Guide to Buying a Lawn Tractor

What is a tractor for

The lawn tractor is a mower designed for cutting large lawns, where a simple mower or a gas-powered mower would be insufficient. Ideal for areas over 1500 sqm, the lawn tractor is a very efficient gardening machine, as it allows you to optimize time for mowing the grass.
With a lawn tractor you'll get a lawn cut evenly and precisely. Easy and intuitive to maneuver, the user can comfortably sit on the tractor and cover long stretches of garden to mow without physical effort.

Types of tractors

Among the different lawn tractors on the market there are:

• Standard: the tractor can have a gas engine with different displacement and power, with a twin-cylinder engine or hydrostatic transmission. Ideal for large gardens, they have a sturdier structure but are less maneuverable for zigzag cuts.
• ZRT Tractor (Zero Radius): this is a zero-radius lawn tractor, meaning with minimal uncut circle between one cutting strip and the next. The ZRT tractor is extremely maneuverable, with excellent stability to easily navigate around obstacles.
• Rider: these are compact, small and manageable lawn tractors that can reach even the most difficult cutting points. Generally suitable for medium-small lawns, under 2000 sqm.

Power systems

Lawn tractors are further divided by power type:

• Gas-powered tractor: ideal for not-too-large lawns, manual aerators are similar to rakes, they create holes in the ground to promote air circulation and may have wheels.
• Battery-powered lawn tractors: powered by rechargeable batteries, battery-powered lawn tractors are zero-emission machines, with very low noise and advanced functions. Generally powered by lithium batteries, these mowers can handle medium-long work sessions. Ideal for mowing grass in residential areas.

Cutting system of a tractor

A lawn tractor works through an engine that transmits power to the cutting blades mounted under the machine. The blades rotate at high speed, cutting the grass while the tractor moves forward. The cutting width refers to the area of grass cut in each pass of the tractor and varies depending on the model, but usually ranges between 50 and 200 cm. The cutting width affects cutting efficiency and the time needed to complete the job: the greater the cutting width, the fewer passes are needed to mow the lawn.

Some indicative references about cutting deck width:

• Up to 80 cm: ideal cutting width for small areas
• From 80 to 100 cm: cutting width of a tractor designed for medium areas
• 100 cm and above: lawn tractor designed for gardening work on large areas

The cutting height and its adjustment are other elements to consider when choosing a lawn tractor. Depending on lawn cutting needs, it's possible to adjust its height.

Collection, discharge and mulching

A lawn tractor has different types of grass discharge and collection:

• With collection system: these are lawn tractors equipped with a collection bag that varies in capacity for collecting cut grass: the larger the collection bag, the longer the work session without interruptions. After being cut by the blade in the cutting deck, in an air vortex the grass flows into the collection bag, which contains it preventing dispersion on the ground. The collection basket can be made of fabric, plastic or other resistant material that increases its sturdiness and durability over time. Tractors with collection may also have side discharge and mulching.
• Side discharge: tractors with side discharge have neither grass collection nor mulching cut. This cutting method is the most traditional, ideal for those who don't need to collect grass.
• Mulching Cut: Some lawn tractors come with mulching cut as standard, others have the option to add it as an accessory. The mulching accessory is inserted in the grass discharge hole: the mulching blade quickly shreds the grass breaking it into millimeter-sized debris, then deposited on the ground. Ideal for those who don't need to collect grass cut by the tractor and want to use it as fertilizer to nourish the soil.

Blade Types and Front Deck

Lawn tractors are equipped with different types of blades:

• Standard blade: Standard blades are typically mounted on tractors equipped with collection baskets. This blade leaves residues of cut grass on the ground (thatch).
• Mulching or shredding blade: The mulching type blade is mainly used on mowers without collection baskets or for cutting grass on lawns that need natural fertilization. Mulching blades pulverize cut grass, which, deposited on the lawn, acts as natural fertilizer.
• High-lift blade: High-lift blades are used for jobs where you need to disperse cut grass as little as possible on the ground, loading almost all of the cuttings into the collection basket. Compared to standard blades, high-lift blades leave fewer residues on the turf.

Another distinctive feature of some tractors is the presence of a front deck.
The presence of blades in the front deck allows the user to cut grass in tight spaces and on slopes, without the machine body limiting the grass cutting. Tractors with front deck have greater maneuverability, allowing this lawn tractor to navigate around obstacles like hedges, flower beds or other shrubs with better visibility compared to traditional models with cutting system placed under the machine.

Transmission Types

Lawn tractors have different types of transmissions:

• Manual Transmission: in lawn tractors with manual transmission, the operator controls forward/reverse movement through a specific manual gear shift. There's better speed control, at the expense of less smooth driving.
• Mulching or shredding blade: The mulching type blade is mainly used on mowers without collection baskets or for cutting grass on lawns that need natural fertilization. Mulching blades pulverize cut grass, which, deposited on the lawn, acts as natural fertilizer.
• Automatic Transmission: In tractors with automatic transmission, the drivetrain automatically adjusts gears based on speed and load. The operator doesn't need to manually shift gears: driving is smoother and more intuitive.
• Hydrostatic Transmission: The hydrostatic transmission is a type of drivetrain that uses hydraulic fluid to transfer power from the engine to the wheels continuously and without gear shifts. It has no gears and offers infinitely variable speed control both forward and backward. This system allows superior maneuverability and more precise control. Ideal for prolonged cutting sessions and for cutting grass on uneven terrain.

Tractor with 4x4 traction

Lawn tractors with 4x4 all-wheel drive are designed to work on uneven terrain with slopes up to 25-30%. Designed for professional use, these machines stand out for their sturdiness and reliability, ensuring excellent performance when grass cutting becomes more difficult than expected. The 4x4 all-wheel drive provides greater stability and traction on rough terrain, allowing operators to face grass cutting challenges with more safety and efficiency. Prudent and aware driving of potential risks remains recommended.