Best Lawn Mower For Racing

A lawnmower is not the boring grass cutting machine anymore. It has now entered into a world full of fun and excitement. If you are wondering what I am talking about, it’s “Lawnmower Racing”.

It may sound ridiculous to some readers but it is actually a big thing for a while now. There is even a “Lawnmower Racing Association” in the United States who organizes racing competitions every year.

While most participants do it for fun, some are really serious about it. So, if you also want to be a lawnmower racer, you should know about all the hot cake out there.

Of course, a lawnmower will need a lot of modification before it can be fit for the race. But the first thing is that you have a mower that has a sturdy body and a comfortable operating system.

I have put together some options that I think will do great as a racing lawnmower. Let’s know about them and then you can decide which one fits best for you.
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1. Ariens 915223 IKON-X Mower

Ariens IKON-X can be your go-to option if you are looking to get the best one for yourself. This user-friendly and versatile looking mower will grow to be your favorite in no time.

Pros

• Can cover a large area in small time
• 13 adjustable cutting height option
• Super stable deck
• Low amount of vibration
• Powerful engine
• Comfortable seat

Cons

• No mulching set
• No headlights

Whether you use it for mowing a large lawn or even a Golf course, this one won’t let you down. That is also the best part of this mower. It makes the most challenging jobs look like a piece of cake. And it does that so effortlessly.

This one comes with a substantially powerful Kawasaki engine. The 23 HP and 726cc FR V-Twin engine from Kawasaki will provide all the power you’ll need for the race. It’s safe to say that you won’t fall short on power with this mower.

The easy to use functionality and durability is what makes this mower very popular among mower racers. The use of twin EZT hydrostatic transaxles ensures that the response time is faster.

The commercial-grade design on the dual-arm lift makes the deck super stable. And as you know, stability can create an impact on a race. It’s all about safety, after all. It also has a comfortable seat and armrests to save you from body pain.

The use of padded levers controls the amount of vibration significantly during operation. That results in an enjoyable ride.

The big size wheels will be a key factor in a race because it will be easier to control it. Plus, the balance it will offer will be a huge advantage.

Now for the downside, this mower is a bit underperformer on bumpy and uneven terrain. But that shouldn’t be a problem when you are on a race track.

2. Husqvarna Z254 Zero Turn Riding Mower

Lawnmower manufacturing companies are always experimenting with new features to make the mowing experience amazing. They also do it to make more people interested while ensuring they have fun on the way. The Husqvarna Z254 is a successful result of that experiment.

Pros

• Easy maneuverability
• A wide cutting deck can cover a larger area faster
• Powerful engines
• Good speed
• Sturdy and durable
• Easy to control

Cons

• No headlights

Husqvarna is a leading expert in manufacturing zero-turn mowers. Those mowers are well reputed for their easy maneuvering feature and precision during steering. Though Husqvarna is built for residential use, it will do nicely in a race too.

This one is built as sturdy and to endure impacts when racing. The look is appealing too. It has a huge deck of 54” that can cover a large yard in less time compared to other mowers.

To be safe from damage, it comes with a 14 gauge of reinforced stamped steel cutting deck. That ensures extra durability and strength. The cutting deck has 6 adjustable positions too.

It is equipped with a 26 HP Kohler engine (7000 series) and an additional 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine. That makes it one of the fastest zero turn mowers out there. It has a forward speed of 6.5mph when the reverse speed is 3.5mph. And speed is very important in a race.

The additional features include a comfortable and wide seat, an auto parking brake system, and superb cutting performance.

There is no major downside to explain. The minor negative point is that there is no headlight on it, so you’ll have to buy them separately.

So, overall, this one is a great value for money.

3. Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower

Another gas-powered riding mower from Husqvarna. The YTH18542 is a leading riding mower due to its compact body and powerful engine.

Pros

• A powerful engine so great cutting performance
• Small in size
• Can change speed and direction with a foot pedal
• Good turning radius

Cons

• Not a good one for large yards

As it is not so big in size, it would be best if you use it in a small or medium-sized yard. Though it has a small gas tank, it never falls short on fuel before finishing the job. All thanks to the powerful cutting performance it can put on.

They installed an 18.5HP Briggs and Stratton Intek Engine in this one. That engine is all about quality and that’s what you will see in it. The engine improves the speed, precision cutting performance, and efficiency.

It also has a hydrostatic transmission that can be operated by a foot pedal for your comfort. The foot pedal will allow you to constantly change speed and direction during mowing. That way you will never have to remove your hands from the steering wheel.

It has a very small turning radius that allows it to make tight turns smoothly. That way you can drive it around in small spaces. Great turning can give you an advantage during a race.

It has a 13” adjustable seat that has a spacious leg space. The steering wheel has a comfortable grip too. So, both seating and operating will be a relaxing job.

The anti-scalp wheel is another great feature that I should mention. It ensures that no matter what kind of land you have, the wheels are going to stay in a good condition.

Just like the Craftsman T225, this one also has a reverse mowing system.

At last, it’s safe to say that this one can be a great option in that price range.

4. Troy-Bilt 382cc Premium Riding Lawn Mower

For anyone looking for a good riding model that is suitable for racing, the Troy-Bilt 382cc Riding Lawn Mower is a great option.

Pros

• Compact size so easy storage
• Needs minimum maintenance
• Great maneuverability
• Powerful engine

Cons

• Not suitable for large yards

This model, designed with reliability in mind, provides excellent performance and is easy to handle, making it a perfect substitute for a traditional, walk-behind mower.

A 382cc Auto-Choke OHV engine drives this lawn mower. It has more than enough power for even dense grass areas and is able to achieve a forward speed of 4.25 mph with a 6-speed transmission.

Compared to a walk-behind mower, it allows you to make fewer passes to cut grass with a 30 “cutting deck, minimizing the time it takes to sweep up the yard.

And it is flexible and can operate in almost any condition with 5 adjustable height settings for the blade and simple manual power take-off for fast blade engagement.

This rider, built with an 18-inch turning radius, is capable of handling curves and turns better than a standard wide-cut mower, allowing you to operate it quickly. With a 1.3-gallon fuel tank, it eliminates the need for mid-use refueling. And you can quickly check the gas levels thanks to the fuel sight window.

It is heavy and robust. You can easily store this  in a compact space. Moreover, it comes with a 13-inch soft-grip steering wheel and a height-adjustable steering column.

You can never go wrong with this one. It is reasonably priced, provides powerful performance, has good speed, and cuts smoothly.

5. Craftsman T225 Riding Lawn Mower

Craftsman is a popular brand you can trust. They have a reputation for strength, versatility, and durability for their comprehensive line of riding lawnmowers.

Pros

• Robust engine for superior output
• Fairly priced
• Big cutting deck to save mowing time
• Reverse mowing feature available

The Craftsman T225 is loaded with the powerful gas engine of Briggs & Stratton. The mower engine runs on 19HP that supplies the power as per your need. It comes with a 46-inch deck, making it suitable for small to medium-sized grounds.

The mower performs well, making it easy for the rider to take tight turns and navigate across the yard quickly. This is the ideal starter riding lawn mower for those in search of a reliable model that is built to last, fairly priced, and beginner-friendly.

The reverse mowing feature will save plenty of time. You will be able to cut grass in tight spots without having to stop and change your position. It will also help you to easily go around obstacles if you face one in your path.

This one has a deck wash port to clean the bottom side of the mower. That is a very important feature because sometimes when you are dealing with thick and tall grass, it can clog the cutting blades.

It isn’t the most powerful riding mower available in the market but it is one of the best in its price range. The price tag makes it a viable option to purchase as it can serve you for a long time.

Which One Should You Buy?

Looking at all the features those mowers offer, it is safe to say that the best options among them are the “Ariens 915223 IKON-X” and the “Husqvarna Z254”. These two are superior from every angle than the other.

Of course, they are premium picks but they balance it out with their performance.

How To Choose The Best Lawnmower For Racing

There are certain things that decide the result of a race. Besides being a great driver, you also need the support from your ride. Without the best ride, winning a race is impossible.

Now for mower racing, there are some features that will make your mower the best in the business. Like, top-speed, stability, great turning, etc. Below I have listed some key features to look out for before purchasing a lawnmower for racing purposes.

1# Choose the Type

At first, you have to select what kind of lawnmower you are going with. As you can easily guess, a push mower won’t do the trick. So, you will have to buy either a riding or a self-propelled mower.

2# Tire Treads

For racing, you need a mower with the type of tires that has a great amount of grip. You don’t want a slippery tire on a racing track. That will make your racing miserable and also might put you in harm’s way. So, the grip is important.

3# Easy to Control

Though you need a fast mower to win in a race, you should also consider whether it can be easily controlled or not. The speed transmission, the steering wheel all should be placed in a way that makes your ride easy. Never compromise on that.

4# Maximum Speed

The most crucial factor in the race is speed. It is needless to say that the fastest one will win the race. So, choose a mower that offers the best forward speed. A mower with high speed will also have the mechanisms to perfectly control it too. That will minimize your effort in the track.

5# Sturdy Body

A racing mower should be able to take a hit. You don’t want a mower that has a weak body structure. A race track will leave some mark on your mower, make sure your mower is up to the task to handle it.

6# Easy Maneuverability

Turning is another important part of a race. You can gain some momentum during a turn or lose it. It all depends on how well your mower turns. A great turning radius will help you get some advantage over your opponents.

7# Big Enough Fuel Tank

Fuel is the key component that will keep your mower up and running. You can’t afford to be out of fuel in the middle of a race. That’s where a big size fuel tank comes into play. Make sure your mower can hold more than enough fuel to finish your race.

8# Headlights Are A Nice Addition

Headlights are not a must-have feature if you intend to use it only during the daytime. But if you have a competition that will happen at night, a headlight becomes essential.

Though a night racing competition is not a thing for mower racing it’s good to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it, right?

I think I covered all the important features you should look out for before purchasing a lawnmower for racing. Still, it’s possible that I might have left some out. If you have something in your mind that you think is an important feature for a racing mower, do let us know in the comment section.

Lastly, be safe out there. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun. Never compromise with that. Happy racing.