Making sure your yard always looks its best requires a lot of work, and there’s only so much you can do by hand. Maintaining a beautiful lawn and landscape can be quite rewarding, but arduous tasks such as planting seeds, spreading the fertilizer, hauling debris, and mowing acres of lawn can all take their toll.
To make it all more manageable, you need a strong helper. To help you find the best workhorse for your garden, here are the 10 best garden tractors on the market.
Our Top Pick: [amazon link=”B019ZN119G” title=”Husqvarna YTA24V48″ /]
Features
- 24 HP Briggs & Stratton engine
- FAST auto transmission
- 48” cutting deck
- Air induction mowing technology
- Accepts a wide variety of attachments
Contents
Husqvarna YTH18542 Tractor
[amazon fields=”B07D6XH8K” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Husqvarna YTH18542″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 2.5 Gal
- Cutting Width: 42”
- Horsepower: 24 HP
Husqvarna is a leading brand in the lawn care industry. They are renowned for their innovative engineering and high-quality products, so you can never go wrong with a Husqvarna machine.
The Husqvarna YTH18542 is a robust, user-friendly lawn tractor that has everything you need to easily mow larger landscapes and haul debris.
Boasting a sturdy build and variety of useful features, the Husqvarna YTH18542 outperforms most of the other models on the market. Operating it is as easy as driving a car.
Just turn the key and you’re ready to go. This is a very low-maintenance garden tractor. It features a pedal-operated hydrostatic drive transmission that allows for a very smooth cruise.
The Husqvarna YTH18542 is powered by a robust Briggs & Stratton engine. The cutting deck is equipped with a heavy-duty chassis and 13-gauge twin steel sheets. It’s as durable as they get.
When navigating inclines or mowing wet grass, the rear differential increases, allowing for a much smoother cut. And, to protect your turf from damage, the mower features 2 anti-scalp wheels.
Boasting a comfort-grip steering wheel, adjustable high-back seat, and an overall ergonomic design, this Husqvarna garden tractor makes for one very comfy ride.
The rider has all the controls they need right at their fingertips, thanks to the well-positioned fender-mounted deck lever and the electric cutting blade engagement switch. The only significant downside of this model is the lack of cruise control.
Pros
- Smooth handling
- Fast auto transmission
- Robust and durable
- Easy to operate
- 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine
Cons
- Lacks cruise control
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Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series
[amazon fields=”B00R82P2TC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 3.0 Gal
- Cutting Width: 46”
- Horsepower: 22 HP
Boasting an impressive steering radius and packing a lot of power, the Cub XT1 is a garden tractor that can rise to any challenge. Aside from cutting grass, it’s great for hauling around dirt and debris.
The Cub Cadet XT1 is a great option for those who are serious about landscaping. It allows you to attach a wide variety of accessories, such as a snowplow and mulching blades.
On top of being very easy to drive and highly reliable, it can also cut grass in reverse. It really brings maneuverability to a whole new level.
Its bold and rugged appearance makes it look like a complex machine, but the Cub Cadet XT1 is pretty straightforward.
The auto transmission and electric-start function will make your work much easier. Boasting 12 height adjustments that are controlled by a single lever, it allows for a very precise cut.
The garden tractor offers a smooth ride as well as clip over any type of yard. You can rest assured that its heavy-duty chassis can handle the terrain underneath it.
It can take on steep slopes with ease, thanks to its robust 725 cc Kohler engine. The Cub Cadet is undoubtedly one of the best options for large hilly landscapes.
So, since everything seems perfect, what’s the catch? Well, the saddle could be a bit better. The springs under the seat are a bit bouncy and the seat slides on steeper inclines.
Pros
- Cruise control
- 12 height-of-cut adjustments
- Easy to maneuver
- Robust design
- Handles tough terrain very well
Cons
- Seat slides on inclines
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Husqvarna YTA24V48
[amazon fields=”B019ZN119G” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Husqvarna YTA24V48″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 3.0 Gal
- Cutting Width: 48”
- Horsepower: 24 HP
One could say that the Husqvarna YTA24V48 is the bigger and stronger sibling of the first model on our list. It bears a lot of similarities to the Husqvarna YTH18542.
Since it’s a pedal mower, this model is a great option for farms and larger lawns. The Husqvarna YTA24V48 is one of the best garden tractors in its class, thanks to its powerful and versatile performance.
And, thanks to its FAST automatic transmission and dependable Briggs & Stratton engine, this workhorse consistently delivers impressive results. To make fast work of an acre, it offers higher horsepower.
The mechanical compression release, full-pressure lubrication, and high-tech debris management system make this Husqvarna model one of the most reliable powerhouse garden tractors.
The cruise control on the model allows for steady top speeds. The maneuverability and the turning radius are on par with much higher-end models in its category.
The effortless starting mechanism and high-quality ergonomic seat make it a joy to ride. It makes for a valuable year-round garden tractor, as you can use it with a variety of accessories, including a snow blade, a trailer, and multiple collection bins.
Just like most other Husqvarna models, the YTA24V48 lives up to the brand’s solid reputation.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Excellent cruise control
- Strong and robust engine
- Handles like a zero turner
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Deck height adjustments come with a learning curve
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Ariens Apex 60
[amazon fields=”B0787DQ357″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Ariens Apex 60″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 5.0 Gal
- Cutting Width: 60”
- Horsepower: 25 HP
Buying the Ariens Apex 60 is definitely a major investment, but this lawn tractor justifies its price with its extraordinary performance. Its sheer power leaves no one unimpressed.
The Ariens Apex 60 can mow up to 4 acres in just 1 hour without compromising the quality of the cut. It’s impressive 8 MPH top speed and hydrostatic controls make all of this possible.
It allows you to easily manage damp and tall grass thanks to its consistent-cut power system technology. This makes it a great machine for gardening perfectionists who won’t settle for anything short of a perfect cut.
Operating the Ariens Apex 60 comes really easy. The mower boasts a one-of-a-kind intuitive design that makes it a true delight to ride.
There’s also the foot-operated deck lifting system that allows you to easily adjust the height of the cut. The feature is so impressive, one may even use the Ariens Apex 60 to maintain a golf course.
The engine on this lawn tractor has a bigger everything since it’s manufactured to handle professional-grade use. The 25 HP Kohler 7000 Series engine makes it one of the best zero turn lawn tractors on the market, and it is undoubtedly a zero-turn model in the truest sense.
Bear in mind that this is primarily a lawn mower. However, by using it with a hitch kit, you can turn it into one powerful multitasking machine. It can pull utility trailers, fertilizer spreaders, and pull-behind sprayers with relative ease.
Pros
- Tubular frame
- Zero-turn radius
- Heavy-duty construction
- Effortless start
- Intuitive design
Cons
- Expensive
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Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 42
[amazon fields=”B07SFSWGQX” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 42″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 3.0 Gal
- Cutting Width: 42”
- Horsepower: 19 HP
Even though it’s a small garden tractor, the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 42 is an agile machine that can help you get a lot of work done in a small amount of time. It packs enough power to tackle a big yard.
It can cut through the thickest of grass, partly thanks to its robust 567 cc engine. It can reach a top speed of 5.5 MPH at full throttle, and the hydrostatic transmission makes every cruise a joy.
However, it’s a bit noisier than the average garden tractor, so it’s not the best choice for those living in an HOA community.
Garden tractors are usually not the most comfortable rides, as the vibrations don’t really allow for a placid mowing session. But, Troy-Bilt has done a superb job of tackling this issue.
The high-back seat absorbs bumps and allows you to comfortably lean back, making your ride much more enjoyable. As far as accessories go, you can attach a hitch kit, snow cleaning kit, mulching kit, and a grass collector.
It’s a great machine for hobby farms and large gardens as it lets you haul away leaves and move large amounts of compost with relative ease. The 42” cutting deck lets you cut a large swath of grass with each pass. It makes maintaining a larger lawn much easier.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable saddle
- 547 cc engine
- Step through deck
- Hydrostatic transmission
Cons
- Noisy
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Troy-Bilt TB46
[amazon fields=”B079KBNTSM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Troy-Bilt TB46″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 2.0 Gal
- Cutting Width: 46”
- Horsepower: 19 HP
If you are looking for a machine that will offer a reliable and flawless performance each time you start it up, you can never go wrong with Troy-Bilt.
The TB46 has a lot in common with its aforementioned Troy-Bilt cousin. Its Briggs & Stratton engine and larger cutting deck are perhaps some of the more notable differences. The foot-pedal auto transmission makes it a great choice for those who don’t have much experience with garden tractors.
For greater maneuverability, the garden tractor is equipped with 20” x 8” back wheels and 15” x 6“ front wheels. Thanks to its one-of-a-kind Step Thru frame and mid-back seat, the TB46 offers quite a comfortable ride.
This dependable workhorse can mow a quarter-acre lawn in around 20 minutes. Although it’s not recommended, its robust 540 cc Briggs and Stratton engine lets you push this machine to the limit.
Even though it has the power to tackle wild-growing vegetation and ride up steep hills, be sure to stick to the manual.
The TB46 accepts a variety of FastAttach™ accessories, such as a snow blade or mulching kit. The feature allows you to put this workhorse to good use all year round. It can mow grass while going backward, but it is a bit slow when going in reverse.
The 13-gauge steel mowing deck offers a wide cut. The 5-position height adjustment lever allows you to manicure your lawn precisely to your liking.
Pros
- Comfortable saddle
- Robust Briggs & Stratton engine
- Can mow in reverse
- Soft-touch steering wheel
- Foot-pedal automatic transmission
Cons
- Single slow speed in reverse
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Husqvarna YTH24V54
[amazon fields=”B07D1V4BBC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Husqvarna YTH24V54″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 3.0 Gal
- Cutting Width: 54”
- Horsepower: 24 HP
Here we have yet another quality Husqvarna machine that can deliver great results season after season. Thanks to its compact design, it requires less space for storage and is very easy to maneuver.
The ergonomic steering wheel, adjustable seat, and fender-mounted cutting height adjustment are just some of the features that make this tractor so comfortable to operate.
The tractor features a 24HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a 54” cutting deck. You can count on it to chew through high, thick vegetation with great ease. Its long-lived two-cylinder engine will perform at its best even after years of use. For its size, the engine is surprisingly quiet.
The ClearCut mowing deck is designed to deliver a perfect cut on imperfect terrain. The superior air induction mowing technology helps greatly in that regard. But, just like with the Husqvarna YTA24V48, adjusting the height of the cutting height isn’t so easy.
For added versatility, The Husqvarna YTH24V54 accepts a wide variety of attachments, such as brooms, spreaders, graders, snow blades, and garden dump carts.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Easily mows through thick vegetation
- User-friendly design
- Quiet engine
- Robust, long-lived engine
Cons
- Deck height adjustments come with a learning curve
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Toro TimeCutter MX4250
[amazon fields=”B075ZHCBCV” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Toro TimeCutter MX4250″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 5.0 Gal
- Cutting Width: 42”
- Horsepower: 24.5 HP
Technically speaking, the Toro Timecutter is one of the zero-turn riding mowers, not a garden tractor. However, it can pull a wide variety of attachments, including a cart, detacher, lawn sweeper, and spike aerator, and a couple of premium sprayers and spreaders.
On top of that, it boasts a robust 703 Twin engine, heavy-duty frame, and 10-gauge steel cutting deck. It’s safe to say that the Toro TimeCutter makes for a more versatile machine than the average garden tractor.
Able to reach a top speed of 8.5 MPH with the blades still engaged, it’s one of the fastest machines of its sort. It’s no marketing ploy, the TimeCutter really justifies its name.
The manufacturer really made the effort to make the TimeCutter super comfortable even when riding at top speed. The lawn mower features a cushioned padded saddle with reclining armrests.
Its zero-turn radius allows for excellent maneuverability, something that you can’t get with a traditional garden tractor. It allows you to easily navigate around obstacles.
The TimeCutter handles incline much better than the average riding mower, thanks to its rear-drive wheels and heavy-duty transmission.
Its only real downside is the fact that it doesn’t come with any accessories, even though it accepts many different attachments.
Pros
- Robust 24.5 HP engine
- Versatile
- Zero-turn radius
- Comfortable
- 8.5 MPH top rated speed
Cons
- No accessories included
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Simplicity Regent 2691458 Tractor
[amazon fields=”B07PC24D2R” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Simplicity Regent 2691458″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 3.5 Gal
- Cutting Width: 48”
- Horsepower: 25 HP
The Simplicity Regent offers a consistent cut and excellent performance. It’s a reliable, mid-range solution for those who need a robust machine that’s great for hauling heavy equipment as well as performing a particular trimming job.
Its free-floating cutting deck ensures a scalp free cut even on uneven terrain. The 12-gauge steel deck allows for infinite height adjustment. To adjust the height of cut, all it takes is a push of a button.
The easy-start 25 HP Briggs & Stratton engine offers a smooth and quiet operation. For better fuel efficiency, it features an overhead valve design.
The machine allows for easy speed and direction control, thanks to its Tuff Torq K-46Z hydrostatic transmission.
The Regent is surprisingly nimble. It’s no ZTR mower, but it’s much better at maneuvering around tight corners and trees than most other models in its category. However, it doesn’t tackle slopes very well.
Its high-back contoured seat offers extra comfort and stability. The reliable LED headlights are a nice touch as well. They’re not just placeholders, they actually do come in handy when you’re working past daylight.
Pros
- Dependable 25 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine
- Fuel efficient
- Accepts a variety of attachments
- Infinite deck height adjustment
- Hydrostatic transmission
Cons
- Doesn’t handle inclines so well
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Poulan Pro 960420188 Mower
[amazon fields=”B019F8TW3I” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Poulan Pro 960420188″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Fuel Capacity: 3.5 Gal
- Cutting Width: 46”
- Horsepower: 20 HP
The Poulan Pro is one of the most user-friendly garden tractors on the market. It’s 20 HP Briggs and Stratton engine fires up with ease, no priming or choke needed. It’s all made possible by its ReadyStart auto-choke starting system.
Thanks to the foot-pedal Fast CVT transmission, there’s no need to stop or clutch to change the speed. The Poulan Pro can reach an impressive top speed of 8 MPH. The tractor operates like a car, so if you are new to garden tractors, you won’t have a hard time getting used to it.
It can take on slopes with relative ease. However, one needs to make sure they are in slow gear when heading up or down hills.
For improved longevity, stability, and durability, this robust workhorse is fitted with a cast-iron front axle and a 13-gauge reinforced steel cutting deck.
It’s 6” turning radius allows you to easily maneuver around evergreen shrubs in the front of your house, trees and other obstacles. The anti-scalp deck wheels ensure a comfortable cruise on top of reducing the risk of lawn scalp.
To offer you a smooth ride, the Poulan Pro comes with a padded mid-back seat. The tractor even has a built-in cup holder.
Pros
- Pedal-controlled automatic transmission
- Cast-iron front axle
- 6” turning radius
- Powerful drive train
- Easy to operate
Cons
- No cruise control
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Garden Tractor Buying Guide
Garden Tractors vs Riding Lawn Mowers
At first glance, there’s isn’t much difference between garden tractors and riding lawn mowers.
While almost every garden tractor is also a riding lawn mower, not every lawnmower is a garden tractor see here for the best lawn mowers for hills, which are not always tractors. And, to add to the confusion, many garden tractors are labeled just as riding lawn mowers. Bear in mind if you have a small yard you will only need a corded electric lawnmower
So, what exactly is the difference then? Technically speaking, the difference lies in the cutting deck of the machine. The average riding lawn mower has a front-cutting deck, while the average garden tractor has a mid-mounted cutting deck.
But the real difference lies in their functionality. Garden tractors are more versatile machines that boast more horsepower something you need to pull that tiller across large yards. On top of mowing grass, they are used for hauling material and towing heavy equipment, like pulling around the best lawn sweeper to clear leaves.
The average garden tractor can handle a variety of attachments, such as snowplows and pull-behind sprayers. The average riding lawn mower has just one purpose—mowing grass.
Engine
Twin-cylinder and overhead valve engines are best for lawn mower performance. As far as accessories go, the more horsepower a tractor has, the more heavy-duty attachments it can handle.
Every garden tractor can pull a sprayer or a cart. But, if you plan on using ground-engaging attachments such as plows, grading blades, or disc cultivators often, it’s best to go with a lawn tractor or zero turn mower for hills with a higher horsepower engine.
Heavy Duty Design
If you want to tell how sturdy a garden tractor is, check its axles and frames. Cast iron or forged axles are a great indicator of overall quality.
Conclusion
Because of its exceptional build quality and attractive price point, the [amazon link=”B019ZN119G” title=”Husqvarna YTA24V48″ /] is the best garden tractor on the market.
It boasts enough power to handle most tasks, no matter the terrain. And, since it’s designed to accept a wide variety of optional attachments, the Husqvarna YTA24V48 makes for a great year-round workhorse.
