Troy-Bilt Pony, Bronco & Super Bronco Mower Review – Inexpensive Quality Mowers
Is a Troy-Bilt best for you?
In this article, I’m going to discuss Troy-Bilt Pony, Troy-Bilt Bronco, and Troy-Bilt Super Bronco, riding mowers and lawn tractors to see if they are the “best inexpensive” mower for you.
Troy-Bilt is one of the few brands that makes inexpensive, quality riding mowers. They make a great “first” mower for homeowners because they are easy to work on, cut well and with a little maintenance will last a long time. When you are ready to move up or have a larger yard Troy-Bilt has lawn tractors and zero-turns that are a great choice. Depending on the model they make a riding mower for 1/3 acre, 1 acre, to 3-acre lawns. This article will discuss all three types in detail.
Troy-Bilt is very proud of how well they are built Check out this video of the testing the riding mowers go through:
Parts are easy to get
Normal maintenance items and repair parts are available through troybilt.com or your local Troy-Bilt authorized repair center. Operator’s manuals and parts diagrams are available for free through troybilt.com. Filters, spark plugs, belts, mower blades and even a new front hood or wheel are readily available.
Warranty Service or Normal Maintenance is close by
The industry has changed in the last five years and some of the brands of inexpensive riding mowers no longer have local servicing dealers. With those other brands, if you have a warranty problem you have to drop your mower off at a big box store and they ship your mower off to some faraway repair center. You can wait weeks or months to have it serviced and returned to you. Troy-Bilt is different – no matter where you buy the riding mower – just go to troybilt.com to find a local authorized Troy-Bilt Service Location.
Full line of attachments and accessories
Troy-Bilt has a full range of attachments from mulching kits and baggers to snow blades and even snow blowers for the Super Series tractors. The EZ Stow Hauler yard cart is my favorite cart. Check out all the accessories and attachments here: Mower Attachments
Troy-Bilt has three types of mowers.
Troy-Bilt Riding Mowers: Troy-Bilt offers six models of riding mowers under $1500. These mowers are great if you have a smaller, 1/3-1 acre lawn that you mow weekly, Most models offer mow-in-reverse and can easily pull a small yard cart for picking up leaves, sticks and carrying yard tools. All Troy-Bilt riding mowers feature fuel-efficient Troy-Bilt single-cylinder engines. These engines are fully pressurized, have oil filters and have proven to be very reliable. The riding mowers feature 7-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions
Troy-Bilt Lawn Tractors: Often called Yard Tractors, these tractors have beefier frames, better V-Twin engines and stronger transmissions than the riding mowers. They are the “Standard” for tough lawn tractors. The Super Bronco models all feature fuel-efficient V-Twin engines that can handle any terrain and will mow your well kept thick lawn well. These engines also are fully pressurized, have oil filters and will last much longer mowing slopes and hills compared to the Briggs & Stratton Intek engines. These models accept most Troy-Bilt attachments like the snowblower and will last you years. The Lawn Tractors feature hydrostatic transmissions for long life.
Note: Troy-Bilt does not have a Garden Tractor with the heavy-duty ground-engaging transmission at this time. If you need a garden tractor go check out the Cub Cadet line.
Troy-Bilt Zero-Turn Mowers: If you have decided that you want a zero-turn mower and don’t want to spend $4000-$5000 the Troy-Bilt zero-turns are one of the best choices. They feature an all-new fully welded tube frame with a limited lifetime warranty. Decent stamped decks that will also mulch and bag. Full pressure V-Twin engines that will handle any terrain. Fully adjustable lap-bars fit riders of all sizes. Comfortable high-back seats and easy to use controls. All Troy-Bilt Zero-Turns offer reliable EZT2200 hydrostatic transmissions with one-inch axles. (If you are looking at the 355 Deere ZTR I suggest seriously looking at Troy-Bilt before you buy) I’ll discuss the ZTR’s in a sepertate article.
Which Troy-Bilt Mower Is Best For You?
I’ve broken the list into riding mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers.
Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn Mower
Model# TB30
Troy-Bilt TB 30 in. 382 cc Auto-Choke Engine 6-Speed Manual Drive Gas Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower with Mulch Kit Included
Space-saving, compact design of the TB30 combines the time savings benefit of a riding mower with the storage size of a wide-cut walk-behind mower. Keep your lawn healthier with the included mulch kit.
- Cutting Width: 30 inches
- Power Type: Gas
- Transmission Type: 7-speed CVT
- Terrain Type: Flat
- Engine: Troy-Bilt 382 cc Single Cylinder
- StepThru™ Frame
- Space-saving design makes the riding mower easy to store in garages and sheds
- Built In America with U.S and Global Parts since 1937
- Ideal size for smaller or gated yards and will fit through most gates with the 30-in cutting deck
- Easily switch from side discharging grass clippings to mulching mode, which helps avoid thatch buildup and keeps your lawn healthier by returning nutrients into the soil
- High-performing Troy-Bilt engine is tested to ensure dependable starting in all weather conditions
- Ride in more comfort with reduced vibration with the Soft Touch™ steering wheel
- Ideal size for smaller or gated yards and will fit through most gates with the 30-in cutting deck
- Model Number13A726JD023
- Warranty 2-year limited
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Pony 36 Riding Lawn Mower
Model# Pony 36
New This Season Troy-Bilt Pony 36 in. 382 cc Auto-Choke Engine 7-Speed Gas Manual Drive Mulching Riding Lawn Tractor
- Cutting Width 36 inches
- Size of Yard 1/3 – 1/2 Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat
- Engine: Troy-Bilt 382 cc Single Cylinder
- Transmission Type: 7-speed CVT
- High-performing Troy-Bilt engine is tested to ensure dependable starting in all weather conditions
- Built In America with U.S and Global Parts since 1937
- 36-in deck size maneuvers better in smaller areas and can be easily stored
- Keep your lawn healthier by mulching grass clippings with included mulch kit to help avoid thatch and return nutrients in to the soil
- 7-speed transmission has dash panel control that is easy to see and adjust
- Make yard clean up easier by using a rear bagger to collect grass clippings and leaves for use as compost or bag for disposal (sold separately)
- Maintain control with easier navigation around landscape borders and obstacles with 18-in turn radius
- Warranty 2-Year Limited
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Riding Lawn Mower
Note: The Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Mower is the most searched for riding mower on Google but it uses a 7-speed manual transmission. I suggest spending $200 more and buy the Bronco Riding Mower with the Automatic. You also get a larger 547cc engine. The 7-speed can be a little hard to learn while the Bronco automatic drives just like your car. Just put the lever on the left fender in “F” and push on the right foot pedal.
Model# Pony 42
New This Season Troy-Bilt Pony 42 in. 439 cc Auto-Choke Engine 7-Speed Manual Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor with Mow-in-ReverseCutting Width 42 inches
- Size of Yard 1/2 – 1 Acre
- Terrain Type: Flat
- Engine: Troy-Bilt 439 cc Single Cylinder
- Transmission Type 7-speed CVT
- High-performing Troy-Bilt engine is tested to ensure dependable starting in all weather conditions
- StepThru™ Frame
- High-performing Troy-Bilt engine is tested to ensure dependable starting in all weather conditions
- Built In America with U.S and Global Parts since 1937
- 7-speed transmission has dash panel control that is easy to see and adjust
- 42-in side-discharge cutting deck delivers a clean, even cut
- Step-Thru frame design provides easier on and off access by providing more leg room
- Make yard clean up easier by using a rear bagger to collect grass clippings and leaves for use as compost or bag for disposal (sold separately)
- Model Number 13AB77BS023
- Warranty 2 year limited
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower
Note: The Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Mower is the most searched for riding mower on Google but it uses a 7-speed manual transmission. I suggest spending $100 more and buy the Bronco 42X Riding Mower with the Automatic. The 7-speed can be a little hard to learn while the Bronco automatic drives just like your car. Just put the lever on the left fender in “F” and push on the right foot pedal.
Model# Pony 42X
- Cutting Width 42 inches
- Size of Yard 1/2 – 1 Acre
- Terrain Type: Flat
- Engine: Troy-Bilt 547 cc Single Cylinder
- Transmission Type 7-speed CVT
- Forged steel crankshaft in Troy-Bilt engine makes it stronger and more durable
- Built In America with U.S and Global Parts since 1937
- 7-speed transmission has dash panel control that is easy to see and adjust
- 42-in deck ,with anti-scalp deck wheels to prevent turf damage, delivers a clean, even cut
- Step-Thru frame design provides easier on and off access by providing more leg room
- Make yard clean up easier by using a rear bagger to collect grass clippings and leaves for use as compost or bag for disposal (sold separately)
- Warranty 2-Year Limited
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Bronco 42X Riding Lawn Mower
Model# Bronco 42X
New This Season Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 in. 547 cc Engine Automatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor with Mow in ReverseCutting Width 42 inches
- Cutting Width 42 inches
- Size of Yard 1/2 – 1 Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat-Gentle Slopes
- Engine: Troy-Bilt 547 cc Single Cylinder
- Transmission Type Foot-pedal automatic CVT
- Forged steel crankshaft in Troy-Bilt engine makes it stronger and more durable
- Built In America with U.S and Global Parts since 1937
- AutoDrive™ transmission with foot pedal control drives like a car
- 42-in deck, with anti-scalp deck wheels to prevent turf damage, delivers a clean, even cut. Mulch kit (sold separately) helps maintain a healthier lawn
- Step-Thru frame design provides easier on and off access by providing more leg room
- Make yard clean up easier by using a rear bagger to collect grass clippings and leaves for use as compost or bag for disposal (sold separately)
- Warranty 2-year limited
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Bronco 46X Riding Lawn Mower
Model# Bronco 46X
New This Season Troy-Bilt Bronco 46 in. 547 cc Engine Automatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor with Mow in ReverseCutting Width 46 inches
The Bronco 42X and Bronco 46X are the same riding lawn mower except the 46X has a larger deck. The sticks out from the side of the tractor just a little bit more and helps a lot when trimming along fences and foundations. The 46 inch deck also throws the grass a little farther so it will fill the optional bagger better.
- Size of Yard 1/2 – 1 1/2 Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat-Gentle Slopes
- Engine: Troy-Bilt 547 cc Single Cylinder
- Transmission Type Foot-pedal automatic CVT
- High-performing Troy-Bilt engine is tested to ensure dependable starting in all weather conditions
- Built In America with U.S and Global Parts since 1937
- Drive like a car with foot pedal operated AutoDrive™ transmission
- 46-in deck ,with anti-scalp deck wheels to prevent turf damage, delivers a clean, even cut. Mulch kit (sold separately) helps maintain a healthier lawn
- Ride with more comfort and less vibration with Soft Touch™ steering, mid-back seat and rubber footpads
- Attach a standard garden hose to the deck wash port to quickly clean underside of deck and prevent buildup of clippings
- Warranty 2-year limited
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Lawn Tractors (Yard Tractors)
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco Lawn Tractors are a big step up from the Pony and Bronco Riding Mowers. You get:
- Cast iron front axle. The stronger axle allows you to use a snow blade and snow thrower. In addition, the front wheels won’t bow out after a few years.
- Yard Tractor Frame. The Super Bronco series uses the same heavy-duty rigid frame as the Cub Cadet Lawn Tractors. It’s built to be the strongest lawn tractor frame on the market and won’t twist and crack after a few years like the other brands.
- Hydrostatic transmissions. Hydros are smooth running and there are no extra levers to use when putting the mower in reverse. All the Super Bronco tractors feature cruise control and mow-in-reverse.
- Smooth running 679 cc V-Twin engines. The XP 46, 50 and 54 feature a smooth-running V-twin for plenty of power and long life. The XP 42 uses a 547cc single-cylinder engine with automatic choke. All XP engine have easy to use oil drains, oil filters, and are pressurized engine with internal oil pumps so they can handle slopes/hills for many years.
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 42 Riding Lawn Mower
Model# Super Bronco XP 42
New This Season Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 42 in. 547 cc Engine Hydrostatic Drive Gas Riding Lawn Tractor with Mow in Reverse
- Cutting Width 42 inches
- Size of Yard 1/2 – 1 1/2 Acres
- Terrain Type: Gentle Slopes
- Transmission: Tuff Torq TL-200
- Engine Make Troy-Bilt
- Transmission Type Tuff Torq TL-200 Foot-pedal Hydrostatic
- High-performing Troy-Bilt engine is tested to ensure dependable starting in all weather conditions
- Built-in America with U.S and global parts since 1937
- Hydrostatic transmission with cruise control for smooth change of speed and direction
- Cast iron front axle for added durability and rugged performance
- Ride with more comfort and support with the adjustable high back seat
- 42-in deck, with anti-scalp deck wheels to prevent turf damage, delivers a clean, even cut, mulch kit (sold separately) helps maintain a healthier lawn
- Larger 3 Gal. fuel tank for longer run times
- Systems monitor includes service reminders in an LED display and includes an hour meter and ammeter to track usage
- Attach a standard garden hose to the deck wash port to quickly clean underside of deck and prevent buildup of clippings
- Make yard clean up easier by using a rear bagger to collect grass clippings and leaves for use as compost or bag for disposal (sold separately)
- Rear hitch makes it easy to pull garden carts, sprayers and spreaders (attachments sold separately)
- XP series of Troy-Bilt riding mowers includes a 3-year limited warranty for extra peace of mind
- Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 42 XP comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 46
Model# Super Bronco XP 46 FAB
New This Season Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 46 in. 679 cc V-Twin Engine Hydrostatic Drive Fabricated Deck Gas Riding Lawn Tractor W/Mow in ReverseCutting Width 46 inches
- Size of Yard 1/2 – 2 Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat-Gentle Slopes
- Transmission
- Engine Make Troy-Bilt
- Transmission Type Tuff Torq K46 Foot-pedal Hydrostatic
- 46-in reinforced fabricated steel deck for rugged performance and enhanced durability
- Built-in America with U.S and global parts since 1937
- Powerful, twin-cylinder Troy-Bilt engine delivers quieter, more balanced performance with less vibration
- Hydrostatic transmission with cruise control for smooth change of speed and direction
- Cast iron front axle for added durability and rugged performance
- Ride with more comfort and support with the adjustable high back seat
- Larger 3 Gal. fuel tank for longer run times
- Systems monitor includes service reminders in an LED display and includes an hour meter and ammeter to track usage
- Attach a standard garden hose to the deck wash port to quickly clean underside of deck and prevent buildup of clippings
- Make yard clean up easier by using a rear bagger to collect grass clippings and leaves for use as compost or bag for disposal (sold separately)
- XP series of Troy-Bilt riding mowers includes a 3-year limited warranty for extra peace of mind
- Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 46 FAB XP comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 50 XP Riding Lawn Mower
Model# Super Bronco XP 50 FAB
New This Season Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 50 in. 679 cc V-Twin Engine Hydrostatic Drive Fabricated Deck Gas Riding Lawn Tractor W/Mow in ReverseCutting Width 50 inches
- Size of Yard 2 – 4 Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat-Gentle Slopes
- Transmission
- Engine Make Troy-Bilt
- Transmission Type Tuff Torq K46 Foot-pedal Hydrostatic
- Large 50-in reinforced fabricated steel deck for rugged performance and enhanced durability
- Built-in America with U.S and global parts since 1937
- Powerful, twin-cylinder Troy-Bilt engine delivers quieter, more balanced performance with less vibration
- Hydrostatic transmission with cruise control for smooth change of speed and direction
- Cast iron front axle for added durability and rugged performance
- Ride with more comfort and support with the adjustable high back seat
- Larger 3 Gal. fuel tank for longer run times
- Electric PTO quickly and easily engages cutting blades
- Make yard clean up easier by using a rear bagger to collect grass clippings and leaves for use as compost or bag for disposal (sold separately)
- Attach a standard garden hose to the deck wash port to quickly clean underside of deck and prevent buildup of clippings
- Systems monitor includes service reminders in an LED display and includes an hour meter and ammeter to track usage
- XP series of Troy-Bilt riding mowers includes a 3-year limited warranty for extra peace of mind
- Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 50 XP fab comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 54 Riding Lawn Mower
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Thanks For Reading!
By Paul Sikkema. Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Please Note: If you click on most of the links in this article and buy any product I will make a small commission from that sale. This is how I make money to keep this website up and running. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com
Gary
I bought a 24hp 50 inch deck for almost $3800.00 5 years ago and last year the sealed transmission went on it so now I have a very expensive lawn ornament. The transmission goes for around $1100-$1200.00 funny that the warranty is only good for 4 years. Sorry just a sore spot for me.
Chris Boehm
Are the Bronco and the 700 Series Troy-Bilt machines different?
Paul
Hi Chris, No, they are the same lawn tractors
Toby Clark
I bought my Troy-built 54 xp garden tractor from my home town Lowe’s….and I mow 5-6 yards a week with mine,Iv had it going on 5 season and Iv not done a thing to it except keep it serviced I have 600 hrs on it! for the money I couldn’t come plane…I gave $2700for it, its made me money! with I had another one!!
Paul
Hi Toby, That’sgreat to hear. The XP Garden Tractor is considerably built heavier-duty than the mowers on this list so it makes sense it will last longer if properly maintained.
John Albrecht
I’ve got a Cub Cadet XT2 for mowing, but my property is surrounded by trees which drop leaves knee deep on my lawn areas each Fall. A triple bagger system wasn’t enough, so I bought a DR leaf vacuum. Towing that kind of weight wrecked my hydrostatic transmission in two years. My previous mower had a Shift-on-the-go tranny, and it lasted 22 years pulling carts loaded with logs, so I had no idea that towing with a hydrostatic transmission was a no-no. My question is, do you think the Troy-Bilt machines mentioned above could tow a leaf vac (about 800 – 900 lbs. with full payload) without destroying the transmission?
Paul
Hi John, I assume the XT2 you have is a LT model. All the Troy-Bilts use the same K46 transmission as found in the XT1 and XT2 LT (lawn tractors.) There are different hydrostatic transmissions available that will handle your heavy leaf vac.
For pulling that much weight you need a garden tractor with a K58 or K62 heavy-duty transmission. The following Cub Cadet models have the heavier transmissions. Yo can order these right through the Cub Cadet website and have it delivered, ready to mow, right to your door.
Cub Cadet XT1 GT50
Cub Cadet XT1 GT54 FAB
Cub Cadet XT2 GX50 FAB
Cub Cadet XT2 GX54 D FAB
The following two garden tractors are “buy one and done” models. Buy one of these and you’ll never have to buy another tractor. They have heavy-duty cast iron hydrostatic transmissions, commercial grade engines and the GSX has power steering.
Cub Cadet XT3 GS
Cub Cadet XT3 GSX
John M Wenger
Great Website Paul!! I was wondering other than the obvious EFI, Armrests and front bumper what is the difference in the the TB Super Bronco XP FAB 46 and the the CC XT2 LX46 EFI and which would you recommend. I am in FLA and have to cut 1/3 acre of very thick St. Augustine grass 9 months of the year. Yard is primarily flat with lots of trees and leaves in the fall. I will be adding the mulching kit to which ever i purchase. Any thoughts on who mulches the best out of the two. The CC is a few hundred more than I wanted to spend, I was originally only wanting to spend at the $1500. but have moved up based on your reviews of the TB mowers, then looked at the CC. Is it worth the extra 4-5 hundred for the EFI? Thanks in advance
Paul
Hi John, The Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 EFI/FAB is powered by the same MTD twin-cylinder 679cc engine as the Super Bronco XP FAB 46 but has the additional EFI. The EFI uses 25% less fuel and will run on E15 fuels. It will have less maintenance, dependable starting, and you don’t need to worry about old fuel for easy off-season storage.
The Cub Cadet also has heavier-duty 4 ply tires, ball-bearing front wheels, a deluxe seat, and a front bumper. That all adds up to the extra money for the Cub Cadet. In addition Cub Cadet has a better repair network if you ever have any issues with the mower.
John M Wenger
Thanks Paul, Was unaware of the tires and and ball bearing front wheels, and most importantly a better repair network. Again great website. Thanks for your input.
Doc Chapman
Paul,
I do not mean this to be rude or with ill intent.
I do read a lot of your post and was wondering if you test any of this equipment or what do you base your reviews on ?
We have been looking at troy built riding mowers and see tons of bad reviews on them.
I understand they make a ton of mowers and it is just plain common sense that not all are going to be good
So just wondering why you pick this as a good mower company
Paul
Hi Doc, You actually have a valid question and I don’t mind answering it because it brings up a great point about on-line reviews.
Look closely at the negative reviews. How many are actually about a “bad” piece of equipment and how many are from people that don’t understand how their mowers work? 90% (yes 90%) of the negative reviews are from people that don’t know how to operate their mower, or didn’t assemble it correctly, or don’t have a basic understanding of the maintenance needed to allow their mower to last. Home Depot and Troybilt.com have “honest” reviews so you get to see all the reviews – not just the best ones.
On the other side of the coin, look at other sites where ALL of their riding mowers have 4 and 5-star reviews. Why? Not because the mowers are that much better but because 90% of the reviews are done “as part of a promotion” – meaning the reviewers were paid for the review or entered into a contest because they reviewed the mower. In addition, I know of one company that removes negative reviews.
Now, let me discuss Troy-Bilt in particular. No, Troy-Bilt is not the best mower on the market but Troy-Bilt is the best “inexpensive” mower on the market. If you compare a $1500 Bronco to the other $1500 mowers on the market the Troy-Bilt easily is the best. It’s not fair to compare that Bronco to a $5000 X380 Deere – just like it’s not fair to compare your Ford F-150 to a Peterbilt. The Ford and the Peterbilt will both haul freight but one of them will last a lot longer 🙂
The problem is many new homeowners who want a riding mower don’t understand why that $5000 lawn tractor is better than the $1500 Troy-Bilt next to it on the sale floor. Since no one will tell them, they end up buying the $1500 mower because it’s what they can afford. Since they don’t know – they complain when it doesn’t last as long as their Dad’s John Deere or Cub Cadet.
The industry has changed in the last five years and some of the brands of inexpensive riding mowers no longer have local servicing dealers. With those other brands, if you have a warranty problem you have to drop your mower off at a big box store and they ship your mower off to some faraway repair center. You can wait weeks or months to have it serviced and returned to you. Troy-Bilt is different – no matter where you buy the riding mower – just go to troybilt.com to find a local authorized Troy-Bilt Service Location.
This was a big sore spot for Toy-Bilt before Home Depot started selling them. The previous retailer’s repair process was horrible!
This is the second year Home Depot has been selling Troy-Bilt and you don’t read in the reviews about any issues where they send off the mower to some far away repair center and it doesn’t get repaired for months (or comes back still broke) So, Any reviews you read about service problems that were written in 2018 or earlier are no longer valid.
Yes, I’ve used Troy-Bilts over the years and yes I am very familiar with the current models. I also have neighbors and friends who own Troy-Bilts and you would be surprised at how long they last with a little maintenance and TLC.
Doc Chapman
Thanks for the reply,
How did you know I owned a ford F150
Lol
I have spent a bundle on that hunk of metal
Change spark plugs and coil packs 1800.00
Anyway , I see what you are saying and , I had not given thought to people being paid or a prize win chance
I will say sometimes there is not enough info in the owners manual to aid a owner /
We found that out on another brand when the gear linkage broke and a .6.50 piece was going to cost me 400.00
We will take a hard look at the Troy built and will go thru your site if we purchase