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Homeowners with larger yards and more complex landscaping needs often benefit from garden tractors. The right garden tractor makes it possible to tow and haul a variety of landscaping debris to help with allergies and unsightly clutter. and offer more power than a standard lawnmower.
Whether it’s gathering firewood, grading a full-sized lawn, or a variety of other lawn maintenance tasks, a garden tractor can ramp up the power and efficiency needed to get them done. This list of eight best garden tractors can help.
Quick Glance: Our Top Picks
The Eight Best Garden Tractors – The Reviews
1) Husqvarna TS354XD (54″) 26HP Kohler Lawn Tractor
Husqvarna makes excellent lawn equipment, and the Kohler option is no exception. It features a 54-inch cutting deck with ten gauge steel construction. Everything is reinforced to help protect against damage and to provide support for the power of the tractor.
The hydrostatic transmission is pedal-operated while the locking rear differential supports tasks on an incline or otherwise tricky ground. It features plenty of torque and LED headlights for mowing in all conditions.
- 26 horsepower
- LED headlights
- Requires some assembly
Pros
- Plenty of torque and support for incline work
- LED headlights
- 54-inch cutting deck
Cons
- The fuel tank is difficult to gauge
2) Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek
The Troy-Bilt offers mid-level power with a durable Briggs and Stratton engine. It’s equipped with a 46-inch mowing deck and allows homeowners to mow while in reverse. It has a step-through frame for convenience and patented soft-touch steering.
It offers five different cutting heights, all with an easy adjustment method. The wheels can handle a variety of ground while the mid-back seat offers more support than some traditional seat designs.
- 19 horsepower
- 46-inch cutting deck
- Two-year warranty
Pros
- Mid-back seat offers better support
- Patented soft-touch steering
- Good mid-range investment
Cons
- Not enough power for ground-engaging attachments
3) Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V
The second Husqvarna on the list, this model features an auto transmission and an air induction system for better cutting and fewer clogs. The deck lever is spring-mounted while an electric clutch is practically maintenance-free.
It’s suitable for year-round usage and is compatible with snow blades, brushes, and trailers. It has fair power output and automatic choke. Just turn the key and get going.
- 24 horsepower
- 48-inch cutting deck
- Four anti-scalp wheels
Pros
- Air induction motor
- Suitable for year-round use
- Chokeless start and maintenance-free electric clutch
Cons
- The seatback isn’t comfortable.
4) Craftsman T225
The Craftsman T225 has a powerful Briggs and Stratton engine combined with a 46-inch cutting deck and a mow in reverse function. The hydrostatic transmission is smooth and easy to operate while the high back seat helps support your lower back and shoulder positioning during log jobs.
Turf saver wheels are durable and help encourage traction. Ready start technology provides an instant start without choking. 19 horsepower offers enough power to do most lawn jobs while the two-year limited warranty ensures everything is working well.
- 19 horsepower
- 46-ich cutting deck
- Mow in reverse mode
Pros
- Anti-scalp wheels provide excellent traction
- Two-year warranty for parts
- Manufactured in the USA
Cons
- Some parts feel cheap
5) Troy-Bilt TB2246 22HP/656cc
Troy-Bilt’s powerful engine features 22 horsepower and 656 ccs. It has an excellent turn radius and allows homeowners to control the hydrostatic transmission with a foot pedal. Steering is supported while the step-through decking is convenient.
It has a mow in reverse feature and a high backed seat for better support and positioning during lengthy jobs. A soft-touch steering wheel and a two-year limited warranty round out what this machine has to offer.
- 22 horsepower
- 46-inch cutting deck
- Two-year warranty
Pros
- Hydrostatic, foot-controlled transmission
- High back seat for more support
- Briggs and Stratton engine
Cons
- Turn radius isn’t as tight
6) Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 26HP 54-Inch FAB Deck Garden Tractor
The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco is an electric start option with a Twin Kohler 7000 series motor. The foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission is smooth and easy to operate while the cruise control provides support for bigger jobs.
It has a mow in reverse feature and a power take-off deck engagement system. The design is smooth and efficient while offering a large cutting deck and amped up power. Plus, 12 unique cutting positions make short work of most lawn jobs.
- 26 horsepower
- 54-inch cutting deck
- 12 unique cutting positions
Pros
- Large cutting deck
- Multiple cutting positions for a variety of jobs
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Bigger investment
7) Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series V
Cub Cadet offers users a powerful tractor with integrated BlueTooth for a more enjoyable ride. The 54-inch cutting deck provides a large cutting path for fewer passes, while the 24 horsepower engine gives plenty of power for the job.
A high back, ergonomic seat helps keep things positioned correctly and supports your back as you perform your jobs. Steering and adjustments are straightforward, while wheels offer excellent traction.
- 26 horsepower
- 54-inch cutting deck
- BlueTooth
Pros
- Upgraded tech features
- Simple adjustment features
- Wide cutting deck for larger jobs
Cons
- Cub Cadet is not a classic brand
8) Husqvarna YTH20K42
This Husqvarna option provides a good range of power and adjustment options for a variety of jobs. It has a 20 horsepower engine with a 42-inch cutting deck, enough for most mid to large yards. The reinforced steel deck is durable and able to cut through quite a bit of brush. It has a mid-rise seat with enough support to keep the right positioning, while the adjustment settings are relatively straightforward to use. It’s somewhat weather-resistant, and wide tires help reduce lawn compaction for less damage.
- 20 horsepower
- 42-inch cutting deck
- Reinforced steel deck
Pros
- Large tires for less compaction during operation
- Suitable for mid-sized to larger yards
- Somewhat weather-resistant housing
Cons
- Not made in the USA
Garden Tractor Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right garden tractor doesn’t have to be hard. There are a few things to consider in order to get exactly the right one.
Horsepower
Horsepower is a crucial factor in ensuring that the garden tractor can accomplish a variety of jobs. Typical lawn mowers don’t have the power to work with some of the more significant attachments like lawn grading equipment.
Ample horsepower also helps with landscaping yards and property with a lot of variation. If the grading of the lawn is steep, more horsepower means less effort to maneuver across the grass.
While the power is undoubtedly a factor, homeowners don’t have to get the highest horsepower if their yards aren’t enormous. Also, without large amounts of brush or the need for regular lawn grading, it’s acceptable to get a mid-range option for power.
Cutting Deck
The cutting deck should be large enough to handle big yards. Most garden tractors have cutting decks made of steel or reinforced materials to increase durability. They should also be easily adjustable so that operation is faster and more efficient.
Attachments
The potential attachments are one of the biggest draws of having a garden tractor. There are lots of potential options to get different sorts of jobs done.
- Snowblower – A basic option that helps keep driveways clear in inclement weather with no more shoveling.
- Sweeper – Keeps the lawn free of debris such as leaves and sticks.
- Shredder/chipper – If you frequently mulch your gardens, these could come in handy. They also make it easier to bag yard debris for waste management.
- Tiller – A tiller helps break up compacted soil to make gardening and planting easier.
Augers/scraping blades – Soil excavation tools offer homeowners the chance to handle more significant lawn needs
While you’re learning about garden tractors, check out this video of the Husquvarna TS354XD (our top pick).
Frequently Asked Questions
The first thing to do when getting a garden tractor for the first time is to read the manual. Test the switches and controls to ensure everything is operational, and nothing is loose.
When starting the garden tractor, putting it in neutral mode helps ensure that it doesn’t move accidentally. Check that all safety shields and guards in place as well.
Due to reinforced hardware, many garden tractors will last a decade or more with proper maintenance. They’re an excellent investment for larger yards and can handle the wear and tear of a much larger space than typical mowers.
Garden tractors have the cutting deck mounted mid-housing while lawn mowers have the deck mounted right behind the front wheels. Garden tractors have more power and larger wheels for less soil compaction and better traction.
Conclusion
Buying a garden tractor is a good investment for larger yards where lawn maintenance can get out of hand quickly. They’re durable and offer plenty of power along with lots of attachments. They make lawn tasks go more efficiently and provide an excellent tool for a variety of tasks.
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