Lawn Tractors

Sizing up lawn tractors

A lawn tractor suits open turf of a few acres with some slope and a cart or two behind. The points below separate a capable tractor from one that struggles on a hill. Most owners buy a lawn tractor for the sheer versatility, and the best ones keep working when the grass is wet or the ground is lumpy. Pick on deck and towing first, and treat top speed as a side note.

Deck size

Listed in inches, and it sets passes per acre. A larger deck turns slowly around beds and trees, so match it to your obstacles.

Engine rating

Look for horsepower or cc plus the fuel tank size. Brands quote horsepower in different ways, so compare within one maker's line.

Towing capacity

Check the hitch and the stated weight the tractor can pull. Carts, sprayers and aerators each load the hitch differently.

Seat and controls

A high-back seat and reachable levers matter over a long mow. Look for operator presence controls in the safety list.

Dealer service

Some brands sell mainly through dealers. That helps with parts, though it narrows what you can buy online.

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