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Lawn Tractor Reviews
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Mid-range
High end
$650
$1500
$2500...+In this review:
Riding Mowers Performance (continued)
Lawn Tractor Cutting Performance.
For the most part, users are satisfied with the cutting performance of the lawn tractors on our list. Barring any mechanical or handling problems, say lawn tractor reviews, you get a well-mowed lawn in less than half the time it takes with a walk-behind mower.
Riding Lawn Mowers Maintenance.
All riding lawn mowers or cheap lawn tractors need maintenance, be it replacing worn-out belts, sharpening the blades, or cleaning the deck after each use. In riding lawn mowers reviews on Walmart, several Weed Eater One WE261 owners gripe about the need to buy parts and obtain service from a warranty repair center or authorized dealer only to discover that the providers don't handle this particular model. By contrast, one Craftsman YT 3000 28924 user happily reports in a review on MySears.com that he can go to any Sears store for the parts he needs, and they're usually in stock. Wash-out ports on the John Deere D100 and Craftsman YT 3000 28924 make it easy to clean the deck -- just attach a hose and spray - and garner cheers from users.
Riding Lawn Mowers Durability.
The warranty that accompanies lawn tractors may come in handy, as most of the models we researched were panned in at least some lawn tractors reviews for a range of minor, and some major, problems. Users posting reviews of the Troy-Bilt 13AX78KS011, for example, complain about belts that need changing frequently, faulty electronics, and parts that rust out.This cheap lawn tractor isn't alone in garnering negative press, although it's criticized more than others we researched. Consumers who bought the John Deere lawn tractor carp about peeling paint on the hood in riding mowers reviews on Lowe's, although it's impossible to know whether this is a problem for the current or an earlier model. A few reviews of the Craftsman YT 3000 28924 note starting problems, poorly designed gas tanks, and vibrating decks. The Weed Eater One WE261 also takes some hits from users who gripe about broken starters, falling batteries, tires that must be inflated before each outing, and plastic parts that crack. But for this crop of budget lawn tractors, the pros outnumber the cons.
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Best Cheap Riding Mowers
Craftsman YT 3000
The Craftsman YT 3000 features a 21hp engine with hydrostatic automatic transmission, two cutting blades, a 46-inch cutting deck, spring- loaded deck-lift system, and 16-inch turning radius. Users like the even cut, powerful engine, and all-around nimble performance. Read more »Riding Mowers Deals
Ariens 42 in. Riding Lawn Mower
An expert reviewer prefers this new 42-inch Ariens, with its 19 HP single-cylinder Kohler engine, automatic transmission, 16-inch turning radius, and wash-out port over the highly-rated model it replaces. This is a basic riding mower that does its best work on grass that's not too dense or long and in yards without many obstacles; at 483 pounds, it's fine for light hauling. Read more »Riding Mowers Deals
Good Cheap Riding Mowers
Weed Eater One
The Weed Eater One is about the cheapest riding mower on the market and appeals to users with small-ish, flat yards who prefer sitting to walking as they mow. This compact, lightweight mower features a 190CC engine, 26-inch cutting deck, a 3-in-1 single blade system that mulches or side discharges, and a relatively wide 31-inch turning radius; many users are satisfied but a few report mediocre performance. Read more »Riding Mowers Deals
John Deere D100
The new D100, an entry-level lawn tractor from John Deere, features a gear-driven manual transmission with a 17.5 HP engine, two blades, 42-inch cutting deck, and what the company claims is superior fuel economy and ergonomics compared to the previous model. Users like the quick and easy cut and comfortable ride; a few report flaking paint on the deck but it's unclear from the reviews whether this problem affects the older or newer model. Read more »Riding Mowers Deals
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Don't Bother Cheap Riding Mowers
Troy-Bilt 20 HP Automatic 42 in. Riding Mower
A strong 20 HP engine, 42-inch cutting width, two blades, and top forward speed of 5.5 mph would seem to mark this Troy-Bilt as a good buy, but users complain about parts that give out within a season or two, maintenance headaches, and a chronic need for servicing. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Yard Machines 38 in. Riding Lawn MowerTroy-Bilt 20 HP Automatic 42 in. Riding Mower
Weed Eater One
John Deere D100
Craftsman YT 3000
Ariens 42 in. Riding Lawn Mower
Archived Products
Ariens 42 In. Deck 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Automatic Troy-Bilt 22 HP Hydrostatic 46
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