Typical mowers and edgers are okay to maintain the neat and clean visuals of a home garden however when it comes to large-sized yards or commercial gardens, these traditional mowers seem quite useless.
No one could dare to handle the t-tube of a mower, lean over the machine and exert a significant amount of pressure constantly to maneuver a property of one acre. In such circumstances, garden tractors are the ultimate solution that can make all the abusive gardening chores a breeze.
Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about driving a garden tractor as most of the advanced models are extremely easy to operate, having simple pedal controls.
If you don’t know much about garden tractors then these are similar to farm tractors but small in size and horsepower.
However, the overall build is nearly the same with the same huge, bulky wheels, monster construction, sturdy hitch, and multiple attachments. Still, these garden tractors vary in size, horsepower, height, cutting widths, and mowing attachments.
Whatever the gardening goals you are looking to accomplish or whatever the size of lawn you are dealing with, in this article, you will know about some of the top-performing garden tractors. We have reviewed these leading garden tractors and figured out their pros and cons by diving deep into the details so you will spend your precious dollars only on the best garden tractor.
Table of Contents
Best Garden Tractor 2022 Comparison Table
7 Best Garden Tractor
1. Husqvarna TS 348 XD (48″) 24HP Kawasaki Garden Tractor
The name of Husqvarna company shines brightly whenever it comes to heavy-duty and durable gardening tools and this time, the company is making our list to sparkle with this Kawasaki tractor model.
If you need a tractor for abusive use over the extremely rugged surface for uncountable hours, you better give this garden tractor a chance. Why? Let us tell you its features to clear it out!
First of all, it features a hydraulic engine which is capable of generating much more power than any other gasoline engine could ever produce. With the ready-start feature, turning the engine on doesn’t take even a single minute.
Not only the immense power, but it also discards the need of feeding up your tank with gasoline over and over again. Resultantly, you won’t only save your money but also save mother nature from getting polluted.
This quality machinery also holds up several attachments that make it an all-in-one tool. To complete the trimming and mowing faster, the manufacturer has installed three different blades of 54″ with a rotatable wide deck that can chop down a vast area in a single flow.
Speaking of comfort, then the tractor possesses high adjustable seats along with armrests and a big steering wheel. Moreover, LED headlights are also being attached so no factors like low-light or poor visibility could stop you from getting a luscious garden.
- Safe rides over slippery and bouncy terrain
- Extensive attachment options /li>
- Easy and comfortable to drive
- 24HP OH engine
- Three-year warranty
- 48″ cutting width
- Expensive
Whether you want to trim the overgrown turf or mow down the edges, whether you need to carry some heavy supplies from one spot to another or want to clean up the snow from terrain, this single tractor will cover you from all the sides.
2. Simplicity 2691337 Broadmoor Mower, Riding, Tractor, Orange
The simplicity company is very famous for manufacturing superior-quality residential mowers and garden tractors and that’s the reason why it possesses such a huge customer base.
We have met some loyal users of this Broadmoor rideable mower and most of them told us that it’s the super defined cut of this machinery that captured their heart.
To check the other features and figure out the reason behind such an amazing hype of this garden tractor, we used this simplicity brand vehicle for several days and the features we uncovered were nothing but exceptional.
First of all, the ride comprises special sorts of suspensions which ensures the smoothest ride over the bumpy pathway, especially while mowing. Not only the suspension but a complete suspension system is provided which can be controlled to raise the level of comfort.
All you need to do is to push a soft button to turn on the robust engine of 23-25 HP. The seat is completely cushioned with updated armrests. You can further adjust the height of the seat as per your comfort.
In addition to mowing, this tractor also does miracles when it comes to lawn stripping. The front deck is manufactured in a free-floating manner with heavy rollers mounted at the rear end. During operation, the roller adds up to pressure which improves the garden striping and floating of the deck further.
The feature which impressed us the most is its power steering and once you use it out, there will be no way back towards the traditional mower.
- Power-steering
- Free-floating deck
- Sleek lawn stripping
- Suspension control system
- Lasting build
- Easy to start
- Ergonomic steering and seats
- Expensive
The machine is made up to last and it’s the best garden tractor for all those looking for a straightforward yet robust rideable mower to cut down enormous amounts of bushes.
3. Husqvarna Z142 Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
As the name indicates, this zero-turn riding mower comes with a zero rotating radius along with a strong 17 HP Kohler engine. Due to the zero radius feature, you can neatly chop the grasses and weeds along the narrower garden beds and corners without damaging this machinery.
The very first feature which catches the attention is hydrostatic pumps which serve the purpose of belts to impart greater safety.
The same hydrostatic pumps are used to transmit the power to the wheels from the engine as this machinery doesn’t work on gasoline. In this way, you can do all the lawn mowing and edging work without gasping in the polluted, heavy-metal-containing air.
That’s the reason why experts say that this tractor is ideal for residential properties where the health of your kids is your foremost priority. The deck is 42′ wide and you can adjust its position and rotation as per your requirements due to the spring-assisted lift system.
If we talk about the build quality then it’s the build-up of high-grade steel which enhances the overall durability of this machine, despite the consistent heavy abuse.
During our trial of using this Husqvarna garden tractor, the factor that impressed us the most is its air induction technology that permits a continuous airflow inside the deck to ensure consistent and clean cuts.
Speaking of convenience, then the manufacturer has provided a relatively wider leg space and cushioned seats to dodge fatigue.
- Lift system
- Air induction technology
- Cushioned saddle
- Broad leg space
- Hydrostatic pumps
- Pollution-free
- Some attachments need to buy separately
Altogether, all the features provided within this single device make it perfectly fabulous to do a variety of stressful gardening chores comfortably which makes it totally a worthy device.
4. Ariens Edge Zero-Turn-Radius Lawn Tractor
For all those searching for an extremely robust zero-turn lawn tractor to mow a huge property, this Ariens edge lawn tractor is the ultimate savior.
The machinery possesses a 726cc Kawasaki engine that can handle the timely lawn striping continuously for a landscape of about one to two acres.
The engine can give out a power of about 23 HP that is potent enough to handle heavy workloads without getting warm. The manufacturer introduced the self-propelled mower within the device which means you won’t have to rely upon the engine cycle, rather, you can get refined chopping quickly.
The deck is made up of high-grade steel that is crafted with four and a half inches depth to make space for a padded seat. Since this machinery is made to tackle trimming and mowing chores for larger landscapes, the manufacturer has tried his best to facilitate the rider as well.
One of these facilities is the noise-free operation to keep your nerves and muscles completely relaxed and stress-free. In other words, having an Ariens edge lawn tractor means your neighbors won’t have to get bothered by your landscaping operations.
- Cushioned seats with armrests
- Potent engine with ergonomic controls
- Noise-free operation
- Fast mowing and cutting
- 10 gauge steel build
- Ideal for broad landscapes
- Not a budget tractor
All in all, it doesn’t matter how wide the property you are dealing with, this lawn tractor will turn the entire sweat-secreting job into a fun activity for you. Especially if you are up to extensive lawn mowing tasks during the regions facing weather extremities, the fast cutting features of this garden tractor will serve as a life savior for you!
5. Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 50-Inch Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower
Here’s another zero-turn wide yard lawn tractor that is mainly built to carry out the manicuring and trimming tasks of your property in no time. The machine is equipped with a twin-cylinder, 24 HP Kohler gas engine that is mighty enough to complete extensive landscaping projects reliably.
Most garden tractors come with a steering wheel system; however, this one possesses a dual lever system where each lever is used to control hydrostatic transmission and steer the machine.
The aspect to which the manufacturer has put maximum is the comfort. First of all, igniting the engine is quite easy since a handy starting system is provided which eliminates the need of choking or pulling the thread.
For strain-free working, a well-padded seat is added that is high enough to support your back and neck. Similarly, while moving through the tough areas having more bumps and ridges, this seat protects the rider from shocks, ensuring an exceptional ride throughout the terrain.
The deck of this craftsman tractor is the widest of all the tractors we have reviewed till now and due to this huge 50′ deck, mowing outgrown bushes in a single quick sweep is possible.
The same deck also contains a special wash port to clean the machinery conveniently, in less time. To speed up the grass stripping operation and to cut down different types of grasses; tall and short, you can easily adjust the height of the deck from 1.25-3.75 inches.
Speaking of durability then the deck is made up of a corrosion-proof and sturdy steel frame that was recently upgraded by the company to make it more compact and enhance the overall maneuverability.
- Durable construction
- 24 HP Kohler engine
- Adjustable deck height
- Dual-lever system
- Mid-range tractor
- The fuel tank is not so big
In addition to quality construction, this craftsman tractor also comes with a two years warranty and a robust zero-turn mower which is perfect for the folks looking for a versatile lawn tractor within mid-range.
6. Snapper Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower w/ Cargo Bed
This garden tractor belongs to the zero-turn tractor series of snapper companies with a highly powerful 23 HP Briggs and Stratton engine.
The engine is powered by a full-sized fuel tank, having a capacity of about three gallons that would exactly suit your needs if you are looking for a mower for a medium-size yard.
Starting the device on is also quite easy as you just need to insert the key in the port and turn it out. Steering and stopping the tractor is also hassle-free and smooth due to the hydro-gear transmission feature.
The deck size of this lawnmower is 48 inches which are mounted with triple blades. Thus, if you are having rigid weeds and extensive shrubs on your lawn, this rideable tractor will chop everything in a blow.
I like that the manufacturer didn’t overlook the importance of the adjustable cutting heights feature and you can easily switch the height from 1.5-4.5 inches.
These seven height options would enable you to maintain a well-manicured and sharp-edged lawn just by pushing the corresponding peddles using your feet.
Speaking of the build quality then this model of snipper is incomparable since it’s made up of aircraft-standard aluminum that is inspired by commercial heavy machinery.
Last but not the least, this tractor comes with an additional cargo bed that helps you to carry heavy gardening tools and pots. However, you need to buy this additional accessory separately.
- Commercial grade construction
- Adjustable deck heights
- Additional cargo bed
- Quick start
- Mid-range
- Ideal for mid-sized yards
- Smooth brakes
- No lifetime warranty
The price of this machine also falls in between highly-priced and lowest priced devices and that’s the very reason why we strongly recommend this tractor for residential or personal use.
7. 48 Volt RYOBI 30 in. Riding Lawn Mower RY48130
If you are searching for a smart riding mower then your search would end here since this RYOBI mower contains the most technical and advanced features.
First and foremost, this device saves you from the thick polluted fumes of gasoline and also frees you up from worrying about the all-time-increasing rates of fuel as this machine is powered by lead-acid batteries.
Using the same batteries, you can also charge up your smartphones while mowing your gardens. Likewise, the battery would not die completely till you chop down an area of about one acre. Due to no gas-operating engines, this tractor also works quietly and faster than the traditional push-along mowers.
Cutting speeds are also the most perfect one and enable the rider to chop bushes spread over an area of about one-quarter acre in less than thirty minutes. In addition to the swift working, I also found this garden tractor extremely reasonable and smooth over the sloping areas.
The mowing power of this machinery is not as high as that of commercial-grade tractors. Still, it’s best for a small-sized yard, equipping adjustable cutting blades that you can control by the lever.
- Smart riding mower
- Smart riding mower
- Quiet operation with no fumes
- The ideal of small-sized yards
- Having attachment ports for utility trailer
- Adjustable cutting blades
- Fast and easy chopping
- Slightly pricer
- Wheel capture dirt easily
Some attachment ports are also provided at the rear end to which you can attach your utility trailer to carry around your stuff with ease. This RYOBI garden mower is a bit pricey but since it needs almost negligible maintenance, it’s one of the best-valued garden tractors.
Buying guide
Even if a tractor comes with all the desirable features, we still cannot say that it would meet your specific sets of needs or suit your lawn.
Remember that the definition of the best garden tractor varies from person to person and to determine which model will act as the best product for you, you need to consider some important aspects as follows:
Engine and power
While concerning the power, the thing you need to consider is the type of engine a garden tractor possesses. Generally, an engine’s power is measured in horsepower (HP) units.
An engine having greater power means every part will act perfectly, whether it’s a mower or hydro-gears. If you are looking for a garden tractor for your personal use, then a tractor of 20-28 HP would be enough for you.
However, if you need a tractor for more extensive landscaping chores then go with the product that is capable of generating power equal to 30 HP or even more.
Speed and gears
After the engine power, the next thing is the speed of your tractor. Some newbies even confuse the speed of a garden tractor with its ability to run at a specific pace. However, in the case of lawn tractors, speed is the pace at which the tractor can mow your garden.
Speaking of speeds, two different speed options are provided in riding mowers; single speed and multi-speed. The single-speed tractors have a fixed speed and you cannot alter the pace as per your needs. That’s the reason why the equipment of this category falls into the category of low-priced equipment.
On the other hand, you can switch from one mowing pace to another with a multi-speed tractor which helps you to mow and edge your lawn, both on smooth and bumpy terrain with equal ease.
Comfort level
The last and the most important thing is to check how comfortable your tractor is. While talking about comfort, so many things fall into the category including seats, gears, attachments, accessories, rides, and storage.
Go with a tractor having a well-padded seat that fully supports your back. To dodge the sudden, scary, and abrupt jumps, you better purchase a tractor with a suspension system that acts as a shock absorber.
Similarly, automatic gears also make the entire landscaping operation quite easy and free of disturbance as you don’t need to switch your tractor off to change the gears.
For storing your tractor at a safe place where it is less prone to decaying or weather damages, get a tractor with removable accessories like a cargo trailer, bin bagger, snow blades, lawn sweeper, mulching kit, etc.
FAQs?
Final verdict
All the garden tractors we have mentioned up till now are thoroughly reviewed by our experts after being used for several weeks. So, you will find that garden tractor you are looking for in the given list. The brands and the models which we selected to put in our top-three picks are
Husqvarna TS 348 XD (48″) 24HP Kawasaki Garden Tractor due to its comfortable ride, powerful OH engine, and widest cutting width.
Simplicity 2691337 Broadmoor Mower, Riding, Tractor, Orange due to its power steering, free-floating deck, and suspension control system.
Ariens Edge Zero-Turn-Radius Lawn Tractor due to its robust engine with ergonomic controls, fast speed, and 10-gauge steel build construction.
These three models could suit almost all kinds of residential and commercial lawns and are built to serve its owner for years. However, if you are still confused then get further help from the detailed buying guide we provided above.