Most people only look at cutting width and power when buying a lawn mower. But they almost always ignore weight. Later, that’s usually what they wish they’d checked more carefully. Weight makes a big difference in real use. It affects how easy the mower is to push, how stable it is on slopes, and even how it sits on your grass. It also matters when you lift, move, or transport it. So how much does a lawn mower weigh? It depends. A basic push mower is about 20 pounds. A full-size riding mower can weigh 500 pounds or more.
How Mower Weight Affects Your Lawn?
A big problem with heavy lawn mowers is that they compact the soil. When riding mowers or large zero‑turn mowers pass over the same spot repeatedly, their weight presses the soil tight and squeezes out air pockets. And a healthy lawn really needs those air spaces. Once the soil gets compacted, several issues pop up:
- Grass roots can’t grow deep and only stay near the surface
- Water and fertilizer can’t soak in and just run off
- The lawn becomes weaker and more vulnerable to drought, heat, and diseases
- Leave clear tire marks or even ruts on soft or wet ground. These marks don’t just look bad — they make the ground uneven and harder to mow smoothly later on.
But weight isn’t all bad. On slopes or uneven terrain, a slightly heavier mower is more stable, less likely to bounce or slip, and gives a much more even cut.
How Much Does a Zero-Turn Mower Weigh?
Zero-turn mowers are some of the heaviest lawn mowers around. They usually weigh 600 to 1,900 pounds. These mowers are built for speed and efficiency. That means they need a strong frame, a big cutting deck, and a powerful engine — all of that makes them heavy. The main things that affect their weight are the deck size and how well they’re built.
Commercial zero-turns, made for all-day work, use thick steel to last longer. A commercial model with a 60-inch deck can easily weigh over 1,200 pounds. Home-use zero-turns with a smaller 42-inch deck are lighter, usually around 600 to 700 pounds.
Because they are heavy, zero-turn mowers are very stable on large, flat areas. But on softer ground, they can also cause soil compaction if used too often in the same paths.
How Much Does a Riding Lawn Mower Weigh?
Most riding lawn mowers weigh 300 to 1,200 pounds. Typical garden tractors usually weigh around 600 pounds.
There’s a big range here — from small riding mowers to strong garden tractors that can use extra attachments. A small, basic riding mower is about 350 pounds. It works great for medium yards and won’t compact your soil too much. But a heavy-duty garden tractor with a big engine and 54-inch deck can weigh close to 1,000 pounds.
The extra weight is stable when working on uneven ground. Electric riding mowers are getting more popular, but gas-powered ones are still common. They’re tough and powerful, and weigh a little more.
How Much Does a Push Mower Weigh?
Push mowers are usually the lightest and most common type of mower, but the weight depends a lot on what powers them.
Electric Push Mowers
Electric models (corded or cordless) usually weigh about 15–80 pounds.
- Corded ones are the lightest, around 15–20 pounds, and very easy to push and move
- Battery models are heavier, usually 50–60 pounds, because of the battery
They’re great for small yards and tight spaces, and they’re easy to handle.
Gas Push Mowers
Gas mowers are heavier, usually around 44–150 pounds. That’s mainly because of the engine and fuel tank. They can feel more solid on uneven grass, but you’ll need more effort to push them, especially uphill. Self-propelled ones help with that, but they usually weigh even more.
How Do I Figure Out My Lawn Mower Weighs?
Check the Manual
Check the specs page in your owner’s manual. Look for “dry weight”—that’s what it weighs without gas or oil. Just a heads-up: some manuals (like for the Craftsman EZ 917.272040) strangely leave this part out.
Google the Model Number
If the manual is long gone, just head to the manufacturer’s website. Type in your model number, and you should find a spec sheet or product page that lists the weight.
Actually Weigh It
If you want the real number (including fuel), you’ve got two DIY options:
- For big riding mowers: Take it to a truck stop or a scrapyard with a drive-on scale. Weigh your truck and trailer with the mower on it, then weigh them again without the mower. The difference is your answer.
- For smaller mowers: You can actually use four bathroom scales. Put one under each tire and add the numbers together.
Give It a “Best Guess”
Still can’t find it? Look up a similar mower from another brand that has the same engine size and deck width. It won’t be exact, but it’ll get you in the right ballpark.
Which Is Heavier a Stand-On Mower or a Zero-Turn Mower?
Generally speaking, zero-turn mowers will be a bit heavier than standing mowers if the mowing platforms are the same size. The standing structure is more compact and has no seats, so it is lighter overall and takes up less space. Taking a 54-inch lawn mower deck as an example,
- consumer-grade zero-turn is about 600–700 pounds,
- commercial stand-on mower is about 1,000–1,100 pounds, and
- commercial zero-turn is usually around 1,200–1,400 pounds.
The weight difference mainly comes from the structural materials. For greater durability, commercial machines use thicker steel, sturdier frames, and heavier spindle assemblies. These are all to cope with long and intensive work, but they also significantly increase the weight of the entire machine.
However, a heavier machine does not mean better, just more “durable oriented”. Worn parts will still wear out normally. When replacing blades, belts, and tires, many people will choose aftermarket parts to reduce costs.
Lawn Mower Types and Average Weights
To make things simple, we’ve compiled the average weight ranges for the most common types of lawn mowers in the table below.
| Lawn Mower Type | Average Weight Range (lbs) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Reel Mower | 20 – 40 lbs | Small, flat lawns where eco-friendliness is a priority. |
| Electric Push Mower | 15 – 80 lbs | Small to medium-sized yards; quiet and low maintenance. |
| Gas-Powered Push Mower | 44 – 150 lbs | Medium-sized yards, especially with uneven terrain. |
| Robotic Mower | 15 – 40 lbs | Automated mowing for those who want a hands-off approach. |
| Riding Mower | 300 – 1,200 lbs | Large properties (0.5 acres+); offers comfort and power. |
| Stand-On Mower | 700 – 1,200 lbs | Commercial use on properties with hills and obstacles. |
| Zero-Turn Mower | 600 – 1,900 lbs | Large, open properties where speed and efficiency are key. |
Conclusion
You’re pushing a light electric model or riding mower, keeping maintenance is the only way to make it last. Over time, things like blades, belts, and filters are going to wear out—it’s just part of the job.
When it’s time for a swap, FridayParts has you covered. We carry a huge selection of high-quality aftermarket parts for all the big-name brands, giving you the durability you need without the “brand name” markup.
Related Read:
Best Riding Lawn Mower for 1 Acre
The Best Mowers for Hills and Steep Slopes
FAQs
Can a heavy mower ruin my grass?
Honestly, yeah, it can. If you’re driving a heavy zero-turn on soggy ground, you’re basically squishing the soil down (what pros call “compaction”). When the dirt gets too packed, roots can’t breathe or grow, and you’ll end up with thin, ugly patches. To keep your lawn healthy, stay off the grass when it’s soaking wet and try to change up your mowing path every time so you aren’t creating “tire tracks.”
What’s the best mower weight for a small yard?
If you have a small yard (like less than a quarter acre), you don’t really need to buy a heavy lawn mower. Generally speaking, around 30–60 pounds is suitable. This weight battery mower or hob mower is very useful. It is easy to push and has flexible turns. It is also very easy to operate in flower beds, corners and other places.
How do I move a heavy mower safely?
Don’t try to be a hero! If you’re moving a riding mower or a big zero-turn (which can easily top 1,000 lbs), always use sturdy, load-rated ramps to get it onto a trailer. Never try to manhandle it. For “heavy” push mowers over 100 lbs, definitely use the two-man lift rule to save your back when lifting it into a truck bed or onto a workbench.
