7 Of The Smallest Riding Lawn Mowers In (2024!) – [Comprehensive Guide]

Big mowers are eminent for their powerful performance and durability. However, they cost more and require heavy maintenance, which most residential users would avoid. Homeowners need something compact and functional to keep their small lawns shining.

Most manufacturers produce smaller riding mowers for their higher demand in the market. However, a few models may provide satisfactory performance and longevity. We have enlisted some of the high-performing small riding mowers: Snapper 2911525, Ryobi RY48130, Craftsman R110, Cub Cadet CC30H, Troy-Bilt TB30B, Ariens Edge 915281, and Greenworks CRT426.

In this article, we will review these mowers and discover how they suit specific users. 

4 reasons Why Are Smallest Riding Lawn Mowers In High Demand

For several reasons, most residential users prefer compact riding mowers for their small yards. Here, we mention some of them. 

1. They are cost-effective: 

Small riding mowers are several times cheaper than large and powerful models. However, they are equipped with sufficient functions that are more than enough for most users. That’s why residential users are fond of compact mowers for their cost-effectiveness. 

2. They require minimal maintenance: 

High maintenance of big mowers is not only troublesome but expensive. In contrast, small mowers require the least maintenance and care for optimal performance. They save most user’s time and effort this way. 

3. They are easy to use: 

To operate a small riding mower, you need no advanced technical knowledge. These mowers usually come with simple and user-friendly controls. So, any level of user, beginner or expert, can easily handle them. 

4. They are easy to store: 

Most models of these mowers have smaller dimensions. So the user does not need to struggle to store them after use. Their small size easily fits in a tiny garage or shade. That’s why they are the practical options for homeowners.  

7 Of The Smallest Riding Lawn Mowers In (2024!)

In the following sections, we will review some of the best small-size riding mowers in the market. Here is our short list:

1. Snapper 2911525
2. Ryobi RY48130
3. Craftsman R110
4. Cub Cadet CC30H
5. Troy-Bilt TB30B
6. Ariens Edge 915281
7. Greenworks CRT426

Before going into further discussion, let checkout the key differences among these mowers at a glance in the chart below:

Fact	Snapper 2911525	Ryobi RY48130	Craftsman R110	Cub Cadet CC30H	Troy-Bilt TB30B	Ariens Edge 915281	Greenworks CRT426
Deck size	28 inches.	30 inches.	30 inches.	30 inches.	30 inches.	34 inches.	42 inches.
Mower type	Fuel-powered.	Battery-powered	Fuel-powered.	Fuel-powered.	Fuel-powered.	Fuel-powered.	Battery-powered
Power output HP/V	11.5 HP	48V	10.5 HP	10.5 HP	10.5 HP	20 HP	60V
Mowing speed	5.5 mph	8 mph	4 mph	4 mph	4.25 mph	6 mph	5 mph
Height adjustment	5 settings	7 settings	1.5” to 3.75”	5 settings	5 settings	7 settings	7 settings
Warranty range	3 years	3 years	2 years	3 years	2 years	2 years	4 years

Let’s go through the review of these mowers, including their key advantages, technical features, drawbacks, and ideal users.

1. Snapper 2911525 28-inch Mini Riding Mower

Though Snapper 2911525 is the smallest mower on the list; it can handle tough mowing with dependability. This renowned model comes with solid build quality. The mower can perform across various terrains, maintaining peak power. 

This mower with a 28-inch deck runs by an 11.5 HP 344cc Briggs & Stratton engine. It also incorporates 5 grass-cutting height adjustment settings. The built-in 3-in-1 cutting options include mulching, bagging, and discharging.  

For smooth and effortless speed control, the mower presents a hydrostatic transmission. In forward motion, it can move at up to 5.5 mph. In the reserve position, the speed is 2.6 mph. 

Snapper 2911525 is a versatile mower that you can use beyond regular mowing. The company has used high-grade and enduring equipment in its construction. So, it can cut thick grass efficiently and handle big yards easily.

The model has a high-back seat and user-friendly controls for comfortable and enjoyable mowing. Its smoother control is convenient for all levels of users, from novice to experienced.

The mower has a comparatively smaller deck, which many may not like. Its slower speed is also a drawback, as you will find much faster mowers nowadays. Compared with other mowers in the market, this model has a limited cutting height adjustment. 

Snapper 2911525 is a masterpiece, well-suited for homeowners with small-medium yards. It delivers versatility and durability together. Overall, it creates a good balance between the price and quality. 

2. Ryobi RY48130 30-inch Electric Riding Mower

Ryobi RY48130 is a prevalent eco-friendly option with exceptional performance and quietness. Despite being a small mower, it offers sufficient features for effective mowing. It is a well-built riding mower designed to serve for years.

A 48V 50 Ah battery powers this 30-inch mower. Its well-designed cutting deck performs excellently on smaller lawns. Besides, you can adjust different cutting heights using the integrated 7-position manual deck adjustment.

The model also features an LED headlight for better visibility at night. You can ride the mower at up to 8 mph. Moreover, using its cruise control, you can set a consistent speed while mowing.

As the mower is battery-powered, you never need to change oil and think about fuel storage. It performs quietly without disturbing people around you. This compact model offers variable speed settings that enhance the mower’s maneuverability.

Ryobi RY48130 is a low-maintenance mower. You just need to charge its battery when needed. It also offers multiple cutting height adjustments. So, you can precisely cut your lawn’s grass according to your grass size preference. 

Unfortunately, the mower has a shorter run time than gas-powered mowers. Besides, its bagging kit is smaller to handle larger mowing work. Its small cutting deck is only suitable for smaller lawns.

Ryobi RY48130 might be the best option for minimalist and eco-conscious users. People who dislike the noise of gas-powered mowers can also choose the model. It offers excellent and necessary features for perfect mowing in a compact size. So, any homeowner requiring a small mower can consider it. 

3. Craftsman R110 30-inch Mini Riding Mower

Craftsman R110 is an affordable small riding mower with sufficient standout features. It finely matches users with smaller yards. The model is popular among users for its simple controls, excellent maneuverability, and comfortable seats.  

The mower is powered by a 10.5 HP Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder engine. You will also find a 6-speed manual transmission system in this model. The mower’s deck size is 30 inches, made of high-quality steel.

The mower has a mid-back seat to give the operator comfort during mowing. Craftsman has also integrated the touch steering wheel to prevent hand fatigue during mowing. With its adjustable cutting height, you can cut grass at a minimum of 1.5 inches size and a maximum of 3.75 inches height.

Craftsman R110 has a good engine with superior performance and easy starting facilities. Its ergonomic design ensures convenience during mowing. You can add other accessories to the mower to make it versatile and enhance its capabilities. 

Because of the mini size, the mower offers superior maneuverability in narrower places. Besides, the storage will not be much challenging. Its user-friendly functions are quite easy to operate. 

Since it is a fuel-powered mower, you must bear the fuel cost at the end of the day. Besides, the mower will generate more noise compared to battery-powered mowers, which is a drawback. Most features included in the mower are for basic use. 

Craftsman R110 is a grand choice for homeowners with a limited budget. It is also a good model for beginners who are learning mowing. As designed to be used in small yards, it can provide the best value considering the price range.  

4. Cub Cadet CC30H 30-inch Small Riding Mower

Cub Cadet CC30H is an attractive riding mower for most users due to its diverse options and reliability. This versatile mower has an amazing compact structure. But, it often comes into the discussion for its high build quality and outstanding performance.

This 30-inch mower is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 10.5 hp 344cc engine. For better longevity, the mower’s deck is made of 14-gauge steel. It is a single-blade deck with a side-discharge mulching kit. The mowing machine offers various cutting heights ranging from 1.5″ to 4″. Also, its transmission works based on a hydrostatic mechanism. 

Though Cub Cadet CC30H has a compact design, it has a welded robust frame, which enhances its toughness. Though designed for smaller areas, it is usable for mowing up to 1 acre of land. The deck is compatible with flat terrains. However, it can also handle some obstacles.

For proper lawn decoration, its several cutting height helps directly. Hydrostatic transmission provides smooth and precise speed control, making mowing more efficient. The mower’s simple functionality and comfortable design suit beginners and experienced users. 

The mower is small, so it is unsuitable for heavy mowing. Its engine will produce some noise and consume fuel at each session, which can increase your expenditures. This model allows some accessories. However, they are insufficient to convert it into a personalized mower. 

Cub Cadet CC30H is a good option for beginners and users with small lawns. It is also reasonable if you have limited space in the garage. Overall, it is a trusted riding mower where you can invest without much thinking.

5. Troy-Bilt TB30B 30-inch Compact Riding Mower

Troy-Bilt TB30B is a popular choice because of its competitive price. It is a compact and simple design mower with great durability and build quality. For offering simple and versatile functions, it suits both experienced users and beginners. 

This mower runs on a 10.5 HP 344cc Briggs & Stratton engine. The included AGM battery delivers reliable starting in any weather situation. Its 6-speed manual drive transmission provides a variety of mowing speeds.

Along with a 30-inch cutting deck,  this mower includes 5 different adjustable settings. A mulching kit is also included in the deck. 

Troy-Bilt TB30B is a well-built mower suitable for various terrains. Its particular engine is capable of performing in any weather. The integrated hydrostatic transmission lets you control the speed precisely for easy operation.

Due to the smaller size; the mower can maneuver in a very tight space. Users with any mowing experience, whether a master or novice, can easily handle it for the user-friendly features. 

The engine of the mower provides fixed mowing power. So, you cannot expect superior performance other than basic mowing. The fuel engine also makes noise, which can be disturbing for users. As it requires fuel to run, it can increase your monthly expenses. 

Troy-Bilt TB30B is a perfect model for users with small and medium yards. It also suits users with a limited budget and smaller storage space. Overall, the mower performs more than enough for basic mowing.

6. Ariens Edge 915281 34-inch Small Riding Mower 

Ariens Edge 915281 is a compact riding mower well-known for its excellent maneuverability and powerful engine. It is strong enough to handle small to medium-sized lawns with simplicity. The mower also has a muscular look, giving a feel of vigorous mowing. 

This 34-inch stamped deck mower runs on a 20 HP Briggs & Stratton EXi2000 Intek engine. You can adjust the cutting height easily and quickly by applying its foot-operated deck lift function. Moreover, the Hydro-Gear EZT transmission provides super smooth responsive control.

In forward motion, the mower can move at up to 6 mph. On the other hand, the speed is 3 mph in the reverse motion. Its 16-inch high back seat has realistic airflow, maximizing the operator’s comfort. 

Ariens Edge 915281 is a robust mower that can easily handle a small to medium-sized lawn. Its compact size allows you to drive it in tight spaces and around barriers. The integrated advanced transmission system delivers smooth, responsive control for outstanding maneuverability and precise cutting.

This riding mower offers appropriate ground speed with a back-and-forth motion, which is helpful for efficient mowing. For ensuring the operator’s comfort in the case of longer use, its high back seat and particular design work effectively. 

Though the model has decent power, its cutting deck is comparatively smaller for larger lawns. The engine of the mower can be noisy, and it will consume more fuel for peak performance. The vibration caused by its powerful engine is also a drawback of the mower.

Ariens Edge 915281 is a suitable mower for anyone requiring a compact and powerful model. It is also a recommended mower for medium lawns with a few challenging surfaces. Since the mower can perform on any terrain and maneuver in a tight space, it suits any user who wants convenience and efficiency. 

7. Greenworks CRT426 42-inch Electric Riding Mower

Greenworks CRT426 is admired by many for its simplicity and quiet operation. Despite being a battery-powered mower, it provides nearly all the facilities of a traditional gas-powered mower. The key attraction of the compact mower is its longer run time. 

A 60v battery powers this 42-inch riding mower. It offers 3000RPM blade speed for optimal cutting performance. For a 90-minute charge, you can ride the mower for up to 1 hour. The run time is perfect for mowing up to 2.5 acres of land.

The mower is suitable for use in hilly areas as well. It can easily move on a surface with a 15° altitude. Its three-speed variation is also notable. You can drive the mower like a car at 8 mph speed. But it provides a mowing speed of 5 mph. In reverse motion, the speed is 3 mph. You can maintain a consistent speed using its cruise control.

Greenworks CRT426 is an eco-friendly mower with maximum performance. Its longer run time is quite suitable for mowing larger areas efficiently. The control of the mower is simple and convenient for all types of users.

Though it is battery-powered, it still provides acceleration like gas-powered mowers. Its heavy-duty cutting deck also ensures longevity. Besides, the integrated multiple-cutting height adjustment settings let you trim your lawn efficiently. 

Unfortunately, it costs more than any riding mower on this list. Its price seems too much for a small battery mower. Moreover, its battery charging process is very complex. Though expensive, you cannot use it for heavy mowing, which can be discouraging. 

Greenworks CRT426 is ideal for users with medium-sized yards requiring a reliable small mower. It is also suitable for people who need a noiseless option for powerful mowing. The mower is also good for beginners for simple control and functionalities. Overall, it is a fantastic mower from all angles except the price.  

Read also: Craftsman 30-Inch Riding Mowers With Cutting Deck

How To Choose choose the right Smallest Riding Lawn Mowers?

Among these seven mowers, which one should be your right choice? The following points will help you find that out. 

a. Your lawn size and terrain: 

This aspect should be your priority. Some models on the list are designed for small yards. On the other hand, some can even mow a few acres. The mowing ability will also make a big difference in their prices. So, decide which will fit better for your lawn size. 

b. Power source: 

Both fuel and battery-powered mowers have demand in the market. Generally, fuel-powered mowers are powerful and can handle heavy mowing. In contrast, electric mowers are less powerful but eco-friendly. Therefore, you need to consider which one is your best match.  

c. Customization: 

In the future, you may need to add some accessories to your mower for additional lawn care needs. So, choose a mower carefully whether it offers sufficient customization facilities. Check which type of accessories you can add to it later. 

d. Brand reputation: 

Choose a small riding mower from a reputed brand. It will help you get a good quality mower with a trusted warranty. Brands ensure their mowers’ overall performance and reliability. So, choosing a branded mower will also ensure your peace of mind. 

the best Smallest Riding Lawn Mowers In (2024!)

On our list of the smallest riding mowers, the Cub Cadet CC30H is the best model for a residential user from all aspects. 

This 30-inch riding mower includes a 10.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 344cc engine for efficient performance. The engine has an electric starter, so users do not struggle with starting the engine, a common issue.

Cub Cadet CC30H offers excellent transmission control and 5 adjustable deck heights for precise cutting. Its robust deck is made of 14-gauge steel. Besides, the welded chassis maximizes the overall longevity. 

The fuel capacity of the mower is 4.92 liters. With this fuel, you are able to mow up to 1 acre of land. Cub Cadet offers 3 years of residential warranty for the model. 

This awesome small riding mower is available in a very reasonable price range. That’s why it is our top choice. 

Smallest Riding Lawn Mowers – FAQs