Large yards of three to five acres can be hard to mow. Push behind mowers do not work well for these yards. With just three to five acres to cut, you may not want to use a brush hog. Try instead the best lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres.
If you are new to mowing large yards, you need this article. In it, we tell you everything you need to know about mowers for 3 acres to 5 acres. We also provide a buyer’s guide and review the ten best products. Don’t get stuck mowing your large yard for hours. Read this article. Then try a lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres today.
If you do not have time for details, here are our top picks for lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres:
- Ariens 915223 IKON-X Mower
- Swisher FC10544BS Mower
- Swisher RC14544CPKA Mower
- Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER Mower
- Ariens Zoom Mower
- Husqvarna Z242F Mower
- Husqvarna LTH1738 Mower
- Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Mower
- Swisher FC14560CPKA Mower Farmer-Helper
- Finish Mower FH-FM120
What is different about a lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres?
Acreage mower has many features that you don’t need in a push behind mower. Most importantly, they will be large. They don’t have to be as large as a mower for 20 acres. They still, though, need to be larger than a push behind mower
What does large mean? Large applies to the deck size. We discuss deck size in more depth below. Here it is important to know that size matters. You want a larger cutting deck. This reduces the time it will take to cut your large yard.
Large ride mower for 3 acres will be durable as well. They can stand up under the stress of hills and rocky soil. If you have suboptimal features in your yard, you need one of the products listed below.
Contents
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Features to look for when buying a lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres
Considering a lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres? Keep these features in mind.
Type
There are many types of lawn mowers. Acreage mowers come in two types: riding and pull behind. Don’t be fooled by the similarity between the names of pull behind and push behind mowers. They are very different machines.
Push behind mowers are not great for large yards. You have to push them to cut your grass. It can take a long time to cut three to five acres this way. You potentially need a pull behind mower instead.
Pull behind mowers are attached to tractors or other vehicles. You don’t pull behind mowers with a car. But a sport vehicle with a hitch, like a four-wheeler, will work. Pull behind mowers are great because they usually have a large deck. The deck will cut your grass very quickly.
The other type of mower for seven acres in the riding lawn mower. You sit—or ride—on riding lawn mowers. They have a seat and drive similarly to a car. Because you do not push them, riding lawn mowers for five acres can cut your whole yard quickly.
Riding lawn mowers come in three sub-types. The first is the lawn tractor. These size mowers for 6 acres look like a tractor. They weigh the most of any riding mower. They also cut slower than the other riding mowers. The lawn tractors, however, excel at carrying heavy equipment around your yard. They typically come with accessories that increase their versatility.
The next type of riding mower is the rear engine mower. These are the smallest type of riding mower. They are not always used on yards of 3 acres to 5 acres. They do not pull any other equipment. They are also easier to store. Because they are small, only choose a rear engine mower for yards around 3 acres or less.
The final type of riding mower is the zero-turn mower. Zero-turn mowers for 5 acres are ideal. These are the professional-looking models. They have a large front. The wheels are controlled by lap bars, not a steering wheel. The zero-turn mower for 3 acres cut very quickly. They are also the most versatile because they have nearly a 360-degree turning radius. If you have a lot of obstacles in your large yard, you need a zero turn mower.
Deck size
Deck size is a very important consideration when purchasing a lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres. The larger the deck, the faster your yard gets cut. There are three categories of lawn mower decks.
Large=Over 50 inches
Medium=40-49 inches
Small=28-39 inches
You will see deck sizes of all three categories in the reviews below. Bigger does tend to be better. However, the larger the deck size, the more expensive the mower. You can still get a great cut from a small deck. It just might take you a little bit longer.
Weight
Why is weight important? This is a very good question. Weight is not as important in a pull-behind or riding mowers as it is for push mowers. You are not physically moving the machine. That means you don’t have to worry as much about the weight.
We have included weight in this buyer’s guide for a couple of reasons. First, you may be interested in purchasing your mower for 7 acres online. If that is the case, weight is important. Heavier products will have a larger shipping fee. They may also be hard to move. This means a product may not ship to all areas of the country.
Second, you will need to service your mowers for 5 acres. No matter what type of lawn mower you choose, it will need maintenance. Lighter mowers are easier to maintain. The heavier the mower, the more specialized equipment you will need to maintain all of it.
Extras
Depending on the type of mower, you may be able to find extras included with your purchase. Extra is a very wide category. In lawn tractors, an extra could be attachment ports for extra equipment. Mulcher, tiller, and blower may all be optional with your tractor. If you want an all-in-one machine, you need to find a product with these extras.
Extras do not have to be that large though. Perhaps you want a cup holder next to your seat. That is considered an extra. A cup holder is a great addition. A high backed seat is also very nice. You will be using the mower for a longer period with a large yard. You want to be as comfortable as possible as you mow.
Finally, some riding lawn mowers come with cruise control. Just as in cars, the cruise control locks in a speed. You can set your zero turn mower for 3 acres to a specific speed. Then all you have to do is navigate the machine. You won’t have to worry about speed control as well. This extra is very convenient.
Transmission
All ride mowers for 3 acres will have some type of transmission. There are three types of transmission on riding lawn mowers. These three are manual, automatic, and hydrostatic transmissions.
Manual transmissions are also called gear-driven transmissions. You are responsible for manually shifting the gears in this type of transmission. The clutch is there to help with this process. If you do not like manual transmissions in cars, you should not purchase a riding mower with one.
The second type of transmission will also be familiar. It is an automatic transmission. There are still gears in this transmission type. The mower for 5 acres changes the gears for you. This process works just as it does with a car. Automatic transmission as very easy to run.
The final type of transmission on a mower for 3 acres is hydrostatic. These transmissions use fluid to change engine power. There are no gears or belts involved. Hydrostatic transmission needs the least amount of maintenance. The transmission will also last much longer. The problem with this type of transmission is its high price tag.
Engine power
You need a lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres that are powerful. In addition to cutting deck size, power is a major determiner in how long it takes to mow large yards. A powerful mower can cut grass in 3 acres to 5 acres very quickly.
Engine power can be seen in two different numbers. The first is horsepower (HP). HP works in mowers as it does in other vehicles. The higher the HP number, the more powerful the engine. Most acreage mowers will be in the 10-25 HP area.
The second way you can tell a mower’s power is the cubic centimeters (cc) number. Again, the higher the number, the more powerful the engine. Cubic centimeters measure the piston displacement in the engine. This process can get quite complicated. The best thing for you to do is look for a product with a high cc number. Mowers for 7 acres, like the ones reviewed below, will be between 300-800cc.
Serviceability
The final feature you need to consider is the serviceability of the lawn mower. This is not always a feature that is highly touted by manufacturers. There is not a simple number or word that describes it.
A few things go into a mower’s serviceability. The first is easy access to the engine. The engine is where all of your cutting power comes from. If you can’t access the engine easily, you can’t work on the mower. In most climates, you will be cutting grass from spring to fall. You need to be able to keep your acreage mowers in tip-top shape.
Another serviceability consideration is the materials that make up the mower. You want high-grade steel. The deck and frame should be made of steel. If plastic is used on the mower for 5 acres, it should be in the seat. Any part that moves or cuts should be made of durable, high-quality materials. Lawn mowers for 3 acres to 5 acres are an investment. You want yours with you for many years to come.
Top 10 Best Lawn Mower for 3 Acres to 5 Acres—Comparison table
| Image | Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoiceEditor's Choice Ariens 915223 IKON-X Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #2Our rating: #2 Swisher FC10544BS Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #3Our rating: #3 Swisher RC14544CPKA Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #4Our rating: #4 Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #5Our rating: #5 Ariens Zoom Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #6Our rating: #6 Husqvarna Z242F Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #7Our rating: #7 Husqvarna LTH1738 Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #8Our rating: #8 Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #9Our rating: #9 Swisher FC14560CPKA Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Our rating: #10Our rating: #10 Farmer-Helper Finish Mower FH-FM120 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Top 10 Best Lawn Mower for 3 Acres to 5 Acres 2021—Reviews
1. Ariens 915223 IKON-X Mower
Our number one pick for top lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres is Ariens’ 915223 IKON-X Mower. This is a zero-turn riding mower. It has a gas engine. It is also very heavy, 635 lbs. But, the amazing durability of the mower means that you will not be maintaining it that much.
The deck is 4.5 inches deep. It is made of 10-gauge steel. That is not the highest gauge. It is still more than enough for cutting your large yard. The engine is very powerful as well. It makes 23 HP and has 726cc. That is the most power of any mower acreage mower on this list.
You will especially love the high backed and padded seat. There is even a cup holder. The suspension is good. It provides a smooth ride. For comfort, efficiency, and usability, you can’t beat the Ariens 915223 IKON-X.
2. Swisher FC10544BS Mower
It is hard to choose between riding and pull behind mowers. That is why the Swisher FC10544BS Mower is second on our list. This pull behind mower has its engine. The engine makes 10.5 HP and has 344cc. This is not nearly as powerful as the Ariens.
The FC10544BS doesn’t need to be that powerful. The engine only runs the cutting blades. The cutting deck is 1/8-inch thick. It is a medium-sized 44-inches wide. That grass clippings are discharged from the back of the mower. You can adjust the cutting height from 1.5-inches-4.5-inches. Such variability means that pretty much grass of any height can be cut by this mower.
The tow hitch on the Swisher FC10544BS is heavy-duty. It latches firmly. You know the overall quality of the product is good because it was made in the USA. If you want a great pull behind, medium-sized mower, try the FC10544BS.
3. Swisher RC14544CPKA Mower
Swisher makes wonderful pull behind mowers. Their RC14544CPKA Mower is another great pull behind the product. It also has a 44-inch cutting deck. That medium size is complemented by the powerful motor. There are 14.5 HP and 603cc of power on this mower for 3 acres.
The hitch is a universal articulating. The 2-inch ball coupler has infinite adjustments. The overall hitch and ball system is durable. It will not break away from your tractor. The cutting blades themselves are very heavy-duty. They will cut stems up to three inches in diameter. The RC14544CPKA is great for more than just grass.
You will never struggle to maintain the RC14544CPKA. It has tool-free access to the battery, solenoid, and wiring. You will need to cut taller grass with this pull behind mower. Its height adjustments range from 3-inches-7-inches.
4. Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER Mower
The smallest mower on the list today is the Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER Mower. The deck is 28-inches on this riding lawn mower. This is a rear-engine type of riding mower for 2 acres.
You may wonder why we’ve included such a small mower on our top ten list. The Snapper 2911525BVE is more than its small size. It is better for closer to three acres. But, it includes vertical stand-on-edge capabilities. If you need a mower for 5 acres with hills, this is the one. It will not tip over like larger products.
Another positive of the Snapper 2911525BVE Classic is its storage capabilities. It is small enough to store easily. You will need to know how to use a manual. The 2911525BVE is a 5-speed manual. If you want an easy to maintain and store riding mower, this is for you.
5. Ariens Zoom Mower
Ariens is a manufacturer of very good riding mowers. The Zoom Mower is a medium-sized zero turn product. It has a 34-inch deck. The power output is also in the medium range. It makes 19 HP and has 660cc.
Ariens is known for its zero turn mowers. The Zoom Mower proves why they have that reputation. It is compact and agile. It is recommended for small to medium-sized yards. The Zoom would do very well with a 3-acre yard.
As in all of Ariens’ products, the seat is high-backed and comfortable. The deck is made of high-quality 12-gauge steel. You can easily raise the deck with a foot-operated lift. It doesn’t get more user friendly than the Ariens Zoom.
6. Husqvarna Z242F Mower
Husqvarna is the oldest manufacturer on our list. They have been around since the 17th century. They have not been making lawn equipment all of that time. They began by manufacturing guns and gun parts. They have only been making yard equipment since the beginning of the 20th century.
With such a long history, it is no wonder that all of Husqvarna’s products are great. The Z242F Mower illustrates why. It is a zero turn riding lawn mower. The Z242F has a medium-sized, 42-inch deck. It also makes a medium amount of power, 18 HP.
Husqvarna’s ClearCut deck gives you the best cut on your grass. The grass is discharged much better than other riding mowers. Discharging is important for large yards. You can even choose to have your grass clippings mulched or bagged. You just need to purchase the mulching and bagging attachments.
7. Husqvarna LTH1738 Mower
Such a wonderful brand as Husqvarna had to appear on this list more than once. They don’t just make zero turn riding lawn mowers. The LTH1738 Mower is a lawn tractor. It has a smaller cutting deck than the Z242F. The deck is only 38-inches. The LTH1738 makes 17 HP of power.
Even though it is on the smaller size, the LTH1738 will serve any 3-5 acre yard well. The cutting deck is reinforced. This increases its durability. It also reduces the amount of maintenance needed.
Husqvarna isn’t just about performance. The LTH1738 is designed for your comfort as well. The steering wheel is ergonomic. The seat is not high backed, but it is very well padded. The hydrostatic transmission does not need much maintenance or input from you. Overall, this is a very solid medium-sized mower for 3 acres.
8. Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Mower
We can’t have a list of the top mowers without mentioning Troy-Bilt. This is another brand that is known for their riding mowers. The Super Mustang XP Mower is a great example of a zero turn mower. It has a large, 50-inch deck. The mower is quite large. That size just increases your legroom.
The lap bars are ergonomically designed. They are also easy to use. You will love the high backed seat. There is even a cup holder included.
The gas fuel tank holds three gallons. That is more than enough to cut a large portion of your 3-5 acre yard. You won’t have to make lots of trips back to your garage as you mow. For maneuverability and versatility, you will love the Super Mustang XP by Troy-Bilt.
9. Swisher FC14560CPKA Mower
Swisher’s FC14560CPKA Mower is a very large pull behind mower. It has a 60-inch deck. That is the largest deck of all of the mowers on today’s list. It makes 14.5 HP and has 603cc. The power is not as much as some of the other mowers. But, as a pull behind mower, the FC14560CPKA does not need that much power.
There is a huge amount of height adjustment with this pull behind mower. It adjusts from 1-inch to 5.5-inches. There are engage/disengage controls for the blade. You get to choose when the blade is operating.
The tongue hitch is improved. It will provide strength and durability. There are additional underside baffles as well. Swisher has added every feature you need to get your large yard cut well quickly.
10. Farmer-Helper Finish Mower FH-FM120
The final mower on our top ten list is a pull-behind model. The Farmer-Helper Finish Mower FH-FM120 is specifically made for tractors. Your tractor has to have between 18-45 PTO HP to pull this mower.
The deck is 48-inches. That is more than enough to cut even large yards quickly. The 10-gauge steel deck is durable. The deck has an adjustable cutting height of 1-3 inches. The three-point free-float hitch is also durable and strong. You will not have to worry about this pull behind mower falling off the ball.
The four rubber caster wheels are large enough to provide support. They are 3 x 8 inches big. Such strong and sturdy wheels improve the cut of the mower. It can go over rough terrain without any trouble.
FAQ:
Before you go, there are a few more things you need to learn about lawn mowers for 3 acres to 5 acres.
- Pull behind vs. riding lawn mower.
We mentioned in the buyer’s guide that there are two main types of acreage mowers. The first is the pull behind. The second is the riding lawn mower. Which one should you choose?
The answer is really up to you. Each type of mower comes with its pros and cons. Let’s look at a few of the most important in more depth.
Pull behind mowers require another piece of equipment. You have to pull them behind something. That means that you must have a tractor or four-wheeler already. A positive of this requirement is that you won’t have multiple vehicles. You also will get done mowing very quickly.
A negative of the pull behind mower is that it does just one thing. They have large decks. They are, therefore, fairly hard to store unless you have a large outbuilding. Choose a pull behind mower if you already have a tractor or all-terrain vehicle on your property. People with large acreage should also consider this type of mower.
The riding lawn mower comes in three main types. Those are described in detail in the buyer’s guide above. Riding lawn tractors are great for being multi-purpose. Zero-turn mowers for 5 acres are the fastest cutter out there. Rear engine mowers store very easily.
Riding lawn mowers for 2 acres tend to be the same price as a pull behind mower. Depending on the product you purchase, you may get much more for your money. However, not all riding mowers do anything but mow the grass. They are also not always great with rough terrain.
You can use a riding lawn mower for yards of any size. Just be prepared to store them. They will also use much more gas. If you don’t want multiple vehicles on your property, do not purchase a riding mower.
- Gas vs. electric mowers for large yards.
One aspect of lawn mowers that we haven’t yet covered is the fuel. You can find both gas and electric mowers. Electric mowers come in both corded and cordless varieties. Only the push behind mowers tends to be corded. Some riding lawn mowers are cordless. They run on battery power.
You will notice that all of the products reviewed above use gas. There is a reason for this. Gas mowers for 20 acres work better. The batteries on battery-powered riding mowers do not last long. You will not be able to cut an entire large yard. Unless you want to split up your mowing time, you should go with a gas mower.
- How long does it take to mow large yards?
The time mowing large yards will take depends on the power and deck size of your mower. Deck size is especially important. Let’s look at how long it will take to mow an acre with different deck sizes.
Small deck: About 2 hours
Medium deck: About 1 hour
Large deck: About 45 minutes
Push mower: From 2-5 hours
As you can see, there is a big difference in the time spent mowing with different deck sizes. There is a jump of an hour from small to large decks. Surprisingly, there is only a fifteen minutes difference between medium and large decks. That’s important for the buyer. Those on a budget can purchase a less-expensive medium-sized mower without having to spend that much more time cutting their yard.
You can also see the huge difference between the larger pull behind and riding lawn mowers and a push mower. Depending on the size of the push mower it could take two to five hours to cut an acre. Cutting a three-acre yard would then require sic to fifteen hours. That is way too much time for anyone to spending cutting grass. This is why we recommend only pull behind and riding lawn mowers.
- How to determine cutting deck height.
You need to cut your grass using the correct deck height. If you don’t, you can kill your grass. Cutting grass too short also makes it look less attractive. To keep your grass healthy, you need to determine the cutting deck height.
Often mowers have variable cutting heights. You can determine your height range by looking in your user’s manual. You can also determine the height of your mower by measuring from the wheels to the base of the blade housing. The blades are above the housing slightly. This process will give you a good idea of the general height of your deck.
Then measure the height of the grass in a small patch of your yard. The bottom of the ruler should touch the ground. You should not cut more than 1/3 of the height off the grass. So, if your grass is three inches tall, only cut an inch off the top. You will need to adjust the height of your cutting deck.
Begin cutting in an out-of-the-way location. If you’ve got the height wrong, it won’t show as much there.
- Mowers and maintenance.
Different types of mowers have different care requirements. For example, electric mowers do not require engine maintenance. You will be using a gas mower. You can, therefore, expect some maintenance requirements.
You may need to change the oil, spark plugs, and change filters in gas mowers. Gas will also, obviously, need to be topped off. Most of this work is easy to learn. Your user’s manual will tell you how to perform this maintenance.
Riding lawn mowers for 2 acres typically require more work than pull behind mowers. There are more parts on a riding mower. You can always take these machines to a professional. In that case, you will need a trailer to move them off your property. You could also learn to perform a yearly maintenance check yourself. This involves examining the tires, engine, transmission, and suspension.
Conclusion
If you have a large yard you need the best lawn mower for 3 acres to 5 acres. These will be expensive pieces of equipment. But they are more than worth their price. They are durable and sturdy. They will cut your large yard quickly. They may also even be multi-functional.
Use our buyer’s guide to choose the acreage mower that works for your yard. Then look through the ten products we’ve reviewed. They represent a variety of sizes and price-points. Any will cut your 3-5 acre property well. Choose one, and you will immediately see the difference.
Sarah Eberle qualified and became a member of the Landscape Institute in 1980. Over the last 26 years she has practised landscape architecture and garden design, running her own business in Devon.
During the 1990s, Sarah joined Hillier Landscapes as Design Director, where she is still a shareholder but also runs her own practice in Hampshire.
Sarah has an esteemed record in RHS shows, having won eight Gold medals, Best in Show and the George Cook award for innovation twice at Hampton Court. Sarah has also exhibited at Tatton Park and BBC Gardeners’ World Live.