The prices here are on the lower end of what can be found as more expensive units get larger, more powerful and better built. What we wanted to compare were three solid, entry-level riding mowers with various features in a similar price range.

Every riding mower in this review will give your lawn a well manicured look, but things to think about are how large your yard is (The bigger the cutting deck, the less time it takes to mow) and the terrain of your yard (Yards with lots of hills need bigger engines.

The MTD is a no frills riding mower suitable for a medium to large property, probably residential. The construction on the MTD is above average with attention paid to panels and seams. At the heart is a Briggs and Straton. Standard fare. A solid machine for the price.

The riding mower by Ariens steps up $250 and becomes more of a touring sedan. The Ariens model is ideal for lawns to fields and from large to multi-acre plots, a few reasons why; cruise control, Hydrostatic transmission with a pedal accelerator, vibration balancing and more. Construction is very solid and a well placed Kohler Courage engine drives you easily across your day.

Lasty the John Deere, a favorite by many in the US, does not disappoint with this competitive entry. John Deere's entry is business end machine with its custom built Briggs and Stratton powerplant and new simple hook-up for adding attachments or accessories. And the kicker is that you can do it without tools for removal or installation.

Keeping with the efficiency, you can also convert the mower deck from side-discharge to mulching or even bagging with no tools or mower-blade adjustments.

John Deere goes the last extra step for customers who order online from authorized dealers by having the local John Deere dealer deliver the mower, teach the customer how to use the mower and where to get any future maintenance done.