Looking for the best ride on tractor mowers under £2000? Here are the top 5 budget-friendly garden tractors that deliver solid performance without draining your wallet. Realistic expectations, honest insights, and witty advice included.
Top 5 Ride on Tractor Mowers Under £2000
Big lawns meet small budgets: If you've ever looked out at your garden and thought, "I need a mower I can sit on," but your bank account has responded with a loud, mocking laugh, then welcome - you're among friends. Ride-on tractor mowers under £2000 are a rare breed, living in that magical intersection between affordable and actually decent. They're not flashy, they're not perfect, and they definitely won't make your lawn look like Wimbledon. But they will get the job done, save your legs, and make mowing feel a whole lot more like driving a tiny, very polite tractor. Before we dive in, a sprinkle of realism…
Realistic Expectations Under £2000
Let's get this out of the way: at this price, you are not getting cruise control, power steering, or a mower that can whisper sweet nothings as it glides across your lawn. Instead, you get solid engines, smaller cutting decks, mechanical transmissions, and enough comfort to keep your spine intact-nothing more, nothing less.
These are entry-level workhorses for domestic lawns, not industrial meadows. They will cut grass beautifully, but don't expect them to pull tree stumps, tow caravans, or survive a season of commercial mowing abuse.
Limited Options, But Best 5 on the Market
Ride on mower prices have risen over the past couple of years, and the under-£2000 class has shrunk faster than the lawn in front of a 500cc twin-blade cutting deck. But after digging, checking specs, checking prices, and checking whether the manufacturers still exist, we’ve found the five best models currently offering genuine value.
They're not all perfect, but they're the best you can buy at this price without venturing into the wild world of second-hand machines that "just need a new carburettor" (translation: requires full resurrection).
Limitations to Know
Expect cutting widths between average 60–85 cm, mostly manual gearboxes, basic comfort features, and engines that are reliable but not particularly powerful. These machines shine in small to medium gardens, gentle slopes, and regular weekly cuts. If your grass grows at a rate that suggests it’s plotting to take over the house, you may need to mow more frequently or step up a price class.
But if you want a reliable ride on mower which won't empty your savings account, then these five really are the best options available new and under £2000.
Best Ride on Tractor Mowers Under £2000
#1, Cobra LT86MRL 86cm 34″ Manual Rear Collect Garden Tractor
The budget workhorse with surprising manners. If you want a no-nonsense, reliable garden tractor that isn't going to throw a tantrum halfway across the lawn, the Cobra LT86MRL deserves a seat at the top of your shortlist. Powered by a solid 352cc Loncin OHV engine, this machine is built for British gardens, British grass, and British weather moods. It has enough grunt to deal with tough patches without feeling like it is gasping for air, while the electric key start keeps things pleasantly civilised-no ropes to yank, no sweating before you even begin.
The 34-inch twin-bladed deck is really impressive for the price, cutting cleanly and collecting well, to leave your lawn looking like you actually planned to mow it this week. The 245-litre grass collector is one of the largest in this price bracket, meaning fewer stops and fewer opportunities to question your life choices. This is partnered with a seven-stage cutting height system, from 25mm to 80mm, giving a good amount of flexibility whether you're after a bowling green or a jungle trim.
Handling is better than you'd expect for a budget mower. A 45cm turning radius makes weaving around borders and trees surprisingly easy, and the manual gearbox - 4 forward gears, 1 reverse - keeps the machine predictable and easy to operate. Add in the mulch plug and tow hitch, and you get a tractor that can both cut grass and moonlight as a tiny garden utility vehicle.
It's not luxurious, it's not fast and it's most definitely not a show-off, but the Cobra LT86MRL is one of the best-value machines you can buy for under £2000. A very solid, very dependable option that punches well above its price.
#2, Mountfield 1330M Ride on Tractor Lawn Mower
Compact, powerful, and surprisingly posh for the price. The Mountfield 1330M is one of those machines that has you double-checking the price tag, as it feels like it should be sitting in a higher class. Fitted with a punchy 414cc STIGA engine, this mower starts easily, runs smoothly, and has enough oomph to power through up to one and a half acres without breaking a sweat. The compact body is a huge bonus for anyone with narrow garden gates or winding pathways. If you can squeeze a wheelbarrow through it, the Mountfield can probably follow.
But the real star of the show here is the twin-bladed cutting system. These contra-rotating blades work together to move clippings efficiently through the centre discharge chute and straight into the 200 litre collector. In plain English, it picks up grass brilliantly - even when conditions are less than ideal. You also get seven cutting heights from 25mm to 80mm, so you decide whether your lawn looks clipped, respectable or simply less embarrassing.
The gearbox has five forward gears and reverse, making it a breeze to set a comfortable pace that feels steady and safe. Surprisingly light to handle, the 180cm turning circle helps around obstacles or trying not to mow your flowerbeds for a third week running.
One of the Mountfield’s secret weapons is convenience. It includes headlights, a washing link for the deck, a mulching plug, a tow hitch, a parking brake, and even a “bag full” alarm that politely says, “You’re done now, please empty me.” It is robust, well built and covered by Mountfield’s 5 year domestic warranty assuming you follow their maintenance terms.
Overall, the Mountfield 1330M offers a great combination of power, features and manoeuvrability. It is compact without feeling basic, powerful without feeling heavy, and with enough extra features to make mowing feel a little bit enjoyable. A brilliant option under £2000 and one of the best all-rounders in this price range.
#3, Stiga Estate 384M Lawn Tractor Mower
Compact, capable, and a bit posher than its size suggests. If the Cobra is the dependable workhorse and the Mountfield is the neat, well-behaved neighbour, the STIGA Estate 384M is the quiet overachiever who slips through a 36 inch garden gate and then casually maintains a 3200m² lawn like it’s no big deal. This machine is built around STIGA’s 414cc ST 400 engine, which provides surprisingly strong performance for a compact tractor. It is small enough to weave around tight areas, yet powerful enough to handle larger lawns without feeling underpowered.
The twin contra rotating blades deliver a clean, even finish and a noticeably efficient collection via the centre rear discharge system. At 84cm wide with seven preset height settings - 25–80mm - it manages both short trims and longer growth with ease. The 200 litre collector comes with a handy fill alarm, saving you from the universal garden tragedy of "Why has the mower stopped picking up? Oh. Right."
The ergonomics are similarly impressive given the price: high back adjustable seat, blade engagement controlled by a simple dashboard switch, and an engine safety cut off make it user-friendly and secure. A washing link on the deck means that you can keep things clean without contorting yourself under the machine like some kind of circus performer.
Although the mulching plug is optional, STIGA's mulching capability is genuinely excellent and ideal for regular mowing. The added tow hitch expands its usefulness, letting you pull accessories and pretend you own a miniature farm. Covered by a 5-year manufacturer warranty, the Estate 384M is a great all-rounder that balances power, size, and quality beautifully. If you want premium features without the premium footprint or price, this one is an excellent pick.
#4, Atco GT38MR *Special Edition* Side-Discharge Garden Tractor
The "limited edition" tractor that feels like it should cost more. The ATCO GT38MR Special Edition is a bit of a showpiece in this price range. ATCO teamed up with Just Lawnmowers to create a limited edition side discharge tractor that is big, bold, and packed with features that normally belong on machines much further up the price ladder. With a reliable and impressively smooth 432cc STIGA ST 450 engine, this tractor is built to work hard, run cleanly, and stay quiet enough that the neighbours won't glare at you through the hedges.
The twin blade 98cm cutting deck gives you a wide, efficient cut - ideal for lawns up to 1.5 acres. And because this is a dedicated mulching and side discharge tractor, everything's geared toward fast, efficient mowing without the hassle of collecting. It returns clippings to the lawn as a natural fertiliser, saves you money on fertiliser and time emptying bags. If the grass is too long for mulching, simply switch to side discharge and power through at speed.
Despite its size, the GT38MR is still a nippy machine due to its compact frame and small turning circle. The manual gearbox is smooth and predictable-5 forward, 1 reverse-and the top speed of about 9.7 km/h means you get where you're going in pretty good time. It comes fully loaded with electric key start, headlights, parking brake, tow hitch, washing link, mulch kit, and battery charger-an unusually generous bundle for this price range.
The build quality is classic ATCO, meaning strong steel, reliable components and a design that feels robust enough to face years of use. It does not have a bulky collector, which saves storage space and keeps the profile compact. Backed by a 5-year warranty and the reliability of a century-old brand, the GT38MR is easily one of the best value "premium feeling" tractors available under £2000.
#5, Harry RM66H 66cm Hydrostatic Ride-On Mower
Small, mighty, and surprisingly capable for the price. The Harry RM66H is the perfect example of why you should never underestimate the underdog. It is technically a garden rider rather than a full garden tractor, but make no mistake-this plucky little machine earns its place in the top five. Designed for smaller to medium lawns, it brings features that some larger machines forget to include, all while staying comfortably under the £2000 mark.
Powered by a punchy 224cc Loncin engine producing 7.5 horsepower, the RM66H feels lively and responsive. The electric key start removes the faff, while the hydrostatic transmission provides silky smooth speed control. No gears, no jerking, no drama-just push the pedal and glide. This makes it a joy for weaving in and out around flowerbeds, tight corners, and any gardens containing just too many "artistic design features" to mow around.
The 3-in-1 cutting system helps make the compact-sized RM66H a very versatile machine. You can collect, mulch, or side discharge depending on the weather, the season, or how much you are willing to admit that the grass has gotten out of hand. The 150-litre collector is generous for a machine this small, and the included mulch plug and deflector mean there are no hidden add-ons to buy.
The 66cm cutting deck is adjustable through six height settings from 30–75mm, controlled from the driver’s seat. You even get a wash port, so you can clean the deck without crawling underneath, like a mechanic working on a tiny racing car. Plus, the mow-in-reverse function is brilliant for anyone whose garden layout is more “creative chaos” than perfect symmetry.
The Harry RM66H comes with a tow hook, is easy to handle, has low running costs, and has 2 years of domestic warranty. This is an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget looking for a good ride on without bells and whistles they do not need.
Conclusion
The five best ride-on mowers under £2000, and what to realistically expect. Finding a ride-on mower under £2000 is a bit like shopping in a well organised clearance sale. There are gems, there are compromises, and occasionally there is something so unexpectedly good that you question whether the label is correct. This guide has gathered the five best-value machines available at the time of review, all of which prove that you do not need a £4000 tractor to keep your lawn under control.
Some Limitations
Yes, there are limitations. No, these machines won’t plough fields, climb mountains or single-handedly tame a wild meadow. But they will cut your lawn efficiently, reliably and with far less effort than a push mower. Under £2000 you can realistically expect…
- Good engines, not premium ones
- Manual or basic hydrostatic transmissions
- Solid performance on flat to moderately uneven ground
- Cutting decks from 66 to 98cm
- Either collection, mulching, or side discharge, and if you're lucky, all three
- Combination of tractors and compact “garden riders” that suit smaller spaces
- Good value and practical, easy to maintain
- A few quirks, but nothing that should ruin your summer
Final Word
Overall, the five models reviewed here strike the best balance of price, performance, and features you can get in this budget range. Whether you need compact agility, wide cutting decks, mulching efficiency, or traditional grass collecting, there's an option here that will happily take the weekend mowing burden off your shoulders.
In short: these machines may not come with prestige-level price tags, but they absolutely get the job done, and many do it with a surprising amount of style and capability. For under £2000, this is as good as ride on mowing gets, and any of the five choices above will make your lawn-and your back-much happier.
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