In the mowing world there are a few kinds of lawnmowers out there to choose from. A push lawn mower can only go as fast as you can push it and has the smallest width, we can assume this would generally be slower.
A rear engine lawn mower is quicker than walking speed and has a much wider mower, while a tractor mower has more width and a higher speed which can mow pretty quickly.
The zero turn mower is the most professional, used for a community field or national park. They have a really wide mower and go much faster than the rest but are expensive.
A rear engine lower mower can be best suited for domestic use, still fit within a reasonable budget, and is still pretty efficient for mowing a lot of grass quickly, and with ease.
In today’s article we have found some of the best rear engine mowers, and what to look for in one, out there so you can keep on top of your grass, today.
Best Rear Engine Lawn Mowers
Find our top picks below!
Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower RY48111
This rear engine lawn mower from Ryobi is widely considered to be one of the best electric rear engine lawn mowers out there.
Tests show that you can mow at least 2 acres on 1 battery charge, which is super useful especially for domestic situations where you won’t be close to mowing two acres.
As a result there is little maintenance, only remembering to charge the battery before use. The mower deck has a width of 38 inches and a max mowing speed of 8.8km/h – this equates to around 1 acre per 40 minutes approximately.
Another addition of the electric motor is that it is super quiet, which allows you and your neighbors to enjoy their yards without annoying interference.
Additionally, as a result of being quiet you can actually be a little safer and be aware of your surroundings better.
Pros
- Safe
- Quiet
- Great Battery Charge
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Requires charging which requires you to remember
- Can cost a bit more than gas powered motors
Cub Cadet CC 30 E 30″ Electric Mini Riding Mower
One attraction of this electric mower is its size. By definition it is still a back engine lawn mower but as it has an electric motor it is so small it can fit underneath the seat, allowing even more space in your garage as well as turning physics.
For a small motor, it can offer 90 minutes of run time before the battery runs out which is more than enough for a domestic garden.
For an electric motor it is pretty easy to use, it has a simple on/off button and an automatic transmission that ensures smooth operation. As it is an electric motor it has few interesting features such as usb ports and LED headlights.
The compact design of the mower means it has a reasonable 18 inch turn radius meaning it can maneuver through openings as small as 36 inches. Also of note is that it is really quiet thanks to the engine which also means there is no exhaust or any emissions to worry about.
Pros
- Small and maneuverable as well as easy to store
- Fun features
- Decent run time
- Quiet
- Automatic transmission
- Reasonably Priced
Cons
- Limited to domestic use
- Requires 4 hours for full charge
Murray 30” 10.5 HP Rear Engine Riding Mower
While this mower can be the size of a push along mower, it is actually a rear engine mower that can provide the necessary gas powered motor to mow any lawn. A high performance 10.50 gross HP engine can provide all the power you need.
Even with a gas engine it provides a simple on and off switch for easy starting. A 6 speed transmission allows you to change pace without getting up and can help when mowing on certain gradients.
A tight 18” turning radius means easy maneuvering for all kinds of landscaping needs, and remains versatile with a 30” cutting width.
An issue is the gas combustion engine. This will require gasoline which you will need to source it from somewhere, and also require a jerry can not get it into the motor but a 1.3 liter tank allows some good mowing time.
This will also require some maintenance of the engine for long term use as well. The combustion engine isn’t the best for the environment, can be a little loud, and does also have some emissions that aren’t the best.
Pros
- Good horse power
- 6 speed transmission
- Tight 18” turning radius
- 30” cutting width
- Easy operation
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Maintenance of the engine
- Requires gasoline to operate
- Some emissions from gas powered engine
- Can be louder than some
Troy-Bilt TB30 30-Inch Rear Engine Riding Mower
One benefit of this kind of gas powered mower is that while it remains pretty cheap and easy to use you can theoretically mow as long as your gas allows and with a 1.3 liter engine this is pretty far.
The engine itself is measured by a gas light window to show how much is in the tank which is useful. The single cylinder 340 cc engine is easy and reliable thanks to an auto choke and also a cast iron cylinder sleeve to ensure longevity.
This is a little larger than your other gas and electric powered motors but still has a decent level of maneuverability with 13 in. x 5 in. front wheels and 16 in. x 6.5 in. rear wheels, also a rear hitch is a useful feature thanks to its larger stature.
Another fun feature is the mow in reverse capabilities of the mower. A top speed of 4 mph is reasonable especially with a 6 speed transmission that is easy to use.
Pros
- Decent HP for tough grass
- Mow in reverse capability
- 18 inch turning
- Engine should be durable
- 4 mph speed cap
- 6 speed transmission
Cons
- Fumes
- Not great for environment
- Maintenance on engine required
HART 80-Volt 30-Inch Deck Lithium-Ion Riding Lawn Mower
This is a lithium battery powered riding mower. The electric engine has enough charge to mow around 1 acre, which seems low, but this is balanced with the 3 brushless motor that allows for tougher grasses to be cut as well.
The lithium ion battery allows for longer riding and faster charging. The mower is quiet too and has LED lights meaning you can mow at any time and is super eco friendly with zero emissions.
A great feature is the single point height adjustment that allows you to quickly customize cut height. What’s nice is that if you like the mower there are some great additional tools you can buy separately for the lawnmower.
Pros
- Minimal noise
- LED lights
- Mower height adjustment
- 1 acre per charge
- Powerful motor can cut tough grass
- Good for environment
Cons
- Acre per charge isn’t the best
- Can be costly
Buyer’s Guide
There’s a few things worth considering when picking which rear engine mower suits you best.
Power
Modern day rear engine mowers require power and there are generally two approaches
Gas – A gas powered mower will have a combustion engine like a car and this requires gas in the same way. This isn’t the best engine for the environment and the costs of said gas can add up. Plus you might not always have access to a gas pump when you want it.
Electric – Some rear engine lawn mowers have learned from electric cars can similarly use electric motors to power the mower. These electric powered mowers will require charging so battery power becomes something to think about.
Speed
If you have a lot of grass to mow, speed is likely going to be an issue that matters a lot, and higher speeds can be useful here.
Alternatively if you are more bothered about the physical aid of the rear engine motor, the speed of the mower might not be a big issue if you are only mowing a small area of grass.
Horsepower
Horsepower might not be super relevant to every mower, but if you know that you are going to be mowing some tough grass then horsepower (HP) will be worth looking out for.
Noise
Noise is an issue for some and it can be worth considering a quieter lawn mower if you have lots of neighbors or just want some peace and quiet.
Features
Depending on your usage of said rear engine lawn mower its features can matter. Features like adjustable cutting heights, and adjustable seat, automatic transmissions, gears for going uphill, can all matter and are worth keeping an eye on.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are lots of rear engine lawn mowers out there that can really help with mowing the lawn.
If you are looking for a mower that means you won’t have to stand up while mowing and can mow lots of grass quickly, a rear engine mower is best for you. If money is the issue for you then a push mower could be a better option.
In general the rear engine lawn mower industry has moved onto engineering the best electric engines it can, for sustainability and eco-friendliness, so these are often the best engines to go for in terms of price, effectiveness, but also just ease of use. We hope you found a lawn mower you can use today!
