Lawn Tractors: Reviews

The 42-inch John Deere X304 lawn tractor gets the highest ratings in reviews for smooth, even cutting, as well as easy conversion between side-discharging, mulching and bagging modes. Four-wheel steering makes it easy to… maneuver around obstacles, and the tight 15-inch turning radius leaves a smaller circle of uncut grass than most lawn tractors (which means less trimming). In addition to automatic transmission and cruise control, the X304 is loaded with conveniences for comfortable driving. It's powered by a reliable 17-horsepower Kawasaki V-twin engine and has a four-year (or 300-hour) warranty.

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This two-wheel-drive John Deere lawn tractor doesn't handle slopes as well and leaves an uncut circle of grass at the end of turns. However, reviews recommend this 42-inch tractor for flatter lawns up to 1.5 acres.… Highlights are its even cutting, ease of use and excellent bagging when equipped with an optional kit (*Est. $340). Conveniences include an automatic transmission, headlights and an adjustable seat. Though not as sturdily built as the John Deere X300 series, this lawn tractor cuts and handles nearly as well on relatively flat lawns with few obstacles. The warranty is for two years or 120 hours.

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This manual-transmission lawn tractor is about as basic as you can get, but owners say it's fine for light duty. It's not the most comfortable tractor, but it has a cast-iron front axle and 42-inch mowing deck. Overall,… owners say this tractor is fine for flat lawns up to an acre in size. Larger six-speed Poulan tractors are available, but mowing experts say that 42-inch models usually mow more evenly than bigger ones. The warranty is for two years.

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Zero-turn lawn mowers earn kudos for cutting mowing time on flat lawns with lots of obstacles because they move fast and leave no circle of uncut grass after a turn. However, they don't take attachments and aren't good… for sloping lawns. Tests rank the 42-inch Toro TimeCutter Z4200 at the top for ease of use and evenness of cutting. The Toro Z4200 can move as fast as 7 mph. The Z4200 also bags very well when equipped with the bagging kit (*Est. $500). Unlike regular lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers don't take attachments such as blades, carts or snowblowers; they just mow. They also steer with two levers instead of a steering wheel. Owners say it's easy to learn, after which mowing time is often cut in half. Toro zero-turn mowers carry a three-year warranty.

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