Buying a mower requires a considerable amount of thought into the investment. However, it all changes when the person decides to go for the best riding lawn mower for tall grass. These types of mowers or garden tractors are heavily featured with multitudes of specifications. Plus, there are designs and safety configurations to think about.
As you can see, it is not an easy target to have complied by a mere order and purchase. So, we are going to first introduce you to the five selected items below. Then, we will further discuss the right way to choose the model to save time and effort.
We understand that all landscapes are not always even, and all gardeners do not possess equal physical strength. This is where the riding lawn mower avails assistance with effective trimming. So, are you ready to give those greens a proper cut in a gigantic area without a sweat?
Let’s direct jump to our reviews and buying guides.
1. Husqvarna
Best Zero Turn Mower for Thick Grass
While the previous model has the ZTR option, the one mentioned below still takes up the title for its speed transmission. What else does the item consist of? Let us discover!
If you are looking for a powerful workhorse that can turn at any angle when necessary, you are looking right at it. That being said, the Z254 is quite impressive at maneuverability.
The 26 HP Kohler engine allows unfailing startup with a speed of 6.5 MPH at max! This is why the model by Husqvarna is one of the best swiftest zero-turn mowers on the market for large yards of tall grass.
It is not just the visual appeal that will attract you, but also the innovative features along with the design that transforms mowing chores into breezy maintenance.
With the zero-turn capability, mammoth of a 54-inch deck, automatic brake system, smooth power output with a quieter performance, and immense sturdiness, it is a dream lawn tractor for professionals/gardeners!
And the best part is that it consists of a 3.5-gallon fuel tank to ensure a long time operation. The unit is built like a war machine.
It will deliver superior grass trimming, and you will be the one in control, in an ergonomic seat, all relaxed. The cutting deck is made from reinforced steel with welded steel tubing. It means the tall grasses will never stand a chance at defying. The stubborn and robust Z254 will accomplish the mowing task accordingly.
You can control it to avoid obstacles like patio chairs, umbrellas, etc. with the husky zero-turn mower features and rugged tire treads.
2. Craftsman Z525
Best Mower for Tall Thick Grass
It was a difficult choice to input without extensive research, but we have found the one to get rid of those persistent thick long grass. Read on!
This is one fantastic unit that comes in a classic lawn tractor style. It has a Briggs and Stratton engine that is perfect for any homeowner of moderate to large lawns.
The Ready Start feature further makes things a lot easier to handle even during cold climates. If you had experienced a mower that takes about twenty minutes to start, then you know what we mean.
Such an aspect sure has to come with a powerful demeanor to tackle any slope. As a result, the engine can take the mower over any nature of the terrain, may that be an uneven lawn or a rough golf course. The gas unit will not roll over that easily, nor will it lose stability in hilly inclines due to the bigger rear wheels and heavy front.
Another feature that has made this item a hit in the market is the reverse mow function. That is right; the Z525 supports the reverse operation in case there is an obstacle ahead.
It is, therefore, pretty flexible at steering on rough lands with bumps and dips. The 46-inch cutting deck merely completes the area coverage within a short time. Maintaining the mower is very practical and simple too.
3. Ariens 991151
Best Riding Lawn Mower for Tall Grass
Ariens 991151 is a riding mower that is somewhat on a high-grade professional level. Its durability and power make it stand out among the rest of the products.
So, if you are a farm owner with different bumps, hills on land, or a gardener of a similar state, this goes beyond perfect at neat trims.
It has a 24 HP engine that can effortlessly take the unit uphill without losing much propulsion. The cutting deck is a beast-like 60” steel body that once you see it, you will know how fit and robust the part is.
From side-discharge to bag and mulch, the mowing deck can be adjusted to three different options with fifteen cutting height positions the grass at various levels. And the blades will offer clean cuts in an instant, allowing required air to get the job done swiftly.
The aluminum spindles with three-blade engagement, hydrostatic transmission for better control, and ergonomic yet compact design altogether make it an ideal riding lawn mower for tall grass and commercial use.
This is the best riding mower for tall grass that will provide an incredibly effective outcome right away. We highly recommend it to both professionals and spacious lawn/farm owners.
Thankfully, the transmission allows a simple button-press startup, which means you can forget about the manual learning curve.
4. Husqvarna MZ61
Best Ride on Mower for Long Grass
Husqvarna is a name that often appears when a riding mower is involved. Let us see what makes the second product of the same brand special.
The MZ61 riding lawn mower is a good choice for those who want a reliable ZTR featured unit for their large yards. And we happily can say, this is one of the best zero-turn lawn mowers for tall grass.
Do you not hate the uneven and wild view of your lawn after coming home from a long vacation? Well, this product will make sure you do not go through the hassle of walking and mowing the whole place.
All you have to do is take your high back seat, start up the engine, and mow your garden without sweating a drop. And the best part is that the 27 HP engine can finish up the task within an hour or less, considering your garden measures about 3 acres.
The enormous 61′ cutting deck size provides vast area coverage while maintaining the proper speed. Of course, an uneven garden surface might require a little more time to finish up.
Moreover, the 11-gauge steel constructed mower deck comes with a lifting system so that you can quickly adjust it while seated. Anyhow, the zero-turn operation will ensure you are in complete control of preventing obstacle bumps or hitting. Besides, the feature helps reduce the mowing path repetition.
It even includes a 9-bushel triple bag collection system to gather the clippings. The unit, overall, is simple to clean up, control, and dependable in the long run.
5. Ryobi RY48111
Best Tool for Cutting Tall Grass
We have reached the last of our five best riding lawn mowers. Ryobi has been a well-known brand over the years that have won many gardeners’ heart. Would you like to know why?
Perhaps it is your first time considering a riding lawn mower, a completely unfamiliar territory. If that is the case, we suggest going for this battery-powered unit to reduce refueling hassles. The advantage you get is that your garage/shed will have extra space since you will not need to keep extra gasoline or such.
However, it also means the engine will be able to run for approximately 2 hours. It is not as bad if you consider a 2-acre land/lawn, which is roughly bigger than a football stadium. Just keep in mind that for bumpy or steep terrains, the battery could run out faster.
The 38-inch cutting deck might feel smaller than other comparable products mentioned here, but it is recommended as an ideal size for beginners. So, no loss there!
Furthermore, unlike the gas operated mower that requires the additional purchase of headlights, this one has them incorporated beforehand. It is a great safety feature for those who prefer to mow at night and needs headlights to avert obstacles. Also raping with comfortable grips on the steering wheel gives you more satisfaction in driving.
Finally, it is compact to store and maneuver and associates three brushless motors. The wheels have rugged treads to keep the unit stable even when driving over rough terrains.
Overall, it is a solidly packed charging riding lawn mower with 12 cutting height positions adjustment for efficient and convenient use.
Things that Need to Consider Before Going to Buy
What you need to know is that trimming long grass means powerful tool utilization. Hence, the lawn mowers. But how do you choose it?
Type of Engine Power- (Gas or Battery)
Yes, there are two kinds of engines. But which is the right way to go? These comparisons might shed some light on your decision.
Gas operation is actually the typical option people often invest in because it tends to be more powerful. It helps tremendously moving up the steep or rugged areas. However, it is costly in both maintenance and purchase.
Battery-powered mowers, on the other hand, are environmentally friendly with long battery life. They also charge quickly, are easy to maintain, and can be owned at a reasonable price.
The two problems you will face here is the ride time restriction and lesser power, making it a wiser choice for even lands.
Speed Settings
You must know that each product will vary a little in speed settings and deck width. Nevertheless, you can expect at least about 5-8 MPH forward and 1-3 MPH in reverse for electric mowers.
The settings are almost similar in the case of gas-powered mowers. But the approximate MPH when in reverse is 2.5.
Width of Cutting Deck
When it comes to the deck width of the electric mowers, consider a 38” or 42” the estimated good size for mowing tall grass.
As for the gas-driven lawn mower, remember that they typically hold larger cutting decks. Therefore, a 42” can be thought at the starting point of the width that can increase to about 60”.
Types of Transmission
There are four kinds of transmissions that you can choose from, depending on the yard size and nature.
The CVT (Continuous-Variable Transmission) is a pulley-style metal band that is not as popular even though it is always in the proper gear setting despite the various mowing tasks.
A manual transmission is just like the stick shift in a car. You can change/adjust the gear, speed, and more. In short, you will be in complete control at all times.
The hydrostatic transmission uses a pump and motor to drive the mower. It can provide as much energy as you need.
Finally, the fraction-disc transmission is a system of two wheels instead of the chain to operate. They are not as favored but can be quite useful in small yards.
Now each of these transmissions comes with drawbacks as well. For instance, the CVT and Hydrostatic are quite expensive, but they make mowing jobs nearly all kinds of.
The manual will need constant readjustments of settings according to the location, whereas the friction disc is less powerful than the other transmissions even if the cost is low.
Rollover Protection System (ROPS)
The rollover protection system or ROPS is an important feature that often comes with commercial mowers for tall grass trimming.
It is a very useful aspect to conduct safety measures when the operator is mowing in rugged terrains. The prospect is to prevent the lawn mower from injuring the rider if it flips over during a turn. Of course, the operator must always put on the seat belt and be extra attentive when mowing steep slopes, and uneven lawns.
The ROPS can only do what is programmed to keep the rider safe, the rest is up to you. Therefore, do not drive a ZTR mower to an incline higher than 15 degrees. And for the other lawn mower, a gradient of 20 degrees or more can be dangerous to mow.
Turning Angle (ZTR or Traditional)
This option refers to the beneficial turning radius that allows you to maneuver around tight corners and angles with the different brake systems and two handles.
The traditional turning angle, however, is not as efficient as ZTR. Thus, the average turning spectrum is broader than expected.
To make things simpler for the DIY gardener or a professional, we have arranged the products into a systematic category. So, let’s drive in our best riding lawn mowers for tall grass reviews.
Tips- How to Cut Tall Grass with Riding Mowers?
There are plenty of tips for cutting grass by riding a lawn mower. Fortunately, we have narrowed them down to three brief sections for your advantage.
Cut a Little
You should not immediately put the mower into action. If you think mowing to the desired cutting height on the first try is a fast way to get it done, you are wrong.
It will not save time either; instead, the mower will rather get clogged up and eventually could shut down.
So, we suggest you cut the long grass at several passes. You could spread the timing over a few days, if possible.
Use a scythe or a trimmer to cut the grass first, no matter how high they have grown.
Trimming
The first trimming will require 2-4 days to recover, so leave them be. Next, repeat the trimming process to reach the desired length. Please ensure, do not cut more than 1/3 of the length each time, or else there is a chance of damaging the lawn’s health.
To ensure such a risk does not take place, give your lawn time to heal, recover, and regrow for several days before cutting more. Do not forget to bag the additional mulch clippings beforehand to avoid smothering the grass.
Take Your Time
After the second recovery, it is time to prepare the lawn mower for the rest of the task. Mowing is an unhurried chore that can get a lot easier when you trim the grass at the right height positions.
And it is not a race, hence, set the pace at a slower speed as you gear up the mower. This is to prevent heavy stress on the grass and deliver a healthy lawn.
The overall technique is to trim a few times, allowing healing before mowing, and not getting tempted to use a fully throttled mower. In time, you will have the anticipated lawn/land surface with perfectly upright grass.
What Is the Best Riding Lawn Mower for Tall Weeds?
You can blindfold us, and we will still be able to point at all five of the riding mower for being the best. The reason is simple; they all possess supreme strength and power.
Nevertheless, we did finally select these two products; Ariens 991151 Apex 60″ and Craftsman T225.
Ariens 991151
We vote for this as our first choice because of all the awesome features it is packed with. It has taken the market by storm despite its steep cost.
In a way, to call it a powerful unit would be an understatement of the day. Even though it is marked exclusively for commercial utilization, any large lawn/farm owner can acquire it for his/her garden care.
Its ZTR function is the additional advantage that makes it remain at the top of the list. Plus, it will last long; we mean plenty of years before you have to worry about its deterioration.
Craftsman Z525
How convenient can a 19 HP engine riding lawn mower be? You can find it out if you ride this unit just once.
From comfortable seating to ease of maneuverability, everything is here.
It is one of the best sturdiest mowers a gardener could ask for. It might be pretty hefty, but the outcome it brings will make up for the weight.
Why Do I Need Grass Rake for Riding Lawn Mower for Grass Cutting?
Whether to rake the grass clippings or not entirely depends on how high the grasses were and if the clippings contained any kind of fungal disease.
1. Rake or Leave Them
Honestly, not raking the lawn is quite alright as long as the clippings are not too thick. In that case, we recommend raking before mowing to a certain point where it will neither cause harm to the lawn nor the riding mower.
If the lawn is wet, there is the disadvantage of the clippings sticking together. It could get worse when the grasses are longer and the lawn is larger, making it difficult to mow properly.
2. Air Flow
Another reason for raking is to allow the grasses to breathe. Lacking airflow due to thick clippings spread could lead to various diseases. From brown patches, dollar spots, Lithium blight to powdery mildew etc. will be encouraged to settle on your lawn if the air does not circulate sufficiently.
On the other hand, you can leave the split ends alone if, one, they are not a lot and two, the weather is dry. This is to provide natural compost that is harmless for all.
As we have said earlier, whether you need a grass rake or not before mowing relies on the lawn size and how much grass mulch has been gathered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I mow in a similar direction at all times?
No, we highly suggest changing the mowing patterns each week to complete the 90-degree opposite. If you follow the same direction continuously, the grass will tend to lean in a particular way, which is difficult to clip.
What size mowing deck should I get?
The size must correlate to the size of the land you have to work on. While the larger decks can shorten the cutting period, smaller decks are known to deliver better mobility.
You should determine the deck length after considering the land measurements.
What engine HP do I need?
In general, the more power the engine possesses, the faster you can accomplish mowing the lawn. Therefore, higher horsepower is important in achieving the best performance.
Why should I level the cutting deck?
A leveled cutting deck will deliver well-manicured and equally cut grass on a lawn.
What do I do if there are problems with fuel?
Always replace the fuel after 30 days. Always check the tank cap for leaks or if it is properly vented. Open the shut-off valve if it seems closed, and you should never fill the tank when the engine is still hot.
Final Verdict
Let us make one thing clear. We believe an electric mower is a reasonable solution if your lawn is about 0.5 acres to at least 1 acre. For larger terrains/turfs, you can go straight for the gas-powered ones.
Most of all, never forget to put on eye and ear protection and take other precautions when the mower running up and down the hills.
You will end up owning the best riding lawn mower for tall grass only when you adhere to all the safety protocols and utilize the thing properly. We hope that the whole article has helped you in understanding the general concepts of the machine.
All you have got to do now is choose! And choose the best riding mower for tall weeds can change your mowing experience to the optimum level.