Yard Machines 17.5 HP 502cc 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mower 13AN772G700

The first question you have to ask yourself is, Do I really need a lawn tractor? For anything less than 3/4 of an acre, you'll probably want to buy a mower. For larger areas, however, a lawn tractor offers a comfortable, powerful alternative to pushing a mower back and forth all afternoon.

At 17.5 HP (502 cc), this model offers plenty of power-compare to the average of six or seven HP for gas-powered push mowers. The extra HP will come in especially handy if you're dealing with dense, wet grass. It will also make the job go a lot quicker, too. (Note that this model is a little higher in average in terms of HP for lawn tractors.) The twin-blade cutting deck measures 42 inches, which is fine for yards of up to three acres. If you're mowing larger spaces, you'll reduce your mowing time by upgrading to a larger deck and higher horsepower.

The 13AN772G700 is a pleasure to drive, too. Its six-speed transmission includes Yard Machines' "Shift-on-the-Go" transmission, giving you easy, no-clutch shifting using either a foot pedal or hand lever. This is a nice feature, as it allows you to easily slow down for tight spots or obstacles without having to hit a clutch, then ramp up again for the straightaways. The machine also has a nicely cushioned low-rise seat which, along with the 20-inch by 8-inch rear tires, make for a comfortable ride. The 18-inch turning radius is typical of most lawn tractors.

Overall, this is a great lawn tractor that's perfect for areas of from one to three acres. Two-year limited warranty. For safety, don't mow on inclines of more than 15 degrees, and always mow across a slope, not up it.--Josh Dettweiler

What's in the Box
Tractor (two 15-by-6-inch front tires, two 20-by-8-inch rear tires, 17.5 HP single Briggs & Stratton I/C engine, 1.5 gallon tank, 42-inch twin-blade cutting deck, blade, manual PTO), keys, warranty card, owner's manual, illustrated parts list; mulch kit optional