Choosing the right 42-inch riding lawn mower can significantly improve your lawn care routine, turning a lengthy chore into a quick and efficient task. The perfect mower for your home depends on several factors, including your yard’s size, terrain, and your preference between traditional gas power and modern electric convenience. A 42-inch cutting deck is an ideal size for many properties, offering a great balance between maneuverability and coverage.
Whether you prioritize zero-turn agility for navigating around obstacles, the quiet operation of a battery-powered model, or the proven power of a gas engine, there is a machine built for your needs. This roundup highlights nine excellent options, from leading brands, to help you find the best 42-inch riding lawn mower for your home.
Our Top Picks for 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mowers
- Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT Riding Mower
- Greenworks 80V 42″ Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower
- Husqvarna TS 146 (46″) 22HP Briggs Lawn Tractor
- EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42″ Deck
- Husqvarna Z242F (42″) 21.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower
- MOTOALL Air Filter for 18-26 HP Intek V-Twins Engine
- CUB CADET 490-501-C025 Deck Drive Belt
- Husqvarna YTH18542 42-Inch 18.5 HP Riding Mower
- Troy-Bilt Pony 42-Inch 17.5 HP Gas Riding Mower
Greenworks 60V 42” Cordless Electric CrossoverT Riding Mower
Experience the freedom of cordless electric mowing without sacrificing power. This Greenworks model is designed to handle properties up to 1.5 acres with its innovative “Mow, Swap, and Go” battery system. You can mow continuously by using two of the four included 8.0Ah batteries while the other two charge, eliminating downtime.
It delivers performance comparable to a 24 HP gas engine, ensuring a clean, even cut with a constant blade speed of 17,000 feet per minute. The durable 42-inch deck is paired with a highly efficient brushless motor, which provides more torque for tough conditions, operates quietly, and is built for a longer operational life.
Greenworks 80V 42″ Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower
For larger lawns up to 2 acres, the Greenworks 80V Zero Turn model offers exceptional performance and maneuverability. Its reinforced 12-gauge steel 42-inch deck is built to last, and it can handle slopes up to 15 degrees with a cutting speed of up to 8 MPH. The deck height is easily adjustable from 1.5 to 4.5 inches for a customized cut.
This mower provides the power of a 32 HP gas engine, making it a strong alternative to traditional mowers. The premium cutting system maintains a constant 17,000 FPM blade tip speed for a professional-quality finish. With four 5.0Ah batteries and three rapid chargers included, you have the power needed to complete the job efficiently.
Husqvarna TS 146 (46″) 22HP Briggs Lawn Tractor
The Husqvarna TS 146 is a reliable lawn tractor built for durability and consistent performance. It is powered by a robust 22HP Briggs & Stratton EXi series engine, known for its dependable power and easy starting. The slightly larger 46-inch stamped, 2-blade mower deck allows you to cover more ground with each pass.
This tractor features a K46 Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission, which provides smooth, effortless speed and direction changes without the need to manually shift gears. This makes mowing a more comfortable experience, especially on properties with varied terrain.
EGO Power+ Electric Riding Lawn Mower, 42″ Deck
The EGO Power+ ZT4204L combines zero-turn agility with the quiet, emission-free benefits of electric power. It is engineered to deliver performance equivalent to a 22 horsepower gas mower and can reach speeds up to 8 MPH. With the four included 56V 10.0Ah batteries, this mower can cut up to 2 acres on a single charge.
A standout feature is the customizable riding experience. The intuitive LCD interface allows you to select from three driving modes: Standard, Control, and Sport, so you can tailor the mower’s handling to your preference and skill level. For even larger properties, you can add more batteries to extend the runtime.
Husqvarna Z242F (42″) 21.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower
For those seeking precise maneuverability, the Husqvarna Z242F zero-turn mower is an excellent choice. It is powered by a reliable 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine, known for its smooth operation and longevity. The hydrostatic transmission requires no maintenance and provides the power and control to handle a variety of grass conditions and slopes.
This mower includes a patent-pending park brake system that automatically engages and disengages as you move the steering levers, adding a layer of safety and convenience. It offers versatile grass handling, allowing you to discharge, mulch, or bag your clippings with the appropriate attachments.
MOTOALL Air Filter for 18-26 HP Intek V-Twins Engine
Keep your gas-powered riding mower running at its best with this replacement air filter pack. This two-pack from MOTOALL is designed to fit a wide range of 18-26 HP Intek V-Twin engines, making it a versatile maintenance part to have on hand.
It is compatible with many popular models from brands like John Deere and Husqvarna, including the D140, L120, X140, and LA135 lawn tractors. Regular air filter changes are essential for maintaining engine performance and longevity, and this affordable pack ensures you have a ready supply.
CUB CADET 490-501-C025 Deck Drive Belt
This is a genuine CUB CADET OEM replacement part, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance for your zero-turn mower. The deck drive belt is a critical component that transfers power from the engine to the mower blades.
This specific belt, part number 490-501-C025, is designed for 42-inch decks on CUB CADET RZT-L42 and RZT-SX 42 zero-turn mowers. Having a spare belt can save you time and keep your mower operational during the busy cutting season.
Husqvarna YTH18542 42-Inch 18.5 HP V-Twin Riding Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna YTH18542 is a solid and dependable lawn tractor for routine residential mowing. It is equipped with an 18.5 HP V-Twin engine that provides ample power for most home landscapes. The 42-inch cutting deck is a versatile size, effective for both open spaces and more confined areas.
This model features a hydrostatic transmission, which allows for smooth, infinite speed adjustments forward and reverse with a simple pedal, making operation easy for users of all experience levels. It’s a straightforward, capable machine built to handle your weekly mowing tasks with consistency.
Troy-Bilt Pony 42-Inch 17.5 HP Gas Riding Mower
The Troy-Bilt Pony is a value-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on essential features. Powered by a 17.5 HP engine, this mower is well-suited for flat to moderately sloped properties. The 42-inch deck is designed to provide a clean, even cut across your lawn.
It comes with an automatic transmission, also known as a hydrostatic transmission, which eliminates the need for manual gear shifting. This makes mowing simpler and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on steering and navigating your yard efficiently.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mower
When I started shopping for my first riding mower, I was overwhelmed by the choices. A 42-inch deck is a real sweet spot for home use, big enough to cover a decent-sized lawn efficiently but still maneuverable enough to get around trees and garden beds. Here’s what I learned to focus on during my search.
First, consider your yard’s terrain. If you have a relatively flat, simple lawn, a simple rear-engine rider (RER) might be all you need. They are often more affordable and compact. However, if your property has hills, bumps, or a more complex layout, a lawn tractor is the way to go. Lawn tractors are more stable, more powerful, and generally offer a smoother ride, which makes a huge difference on uneven ground. For the most demanding, hilly, or large properties, a zero-turn mower (ZTR) is the king of speed and maneuverability, but they come with a higher price tag and a steeper learning curve.
Next, think about the engine. You will see horsepower (HP) and torque mentioned a lot. For a typical one-acre lot, an engine in the 15 to 20 HP range is usually sufficient. Don’t just fixate on the highest HP number; a well-built engine with good torque is often more valuable than a high-HP but cheaply made one. Look for reputable engine brands like Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, or Kohler for reliability.
The transmission is another critical component. A simple manual gear transmission is durable but can be clunky. A hydrostatic transmission is what I prefer because it’s incredibly smooth and easy to use—there are no gears to shift; you just use a pedal to control your speed and direction. It makes mowing a much more relaxed experience, especially if you have to do a lot of forward and reverse motions.
Finally, don’t forget about comfort and convenience features. You will be spending a couple of hours on this machine, so a comfortable, adjustable seat is a must. Look for a steering system that feels smooth, not stiff. A tight turning radius will save you a ton of time. Also, check how easy it is to attach and empty the grass bagger, if you need one, or attach other implements like a mulch kit or a snow blade for year-round utility. Investing a little time in research on the 9 best 42 inch riding lawn mowers for home use will pay off for years with a great-looking lawn and an enjoyable mowing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 42-inch mower too big for a 1-acre yard?
Not at all. In fact, I think it’s the perfect size for a one-acre property. It strikes a great balance between cutting width and maneuverability. A smaller mower would take you significantly longer, while a much larger mower might be difficult to navigate around the obstacles typically found on a one-acre lot, like trees, sheds, and flower beds. It is an efficient and practical choice for that size of lawn.
What is the main difference between a lawn tractor and a zero-turn mower?
The biggest difference is in steering and maneuverability. A lawn tractor steers like a car, with a steering wheel that turns the front wheels. A zero-turn mower uses levers to control the speed and direction of each rear wheel independently. This allows a zero-turn to, as the name implies, turn on a dime by spinning one wheel forward and the other backward. Zero-turns are significantly faster for open areas but can be trickier to learn and are less ideal for steep hills.
How often does a riding mower need maintenance?
Sticking to a basic maintenance schedule is key to a long mower life. The most important task is changing the oil and air filter once a season or after every 50 hours of use. You should also sharpen the mower blades a couple of times a season for a clean cut, check the tire pressure, and keep the battery terminals clean. Before storing it for the winter, I either add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank or run the engine until it’s completely out of fuel.
Can I use a riding mower on a slope?
You can, but you need to be very cautious. You should always mow up and down the slope, never across it, to prevent the mower from tipping over. Lawn tractors are generally more stable on mild to moderate slopes than zero-turn mowers. If your property has very steep hills, you should seriously consider a specialized commercial slope mower for safety. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific model’s slope rating.
Are there any reliable brands I should focus on?
Yes, several brands have built strong reputations for durability and customer support. John Deere is often a top choice for lawn tractors due to their build quality and dealer network. Cub Cadet is another very popular and reliable brand for both tractors and zero-turns. For those focused on zero-turn mowers, brands like Ariens and Husqvarna offer excellent residential models. When you are looking at the 9 best 42 inch riding lawn mowers for home use, you will likely see these names come up repeatedly, and for good reason.