Yard Machines 358cc Riding Lawn Mower 13A1762F700

REVIEW: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 15.5 HP (358 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, and it will speed up the job, too. (Note that this model is about average, or just a little less, in terms of HP for lawn tractors.) The twin-blade cutting deck measures 38 inches, which is fine for yards of up to one acre. If you're mowing larger spaces, you'll reduce your mowing time by upgrading to a larger deck and higher horsepower.

The 13AM772F700 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 quickly 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 little lawn tractor that's perfect for areas of up to two 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, 15.5 HP single Briggs & Stratton I/C engine, 1.5 gallon tank, 38-inch twin-blade cutting deck, blade, manual PTO), keys, warranty card, owner's manual, illustrated parts list; mulch kit optional