Last Updated on August 20, 2021 by Mark Brian
While you can choose ZTR, Push, Reel and Self Propelled mowers nothing can beat the importance of Riding Lawn Mowers for 3 acres.
Why?
Superficially it looks like a simple choice however on a deeper look you will realize that it is quite a cumbersome task. It will cost you your back muscles and energy if you make a different choice. The best decision would be to look at a solution that decreases the workload coupled with essential features that save time!
After pondering over this problem and hours of research I have come up with a solution that meets the demand of a 3 acre lawn. The riding mowers assembled in the list below are not only powerful but mixed with accessories that decrease maintenance and updating. You will only have to do occasional work to bring out the best of your lawns. Happy mowing to you!
Our Top 3 Picks of Best Riding Lawn Mower for 3 Acres – 2021
- Zt-3200 Transaxles.
- Delivers continuous
torque. - Cyclonic air
management system
- V-twin, Briggs & Stratton Engine
- Free Floating Mower
Deck - Sealed fuel
- 42” fabricated deck.
- 11 gauge steel.
- 660cc Kohler 6000
series engine
Quick List of Customer Reviews for Best Riding Lawn Mower for 3 Acres
- Best Riding Mower Overall: Simplicity 2691418 (Prestige Riding Lawn Mower)
“It is an amazing mower that is easy to control and requires minimal to no maintenance!” -Customer Review.
- Best Durable Riding Mower: Simplicity 5901744 Contender (Transaxle Riding Lawn Mower)
“This mower is a beast! It mows through the tall grass at top speed and leaves a beautiful neatly trimmed yard in its wake.” – Customer Review.
- Best Budget Riding Mower: Ariens Edge 915245 (Fabricated Riding Lawn Mower)
“I have about 3 acres to cut and I have been more than satisfied with its performance.” – Customer Review.
- Best Lightweight Riding Mower: Ryobi RY48111 (Best Cutting Mower Blades Deck)
“Pretty decent mower, always had an issue with the blades. I would have to turn them on and off a couple of times, sometimes to get them to turn on” – Customer Review.
- Best Zero Turn Riding Mower: Husqvarna MZ61 (Best Zero Turn Riding Mower)
“Great mower but can’t get it off the skid.” – Customer Review.
- Best Premium Riding Mower: Husqvarna YTA24V48 (Fast Powered Riding Lawn Mower)
“So far it has run great and cut very well. I have 1.5 acres, some of it with slopes and many trees. I am very impressed with the cut, turning radius and speed.” – Customer Review.
List of Best Riding Lawn Mower for 3 Acres – Reviews & Comparision 2021
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simplicity 2691418 (Overall Best Riding Lawn Mower) |
| Check Price |
| Simplicity 5901744 (Transaxle Riding Lawn Mower) |
| Check Price |
 | Husqvarna MZ61 (Best Zero Turn Riding Mower) |
| Check Price |
| Ariens Edge 915245 (Fabricated Riding Lawn Mower) |
| Check Price |
 | Ryobi (Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower) |
| Check Price |
 | Husqvarna YTA24V48 (Fast Powered Riding Lawn Mower) |
| Check Price |
1. Simplicity 2691418 (Prestige Riding Lawn Mower)
Features and Specifications:
- The exclusive suspension comfort System.
- Free Floating Mower Deck.
- Provides 25% less impact.
- Briggs & Stratton commercial Series v-twin engine.
- Electronic fuel injection (EFI) for easy automotive-style starting.
- Sealed fuel system.
The first lawn mower on this list is designed specifically to match your needs. Simplicity excels at producing lawn mowers that are suitable to complete the demands of commercial lawns. 3 acres is a large area and the Simplicity 2691418 gives impressive power, control, and the prestige handles give you control for easy maneuverability of the lawn mower. Furthermore, it has a strong Briggs & Stratton Enginewith automatic controlled traction.
Physical Outlook:
Simplicity 2691418 has a compact design and a comprehensive build. It is a strongly manufactured mower suitable for mowing across rough lawns. The deck is higher than average and easily controlled. Furthermore, a scalp free strong design decreases impact. It weighs 930 pounds and covers dimensions of 78 x 66 x 47.5 inches.
Suspension:
Simplicity excels at comfort with the spring protection features that decrease the impact of the engine vibrations. The front and rear springs provide 33% less impact without suspension. Couple all that with a soft ergonomic seat and you can mow a 3 acre land riding on a smooth buttery seat effortlessly. However, the suspension comfort system largely depends on the grass condition and yard terrains.
Deck:
All the simplicity mowers have an exclusive free floating deck that contours themselves according to the shape of your lawn. They do not bump the uneven terrains and damage the machine. Along with that, the deck height can be adjusted to give a scalp free cut.
Rollers:
The full width rear rollers give a wide and uniform cut so you can add any type of design to your lawn. It is significantly known for the ballpark designs that are sharp and effortlessly shaped. The rollers are also safe to maneuver in regards to speed and movement.
Steering:
A full power steering is a must specifically on the lawn that covers a large area. Giving full force to the steering can drain you of energy quickly so a powerful yet lightweight steering is added that is easy to rotate and control.
Hydraulic lift:
The Simplicity 2981418 is easy to transport and carry around because of the hydraulic lift property. The liquid pressure lift installed in the system enables you to carry it along with front, mid, rear attachments.
Sealed fuel:
The EFI has a sealed fuel system that keeps the fuel fresh and safe from spoilage. Moreover, it also ensures smooth and powerful motor delivery. Clean fuel keeps the engine healthy and safe.
Reason to buy The suspension system of the Simplicity 2691418 system is unbeatable and most suitable for a 3 acre lawn area. The combination of free floating decks along with the customizable rollers allows you to change the speed as well as the cut on the grass! Features and Specifications: Yet here is another lawn mower from the Simplicity company because we could not resist the match of this lawn mower with the commercial requirements of 3 acre lawn. However, this is where the similarities end because this machine has smooth speed, simple push, and bi directional control. It is a heavy duty power deck with rugged 10 gauge speed with a reinforced top to bring out the durability of the mower. Not to mention it has a lifetime warranty! Physical Outlook: Axels: Reason to buy This particular Simplicity lawn mower is best known for its shock absorption technology. With adaptations like coil and ergonomic seat, the vibrations are dampened. Along with this the heavy duty wheels are suitable for rough terrains and can maneuver through any challenging path easily! Features and Specifications: Looking for a good mower as a gift for your mom’s 3 acre lawn with a good price and remarkable features? Then you are in the right place because the Husqvarna MZ61 is what you need. It provides you amazing ergonomic accessibilities with commercial-grade power. Other than that, for reliable startups and high ground speeds, its 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine is there to do the work. Physical Outlook: Mulching: Reason to buy Husqvarna MZ61 is very economical for those who can’t buy any expensive brand with no desired results. It is great to work on uphill but you won’t get any washout connectors. Its seat sensors create comfort for a long ride for your ease. It is great to work according to your needs. Features and Specifications: Ariens has ruled over the riding lawn mowers for a long time and Edge 42 in. Has gone through all the tests to prove its performance. It has a wide fan base because it is reliable and durable. Furthermore, it has a harmonized blend of versatility, comfort mixed with quality and convenience. It is suitable for medium to large lawns but requires more work than the previously mentioned mowers. Moreover, the lightweight and wide cutting width of 42in. Make it all the more desirable! Physical Outlook: Engine: Reason to buy The 660cc Kohler engine is suitable for a 3 acre land that coordinates with the movement of your body. The Ariens edge is a traditional lawn mower but manages to perform better than its competitors. Not to mention the ball bearings that reduce friction facilitate the mobility of the lawn mower. Riding lawn mowers are the most direct and straightforward to use. One of them is Ryobi. With a powerful engine and a steering wheel and seat that is both ergonomically designed. It chops all of the grass blades at once. As a result, they were given the best possible cut. Because it’s powered by electricity, it’s a fantastic alternative to gas mowers. Physical Outlook: The Ryobi RY8111 appears to be the item for which the manufacturer has provided a warranty. 595 pounds is the weight of this machine. The smooth black finish is pleasant to the touch and maintains a shiny appearance even after extended use. The three brushless motors in the rear-mounted engine are also durable and reliable. 46 inches, 2 blade mower deck: This feature provides a smooth journey and enjoyable participation. By the way, it’ll assist you in providing your yard a fantastic trim. It increases the control of your mower, allowing it to better manage your lawn. 48 Volt, 100 Ah Battery: The most outstanding characteristic is that it is powered by 48 Volt, 100 Ah lead acid batteries. Similar to other gas-powered mowers, this eventually results in a fresh cut with less turbulence. 12 Adjustments: With 12 various height settings ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, the 12 changeable blade cutting center enables an adjustable cut. Regardless of personal preferences, I prefer to keep my grass mower at a medium length. The height may be adjusted to suit the needs of the user (medium, little and large). Noise Factor: We recommend it as one of the quiet mowers. It’s a quiet mower, with a noise level of only 70 decibels. Ready to trim our grass right now without causing annoyance to the rest of the house or our neighbors. Convenient Feathers: Highlights like USB Phone Charging and Cruise Control make things easier and more enjoyable. It also includes a Led lighting system, allowing us to cut late at night and early in the morning. Environment friendly: We don’t have to worry about gas exhaust polluting our lungs and air because it’s powered by electricity. It can help people with respiratory problems, asthmatics, and our more experienced members. Run Time: It’s only around two and a half hours long. As a result, it works best in small yards. It is powered by a standard 120 volt power supply. This mower performs exactly what it promises, with a flawless Amazon rating and a desert in Chile. The deck is wide and quickly covers a big area. It comes fully built and includes a client handbook with step-by-step instructions. Whatever the situation may be, there is a snag! Before mowing, the batteries must be changed on a regular basis, according to frequent clientele. Reason to buy The Ryobi 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine RY48111 is an excellent choice due to its low maintenance requirements. This removes the need to be concerned about the composition or a variety of other issues. First and foremost, I’d want to extend my heartiest congrats! It is powered by electricity and provides a safe and clean environment. So far, there have been no problems with the engine’s power system. Features and Specifications: Husqvarna YTA24V48 is a product of Husqvarna Group. Husqvarna group is considered magnificent in introducing masterpieces in the market. Their solutions most often come to be in the form of daily-life solutions, like sewing machines, mowers, leafcutters, cultivators, and trimmers. Their fast-paced solutions mostly for 3 acres have reached the masses in a very magnificent way. Self auto-transmission is a process that ensures maximum satisfaction along with the choke free start in terms of maintenance. Additionally, the ergonomic steering is easy to handle. Physical Outlook: Auto Transmission: Chock free: Ports: Induction: Steering: Warranty: Reason to buy Self-auto transmission is a peculiar kind of feature that can store up new consumers towards this product. This capability helps you escape from the minor deeds of maintenance in the mower. Unlike the other mowers, it self-adjusts minor levels of disorders in its structure. The choice of an ideal lawn mower depends a lot on the area of your property, the terrain, and what is the condition of the grass. For example, for a small,1 acre land you can use self propelled, reel mowers or at most a riding mower. However, for acres from 3 to 5, you have to use high power and quality engines with wide decks above 42 in. To get your job done. Any less than that can cost you a lot of work and force. not to mention you will be investing money in the wrong cause. Let’s take a look at features that are suitable for 3 acres of land! Engine: Deck: Fuel capacity: Material: Comfort: Washout: Transmissions: Cost: There is no doubt that riding lawn mowers are more expensive than their counterparts. However, if you look on the bright side, they take less time and energy to get their work effectively done. If you are worried about the cost then stop! Riding lawn mowers come with options of fuel and battery power. You can alternate in these to match your budget. Go for a reasonably priced yet medium to high quality fuel! Besides most of the lawn mowers especially Ariens and Husqvarna that I have mentioned above give a lifetime warranty. You will be investing in something that gives long term benefits. Not to mention riding mowers require less maintenance than its competitors! 3 acres is no less than a large area and it requires equal maintenance and attention. While riding lawn mowers are most suitable, the good news is that there are certain other alternatives. You can use a self propelled lawn mower and a non self propelled one if you do not mind a heavy workout. Self propellers are more suitable for hilly and uneven terrains. For commercial areas like 3 acres another go should be a gas powered lawn mower. They have large tank capacity and a high quality engine like Briggs and Straton that is worth the money. It requires a little fuel to mow a large area in a few turns. However, there is a catch for people who are conscious of environmental pollution. Gas powered lawn mowers that do not have filters can produce toxic carbon emissions. To determine that you need to analyze your lawn first. While you are at it take a few notes on the speed, engine quality, and deck width of the lawn mower as well. All these factors go hand in hand in determining the time taken to mow the lawn. Furthermore, a square nonobstacle lawn will take less time than the one with hurdles, hills, walls and flower beds. To answer your questions despite all the commanding factors on average it takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to mow a 3 acre lawn. It is very easy to determine that because while you are mowing you will notice the grass is no longer cut into sharp and even patterns. Rather the dull blades are damaging the crass ends or not working at all. Sometimes that can be due to overuse or no maintenance. However, not to worry because an occasional change of blades to the newer sharp ones is a normal protocol. You should not mow wet grass! Wet grass tends to stick together and forms an uneven area for cutting. Along with that, the water can pose as a hindrance because it will cause rust and body damage to the lawnmower. Even if the lawn is dewy it is preferred to let it dry completely. This way the individual grass clippings will be easy to cut. The blades can cut the fluffy dry grass evenly promoting green healthy growth. Zero turns mowers have zero radii and are best suited for lawns that have many obstacles. Be it in the form of hills, trees, flowerbeds, or corners. If your lawn has many obstacles then choose a zero turn mower with a smaller deck. It will cause fewer problems and other than that you will have more control and less chance of accidents. However, if your lawn is wide and planar then choose a wide deck mower because it will cover more grass and cut in less time. Having so many mowers and not knowing what you want is tiring. The question comes in the minds of all those who own a 3 acre lawn. Mowers can be riding mowers, push mowers, gas mowers. But among them, I have discussed riding mowers for you. Nowadays, the majority of people go for that because it is the most suitable choice. For 2 acre lawns you can read here. I hope you have clicked with the companies mentioned above and are ready to start a comfortable journey. If you have any questions please ask. We will be delighted to answer
The infinite height of cut control that is only axels away makes it very comfortable for the customers to mow the lawn. A free floating deck is a blessing over the hilly areas because it makes the task ten times easier. The only catch for the customers is the large build of the mower.2. Simplicity 5901744 Contender – (Transaxle Riding Lawn Mower)
Simplicity 59017444 is made for people who are trying to avoid most of the work. The foot pedal is soft and the levers turn easily, they are made of durable rubber that is slip resistant and easy to grab. The resilient steel of the mower is suitable for all kinds of weather but needs to be dried after wetting. Overall the mower weighs 975 pounds which is comparatively greater than the previous one. Lastly, the dimensions are 87 x 77 x 68 inches.
The zt-3200 transaxles of Simplicity lawn mower deliver continuous torque and smooth speed. The movement of the lawnmower is sensitive to the axes so the whole control is only a few touches away.
Coil over:
The rear coil-over shocks and a pivoting front axle of this mower have increased its demand tremendously. It increases the productivity of the mower along with the shocks for increased comfort. You can change the direction to multiple planes across the smooth rotation.
Deck:
Unlike most mowers where you have to wrestle with all your might, you only have to press a lever and it airily lifts the deck. The free floating system prevents the deck from rusting and getting stuck. Furthermore, the easy lift by pressing the pedal also facilitated the height adjustment of the deck.
Cyclonic air management:
The patented five-step integrated cyclonic air management system provides dust and debris protection. The air is expelled forward so any dirt or debris that could accumulate and harm the blade system is prevented from getting in the way. It also expels away the clipping so the mower propels along smoothly.
Steel:
Heavy duty steel is the most suitable because after years of use it stands its worth. There might be a need for occasional replacement but that is prolonged in the case of Simplicity 5901744 lawn mower with the 10-gauge steel with reinforced top, side skirts, corners, and a steel front edge.
Wheels:
The wheels are covered with a strong rubber that is glued and attached strongly which makes this mower suitable for rough terrains. Furthermore, the rubber along with the durable steel increases the life of the riding lawn mower.
Warranty:
Now your worries can rest because Simplicity lawn mowers come with a lifetime warranty which decreases your time for repairs and neglect. The company gives excellent customer service and guides you throughout the process.3. Husqvarna MZ61 – (Best Zero Turn Riding Mower)
The ergonomic soft grip of the steering wheel coupled with the vinyl seat feels buttery and heavenly. It releases stress and you can continuously mow the whole lawn. The mower is designed to fit an operator of various body heights. The fuel tank is as big as mentioned and the cap is easy to remove. Like Sun Joe it is also lightweight as compared to Simplicity weighing 670 pounds (Dimensions:73 x 53 x 48 inches).
If you are not fond of grass clippings collection, then you can discharge, mulch, or bag with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system of Husqvarna MZ61.
Seats:
If your mom is old and it’s hard for her to do the work then you need not to worry because it’s a High-back seat with armrests that is very comfortable for everyone. Furthermore, its foam-padded hand grips are very comfy for tired wrinkled arms.
Vibration dampening:
Along with all these, if you want comfortable mowing for hours on 3 acre lawn, vibration dampeners will help you with it. Performance, productivity, and comfort are what all mower buyers are looking for. And we all know, with these features Husqvarna MZ61 has been able to conquer that place.
Steel frame:
Its heavy-duty steel frame makes it quite beautiful and attractive for buyers. And if you want to take your mowing experience to a new level, its commercial rated hydraulic system is there to provide you with that.
Adaptability:
We all want a mower that can easily adapt to our lawn and its conditions. We found all those qualities in MZ61. Thus, it was a complete package for everyone. And for every lawn.4. Ariens Edge 915245 – (Kohler Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower)
Ariens edge is a traditional mower made of strong steel that lasts for a long time. However, one special thing that makes this mower different is the seat arrangement, the high resting back and the fixed or rotatory option make the use extremely easy. The seats are soft and do not tear easily. Ariens weighs 647 pounds with dimensions of 73.75 x 60 x 34.5 inches.
Ariens Edge is powered with a 660cc Kohler 6000 series engine which is not a large booming engine but is an excellent choice for medium to slightly large 3 acre lawns. You can get a healthy workout along with the mowing which will take less time to wrap up!
Deck:
The deck is featured with a 42” fabricated width that makes it wider than the next mower on this list. Wide decks decrease your workload to almost half since they cover more area by mowing large patches in a single go.
Steel:
You will be surprised how long an 11 gauge steel can last, this mower will surely outlive your expectations with a strong fabricated steel system. The parts are welded together and attached with a double coating to increase the life of the Ariens Edge mower.
Ball bearings:
Sealed ball bearings are added that are dust and waterproof. The ball bearings reduce friction significantly and support radial and axial loads. The balls increase the durability of radial circles maximum by keeping them separated and in shape.
Seat:
A soft foam padded seat is used with back support that is especially a pro with the elderly community. It keeps you from getting tired out quickly and gives your muscles a smooth place to relax. Additionally, the springs absorb the shock to decrease the discomfort.
Deck:
The wide deck is easy to use and adjust. The lift is only a foot pedal away which is a far better option than pulling a rusted or jammed lever with all your might. It is free floating and quick to respond. You can alternate between your desired heights effortlessly.
The ball bearing technology of Ariens Edge is unbeatable. If anything that convinced the customers is the increased friction due to ball bearing that increased grip over slippery and hilly areas. However, for a larger yard than 3 acres, you might have to task some rest to work the mower on the whole area.5. Ryobi RY48111 – (Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower)
100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine.
595 Pounds
Charges through 120-Volt outlet
2.5 Hours.
3 Brushless Motors.
12 Adjustable Heights.
2 in the Deck
46 Inches
outlet to charge.6. Husqvarna YTA24V48 – (Fast Powered Riding Lawn Mower)
Husqvarna YTA24V48 weighs 670 Pounds and is comparatively heavier than Husqvarna MZ61 with dimensions 73 x 53 x 48 inches. It is a powerful gas powered mower with wider wheels and a high capacity tank. The discharge chute is also wider than average and works effectively in removing discharges. The headlights are bright and smooth steering is attached for easy control.
Some of the machinery is much advanced in auto transmission and some introduced at a very minor level. But the fast auto transmission is introduced in Husqvarna YTA24V48 also. This capability makes it more self-reaching up to the people of it afford.
Choke-free operability is also rare in gasoline oriented products. Unlike those, the operations of Husqvarna YTA24V48 are choke-free and ensures the best operability to the face of other products of its kind. Choke-free operations make the maneuverability of the mower much easier. You don’t have to feel hectic about managing the choke also while you are riding the mower.
There is a charge port on the mower which can help you to charge your mobile devices or any other device which fits this need for charging purposes.
Air induction technology helps the user to have a better cut of its grass. This technology is introduced just to make your 3 acre lawn safe from any damage because this technology is promising in terms of a safe cut to your lawn.
Ergonomic steering, a short-pitch turning radius is the second reason to get bowed to this riding mower. The mower steers like a well oiled machine and saves you the time of manually towing away the large lawnmower.
Different parts of the mower come with different terms of the warranty. The most functional part of a mower is its deck which comes with a maximum guarantee of 10 years.How to choose a lawn mower for 3 acres?
A lawn mower between 20 to 30 HP should be enough to mow a 3 acre area easily. You have to make sure you are not overworking the engine because it will damage the lawn mower and drain you out as well. You can use a large mower however avoid the smaller engines because they are inconvenient. Additionally, higher horsepower means smoother and faster speed.
The deck width is directly proportional to the area it covers. Although it can range from 40 in. to 75in. In 3 acre lawn mowers you can switch to smaller decks according to your preference. The wider the deck the larger the span and less time is taken to cover the whole area.
Fuel capacity will determine how far your engine will run without alerting you. Choose fuel capacities that are high so there is less need of refilling and the energy generation is maximum. Usually, 6 to 8 gallons and more last a long time and are enough for 3 acre one go mowing.
Whether it is the material for the deck or the blades it should be heavy steel so it can last longer. Most decks are accompanied with air induction technologies that circulate air inside the deck so no rubble or clipping are stuck in blades which can rust and damage the engine.
Place comfort before anything because on average it takes almost an hour or an hour and a half to cover 3 acres of land. Choose free floating decks or seats that have a back rest are ergonomically designed and padded. It will give the muscles the time to relax and work leisurely.
Remember to clean the mower after every use to avoid rusting or harming the engine. The dust and stuck grass clippings can damage the blade quality as well. Make sure you have checked all the features while buying a lawnmower. A washout port is best because it is easy to clean and maintain.
Transmission helps the engine generate energy efficiently. In riding lawn mowers there are three common transmissions namely hydro static, automatic and manual. You can choose any option depending on the price of the mower and your requirements.
We always advise adding maintenance and cleaning costs to the lawn mowers. Firstly, analyze the mower you need as it should be able to meet all your demands. After that add in the calculations for the accessories and bagging. This way you have a clear idea of how you will manage within your budget.Are Riding Lawn Mowers Worth their Cost?
What are the Alternatives for Riding Lawn mowers?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How long does it take to mow a 3 acre lawn?
When is the right time to change the blades?
Can I mow wet grass?
What type of zero turn mower should I choose for my 3 acre lawn?
Conclusion
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