Poulan XT PXT16542

Discontinued
Reviewed
May 2009
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Pros
  • Low price
  • Easy to use
  • Cuts well
  • Owned by Husqvarna
Cons
  • Manual transmission
  • Gauge wheels extra
  • Steel front axle, not cast iron

Like most lawn tractors with manual transmission, the Poulan XT PXT16542 is a budget model; the front axle is stamped steel rather than cast iron. Poulan is a budget brand, but it's owned by Husqvarna, a company with a good track record for reliability. Owners give this model higher ratings than a comparably priced Bolens lawn tractor, and the 42-inch mowing deck is a size reviewers recommend for most homeowners because it cuts more evenly than larger decks. If you can afford it, however, reviews prefer the 42-inch John Deere LA115 (Discontinued), which has a cast-iron axle, automatic transmission and other conveniences, and it comes with anti-scalping wheels to keep blades from digging into the lawn.

We found a handful of owner-written reviews of the Poulan XT PXT16542 at HomeDepot.com. An owner-written review of an older five-speed Poulan Pro tractor at Amazon.com is also useful in assessing this brand, as is a detailed single-product review of a bigger Poulan model at ConsumerGuide.com.

Our Sources

1. HomeDepot.com

Just one owner reviews the Poulan Pro XT PXT16542, but all are happy with it. One says it has "plenty of power, good clean cut, starts easily." The main drawback is that it doesn't come with anti-scalping gauge wheels; these cost extra.

Review: Poulan 42 In. Deck 16.5 HP 6 Speed Manual CARB Tractor, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

2. Amazon.com

This smaller five-speed Poulan lawn tractor gets a glowing review from the sole owner reviewing it.

Review: Poulan Lawn Tractor with 38-Inch Steel Deck, 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, 5 Speed Transmission and 18-Inch Rear Tires (Non-, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. ConsumerGuide.com

This review covers a Poulan Pro tractor that is larger than the Poulan Pro XT PXT16542, so it's not clear how much applies to the brand in general. This model is judged a bit uncomfortable and underpowered, but it gets the job done and is easy to use.

Review: Expert Review: Poulan Pro PBGT26H54 Garden Tractor, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, May 30, 2008

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