The Long Haul
The classic garden tractor is your yard’s trusty workhorse. Although garden tractors are capable machines in most properties that are at least half an acre, they’re especially necessary on large and vast swathes of land.
Naturally, they will be the better choice over your reel mower. Hence, whether you’re maintaining a couple of acres or a dozen, acquiring the best garden tractor will be vital!
An electric mower or even a z-turn may be sufficient for small to medium-sized yards. However, the rugged and beefy garden tractor can withstand challenging terrain as well as handle more abuse than its smaller counterparts.
This mean machine goes beyond just cutting grass. It also dethatches, hauls heavy loads, aerates lawns, and can even grade driveways!
This article will help you find the best garden tractor that will be ideal for your yard. Also, we’ll look into the considerations you’ll need to make when choosing your next garden tractor.
A Guide to Buying Garden Tractors
1. Garden Tractor Basics
In addition to general-purpose gardening, garden tractors also function as versatile yard and garden machines. They typically have larger wheels for smooth a stable operation even on difficult and uneven ground.
Garden tractors’ versatility ultimately comes from the many garden implements that you can attach to them. It’s these attachments, in addition to the garden tractor’s ability to maintain large properties, which make these machines an essential tool.
Common Garden Tractor Attachments
Manufacturers typically sell attachments separately. However, you’ll need a few of them if you really want to utilize your garden tractor fully. Here are several useful attachments you may find:
- Plow
- Snow thrower
- Dozer blade
- Dethatcher
- Bagger
- Dump / Utility cart
- Tiller
- Lawn sweeper
- Hitch
2. Benefits of a Garden Tractor
You may be wondering if you should get a garden tractor if you already have an electric mower or even a z-turn. It’s true that electric mowers and zero-turn mowers can be very useful when it comes to lawn care and maintenance.
However, garden tractors hold several advantages over them. I’ve listed some of these benefits below:
- Versatility
Due to the sheer number of special implements that you can add to garden tractors, they are undoubtedly more versatile that push mowers or z-turns.
- Heavy-duty work
Makers design garden tractors as the heavy-duty workhorses especially for large and vast properties
- Higher durability
Because of their heavy-duty status, garden tractors are typically more robust, solid, and durable than smaller, more compact mowers. Hence, those big machines are capable of withstanding the abuse from long workdays and tough jobs.
- Improved stability
In conjunction with their solid build, garden tractors are also designed to be more stable and easier to drive, especially over thetricky and uneven terrain.
3. Considerations
If you’re truly in the market for the best garden tractor, you’ll need to take a look at some important factors first. Afterward, you’ll know exactly the kind of tractor you need and will be most suitable for your yard and garden.
Lawn Size, Terrain, and Cutting Decks
The first factor you’d be wise to consider is the size of your lawn as well as its terrain type. You’ll want to match the size of the garden tractor’s cutting deck to the overall size of your yard or property.
Lastly, you’ll want to ensure that the tractor can handle sloped, and uneven terrain if these are features on your property.
Here’s a handy guide to match lawn sizes with tractor cutting decks:
- Less than ½ acre = 30 to 38-inch decks
- Around 1 acre = 38 to 42-inch decks
- Around 2 acres = 42 to 48-inch decks
- 3 acres and above = 48 to 60-inch decks
Engine
Garden tractor enginesare typically measured in horsepower (HP) or CC for smaller tractors. Similar to cutting decks, garden tractor engines should match the type of work you’ll be doing.
For instance, Tractors with 15 to 18 HP engines are generally suitable for small to medium-sized properties. On the other hand, 19 HP to 24 HP garden tractors is ideal for vast properties and those with uneven terrain.
Turning Radius
A garden tractor’s turning radius will determine the size of the uncut patch of grass you will leave behind once you turn your tractor. Hence, a low turning radius will mean a complete cut and will require less backtracking.
Features
Don’t forget also to consider that features that come with your next garden tractor. All garden tractors can handle basic grass cutting. So, it’s really their individual and unique features that will be deal makers or breakers.
Top features to look for:
- Comfortable seats
- Reverse mow
- Traction control
- Fuel indicator
- Easy mode changes
- Cruise control
The Top 5 Best Garden Tractor
1. The Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn Mower
Specifications:
- Engine: 382cc
- Deck: 30 inches
- Cutting height: 1.25 to 3.75 inches
- Turning Radius: 18 inches
- Speed: 4.25 mph(Forward), 4.25 mph(Reverse)
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.3 gal
- Weight: 336lbs
- Cruise Control: No
Attachments available (separate purchase):
Details:
It’s not surprising that our smallest garden tractor option is also the most compact. The 30-inch Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn mower (model # 13A726JD066) is only 60 inches long and 34 inches wide, yet it’s remarkably robust with its 14-gauge steel construction.
Meanwhile, its 6-speed transmission means you’ll be able to control your mowing pace at just the right speed.
Additionally, the OHV design on the Troy-bilt features improved fuel economy, whether you’re going forward at a speedy 4.25 mph or in reverse.
Naturally, due to this tractor’s size, it’ll only perform at its best when you use it for small to medium-sized yards. Also, it’s low driving seat
Best for:
Lawns less than ½ acre with many obstacles and fixtures
2. Cub Cadet XT1
Details:
- Engine: 18 HP
- Deck: 42 inches
- Cutting height: 1 to 4 inches
- Turning Radius: 16 inches
- Speed: 5.5 mph (Forward), 3.1 mph (Reverse)
- Fuel tank capacity: 3 gal
- Weight: 410 lbs
- Cruise Control: Yes
Attachments available (separate purchase):
Details:
On testing the Cub Cadet XT1, you’ll find out that in addition to its rugged good-looks, this 42-inch garden tractor is also incredibly easy to operate. Hence, if you’re new to garden tractor mowing, the XT1 will be a great option with its straightforward and responsive handling.
Also, you’ll also get a very tight 16-inch turning radius as well as cruise control which will make extended mowing a breeze.
Why stop when the sun goes down? When you have a particularly large area to mow, the XT1’s headlights will ensure visibility even as you mow into the evening. Just remember to keep an eye on the battery level indicator.
Lastly, the XT1 sports a unique feature in its easy-clean system with an integrated high-pressure water cleaner that’ll take care of all those grass clippings and other garden debris. All these features without costing you an arm and a leg.
Best for:
Lawns that are 1 to 2 acres
3. Husqvarna GTH52XLS
Specifications:
- Engine: 24 HP
- Deck: 52 inches
- Cutting height: 1.5 to 4 inches
- Turning Radius: 18 inches
- Speed: 5.5 mph(Forward), 2.1 mph(Reverse)
- Fuel tank capacity: 4 gal
- Weight: 815 lbs
- Cruise Control: Yes
Attachments available (separate purchase):
Details:
The monstrous GTH52XLS from Husqvarna is, decidedly, the largest and most powerful garden tractor on our list with its 52-inch cutting deck and the 24 horses under its hood.
It is only proper then to expect a robust build and construction from this garden tractor, starting with its 11-gauge steel and powder-coated cutting deck. Also improving the durability of the GTH52XLS is its tough brushguard, cast iron axles, and large rear tires.
Moreover, thetricky terrain becomes less of a problem with the stability and maneuverability of the Husqvarna GTH52XLS onuneven and tricky terrain. Hence, you need not worry about slippage or scalping.
In addition to stability, you’ll also get this tractor’s ergonomic design, handy cupholder, cruise control, and comfortable seats complete with armrests! Then, those big bright headlights will make sure you have an enjoyable work day and night!
Finally, just connect your garden hose to the deck wash port, and you’ll quickly clean the underside of the deck!
Best for:
Lawns greater than 2 acres with tricky terrain
4. Poulan Pro PB20VA46
Specifications
- Engine: 20 HP
- Deck: 46 inches
- Cutting height: 1 to 4 inches
- Turning Radius: 16 inches
- Speed: 7.5 mph(Forward), 3mph(Reverse)
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.5 gal
- Weight: 515lbs
- Cruise Control: No
Attachments available (separate purchase):
Details:
If you appreciate the smooth, comfortable driving and safety features on the Husqvarna GTH52XLS but not its size, then the slightly smaller 46-inch Poulan Pro PB20VA46 will be your best option.
The PB20VA46 possesses a similar powerful engine, ergonomic design, robust frame, and the ability to tackle difficult terrain.
Another fast feature is the Poulan Pro’s ready-start switch, which wakes up this handsome garden tractor at the push of a button. However, it may take some time to get used to the pedal controls on this tractor. Hence, ensure that you take it on a couple of practice runs before you start working.
Incidentally, many would just choose the Poulan Pro PB20VA46 over its Husqvarna counterparts simply because of its sleek black finish.
Best for:
Lawns around 1 to 3 acres
5. Husqvarna YTA18542
Specifications:
- Engine: 18.5 HP
- Deck: 42 inches
- Cutting height: 1.5 to 4 inches
- Turning Radius: 16 inches
- Speed: 5.5 mph (Forward),3 mph (Reverse)
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.5 gal
- Weight: 415
- Cruise Control: No
Attachments available (separate purchase):
Details:
Finally, we have another garden tractor from Husqvarna: the 42-inch YTA18542. Despite the absences of cruise control, its relatively small frame, and lower 18.5 horsepower engine, the YTA18542 is a much-loved tractor.
It’s the perfect combination of power, efficiency, and features that make this garden tractor one of the best on the market.
One unique feature is its air induction technology which utilizes air movement to enhance grass lift which ultimately improves cut quality and hastens the mowing process.
Adding to this efficiency is the handy cutting height adjustment lever which you can quickly find on the rear left fender. These features contribute to a 2.5 acre per hour mowing speed.
Of course, you’ll still have those anti-scalp wheels, durable build, and cup holder as is standard with Husqvarna.
Best for:
Lawns around 1 to 2 acres ofdifficult terrain