Tractors have evolved significantly over the years, with tens of different tractors entering the market yearly; the need for a buyer’s guide has never been greater. Lawn tractors help you handle garden activities like mowing, pulling of large equipment, clearing of snow, and so much more.
Garden tractors and lawn tractors forms a basic lawn mowing equipment that can help you with your lawn mowing as well as many other small yard jobs.
Best Garden Tractors for Your Lawn
Here are some of the best lawn tractor models:
#1. Husqvarna YTH18542
Husqvarna YTH18542 is a compact but powerful tractor sports an 18.5 horsepower engine. Comfort is at the forefront of this model’s features, with a comfy seat and cruise control for smoother control. Its 42-inch cutting width is excellent for such a small tractor. One of its most exciting features is the air induction system that uses airflow through its deck to enhance better, cleaner grass cuts.
#2. Husqvarna TS 348XD
Husqvarna TS 348XD sports a powerful 24 HP Kawasaki engine capable of handling your garden needs. Its electronic locking differential coupled with an engaging ground transmission, the tractor can work in slopes and slippery conditions. This model is part of the Husqvarna 300 series, which is designed for utmost comfort with a high backrest with armrest and deluxe steering wheel.
Husqvarna TS 348XD is a 2 cylinder gasoline-powered engine with 48 inches cutting width. Its heavy-duty frame and steel goods provide protection and solidity. It also uses anti-scalp tires that increase the durability of the wheels.
#3. John Deere E180
John Deere E180 is a member of the 100 series. It comprises a powerful 25 horsepower V-twin engine. Its cutting width stands at an insane 54 inches, making it extremely valuable if you have an expansive garden to mow. It sports an improved deck lift lever, a wide and spacious operator area, and a full-length welded steel for added durability.
#4. John Deere E120
The John Deere E120 lawn tractor sports a 20 horsepower engine and cruise control for effortless mowing. There are also side cool air openings to reduce engine noise and enhance smooth usage. This mower can do more than just mowing, including hauling heavy equipment, pushing snow, among other things. It has a 2-year warranty and several deck height adjustable settings.
#5. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series LT
The cub cadet tractor brand was launched in 1960 and had not stopped producing a wide range like the XT1 Enduro Series LT with an 18 horsepower Kohler OHV engine. It also sports 12 mower deck adjustment heights, an exceptional 16″ turning radius for smooth movement around small spaces, and a corrosion-resistant deck. It features a series of warranties for the different parts from 2 years to up to 5 years.
#6. Troy-Bilt Pony 42
One of the significant reasons the Troy-Bilt Pony 42 tractor is regarded as one of the best lawn tractors is because of its price. It is a really affordable tractor with amazing features, including a 42″ cutting width, 18 horsepower single Troy-Bilt OHV engine, and its 7-speed transmission dash panel. That’s not even all, it sports an 18″ turning radius so you can navigate tight corners in your lawn. There are also 5 height adjustment levels to cut your grass.
Top Lawn and Garden Tractor Brands
There are tens of tractor brands in the market now producing the different tractor models. Some brands have been in the industry for centuries, while others may be new entries. Here is a list of the top brands in the industry.
- John Deere: unarguably the oldest tractor brand in the list as it has been in existence since the 18th century. Centuries of producing tractors and this brand have been able to remain relevant and rank as one of the best. John Deere tractors has been able to match quality with affordability which has made it the farmer’s favorite.
- Cub Cadet: another famous tractor brand renowned for its versatility. Established in 1960 and sold to MTD corporation in 1981, this didn’t stop Cub cadet from producing quality tractors for the market. It is hard to miss with its distinctive yellow paint.
- Kubota: alongside John Deere, Kubota has been in the industry since 1890, producing tractors. Kubota is known for innovation as they quickly include innovation into their tractors to make life easier for their users.
- Simplicity: even after changing ownership a couple of times since its establishment in 1922, simplicity has continued to deliver a wide range of tractors.
- Craftsman: craftsman started its journey into the tractor world in 1959 with suburban David Bradley models. It has since then improved its offering. Its tractors come with a distinct deep red paint.
- Husqvarna: this is a Swedish tractor manufacturer with a long history. Even though Husqvarna has been in existence for over three centuries, its tractor brand was established in 1918 with manual lawn mowers.
How to Choose a Garden Tractor or Lawn Tractor? (Things to Consider)
Tractors have been in existence for centuries now, with different models coming out yearly, taking the number of other tractor models into an insane category even if you filter it by looking at only lawn tractors. The sheer number of different tractor models available makes choosing the best one to buy a challenging task. However, there are factors you can consider that make your decision easier.
1. Select a Grade
The grade here is simply the option of a lawn tractor or garden tractor. One of the first things you should do when considering a tractor is to come to terms with the tractor grade you want.
- Standard Lawn Tractor: you can select a standard lawn tractor grade if you want a small, compact tractor you can use for mowing a small area. Extra marks if you need a mower that can easily maneuver tight spaces.
- Garden Tractor: what if you want a tractor that can do more than just mow your lawn? The garden tractor grade will be ideal if you’re looking for a heavy-duty tractor that can also do other activities like move equipment, clear snow, and more.
2. Select a Mower Deck Size
A mower deck is an attachment that carries the blades that cut grass. It also protects the user and the engine from grass clippings and debris when cutting grass. There are different lawn mower deck sizes available. These sizes determine the area of your yard you can cut at a time.
Smaller tractors with low horsepower engines are typically associated with smaller mower deck sizes. In comparison, the reverse is the case for bigger tractors. The mower deck size you want affects the type of tractor you should buy, so prior consideration should be put in place.
3. Power
The role of the power of a tractor engine cannot be neglected as power has an enormous effect on what you can do with a tractor. Considering the power, you need to handle all your garden activities will set you in the right part to choose which tractor is best for you.
Lawn and garden tractor horse powers can have horsepower engines of 15, sometimes even lower. The power of the engines can also go as high as 35 HP. Tractors with lower horse powers are mainly for basic yard activities and may struggle to handle a large area or move heavy equipment. Typically, horsepower ranges under 20 are considered the lower end of the spectrum, ideal for small yard activities. However, horsepower above 20 are the higher end you’ll find in garden tractors that allows them to do more work seamlessly.
4. Area
Consider your land area when looking for a tractor. The size of your yard or work area will affect the type of tractor you should buy. Some tractors are ideal for small areas, while others will find larger spaces for walking in the park.
Check your yard, measure it if you don’t have a good guess of the size of the space. With this information, you can then select a fitting tractor that will work the space better. Compact lawn tractors handle smaller spaces better, while larger tractors will work more extensive areas without stress.
5. Trees and Obstacles Will You Need to Mow Around
The obstacles you have in your area will affect the type of tractor you can buy. Areas with lots of trees, rocks, or other things impeding movement will need a different kind of tractor from a clear area with minimal obstacles to maneuver
If your yard has a lot of obstacles, it’ll be best if you got a compact tractor that is smaller, with better handling, and can move around tight spaces better. On the other hand, I’d your land is most clear of obstacles, you may not need a smaller tractor, and a larger tractor will make your work easier and faster.
6. Type of Terrain
The terrain is the physical dimension of land in terms of its elevation and slope. Land can be level, slanting, or with too many bumps – all these will affect the type of tractor you can use. Sometimes the land terrain can be amended; other times, this is too expensive a task to embark on.
Lands with harsh terrains will need bigger tractors with larger tires. Smaller tires can cause the tractors to flip over when working. It is best to get a tractor with ROPS for extra operator protection as the risk of flipping over is higher.
7. Usability/Function (Other than Mowing)
What do you intend to use your tractor for other than mowing? Some people may have a lot of different uses in mind for their tractors, while others may only need it to mow their land. Whichever is the case, this information is vital in choosing your tractor.
If you want your tractor only for mowing, a compact tractor with small horsepower will serve you. If mowing is not enough and you want to use the tractor to pull more equipment, clear now, among other things, you need a more powerful and often bigger tractor.
Consider what else you need your mower for aside from mowing, and then decide the best type suited to you.
Attachments for Your Lawn Tractor
Attachments help you utilize the power of the tractor in solving problems in your yard. Attachments, as the name implies, are hooked to a tractor so that you can do more with them. There are several attachments available to a lawn tractor, some of which are:
- Sprayer
- Blade
- Snow blower
- Mower deck
- Utility cart
- Bumper
Lawn Tractor Vs Garden Tractor: Are They Same?
Lawn tractors are compact tractors with small tires, low horsepower engines and are typically used in mowing small yards. They are easy to handle and will maneuver tight spaces without much stress.
Garden tractors, on the other hand, are bigger, with large tires, higher horsepower engines, and can do more than just mowing. Due to their size and power, you can add more attachments and have them do other heavy-duty activities like pulling equipment and snow blowers.
With this in mind, lawn tractors and garden tractors are not the same.
Who is a Lawn Tractor Best for?
The characteristics of a lawn tractor, like its small size, small tires, and low horsepower engine, makes it best for people with small yards and people looking to do mowing and a few other tasks with attachments you can mulch, haul, bag and plow.
FAQ
Ans. The horsepower a tractor needs to perform depends on some factors like the type of tractor, the yard area, among others. However, all things being equal, the required horsepower per area is as follows:
One acre ——- 15-20 hp
One to three acres ——- 21-27 hp
Three to five acres ——- 28-36 hp
Ans. The price of a new lawn tractor varies depending on the model, brand, and features. Generally, a new lawn tractor will cost from around $2,000 to up to $8,000.
Ans. You’ll need a tractor with a horsepower of around 28-36 to work efficiently on a 5-acre field.
Ans. For a 2-acre field, you need a garden tractor with horsepower between 21-27.
Conclusion
Lawn and garden tractors help the average farmer or lawn owner handle their average size field. The extent to which they help varies considerably as you move through the factors that guide your buying decision.
This article is also available in Hungarian: A legjobb fűnyíró traktor: Teljes vásárlási útmutatóval!
