Here is a list of the 2015 Residential Lawn Tractors and Zero Turn Mowers. There are over 425 lawn tractors, residential zero-turns and landowner zero-turns available for you to pick from this year with over 125 new models so I’ve broken them down into four lists.
2015 Lawn Tractors under $1500
2015 Lawn Tractors over $1500
2015 Residential Zero Turn Mowers (R-ZTR)
2015 Landowner Zero Turn Mowers (L-ZTR)
You can use these lists at any time using the menu bar at the top of the page.
Note 1: Please see the retailer’s website or your local dealer for the current price and specifications. Prices listed here are not actual and for most of this group the prices are changed based on the local competition. The retailers now use pricing optimization software and the price can go up or down in as little as 4 hours. Please see the retailer’s website or your local dealer for the current price.
Note 2: This list will give you a link if the item is available to buy from the comfort of your home and a link to my review. If you are uncomfortable buying through that link (I make a small commission) please visit the brand’s website to find other ways to purchase the item. Some items will not be made until sometime in March. You can order them and get the first one available. There are a few more ZTRs coming out in the next 6 weeks. I’ll update the list as they are available and I get the individual reviews done.
How These Lists Are Categorized:
Lawn Tractors under $1500 is a general classification and is generally accepted as an economical riding lawn mower that will mow your lawn and perform light chores around your yard. Pulling a sweeper, small yard cart for leaves and branches. Most are not designed for snow plows, snow blowers and ground engaging work.
Lawn Tractors over $1500 includes Yard Tractors, Garden Tractors, and Estate Tractors. Yard Tractors generally have heavier frames and can handle snow removal BUT NOT ground engaging work. Garden Tractors historically by definition can perform ground engaging tasks like roto-tilling, moldboard plowing and driveway leveling but the brands have destroyed the term as we used it here in the U.S. For 2015 do not assume if it has big tires or is labeled a “garden tractor” it can handle ground engaging work. Ask me and I’ll guide you through the mess this has become. Estate Tractors have transmissions stronger than the vulnerable K-46 and can handle most jobs around your property. They are a “step down” from Compact Tractors but are all high quality (read expensive) machines and built for durability not selling price. Many have power steering, hydraulic lifts and some can accept a front-end loader.
Residential Zero Turn Mowers (R-ZTR) like lawn tractors is generally accepted as an economical riding lawn mower that will mow your lawn quicker than a lawn tractor but don’t expect it to do anything else. Many do not come with a hitch. If they have a hitch they are only designed to perform very light chores around your yard. A small yard cart with leaves, mulch or brush. A 42 inch yard sweeper, etc. Almost all of of the R-ZTR’s do not handle hills well and never pull heavy loads with one.
Landowner Zero Turn Mowers (L-ZTR) generally have heavier frames, decks and transmissions. They are designed to mow your lawn much faster and more comfortably than a lawn tractor. Many of these mowers will actually mow at 6, 7, or 8 MPH! They are not designed to go out and mow your pasture, paddock or brush. This list does not include Commercial Zero-Turn Mowers.
Larry
Hi Paul,
I am new to your very fine site and I appreciate all the work you put into it.
I live on the east facing coast of Whidbey Island, WA., where the acre or so I mow is fairly steep and pretty rough in places. Do you see a significant difference between the Poulon PBGT 2654 and the Craftsman GT 5500 (20403) as far as reliability, comfort, and the ability to do the work?
Thanks in advance for any insight you can throw my direction.
Lars
Paul Sikkema
Hi Larry, Underneath the hood the two tractors are same. Both engines are top-rated. The only mechanical difference is the front axle. The axle on the Craftsman turns tighter but the axle on the Poulan Pro is stronger. I would opt for the stronger front axle on the Poulan Pro.
If you don’t have a local dealer you can get it shipped free through Amazon here: (Ignore the “ships in one-two months.” It has been shipping within 10 days) Poulan Pro PBGT2654 Kohler 26 HP Pedal Control Hydro 54-Inch
If you have any warranty issues Amazon and Poulan Pro are easy to work with. You can get maintenance parts like oil, filters, blades and belts easily through Amazon.
Hollowalone1
Great list Paul.
Im suprised to see the Craftsman 20383 discontinued.
I work for sears and wasnt aware of that lol.
This particular tractor sold well for us last year.
I am keeping my eyes open for its replacement.
On another note is it me or does it seem like they are fading out the kohler engines?
Paul Sikkema
Hi Hollow, The new tractor number will be 25083. The only change is the trans. I guess it getting a 5.5 mph RS800 CVT.
They’ve actually added nine tractors and ZTR’s with Kohlers. I’m really excited that you are getting a 20 and 22 hp V-Twin Kohler in the LT line.
John
John in Ona, WV
Paul, thanks for the great list!!! This coming season I am planning to purchase the Craftsman 54′ GT Model#: 28861X as listed on the Sears site. Any improvements on this model that you have heard about this year? And also, do you still recommend that tractor for its stronger tranny. My old Deere with its K46 has now gone out for the second time. First one was replaced by Deere. I’m not putting in a third K46 for $700 to watch it die in 2-3 years.
Also, knowing Sears is not in the best financial shape as a company should I worry about buying a tractor from Sears? Any insights on that?
Thanks again for all you do in this confusing world of grass cutting!
All my best!
Paul Sikkema
@John, yes this tractor has the heaviest transmission you can find in an under $4000 tractor. You’ll never have a problem with it. In addition the larger tires give it a better ride than the other lawn tractors.
I’m not worried about the lawn & garden part of sears. Craftsman, Sears repair services and Sears parts are all separate divisions and doing well. Even if the full-line stores close those divisions will continue on. Plus there are about 3000 Sears Hometown stores which are all independent franchises.