John Deer X304  Best Overall Comfortable, powerful, reliable, easy to use. Easy to switch between discharge methods. Small turning radius. Not cheap: $3500.	Toro TimeCutter ZX440  Best ZTR Lawn Mower Great performance, excellent maneuverability. Larger deck + faster cutting = your lawn is groomed in no time! Power isn't cheap: $4400.	Cub Cadet iSeries ZTT 42  Best Budget ZTR Lawn Tractor Tight turning radius means never missing a spot. Not so great on hills; may slip on wet grass. Easy-to-use steering. $2700	John Deere LA115  Best Value, Medium Use For moderate use, this is the best deal on the market. Not great on slopes or turns, but very even cutting and good performance overall. $1650	Bolens M762F  Best Value, Light Use Very basic, but good performance on flat terrain. Good for lawns up to 1 acre. $900.

Buying a Lawn Tractor

Lawn tractors  have a wide deck (42" or more) that speeds up mowing large, flat areas. They can accept attachments such as snow throwers  and other useful tools (plows, disc harrow, tiller, etc.). They are less expensive than a Zero Turn Radius (ZTR) mower, but they will leave that typical swath of uncut grass at the end of a row. Beware of hilly properties -- not all models can handle it. Recommended for lawns that are half an acre to three acres.

Larger lawn tractors are sometimes called garden tractors, as in the "Recommendations" section above. However, many sites simply use one term, either lawn tractors or riding mowers, for all of these types of machines. Your best bet is to read the specs to figure out which machine is right for you.

Zero-Turn Radius  (ZTR) mowers use newer maneuvering technology which allows them to pivot instead of turn. No need to go back over missed spots; you'll mow them perfectly on the first pass. These mowers have 360-degree maneuverability. Mowing enthusiasts will love this type of mower. It uses two-hand controls that optimize maneuverability on properties with a lot of trees and other obstacles.

Do You Need One?

Don't buy a lawn tractor because you are simply tired of pushing the lawn mower. It's arguable whether spending more money on unnecessary power or features will make mowing the lawn any more efficient or convenient, but it really depends on your lawn and your wallet. They cost several times more than walk-behind mowers and take up much more room (they need a minimum storage space of 4'x6'), but more horsepower combined with a quality machine can make a cleaner cut and more efficient mow.

Tractor Factors

The best type of tractor for you depends considerably on the size of the lawn you need to mow. This chart compares different kinds of mowers by size of lawn. Just look for your acreage to determine which kind is best for your. If your property is on the borderline sizewise, you might want to consider the terrain as well -- flat lawns need less power than hilly, rocky, or otherwise difficult terrain.

Lawn Size	Type of Tractor	Horsepower	Deck Size	Price
1/2 to 3/4 acres	Entry-Level Lawn Tractor	14-15 hp	38"-42"	$900-1300
3/4 to 1 acres	Mid-Priced Lawn Tractor	17-22 hp	38"-42"	$1300-2000
1 to 2 acres	Entry-Level Garden Mower	19-27 hp	42"-54"	$2000-4000
2 or more acres	Garden Mower	19-27 hp	42"-70"	$4000-11,000

Transmission Types

• Manual Gear Drive  -- Gears allows you to speed up or slow down when needed. These are best for properties without a lot of obstacles. Avoid these if you are not accustomed to driving manual transmission in a car. Likewise, these could be dangerous with young people without proper driving experience.
• Manual-drive  models use a lever instead of a foot pedal and require learning how to use it properly.
• Automatic  -- Choose an automatic transmission (also known as hydro-transmission ) if you often need to vary your speed because of obstacles. It will eliminate all the clutching to slow down or speed up. This also gives you the widest range of speeds. You'll need speed settings to handle the varieties of grass and terrain, so look for a transmission with variable speeds. This type of transmission requires more horsepower than manual types.

Number of Cylinders

• Single : Good for smaller lawns.
• Standard single cylinder -- reliable and less expensive, but not the cleanest choice.
• Overhead valve single cylinder -- runs cooler, cleaner and more powerfully. Also more compact.

• Twin : These have more than 16hp, which is good for larger lawns. Besides more power, they also run cooler, saving the engine and giving the tractor a longer life.

Cutting System

• More blades will give you a better cut. Mowers come in two and three-blade models.
• Remember to keep your blades sharp! Dull blades can chop up your lawn instead of giving you a nice, even cut.
• Reverse Operating System  allows you to move the mower and blades in reverse. Some mowers can drive in reverse but don't cut the grass while they do.
• Cutting Range is also important. Make sure your mower has a range of 1.5"-4".
• Mowing removes much of the food-providing blade from grass, which will help keep your lawn protected from animals. However, you don't want to cut it too short, because you risk harming your grass.

Discharge Types

• Bagging  -- This type collects grass clippings in a large, plastic container, usually located on the rear of the tractor so it doesn't hinder mobility. It's a good choice for homeowners who like to compost.
• Side Discharge  mowers dispense grass back onto the lawn. These are common for lawns with high grass or with few obstacles.
• Mulching  tractors cut grass into small pieces and recycles them back onto the lawn. The cuttings decompose and helps fertilize the soil and keeps your lawn healthy. These types can't handle a large amount of grass, however, so you'll have to mow more frequently.
• Convertible 3-1 tractors  have the flexibility to handle any of the three discharge types.

Other Features

• Attachments -- Some tractors can be used with attachments such as lawn sweepers or carts. If you plan to use any of these, make sure your tractor can handle the load and has the right kind of attachment.
• Hydrostatic Self-Centering Steering -- Makes steering smoother and driving in straight rows easier.
• Foot-pedal Control -- Use your foot instead of a lever.
• Cruise Control -- Just like in your car, it makes for easy riding at a set speed. It's a plus for big properties with few obstacles.
• Reverse Mechanism -- Not always necessary, but it can help if you have oddly-shaped areas to mow or lots of obstacles to mow around.
• Quick Mode Change -- This allows you to switch between modes, such as mulching or bagging, without changing the blade.
• Fuel Gauge on the Dash -- Makes it easier to see when you are running low on fuel.
• Vented Grass Bags -- These are better than sealed bins since they fit more in them.
• Washout Port -- Makes cleaning easier.
• Tilting Steering Wheel -- Enables a more comfortable ride for users of different sizes.
• Comfortable Seat -- Riding a mower for long periods of time can get uncomfortable. Look for a seat with suspension, cushioning, a high back and adjustable settings.
• Onboard Power Outlet -- A 12-volt outlet can power a cell phone, CD player or other small electronics.
• Cup Holder -- This may seem frivolous, but for an hour of mowing you may want something to quench your thirst.

Major Manufacturers

• Toro 
• Husqvarna 
• Kubota 
• Massey Fergusen 
• Craftsman 

Related Products

Lawn Mowers	Tillers	Hedge Trimmers	String Trimmers	Snow Throwers

External Links

• ConsumerSearch -- meta-reviews of mostly small to mid-sized lawn tractors.
• Lowe's -- Basic guide to buying a lawn tractor.
• Popular Mechanics -- guide to heavy-duty garden tractors.