Best Reviewed
Lawn Tractors
- Best lawn tractor overall John Deere X304 *Est. $3600
- Best light-duty lawn tractor John Deere D110 *Est. $1600
- Best riding mower Weed Eater One *Est. $700
- Best zero-turn mower Snapper 150Z ZT2142 *Est. $2600
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Best riding mower
- Electric start
- Narrow
- Good cutting performance
- Only for small, flat lawns
- Not for slopes or heavy riders
- No hitch
- Wide turning radius
- Complaints about quality, durability
The budget-priced 26-inch Weed Eater One riding mower (earlier called the We-One), is just a step up from a walk-behind mower. However, reviewers say it can be a good solution for small, flat and smooth lawns -- especially if handicaps prevent a user from walking behind a self-propelled mower. This miniature riding mower, powered by a 190 cc engine, is just over 31 inches in width, so it fits through garden gates; it's also easy to store and transport. A twin bagger (*Est. $200) and mulching blade (*Est. $42) are available as extra options.
Comparison tests in 2010 show that the Weed Eater One cuts as evenly as the best lawn tractors, but that it isn't as easy to handle. Steering earns mixed reviews from owners, and this riding mower isn't recommended for slopes. Some owners love this riding mower, but we found many complaints about poor quality control and durability, and difficulty getting parts and repairs. Note that the manufacturer lists six model numbers; only three are CARB-certified to meet the lowest emissions standards.
We found the best review of the Weed Eater One riding mower at ConsumerReports.org, where it's ranked and rated in comparison with 51 other lawn tractors and riding mowers, based on thorough objective mowing and handling tests. Paul Sikemma's 2010 review and 2011 update at TodaysMower.com provide more detail, highlighting the pros and cons well. We also found useful owner-written reviews and ratings at Walmart.com, HomeDepot.com, Amazon.com and Sears.com.
| Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc Briggs & Stratton 875 Series Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower With Electric Start | |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
This review compares the Weed Eater One riding mower with only two other rear-engine riding mowers, but the ratings and overall score compare it with 51 other lawn tractors and riding mowers. Ratings and rankings are based on weeks of objective mowing tests.
Review: Tractors and Riders, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, May 2011
This blog article, available even to non-subscribers of ConsumerReports.org, explains why editors don't recommend the Weed Eater One -- based on issues of handling, performance and durability. Editors do note that this mower's performance in side-discharging mode is good.
Review: Why Rear-Engine Mowers Aren't Front Runners in Our Tests, Gian Trotta, April 13, 2011
This review by a landscape professional praises the Weed Eater One for its build quality and electric start, concluding that it's a good choice for small, flat and even well-kept lawns -- but not for heavy riders, slopes or grass that gets too tall or tough. Videos demonstrate it in use.
Review: Weedeater 190cc 26" Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower Review, Paul Sikemma, Feb. 2011
4. Walmart.com
Over 80 owners rate and review the Weed Eater One riding mower here, giving it a high average rating. Most owners praise it, but about 20 percent say they wouldn't recommend it. Some owners complain of units that were faulty or assembled incorrectly, plus difficulty getting parts and repairs. Others simply had unrealistic expectations, reporting that the Weed Eater One won't climb a 10 percent slope or that the small wheels can get stuck if the lawn is too bumpy.
Review: Weed Eater One WE261 Riding Lawn Mower -- Not for Sale in CA, Contributors to Walmart.com
5. HomeDepot.com
Most of the 80 or so owners reviewing the Weed Eater One riding mower here are pleased with it, noting very responsive steering, but some report problems, especially with the steering and starter.
Review: Weed Eater 26 in. Briggs & Stratton 190 CC, 3-Speed Rear-Engine Gear Drive Riding Mower, Contributors to HomeDepot.com
6. Amazon.com
About 60 owners rate and review the Weed Eater One here, giving it quite mixed reviews; some love it, but only about 65 percent are really happy with it. Some got a real lemon; others report various problems, especially with steering. The main overall complaint is poor build quality and durability.
Review: Weed Eater We-One 26-Inch 190cc Briggs & Stratton 875 Series Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower, Contributors to Amazon.com
7. Sears.com
Only a little over half the two dozen owners reviewing the Weed Eater One mower here would recommend it. Some owners praise the small size, easy starting and handling, while others complain of steering problems, low power and inability to handle slopes.
Review: Weedeater 190cc 26'' Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower, Contributors to Sears.com
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