People are always in the market for the best riding lawn tractors to help them handle different garden types. Lawn tractors are best used on rough terrains, hills, pulling heavy loads, and thick or chewy grass. 

Using them will greatly help reduce the effort and time taken to mow your acreage or yard. They are also much safer than the walk-behind models and a better alternative when you have to trim a large yard during hot-humid weather. 

Aiming to find the best of the best among the vast choices of lawn tractors in the market, we analyzed several models and brands and consulted seven lawn tractor experts. This helped us to come up with our top five best lawn tractors, with each one selected for their outstanding quality, features, and performance. 

To help our readers make the right choice, we have also listed some of the essential factors any buyers have to consider before settling on any lawn tractors. Furthermore, to better get a glimpse of their deals on Amazon, do not forget to click on the buttons below the products.

Best Lawn Tractors Comparison & Rating

Lawn Tractors

Features

Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower, 48"/Twin
  • 24 HP
  • 2-cylinder engine
  • air induction mowing technology
  • 19 HP
  • Briggs & Stratton engine
  • five different cutting height positions
  • 18.5 HP
  • seven speed gear shift
  • Powermore Engine with Shift on the Go Drive System
  • 18 HP
  • 42-inch cutting deck
  • twin blade system
  • 15.5 HP
  • hydrostatic transmission
  • customizable cutting length

1. Husqvarna YTA24V48 Lawn Tractor

Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower, 48"/Twin
Specifications:
98% Overall

Dimensions

73 x 53 x 48 inches

Weight

670 pounds

Horsepower

24 HP

Cutting Width

48 inches

99%
quality
98%
performance
97%
value for money
97%
features
Pros:
  • Comes with a multitude of attachments and accessories, making it useful all year round. Some of the accessories include brushes that help in clearing leaves, durable snow blades, and trailers.
  • Offers an air induction system that helps in drawing in air through the base and the top of the cutting deck. It helps lift the grass upwards into the blades, ensuring it makes a clean cut.
  • Features an automatic choke system that allows the rider to start it by turning the start key smoothly.
  • Comes with a Briggs & Stratton Model 44, 2-cylinder engine that contains a 3-gallon fuel tank making it possible to produce up to 24 HP. Its engine is potent, enabling the tractor to cut grass at an incline.
  • Uses an air induction mowing technology that helps in improving the flow of air within the deck. This ensures cuts are very consistent.
Cons:
  • The tires of this lawn tractor do not offer enough traction to move on the soft snow. However, attaching tire chains will help.
Final Take:

Husqvarna YTA24V48 lawn tractor comes with a reinforced 13-gauge steel deck that provides premium performance with quality results. It features a pedal-controlled fast auto transmission that uses lesser power to drive and more ability to cut at 2.9 MPH. This lawn tractor also features a choke-less start, charge port, and an electric clutch. It uses an air induction mowing technology that improves airflow within the deck, ensuring consistent cuts every time. It comes with a convenient fender mounted deck lever which is spring-assisted ensuring easy operation.

2. Troy-Bilt 540 CC Automatic Lawn Tractor

Specifications:
97% Overall

Dimensions

69.75 x 46 x 35.5 inches

Weight

74 pounds

Horsepower

19 HP

Cutting Width

46 inches

98%
quality
98%
performance
96%
value for money
96%
features
Pros:
  • Comes with a mighty Briggs & Stratton engine that is capable of generating up to 19 HP that is enough in cutting grass.
  • Uses a 46-inch adjustable cutting deck that is capable of cutting large swathes of grass at a go. It features five different cutting height positions.
  • Features an integrated washing system that makes it possible for owners to easily and quickly clean both the deck and the blades.
  • Uses automatic transmission that makes it easy to place the lawn tractor in reverse and keep mowing.
  • Comes with 15-inch by 20-inch durable tires built to offer excellent traction and are durable enough to use on any surface type during any season.  They run at 5.2 MPH.
Cons:
  • Sometimes experiences belt squeal and jerks.
  • The construction is not that ideal for short people as the pedals are a bit far from the seat.
Final Take:

This Troy-Bilt Automatic Lawn Tractor comes with a very reliable 19 HP 540 cc Briggs & Stratton Intek engine that ensures powerful mowing. It comes with a 46-inch durable deck rider making it capable of performing a manual power take-off, mow-in reverse capability and creates efficiency for even some of the most challenging lawn jobs in the market. It comes with a very soft touch steering and a mid-back seat that ensures ultimate comfort. It also has an integrated deck wash system that makes clean up much more comfortable.

3. Yard Machines 420cc Lawn Tractor

Specifications:
95% Overall

Dimensions

69.75 x 46 x 35.5 inches

Weight

74 pounds

Horsepower

18.5 HP

Cutting Width

42 inches

96%
quality
95%
performance
94%
value for money
95%
features
Pros:
  • Comes with a very generous 42-inch cutting deck, five height adjustments and lots of power, making it bang a lot for the buck.
  • Powered by a Powermore Engine with Shift on the Go Drive System.
  • Ability to change into lower or higher power.
  • Well set up to either bag the grass or mulch it offering a versatility that is not common in mowers with similar price ranges.
  • Very easy to use braking and throttle system that make hopping on and getting started much more comfortable.
  • Uses a seven speed gear shift that ensures it has enough power to effectively conquer all the tasks you will be using the lawn tractor on.
Cons:
  • Has a low back seat that does not offer sufficient support.
  • Using it on hills could still be a bit of a challenge.
Final Take:

This Yard Machines 420cc lawn tractor is perfect for mowing lawns or grassy or hilly area. It comes well powered with a robust 420cc power more engine that uses a go drive system shift. This lawn tractor also has both bagging and mulching capability. It comes with a 42-inch blade that enables it to cut a wide area confidently. It also comes with a 7-speed gear shift that gives it the power to conquer all the lawn tasks.

4. Cub Cadet XT1 Lawn Tractor

Specifications:
94% Overall

Dimensions

52 x 67 x 42 inches

Weight

580 pounds

Horsepower

18 HP

Cutting Width

46 inches

94%
quality
95%
performance
93%
value for money
93%
features
Pros:
  • Features a 42-inch cutting deck that comes with patented SmartJet high-pressure washing feature. This system is capable of getting rid of any grass parts that can be stuck on the blades.
  • Features a twin blade system that cuts grass smooth than most of the other models in the market and ensures no stray blade is left behind.
  • Uses 18 HP Kohler engine. This Kohler 18 HP 5400 series electric engine is enough to help move the tractor up steep hills and heavy tow objects.
  • Comes with a customizable cutting height meaning the blades can always be set to cut grass at a length of between 1 and 4 inches
  • The seat of this lawn tractor can easily be adjusted while its steering has a comfort-grip offering cushion and support when operating it.
Cons:
  • Moving the tractor in reverse requires a lot of effort and maneuvering. 
  • Springs situated below the seat make it bounce a lot, especially when you are driving on an uneven surface.
Final Take:

Cub Cadet XT1 lawn tractor is well known for its category-leading strength, versatility and comfort. It comes well loaded with an 18 HP Kohler OHV engine that ensures powerful performance. It also comes with a hydrostatic transmission that provides smooth and straightforward operation, eliminating the shifting need. Its 42-inch deck and 16-inch turning radius make it easy to maneuver around structures and obstacles with ease. It also comes with adjustable seating together with comfort-grip steering that offers support and cushion when operating.

5. Poulan Pro PP155H42 Lawn Tractor

Specifications:
92% Overall

Dimensions

72.75 x 45 x 34.5 inches

Weight

465 pounds

Horsepower

15.5 HP

Cutting Width

42 inches

93%
quality
93%
performance
91%
value for money
91%
features
Pros:
  • Uses hydrostatic transmission that offers more maneuverability when compared to the automatic one. It makes it easier for one to navigate through obstacles and yard decorations.
  • In a position of supporting functional attachments which can bag or mulch the cut grass.
  • Comes with a robust 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine designed to run cooler during regular use offering more power only when required.
  • Brags of oscillating front axle with a 6-inch turning radius for level cutting.
  • Uses a customizable cutting length. The floating cutting deck can always be set to one of the six positions, offering great flexibility.
Cons:
  • The seat material is utterly smooth that it causes the rider to slide off from place. 
Final Take:

Poulan Pro PP155H42 lawn tractor comes with a 42-inch reinforced vented deck that draws air from the deck top. It ensures that it can keep the flow of air moving under the deck in longer grass and that you can bag or mulch with optional attachments. It uses a very convenient Auto Hydrostatic transmission, which helps make adjustments of speed easy by merely moving the motion lever on the fender forward to increase the speed of ground. It uses an oscillating front axle with a 6-inch radius to help in level cutting and is well coupled with a floating deck that gives level cut even in rough terrain. It has up to 6 cutting positions, offering you the flexibility to adjust the tractors cutting deck to best match your yard's current condition.

Best Lawn Tractors - Buyer's Guide

Transmission

Tractor transmission refers to the power transferred from the engine to the wheels for it to move forward or backwards. Information is available in three forms. There is the automatic, manual and hydrostatic. 

  • The manual transmission comes with a wide range of speeds which you can always choose. The older models will need you to permanently shift the rate or stop the tractor using a clutch. 
  • Automatic transmission will always make it possible for you to change or control the speed using a gas pedal similar to cars. The option will be suitable for individuals interested in maintaining the ride quickly and frequently slow down to drive through obstacles. 
  • The hydrostatic transmission is almost similar to the automatic option. However, the main difference is that it uses fluid instead of belts to help transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The fluid-based transmission system will offer the smoothest ride and requires little maintenance.
manueverability

The smaller a lawn tractor is, the easier it will be to move around structures, plants and corners. It means there will be less manual work after mowing. However, the commercial-sized wide cutting tractors are not cutting in narrow and tight spaces. 

In case your yard has lots of trees and spaces, then the smaller decks will be a better option to use. However, if you have a large yard with lots of structures, you can consider going for a larger lawn tractor.

durability

Lawn tractors will always face wear and tear over time. Keeping in mind, they are never that cheap. You will need to invest in a durable and long-lasting lawn tractor that will remain in an excellent working condition for a long time. One way is by checking the type of materials used in making the lawn tractor and its components.

comfort

The lawn tractors are readable just like the standard vehicles. However, it will take you some time before you can be done with mowing a large yard. Hence, comfort levels will always be an essential factor whenever you are in the top lawn tractor market. 

When you purchase a comfortable lawn tractor, it will help ensure that you can use it for a long time without any issues. It means you need to settle for a lawn tractor that offers a comfortable and large seat and is in an ergonomic sitting position. There are lawn tractor which allow one to make adjustments to the center as per their convenience. Some with steering adjustments, extended legroom, cup holders, and LED headlights and easy access control panel to help ensure the lawn tractor user is comfortable whenever mowing.

Best Lawn Tractors - FAQs

What kind of lawn tractor is best for me?

The best lawn tractor will be determined by what and where you want to use it. For instance, the push models are great for use in smaller yards or gardens with large tree densities that need to be avoided to cut the grass. The large grass mowing machines are great for use in large spaces.

Is driving a lawn tractor difficult?

Driving a lawn tractor will naturally come when you are used to driving a vehicle. It operated in the same way. All you have to do is put the key in the ignition and turn it with a brake pushed down to start the engine. When ready to move forward or backward, just put in reverse or forward and press on the gas pedal.

Is the lawn tractor capable of handling thick grass in the lawn?

The tractor mowers are made to be in a position of withstanding tall and thick grass. However, you will never be in a job of mowing at full speed. It would help if you moved at a slow pace not to destroy any mechanical components.

What is the most suitable lawn tractor size for home use?

In case you have a larger yard, one of the best tools to keep it in top shape can be a small size lawn tractor. This is because at your home, there are lots of structures hence, no need to get a huge tractor.

Author

Jessie is a landscape artist famous among folks in Los Angeles who are obsessed with keeping their lawns pristine and divine. He worked for BrightView Holdings, Inc. back in 2015 and now owns a brick-and-mortar business that offers all kinds of gardening tools and machines. Ask him all you need to know about your mower or your fertilizer, and he will answer you while sipping a cup of coffee.