Which Riding Lawn Mower, Lawn Tractor, Zero Turn Is Right For You?
There are over 250 U.S made Lawn Tractors and Zero Turn Mowers available to you and the task of figuring out which is the best one for you can be an almost impossible task. This site is here to help.
Hi! I’m Paul Sikkema Google +
If you have never owned a riding lawn mower before start here: I Want A Riding Mower/Zero Turn But I Don’t Know Where To Start!
My Reviews - Welcome! 2013 Update!
My goal is not to tell you which tractor is best, but to help you decide which tractor is best for you! I know the tractors from all the manufactures and you can use my expertise to help you select the best tractor for your lawn, use, and price range. If you want to “drive green” I can help you find the best Deere for you or if you want the best value for your unique lawn I can help you with that. There are a few dud’s again this year and I’ll point them out!
There are very few NEW lawn tractors this year. Briggs & Stratton (Simplicity, Snapper) is the only one promising a completely new line to roll out late this year.
SCROLL DOWN and click on the Review of the Tractor or Zero-Turn Mower to read my review. The 2013 Reviews will be marked. Or use the menu on the right. If you can’t find a review of the mower you are interested in leave a comment at the end of this page and My readers and I will help you figure it out.
What’s New From Troy-Bilt 2013
What’s New From Toro 2013
What’s New From Craftsman 2013
What’s New From John Deere 2013
The Complete Lawn Mower, Riding Mower, Lawn Tractor, Garden Tractor, Zero Turn Name Brands List Here is the latest info I have
Craftsman continues to have the best value lawn tractors in the $1300 to $2200 price range and I will use their models to compare the other tractors that compete with them. I will show you the differences – good and bad.
Who Makes Sears Craftsman Lawn Tractors and Riding Mowers for 2013? Go Here Sears is making it hard for you not to buy a Craftsman Lawn Tractor this year. They have their “Lowest Price Guarantee” again this year. Sears has also taken the most popular Craftsman Yard Tractors and created bundle deals just for you. Sears Craftsman New Lawn Tractor Buyer’s Pick Bundle Deals For 2013
If you have a question or comment about a tractor please use the form at the bottom of the page the review is on. Please tell me where you live, lawn size and type of grass. If you have a general question use the form at the bottom of this page. I am familiar with most of the tractors on the market so if you don’t see a review for the new one you are interested in…just ask.
It’s not which mower I think is the best, it’s which mower is best for you!
Tractor and Mower Attachments
Tractor Attachments at Sears
Tractor Attachments At Northern Tool
Riding Lawn Mowers, Lawn Tractors, Yard Tractors, Garden Tractors, Estate Tractors By Deck Size
Robotic Mowers
See Robotic Mowers Here
30 inch and Less
New 2013! Craftsman 30 in 420cc Shift-On-The-Go Rider Review Model 29000
2012-2013 Troy-Bilt 30 in 11.5 hp Shift-on-the-go Review Model 13AC26JD011
38 inch
2012 Bolens 38 in, 13.5 hp, Shift-on-the-Go Review Model 13W1762F065
Best Small Yard Tractor! 2012-2013 38-inch Hydro Husqvarana Review
42 inch
Under $1000 New 2013!Craftsman 42 in 420 cc LT 1500 Lawn Tractor Model 28882 Review Model 28882/28887
2012-2013 Troy-Bilt 42 in 17.5 hp Pony Review
2012 John Deere 42 in 17.5 hp gear drive Review Model D100
2012-2013 Craftsman 42 in 19.5 hp Automatic Review Model 28884
2012-2013 Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 in 20 hp Automatic Review
Best For 1 acre! 2012-2013 Craftsman 42 in 21hp Turn Tight Hydrostatic Yard Tractor Review Model 28851
2012-2013 Craftsman 42 in 21 hp 6 speed Review Model 25022
2012-2013 Craftsman 42 in 24 hp Hydro Review Model 28856
2012 Cub Cadet 42 in 20 hp Hydro Review/ Model GT2042
2012 John Deere X300/42X 42in 18.5hp Hydro Review Model X300/42X
2012 John Deere X304/42X 42in 18.5hp 4-Wheel Steer Review Model X304/42X
2012 Cub Cadet GT 2042 42 in 20 hp Hydro Review Model GT 2042
2012-2013 Craftsman 42 in 24 hp Zero-Turn Review Model 25001
2012-2013 Husqvarna-42 in 19.5-hp Zero Turn Review Model RZ4219
46 inch
New 2013!Craftsman 46 in 22 HP Kohler LT 2500 Lawn Tractor Review Model 28915/28888
2012-2013 Troy-Bilt XP 22 46 in 22 hp Kohler Hydro Review
2012-2013 Craftsman 46 in 21 hp Hydro Review Review Model 28852
2013 2013 Craftsman 46 in 22 hp Kohler YT 3000 Yard Tractor Review Model 28853
Best Value! 2012-2013 Craftsman 46 in 24 hp Hydro Review/ Model 28857
48, 50, 52 inch
2012 Jimmie Johnson’s Husqvarna Fast Tractor – 48 in 24 hp Review Model YTH24K48FR
2012 John Deere D160 48 in 24 hp Hydro Review Model BG20656
2012 Husqvarana 48 in NEW! Model R220T/322T
2012 John Deere X300/48X 48in 18.5hp Hydro Review Model X300/48X
54 inch
2013 John Deere D170 Review
2012 John Deere X340/54X 54in 25hp Hydro Review Model X340/54X
The Best New Zero-Turn? 2013 Zero-Turn Craftsman 54in 24hp Zero Turn Review Model 25061
2012-2013 Craftsman 54 in 26 hp Hydrostatic GT6000 Garden Tractor Review/ Model 28861 A True Garden Tractor!
2012-2013 Craftsman 54 in 26 hp Gear Drive GT5000 Yard Tractor Review Model 25024
2012-2013 Craftsman 54 in 26 hp Turn-Tight Hydro Yard Tractor YT4500 Review Model
2013 Husqvarna 54 in 26 hp Model LGT26k54 Review/ Stay Away!
2012 Zero-Turn Husqvarna 54 in 25 hp MZ5424S Zero-Turn Review/ Model 25021
2012 Zero-Turn Husqvarna 54 in 24 hp Zero Turn Review Model 28982
2012 Zero-Turn Stanley Model 60689 Review (TodaysMower DON’T BUY)
60-61 inch
New! 2013 Swisher is Back! ZTR2460BS Review
72 inch
Need Something Bigger? Check these out. 20 to 80 HP Tractors At Northern Tool. Download the Brochure.
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@Justin, 54 inch floating decks are all accused of scalping in turns. They are hanging off the same supports as a 42, 46 or 48 inch deck under the tractor and being wider they will flop around when you mow or take sharp turns. The X534 may make matters worse by the way it turns.
I would follow the deck leveling procedure for the X534. I would pay attention to the air pressure in the tires and even put 2-4 lbs more than recommended so the tractor itself doesn’t lean on the turns. I would also adjust the anti-scalp wheels so they were just off the ground like it states in the leveling procedure. With the anti-scalph wheels in the correct position the deck should never drop more than 1/2 inch in the turns. 1/2 inch difference is barely noticeable on a cut lawn.
The reviewer who wrote the bad review may have not leveled the deck, had the tires too soft or did not have the anti-scalp wheels low enough.
Neal R Matchett, pointed out: I have a Simplicity which is great for not scalping with it’s mounting and anti-scalping roller mounts. It has a 54 inch deck but of course, significantly higher price. (The Simplicity does not have a floating deck. The deck rides on gauge wheels and a rear roller to give you a very even cut)
Myself, I would look at the 48 inch deck because that will not be as susceptable to gouging as the 54. The smaller the deck, the better the cut.
Paul,
I’ve really been looking hard at the new John Deere x534 with the all wheel steering. Anyway, I’m reading reviews out there that talk about some pretty severe scalping in turns. Any truth to this? I can’t seem to find a review of this tractor on your website. I really trust your judgement, thanks for all you do!
@Steve L, I have had a few projects that rose to the top of the pile and I have not had time to get all the reviews done. I also want to compare how well the YT42XLS fabricated deck mows compared to the Husqvarna stamped deck.
I do like the cut of the YT46LS deck. It mows, bags and mulches very well. It does have reinforcements along the left side and front so it is stronger than the YTH series decks. It also does not need a separate blower to bag well.
Engine: The FR Kawasaki in the YT42XLS is a good motor and compares to the Craftsman Premium, Briggs Intek Plus and Kohler Courage motors. In other words it is a high end residential motor. The FS in the YT46LS is better. You will find these engines in many of the medium priced commercial zero-turns.
The price difference is the different decks. The 42XLS deck cost more to make so that warrants the extra cost.
So your choice is: better motor or better deck. I absolutely would recommend both Lawn Tractors.
Hi Paul – excellent site!
I have a yard similar to “Steve” which you replied on April 28th. Mine in 1.5 ac. with slopes bigger than 15 degrees. I’m interested in the Husq YT46LS due the locking differental, deck size and engine. I read where you thought the YT42XLS is a great mower and thinking between the YT42XLS and YT46LS. Which would you suggest? Also, have you written any reviews for either of these?
Rregards,
Steve
@Pat, I would like to suggest the Craftsman 28856
Craftsman 42" 24hp Turn Tight Hydrostatic Yard Tractor Non CA 15 x 6 x 6 in.
It’s a little more money than the 28851 but it will do a great job on your lawn and have plenty of power to horse pasture.
A comparable Deere is the D140, but it has a 3 blade deck. 3 blade decks do not cut the longer grass in your pasture as well as 2 blade decks. Consumer Reports does not rate the Troy-bilt well and the Toro is basically the same tractor as the Troy-Bilt.