In the past two years, we saw some heavy-duty love from experts for the Craftsman Pro That lawn tractor is now discontinued, but it has been replaced by the equally respected Craftsman Pro Est. By the specifications, it looks to be very similar to the older Craftsman -- including a high-quality Kohler engine -- with one sort of significant upgrade, which we will get to in a moment. That makes the Craftsman tractor a reasonable, cheaper alternative to zero-turn mowers , which are discussed elsewhere in this report.

It also makes it a far better alternative for hilly lawns, as zero-turn mowers can be tricky, and even dangerous, to use over steep terrain. The ergonomics are excellent, and the tractor is equipped with a comfortable high-back seat. Handling is judged to be top shelf as well, with features such as cruise control to help maintain a constant speed maximum of 5. The Craftsman lawn tractor is powered by a hp "premium" Kohler V-twin Elite engine that's well regarded. Build quality continues to be first rate, including a cast-iron front axle, which is backed by a lifetime warranty.

The rest of the warranty is more typical, and less generous: Now, for what's new with this model: Craftsman's Smart Lawn app compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity are built in. While that feature might not be a must have for every lawn tractor owner, expert and user feedback for Smart Lawn has been quite good so far. Available for both Apple and Android smartphones, the Smart Lawn app monitors battery, blade, air filter and engine oil conditions.

It also provides information on routine maintenance, in-app access to owner's manuals, and the ability to order parts. For those that find this to be a compelling feature, it can also be added to some and newer Craftsman lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers via the Craftsman Smart Lawn Connect Kit Est.

If you have a smaller lawn and don't have a lot of obstacles to cut around on your property, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 Est. It's part of the Cub Cadet Enduro series line that was updated in This mower is best for smooth, flat lawns and properties of no more than 2 acres although smaller is probably better. But Paul Sikkema says that for a typical sub-division property, the Cub Cadet "is going to give you a perfect cut. Side discharging could be better, but mulching and bagging performance are top rated.

If 42 inches is a bit too small for your needs, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 Est. The Cub Cadet tractors, especially the LT46, are in many ways similar to the Craftsman , but significantly different in others.

Sikkema notes that Craftsman Pro tractors like the are built on the same chassis as the Cub Cadet. However, Cub Cadet tractors lack the Craftsman TurnTight Extreme feature, instead having a more typical inch turning radius. That undoubtedly does cost it a notch in ConsumerReports.

There are also no smart features or Bluetooth. One concern voiced with Cub Cadet lawn tractors is their reliability, with them rated as the least reliable brand in some older ConsumerReports. Sikkema acknowledges the issues that had plagued Cub Cadet tractors in the past, but says that this and other riding mowers in the same series are "completely redesigned and will not suffer the 'sins' of the past engineers.

User reviews are ample enough to show that most are satisfied thus far. For example, the Cub Cadet XT1 L42 earns a 4. The warranty doesn't offer lifetime coverage for the front axle -- only five years for it and the rest of the frame. However, the balance of the tractor is covered for three years, which is one year longer than the Craftsman. John Deer tractors are also extremely popular with experts, although they tend to be pricier than many other brands.

Among John Deere tractors, one of the highest rated in expert testing is the John Deere X Est. In an article for ConsumerReports. These include an electric power take-off, two headlights and cruise control.

Handling and ease of use are both judged to be excellent. The John Deere brand also finishes at the top of the pack in ConsumerReport. The inch John Deere X has a top forward speed of 5.

Best Riding Lawn Mowers: Top Lawn Tractors, Garden Tractors, & ZTR Mowers | obupexeh.web.fc2.com

Its turning radius is 16 inches. The mower deck is highly adjustable with 13 possible positions. It also is compatible with a wide variety of attachments, including a mulching system, rear bagger, front thatcher, front blade and a snow blower, among others.

This makes it a highly versatile machine, and it also comes with one of the best warranties for riding mowers: ConsumerSearch editors personally research every product category to recommend the best choices. Expert review sources are heavily weighted, but user reviews, especially those where durability or usability are a factor, are crucial to helping us finalize our top picks.

Like most other product review sites, ConsumerSearch is supported by a combination of commissions on the sale of the products we recommend and ads that are placed on our site by Google. If you find something you like, you can help support us by clicking through and buying the products we pick. To view this page in it's original form, please visit: These listings are administered, sorted and maintained by Google.

Find the Best Riding Lawn Mower for You. Our Top Picks

For information about these Google ads, go to adwords. Google may place or recognize a unique "cookie" on your Web browser. Information from this cookie may be used by Google to help provide advertisers with more targeted advertising opportunities.

Best Riding Lawn Mower (June ) – Buyer's Guide and Reviews

For more information about Google's privacy policy, including how to opt out, go to www. By clicking on Sponsored Links you will leave ConsumerSearch. The web site you will go to is not endorsed by ConsumerSearch. Best Riding Lawn Mowers. Elsewhere in This Report Prev. Small Riding Lawn Mowers.

Lawn Tractors Buyers Guide What every best Lawn Tractors has:. What We Do ConsumerSearch editors personally research every product category to recommend the best choices. How to Support Our Work Like most other product review sites, ConsumerSearch is supported by a combination of commissions on the sale of the products we recommend and ads that are placed on our site by Google.

Sitemap Terms of Use FAQs Feedback Privacy Policy Category Index Newsletter About Us.