Guide to Garden and Lawn Tractors

If your lawn is too big to handle for a regular push-mower or you have a lot of gardening needs, the best solution is to buy a riding lawn and garden tractor. There are many top quality models on the market and their real benefit is quick and hassle-free mowing. Your gardening needs can be taken care of with a small tractor as well. With optional attachments, they can be used for tilling, weeding, leaf pickup, snowthrowing, smoothing rollers, and earth movers. Here are the top 10 garden and lawn tractors on the market today.

Poulan Pro PBGT26H54
This is an entry level garden tractor for mild terrain. It is not the strongest machine out there but it is one of the best for light duty. It features a 26 hp v-twin engine, 54-inch cutting deck, 4-gallon tank, 23 inch rear tires, and optional mulching and catching attachments. It is priced at $2188.00.

Poulan Pro PB19546LT
This is the extra light tractor from Poulan. It is small but packed with features such as a 19.5 hp engine, 6-speed transmission, 46-inch cutting deck, 18-inch rear tires, spring assisted deck lever, and 1.5 gallon fuel tank. It sells for $1507.96.

Cub Cadet GT 2550
This is a quality garden tractor at a reasonable price. It has a 22 hp, v-twin engine, 5.8mph operating speed, 50-inch cutting deck with hand lever and multiple height settings, 2.25 gallon tank, and hydrostatic transmission. The GT 2550 is capable of handling light to medium duty jobs and tough terrain, but not intended for commercial use.

Cub Cadet GT 1554
The GT 1554 is a popular tractor available at most every big-box store. It has an older style 27 hp engine that can provide the strength needed for pulling attachments for your garden, hydrostatic transmission with 5.2 mph speed, cruise control, turf-safe front wheels, 54-inch cutting deck, 3.5 gallon fuel tank, and 12-gauge steel construction. It sells for less than $3000.00.

John Deere X500
John Deere in terms of quality is hard to beat. This garden tractor is definitely one of the best out there. If features a 25 hp Kawasaki engine, 48-inch cutting deck with options for mulching and collection, deck height adjustment in .25-inch increments, 5-gallon fuel tank, and a 22-inch turn radius. This machine is comfortable and reliable, but expensive at over $8000.00. John Deere does offer financing.

Craftsman 28846
Craftsman always produces fine machinery and this tractor is not only functional but looks great as well with its glossy black design. It features a 26 hp engine, 54-inch cutting deck, responsive handling, 23-inch rear tires, and a strong design. It is not the most comfortable of our bunch but it will handle heavy duty work without a problem. It sells for $2599.99.

Husqvarna GTH26K54
This Swedish-made tractor has a 26 hp 2-cycle engine, superior design, optional ground engaging pull devices, hydraulic transmission, 54-inch cutting deck, and 4-gallon fuel tank. It also includes headlamps, and red rear reflectors. It sells for less than $3000.00.

Husqvarna PDGT26H54
This model features a 26 hp v-twin engine, 54-inch cutting deck, 11 gauge steel frame, electric clutch, hydrogear automatic transmission, cast iron front axle, and 5-gallon fuel tank. It sells for $2944.00 at www.amazon.com .

Troy-Bilt Big Red Horse GT
This is one of the best quality garden tractors on my list and is very affordable as well. If features a 23 hp 2-cylinder engine, 50-inch cutting deck with adjustable height, 5.2 mph top speed, 3-blade cutter, cast iron front axle, 21-inch turn radius, and 2-speed transmission. It can host an assortment of options for all your gardening needs and sells for $2099.00.

Swisher Ride King ZT2352
This is more of a powered riding mower, but included here because of the professional grade cut it provides. It features a 52" cutting deck, 23 hp engine, electric transmission, mulcher blades, and a comfortable ride. It sells for $2999.00 at www.northerntool.com .

Whether you need light duty or heavy duty, one of these garden tractors/mowers will suit your needs. Don't forget to shop around and compare prices.