Our best tractor lawn mowers list is the best in the industry and we like to keep it updated at least once a month. When it comes best tractor lawn mowers to lawn mowers, riding tractor lawn mowers are the gold standard and definitely the most expensive on the market. They are super versatile and will allow you to cover more yards in almost half the time of any other lawn mower. However, you should only consider these lawn mowers if you have a big enough lawn. We think any lawn over an acre would definitely require the considerable investment of purchasing a tractor lawn mower. You will find that these mowers come with a large variety of attachments that allow you to perform many different tasks.
best lawn tractor reviews
Why Buy a Lawn Tractor?
There are some amazing advantages to owning a lawn tractor and to make sure you get the most out of one, you need to find the best lawn tractor. Especially when you have a lawn that is larger than 1 acre, riding is going to be a lot easier than pushing. You can get your lawn mowed in an expert way in a faster fashion so that you can get on with the other things that need to be done throughout the day.
But what makes a lawn tractor a better choice over zero turn mowers and riding movers is the ability to accommodate a small cart and other lightweight attachments. This makes it easy to carry small loads around and to help you with seeding and fertilizing. A hopper can easily be added to the back so that you can seed and fertilize as you drive around your property.
You also want to consider a lawn tractor over a zero turn mower when you have hills, as front engine, larger back wheels and wheel steer system make lawn tractor more stable on hills than a zero turn mower. And it must be #1 priority that you can go back and forth across your property without taking any risks.
Lawn Tractor Features
Size and Weight
The size can vary drastically in terms of the overall weight and engine size. Heavier models with more powerful engines are always a better option as they easily ride through dense and high grass, and can accommodate heavier attachments. The drawback of choosing the larger machine results in a higher price and more storage space.
Transmission
Transmission can be hydrostatic or manual. The manual transmissions, just like a car, require you to shift, which can be an added stress when you are trying to get around your property in a timely manner. If you are not used to a manual, it can also result in a stalled engine. The hydrostatic transmission is similar to that of an automatic where you have continuous speed that adjusts based upon how much you are bearing down on the pedal. On some models, you can even find cruise control so that you can maintain the same speed no matter what.
It’s important to consider the transmission as you look for the best lawn tractor. For example, a manual model is going to be more affordable, but the hydrostatic still will be a better investment as you won’t have to change gears manually. This means that the gears and the pedals will actually last longer, preventing you from having to get a repair in a few years. Hydrostatic transmissions are available with pedal or lever, though the pedal is generally more common and user-friendly.
Deck
Deck size varies for lawn tractors in range from 30 to 54’’. The smaller deck is better for properties not larger than 1 acre with numerous obstructions like trees, swings or flower beds. Don’t forget that size of the deck ultimately determine how many passes you have to make across your property, thus how fast you will finish your mowing task. Decks also can differ in positioning. It can be located under the lawn tractor or closer toward the front. Front position of the deck makes it more visible for more precise cutting around obstacle. The last but not the list decks can differ by the make. There are stamped and welded decks. The last is always a better choice as it’s more durable.
Clippings Management
Clippings management can include mulching, bagging or side discharge. Side discharge is usually initially included with the lawn tractor while bagging and mulching kits are sold separately. It’s totally up to your taste what kind of clippings management to choose, though, always go with the same brand kits to avoid incompatibility problems.
Comfort
Comfort needs to be something to look at as well. Do you have a comfortable seat? Is there a cup holder? Is the steering wheel over-molded? Depending on the size of your property, you may be on a tractor for an hour or two, so the comfort issue also comes in to the priority. Other features that can enhance your comfort include cruise control, protection from sun, quietness of motor operation and softness of suspension. It’s all little things, which make a big difference in mowing experience.
Safety
Safety features that you rather want to have in your tractor include a locked ignition, a blade brake, and a roll-over protection. A locked ignition will prevent children from starting an engine of the lawn tractor. A blade break clutch will help to avoid injuries from sharp blades. And roll-over protection can even save your life, as turning over is a pretty common problem with tractors, especially if you use them on slopes.
TOP 10 Lawn Tractor Reviews
1. Troy-Bilt 382cc OHV 30-Inch Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
Troy-Bilt 382cc OHV 30-Inch Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
The Troy-Bilt riding mower is best suited for medium size lawns of about one and a half to two acres in size. It has a decent 382cc engine with a 6-speed transmission, which maxes out at 4.25 MPH. It isn’t a powerhouse, but does an excellent job on a medium scale lawn. It is one of the best tractor lawn mowers on our list. With a big 30-inch cutting deck, it can mow an entire lawn in no time at all. The highlights of this lawnmower are its safety features. The mower can go in reverse only if the cutting deck is removed, getting up from the seat kills the engine, and so on. Many such small things come together and make this a great riding lawn mower.
2. Husqvarna YTH24V48 24 HP Briggs and Stratton 48-inch Yard Tractor
Husqvarna YTH24V48 24 HP Briggs and Stratton 48-inch Yard Tractor
From a manufacturer who is one of the most trusted lawn mower brands in entire America, comes the YTH24V48 24 HP Yard Tractor. This riding lawn mower has a wide cutting width of 48-inch and is designed for large lawns. Moreover, its blades are heavy and long lasting. The seat can be adjusted according to the requirement effortlessly, even while the mower is in motion. A 24 HP Briggs and Stratton engine supplies all the necessary power to mow even 3-inch thick grass. Then there are all the goodies such as hydrostatic pedal transmission, cruise control, easy reverse mode, and so on. The intelligent design of the machine has placed every frequently used control closer to the driver. We put it on the best tractor lawn mowers list for a reason. Test it an you will know why.
3. Weed Eater WE-ONE 190cc Briggs & Stratton 26-Inch Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower
Weed Eater WE-ONE 190cc Briggs & Stratton 26-Inch Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower
The Weed Eater WE-ONE riding lawn mower is a great value for money purchase. This compact riding lawn mower can easily fit into the smallest of fence gates, and maneuver obstacles easily. It is powered by a 190cc Briggs & Stratton gas powered engine, which should give it enough power to deliver superior quality grass cuts. It features electric start with no noticeable recoil. On the top of it, the three forward speeds and one reverse speed make it quite convenient to use. The lawn mower produces noticeable vibrations, which could be a nuisance at times, but the mower nails it in all the other departments. Buy this mower and it may just be one of the best tractor lawn mowers you have ever purchased.
4. Poulan Pro PB185A42 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 42-inch Pedal Control Cutting Deck Riding Mower
Poulan Pro PB185A42 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 42-inch Pedal Control Cutting Deck Riding Mower
Poulan Pro products are a result of decades of innovation and understanding of consumer needs. This riding lawn mower is a product of that long heritage. A powerful 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine powers the lawn mower to mow through the thickest of the grass and deliver clean lawns in no time. With a huge 42-inch cutting deck, this lawn mower is best suited for lawns larger than three acres. A small 16-inch turn radius is great enough for maneuvering most of the obstacles. The foot pedal automatic speed control works like a charm. Just set the seat, and you are ready to go. Best tractor lawn mowers don’t get any better than this.
5. Poulan Pro PB30 10.5 HP Briggs 4-Speed Transmission 30-inch Deck Riding Mower
Poulan Pro PB30 10.5 HP Briggs 4-Speed Transmission 30-inch Deck Riding Mower
The Poulan Pro PB30 is a very convenient and easy to use riding lawn mower. With an impressively small 14-inch turn radius, it can navigate through obstacles with ease. The 4-speed riding lawn mower is powered by a 10.5 HP Briggs engine. Although the mower delivers excellent results on flat lawns, it is not suited for uneven terrains. It has a pretty bad history with slopes. On the other hand, its 30-inch single blade cutting deck is just the right fit for medium-sized lawns with little or no humps and hills. The seat is comfortable and the steering is fixed at a height that is comfortable to most people. You will find this mower is one of the most comfortable on the best tractor lawn mowers list.
6. Recharge Mower G2-RM12 30-Inch 36-Volt Cordless Electric Rechargeable Riding Lawn Mower
Recharge Mower G2-RM12 30-Inch 36-Volt Cordless Electric Rechargeable Riding Lawn Mower
Recharge Mower G2-RM12 is an affordable heavy-duty electric riding lawnmower. The mower packs enough battery power to mow up to 2 acres of lawn on a single charge. Moreover, it is a breeze to use. It comes with pedal control and requires only one pedal for operation. The trick is that it sports auto decelerate and braking functions. With a decent speed of 5mph, it can mow your lawn in no time at all. The blades are controlled by electronic controllers which maintain their speed while cutting through the grass. This is one of my favorite riding mowers on the best tractor lawn mowers list. However, the blades are known to be thin and easily damaged. The rest is just good.
7. Husqvarna YTA22V46 22 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin 46-inch Tractor Mower
Husqvarna YTA22V46 22 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin 46-inch Tractor Mower
This is another example of engineering prowess that makes Husqvarna a foremost innovator in outdoor equipment. Its latest air induction mowing technology increases air flow under the deck and delivers excellent quality grass cuts in the lawn. The hydrostatic transmission system and 22 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine make it completely effortless to mow even large lawns with uneven terrain. Complementing these is the cruise control, which simplifies the operation even more. A wide cutting width of 46-inch significantly reduces the total number of runs you need to mow the entire lawn. Many more features such as headlights, 5-inch vinyl high back seat, manual blade engagement, and so on, make this a great buy. This is one of the most innovational best tractor lawn mowers this year.
8. Husqvarna Z142 17 HP Kohler 42-inch Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower
Husqvarna Z142 17 HP Kohler 42-inch Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna Z142 proves that great performance does not have to always come with size. This compact riding lawn mower is powered by a 17 HP Kohler gas powered engine. While it is powerful enough for a medium sized lawn, the mower is not easy to control. It takes some getting used to before users can master control over it. The 42-inch and 2 blade cutting deck can sound a bit of a compromise. But the mower can cut through even thick grass, albeit in more than 1 runs. The highlight of this mower is its zero turning radius, although it requires a bit of a skill to perform. All in all, it is a good value for money for those who can spare some time learning to maneuver this mower. Best tractor lawn mowers don’t come like this anymore.
9. Troy-Bilt Pony 42X 547cc Engine 42-inch Riding Lawn Mower
Troy-Bilt Pony 42X 547cc Engine 42-inch Riding Lawn Mower
This Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower is a worthy investment for someone looking for an affordable, reliable, and a good lawn mower. The 547cc Single Troy-Bilt Engine, combined with a 7-speed transmission, transfers a significant amount of power both to the wheels as well as the blades. Add to it the 42-inch cutting width and the machine now becomes a heavy duty mower. In fact, besides cutting, the mower supports mulching and bagging too. Moreover, the tires are designed to not harm your grass while operating on it. Also, its compact size and 18-inch turning radius renders it effortless to maneuver as well.
10. John Deere Toy Lawn Tractor
John Deere Toy Lawn Tractor
This is one of the top of the range riding lawn mowers for kids to play with. My kid rides along with me when I mow my lawn and it is a great bonding moment. I also hope this will help him get in the habit of wanted to use my lawn mower when he gets older. These are definitely chores every young man should be used to if you want to teach him responsibility.
Brands of Lawn Tractors
Husqvarna
For the best garden tractor on the market, check out Husqvarna. The Swedish company is the world’s largest and most trusted producer of outdoor power equipment and products. The well known company was originally founded in the seventeenth century as a weapons foundry but has evolved with the times to become a universally recognized source for high-quality equipment.
Look no further than Husqvarna’s sleek blue emblem of royal patronage for the best garden tractor for the money.
Husqvarna has quickly grown to be one of the top brands and for good reason. It is not only affordable but also well-designed. In comparison to the other brands that have been mentioned, it provides the most features for the lowest price, thus delivering an exceptional amount of value.
Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet, founded in 1960, is a company that has become known for tractors built to provide high dependability. Cub Cadet tractors are also built to last with a rugged construction design. Garden tractors from Cub Cadet are easily distinguishable by their bright yellow hues and heavy-duty designs. The company specializes in outdoor equipment such as garden and lawn tractors, as well as other equipment built for making yard work easier, such as garden tillers, snow throwers and utility vehicles.
Craftsman
Founded in the 1920s, the Craftsman Company was developed with hardworking farmers in mind. Designed to accommodate a wide variety of budgets, Craftsman offers a “good, better, best” pricing option that allows consumers to pick the level of product that fits individual needs and price points. Craftsman garden tractors are emblazoned with the bold Craftsman title and come in a wide variety of colors and size. It’s easy to pick the level that’s right for each individual’s needs and budget. Craftsman is only sold at Sears and is one of the pricier options. They have a great warranty and finding parts is simple, but the variety can also be limited.
Snapper
A Snapper garden tractor is hard to miss in its flashy red paint. Snapper was initiated over one hundred years ago and is known for products that are easy to use as well as to own. The company offers a huge variety and selection of outdoor products and has one of the widest selections available to ensure the perfect fit for anyone. Snapper products are streamlined and designed to be easy to use for the everyday consumer.
Snapper lawn tractors are affordable and are designed for rough terrain.
John Deere
Over one hundred and fifty years old, John Deere is nationally and globally recognized as a producer of high-quality tractors. The company’s leaping deer logo is internationally known, and the classic green and yellow colors tell the world it’s a John Deere tractor. The company’s founders believed in solid core values like integrity, quality, commitment and innovation, a tradition that is still embraced to this day. John Deere offers everything from residential garden tractors to full-scale agricultural tractors.
John Deere has all sorts of lawn tractor models, mostly in upper price range due to their durability and reliability.
Toro
Toro is celebrating its one-hundredth anniversary this year, and in that time has become a well-known source for yard equipment. The company’s initiative is to develop products that are both innovative and responsible. Toro is dedicated to corporate responsibility in the form of advanced work in sustainable living. Biofuel and water-saving technology are just a few examples of the work Toro has done to further sustainable living. Toro is also recognized as the global leader landscape and turf maintenance.
Toro has various lawn tractors options in today’s market. They are built tough but prices affordably, what makes them a popular choice among customers.
Kubota
While many of the best garden tractor companies were founded in the United States, Kubota originally came from Japan and was imported to the United States before the Kubota Tractor Corporation was finally founded in Canada in the 1970s. Kubota has tractor companies all over the world, an indication of the success the company has enjoyed over the years. The Kubota company endeavors to fulfill the need for powerful maneuverability and high performance in its lawn and garden products
Simplicity
Simplicity company has stood the test of time for nearly one hundred years in spite of many changes in organization and leadership. Simplicity tractors have been sold in a variety of stores under many different brands. A Simplicity garden tractor can be recognized by its bright vermilion coloring. The company offers a wide assortment of attachments for its garden tractors, and warns that consumers may get a little attached themselves to the company’s products. Simplicity tractors feature a trademarked Free Floating mowing deck, a design feature that separates the company’s products from the rest of the competition.
Huskee
Huskee garden tractor, owned by Modern Tool and Die, has developed a reputation for being a great deal for the price. This tractor shines as a low-price option that is designed to last through the years and keep on performing year after year. Consumers love the great bargain of this light-weight garden tractor and find it one of the best garden tractors for the amount of money spent. These garden tractors are an excellent entry-level choice for the beginner and expert alike.
Finally
We can’t stress it enough how necessary these lawn mowers are for people with large lawns. The attachments that they usually come with include disc harrows, snow plows, leaf catchers, dozer blades and ground breaking augers. Because of the attachments, they are very versatile but only necessary if you have a big enough lawn that requires a lot of work. Now that you know what the best tractor lawn mowers are, we would like to discuss in details what they can do for you and why you should buy one.
