Consumer Search put together a comprehensive article on buying your new lawn tractor. I feel it is one of the best written articles available to help you decide which rider, lawn, yard, garden, estate, or premium tractor to buy.
I disagree on one point in the article. If you have lots of trees and obstacles ConsumerSearch recomends a zero-turn. If you have less than 3 acres of lawn, I suggest you look at the Craftsman tractors with the 6 inch Turn-Tight Steering first. Residential zero-turns (under $4000) tend to be very hard on your lawn and only work on flat ground. If you have hills, slopes, or no experience using zero-turns stay away from the residential models.
If you have 3 acres or more look at zero-turns in the $4000 price range or higher. Most of them are heavier and can handle some slopes. The Husqvarana 2012 Husqvarana MZ5424S is my choice for the best value zero-turn this year.
When you are done come back here and read my reviews.
Go Here: Consumersearch: How To Buy A Lawn Tractor
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I have 1 acre lot loads of trees and i use a small cart to pick up debris and I also use a sprayer 25gallon size. I am looking for a 42 inch twin engine .Thank you dave
Response: @dave, Take a look at the Craftsman 28856. Six inch turning radius, 24 hp v-twin, nice seat and it will pull your cart and sprayer well.
@Kevin, at this point it looks like the Poulan Pro will have the same specs as the Ariens tractors at Home Depot. Inexpensive, bare bones machines. They are made by Husqvarana, the Yard Machines are made by MTD. Where did you find these for sale?
I was looking at a poulan pro pb195a46lt or a pb17542lt but cant find much about them or reviews the 19.5 says automatic tranny and the 17.5 is 6 speed are they any good…i dont have a clue
Thanks!!!! very good / important information…didn’t know that.
@Keeny. Both are comparable machines but if you are buying from Lowes you will have better luck in the long run with the D140. As far as I know the warranty and extended Protection Plan on the D140 is serviced by your local John Deere dealer.
On the other hand the warranty work on the Husqvarna is done through a Husqvarna designated service rep and the protection plan work is done by whomever Lowes has contracted to do their service in your area. In other words, if you don’t buy their protection plan on the Husqvarna you are on your own.
Was thinking about the : Husqvarna Yth22V46 ,OR THE ,John Deere D140 from Lowes…….any suggestions? Thanks
@jess, I have to go to work so I can’t give a complete explanation right now but yes, the YT3000 has a better motor, better steering and a better service network.
Gotcha. I saw that you recommend the craftsman yt300. If i can get it under 1500 would you say its a better option than the ariens. Thanks again and i love your blog. It has so much information.
@Jess, the answer to your question is easy. If you live in California you have to buy the 960460056. If you live anywhere else in the U.S. you have to buy the 960460056. The California model is ONLY for sale in CA.
Hello
I have a 1/2 acre lot that is a bit rocky and hilly. I have a budget of $1500. What is the best tractor for my lawn and budget in your opinion? I have been looking at home depot at these two:
$1499
Ariens 46 in. 22 HP Briggs and Stratton Hydrostatic Front-Engine Riding Mower California Compliant Model # 960460029
AND
$1399
Ariens 46 in. 22 V-Twin HP Briggs & Stratton Automatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower Model # 960460056
I actually am having a hard time even distinguishing what the difference is between the two models i posted but I hope you can help.
or if you have another model i should consider as well?