and are better at making turns. 

• Walk-behind mowers: Walk-behinds give you more control than riding mowers but take more time and effort. Self-propelled lawn mowers are better for big yards than push mowers because they have a drive system that propels them forward, making them easier to move. 

• Reel mowers: Reel mowers are push lawn mowers that cut the grass like scissors and are typically manually powered. They are best for smaller yards because mowing with them takes much time and effort. However, reel mowers mow grass lower than a rotary mower and make crisper cuts. 

• Robotic mowers: Robotic lawn mowers work similarly to robotic vacuums, except they mow instead of suck. They self-mulch and don’t leave tracks but sometimes get stuck on slopes or pieces of yard debris. Most robotic mowers can handle only small yards, but the Husqvarna Automower 450X can tackle over an acre. 

Power Source

Lawn mowers can be gas-powered, electric, or manual. Electric models include battery-powered mowers and corded electric models. Each power source has unique advantages and disadvantages:

• Gas-powered mowers: The average gas mower is more powerful than a typical electric mower and has a wider cutting deck, so most mowers for big yards are gas. However, gas mowers are high maintenance, loud, and bad for the environment. 

• Battery-powered mowers: Most battery-powered mowers are best for small to medium yards, but some high-end models work great for multi-acre properties. Battery mowers are typically low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and quiet. However, batteries can be expensive, and the mower’s runtime is limited by battery life.

• Corded electric mowers: Like cordless electric mowers, corded models are eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and quiet. However, they have the added advantage of unlimited runtime. Unfortunately, you must mow within 50 – 150 feet of a power outlet, so they aren’t the best for larger yards. 

• Manual mowers: Most manually-powered mowers are reel mowers. They are the most eco-friendly option, and manual mowers give you the most control. Additionally, they are low maintenance. However, mowing a big yard manually will take a long time and a lot of sweat. 

Lawn Size

The best lawn mower for you depends on the size of your lawn.

Under ½ Acre

If your yard is under one-half acre, you’ll probably want a mower described in the table below.

Cutting width	30 inches or less
Mower type	Self-Propelled, Push Mower, Robotic, Reel
Power source	Gas, Battery, Corded Electric, Manual

If your yard is less than one-quarter acre, check out the best lawn mowers for small yards.

1/2 acre – 1 acre

If your yard is one-half to 1 acre, you’ll probably want a mower described in the table below.

Cutting width	18 – 36 inches
Mower type	Self-Propelled, Robotic
Power source	Gas, Battery

1 – 2 acres

If your yard is 1 to 2 acres, you’ll probably want a mower described in the table below.

Cutting width	36 – 48 inches
Mower type	Lawn Tractor, Zero-Turn Mower
Power source	Gas, Battery

2+ acres

If your yard is over 2 acres, you’ll probably want a mower described in the table below.

Cutting width	48 inches or more
Mower type	Zero-Turn Mower
Power source	Gas, Battery

Grass Type

The best mower for you also depends on your grass type. You want to make sure your mower can cut your grass to its ideal mowing height. The table below shows the recommended length for common turfgrass varieties. 

Grass Type	Mow Height (inches)
Bermudagrass	0.5 – 1.5
Buffalograss	1 – 2
Centipedegrass	1.5 – 2.5
Kentucky bluegrass	2 – 3
St. Augustinegrass	2 – 4
Tall fescue	2 – 3
Zoysiagrass	0.5 – 1.5

Features

Many homeowners with big yards prefer lawn mowers with the following features:

• Mulching: Mulched grass clippings are excellent food for your lawn.

• Bagging: It’s best to bag the clippings if your grass is overgrown or plagued by weeds or disease.

• Ergonomic design: Big yards take longer to cut, so features such as a padded seat or adjustable handlebar are desirable.

• Intuitive speed control: Riding mowers with foot-pedal-operated speed control drive similar to a car make speed adjustments infinite and intuitive. Additionally, some self-propelled mowers intuitively move with your walking speed.

• Long runtime: Batteries with more amp hours (Ah) and gas mowers with larger fuel tanks have longer runtimes. 

• Headlights: It takes a while to mow a big yard, so the work may take you into the night. 

• Cup holder: If you’re mowing in the heat, staying hydrated is essential. 

Cost

The average lawn mower for big yards costs about $3,000, as shown in the table below.

Average cost	$3,000
Typical price range	$1,700 – $4,400
Extreme high	$6,600
Extreme low	$500

However, the cost of a lawn mower varies by lawn mower type and power source.  

FAQ About Lawn Mowers for Big Yards

When to Call a Lawn Care Pro

Many homeowners with large yards struggle to find the time and energy to maintain pristine grass and lush landscaping. Purchasing one of the mowers on our list will save you time and sweat, but quality lawn care equipment is pricey. That’s why so many homeowners prefer the hands-off approach. 

Hiring a local lawn care pro makes lawn care effortless. Professional crews have the expertise and high-end equipment that give your lawn that professionally manicured look. Best of all, you don’t even have to be home for them to access the yard. Your property is perfectly maintained without a second thought. 

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