All posts in: Lawn Tractors

Consider the warranty when buying a new lawn tractor

Home & Garden
By Catherine Jo Morgan on July 14, 2012 in

Lawn tractor warranties

You see an ad for a snazzy lawn tractor at a good sale price. The ad is so vivid and attractive that it's easy to picture yourself riding instead of walking -- and with a cool can of refreshment right at hand. No more hard labor! Well, we hate to be pessimists, but here's the thing. In all the years we've been analyzing reviews of lawn tractors, we've never found a single model or brand that never, ever breaks down. Belts slip and keep slipping, a mowing deck can't be leveled because of a factory defect, the dealer misses a vital part of setup. You name it: it can break. That's why looking at the warranty and your options for service are an important part of finding the right lawn tractor. Read more

Recall recap: BMW motorcycles and Michelin tires pose serious crash risks to vehicle occupants

By Rita Colorito on May 3, 2012 in

2012 BMW S1000RR motorcycle

Drivers and passengers beware: This week's recalls include 2012 BMW S1000RR motorcycles with potentially catastrophic engine damage; and Michelin tires that experience rapid air loss during use, increasing the risk of a crash. Even if you don't own any of these, let's hope they're not on the road when we're on it. Read more

Recall recap: Lawn tractors, Lenovo computers, and Gerber infant formula

By Rita Colorito on March 16, 2012 in

Caution Tape

Toyota issued two massive recalls this week, for air bag problems and inoperative brake lights in several Tacoma, and Camry and Venza models, respectively. Malfunctioning parking lamps caused Buick to recall 2012 Regal vehicles. And Infiniti recalled certain older M45s because of an inaccurate fuel gauge. Crash hazards also prompted Hydro-Gear to recall lawn tractors. Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop computers may overheat and cause a fire hazard. And Gerber pulls a batch of Good Start Infant Formula after reports of off-odor and gastrointestinal problems in infants. Read more

Want to mow your lawn faster? The tractor you choose makes a difference

Home & Garden
By Catherine Jo Morgan on June 5, 2011 in

Riding mower at speed

Want to finish mowing and trimming your big lawn in record time? We're not talking about racing lawn tractors and riding mowers here (though it does exist as a popular sport), just getting a big job done. While analyzing reviews for this year's report on lawn tractors, we found some models that not only zip across a lawn--and around trees, shrubs and other obstacles-- but also mow so close that they minimize trimming. Read more

Riding the Craftsman Turn Tight lawn tractor (on astroturf, inside, in NYC)

Home & Garden
By Alex Nunez on March 20, 2011 in

Craftsman Turn Tight tractor

Back in December, Craftsman invited us to an event showcasing its 2011 lawn and garden equipment lineup. It was right here in New York, because everyone in the city obviously needs a lawn mower and compact cordless chainsaw. Armed with the knowledge that we'd somehow get to demo a bunch of new garden toys, ConsumerSearch editor in chief Christine Frietchen and I pulled on our coats and headed to the studio for Craftsman's presentation. As we approached the door, I found myself wondering how this could possibly be interesting. Then we walked in to find a row of lawn tractors arranged next to an astroturf "test track." Hmm. Interesting. Read more

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