10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for 2 Acres – Review in 2024

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Many homeowners, like you, wonder if it is worth buying a riding mower. While it might not be a problem for you to pay for a gardener or cut grass using walk-behind mowers, certainly it should consume less time and effort if you are using the riding lawn mower for 2 acres.

When it comes down to budget and property-size, it is ideal to obtain a riding lawn mower with at least 42-inch cutting deck and compatible for attachment of accessories.

We understand how tedious the task can be when it comes to finding a riding mower that best suits your lawn requirements and personal preferences.

With that, we present you with a list of the top options we highly encourage you to look into.

Riding Lawn Mower for 2 Acres – Comparison 2021

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Best Riding Lawn Mower for 2 Acres – Review

Best Riding Lawn Mower for 2 Acres

Not all riding mowers in the list are identical. Each offers a unique feature, attachment or accessories, as well as components and there is not one perfect vehicle for everyone.

Certainly, there is a riding mower that best suits your needs.

Husqvarna YTH18542 42-inch Hydrostatic Riding Mower

Husqvarna YTH18542 42-inch Hydrostatic Riding Mower

First on the list is the YTH18542, which features an easy hydrostatic transmission drive system and a wide 42-inch cutting deck.

It is powered by an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek single-cylinder engine with 540cc displacement and an oil capacity of 48 ounces.

The engine features an automotive-style no choke easy start and anti-vibration system.

It also has advanced debris management working together with a standard oil filter and cartridge air cleaner. These filters, combined with a full pressure lube system, keep the engine clean and prolong its useful life.

Manage your speed and direction through the mower’s pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission. With this, you can keep both your hands on the steering wheel.

The stamped 42-inch cutting deck is made of heavy flat-stock steel, which enhances durability. Moreover, its front axles are constructed with cast iron.

This allows for pivoting action that helps in moving around uneven surfaces.

With the mower’s air induction mowing technology and deck wash port, you will never have a hard time cleaning your vehicle.

For ease of operation, every function is located within arm’s reach. The blade engagement lever is placed on the dash, and its cutting height adjustment is fender-mounted.

Finally, for the safety of use, it features a reverse operating system that automatically disengages the cutting blades when driving in reverse.

It also has a switch under the seat that switches off the engine and cutting deck once the driver leaves the seat.

Other optional attachments that make mowing easier and more convenient include a cup holder, collector accessories like bins, and bio clips that cut grass into small pieces.

PROS

  • Automatic blade disengagement after reverse driving
  • Includes deck wash port to make cleaning easier
  • Stamped cutting deck for durability
  • Easy to reach controls
  • Angled steering wheel and ergonomic seating for enhanced comfort

CONS

  • No cons

Husqvarna Z254 54-inch Riding Mower

Husqvarna Z254 54-inch Riding Mower

Wide, powerful, and fast – these are a few of the great characteristics of the Z254. If you are looking for a mower that does the job swiftly, this riding mower is for you.

It is made of a rugged frame and caster to ensure durability as well as reduced chassis flex. You can trust the integrity of the vehicle as it is engineered and built to last longer.

Powered by a 26 HP Kohler engine, the mower can run at a maximum speed of 6.5 MPH while efficiently mowing grass.

The engine is protected by a bumper to ensure its safety from impact. It also limits access to the hot surface near the engine.

The 54-inch cutting deck uses a spring-assisted deck lift system. For ease of use, the lever is located within reach.

The control panel is also placed where the fingers can easily access buttons.
For a refined look and to prevent debris or moisture from entering the control system, the bellows are made of durable rubber.

It has a zero-turn radius, which allows you to mow near flowerbeds, trees, and other immovable decorations in your lawn. Fuel is transferred from the engine through hydrostatic transmission.

The footplate of the mower features a unique tube style chassis, which makes the top of the cutting deck easily accessible.

For added comfort, the 15-inch vinyl high-back seat is spring-assisted, which reduces vibrations and bumps.

It also has an anti-slip foot area to prevent unwanted accidents.
On a final note, the best thing about the mower is its automatic park brake system.

Moving the levers outwards should activate the parking brakes, and putting them back in the original driving state deactivates it.

PROS

  • Ergonomic control panel
  • Spring-assisted deck lift with easy-to-reach levers
  • Has an automatic park brake system for safe reverse driving
  • Features air induction mowing technology for superior cuts

CONS

  • No serious cons

Here you can check Top Husqvarna Riding Mower Buying Guide

Worx WR150 Landroid Robotic Lawn Mower

Worx WR150 Landroid Robotic Lawn Mower

Are you fond of robotics and AI? You might not be planning to get a robotic lawn mower, but this little guy right here is worth learning about.

The WR150 is a battery-operated lawn mower with rain sensors.
It is powered by a 20 Volt 4Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

On a single full charge, you can already perform half an acre mowing job. The robotic lawnmower is capable of mowing a 9-inch cutting path with 1.6 to 3.9-inch adjustable cutting height.

For riding mowers, zero-radius means the mower can cut closely to flower beds and obstacles.Whereas for robotic lawn mowers, its offset 3-blade cutting system is the component that allows it to do so.

Aside from that, it also has a mulching feature that enables cutting grass into tiny clippings. These kinds of clippings decompose back into the turf, which eliminates the need for raking.

The good thing about this is its app-enabled feature. Meaning, you never have to worry about losing the lawnmower as you can track its location through a special “Find Landroid” GPS application.

But convenience does not stop there. During rainy days, you can still mow your lawn with the robotic mower.

Thanks to its water-resistant and fully-enclosed housing, you can have it cut grass and control the functions using the application.

The mower does not need plenty of maintenance, except ensuring the application you use is up to date.

A few things that are left for you to do are to set up and maintain the boundaries of the mower, which can be done through the application.

PROS

  • Requires less human intervention
  • Mows half an acre with one full, single battery
  • Has 3 offset blades with a 9-inch cutting path
  • Uses a mobile application to control the mower remotely

CONS

  • Easy access to GPS tracking unit makes it vulnerable to theft

Troy-Bilt 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower

Troy-Bilt 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower

We have included the Troy-Bilt riding mower in nearly every list of the best mowers because of its unparalleled performance and straightforward use.

The Troy-Bilt operates like a standard riding lawn mower but with the size of a wide walk-behind mower, which makes storage easier. This allows you to reap the benefits of both types of mowers!

It uses a 382cc automotive-style, no choke Powermore overhead valve engine. The engine can run at a top forward speed of 4.25 MPH with a fuel tank capacity of over a gallon.

To reduce maintenance, the engine employs splash lubrication.
Clearly, it is nothing short of an amazing mower when compared to larger ones.

The 30-inch cutting deck is made of 14-gauge steel with manual deck engagement and allows for 5 positions.

Its chassis consists of steel front axles with an 18-inch turning radius. This allows you to take full control of the vehicle as you mow nearby objects on your lawn.

For ease of use and safe operation, the mower has a mid-back seat and wheel angled in an ergonomic way.

The steering wheel also has a soft, anti-slip cover to maintain a comfortable grip.

If mowing is a chore you enjoy doing for hours, then this 30-inch mower with 6-speed transmission is an amazing choice.

Indeed, the vehicle is made comfortable, so no matter how long it should take you to mow, you will remain comfortable.

PROS

  • Works suitably for medium to large-sized yards
  • Easy to store
  • Has 6-speed transmission with a top speed of over 4 MPH
  • Fuel tank capacity of 1.3 gallons which lessens refueling in between jobs

CONS

  • Manual disengagement of blades to drive in reverse

You can check Top 5 Troy Bilt Riding Mower

Husqvarna MZ61 61-inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna MZ61 61-inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Excellent performance and stylish, the MZ61 is arguably one of the most handsome zero-turn mowers on the market today.

Aside from the look, it also has a high-performance transmission and engine that makes mowing less of a chore.

Let’s begin with physical characteristics. The mower has 6-inch wide casters with pneumatic tires.

Its cutting deck is made of heavy-duty fabricated twin 11-gauge steel. The deck spindles, on the other hand, are made of aluminum housing to enhance heat dissipation.

Its 61-inch cutting deck uses a pedal-assisted lift, which is ergonomically designed so that you can easily reach it for quick adjustment and achieve the suitable cutting height. The mower is also powered by a 24 HP Kawasaki engine.

A 2-inch by 3-inch chassis supports the deck with large rear and front tires for unparalleled structure and ride quality.

Moreover, the vehicle uses a premium integrated zero-turn transmission that features charge-pumps, expansion tanks, and axles that are larger than standard.

For the comfort of use, the steering levers are foam-padded. It has viscous dampers that reduce the vibration felt when mowing.

The high-back seat also includes a standard armrest for whenever you are in cruise control.

Finally, it has easy access service points for oil and filter maintenance. Other parts include hydraulic drive system components for ease of cleaning.

The electrical system and battery are also accessible for quick changes. It also has an hour meter with a service reminder. It indicates when it is time to service the mower.

PROS

  • Has an hour meter that reminds the user to service the mower
  • Adjustable tracking for ease of fine-tuning without tools
  • Comfortable high-back seats and foam-padded levers
  • Durable cutting deck made of twin 11-gauge steel

CONS

  • May offset your budget

Troy-Bilt 46-Inch Riding Lawn Mower

Troy-Bilt 46-Inch Riding Lawn Mower

Also known as the TB46, this 46-inch Troy Bilt riding mower is one of the most efficient models that can mow the largest of lawns.

It is powered by a19 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek engine with 540cc displacement. The engine transfers power through a foot-pedal automatic transmission.

Equipped with a 46-inch cutting deck and 5-position adjustable cutting height with an accessible hand lever, the mower allows for efficiently cutting any kind of lawn grass.

The signature StepThru frame allows the user to get in and out of the mower easily. It is also made of 13-gauge steel.

For convenience and enhanced comfort, the steering wheel has a soft anti-slip grip, and the mid-back seat supports the back for long mowing sessions.

When it comes to the maintenance of the vehicle, the hood and dash louvers, as well as the underside of the deck, are the only parts that needed attention.

Cleaning battery terminals is also necessary but not required. With this, you do not have to spend so much time cleaning your rider for the next job.

The riding mower also features two-deck wheels that prevent grass scalping. It has an easy, depressing parking brake that is useful for backing the vehicle.

Aside from that, it has a reverse caution mode that engages the blades and allows mowing backward.

Although not included with the model, this mower is compatible with a few bagger options, such as a mulching kit that enhances convenience and reduces the workload.

PROS

  • Accessible ports for quick maintenance
  • Soft, anti-slip steering wheel and mid-back seat for comfort
  • Has mow-in-reverse capabilities
  • Uses automatic CVT transmission

CONS

  • No cons

Related Guide: Riding Lawnmower for 5 Acres

Husqvarna MZ48 48-inch Zero Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna MZ48 48-inch Zero Turn Riding Mower

For regular professional lawn maintenance, the heavy-duty MZ48 with zero turning radius should be up for the job.

It uses a commercial-grade 23 HP Kohler v-twin engine to power the mower.

Through hydrostatic transmission, the power is transferred from the engine to the 6-inch wide caster wheels through fluids.

The cutting deck is made of airflow control baffles, high-performance blades as well as a top discharge.

This allows for excellent cutting, whether you are discharging, mulching, or bagging.

It is made of heavy-duty fabricated twin sheets of 11-gauge steel for durability.

You can engage the deck lift through the pedals to keep your hands on the wheels.

The deck lift is not the only thing accessible, other important service points are also easy to access.

This includes oil filter maintenance, hydraulic drive system components, as well as the electrical system and battery.

For added durability, the oversized tube chassis combines the large rear and front tires. This provides superior strength and overall improved quality of the ride.

The hour meter with the service reminder indicates when it is time to service the mower.

With this, you will never have to be stuck with a failing mower in the middle of your lawn.

Finally, the seat is made of thick cushions with EVC or elastomeric vibration control. The EVC dampens the vibration, which delivers an excellent and convenient mowing experience.

PROS

  • Has 6-inch wide caster wheels with pneumatic tires
  • Durable, fabricated 10-gauge steel construction
  • Oversized tube frames and chassis to improve structural integrity
  • Has an hour meter and service reminder

CONS

  • No major drawbacks

Husqvarna LTH1738 38-inch Hydrostatic Gas Riding Lawn Mower

Husqvarna LTH1738 38-inch Hydrostatic Gas Riding Lawn Mower

Another extraordinary mower on the list is the LTH1738. It features a 38-inch cutting deck with hydrostatic transmission for ease of driving.

It is powered by a 17 HP Loncin engine that can hold up to 1.5 gallons of fuel. The engine works together with a hydrostatic transmission.

It eliminates the use of a clutch to change gears, which enhances the driving experience. Moreover, you can trust that oil will not leak, thanks to its standard oil filter.

The mower is easy to clean with its deck wash port. With this, you do not have to stress yourself over cleaning after mowing for a long duration of time.

Its 38-inch cutting deck is supported by 2 anti-scalp wheels that prevent grass scalping.

The deck is made of stamped heavy flat-stock steel that ensures durability.
Aside from that, the control panels are located in areas within your arm’s reach.

The cutting height adjustment lever is placed on the fenders, and other buttons like the manual blade engagement are found on the dashboard.

For safety and comfort, the mower features a switch under the seat responsible for automatically switching off the cutting deck and engine once the driver leaves the seat.

In addition, it uses the manufacturer’s signature step-through design that ensures ease of mounting and dismounting the vehicle.

The ergonomic steering wheel is angled in a position that is most comfortable for any height.

Finally, it has a 15-inch high back seat that is adjustable back and forth.
The mower allows the attachment of accessories.

Although not included, it features a bio clip kit or cover accessory that delivers smaller cuts of grass for quick decomposing.

PROS

  • Has a deck wash port for ease of cleaning
  • Features a safety switch under the seat
  • Comfortable steering wheels and adjustable high-back seat
  • Accessible control panels and levers

CONS

  • No assembly manual included

Husqvarna Z242F 42-inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna Z242F 42-inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower

The last Husqvarna mower on the list, but definitely not the least, is the Z242F.

It is a 42-inch zero-turn riding mower that uses a dual cylinder engine for powerful performance.

It is powered by an 18 HP Kawasaki dual-cylinder engine with a reliable no choke start and a maximum speed of 6.5 MPH.

Clearly, the engine on the mower is meant to enable you to cut grass in the fastest time possible.

The mower features a clearcut fabricated cutting deck with a welded 10-gauge steel construction.

Its welds are also reinforced with strips for maximum durability and increased vehicle integrity.

Aside from that, it has a rugged frame and casters that reduce chassis flex.
Its 42-inch cutting deck is supported by springs so that the driver will feel less vibration.

The lever used to lift the deck is located right above the fenders of the wheel. Moreover, the cutting deck supports 6 cutting height adjustments.

It also uses an integrated zero-turn transmission that allows you to mow closely to flower beds and obstacles in your lawn.

The mower also features an automatic park brake system that can be activated and deactivated using steering levers.

For added comfort, the control panel is located near the seat and within arm’s reach to ensure all functions are accessible to the driver.

The high-back seat is also supported with thick pads and soft outer cover to ensure back support.

You will also find a cut at the bottom of the backrest for added ventilation.
Moving on, the mower features a rear engine guard and bumper to ensure the front and back of the vehicle is protected from accidental impact during backing or forward driving.

Finally, it has a digital hour meter with pre-programmed service intervals. The meter should alert you when there is a need to service the vehicle.

This prevents any long-term damage that may reduce its useful life.

PROS

  • Dual-cylinder engine with full pressure lubrication, oil filter and 3.5-gallon tank capacity
  • Durable cutting deck and reduced chassis flex
  • Comfortable seating and ergonomic placement of the control panel
  • Has an automatic park brake system for safe parking
  • Guards and bumpers protect the rear and front areas of the vehicle

CONS

  • No major flaws

Ariens Zoom 42 915213 Zero Turn Mower

Ariens Zoom 42 915213 Zero Turn Mower

If you are looking for a compact riding mower with steering levers and hydrostatic transmission, the Zoom 42 can be an ideal investment.

It is powered by a 19 HP Kohler twin-cylinder electric start engine with a displacement of 660cc.

The engine has a fuel tank capacity of 2 gallons with a maximum speed of 6 MPH forward and 3 MPH in reverse.

To make driving clutch-free, the mower uses hydrostatic pumps and fluids to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.

Its hydro-gear EZT transaxle drive system is reliable regardless of the terrain.

Also, it features a low-profile C-channel steel frame that creates a low center of gravity for a better mowing experience, especially when cutting through slopes and inclined areas of up to 12 inches.

The stamped Xlerator cutting deck is made of tough, one-piece 12-gauge steel that provides excellent airflow from the top and bottom as well as exceptional cut of grass.

It is foot-operated and adjusts in half-inch increments from 1 ½ to 4 ½ inches or an instant lift.

For comfort, the mower has a sliding adjustable 18-inch high-back seat that supports the upper and lower back of the driver during long mowing sessions.

It also has 3-way adjustable armrests and control bars with dampers.
The mower is made convenient with its easy to reach control panel and deck height lever, which is located seat-side.

This allows the operator to adjust the deck height easily.
Extra features include an attachment to a garden hose for thorough cleaning of blades as well as the underside of the deck.

When it comes to the maintenance of the mower, you will not have to service the transmission because it is designed to be maintenance-free.

PROS

  • Has a low profile C-channel steel frame which enhances stability
  • Foot-operated deck lift keeps your hands on the levers
  • Allows for a garden hose attachment for ease of cleaning
  • Comfortable high-back seats, adjustable armrests, and dampened control bar

CONS

  • Nothing noteworthy

What to Look for Before You Buy?

The models in the list are some of the most powerful and efficient mowers, and each offers unique and distinct features. To help you narrow down your choices, take a look at these factors that you must greatly consider.

Cutting Deck Width

Cutting Deck Width

Choosing the cutting deck width does not solely depend on the amount of grass you plant to mow. Other considerations include your lawn size, time, and mower type.

Typically, large lawns require a wider cut deck size. Why is that so? You can cover more areas and mow faster if the cutting deck has wider dimensions.

The larger the cutting deck, the fewer times you will need to pass across the lawn. This means less time for mowing.

For half an acre lawn, 40-inch decks or smaller ones are most suited as there is not much land to cover.

Otherwise, an acre or larger lawn would need 42 to 50-inch cutting decks.
Despite that, never confuse a larger deck for being the most efficient.

They are only efficient when used on large lawns, where there is ample space for maneuvering.

A wide deck on a small lawn would only cause you difficulty while making tighter turns.

Tank Size

The tank size or fuel capacity of the mower’s engine is another thing that you should greatly consider.

It will determine how much mowing you can do and the number of times you might need to refuel in between the jobs.

With this, you must look for a vehicle with a larger tank. Typically, 1.5 to 2.5 gallons is enough to mow 2 acres in one go.

In addition to that, not all mowers will have a fuel tank. There are some models powered by electricity. In this instance, a fuel tank will be irrelevant.

Yet, you should still consider the power or the battery capacity of the mower.

While these mowers emit fewer fumes and are better for the environment, a model that can only mow an acre on a single charge might not be worth the investment.

Horsepower

Horsepower

Instead of considering the engine in general, we are focusing on the horsepower.

It should be a priority in choosing a mower with a particular engine. The HP determines how powerful the engine is.

It also contributes to the distribution of fuel and energy to the transmission and blades.

Smaller lawns only require mowers with at least 16 HP. For medium lawns with a size of half an acre, mowers with 20 HP should already satisfy your needs.

But for larger lawns that are almost 3 acres, it is best to obtain engines with over 24 HP.

Drive Systems

Like most riding mowers, you have 3 drive system options, including manual, automatic, and hydrostatic transmission. Amongst all systems, the manual transmission is the least favorite because of the need to use a clutch to shift gears.

Hydrostatic and automatic transmissions are similar when it comes to gear shifting.

The only difference between the two is the use component that transfers the power from the engine to the wheels and blades.

For hydrostatic transmission, fluids are responsible for power transfer, whereas automatic transmission uses belts.

Reverse Driving

Not all mowers have a drive-backward or reverse driving feature. But the ones on our list have this feature, and they can save you plenty of time and energy when mowing your lawn.

Regardless of whether your lawn is spacious or not, mowing in reverse should eliminate the need to go around in a circle to mow the same area to ensure the grass is clipped.

There are different kinds of backward driving engagement. Some models use the steering levers, while others can be as simple as a switch of a button or a turn of the key in the ignition.

Turning Radius

You have heard of zero-turn mowers and have an idea of how efficient they are in turning and closely mowing to obstacles.At most, you can go for mowers with an 18-inch turning radius.

Traction Control

When it comes to traction, the wheels are the first and foremost components that you must watch out for.

Some of the best wheels include tread patterns with angled and interlocking bars, which provide extra grip by placing pressure on the ground.

Turf saver tread patterns are the best ones in the market, and they provide optimal traction without digging into the turf and eventually destroying the soil.

Wheelbase

This component refers to the distance between the front and back axles. It also determines the location of the driver’s seat and engine placement.

Look for a longer wheelbase, especially for mowers with engines placed in front of the vehicle.

This should give you enough room to sit comfortably between the axles without obstructing your view due to the engine.

When it comes to seat placement, being too far back or too near the front of the vehicle should obstruct your view. With this, the distribution and collection of grass can be greatly affected.

Attachments

Although these optional accessories and attachments are not included in most of the models and need to be bought separately, they still deliver extra convenience.

Here are some of them that might interest you and make your weekly mowing a lot more convenient.

Bagger

Instead of raking, the bagger does the trick in collecting grass for mulching, composting, or disposing. It saves you an amazing amount of time and makes the job faster.

Riding mowers do not have built-in baggers, so you really need to buy them as an attachment.

With that in mind, make sure the mower vehicle you obtain is compatible with most of the bagger kits available on the market.

Aerator

A riding lawn mower cuts grass and can keep your lawn blooming with healthy grass.

Two-acre lawns can be really tough to take care of. If your lawn is not as healthy as you wish it to be, purchasing an aerator compatible with your mower should do the trick.

While there are handheld aerators, it is more convenient to have them attached to your vehicle, which allows you to perform two jobs at the same time.

Cart

Instead of resorting to bringing a storage bag filled with gardening tools and equipment, a cart will allow you to transport double the garden tools as well as other large equipment.

In addition to that, the cart should also be able to help you dispose of debris and grass.

A cart is necessary for large lawns. It should save you a lot of time, and the hassle of going back and forth to your tool shed to get the items you missed.

Spreader

Who says you can’t mow and, at the same time, plant seeds? This spreader should enable you to do just that.

Using a spreader attachment should help you plant a large number of seeds. Instead of planting by hand after you mow for hours, you can mow and plant at the same time with the use of a spreader.

Snowblower

This attachment is necessary for colder countries that experience lots of snow.

The best riding lawn mower for 2 acres with a snowblower attachment can get rid of the snow that leaves your lawn in an excellent state despite the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size mower do I need for mowing an acre to 2 acres of lawn?


Get a deck with at least a 42-inch up to 50-inch cutting deck. Most of the time, 50-inch decks are best suited for lawns that are 2 acres.

How long does it take to mow a 2-acre lawn?


With a 42-inch lawn mower with at least 6.5 MPH in forward and
reverse driving, you can mow a 2-acre lawn within approximately an hour or less.

What are the best and easiest driving systems for mowing an acre of lawn?


The best vehicle depends on your preference. For the majority of users, hydrostatic transmission is the most effective compared to manual and automatic. It also requires the least maintenance.

Can I mow an uneven lawn with a 54-inch lawn mower?


Yes, the only time you may find it tough to mow an uneven surface in
your lawn is if the vehicle uses a two-wheel drive. It is when only two wheels are moving in the same direction and motion.

Why does my lawnmower leave patches or strips of uncut grass?


It is a sign of unbalanced or poorly installed blades on your cutting deck. You can fix this by removing them and installing them again. This issue only happens when your lawnmower only has two blades.

Final Words

Let’s all admit it, mowing the lawn can sometimes feel like a chore especially if we are not comfortable with the machine we are using.

With that, the riding lawn mower for 2 acres should enable you to mow your lawn in less time and effort.

Simply hop on your vehicle, start the engine, engage the blades, and begin mowing!

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

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