Cover wide swaths of grass quickly with this full-size residential riding mower deck. If your property is too big for a push mower but not quite a farm, a 42 inch riding lawn mower is the perfect middle ground. It turns a long chore into a quick cruise, letting you reclaim your weekends without breaking a sweat—or the bank.
You’ll be surprised how nimble it feels, weaving around trees and garden beds. This review will walk you through everything, from that first satisfying start-up to how it handles your terrain. We’re talking real-world use, not just specs on a page, so you can see if its the right partner for your yard.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best 42 Inch Riding Lawn Mower
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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CRAFTSMAN 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP*…
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9.9 |
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EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42″ Deck Cordless…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42″ Deck with…
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9.4 |
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Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT Riding Mower, (4)…
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9.2 |
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PRORUN 60V Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower
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8.9 |
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Ariens Edge (42″) 20HP Briggs Zero Turn Lawn Mower…
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8.7 |
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Husqvarna TS 120 (42″) 19HP Briggs Lawn Tractor 970846301
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8.5 |
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Greenworks 80V 42″ CROSSOVERZ Zero Turn Lawn Mower, (4)…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Husqvarna Z242F (42″) 21.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower
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8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 9 42 Inch Riding Lawn Mower
CRAFTSMAN 42" Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton Single-Cylinder Engine, Gas Lawn Tractor with 7-Speed Transmission, Red/Black (13AN77XSA93)
The CRAFTSMAN 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower (13AN77XSA93) is built for homeowners with sizable lawns who want to reclaim their weekends. This red and black lawn tractor combines reliable power with practical design to tackle grass cutting efficiently, so you can spend less time working and more time enjoying your outdoor space.
At its heart is a 17.5 HP Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder engine, known for its dependable performance.
This engine is designed for consistent, easy starts and delivers the power needed to handle thick grass and slight inclines without bogging down. It’s the workhorse that ensures you get a clean cut every single time you head out.
The 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck is both durable and wide, significantly reducing the number of passes you need to make. It can efficiently manage yards up to 2 acres, turning a lengthy chore into a quicker task.
For a healthier lawn, the mower is compatable with an optional mulching kit. This kit finely chops grass clippings and returns them to the soil as natural fertilizer, giving you that professional-looking finish without the need for bagging.
Maneuverability is key, especially around trees, gardens, and other landscape features. This Craftsman rider features an 18-inch turning radius and heavy-duty wheels.
EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42" Deck Cordless Tractor, Includes (6) 56V 6.0Ah Batteries and Charger – TR4204
The EGO Power+ TR4204 Electric Riding Lawn Mower is a cordless tractor designed to change how you think about maintaining a larger lawn. It combines the familiar feel of a traditional riding mower with the quiet, clean, and low-maintenance benefits of battery power, aiming to give you a genuinely practical alternative to gas models.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the power.
This mower is engineered to deliver performance comparable to a 21-horsepower gas engine, allowing it to mow at speeds up to 6 MPH. It tackles thick grass and varied terrain with authority, proving that electric doesn’t mean underpowered. The heart of this system are the six included 56V 6.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries. On their own, they provide enough juice to cut up to 1.5 acres on a single charge.
A key advantage here is the expandable runtime; you can add more batteries to the system to seamlessly mow 3, 4, 5, or even more acres without stopping to refuel.
Operating the mower is straightforward and customizable. The digital display puts control at your fingertips. You can select from three blade speed settings to match the grass condition, choose from three drive speeds, and engage cruise control for long, straight stretches to reduce fatigue.
EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42" Deck with Zero Turn Radius, Includes (4) 56V 10.0Ah Batteries and Charger – ZT4204L
The EGO Power+ ZT4204L Electric Riding Lawn Mower is designed for homeowners with larger properties who want the performance of gas without the noise, fumes, and maintenance. It’s a zero-turn mower that combines serious power with the convenience of battery technology, aiming to change how you think about tackling your lawn. This mower is built around the idea of gas-like performance.
It’s engineered to deliver power equivalent to 22 horsepower, which means it has the torque to handle thick grass and slight inclines without bogging down. It can reach speeds up to 8 MPH, letting you cover ground efficiently. The core of its system are the four included 56V 10.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries. On a full charge, this setup provides enough energy to cut up to 2 acres.
If your property is larger, the system is expandable; you can add more batteries to extend your runtime to 3, 4, 5, or more acres, which offers a level of flexibility that’s hard to find in other mowers. One of the standout features is the zero-turn radius capability. This allows for exceptional maneuverability around trees, garden beds, and other obstacles, making precise cuts much easier than with a traditional riding mower. You can customize your ride through an intuitive LCD interface.
Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT Riding Mower, (4) 8.0Ah Batteries and (2) Dual Port Turbo Chargers
The Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT Riding Mower, with its (4) 8.0Ah Batteries and (2) Dual Port Turbo Chargers, is designed for serious yard work without the hassel of gas. It rethinks what you can expect from a battery-powered rider.
This mower handles up to 1.5 acres on a single charge cycle. The key is the “Mow, Swap, and Go” system. You start with two batteries in the mower while the other two charge on the dual-port turbo chargers.
When the first pair runs low, you simply swap them with the freshly charged ones. This rotation means you can mow continuously without long waits for charging. The chargers themselves are impressively fast, refilling a battery in about 90 minutes.
Power is never in short supply. The brushless motor delivers performance equivalent to a 24 HP gas engine, maintaining a constant blade tip speed of 17,000 feet per minute for a cleaner, more even cut than many gas mowers.
It propels the mower at an industry-leading 8 MPH cutting speed, so you finish the job quicker. Yet, for all that power, it operates at about 90 dB, which is roughly four times quieter than a typical gas model. You get a peaceful mowing experience and can comfortably have a conversation or listen to music.
The 42-inch steel deck is built to last and covers a wide path. Beyond mowing, this machine is a versatile tool for your property.
PRORUN 60V Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower
The PRORUN 60V Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower is a serious electric alternative for maintaining larger lawns. It’s designed to handle up to 2.0 acres on a single charge, which translates to about 70 minutes of continuous mowing with the three included batteries. This kind of runtime means you can likely finish your entire property without interuption.
Power is a key highlight here.
The mower operates with the equivalent strength of a 20 HP gas engine, but it does so quietly and with zero emissions. You won’t be dealing with fumes, oil changes, or spark plugs. This performance comes from four high-efficiency brushless motors. These motors are not only powerful but also more reliable and have a longer lifespan than traditional brushed motors, requiring less maintenence over time.
The intelligent battery system is a major convenience.
The mower has six battery ports that accept all PRORUN 60V battery sizes. It automatically switches between the batteries you have installed, drawing power seamlessly to extend your runtime. You just pop in your charged batteries and go; the mower handles the rest. The three included 10.0 Ah batteries are a great start, and you can use any other 60V PRORUN batteries you might already own.
You get a durable 42-inch cutting deck made from 14-gauge stamped steel.
Ariens Edge (42") 20HP Briggs Zero Turn Lawn Mower 915283
The Ariens Edge (42″) 20HP Briggs Zero Turn Lawn Mower 915283 is built for homeowners who need to cover a lot of ground efficiently. With its powerful 20HP Briggs & Stratton EXi2000 engine, this mower provides reliable starts and consistent power to handle thick grass and slight inclines without bogging down. You won’t be left waiting for it to catch up to your pace.
Its core strength lies in the 42-inch, 2-blade fabricated deck.
This wide cutting path significantly reduces the number of passes you need to make, turning a large lawn job into a quicker task. The deck’s fabricated steel construction is durable and designed for a clean, even cut. It’s a solid piece of equipment meant to last through seasons of regular use.
Maneuverability is where zero-turn mowers shine, and the Hydro-Gear EZT transmission is key here. This system gives you precise control over each rear wheel independently.
You can pivot tightly around trees, flowerbeds, and other obstacles with minimal need for reverse. It makes navigating complex yard layouts intuitive and much faster than with a traditional tractor.
Speaking of speed, the ground speed tops out at 6 mph forward and 3 mph in reverse. This balance allows you to move quickly across open stretches while maintaining a safe, controllable speed for reversing or tricky areas.
Husqvarna TS 120 (42") 19HP Briggs Lawn Tractor 970846301
The Husqvarna TS 120 (42″) 19HP Briggs Lawn Tractor is built for homeowners with a solid-sized yard who need a reliable, no-fuss machine to get the job done efficiently. Its centered around providing a straightforward and capable mowing experience, letting you focus on the task without complicated controls or excessive maintenance.
Powering this tractor is a Briggs & Stratton 19 HP 540cc engine. This is a workhorse engine known for its durability and consistent performance.
It delivers the neccessary torque to handle your lawn, even in thicker grass or on slight inclines, without bogging down. You get the confidence of a brand with a long history in small engines, which often means easier servicing and part availability down the road.
One of the key features you’ll appriciate is the pedal-operated transmission. Instead of fumbling with a manual gear lever, you simply use a pedal to go forward and another for reverse.
This leaves both your hands free to stay firmly on the steering wheel, giving you much better control and maneuverability, especially when navigating around trees, flower beds, or other obstacles. It makes the whole operation feel smoother and more intuitive.
The cutting work is handled by a 42-inch twin-blade stamped mower deck. This width is a great balance, allowing you to cover a lot of ground with each pass without being so wide that it’s difficult to store or transport.
Greenworks 80V 42" CROSSOVERZ Zero Turn Lawn Mower, (4) 5.0Ah Batteries and (600W) Plug in Charger
The Greenworks 80V 42″ CROSSOVERZ Zero Turn Lawn Mower is a serious electric alternative for homeowners with substantial lawns. It’s designed to handle up to 2 acres on a single charge with it’s included set of four 5.0Ah batteries and the powerful 600W plug-in charger.
This means you can tackle large properties without the fumes, noise, and constant maintenance of a gas mower, all while having the power you need.
At its core is an 80V system that delivers performance comparable to a 32-horsepower gas engine. The mower’s reinforced 42-inch steel deck is built to last and can adjust cutting heights from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches, giving you flexibility for your lawn’s condition.
It maintains a consistent, high-quality cut thanks to its Cyclone Cut Technology, which rushes power directly to the blade. This ensures the blade tip speed stays at a constant 17,000 feet per minute, even in thick or wet grass—something gas mowers often struggle with as their blades can slow down.
Operating this zero-turn mower is both efficient and comfortable.
Husqvarna Z242F (42") 21.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna Z242F (42″) 21.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower is built to make your mowing time more efficient and a lot less complicated. With a robust 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine at its core, it provides plenty of reliable power to tackle your property, even on those hotter days or in thicker grass.
The 42-inch cutting deck offers a solid balance, giving you a wide cutting path to cover ground quickly while still being maneuverable enough to navigate around tighter obstacles like trees and garden beds.
One of the key features here is the hydrostatic, no-maintenance transmission. This system is designed to be worry-free, eliminating the need for regular fluid changes or belt adjustments that other mowers require.
It seamlessly transfers power to the wheels, allowing the mower to confidently take on a variety of cutting conditions and slopes without you having to think about it. You just control your speed with the intuitive lap bars, and the mower responds.
Speaking of the controls, Husqvarna has included a clever patent-pending park brake system for added safety and convenience. This system automatically activates the brake when you move the steering levers outward into the park position.
42 Inch Riding Lawn Mower Buying Guide
For a 42-inch riding lawn mower, assess engine power, cutting deck construction, and overall stability. This size is a popular sweet spot, offering a great balance between maneuverability and cutting width for medium to large lawns. Getting the right one means less time mowing and more time enjoying your yard.
Engine Horsepower & Type
Don’t just look at the top number. A reliable engine in the 15-22 HP range is usually sufficient. Consider the type of fuel too. Do you prefer the convenience of gas or the quiet, low-maintenance appeal of a battery-electric model? More power helps with hills and tall, thick grass without bogging down.
Deck Material & Design
This is where the cutting happens. A stamped steel deck is common and affordable, but a fabricated deck from thicker gauge steel is more durable and resists rust. Look for a design that promotes strong airflow—it lifts grass for a cleaner cut and helps reduce clumping, which is a real pain point on damp mornings.
Transmission & Drive System
How do you want to control your speed? A simple manual gear drive works, but a hydrostatic transmission is smoother and easier to use. With a hydrostatic system, you control speed and direction with a single pedal—no clutching or shifting. It’s a game-changer for comfort, especially if you have many obstacles to navigate.
Comfort & Usability Features
You’ll spend hours in the seat, so comfort matters. A high-back seat with armrests, easy-to-reach controls, and a smooth ride are key. Also, check how the grass is discharged. A mulching kit can feed clippings back into the lawn as nutrients, while side-discharge is straightforward. Some decks even allow you to switch between the two.
Frequently Asked Questions About 42 Inch Riding Lawn Mower
Who is a 42 inch mower best for?
It’s a great fit if you have a medium to large yard, roughly half an acre to two acres. It’s faster than a walk-behind mower but more maneuverable than a very wide commercial model. It saves you alot of time without feeling too big for your space.
What kind of engine should I look for?
Look for a engine with at least 15 to 20 horsepower. This gives you enough power for most residential lawns, even if you have some gentle slopes. A good brand name engine often means easier to find parts and reliable service.
Is a hydrostatic transmission important?
Yes, for most people it is. A hydrostatic transmission is like an automatic car. You just use a pedal to control speed. It’s much easier to use than a manual gear model, especially if your yard has obstacles or hills.
How do I know if it will fit in my shed?
Always check the mower’s total dimensions! Measure your shed door and the interior space. Remember to account for the turning radius you’ll need to get it inside. The 42 inches refers to the cutting deck width, not the mower’s full size.
What extra features are useful?
A comfortable high-back seat is a big plus. A tight turning radius helps around trees. Some models offer a mulching kit, which chops clippings finely to feed your lawn. Cruise control can be nice for very large, open areas.
How much maintenance is required?
You’ll need to perform regular upkeep. This includes changing the oil and air filter, sharpening the blades, and keeping the battery charged. Following the manual’s schedule keeps your mower running smooth for years.
Can it pull a small cart or spreader?
Most 42 inch riders have a hitch for pulling light attachments. This is super handy for yard work. You can tow a cart for leaves or a spreader for fertilizer. Just check the mower’s tow rating to be sure it can handle the weight.
The Short Answer
Cover substantial lawn areas quickly and comfortably with the ideal mid-size cutting width for many homeowners. It strikes a perfect balance, giving you the power to tackle big jobs without feeling too bulky for your yard. You’ll save so much time compared to a push mower, and the ride is far more enjoyable. You can finally look forward to finishing your lawn work and having the rest of your day free.
When you’re ready to choose, think about your specific property. Consider the terrain and any tight spaces you need to navigate. A 42 inch riding lawn mower offers a great blend of efficiency and maneuverability for a wide range of lots. It’s a smart investment that makes a chore feel much less like work, giving you a well-kept lawn with ease and a bit of comfort, too.