Husqvarna YTH21K46

Bottom Line

The 46-inch Husqvarna YTH21K46 is a solid entry-level lawn tractor that gives a clean, level cut, even with hills and larger properties. Owners say it mows quickly, and is user-friendly and easy to maintain. The high-back seat is comfortable, controls are well marked and accessible, and the automatic transmission allows you to cruise at your own pace. With no fuel gauge, however, users must look under the hood to see how much gas is left.

Performance

Cuts well. In a comparison of four lawn tractors costing less than $2,000, Popular Mechanics gives the highest marks to the YTH21K46, saying it's "equally at home on wide-open lawns and in tight spots." The 21-horsepower, one-cylinder Kohler engine has more than enough muscle to bag grass and leaves.

Whether this Husqvarna is dispersing clippings on the ground, bagging or mulching, experts say it delivers an exceptional cut. Two wheels on the deck help prevent scalping, but a few users report that it can cut too close when mowing slopes and tight corners.

Ease Of Use

Convenience features a plus. Reviews say the YTH21K46 handles well and is comfortable to drive, with a high-backed seat and ergonomic grips. The hydrostatic transmission shifts smoothly and automatically, leaving your hands free for driving. There's no electric power takeoff button, but experts say the lever quickly engages and disengages the blades.

Testers at Popular Mechanics praise the right-foot pedals, saying they're "especially helpful when your hands are full turning the steering wheel while mowing in close quarters." At Lowes.com, where more than 460 owners review the YTH21K46, most say this Husqvarna is convenient and easy to maneuver, and feels well constructed.

Replacing the blades and servicing the lawn tractor is easy, owners say, and a washout port lets you hook a garden hose to the deck to clean away clippings and debris. Because the YTH21K46 has no dash-mounted fuel gauge, drivers have to dismount to check the fuel level.

Husqvarna is one of the most reliable lawn tractor brands, according to a professional testing organization, and YTH21K46 owners agree. Its three-year warranty is longer than that for John Deere's D110 (Est. $1,700) .

Safety

Little info. Professionals don't discuss safety features in their reviews, and little other information is available on how well the YTH21K46's safety features work. A couple of users at Lowes.com say the reverse mow function is more convenient than the button on the John Deere D110.

Noise

Relatively quiet. The "engine noise is quieter than expected," posts one Lowes.com customer. Most agree, although one review says the engine is quiet but the deck is noisy. Safety experts recommend that even with quieter models, you should always wear ear protection when driving a lawn tractor.