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 |
1. Husqvarna YTA24V48 Lawn Tractor
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.