Riding Mower and Lawn Tractor Review
Written by admin on June 22, 2009 – 9:54 pm -Best Lawn Tractor Overall
John Deere X304
Est. $3,500
The 42-inch John Deere X304 lawn tractor gets the highest ratings in reviews for smooth, even cutting, as well as easy changes between side discharging, mulching and bagging. Four-wheel steering makes it easy to maneuveraround obstacles and the tight 15-inch turning radius leaves a smaller circle of uncut grass than most lawn tractors (which means less trimming). In addition to automatic transmission and cruise control, the X304 is loaded with conveniences for comfortable driving, and it's powered by a reliable 17-hp Kawasaki V-twin engine and has a four-year (or 300-hour) warranty.
Best Zero-turn Lawn Mower
Cub Cadet iSeries ZTT 42
Est. $2,700
The big advantage of the iSeries ZTT 42 is that it can turn on a dime -- so it leaves no circle of uncut grass at the end of turns (which means less trimming later). Unlike other zero-turn lawn mowers, the Cub Cadettractor is easier to learn to use since it has a regular steering wheel instead of two levers. It also slips less on sloping lawns ? a problem with typical zero-turn lawn mowers. Tests show the 42-inch ZTT 42 doesn't mulch clippings as well as the John Deere X304 above, but bags them as well and side-discharges better. The main drawback is that Cub Cadet lawn tractors have a spottier repair record and a much shorter warranty of three years or 120 hours.
Best Value, Medium-duty Lawn Tractor
John Deere LA115
Est. $1,650
This two-wheel drive John Deere lawn tractor doesn't handle slopes as well and leaves an uncut circle of grass at the end of turns. However, reviews recommend this 42-inch tractor for flatter lawns up to 1.5 acres.Highlights are its even cutting, ease of use and excellent bagging when equipped with an optional kit (*est. $350). Conveniences include an automatic transmission, headlights and an adjustable seat. Though not as sturdily built as the John Deere X300 series, this lawn tractor cuts and handles nearly as well on relatively flat lawns with few obstacles. The warranty is for two years or 120 hours.
Budget Lawn Tractor for Light Duty
Bolens M762F
Est. $900
This manual gear-shift lawn tractor is about as basic as you can get, but owners say it's fine for light duty. It's not the most comfortable tractor, and the 38-inch deck cuts a narrower swath compared with others. Butoverall, owners say this tractor is fine for flat lawns up to an acre in size. MTD-made lawn tractors aren't known for long-term durability, but the Bolens M762F does carry a two-year warranty. This model is also sold as the Bolens 13AM762F065.
Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
Toro TimeCutter ZX440
Est. $4,400
Though it's a bit tricky to learn to steer because it uses two levers instead of a steering wheel, Toro zero-turn mowers are popular because they maneuver around obstacles well and don't leave circles of uncut grass afterturns. Compared to the less expensive Cub Cadet iSeries mower, the TimeCutter has a larger 44-inch deck, better mulching performance, a slightly faster maximum speed of 7 mph and a higher max cutting height of 4.5 inches. The Toro zero-turn mower also has a longer three-year warranty. But it costs much more.
Tags: riding mower, toro lawn mower
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