Best Overall
Toro 60" TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower
Runner-Up
Cub Cadet Ultima Series ZT1 54
Best Bang for the Buck
Troy-Bilt Bronco 46K Riding Lawn Mower
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Large dimension and big projection often call for machines that can handle dense duties . job like cutting acres of grass , transfer snow , digging holes , or hauling mulch can be humdrum on some dimension . A trustworthy workhorse to aid get the job done can be a relief . But what type of machine make the most good sense ?
In most cases , a garden tractor is the way to go . These succinct - yet - herculean machines can cover everything from small- to medium - size of it jobs , and they ’re relatively low-cost compared to their full - size of it counterparts . But there ’s a deal to know about choose the good garden tractor , and this template will hatch them all and offer up some of the top alternative on the market .
Before You Buy a Garden Tractor
The terminal figure “ garden tractor ” can mean a lot of unlike thing to citizenry . Some citizenry consider unclouded - obligation models meant for mowing lawn as garden tractor . Others do n’t consider any machines with less than 25 - H.P. ( hp ) locomotive engine as garden tractor . Still , some folks maintain that zero - turning mowers and battery - run machines can not be garden tractors .
For our definition , “ garden tractors ” include the following :
This template will cover something for just about every eccentric of garden tractor shopper . Each person ’s specific property needs will determine the best eccentric of garden tractor , but keep in thinker that there is no concentrated - and - flying definition .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Garden Tractor
choose one of the best - rated garden tractors for a prop requires a slew of inquiry , so keep these important condition in nous when take one of these intemperately - working vehicle .
Property Size and Terrain Type
One of the most substantial factor to consider when pick out a garden tractor is the sizing of the property . big place may require larger , firm machines that can cover up several acres rapidly . These machines may also involve to be slenderly cloggy - duty than typical garden tractors to admit for the wide-eyed mountain range of chore that a bombastic attribute might require . small property , such as 2 or 3 acres , might necessitate less from a garden tractor .
Also , consider the terrain character . While zero - twist mowers are excellent for large , flat curtilage , they ’re often a hindrance on bumpy or uneven terrain . For rougher , hilly terrains , a large ride - on lawn mower or compact tractor will often do the trick — some of which even come with four - wheel drive .
Mowing Deck
For many kinsfolk , the mowing deck of cards is the most important part of a garden tractor . After all , during peak growing season , some users might mow their lawn two or three times per workweek . It ’s important that a garden tractor can handle this frequent employment .
If a tractor ’s deck is too little , it has to make more passes over the yard . This lead to additional time mow and more wear and tear on the motorcar ’s locomotive , deck , blades , tire , steering , and other components . On the other handwriting , a properly sized tractor can suit through the narrow spaces that need pout without conduct all weekend to mow the sleep .
For a small 1000 , a garden tractor with a lawn mower deck measure 40 to 46 column inch across is typically okay . For intermediate - size of it properties , a 50 - inch to 59 - column inch pack of cards is suitable . For a large railyard , a 60 - inch deck — or even larger — may be necessary .
Attachments and Other Uses
Mowing may be a lawn tractor ’s main exercise , but garden tractor have plenty of other usance . DIYers can use them to plow Charles Percy Snow or track down a Charles Percy Snow electric fan , cart a trailer , dig holes , move soil , and do lots of other tasks .
While most garden tractor have halt designed for garden carts , many have other function or bond that they can accommodate . For instance , DIYers can buy snow plough attachments that bolt to the frame of reference of the tractor , allow for the drug user to push C out of their way . Another alternative may be a snow blower , which supervene upon the mower pack of cards and habituate the tractor ’s engine to shed coke . These tractors can also pull dethatchers , scarifiers , or even ejaculate spreader . They can also run grueling machinery , but more on that in a bit .
Engine
In many case , locomotive engine size of it is a meaning factor when choose a garden tractor . little garden tractors with just about 10 to 15 hp may mold for smaller properties , but larger attribute or attachments that draw power from the tractor involve more HP .
For general - purpose , light - duty work with the occasional C. P. Snow cetacean or blow plow attachments , engine with 15 to 20 hp are typically sufficient . For those who want a compendious machine that will run attachment from the world power takeoff , a 20- to 30 - hp engine is better . large machines intend for modest agricultural configurations will have 30 to 50 H.P. .
Power Takeoff
One of the most utile aspects of some very declamatory garden tractor is a lineament get laid as a power takeoff , or PTO . The PTO is fundamentally a connection between the tractor ’s engine and an attachment , allowing the tractor to offer the ability the attachment needs to run .
Here are some attachments that might run on a PTO output signal :
These machines attach to the lawn mower and then unite to the PTO output , giving them the world power they involve to dig , cut , pump , or perform another mountain of routine . And since these attachments are relatively universal , finding one to solve with a machine should n’t be a challenge .
Photo: tractorsupply.com Photo: tractorsupply.com
Storage
It ’s one thing to own a vainglorious , muscular tractor , but storing one is something all different . Garden tractors are not cheap , but the best a DIYer take forethought of a particular model , the longer it will last .
In general , it ’s good to hive away the tractor indoors and away from the elements . This will reduce the hazard of wearing and tear on the garden tractor ’s constituent , prevent corrosion , and perhaps preclude small animals from chewing on wires and hoses . A garage is best , but cover shed and barns can provide unspoiled coverage as well . Just be sure to have enough room for the mower and any attachments before buying a garden tractor .
Our Top Picks
That might be a flock of information about how to opt the best garden tractor , but the enquiry is a critical part of choose the ideal model . Below are some of the top models on the market for DIYers shopping for a garden tractor that will outfit their properties ’ needs .
Those with heavy attribute and plenty of grass to thin out should check out Toro ’s TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower . This zero - bout manner lawn mower features a 24.5 - H.P. locomotive engine and a 60 - inch - wide deck . The combination of these allows the mower to run at speeds up to 7 miles per time of day ( mph ) while also requiring few passes to cut an expansive prop ’s grass .
The Toro is more than just fast . It also has a handcrafted , suspended can that cut down on oscillation and shock , earmark users to persist comfortable while mowing , crowd Baron Snow of Leicester , or doing other tasks . The TimeCutter feature a step - through front end that makes getting on and off this mower a breeze . Also , the TimeCutter series practice Toro ’s IronForged deck system , which include 10 - gauge blade and Kevlar belts for durability . Its only real drawback is that it does n’t have a PTO output signal , but this is common for zero - turn mower due to their design .
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Get the Toro garden tractor atThe Home DepotorTractor Supply Co.
There ’s no refuse that zero - twist mowers tend to be a bit more expensive than the run - of - the - mill drive - on tractor . However , for its damage point , the Cub Cadet ZT1 54 offer a pot of value . This zero - turn mower features a 54 - inch - encompassing mowing deck as well as a 24 - horsepower railway locomotive , giving the ZT1 54 the ability to mow several acres at speeds of up to 7 miles per hour .
But it ’s more than just raw power with the ZT1 54 . It has adjustable lap covering bars that user can tweak to go their sizing and physique as well as a in full adjustable behind to promote consolation during long mowing Roger Huntington Sessions . It also has a full tubular human body , which avail with rigidity but also provide open access to the locomotive engine and mechanicals for gentle sustentation . It has a weld - on hitch for the full card of add-on from Cub Cadet . While it ’s potential to register a charge about this mannequin not coming with fender , the built - in headlights will likely offset the inconvenience . Cartesian product glasses
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Get the Cub Cadet ZT1 garden tractor atTractor Supply Co.or onMowers Direct .
Cutting costs and foreshorten the grass do n’t have to be reciprocally sole , especially when it comes to the Troy - Bilt Bronco 46 K mower . This riding lawn mower features a reasonable price tag as well as a capable design , set aside users to minimize the amount they have to spend on a garden tractor without giving up much functionality .
This lawn mower features a 46 - inch deck that can handle most diminished to midsize lawns . It also has a built - in hinderance system for tow particular like aerator , scarifiers , broadcaster , and garden cart . The 18 - horsepower engine should have tidy sum of power for most uses , including hauling dirt or moving snow ( with C. P. Snow chains and a by rights sized plow , of row ) . It has a comparatively rigorous 18 - column inch turn radius for a riding mower as well , let users to spin this garden tractor around quickly for the next strait . If there ’s a drawback to this mower , it could be that it ’s a little undersized for larger belongings , but it really stand up out for small to midsize yards .
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Get the Troy - Bilt garden tractor atTroy - Bilt .
Upgrade Pick
Bad Boy ZT Elite 60" Zero-Turn Mower, BZS60KT745
Folks with rugged property full of odd terrain might still require a well - manicured lawn , and this upgrade pick from Bad Boy can deliver . The ZT Elite is a zero - turn lawn mower with a 60 - column inch deck made from very thick 7 - standard of measurement metal with a ⅜-inch front lip , make it durable enough for very labored - obligation mowing . Also , the 26 - H.P. engine has the power to mow quick and efficiently , allow this machine to cut grass at pep pill of up to 7 mph .
One of the most noteworthy feature article that the ZT Elite offer is its completely independent front respite . This design allows the mower to say level longer , maintain pack of cards touch with the pasture for even cutting on rough terrain . The built - in hitch leave for easy towing of trailers and garden go-cart as well . Also , the high - back adjustable seat give up for comfortable cut for longer menses . Despite its terms tag , this mower ’s suspension , rugged design , and ability make it deserving considering for those with large , uneven belongings .
Get the Bad Boy garden tractor atTractor Supply Co.
Photo: troybilt.com
Best Battery-Powered
Greenworks Pro 60V 42" Crossover T Riding Lawn Mower
While garden tractor purist might shin to accept battery - power models , the Greenworks Pro 60V 42″ Crossover thyroxine Riding Lawn Mower makes a firm pillowcase for itself . This rearward - engine mower features a 42 - column inch deck and a 60V motor , and it come with six 8.0Ah batteries and three battery charger . This combination allows it to pout up to 2.5 demesne on one charge , all while being quieter than a traditional flatulency - powered lawn mower ( and without the emissions ) .
This battery - power garden tractor has plenty of other features to consider as well . First , because of the relatively modest size of the motor , there ’s way for an integrate load bottom able of hauling up to 200 pounds . Also , this model has integrate USB ports , a headphone holder , and a cupholder . The Crossover T also feature a high-pitched - intensity light-emitting diode headlamp , a brushless motor , and a built - in hitch for towing . Recharge clock time does take up to 90 minutes , and the deck is comparatively small for a garden tractor , making it less than ideal for large properties .
Get the Greenworks garden tractor atTractor Supply Co.or onGreenworks .
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Best Versatility
Husqvarna TS 354XD
DIYers looking for a garden tractor that can function as the initiation of the force equipment regimen should consider the TS 354XD . This theoretical account from Husqvarna is compact but offer a 24 - hp engine and a 54 - inch mower deck , allowing this simple machine to handle small to midsize property with simplicity .
The TS 354XD is compatible with a slew of accessories from Husqvarna , including a snow plow , a scooper , an aerator , a sweeper , a snow cuticle , garden go-cart , and other accessories that make it a full capable and versatile machine . The only drawback to the TS 354XD is that its basic software package ( just the mower ) is expensive compare to other model . However , this simple machine has an electric - lockup rear differential , forcing both roulette wheel to spin together at the same rate for well grip in slippery conditions — idealistic for Baron Snow of Leicester removal .
Get the Husqvarna garden tractor onAmazonor atLowe ’s .
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Best Light-Duty
Cub Cadet Enduro Series XT1 LT46
Those look for a compact garden tractor that can deal most abstemious - duty jobs without bring up an intact service department bay for storage should see out the XT1 LT46 from Cub Cadet . This turn on mower feature a 46 - inch pack of cards and a 23 - H.P. locomotive that can well treat small property up to 2 demesne .
Despite being a relatively canonical riding mower , Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 has some standout features . First , it has a pissed 16 - inch turning r , allowing it to turn around quickly and easily for the next bye or manoeuver through garden bed . Also , the adjustable seat allows the substance abuser to feel the most comfy emplacement for drawn-out mowing session . There is even a push - push button cruise ascendance to allow the substance abuser to give up back and maintain consistent speeding . Keep in psyche that this lawn mower may be diminished for some properties , but the array of attachment , including baggers , snow pillows , and cart , help promote its versatility .
Get the Cub Cadet garden tractor atTractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , orBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Heavy-Duty
John Deere 1023E Sub-Compact Tractor
grueling - duty projects or expectant property need a true workhorse , and the 1023E from John Deere might be the perfect option . While it ’s not a full - sizing tractor , it has many of the same feature , including hydraulics systems to course attachments like loaders and plows as well as a built - in PTO for running backhoes and other attachment . While the 21.5 - hp engine might not impress in terms of number , the PTO and fluid mechanics make up for it .
Although the John Deere 1023E is compatible and capable of running an regalia of bond , it ’s important to note that it does n’t amount with any . However , this manakin is compatible with the brand ’s Load - N - Go mower deck of cards , allowing the exploiter to simply drive over the deck of cards to get in touch it . It ’s also compatible with self - leveling stevedore , snow - removal implement , and more .
Get the John Deere garden tractor atJohn Deere .
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Our Verdict
For those see for a fast mower with plenty of power and a wide deck , discipline out theToro garden tractor . However , for those who ’d favor to save a lilliputian hard currency without giving up much capability , theTroy - Bilt garden tractormay be the near garden tractor for the chore .
How We Chose the Best Garden Tractors
Putting together a list of the safe garden tractor was n’t a small-scale task . After all , this is a family with very generally set standard . First , we had to define our own parameters for the category before we could consider the good good example .
Once we had criteria to choose from , we call upon our team ’s experience with lawn care and power equipment to pick out the most important specs and feature . We then perform panoptic product research to develop a puddle of some of the best garden tractors on the market place . Finally , we compared the model to ensure that they put up enough economic value and cope with our criterion , tossing away those that did n’t cut it and giving the one that did awards based on their strengths .
The Advantages of Owning a Garden Tractor
Garden tractors are quicker and generally have larger mower pack of cards than standard ride - on mower . These feature allow DIY lawn - upkeep professional to cut their lawn quicker and with fewer passes , letting them move on to other projects or simply get back to weekend relaxing .
The best garden tractors can handle a variety of attachments and add - ons to improve their usability . Add - on tools or attachment like snow blowers , snowfall plow , seeded player spreader , Sir Henry Joseph Wood chippers , backhoes , and pole - hole power shovel make mystify the job done faster and more efficiently .
Garden tractor are generally more over - build than a distinctive ride - on mower . This allows them to handle rougher terrain , heavier - duty piece of work , and longer days without feeling the strain . Lighter - duty machines may live more frequent breakdowns , slipping belts , tire nonstarter , and other payoff resulting from unaccented - duty construction .
Photo: deere.com
Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Garden Tractor
One way to ensure a garden tractor ’s mower deck of cards lasts as long as possible is to houseclean it after each economic consumption . Most deck of cards have a garden hosiery adapter that the user can soak a hose to . With the lawn mower pack of cards take and the water run , the steel will kick water all over the bottom of the deck of cards to loosen clippings .
It ’s also authoritative to serve the engine at veritable musical interval . In universal , change the oil color , rock oil filter , fuel filter , and airwave filter every 50 hours or at least once every summertime . The spark plugs should also be changed as often .
Here ’s another helpful summit : Be sure to keep the garden tractor ’s user manual in a safe but well remembered topographic point . These manual will have all of the parts and their identifying number listed , allowing user to rapidly order replacement part without shot .
FAQs
Even with that extensive primer on how to pick out the good garden tractor , there might be some extra doubtfulness . The following is a collection of the most frequently ask questions about garden tractors , so be sure to check for an answer to your question listed below .
Q. Do they still make garden tractors?
The terminal figure “ garden tractor ” has several definitions , but in the traditional sense of a lawn mower with over 25 H.P. and the ability to run attachment , then yes , garden tractors are still uncommitted .
Q. What is the difference between a garden tractor and a lawn tractor?
Traditionally , garden tractor are bigger and more brawny than lawn tractors . However , this definition has loosen a minute . Most garden tractor and lawn tractor model are somewhat interchangeable by today ’s definition .
Q. Who makes the most reliable garden tractor?
Some of the best garden tractor from a reliableness viewpoint are fromlawn mower brandslike Toro , Husqvarna , and Troy - Bilt .
Q. How long do garden tractors last?
With regular sustentation , a garden tractor can last from 10 to 15 years . As long as replacing persona are useable , regular maintenance should keep a garden tractor run for quite some sentence .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raised bed , or an in - ground plot out back — and choose the right flora for your grime and neighborhood .
