5 Best Rear Engine Riding Mower Review in 2024

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For homeowners with less than an acre of land, the rear engine riding mower should deliver you exceptional cutting and convenient mowing. It is deemed the most economical choice.

They are less expensive and easier to maneuver in smaller yards. Since the engine is located at the back, harmful gas is virtually eliminated. You will breathe more freely as you mow your backyard.

Best Rear Engine Riding Mower

We aim to make your life easier. With that, we gathered five of the best rear engine mowers you can find in the market today.

In addition, we have listed features that you must consider when buying to help you find the most suited model for you.

Rear Engine Riding Mower Comparison in 2021

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Best Rear Engine Riding Mower Review

Snapper 2911525BVE 28-inch Classic Rear Engine Riding Mower

Snapper 2911525BVE 28-inch Classic Rear Engine Riding Mower

First on the list is this 28-inch Classic vehicle by Snapper. It is the best rear engine riding lawn mowers for lawns with less than an acre yard.

It uses an 11.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 4-Cycle OHV engine that has a displacement of 344cc.

This single-cylinder engine has an automotive-style, no-choke easy start with an oil capacity of 48 ounces, which is over a liter.

The engine’s anti-vibration system makes the engine one of the most suitable models for rear engine riding mowers.

Aside from that, it has an advanced debris management system that keeps the engine clean.

The riding mower has a cutting width of 28 inches with a cutting height range of 1.5 to 4 inches.

Like typical riding mowers, it has a 28-inch turning radius, which really helps in maneuvering near lawn decorations.

The secret of the riding mower lies behind its ability to suck up clippings for a cleaner finish.

You do not have to do the manual labor of sweeping the grass clippings and shoving them into the trash.

How so? Its stamped deck generates a large volume of air that creates the suction.

Another nice thing about the riding engine mower is that it has a vertical stand-on-edge capability.

It takes up less foot space in your garage or tool shed as it can lean on walls.
For those who are keen about the mechanical side, the riding mower uses a disc drive transmission, which means sturdy plates power a moveable rubber disc.

This type of mechanism allows for dependable power year over year.
A 10 cubic feet multifunctional dump cart and single bag collector are some attachments that are compatible with the riding mower.

Although sold separately, these are tools that help reduce the load of manual work.

PROS

  • Uniquely designed mower blade and rolled deck edge deliver a cleaner finish
  • User-friendly controls
  • Dependable disc drive transmission
  • Effective storing with its vertical stand-on-edge feature

CONS

  • No cons

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Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower

A list of the best rear engine mowers is not complete without the ever-reliable Z254. If you are looking for a 54-inch zero turn riding mower, this one’s for you.

Before we dive right into the engine and transmission information, let’s talk about what makes this riding mower a sturdy, reliable vehicle.

It has a rugged, robust frame and casters that ensure maneuverability and durability. The entire structural frame of the mower is made to reduce chassis flex.

What’s more? It has rear engine guards that protect the engine from impact as well as limits access to hot surfaces for the safety of use.

The bellows on the vehicle are also made of rubber that promotes a refined look and, at the same time, debris and moisture-resistant.

Its 54-inch cutting deck is stamped and reinforced with heavy flat-stock steel for additional strength and integrity. It has 3 blades and 6 cutting height adjustments.

For the most awaited part, the engine and transmission. A 26 HP Kohler engine with over 3.5 gallons of fuel tank capacity powers up the hydrostatic transmission.

It features a Ready Start, which has an automatic choke system. This provides a simple and straightforward start.

The riding mower is one of the best rated rear engine riding mowers because of its performance and ease of use.

The manufacturer placed the control panel conveniently within reach of the arms.

For added convenience and safety of use, it has a removable footplate with an anti-slip surface.

With that, you can reach the top of the deck easily and prevent your feet from slipping when it is closed down.

Finally, it has an automatic park brake system. It automatically activates when the levers are moved outward and deactivates once they are moved back to their normal place.

PROS

  • Made of 11-gauge stamped steel for durability
  • Powered by a 26 HP engine
  • Uses a deck wash port for ease of cleaning
  • Collect, mulch, and side-discharge cutting methods
  • Has an automatic park brake system

CONS

  • Does not come with a headlight or other attachments

Troy-Bilt TB30 30-inch Riding Lawn Mower

Troy-Bilt TB30 30-inch Riding Lawn Mower

For those with half an acre of yards or smaller, the TB30 is the most ideal vehicle for you.

With its rugged frame, as well as convenient and accessible controls, the mower is indeed a tiny but mighty vehicle.

This mower is a small yet powerful riding mower. With a 30-inch cutting deck, it is the size of a wide-cut walk-behind tractor that offers the benefits of a standard riding lawn mower.

Given its slim frame, the mower easily fits into small gates and can easily be stored.

It is powered by a 382cc single Troy-Bilt overhead valve engine with a 1.3 gallon fuel tank capacity.

This engine sends fuel to the wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

There is also a fuel sight window so you can check gas levels. With this, you will never have to experience getting off and on your vehicle just to refuel. You can have a continuous ride without any interruption.

The cutting deck of the mower is made of 14-gauge steel that allows for 5 deck positions.

It is manually engaged and has a side discharge cutting mode. When it comes to the chassis, the front axles are made of steel, and it allows for an 18-inch turning radius.

To enhance comfort and ease of use, the mower’s seat rises to a medium back position, and its steering wheel has soft anti-slip grip covers.

Aside from that, the mower allows for optional attachments like a mulch kit and bagger.

PROS

  • Adjustable medium back seat and soft grip steering wheel
  • Durable 14-gauge steel cutting deck
  • Small, rugged frame that fits yard gates
  • 6-speed manual transmission

CONS

  • Manual transmission consumes more gas than other drive systems

Related Guide: Small Engine Review

Troy-Bilt 46-inch Riding Lawn Mower

Troy-Bilt 46-inch Riding Lawn Mower

High-performance, stylish, and reliable are some of the qualities that best describe the Troy Bilt 46-inch mower. It has a powerful 540cc engine and easy to maneuver levers.

Also, it is powered by a 19 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek engine with 540cc displacement.

This engine has approximately 2 quarts of fuel capacity. You will find a fuel sight window to ensure you’re not mowing with low levels of gas.

To keep the engine clean, it has a dual-element air filter as well as an oil filter.

The foot-pedal hydrostatic transmission transfers the power from the engine to the wheels.

With a 5.5 MPH forward speed and 2.5 MPH reverse speed, you can cover an acre of land within less than an hour.

Moving on, the 46-inch cutting deck includes a deck wash port to make it easier for you to remove stuck grass clippings.

It is made of fabricated 11-gauge steel with a cutting height range of 1.5 to 3.75 inches.

Aside from that, there are 12 deck position adjustments that change with the pull or push of a lever. The deck is also engaged through an electric pull knob.

When it comes to durability, the chassis frame is robotically welded with an e-coating for corrosion protection.

It has a turning radius of 16 inches, which allows you to mow closely to flowerbeds, trees, and other heavy lawn decorations.

The brakes on the mower use an automotive-style disk with cruise control that allows you to maintain the same gear while moving through flat or sloped areas of your lawn.

Finally, for enhanced comfort, the mower has a lever-adjustable high-back seat with spring suspension.

With the engine placed on the rear, you will not feel any vibration. The floor area where your feet rest also has a traction pad to eliminate slipping.

PROS

  • Adjustable high-back seats
  • Made of durable, coated, fabricated steel deck and chassis
  • Has 12 deck positions engaged through a lever
  • Uses a foot-pedal hydrostatic transmission

CONS

  • No cons

Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP 50-Inch Riding Lawn Mower

Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP 50-Inch Riding Lawn Mower

Last but definitely not least is the Mustang XP. The name itself already lives up to how impressive this vehicle is.

It is powered by a 724 cc Briggs & Stratton overhead valve engine. The engine fuel is transferred to the wheels through a Hydro Gear transmission.

It can hold approximately 3 gallons of fuel tank. With this, you will increase productivity and reduce the times you need to refuel.

The engine features an electronic fuel management system. Along with ensuring zero oil leakage, this keeps the engine clean and debris free. It makes the mower very economical to run across acres of yards.

The 50-inch dual blade cutting deck also has a zero-turn radius, which allows you to mow close to flower beds and obstacles that are heavy to move around.

Aside from that, you can rely on the mower when cutting grass in tight spaces or moving it in and out of your yard.

The cutting deck has an 8 position cutting height adjustment with the built-in deck wash system.

Indeed, riding the lawn mower reduces manual labor, especially the nitty-gritty aspects of the cleaning part of the deck’s underside.

For enhanced comfort and safety of use, the mower has a spring-assisted and thick padded high-back seat. The open front design also allows freedom of movement for the legs.

Now for durability, the mower has a rugged design with reinforced heavy-duty steel frame.

Its rear engine includes a bumper that prevents easy access to hot surfaces as well as protects the engine from external impacts.

With a sturdy frame, the chassis flex is totally eliminated. This mower promises years of service.

PROS

  • Has 8 positions cutting height adjustments
  • Uses a 724cc engine that powers the wheels through hydrostatic transmissions
  • Comes with electronic fuel management systems to keep the engine clean
  • Has a built-in deck wash system

CONS

  • No cons

Features to Look for Before Buying

From optimal horsepower to simple attachments that make mowing extra convenient, take a look at some of the factors which make a rear engine rider the best of its kind.

Power

For yards that do not exceed more than 2 hectares, it is ideal to buy a rear engine mower with a capacity of at least 10 HP up to 15 HP.

Since you are dealing with a small territory with limited space, there is no need for an engine that has over 20 HP.

Transmission

Similar to other mowers, rear-engine riders offer manual, automatic, and hydrostatic transmissions.

While there is not much price difference, the ease of handling is determined by the transmission technique.

Most mowers today have hydrostatic transmission, which uses fluids instead of belts in transferring power from the engine to the wheels.

It has the same driving mechanism as the automatic ones, and that is stepping on the gas pedal to keep moving.

Fuel

There are two viable options, including gasoline and diesel. If you do not have any plans to cultivate or mow your lawn frequently, your most economical choice is to obtain a rider that works on gasoline.

Cutting Width

Deciding on this parameter depends on the size of your lawn, as well as its layout.

If you have flowerbeds and other decorations that cannot be moved, it is not ideal to buy a rear engine rider with a large cutting width.

The most you can fit in a 1-acre yard is a 54-inch riding mower, considering there are not many obstacles.

Handling

mower Handling

When it comes to handling, you have three different options, including front-wheel, rear-wheel, and four-wheel drive.

• Front-Wheel Drive

For lawns with a generally flat surface, a front-wheel-drive mower should be enough to help you drive across it and get an even cut.

• Rear-Wheel Drive

Now, for lawns with moderate slopes and short hills, a rear-wheel-drive may be necessary to enable the mower to move.

• Four-Wheel/ All-Wheel Drive

Finally, all-wheel-drive mowers are the most popular because of their versatility.

It can be used for flat terrains as well as on lawns with extreme slopes. Since the power is distributed evenly across all 4 wheels, mowing becomes simpler in tougher lands.

Attachments

Common attachments include cultivators, aerators, seeders, brushes, sprayers, dumps, and dethatchers.

These are devices, either included in the model or sold separately, that make mowing extra convenient.

Not all rear-engine mowers allow these attachments. Make sure you obtain a vehicle that is compatible with the aforementioned devices for future use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the front engine and rear engine riders?

The difference in the location of engines has a lot to do with the riders’ performance and hauling capabilities.

Front engine mowers have better power and traction. They also have larger engines and bulkier structures. Yet, given their massive size, they are not suitable for smaller yards.

On the other hand, rear-engine mowers have limited capacity in towing dethatchers and other accessories. They are more efficient in mowing smaller lawns.

What is the difference between the front engine and rear engine riders

How do rear engine mowers prevent tipping over?

Rear engine mowers have lower centers of gravity. This is due to the position of the engine, which is the heaviest part of any mower. With this, they are less prone to tipping over.

What are the methods of handling clippings?

Some of the attachments include mulchers, baggers, and blades with adjustable heights. These help to effectively handle grass clippings.

Why are rear engine mowers cheaper?

Not all rear engine mowers are cheap. But in general, they are more economical because of their small structural frame and tinier engines.

Despite that, they are highly effective for small lawns that do not need plenty of power and speed.

Are engines with 11 to 15 horsepower enough to power rear engine riding mowers?

Yes. Rear engine mowers are meant for smaller lawns. With this, putting a large engine with higher horsepower in it is unnecessary.

Final Words

Everyone knows how cumbersome it is to maintain lawns, even for yards that are less than an acre.

Unfortunately, there is no one perfect vehicle for all and sundry. Yet, with the features that we laid out, you will definitely find the rear engine riding mower with specifications tailored to your requirements.

Last update on 2024-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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