Lawn mower & tractor buying guide

Our latest tests confirm that more horsepower doesn't necessarily mean higher-quality mowing. Mower manufacturers have swapped horsepower numbers for engine-size and torque specifications, but even those don't guarantee better results. Our advice: Check our Ratings (available to subscribers) for top performers.

Even if you don't plan to shop for a mower, you could end up doing so if you own an older model and it breaks. The latest data from the Consumer Reports National Research Center show that push mowers usually aren't worth fixing after four years and self-propelled mowers after five years. Older tractors might be worth repairing, but getting them to and from the shop can add expense.

And no matter which mower you buy, use common sense when operating it. Wear ear plugs or other ear protection; all of the gas-powered machines we tested emitted more than the 85 decibels at which we recommend hearing protection. Don't mow on grades steeper than 15 percent. Look behind you when you mow in reverse. Some respondents to our recent lawn survey drank, listened to music, and even texted as they mowed. We suggest saving those and other distractions until after you're done.

Consider your mowing. Most mowers come ready to mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings. But mulching or bagging with a riding machine usually requires a kit that costs $50 to $500.

Check features and controls. Most tractors and riders let you speed up or slow down with a convenient pedal instead of a lever. Among self-propelled mowers, Toro's Personal Pace system lets you vary speed simply by pushing the handlebar, and Honda's Smart Drive puts two tabs beneath your thumbs.

Think twice about zero-turn riders. Rear-steering wheels give zero-turn-radius riders their tight turns but make them difficult to control on steep slopes. There are exceptions including mowers that have steering wheels instead of levers and steerable front wheels, rather than casters. But a relatively high repair rate in our surveys kept some models off our list of picks.

These most traditional of mowers don't pollute--and you won't need to store gas or a power cord. Pushing them turns a series of curved blades. Because they have no engine, they're also quiet and inexpensive, relatively safe, and require little upkeep beyond blade adjustments and sharpening. Some models use a battery-powered motor to spin the blades while you push the mower. But swaths are typically 14 to 18 inches wide, cutting tends to be uneven, and most can't cut taller than 1½ inches or trim closer than 3 inches around obstacles. They don't disburse clippings like a rotary mower, so you'll need a bag (or a rake) if you're fussy.

These walk-behind mowers are good for small, level lawns. They use an electric motor to turn a rotating blade and, for some, drive the wheels. Cordless mowers weigh up to 30 pounds more than corded models, but they can roam farther from a power outlet and free you from a cord. Cords are a potential problem on lawns with trees and other obstacles. Today's cordless models run longer per charge than previous models. Cord and cordless types start with push-button ease, produce no exhaust emissions at the machine, and require little upkeep beyond blade sharpening. Most offer a side or rear bag and a mulching mode that cuts clippings finely enough that they settle within the lawn and fertilize it as they decompose. The best electrics perform as well as some gas mowers, but they can't match the best gas machines in tall or thick grass and weeds. Electrics typically cut an 18- to 20-inch swath.

These include push and self-propelled models. Most have a four-stroke engine with a 160- to 190-cubic-centimeter displacement, a measure that has replaced horsepower ratings. Some also list torque, or twisting force. Most cut a 21- or 22-inch swath, can handle long or thick grass and weeds, and can bag, side-discharge, and mulch clippings. Self-propelled models are best for most lawns and blend ease and performance. But gas mowers are noisy and produce exhaust emissions--though today's models emit less than those of the past--and the engine requires regular tune-ups and oil changes.

These front-engine machines often cost less than the older and smaller rear-engine riders. Most mow a 42- to 48-inch swath and can bag, mulch, and side-discharge clippings. Some cut an even wider swath and offer four-wheel steering for tighter turns. All accept snow throwers and other tools. But even today's cleaner machines create exhaust emissions and still require about 4 by 6 feet of storage space. Snow blowers and some other add-ons are pricey and hard to install and remove.

These riding mowers are similar to the ones landscapers use, with a rear-engine and rear-wheel steering. Maneuverability is their strong suit. Some have steering wheels though most have twin steering levers let you power the two rear wheels individually; with one wheel in forward and the other in reverse, they can turn circles in one place. They can also side-discharge, bag, and mulch clippings. Typically, they mow a 42- to 48-inch swath. But they cost more than most tractors and typically don't cut as well overall. Their rear-steering wheels can tear up grass during turns. They can lose traction and be hard to steer and control on hills, and their lever controls for steering and ground speed require practice. For a large lawn with lots of obstacles, consider a four-wheel-steer tractor. You'll also find more two-wheel-steer tractors with narrower turning circles than before.

Rising sales of robotic cordless vacuum cleaners have spawned robotic electric mowers, which buzz along on their own--typically within a perimeter wire that sets the mowing boundaries. They're designed to crisscross randomly, reverse direction when they reach the wire or an obstacle, and return to a charging station when necessary. These niche machines produce no emissions at the source, but their performance varies widely. Cut quality is often less than a conventional mower's. Robotic mowers are expensive and should be supervised. Indeed, manufacturers often warn you to keep children and pets away while the machine is running.

For mowers: These allow easy 180-degree turns, but they can be tricky on hills. Also, the wheels prevent the front of the deck from cutting close up against foundations and walls.

For mowers: Some models come with a corrosion-resistant aluminum or plastic deck.

For mowers: Most mowers let you switch to bagging, side discharge, or mulching without using tools.

For mowers: Many mowers let you vary speed with a lever or handlebar control, typically from 1 to 3 1/2 mph withouthaving to shift between set ranges.

For mowers: Rear-bag models tend to cost more, but the bag generally holds more than a side bag and eases maneuvering.

This fitting accepts a hose for clearing clippings beneath the deck. This means you don't have to tip a mower on its side to get beneath it.

For electric mowers: On corded electric mowers, this feature helps you to avoid running over the cord when you turn the machine.

For mowers: An engine with overhead valves or an overhead camshaft should run more efficiently and start more easily than a traditional side-valve mower engine as it ages.

For mowers: When you release the handlebar, the clutch stops the blade but not the engine, so you don't have to restart the engine to empty a full bag of clippings or to move a toy or lawn chair.

For mowers: Standard on some models and optional on others, it eliminates the inconvenience of pull-starting the engine.

For mowers: On self-propelled mowers, it provides better traction than front-wheel-drive, especially uphill with a full bag of clippings.

For mowers: Some mowers have high rear wheels that are larger than the front wheels. Models with same-size front and rear wheels tend to be easier to maneuver and tip back for U-turns at the end of a row.

For tractors: Unlike gear-drive models, which require manual shifts from one ground-speed range to the next, models with automatic drive vary ground speed infinitely via a hydrostatic transmission or other system. Most are now controlled with a pedal rather than a lever. Prices are falling for models with this feature.

For tractors: As in a car, cruise control lets you lock in a ground speed.

For tractors: You'll appreciate this convenience when you're working in the hot sun.

For tractors: Most models require a blade change to mulch, some to bag.

For tractors: This switch lets you engage the blades without pulling a lever. This feature extends belt life.

For tractors: Four-wheel steering lets tractors turn nearly as tight as zero-turn machines. But more two-wheel-steer models can turn more tightly than earlier models.

For tractors: We found a high back more supportive and comfortable than a conventional seat.

For tractors: This meter indicates how long the engine has run since the last oil change or other maintenance.

For tractors: This feature helps to prevent mishaps. You must engage the switch before mowing in reverse. Now standard on most models.

For tractors: No more guessing. You can tell at a glance when fuel is running low.

For mowers: Some walk-behind self-propelled mowers have this feature, which lets you raise or lower the entire mowing deck at once. Most require adjusting each of the four wheels.

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, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.