New lawn tractors: a turn for the better?(Product Updates)(Buyers Guide)

If you have a half-acre or more of lawn, you have two ways to mow it quickly: a riding mower or a lawn tractor. But you'll probably prefer a tractor's wider swath, which trims mowing time. An engine mounted in front, rather than in back as on riding mowers, also allows most tractors to plow and throw snow, de-thatch, and do other chores with optional accessories. Best of all, at $1,200 to $1,800 for most, lawn tractors cost no more than many riders.

A downside to tractors: Many have a large turning circle that can make U-turns and steering around trees and flower beds a challenge.

Some manufacturers are addressing that with "zero-turn-radius" tractors that can turn on their own axis. Zero-turn riding mowers are also sold, but two we've tested lifted their front wheels during sudden uphill starts with full grass bags.

We did preliminary tests on the new zero-turn Yard-Man D624G Revolution. We also tested four new conventional tractors from Husqvarna, Sears, and Stanley to compare them with those available from our June 2000 report. The $2,900 Revolution is pricier than many tractors, though it's $700 less than the new zero-turn John Deere Spin-Steer, which wasn't out in time for this issue.

All five of the new models have a 42-inch-wide mowing deck, the size found on many lawn tractors. And like most, these can mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings. Other features include a clutch-less hydrostatic-drive system on all but the Sears Craftsman 27207, and a cleaner-burning overhead-valve engine design nearly all manufacturers are using to meet stricter new emissions rules due for 2002.

More features don't guarantee better mowing, however. We also had trouble maneuvering the Yard-Man Revolution through the tight turns that set it apart.

THE PRICE OF AGILITY