Mowing your lawn by yourself can be a challenging task, especially when you happen to have 5 acres of lawn. That is a huge size of the lot since it’s already as if you are mowing five football fields.
However, if you have the right tools, nothing is impossible. You can quickly get things done if you have a lawn mower for 5 acres. Although it still may take you a couple of hours to complete, it will get the job done.
In this guide, we will show you the 7 best lawn mowers for 5 acres, including zero-turn and riding lawn mowers. Let’s explore!
See more:
- What Is The Best Lawn Mower for Rough Terrain?
- What Is The Best Lawn Mower for Large Uneven Garden?
- What Is The Best Lawn Mower for Steep Hills?
- What Is The Best Lawn Mower for Stripes?
- What Is The Best Lawn Mowers Under 400?
How to choose the best lawn mower for 5 acres
Engine
Over 5 acres, thick grass is not the only thing you may need to cut. Most likely, you’ll encounter small trees and resistant weeds that increase the risk of breaking the blades. You will even need to go uphill, climb some sloped distances, and push through some challenging terrains.
An innovative design can resolve many of these situations. Nevertheless, the engine is responsible for the actualization of numerous features that cannot otherwise exist. Each engine produces a certain amount of horsepower (HP), which you can compare to find a more powerful engine.
Cutting deck size
As 5 acres is a huge space to cover in one go, customers need to think about the cutting deck size. A 21-inch deck will take more time and turns to cut the same quantity of grass that a 42-inch deck will.
Mow in reverse
Riding mowers are among the most useful mowers to cut 5 acres of grass in a short period. Nevertheless, driving may require some maneuvers. Different mowers may have different reverse speeds. Some may not include reverse gear at all. Some models may allow mowing while going backward, while others don’t. It’s worth checking every specification sheet of the most attractive models to find out this detail. Or, you can ask the manufacturer directly.
Fuel tank capacity
If you are going to use a gas-powered riding lawn mower, this feature is vital. The fuel capacity tells you how much gas is in a tank, so you don’t need to refuel the tank during mowing.
Medium-sized lawns should use mowers with a small fuel capacity, while large properties should use mowers with a large fuel capacity. Generally, a riding lawn mower holds around 2 gallons of gasoline, but larger models can hold 3-4 gallons.
Terrains
If your yard has thick grass, uneven ground, or thick weeds, the performance of a lawn tractor may be lower than that of a flat surface. In this case, choose the best commercial zero-turn mower for 5 acres.
- For thick or heavy grass, choose a mower with at least 4 different blades
- If your land slopes, choose a model that can be easily maneuvered with a small deck.
4 Best zero-turn mowers for 5 acres
1. Craftsman Z525 Zero-Turn Gas Lawn Mower – Top pick
Craftsman mowers are manufactured in the USA mowers, and are distinguished by high-quality components, parts, assemblies, and exemplary assembly. Craftsman Z525 is no different. This fast and easy-to-use model caught our attention and impressed us at first glance. It is also one of the best mowers for hilly areas.
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 46’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.25’’ to 3.75’’) |
| Weight | 623 lbs |
The machine can cut up to 46 inches wide. It features a 360-degree turning radius, which makes maneuvering easy. Its sturdy rear wheels provide optimal ground clearance, while its Easy Start feature allows you to start your mower in just a few seconds. Plus, even the operator’s seat is cushioned to provide maximum comfort.
The mower combines an innovative twin-cylinder gas engine with 24 HP, which is powerful enough to mow most of your lawns. It can also mow in reverse in addition to its zero-turn capabilities. With the dual Hydro-Gear EZT with dual steering lever, the model offers you greater control in mowing your 5-acre lawn as it features a sufficiently cushioned high-back seat.
With its 46-inch, 9-position deck, you can cut, trim, and clip grass in one pass. You can also buy a bagger to collect grass clippings and a mulching kit to give your lawn a perfectly trimmed look.
Pros:
- Large cutting deck
- Includes a Dual Hydro-Gear EZT
- Mowing in reverse is excellent
- Large anti-scalp tires
- Available with a bagger and mulching kit
- Comfortable seat
Cons:
- Takes some time to start
- Do not recommend for small properties
2. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower – Good choice
This mower from Ariens is ideal for effectively cutting medium and large lawns with ease. Its engine has the ability to do quick work of difficult-to-mow jobs. This makes this mower as one of the best riding lawn mowers for 5-acre yards. With a 52-inch cutting deck, the mower is equipped with a welding platform that provides shock-absorbing properties. This allows you to mow grass smoothly.
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 52’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4.5’’) |
| Weight | 615 lbs |
When it comes to cutting height, there are 13 settings. The height can be chosen from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. Further comfort is provided with the padded levers, which significantly reduce vibrations during lawn mowing operations. Plus, it has an upholstered high-back seat with armrests. This makes the mower extremely comfortable to drive for long hours.
Its durability and user-friendliness make it possible to create an ideal lawn for both beginners and experienced green area owners. The hydraulic gear drive makes operation as simple as possible, and you do not need to change the speed manually. The speed can be developed up to 11km per hour. The model is maneuverable enough for you to go around and avoid hitting your bushes, flower beds, and trees.
Pros:
- Powerful Kawasaki engine
- Hydraulic transmission
- Fuel level indicator
- Great versability
- Suitable for amateurs as well as professionals
Cons:
- Handling the mower on sloppy surfaces can be a little tricky
- Doesn’t come with lights
3. Troy-Bilt Mustang 25 HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
The Troy-Bilt Mustang 54-inch zero turn riding mower delivers incredible performance and lets you mow your lawn easily, even if you have a large 5-acre lawn. It has a powerful 25 HP engine of Briggs & Stratton, while its body is made of hard plastic and steel.
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 54’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4.5’’) |
| Weight | 727 lbs |
The deck can be adjusted to 8 different positions of your choice of height. The operation at forward speed is 7 MPH, and the reverse speed is 2.5 MPH. It also comes with an extra oil filter and a double-deck wash. Plus, its double hydro-static transmissions provide maximum performance.
It is equipped with a high-back seat that is comfortable, and its dual suspension springs ensure a smooth ride. The model has 4 deck gauge wheels and a rear roller for extra performance. The front caster wheels can be greased for ensuring the longer life of the bearings.
Pros:
- Allows rapid mowing of large areas of lawn
- Amazing cut quality
- Powerful engine
- Comfortable and adjustable high-backed seat
- Convenient automatic clippings collection
- Reverse mowing is also possible
Cons:
- Not ideal for sloping surfaces
4. Swisher Z3166CPKA Big MOW Zero-Turn Mower
If you are ready to dish out some extra money, the Swisher Z3166CPKA Big Mow might be a decent choice. With a 66-inch deck and powerful 31 HP engine, it becomes a popular choice for commercial mowing purposes as it can easily reach speeds of up to 10 MPH.
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 66’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.25’’ to 5’’) |
| Weight | 1380 lbs |
The whole mower was designed with commercial-grade activities in mind, as it has an electric deck easier to maintain easily and also features an electric height adjustment option. Its tires are 23 inches and it can mow your 5 acres of land in less than 45 minutes. Thanks to the large 8-gallon fuel tank capacity, you don’t have to worry about refueling throughout the whole process. Another commercial-grade feature is the hour meter that can keep track of time.
The mower complies with all applicable safety and environment-friendly standards and becomes one of the most sturdy options out there. The seat is extremely comfortable even through the mowing process. Meanwhile, the LED lights enable you to take care of stuff even through the night. Even when you store the mower under the sun or it comes in contact with a dust storm, its engine is well-covered and will not get damaged.
Pros:
- User-friendly design
- Easy to operate and maintain
- Electric flip-up function for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Electric deck height adjustment makes switching between heights seamless
- The massive deck size significantly reduces mowing times
- Large fuel tank
- Large tires provide excellent traction
Cons:
- Made with commercial purposes in mind, so it is a bit pricey
3 Best riding lawn mowers for 5 acres
5. Husqvarna MZ61 61-Inch 24 HP Riding Mower
With the Husqvarna MZ61 mower, you will discover a superior level of performance. It runs on a robust 24 HP Kawasaki engine, which is incredibly efficient and economical while being smooth and durable. The mower is well designed to tackle your home lawn or for professional lawn maintenance. This also makes it an excellent lawn mower for 5 acres.
Specifications:
| Mower type | Riding mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 61’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4.5’’) |
| Weight | 770 lbs |
It features a 61-inch cutting deck and is very quiet during use. It is equipped to provide 12 different grass-cutting heights, whose features can be operated conveniently from the seat itself. The heavy-duty frame of steel, hydraulic system, as well as roll-over protection system builds an overall mowing experience.
A comfortable high-back seat, wide wheels, together with an oversized chassis make any terrain a great smooth ride. Besides, the grass clippings with an attached triple bag collection system can be mulched, bagged, or discarded.
Even though it is big, it has all the important features for ease of direction change. The mower possesses awesome speed and maneuverability. Its deck plows through all sorts of stubborn vegetation, no matter how rugged the terrain. For the convenience of cleaning and maintenance, a removable foot pan is provided, which allows for easy access to the deck belt pulleys. It’s also covered by a 4-year warranty, or 400-hour warranty, whichever is earlier.
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Efficient and cost-effective
- Equipped to provide 12 different grass cutting heights
- Convenient to clean and maintain
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Quite heavy
6. Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawmower
The second recommended riding lawn mower in this list is the 382cc 30-inch premium riding lawn mower by Troy-Bilt, which is great for large areas. And this is also a good option if you are looking for a budget-friendly option.
With the 30-inch cutting deck, it doubles the advantages of normal riding mowers. Its impressive and powerful 382cc OHV engine is built to last longer. Its fuel tank capacity adds a 1.3-gallon tank, which comes with a fuel sight window, letting you check gas levels at any point.
Specifications:
| Mower type | Riding mower |
| Engine output | 382cc |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 30’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4.5’’) |
| Weight | 340 lbs |
Furthermore, it comes with durable wheels with 13×5 inches front wheels, and large 16×6.5 inches rear wheels. It offers an 18-inch turning radius, which is beneficial if you want a unit that offers convenience in cutting coverage, together with the manual power take-off (PTO) for easy and fast blade engagement. Additionally, it is made of durable and sturdy material with comfort in mind. You can easily store it in your garage, as it is lightweight and portable and takes up little space.
The seat has an ergonomic design and positioning, yet it still allows for adjustability. If you are looking for a mower that can keep you comfortable, this may be a great choice. The seat is not the only thing to offer that kind of comfort, as the mower is built with a 13-inch soft grip steering wheel. The padded, adjustable wheel allows for 3 different height position settings, meaning that your height and stature should not make using the machine a problem.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
- Adjustable seat
- Easy maneuverability
- Minimal maintenance is required
Cons:
- Upon receipt, the assembly can run you up to 45 minutes or more
- The suspension system boils down to springs under the seat, so there is a bit of vibration during operation.
7. Toro TimeCutter MX4250 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mower
The Toro MX4250 mower runs on a 24.5 HP powerful V-Twin engine. It features a heavy-duty designed three-bladed mowing system under a 4-inch depth top discharge deck. The deck includes convenient ports for washing it as well.
The mower has 7 different cutting positions, which allows you to choose the grass height cut ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. It comes with a speed control system that lets you proceed and move as per your choice. This feature makes it simple to operate.
Specifications:
| Mower type | Riding mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 42’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4.5’’) |
| Weight | 580 lbs |
In addition, the mower sports a thick seat with armrests for maximum comfort. The rear tires are extra-large, facilitating smooth rolling over rugged terrain. It has dual hydro-static transmissions that ensure smooth control of the variable, zero-turning radius, and long durability.
The zero-turning radius ensures maximum maneuverability, which permits one to mow around obstacles easily. Meanwhile, a heavy-duty steel frame ensures a long life, and the front caster forks are in place for added longevity. Plus, it features an electric PTO and automatic parking brake in order to make the operations simple. You just need to shift the levers out, and the brake is on.
Moreover, it comes with a convenient split footrest and lowered axle, which allows you to enter and exit the mower swiftly. It has a fixed rubber floor mat to reduce vibrations as well as keep your heels comfortable while driving. It also includes an under-seat cubby to store things like sticks, small toys, etc.
Pros:
- Speed control system for precise control of the machine
- Easy to maneuver
- Absorbs vibration thanks to fixed rubber mat on the floor
- Thick seat with armrests for super comfort
Con:
- Not suitable on surfaces with slopes
FAQs on best lawn mowers for 5 acres
1. Do I need a lawn mower for 5 acres?
Having the best mower for 5 acres is vital if you want to keep your lawn neat and well-maintained. After all, the lawn is the face of your house, thus you should ensure that it looks amazing.
2. What size of lawn mower is appropriate for a 1-5 acres farm?
For 1/ 2 to 1 acre, a powerful robot mower, power battery mower, or gas-powered push mower can do the work. For 1-3 acres, 30’’-42’’ riding lawn mower and for 3-5 acres, 42’’-54’’ riding mower is necessary. For lawns of >5 acres, a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower is required.
Further reading:
- Best lawn mowers for 1 acre & 1/2 acres lot: Zero-turn or riding lawn mower?
- Top 9 best lawn mowers for 3 acres you should know
3. What size of zero-turn mower is appropriate to mow 5-acre lands?
The cutting width between 42-61 inches is appropriate for a zero-turn mower to work efficiently. The bigger the cutting deck size, the less time it will take to mow your 5 acres of land.
4. Is an electric riding mower suitable for cutting grass of a 5-acre lawn?
Yes, an electric riding mower is really suitable for 5 acres grass cutting. You should consider above riding mower models.
Final thoughts
That’s it for the 7 best lawn mowers for 5 acres! This list is carefully drawn up after considering all the important aspects of a zero-turn mower and a riding mower, as well as a large area like 5 acres. We hope you will find it helpful!
Don’t forget to leave a comment or contact us if you have any concerns with this topic. And if you find this review useful, please share it with your family and friends. We’re always glad to help you, and thanks for reading!