Lawn Mowers and Tractors Buying Guide
Some of the latest mowers and tractors cut time and effort as well as the grass without breaking the bank. Regular mowing
is as vital to maintaining a healthy lawn as watering, fertilizing, and weeding. A bumper crop of easier-starting mowers and
wider-cutting tractors helps to trim some of the work.
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Sort our Ratings based on features, brands and other factors.
Brands
Compare lawn mowers and tractors by brand before making your purchase. Most of the brand names below are familiar and show up frequently in our Ratings.
Black & Decker
Black & Decker is the leading manufacturer and marketer of corded electric and electric rechargeable mowers. Black & Decker mowers are available in only sub-20-inch cutting widths and in mulching and rear-bag configurations. Black & Decker mowers are widely available online and through Home Depot, Lowe's, and Wal-Mart.
Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton, one of the top engine makers, has moved into marketing mowers, tractors, and zero-turn riders by acquiring Snapper and Simplicity and introducing mowers and tractors under the Briggs & Stratton name. Although new to the market, the Briggs & Stratton lines appear to be aimed at the value segment at retail. Snapper and Simplicity are dealer brands and are premium-priced compared to products found in most home centers and Sears.Craftsman
Craftsman is one of the market leaders in lawn mower and tractor sales. Most of the models in the Craftsman line are made by Husqvarna. Craftsman lawn tractors run the price spectrum from gear-drive models priced at about $1,000 to fully-featured hydrostatic drive units that cost more than $2,000. Most Craftsman lawn tractors feature Briggs & Stratton engines, and the 42-inch-deck models are among the most popular. The majority of Craftsman lawn mowers are gas powered, but the company offers a corded electric and an electric rechargeable model. Most models feature either a Honda or Briggs & Stratton engine and have side-discharge, rear-bag, and mulching modes. Craftsman also markets a line of garden tractors and zero-turn riders. Craftsman products are sold at Sears, Kmart, and online at Sears.com.Honda
Honda is a prominent engine maker and sells a premium line of lawn mowers. Honda lawn mowers are known for innovative features and come at premium prices. Honda makes gas-powered lawn mowers with unique drive systems, mulch control, and steel and plastic decks. Honda does not make electric mowers. Honda mowers are among the most expensive on the market. Honda mowers are sold through dealers and Home Depot.Husqvarna
Husqvarna makes mowers, tractors, and zero turn riders for the consumer and the commercial market. Husqvarna has a large dealer base, and Sears and Lowe's carry the brand. Husqvarna lawn tractors are fully featured and have deck widths in the popular 42- to 54-inch range. Most models have hydrostatic-drive systems and Briggs & Stratton engines.John Deere
John Deere makes and markets one of the best-selling lines of lawn tractors at retail. John Deere lawn tractors are fully featured and have deck widths from 42 to 54 inches. Most models have hydrostatic drive and Briggs & Stratton engines. John Deere lawn tractors are sold at dealers, Home Depot, and Lowe's. The company markets a small line of three very similar lawn mowers through dealers and at Lowe's. Those mowers are also available in a California-emissions version. All models feature rear-wheel drive, a 21-inch, and a Briggs & Stratton engine and are priced from $400. John Deere also markets a line of garden tractors and zero-turn riders.MTD
MTD markets lawn mowers and lawn tractors under the Yard Man, Yard Machine, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Husky brand names. MTD products are sold through a broad array of retailers, including Sears, Tractor Supply, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart. MTD-made lawn tractors feature Briggs & Stratton and Kohler engines and deck widths in the popular 42- to 54-inch range. Yard Man and Yard Machines are value-priced lawn tractor lines, while Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Husky run up the price spectrum with fully-featured hydrostatic-drive units. MTD primarily markets gas powered lawn mowers but has recently introduced corded electric and electric rechargeable models. MTD-made lawn mowers are competitively priced models ranging from push mowers to self-propelled units. MTD also markets a line of garden tractors and zero turn riders.Toro
Toro makes and markets lawn mowers and zero-turn riders under the Toro and Lawn Boy names. The Toro and Lawn Boy brands are considered premium. Most Toro and Lawn Boy lawn mowers are self-propelled, fully featured, and have Briggs & Stratton and Honda engines. Some models in the line comply with California emissions. Toro and Lawn Boy mowers are sold through dealers and at Home Depot. Toro also markets a line of lawn tractors made by MTD.
