Best Ride-On Lawn Mowers 2024: The Definitive New Zealand Guide

Find the best ride-on lawn mower with our definitive guide comparing models from John Deere and Husqvarna.

Updated 3 January 2024

There are occasions where using a walk-behind mower is simply not an option. Whether it's because your lawn is large or because of the physical effort required, ride-on lawnmowers are often a necessity rather than a luxury. That's why we've put together this guide to help you choose the best ride-on lawn mowers available in New Zealand.

Our Ride-on Lawn Mower Buying Guide Covers:

Types of Ride-On Lawn Mowers

Ride-On Lawn Mowers have three alternatives:

Lawn Tractors
Zero-Turn Mowers
Front Mowers

Depending on your budget, the size of your lawn, and how quickly you want to finish the job, one type may be more suitable than another. We will explore each of them in detail below:

Lawn Tractors

Lawn tractors, also known as riding mowers, are visually the most recognisable. Their front engine and steering wheel make them look like a small golf car. Lawn tractors are often an excellent choice for medium to large lawns. Cost-wise, they are the most economical, both from an initial investment and maintenance point of view. Simply put, if you have a lawn between 1-4 acres and are not sure what type of ride-on lawnmower to purchase, the lawn tractor is an option that will not disappoint.

Lawn Tractors, What We Like

Economical. Compared to other types of ride-on mowers, the lawn tractor is the cheapest (by far). This also applies to maintenance which is usually reduced to blade care, oil change, and engine belt replacement.
Easy to use. While all ride-on mowers are simple to operate, their conventional design makes the lawnmower the most intuitive of all. Just imagine you are driving your car over the lawn you wish to mow using the steering wheel.
Versatile. Lawn tractors can be equipped with a wide range of accessories, such as a trailer for your tools.
Durable. A positive aspect of lawn tractors is that their design is very simple. They do not require complex transmissions or sophisticated cutting mechanisms. As a result, name brand lawn tractors can last in use for more than 10 years if properly maintained.

Lawn Tractors, What We Dislike

Slowness. Lawn tractors are considerably faster than walk-behind mowers, but at the same time, they are slower than other ride-on mowers.
Mowing quality. While their steering wheel makes them easy to handle, this ease is also a disadvantage. In tight spaces and especially around trees, it is difficult to get a proper turn, making it very difficult to cut the grass evenly.

Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are top-rated in New Zealand. They are extremely fast, give exceptional cut quality, and adapt easily to any type of terrain regardless of the slope or the number of trees on it. As you can imagine, all these benefits come with a higher price tag and mechanisms that require more complicated maintenance. However, their benefits outweigh their disadvantages on large lawns where getting the job done in 4 hours or less is important.

Zero-Turn Mowers, What We Like

Pretty fast. One of the main advantages of zero-turn mowers is their speed. Under certain conditions, this type of ride-on mower can finish mowing the lawn in half the time of a lawn tractor.
Unrivalled manoeuvrability. They are called zero-turn mowers because of their incredible ability to turn 360 degrees on their axis. This type of manoeuvrability is very useful when mowing around trees or obstacles.
Precision cut. The type of cut obtained using zero-turn mowers is in most cases superior to that of lawn tractors. This is largely due to the better visibility of the terrain and their ease of turning.

Zero-Turn Mowers, What We Dislike

Expensive. On average, a zero-turn mower can cost up to three times as much as a lawn tractor. For this reason, we only recommend this type of ride-on mower when the lawn extension justifies the long-term investment.
Quite advanced. Unlike lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers often have more advanced transmissions and steering systems to give them their enormous manoeuvrability. This, in turn, translates into higher maintenance costs.

Front Mowers

You can think of front mowers as the top of the range of ride-on mowers. Their front-mounted and low profile cutting deck give you great visibility of the area to be mowed as well as the ability to cut to the ground. These features make the front mowers the best equipped for cutting weeds and grass, even in the area under fences. Add to this the fact that these mowers often have four-wheel drive, and you have one of the most versatile and capable ride-on mowers available in New Zealand.

Front Mowers, What We Like

Versatile design. Because their front deck is removable, front mowers can serve multiple purposes. For example, by simply adding the right front deck, the front mower can become a snowblower during the winter or a leaf vacuum during the autumn. The possibilities are endless.
Incredible mowing capability. Generally, front mowers have low-profile cutting decks, which allow for a more flush cut. Moreover, as the grass is cut before the wheels are driven over it, the cut is more precise. Last but not least, the design of the front mower allows you to cut grass under fences and hard-to-reach corners.
Really fast. Together with the zero-turn mowers, this type of mower is one of the fastest. This is due to their usually higher engine power, but also to their amazing cutting system. For this reason, most front mowers are considered "commercial grade" equipment made for mowing large areas of land.
Easy maintenance. Unlike lawn tractors or zero-turn mowers, the serviceability of front mowers is excellent. Almost all front mowers allow deck flip up for easy access to the blades for maintenance. This allows minor maintenance to be done without the need to hire a technician.

Front Mowers, What We Dislike

Quite expensive. Of all the ride-on mowers, this is the most expensive. A front mower can cost twice as much as a zero-turn mower and up to 10 times as much as a lawn tractor.
Require more space. It could be said that both lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers are relatively compact. On the other hand, front mowers tend to take up much more space due to their large front deck.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Ride-On Lawn Mower in New Zealand

The following aspects require careful consideration:

Land size: The size of the area to be mowed along with the price are the two most important aspects to consider. The general rule of thumb dictates that a lawn tractor could be a good fit for medium to large areas, while for sloping lawns with trees, a zero-turn mower is a better solution. Front mowers are only recommended for large areas.
Price: Front mowers are more expensive because they are built with versatility and speed in mind. On the other hand, lawn tractors are cheaper because they are slower and do not have the same flexibility. Since this is an important decision, our recommendation is to rent a lawn tractor to evaluate both the time it takes to mow your entire lawn and its manoeuvrability. Based on that experience, you may decide to give it another try by renting a zero-turn mower or even a front mower to compare results.
Brand: The manufacturer of the ride-on mower is significant. Our recommendation is to favour reputable brands with a service department in New Zealand.
Speed: A lawn tractor may be able to mow all your land, but how long does it take? Like all machinery, the more you use it, the faster it will require maintenance. As a guideline, keep in mind that mowing your entire lawn should take between 1 to 4 hours at most; otherwise, you may start to strain the equipment. The closer to 1-2 hours, the better.
Maintenance costs: There is a relationship between the initial cost and the maintenance cost of ride-on mowers. Lawn tractors are cheaper to buy but generally have a shorter maintenance interval. Front mowers are the most expensive but the easiest to maintain.
Versatility: You can add attachments to lawn tractors as well as zero-turn mowers and front mowers. However, given their design, the front mowers offer the most functionality as they can be used for other tasks.
Deck size: The size of the cutting deck is often one of the most important factors, as the wider the deck, the faster you can finish mowing your lawn. However, keep in mind that a cutting deck that is too wide can make manoeuvrability difficult, especially in corners and around trees.

Three of the Best Ride-On Lawn Mowers Available in New Zealand Right Now

We have compiled our list (in no particular order) based on average consumer reviews, specialist review sites as well as other sources both in New Zealand and overseas and cover all budgets and specs.

1. Best Lawn Tractor: John Deere 100 Series Ride-on Mowers

More details: John Deere 100 Series Ride-on Mowers
Pricing: From $3,680 - $5,840

What We Like	What We Dislike
Sturdy design Hydrostatic Transmission w/side-by-side pedals Comfortable operator station Excellent value	Some owners report issues with the engine belt in the S100 model.

John Deere 100 Series lawn tractors are undoubtedly one of the best options available in New Zealand. They are efficient, compact, powerful, and comfortable. Moreover, they can easily last 10 to 15 years, using them 4 hours a week with proper maintenance. Add to that their excellent price, and you have one of the best value ride-on mowers available.

John Deere 100 Series Ride-on Mowers Key Features

Recommended for: medium to relatively large lawns
Mower Deck: from 107 cm to 122 cm
Engine: 17.5 hp - 22 hp
Type: lawn tractor ride-on mower
Warranty: 2 years / 120 hours bumper-to-bumper

Runner-up: Husqvarna Lawn Tractors 100-series- From $4,559 to $9,659

With up to 26.3 hp, Husqvarna's 100-series tractors are an excellent, albeit more expensive, option for John Deere 100 Series ride-on mowers.

More details: Husqvarna Lawn Tractors 100-series

2. Best Zero-Turn Mower: John Deere ZTrak Zero-Turn Mowers

More details: John Deere ZTrak Zero-Turn Mowers
Pricing: From $5,550 - $16,675

What We Like	What We Dislike
Lots of cutting deck options Available with Tuff-Torq transmission Folding rollover in some models 4-year warranty on model Z720E and up	None worth mentioning

The unbeatable price-value ratio of their zero-turn mowers again makes us prefer John Deere. This particular series is ideal for all Kiwis who have a relatively level lawn with a lot of trees as they can go around any obstacle with ease. Furthermore, the unique design of the John Deere ZTrak Zero-Turn mowers allows you to mow your lawn in record time. Their powerful engine and convenient controls are second only to Husqvarna but at a much higher price.

John Deere ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower Key Features

Recommended for: medium to relatively large lawns
Cutting Deck: from 42” to 60” with optional MulchControl
Engine: 20 hp - 25 hp
Type: zero-turn mower
Warranty: 2 years / 120 hours or 4-year / 300 hours bumper-to-bumper depending on model

Runner-up: Husqvarna ZTR® Zero-Turn Mowers- From $6,699 to $9,6593

If you are looking for an alternative to John Deere's heavy-duty design, you can opt for Husqvarna's ZTR line.

More details: Husqvarna ZTR® Zero-Turn Mowers

3. Best Front Mower: Husqvarna 500-series Front Mower

More details: Husqvarna 500-series Front Mower
Pricing: From $27,769 - $36,990

What We Like	What We Dislike
Ideal for mowing large areas Commercial-grade Lots of front decks available, not just a lawnmower	None worth mentioning

We end our list with a mower that is considered commercial quality for its ability to mow large areas in a very short time, the mighty Husqvarna 500-series. Thanks to its low-profile front cutting deck, this mower allows you to cut grass and brush quickly and efficiently. Its low centre of gravity and 4-wheel drive also allows you to work on any type of lawn, no matter the slope. Moreover, this is one of the most versatile mowers Husqvarna has to offer as you can change the front deck and convert it into a floor cleaner if necessary.

Husqvarna 500-series Front Mower Key Features

Recommended for: large lawns
Cutting Deck: from 103 to 155 cm
Max Speed: 13 kph to 19 kph
Engine: 18.64 hp - 24.8 hp
Type: front mower
Warranty: 3 years

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a ride-on lawnmower?

Some features to consider when buying a ride-on lawnmower include the type of engine (such as gasoline or electric), the cutting deck size and type (such as a side-discharge or mulching deck), and the transmission (such as a manual or automatic). You may also want to consider the height and comfort of the seat, the availability of a grass catcher, and the ease of maintenance.

How much will a ride-on lawnmower cost?

Ride-on lawnmowers can range in price from a few thousand dollars to several thousands, depending on the size, features, and brand. Our guide shortlists trusted options above and explains how to set a budget and shop around to find the best deal.

How long should a ride-on lawnmower last?

The average lifespan of a ride-on lawnmower is about 15-30 years, though some higher-quality models may last longer with proper maintenance.

How do you maintain a ride-on lawn mower?

To maintain a ride-on lawnmower, you should follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which may include regular oil changes, blade sharpening or replacement, and cleaning the air filter and spark plug. You should also keep the mower clean and free of grass clippings and debris to prevent rust and other damage.

Can I use a ride-on lawnmower in the rain?

Using a ride-on lawnmower in the rain is generally not recommended because the wet grass can clog the mower's blades, and the wet conditions can be slippery and dangerous. It is best to wait until the grass is dry before mowing.

Can I use a ride-on lawnmower on rough terrain?

The suitability of a ride-on lawnmower for rough terrain will depend on the specific features of the mower. Some ride-on lawnmowers are designed specifically for rough terrain and may have features such as high ground clearance, large wheels, and a powerful engine to help them navigate over bumps and uneven surfaces. It's a good idea to check the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations to see if a particular mower is suitable for rough terrain.

Can I use a ride-on lawnmower to cut tall grass?

Using a ride-on lawnmower to cut tall grass is generally not recommended because the mower's blades may struggle to cut through the thick growth, and the mower may become bogged down or damaged. It is a good idea to mow your lawn regularly to keep the grass at a manageable height and to use a brush cutter or other specialized equipment to tackle taller grass.

What is the difference between a front-engine and a rear-engine ride-on lawnmower?

A front-engine ride-on lawnmower has the engine located at the front of the mower, while a rear-engine mower has the engine located at the rear. Front-engine mowers are generally more powerful and have a larger cutting deck, making them better suited for larger lawns, while rear-engine mowers are more compact and manoeuvrable and may be better for small lawns or uneven terrain.

Can I use a ride-on lawnmower to cut grass on a steep hill?

Using a ride-on lawnmower to cut grass on a steep hill is generally not recommended because the steep angle can make it difficult to control the mower and pose a risk of injury or damage. Using a push mower or a hand-held grass trimmer is generally safer to cut grass on a steep hill.

Related guides:

The Best Lawn Mowers