Last Updated on April 18, 2022 by Grow with Bovees
Be assured, you’re not the only one that doesn’t relish the idea of lawn mower maintenance.
But considering the work that you ask of your lawn mower, for at least six months of the year, it’s not unreasonable to expect to have to at least give your lawn mower a decent service once a year if you expect your lawn mower to perform in tip-top working order.
If you’re lucky enough to have a decent sized lawn, then chances are you have a decent sized lawn mower too, possibly even a riding lawn mower.
Trouble is, flipping a couple of hundred pounds of dead-weight riding lawn mower to check what’s going on underneath, is nigh on impossible, and raising the front end of a riding lawn mower on a standard set of car ramps or concrete blocks isn’t even high enough for a comfortable quick look.
THAT’S why you need a lawn mower lift! — But…Which Are The Best Lawn Mower Lifts?
Being a bunch of lawn lovers (and not keen on forking out hard-earned dollars to riding mower repair workshops…) The Bovees Tech Team have embarked on a mission to find the best lawn mower lifts for handling, not only the basic maintenance on a residential riding lawn mower such as; blade sharpening, blade balancing and grass & debris removal, but also more involved tasks like changing the hydraulic fluid & filter on the hydraulic steering system of zero turn mowers.
You’ll find their full reports further down this article, but in the meantime, if you’re..
In a Hurry?
…..then here’s their top picks of the best lawn mower lifts… at a glance.
# 1 The Bovees Best Overall of The Best Lawn Mower Lifts
If you’re looking for the best lawn mower lift for the heaviest riding lawn mower, then we recommend , the MoJack MJPRO. It can tackle riding mowers weighing up to 750 pounds/third of a tonne and riding mowers with a wheel span up to 62 inches. This is ideal for commercial zero turn mowers.
# 2 The Bovees Best For Residential Use
If you have a standard lawn mower or one of the smaller riding lawn mowers, then you may not need this much capacity, in which case The Mojack HDL500 mower lift will probably be enough for your lawn mowers needs and is certainly a top performing mower lift.
# 3 The Bovees Best Budget Model
If budget is your main concern — then the Pro-Lift T-5335A will best suit your lawn mower lift needs. In addition to its price point, it sits perfectly in the middle of specs related to the best lawn mower lifts.
It can lift a virtually every lawn mower weighing up to 350 pounds (0.16 t), and itself weighs only 55 pounds (24.95 kg), so is certainly capable of helping you keep a decent sized riding lawn mower up to scratch in terms of residential riding mower maintenance.
The Best Lawn Mower Lifts Reviews – IN DETAIL
MoJack MJPRO 750-Pound Lift—Bovees Best Overall
As well as being the Bovees Best Overall Mower lift, the Mojack MJPRO is also the Bovees Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Lift and, be assured, this durable product can handle a beast!
While the average mower lift on the market is capable of lifting 500 pounds (0.23 ton), the MoJack MJPRO 750 can grapple with zero turn mowers weighing 50 % more than that, in fact zero turn mowers weighing a whopping 750 pounds – that’s a third of a ton! (or 0.34 to be precise)
Not only is the weight lifting capacity exceptional, but the MJPRO 750 can raise riding mowers of that weight, up to 25 inches off the ground, which is ample room for working comfortably underneath most lawn tractors, zero turn mowers and smaller riding riding lawn mowers, even when working on a creeper trolley.
It has an adjustable wheel span capacity which can even handle a wider wheel-based lawn tractor or riding mower — in fact any wheel span of lawn mowers from 31.5 inches up to 62 inches (1.57 m).
MoJack have gone all out on mower lift features from a safety aspect, with this particular model of riding mower lift.
The lifting structure consists of a self-braking winch which can be easily operated with a power drill or if you don’t have one to hand then it comes with a straight forward hand lever to which you just need to add a little elbow grease.
The ratcheting safety lock means that there is no chance of the lawn mower slipping or becoming unstable.
It’s easy to perform maintenance chores such as; sharpening the blades, replacing belts, general greasing & caught-up debris removal, can be carried out safely.
Even spreading out the chores through the course of a day isn’t an issue because the winch mechanism makes it so quick and easy to use, likewise if you have more than one mower to work on.
To set off its 750-pound lifting capacity, the unit itself weighs over 100 pounds. This means a little bit of extra effort during the initial setup, but once it’s assembled, the rugged, all-terrain wheels allow for easy movability.
As with other models, you can opt to turn its crank by hand or by power drill. Since you can lift even more weight with this model, it is important to use a high-quality drill to complete this task.
For storage, it not only folds flat for easy & compact storage, but also comes apart easily into separate pieces that you can then hang on a wall.
So long as you register the Mojack within 30 days of purchase, you qualify for Two Years of Warranty for residential use (or One Year of Warranty for Commercial use.)
You can also purchase an attachable workbench which converts the lift into a handy sturdy worktop to use for smaller projects and to perform maintenance on push mowers and other equipment.
Amazon customers are suitably impressed with this piece of kit, giving it a 4.5 stars out of a possible 5, with 599 ratings at the time of writing.
This model is a good solid workhorse, so if you have a serious, professional zero-turn mower, then this is definitely the best lift for you.
A worthy King of Lawn Mower Lifts!
Pros
- Lift capacity 750 pounds = a third of a tonne!
- Lifts to a max height of 25 inches – higher than a standard mower jack
- Fits any wheel span from 31.5 inches up to 62 inches (1.57 m) – the widest wheel span on the market
- Fits virtually every lawn tractor or riding mower – good investment for future potential upgrades
- Self-braking winch mechanism – for EXTRA SAFETY
- Ratcheting safety lock – for EXTRA SAFETY
- Folds down to a compact storage height of 6 inches – easy to tuck away underneath a workbench
- Dismantles into separate pieces – easy wall storage
- Heavy and solid construction using durable materials
- Workbench attachment available – handy work station for smaller mowers & other jobs
- Two Year (Residential use) Warranty and One Year (Commercial use) warranty – for extra peace of mind
- Amazon rating 4.5 out of 5 stars (600 reviews)
Cons
- Reports of bolts sticking – easily remedied with Kano Kroil!
- Weighs 119 lbs
MoJack XT Residential Riding Lawn Mower Lift
Though it is small, the Mojack XT is pretty mighty — a wide base allows this model to lift over 500 pounds of lawn mower. Not quite as much as it’s big brother the MJPRO but still enough for most models of residential riding lawn mower and smaller lawn tractors.
The lifting structure of this lawn mower jack lift is different to that of our #1 Option, the MJPRO, and instead of a self-breaking winch, it consists of a bronze nut which rides up and down along the lift screw to pick up your lawn mower and take it down.
Since this lawn mower lift is operated by hand, there’s no hydraulic fluid or anything that could leak out. Remember your Dad ranting about the hydraulic car jack staining his prized garage floor? Not an issue with this lawn mower lift, another reason why it could be the lawn mower lift for you.
If you have issues with your hands then, as with the MJPRO, there is also the option of attaching a high-powered drill to the crank which makes it easier.
N.B. an everyday household drill may not be powerful enough, depending on the weight of your mower.
The length of the crank handle is adjustable to allow for mowers that have a large hood or brush guards.
The black finish and steel wheels make it a practical winner for us — a worthy piece of kit for any decent ‘Man Cave’ and definitely one of the best lawn mower jacks on the market!
Pros
- Lifts most riding mower or lawn tractors on the market
- 25 inch lifting height — a comfortable space to work under even on a creeper trolley
- Option to raise by connecting a drill — saves on exertion
- Screw jack & safety-lock pin system — for EXTRA SAFETY
- Adjustable Wheel pads & support rods — for EXTRA SAFETY
- Adjustable crank handle length
- Workbench attachment available — multi functional use
- No hydraulics to leak or maintain
- Folds flat for easy & compact storage
Cons
- Reports that it is not good for uneven areas — perfectly fine on a standard concrete garage floor
- Reports that threaded rods can come out if not installed correctly — reading the instruction manual properly negates this!
- Weighs 99 lbs
MoJack HDL 500 Multi-Level Lawn Mower Lift—Bovees Best Residential/General Use
The MoJack HDL 500 is the first hydraulic lawn mower lift on our list.
It is also the best mower lift in terms of maneuverability, as it features robust wheels, larger than either the Mojack XT or the Mojack MJPRO which allow you to move this lift around the shop or garage with ease but also means it’s the only unit on this list that can handle uneven terrain easily.
While you never want to use a lift or jack while it’s unbalanced, you sometimes want to be able to get the lift out across rough terrain to fix a mower. This model enables you to carry out ‘on the job’ emergency maintenance/repairs without too much of a struggle.
The HDL 500 is middle of the line in all of its other features.
Weighing in at 69 pounds (31.75 kg), it isn’t too heavy or too light, which makes it easier to move around the garage.
It can cope with supporting 500 pounds (0.23t) of heavy lawnmower, and can be folded down flat when not in use.
The static wheel brackets suit wheel spans from 18.5” — 47.5” and has adjustable straps for keeping the wheels securely in place.
As mentioned above, the HDL 500 is a hydraulic lawn mower lift whereby the lifting structure itself consists of a hydraulic bottle jack which is quick and easy to use and there is a locking bar which acts as an automatic safety mechanism.
The jack part of the hydraulic lift is also available to order as a spare part from MoJack.
At the higher end of lift height, the HDL 500 can reach a maximum of 26 inches (0.66 m), which is plenty to get underneath and do your maintenance. The only downside (if you can call it that) is that the lifting mechanism only locks in 3 heights — 18, 21, and 26 inches, instead of any height you wish.
When you want to lower the mower, the hydraulic cylinder has a slow descent action that prevents jolts and jerks that could damage the axles of the mower.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- 500 lbs lift capacity
- Hydraulic pump lift system – with slow descent for smooth lowering
- Maximum lift height of 26”
- Accommodates wheel spans from 18.5” – 47.5”
- Foldable for easy storage in a tight space
- Large wheels for simple maneuverability even over rough ground
- Lightweight 69 lbs
Cons
- Non-adjustable wheel baskets – but security is provided in the form of adjustable straps.
Pro-Lift T-5305 Lawn Mower Lift
With a good solid construction, despite it’s very competitive price, the T 5305 lawn mower lift by Pro-Lift is extremely sturdy. So don’t let the lower price point fool you — this high quality product can lift up to 500 pounds (0.23 t) of heavy duty lawn tractor!
The wheel baskets on the T 5305 lawn mower lift are very substantial and come with a rubber coating to prevent the mower sliding around causing instability and also potential damage to the wheels. Since the baskets are pretty generous, it can accommodate reasonably wide set models of mower, including some commercial riding mowers — up to 42.5 inches (1.08 m).
There is also an additional safety bar for double protection against slipping and to give extra support to the wheel.
Since this is a hydraulic model, it glides up and down with ease. It uses a metal foot pedal instead of a rubber one, so be careful not to slip while applying pressure on it. A few pumps, and you’ll be in business.
This lift also has a handle for convenient maneuvering into place. The locking mechanisms are strong and keep the lift in place while you work underneath it. The one downside is the smaller wheels, which can make it harder to initially pilot into place under your mower.
Pros
- Solid steel construction materials.
- Rubber-padded platform prevents scratching.
- Hydraulic system for easy lifting.
Cons
- Extra Small wheels can make it difficult to maneuver.
Pro-Lift T-5355A 550-Pound Capacity Lawn Mower Lift
Pro-Lift is a trusted company and leading distributor of hydraulic lifts, who have been making gardening equipment for over 40 years.
It can be difficult to know who you should put your faith in when you’re lying underneath a ton of suspended lawn mower, but not in this instance.
The T-5355A 550 model is quite similar to its 350-pound capacity smaller brother model, but with key differences.
The main feature difference is weight capacity. Able to handle 550 pounds (0.25 t), it’s surprisingly lighter than other models— weighing in at 70 pounds (31.75 kg).
This lets you move the lift more easily while still being able to work on heavier models of lawnmowers without worrying that it’s stable enough for support.
The wheel baskets for this model are adjustable and can slide to accommodate a range of machines. If you’re looking to service a variety of machines with varying wheel widths, then this could be the right lift for you.
The lifting height is the only thing slightly lacking with this mower lift, as it can only lift lawn mowers a maximum of 23 inches (0.58 m) off the ground. However, this is still quite sufficient for the average person to do most routine maintenance on their mower.
The safety lock ensures that the equipment won’t slip or collapse while you’re working underneath. It’s always recommended to check and retighten the safety locks before using, of course. All the parts come unassembled, so you’ll need to put this puzzle together yourself. It’s fairly simple to manage if you have a few simple tools, like an adjustable wrench.
Folding flat, however, isn’t its strong point. While it does collapse, the bottle jack tends to stick out of the assembly when collapsed, which can prevent you from storing it conveniently.
Pros
- Safety lock for peace of mind.
- Rubberized foot activated pump to prevent slippage.
- Foot pump is easy to use.
- Simple assembly.
Cons
- Doesn’t fold entirely flat for storage.
- Larger wheels don’t fit into the baskets.
Pro-Lift T-5335A 350-Pound Capacity Lawn Mower Lift— Bovees Best Budget
If you’re looking for a simple low cost model of lawn mower lift to tackle a smaller lawn mower, the Pro-LifT T-5335A is perfect.
It can handle up to 350 pounds (159 kg), which is lower than comparable models but still great for everyday equipment.
If you’re servicing a much larger machine, we recommend going for a more robust unit, like the Pro-Lift T-5355A or our #1 pick the Mojack MJPRO 750.
The T 5335A lawn mower lift uses a rubberized foot pump to raise and lower the front end, which allows you to choose the height at your convenience. Also, the locking levers are easy to use and can hold the mower in place securely.
At only 55 pounds (24.95 kg), this is one of the lightest which makes it easily maneuverable around your workshop. Some users report that the hydraulic fluid can become disturbed during shipping, so make sure to test it before lifting the lawn mower.
While this is the most affordable on our list, it still labors like a more expensive model. Since it lifts a lower weight capacity, this is perfect for home machines like the Honda HRX Mower or .
Pros
- Easy to lower and raise
- Lightweight to maneuver into place
- Secure locking levers
- Maximum Height of lift 23 inches
- Compatible wheel span 40.75”- 49.4”
- Folds easily
Cons
- Need extra tools to assemble and customize
- Bulkier than others when storing
Lawn Mower Jack vs Lawn Mower Lift Jack
Should we call it a lawn mower jack or a lawn mower lift?
Well, I suppose you could call it either.
Some models are very similar to a jack and even have a bottle jack incorporated into them as the lifting mechanism, while others are definitely a lift.
So, on that basis, we’ll call them by either name and not get too worked up about the exact terminology, just be happy that they are an excellent product, and will make our lives much easier!
Buyer’s Guide for Lawn Mower Lifts
If you’re investing in a lawnmower lift for your home or business, it’s important to purchase a unit that suits your own personal needs.
Not only in terms of; necessary lift capacity so that the lift your purchase can easily lift your mower securely, but also in terms of whether you just want to carry out a bit of quick routine maintenance or whether you want to change the blades or other more ambitious tasks.
For that reason The Bovees Tech Team have put together the following list of tips and hints for you to consider before making the final decision on which of the many lawn mower lifts available on the market, is the ideal lawn mower lift for you.
- Lifting Capacity
- Lifting mechanisms
- Product Weight
- Wheel Span accommodation
- Wheel baskets
- Wheel Basket Straps
- Lifting height.
- Storage.
Lifting Capacity
The biggest question is—literally— what size of lawn mower do you have? A small, gas powered used push lawn mower or a rear-engine model won’t weigh as much as most residential tractors, riding lawn tractors or a ztr mower (zero-turn model).
You’ll want to know the weight of your machine and compare the lift manufacturers recommended weight capacity.
The lifting mechanism of a lawn mower lift is designed to raise only the front two wheels of your machine. Therefore, the weight of the actual part of the mower being lifted will only be a proportion of the total weight of the mower, probably half.
The lowest capacity lift on our list, the MoJack ZR Lawn Tractor Lift, can still lift 250 pounds (0.11 ton), which is fairly impressive.
Err on the side of caution, though, and get a lift that can handle more weight than you think you need. You can never be too careful with your safety, especially when you’re lying underneath a large piece of equipment.
If your lawn mower is one of the biggest out there (maybe a proper garden tractor!), consider the lift with the best capacity, which, for us, is the Mojack MJPRO.
Lifting Mechanisms
There are three lifting mechanisms to look out for:
- Hand crank operated
- Electric Drill operated crank
- Foot pedal operated
- Air Compressor operated
Hand Crank
The simplest is a hand crank that’s rotated to raise and lower the mower manually. If you’ve got sore hands after working on lawns all day, though, this can seem like one chore too many. However, some models are specially designed to lower your mower manually without to much effort, The MoJack XT for example, doesn’t take a ton of personal strength, due to its distributed load hand crank.
Drill Operated Crank
A simpler option is to go for a drill turned lift. These models have an option whereby you can attach your favorite high-powered drill and let the machines do the work. Examples of a drill turned lift include #1 & #2 models on our list, the Mojack MJPRO 750-Pound and the Mojack HDL500.
Take your time and start at a slow drill speed since you don’t want to do quick bursts and bust the lift or the drill. You may not be able to use a smaller drill, so testing the abilities is important. If you find that the drill can’t raise or lower the lift correctly, don’t force it. Either use the hand crank or find a drill that has more power behind it. A good enough excuse to go shopping for new hardware!
Foot Pedal
The final option is a foot assist pedal, like on the Pro-Lift T-5305. These jacks are raised and lowered by pumping a foot pedal—reminiscent of a barbershop chair — although this one can lift a 500-pound expensive ZTR mower!
While some pedals are rubberized to stop you from slipping, some aren’t, a surprising failing on the Pro-Lift 5303, (I have to say as I’d have thought a non slip foot pedal a pretty crucial element!)
Use caution when pumping, even if it is a non slip foot pedal, and take your time because raising the lift quickly is no convenience if you accidentally release the lock and the mower comes crashing down.
Air Compressor
Basically this is a pneumatic lift similar to a foot operated pneumatic lift, except that it is powered by a compressor. Although they are expensive, they are very reliable and require almost zero exertion to operate. You just need to plug it into your compressor and switch it on.
We haven’t included one in our recommendations above as obviously you need to have a compressor already really, to make it a serious option.
However, the Pro-Lift T-5501 did catch our eye while we were researching and looks like a pretty decent bit of kit.
Weight
Most lawn mower lifts go up in weight compared to how much capacity they can handle.
A heavy duty product may be harder to move around, but at the end of the day it will both ensure your safety and minimise damage to your machine.
In general, for every 10 pounds of weight a lawn mower lift can handle, add another 100 pounds of stress.
Since the Mojack MJPRO 750-Pound is the heaviest riding lawn mower lift on the list, it’s no surprise then that it can also lift heavier machines up to 750-pounds.
Despite their relatively low weight, some ???? do have an impressive lifting capacity.
X-lift style models like the MoJack ZR series, which weigh as little as 50 lbs, consist of a scissor lift design and feature a particularly lightweight lifting operation. However, there are certain aspects of a scissors lawn mower lift which we are not keen on, so we don’t feature any on our list of recommendations for best lawn mower lifts.
Wheel Span
It is important to know the the wheel span of the front wheels of your lawn mower so that you can ensure the lift that you choose is suitable.
The owners manual should give you this information but it is a good idea to check it yourself anyway. To do this you need to measure the distance between the middle of one of the front wheels and the middle of the opposite front wheel.
All of the models we recommend have a wheel span adjustment feature, but they do vary even so and although they will accommodate most zero turn mowers, not all of them will accommodate the extra wide wheel span of very heavy equipment.
Wheel Baskets
Wheel baskets are where the mower’s wheels sit and there are a few different styles, depending on the particular model.
- Metal frames: Allow wheels to sit deep inside and be easily strapped into place.
- Flat sides: Keep the wheels from moving by blocking their ability to shift sideways.
- Rubberized: Some models come with a rubberized finish so that your tires don’t run the risk of slipping and sliding while you’re banging around under the chassis.
Wheel Basket Straps
Before lifting the front end, it’s important to fully secure the mower’s tires in place, so look out for safety straps. Made of canvas or chain links, they secure the tires to the lift. While some models don’t include them, the majority of good ones do — like the MoJack HDL.
Lifting Height
How much of your undercarriage do you want to see?
For more involved repairs such as changing blades, it is much easier if you’ve got plenty of room to work in so that you can see full underneath your mower.
Most lifts allow you to raise your mower somewhere between 20 and 28 inches off the ground. Bigger and heavier units provide a greater lifting height since they have more stability on the ground. The highest load lifting height in the models that we have selected here goes to the MoJack MJPRO 750-Pound Lift, which also has the highest load lifting capacity for weight (and is also the heaviest machine).
If all you’re planning on using the lift for is cleaning your blades of grass build-up and not much else, then purchasing a smaller model with less lift may be all you need and will certainly be a little kinder on your wallet. In this case consider the Pro-Lift T-5335A.
Adequate Space For Storage
Well we all strive to have an orderly garage, don’t we?
In-Garage Storage
Some lifts, like the Pro-Lift T-5355A 550 and 350, can be stored as-is since their footprints aren’t large, and it’s simple to park them in a corner of your garage. While these models do collapse, some models have the inconvenience of not laying flat due to a foot-powered bottle jack or mid-assembly crank. Therefore, a tight storage space may not be suitable.
Folding Units
Models with a foldable design, like the MoJack ZR Lawn Tractor Lift can fold due to its X design feature, others are a little more complicated and need pins or bolts to be loosened in order for them to fold. Either way it makes them easier to store on a shelf or under a table. Some fold down to just a few inches wide, which makes them very handy to store.
Wall Storage
Lighter models can fold completely and hang on a wall. It wouldn’t be advisable to hang a heavier model without proper wall anchors, though—models like the Pro-Lift T-5305 are almost 90 pounds!
However, to get round that issue, some lawn mower lifts can be completely broken down into separate pieces, like the MoJack XT or the MoJack PRO lawn mower lift both of which are suitable for hanging on the wall once disassembled. Of course they then need to be reassembled carefully before use, as per the manufacturer’s instructions for safety.
Safety
Anybody who has ever used a lawnmower lift jack knows the potential dangers of the device.
The first and most important route to preventing injury from your lawn mower lift, is to read the manufacturers instructions FIRST…..even if, like many of us, that is something that you tend to leave as a last resort.
A Lawn Mower Lift is not a piece of equipment to take chances with.
However, there are a couple of pieces of safety equipment which are worth investing in that can go a long way to preventing the most common injuries which include: crushed toes, pinched fingers, injuring the lower back, cuts and scrapes, and eye injuries.
Steel Toe Cap Safety Boots — Lawn mowers and your lawnmower lift are both extremely heavy objects and one slight hitch could cause you a very bruised, if not broken toe. Rather be safe than sorry.
Safety Gloves — Walk behind mowers, small garden tractors, entry level riding mowers, large commercial mowers, riding mowers, push mowers, residential riding mowers, residential lawn mowers or tractors, heavy riding mowers…in fact, almost any mower has a multitude of little moving parts to trap a finger in!
Protective Eyewear
Having said that, so long as you follow the manufacturers guidelines carefully, then you shouldn’t have any issues.
Conclusion of The Best Lawn Mower Lift
For a good part of the year, your lawn mower is definitely a BFF in terms of helping you keep your yard looking neat and tidy.
It is also not a cheap item!
It makes a lot of sense to take care of your lawn care equipment in terms of regular maintenance and the occasional repair.
The trouble is that it’s very easy to procrastinate over stuff like that.
A lawn mower lift immediately makes that job a lot easier!
Which means you’ll be more inclined to do it…so in the long run…it will actually save you money.
And that’s only maintenance, think of the money you could save by doing your own repairs.
A lawn mower lift is definitely a good investment, so now it’s just a matter of deciding which of the above lawn mower lifts is the one for you.
We sincerely hope that the above info & recommendations will help you in that decision.
Yours in lawn pride….
Lizzy & The Bovees Tech Team
- MoJack MJPRO 750-Pound Lift—Best For Lifting Zero Turn Mowers
- MoJack XT 550-Pound Residential Riding Lawn Mower Lift—Best Aesthetics
- MoJack HDL 500 Multi-Level Lawn Mower Lift—Best General Use
