Best 54-Inch Riding Lawn Mower Review in 2024

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Mowing a 4-acre lawn has never been this easy and fun! Thanks to the best 54-inch riding lawn mowers you can find on the market, cutting grass should now be swifter and more convenient.

These ride-on mowers require just a fraction of the effort, as well as the time you put in when mowing your lawn using walk-behind tractors or smaller ride-on mowers.

Imagine the amount of time you save by simply riding your lawnmower and driving around while listening to good music. Indeed, a suitable vehicle that can efficiently cut grass is all you need to easily do the job and keep your lawn trimmed.

54-Inch Riding Lawn Mower Comparison in 2021

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Best 54-Inch Riding Lawn Mower Review

Best 54-Inch Riding Lawn Mower

To make the buying process easier and more enjoyable for you, we gathered 4 of the best 54-inch ride-on mowers. Read through and discover what makes them part of the list.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Hydrostatic Riding Mower

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Hydrostatic Riding Mower

Are steering levers not for you? Go for the YTH24V54 that offers the same unparalleled quality of mowing experience and triples the safety features! The riding mower has a pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission that allows you to control the speed and the direction.

This enables you to keep both your hands on the steering wheel. It is powered by a 24 HP Briggs & Stratton that allows the vehicle to have no choke and is easy to start with a turn of a key.

To ensure superior cuts, the manufacturer used an air induction mowing system that draws in clean air from the top and bottom of the deck.

For ease of control, it uses an easy electric engagement of cutting blades with a simple pull of the switch on the control panel. Its anti-scalp wheels also enable you to reduce the risk of scalping.

Aside from that, it also allows the mower to maintain speed in all kinds of terrain with the cruise control.

Driving the vehicle enables you to cut grass comfortably and safely, and it applies a reverse operating system. This means the blade will automatically halt once the system detects movement in reverse.

In addition to that, a safety switch can be found under the driver’s seat. Once the driver leaves the engine and the cutting deck, the vehicle automatically shuts off. It has a high back seat that offers added comfort and back support when mowing for hours.

Finally, it has a pivoting cast-iron front axle that provides balance and stability. The spring-assisted 54-inch cutting deck also has a height adjustment that is fender-mounted.

PROS

  • Safety switch under the driver’s seat
  • Comfortable high back seat and ergonomic anti-slip steering wheel
  • Has a deck wash port for ease of cleaning
  • Allows the mower to maintain constant speed through its cruise control option
  • Anti-scalp wheels prevent grass scalping
  • Easy fender-mounted cutting deck height adjustment

CONS

  • It can only hold approximately 1.7 liters which is quite low for a large vehicle

Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA Zero Turn Mower

Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA Zero Turn Mower

Looking for a zero-turn mower with an electric start that can turn a full 360 degrees? Then the ZTR2454BS-CA is a grass churning mean machine that should fit all of your mowing needs.

It is powered by a 24 HP 724cc Briggs and Stratton with dual hydro gear and hydrostatic transmission. And it goes 8 mph forward and in reverse! Indeed, the model lives up to its branding.

The 54-inch 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck can be lifted with a foot-assisted lever. This way, you can keep your hands on both steering levers. It has a cutting height range of 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches.

For ease of use, you can rely on the high-back seat with armrests and ample space for more leg movements, thanks to its open front design. The vehicle is made durable with a commercial-grade, welded steel frame and effective hydro gear transmissions that work with an Ogura clutch.

Other features include a full engine wrap that prevents debris or moisture getting into the system, composite fenders with integrated storage, and compartments for the battery.

Finally, it uses the manufacturer’s Rapid Response Control system, which means the control panel is within your reach that makes every movement ergonomic.

What’s more? You can find extra convenience with its simple cup holder located far from the control panel. It might be a small feature, but imagine the extra leisure it brings. And it enables you to have some coffee as you mow your lawn in the morning!

PROS

  • Has a zero turning radius which allows for a full 360-degree turn
  • Uses a foot-assisted deck lift system for faster and easier adjustments
  • 8-gallon fuel capacity
  • Made of commercial-grade, welded steel frame

CONS

  • May offset your budget

Related Review: 42-Inch Riding Mower

Husqvarna Z254F Z-Turn Mower

Husqvarna Z254F Z-Turn Mower

If you are looking for a budget model that does not sacrifice performance, then the Z254F might exceed your expectations! The mower comes with a new fabricated design feature.

Patented by the manufacturer, the mower features a ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck. This means its 10-gauge steel construction was welded together into one piece with additional reinforcement strips for maximum durability.

The welded cutting deck works together with the front guard bumper and rear engine guard in enhancing the durability of the vehicle. What’s more? The rubber bellows are refined to prevent the penetration of debris and moisture into the control system.

It is powered by a 26 HP v-twin Kohler engine with 747cc displacement that offers a smooth, quiet, and reliable operation. For your comfort and safety, the mower includes features such as a thick padded seat with an open back for extra ventilation, and the foot area incorporates a non-slip surface.

Aside from that, everything is within your reach. The ergonomic control panel places all functions and modes of the vehicle in one place within reach of your fingers. Lifting the deck should also be easy, with its lever located near you.

Finally, it still uses the automatic park brake system controlled through the levers. You can safely park the vehicle with its automatic activation and deactivation with a simple slide of the levers inwards and outwards.

PROS

  • Welded frame to ensure maximum durability
  • Has an automatic park brake system for accurate and safe parking
  • Rear engine guards and bumpers work together to reinforce engine safety
  • Comfortable thick padded seat and safe anti-slip foot area

CONS

  • No cons

Related Guide: Zero Turn Mowers For The Money

Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Finally, one of the most straightforward and popular ride-on mower models – the Z254. The vehicle is powered by a 26 HP Kohler engine with 747cc displacement that comes with a premium air filtration. It also runs on hydrostatic transmission with a zero turning radius.

First off, it has an automatic choke system that provides a simplified starting. This is the vehicle’s main component that regulates the mixture of air and fuel as the engine is being cranked. In simpler terms, it warms up the engine by adjusting the temperature change to achieve the proper ratio.

Part of its complex system is its innovative air induction mowing system. This draws clean air from the top and bottom of the deck, which enhances airflow. Since it uses a hydrostatic transmission and zero turning radius, you get an unparalleled handling experience.

Moving forward, the mower has a convenient deck lift system. It is spring-assisted with easy-to-reach buttons. Aside from that, it is made of rugged frames and casters, which means you do not have to worry about the chassis flexing. For structural integrity, the cutting deck is constructed with heavy flat-stock steel.

For ease of use and safety of the rider, the vehicle boasts features such as an automatic park brake system, anti-slip foot area, and ergonomic control panel. The brake system automatically activates and deactivates as the levers are moved outward or inward.

PROS

  • Has a unique tube style chassis for easy access to the cutting deck’s top part
  • It features an automatic park brake system for parking safely
  • Exceptional design with easy-to-reach control panel, anti-slip foot area, and moisture-resistant rubber bellows
  • Spring-assisted deck lift system to operate in different kinds of terrain

CONS

  • LED headlights are sold separately from the model

What to Look for before Buying

Now that you have read our reviews of the recommended ride-on mowers, take a look at these factors. Carefully considering these factors should help you find the best-suited model for you.

Power Source

mower Power Source

There are three common types of power sources for ride-on mowers. Included are gas, battery, and electricity. Of course, gas-powered means there is a use of motor oil to power up the vehicle. It also entails harmful fumes that can be emitted into the environment.

On the other hand, the electric-powered and battery-powered mowers are more environmental-friendly. You basically recharge the battery through electricity and run the vehicle at its capacity.

Fuel Capacity

When it comes to 54-inch riding lawnmowers, you must greatly consider the engine’s fuel capacity. Avoid purchasing a model that has low fuel capacity as it can increase refueling in between mowing jobs.

For instance, a twin-cylinder engine that has 26 HP and 747 ccs should have at least 2 liters of oil capacity. This should be enough to power a large ride-on mower.

Transmission

A mower’s transmission refers to what transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It sends power so that the machine moves forward and reverses. There are three options available for 54-inch mowers, mainly manual, automatic, and hydrostatic.

While all options allow you to shift from one gear to another, except the automatic, choosing manual transmission is not ideal as you will have to use a clutch.

The best option you have is between automatic and hydrostatic. Both employ the same gear shifting system, which is by stepping on the pedal. They only differ in the way of transferring power from the engine. Automatics use belts, whereas hydrostatics use fluids.

Cutting Deck Width

Cutting Deck Width

If you are caught up between buying a 54-inch ride-on mower and a smaller mower, it is best to match the size of the vehicle with the dimensions of your yard. Obtain a smaller or medium-sized mower if you have less than an acre of yard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the best 54-inch riding lawn mowers:

What is a hydraulic wheel-drive?


All zero turn mowers have this kind of wheel drive. It enables precise maneuvering and allows the mower to rotate around its own axis. Meaning, you can closely cut through obstacles.

How long does it take to mow an acre with a 54-inch riding mower?


A 54-inch ride-on lawnmower should enable you to swiftly cut grass within 15 to 20 minutes per acre.

What is the best horsepower for a 54-inch lawnmower?


In general, it is ideal to have at least 13 HP up to 30 HP for a large
riding lawnmower. Because they’re so much bigger and heavier, it will need a handsome amount of horsepower to keep it moving.

What is a good size of riding lawnmower?


The best size of lawnmower for you should depend on the size of your lawn. Riding lawnmowers must be used in lawns that are at least an acre. Using them in less than an acre of a lawn could be difficult as there is not ample space for a big machine to move around.

How long is considered high hours for a single-cylinder ride-on mower?


A single-cylinder mower with over 750 hours is considered a high miler. Of course, this can only be true if the mower is regularly maintained.

Final Words

With all the information you have learned, from discovering the most reliable models to the features to consider, it’s not too far that you will be driving the best 54-inch riding lawnmower. Take note, it is important to match the size of the vehicle with your ride.

No matter the features you find in a 54-inch, if it cannot fit in your yard, it is useless. To give you more sizing options, check out similar reviews we have made on other sizes of lawnmowers.

Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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