A generation ago, rear-engine riding mowers were the hot new thing that suburban homeowners wanted for their large, new lawns. You didn't have to push or be pulled by your mower -- you could simply just ride on it. Today, by contrast, many manufacturers of conventional riding mowers have turned to the latest hot "new" thing: zero-turn riders. Meantime, conventional riding mowers still are a practical choice for lawns of 1/2 to 1-1/2 acres (about 20,000 to 60,000 square feet), which covers a lot of ground. And they are not all clones. The models reviewed here are each unique in their own way to answer the specific needs -- and limitations -- of most large lawns.

Husqvarna Riding Mower Rider 155 AWD

The Husqvarna Rider 155 AWD isn't a zero-turn mower, but it's pretty close with a 4-inch turning radius. That's because it is designed a little different from the others in its class. The four primary wheels are in the rear and the cutting deck is in the front. Uniquely, the deck articulates or actually moves sideways as directed by the 1:1 steering wheel. This model is singular too because it has all-wheel drive, meaning it automatically adjusts traction at each wheel when it hits wet grass or climbs a moderate incline. Other riders are not as sure-footed as this model. However, there is a price to pay: Suggested retail price is about double that of other riders. And the Rider 155 isn't currently available in California.

Husqvarna Riding Mower Rider 155 AWD
Husqvarna Riding Mower Rider 155 AWD

Simplicity Coronet Riding Mower 13/30

For medium-size lawns of about a half-acre (20,000 square feet), the Simplicity Coronet 13/30 is a pretty good riding mower. The cutting width is just 30 inches, but that's nearly twice the swath of many walk-behind mowers, which means you'll get the job done faster. Turning radius on the 13/30 is 12 inches -- more than the Husqvarna Rider 155 AWD, but less than half that of the Simplicity models (listed below). The Coronet is the just right size to fit through most yard gates or store in most garages. However, Simplicity mowers are sometimes harder to find in stores, depending on where you live. If not found locally, take a look on the Internet.

Snapper Riding Mowers

Snapper makes nine conventional rear-engine riding mowers -- more than any other manufacturer -- so, chances are, if you buy a conventional rider it will be a Snapper. The 2812523BVE is a mid-range model with a 12.5-hp Briggs & Stratton two-cycle engine. (B&S owns Snapper -- and Simplicity). The 5-speed clutchless transmission makes this model easy to operate. It has the lowest price of the five riders featured in this article.

The 331523KVE is a half-brother to the others in the Snapper line as it is powered by a 15-hp Kohler Command two-stroke engine. Combined with an extra-duty 5-speed clutchless transmission, it is more powerful and will stand up to service longer -- albeit, at a slightly higher price tag. The cut is 33 inches, 5 inches wider than the 2812523BVE, so it can get the job done a little faster. We think it's a Best Buy for typical riding mower applications.

Finally, the Snapper 422023BVE is a good choice for larger lawns up to 1-1/2 or even 2 acres, depending on terrain. The engine, a B&S 20-hp two-cylinder with 5-speed clutchless transmission, is more than adequate for bigger lawns. The cut is a wide 42 inches so you can finish up mowing and get back to watching the football game sooner.

If you are going to choose a Snapper mower, consider that some models are made primarily for side-discharge of the cut grass while others, called Hi-Vac models, have decks designed to assist the bagger (optional) or mulch blade (optional). You can get any of the three features on any of the Snapper models listed here, but it makes more sense to select the model that fits your discharge preference. The reviews will be more specific.

Here comes a caveat: Snapper mowers don't turn very tightly. In fact, with a 28-inch turning radius they're not as nimble as larger lawn tractors. They are really intended for lawns that are long and maybe have some curves, but few small obstacles that would require agile turning of the mower. If that's not a problem at your house, the Snapper line is a good place to start looking for your first -- or next -- rider.