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Farm Machine, Reviews, Tractor
Top 7 Best Garden Tractor Reviews (2022 Updated)
Owning the best garden tractor is a worthwhile investment if you need routine maintenance for your garden, backyard or lawn. Regardless of a full-size lawn arrangement or a number of other maintenance operations, a garden tractor will boost the capacity and productivity required to do it.
Check out the following list of 7 best garden tractors for the money you can get right now.
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Top 7 Best Garden Tractors on the Market 2022
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Husqvarna TS354D 54 in. 25 HP Kohler V-Twin Hydrostatic Riding Mower | Best Garden Tractor of All Time | See latest Price |
  | Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower, 48"/Twin | Best Garden Tractor Under $3000 | See latest Price |
  | Husqvarna TS 348XD (48") 24HP Kawasaki Garden Tractor | Best Garden Tractor Under $5000 | See latest Price |
  | Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower | Best Heavy-duty Garden Tractor | See latest Price |
  | Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower RY48111 | Best Garden Tractor For 2 Acres | See latest Price |
  | Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series | Best Garden Tractor for Hills | See latest Price |
  | Troy-Bilt Mustang 46 22HP 46-Inch Zero-Turn Mower | Best Garden Tractor with Attachments | See latest Price |
In-depth 7 Top Rated Best Garden Tractor Reviews
1. Husqvarna TS354D 54 in. 25HP Twin Hydrostatic – Best Garden Tractor of All Time
Specs:
- HP: 25
- Cutting deck: Deep deck design; ClearCut fabricated
- Transmission: Hydrostatic
- Working width: 54”
- Weight: 664 lb
- Reverse mow: Yes
Lawn equipment from Husqvarna is fantastic, and the Kohler option of this garden tractor is no different. It has a 54” cutting deck with a 10-gauge frame for steel. All are improved to prevent damage and to support the tractor’s capacity.
The newly developed ClearCut fabricated cutting deck features a welded 10-meter steel frame with additional soldered reinforcing bands for full strength.
The hydrostatic commercially graded pedal-operated transmitter provides a smooth and variable forward and backward speed that makes tough use without fear of overheat and surges.
It has Hydrostatic transmission with pedal operation, which means the pedals handle speed and direction, allowing you to take full concentration on the steering wheel to maintain maximum handling.
Read More: Best Garden Hose Repair Kits. Why replace your garden hose when you can fix it? Here are our tried and true repair kits!
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2. Husqvarna YTA24V48 48” Fast Continuously – Best Garden Tractor Under $3000
Specs:
- HP: 24
- Cutting deck: Deep deck design
- Transmission style: Hydrostatic
- Working width: 48”
- Weight: 531 lb
- Reverse mow: Yes
This version offers an auto transmission and an air induction mechanism for smoother cuts and fewer clogs. With the electric clutch, you can work comfortably without worrying about maintenance.
This tractor is compatible with snowblades, and trailers, making it one of the best garden tractors for plowing snow or for towing and ideal for annual use.
The performance is decent. It also has the fast start feature, you just simply turn the key and drive. To help you keep track of your working time, the manufacturer has an hour meter mounted on it, too.
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3. Husqvarna TS 348XD 48” 24HP Kawasaki – Best Garden Tractor Under $5000
Specs:
- HP: 24
- Cutting deck: Deep deck design; ClearCut fabricated
- Transmission style: Hydrostatic
- Working width: 48”
- Weight: 840 lb
- Reverse mow: Yes
This is one of the best garden tractors under $5000. This tractor has a differential electronic locking system. The electronic lock gap would lock the rear wheels to enhance the stability if necessary.
It also features the new version of ClearCut fabricated cutting deck, with soldered 10 gauge steel that was extra welded to reinforce strips for full longevity.
The seat has a high backrest and includes armrests for relaxation and mowing assistance. Two-cylinder Kawasaki engine with fuel and oil pump, fully pressure-lubricating allow the tractor to work more quietly yet remain powerful.
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4. Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. – Best Heavy-duty Garden Tractor
Specs:
- HP: 27
- Cutting deck: Fabricated 11-gauge steel
- Transmission style: Hydrostatic
- Working width: 61”
- Weight: 770 lb
- Reverse mow: Yes
The MZ series Zero-turn lawn mower has a solid commercial-quality engine and a smooth ergonomic build. This MZ61 has no exception. Its engine delivers high ground speed and very fast start-up.
It has a fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck which is very durable and efficient. The tractor has a collection system of nine bushels to maximize output. For a zero-degree turning angle, the mower can rotate precisely around the axis.
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5. Ryobi 38 inches 100Ah Battery Electric Tractor – Best Garden Tractor For 2 Acres
Specs:
- Cutting deck: Adjustable 2-blade deck
- Transmission style: Automatic
- Working width: 38”
- Weight: 595 lb
- Reverse mow: No
The Ryobi 100Ah Electric Tractor is by far the best garden tractor for 2 acres that is battery-powered. This is an ideal solution to loud motorized tractors in the yard.
It can run for 2.5 hours with the 100Ah Lead Acid batteries. You can mow your lawn or garden without worrying to bother your neighbors since this mower only generates 70 dB of noise.
This tractor can pull weight with plenty of torque, right out of narrow troughs. Using the mounted mulch plug you get a full clean after mowing. The control is simple and smooth as well.
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6. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52” – Best Garden Tractor for Hills
Specs:
- HP: 23
- Cutting deck: Fabricated 11-gauge steel
- Transmission style: Hydrostatic
- Working width: 52”
- Weight: 635 lb
- Reverse mow: No
The Kawasaki FR691 engine offers maximum cutting power which helps you to easily push through your lawn at up to 23 HP. You can cover a considerable amount of land with a 52-inch cutting deck which is fitted with 4 holder places to avoid unwanted deck movements.
You can mow the whole day as you work with the high backrest, armrests, cup holder and sight gage of the petrol. This is probably the best garden tractor for hills.
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7. Troy-Bilt Mustang 46” Zero-Turn Mower – Best Garden Tractor with Attachments
Specs:
- HP: 22
- Cutting deck: Adjustable deck; Deck washing
- Transmission style: Dual EZT
- Working width: 46”
- Weight: 680 lb
- Reverse mow: No
This garden tractor is powered by a 22 HP Brigg & Stratton Twin engine, it has electric PTO and dual EZT transmission. It features 2-Way Adjustable Lap bars for riders of all measurements that automatically engage the brake as you open them to get on the mower.
You can mount optional FastAttach attachments to transform the tractor in a few minutes into a multifunctional machine. This is one of the best garden tractors with attachments.
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How To Choose the Best Garden Tractor?
You should consider the following criteria to choose the most suitable garden tractor for yourself.
Amount Of Mowing
If you need to mow about two acres or more, a deck of 54 inches (maximum size for a garden tractor’s deck) will be a considerable option as it is less time-consuming.
For gardens that are under two acres, we suppose that a 45-inch size should be sufficient. That said, if you prioritize mowing speed, opt for a model with a wider deck.
Read More: How Fast Can a Tractor Go On the Road? We discuss the average speed of tractors, how fast they can travel on roadways, and take a look at the FASTEST tractors to date.
Horsepower
The larger the blade of the tractor, the more force it takes to turn.
Garden tractors’ power is usually between 20 and 30 horsepower. Those with large horsepower will help you save time mowing. They will also perform better at tilling, digging, pulling heavy loads, and so on.
If you only need a tractor just to mow the grass in your garden, models with lower horsepower will probably work for you and they are also more affordable.
Wheel Size
The wheel size of a garden tractor is commonly between 20 and 23 inches. Larger tires will enhance its stability on steep or rough terrain as well as its navigating ability in muddy and slippery conditions.
Tractor Dimensions
The next factor that you should be aware of is the garden tractor’s dimensions. Make sure to measure in advance your gate openings’ width, shed doors, and other small spaces so that your garden tractor can get through. Also, the bigger the tractor is, the harder it will be to clean. Therefore, you should consider a garden tractor with an appropriate size.
Transmission
Old-styled garden tractors were usually equipped with manual transmissions. You need to turn off the machine first and after that, you can shift into neutral mode.
These days, the majority of garden tractors are equipped with hydrostatic transmissions that can automatically shift between gears smoothly when you decelerate or accelerate.
Also, there are “zero-turn” models. Each rear wheel of a zero-turn garden tractor has its separate transmission which is essential when you have to drive the machine in small spaces. However, this type of tractor is primarily designed for mowing lawns, hence, not suitable for heavy-duty attachments.
How It Controls
Some garden tractors have a throttle equipped near the steering wheel, which means you have to use one hand to steer and the other hand to adjust the speed. Other models have a foot pedal similar to the gas pedal on a car.
- Foot Pedals
This is a better option if the garden tractor has to work on rough terrain and do tasks like maneuvering in tight places, digging, or shoveling.
Because garden tractors are used a lot for utility projects, they are often equipped with foot pedals. Generally, foot pedals are assumed better, but more expensive.
- Hand Levers
The hand levers have the function of a cruise steering wheel. Their drawback is that you have to keep one hand on the lever and the other on the wheel, which relates to your safety while driving.
In short, hand levers are suitable for smooth terrain and tasks that you do not need to change the speed constantly.
Check more: Top 7 Best Garden Seeder Reviews
FAQs about Garden Tractors
1. What does a garden tractor cost?
A garden tractor’s price might range from $3,000 to over $10,000. The price varies depending on its horsepower, deck’s size, add-on features, and the manufacturers.
Read our related article, How Much Does a Tractor Cost for Farming? We explore the price ranges of common tractor types and discuss how much you can expect to spend on new and used tractors!
2. What is the difference between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor?
In short, a lawn tractor is different from a garden tractor in 3 points:
- Function: While a lawn tractor is simply made to create a consistent cut on your lawn, a garden tractor can do more than that. Garden tractors can haul material, tow equipment, plow snow, till gardens, and more. They are made of heavy-duty components, so be able to handle multi-task for your garden.
- Size: A garden tractor is often larger than a lawn tractor. It is because a garden one has a larger engine, transmission, and more heavy-duty parts, which allows it to handle more demanding tasks. With a bigger size, a garden tractor is, inherently, heavier than a lawn tractor.
- Power: A garden tractor often has a higher horsepower engine, compared to a lawn tractor. It is because garden tractors are designed to handle demanding jobs, while lawn tractors are specifically made for lawn mowing.
3. Do I need a lawn tractor or garden tractor?
If your intention when buying a tractor is to have the lawn well cut, and no more, go for a lawn tractor. Its compact size ensures the awesomeness in navigating lawn and easy storage.
If you want a tractor that can do more heavy-duty jobs, not just the mowing, go straight to a garden tractor. For flowing winter snow, cutting grass, tilling the soil, pulling material, and more, just attach it with suitable implementing attachments, it will cover all.
4. Do garden tractors have PTO?
Yes, all garden tractors have PTO (which stands for Power Take Off). It can be either mechanical engagement or an electric switch that takes off the power to run the mower deck. Larger garden tractors usually use PTO that is shaft-driven, and the smaller ones usually come with a belt-driven PTO.
Read our related article, What Does PTO Tractor Mean? If you’re not sure what the PTO on a tractor is all about, we share the most important info including various types of PTO, dangers, uses, and more!
5. Does Craftsman make a garden tractor?
Craftsman did make garden tractors, but they have ended this product line. No Craftsman garden tractors are found on the company’s official website, but the lawnmowers. For your information, here is the link: https://www.craftsman.com/products/outdoor-tools-equipment
6. Where are Husqvarna garden tractors made?
Husqvarna is a Swedish manufacturer producing a variety of products, such as trimmers, chainsaws, garden tractors, lawnmowers, tillers, and more. Their tractors are produced in the US at their Outdoor Products factories.
Read More: Best Rubber Mulch Options. Not sure if rubber mulch is right for your garden? Here’s what we found while testing and reviewing the top rubber mulches.
My top pick is…
You can see the absolute domination of Husqvarna garden tractors on our list. That’s understandable since that is the best garden tractor manufacturer you can find.
As of that, #1 Husqvarna TS354D is our no-brainer choice for the best among the best. Do hurry if you’re planning on getting one since it might be out of stock soon.
