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Knowing a good manufacturer of a lawn tractor is like choosing a good car brand. There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a lawn tractor. Of course, when you buy this type of machinery, you do not just buy something impulsively, even if it is not what you really need. Knowing more about the specifications of the tractor and the reason behind purchasing one will help you in choosing the brand that will suit your needs.

A nice and beautifully manicured lawn and garden is definitely a sight to see whether it is in a farm, a big estate, or a house in a simple community. Looking out your window seeing your lawn well taken cared of will help ease all the tension from your mind even if it is just for a while. To accomplish this, there are things you need to consider when purchasing a lawn tractor.

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a lawn tractor. Of course, when you buy this type of machinery, you do not just buy something impulsively, even if it is not what you really need. It is better to buy quality tractors as a long-term investment. In fact, there are several types of tractors you can choose from; this will depend on the type of job you will be using it for:

* Lawn Tractors * with an engine power that ranges from 12 up to 18 horsepower, it is the most lightweight and cheapest of its kind. Specifically made for mowing lawns. Thus, it may include a front blade or a snow thrower.
Cost: $2000 - $6000

* Yard Tractors * with a horsepower that ranges between 14 and 20, it is a cross between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor. It has a front blade, snow thrower, and sometimes a towing cart. It has more gear choices as compared to your typical lawn tractor. It even has larger and more heavy-duty transmissions.
Cost: $3500

* Garden Tractors * equipped with more attachments, such as rototillers, garden tractors a have a greater ground clearance, larger tires, and a heavier frame as well as a front axle. Its engine power has a range of 14 up to 22 horsepower.

Cost: $4500 + $600-$1000 for additional equipments

Some manufacturers make tractors that may have a mixture of the characteristics of the tractors mentioned above and are usually called mid range tractors. In purchasing a tractor, it is important to know about the features of the product. Here are some pointers on important tractor parts:

Engines

Majority of people think that the higher the horsepower the better the machinery. Do not be fooled because the efficiency of your tractor will also depend on its other parts. A tractor with a lower horsepower can also do what a higher-powered machine can but only slower.

Another thing to keep in mind about your engine is its cooling system. Those with a liquid-cooled engine might cost more than your air-cooled engines. Nevertheless, the life of your liquid-cooled engine will last longer, making the cost worth it.

Mowing Decks

A larger mowing deck does not necessarily mean that it will get the job finished faster. This is unless you plan to mow acres of land. A smaller blade may rotate faster than a larger one, making the mowing speed and forwarding speed faster.

Thus, discharges of clippings will depend on the tractor deck. It can be on the rear, side or as a type of mulch. Side discharges are not usually safe because it can fling rocks like a bullet, so rear discharge and mulching is preferred.

Transmission

The most popular type of transmissions is the *variable speed* and the *full hydro*. The hydrostatic transmission is the most expensive but the strongest. It actually makes the tractor move faster and it even has a forward and reverse gear position. On the other hand, the variable speed transmission requires shifting and has one reverse gear and several forwarding gears.

Standard gear or straight line transmissions have limited gear rations but are simple and strong.

Frames, Axels, and Bodies

One piece frames last longer than those that are assembled with bolts and screws because once these screws get loose, everything else will follow. Always remember the frame is the foundation of your machine.

Turning Radius

It is an advantage to have a small turning radius because it will help in the process of maneuvering around the lawn easier and faster. A smaller turning radius will not leave a big circle of uncut grass which you need to go back to later on.

Resale or Buying Used

Quality tractors that are made by a national manufacturer, once sold, even after using your tractor for 3 years, can still guaranteed you a half of the price value. This is unlike those bought from a mass dealer.

Safety

Most lawn tractors have features that when you get off the seat, the engine automatically shuts off. In addition, be sure to check that the engine and battery is separated from the gas tank.

With all the products available in the market it is hard to find quality ones. Although most manufacturers have their products made outside of the US, only a handful still make their products in the States. With all of these pointers in mind, it is best to ask your manufacturer on the best tractor suitable for you. Here are the top manufacturers of lawn tractors based in the US:

1. DEERE & COMPANY

One of the leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, commercial & consumer equipment, construction & forestry equipment in the United States, it has been in the business for more than 170 years. Established in 1837 from a one-man blacksmith shop, it has grown into a corporation that employs approximately 52,000 people. The company is committed in providing quality products and services, so that life will be easier and comfortable for most of the people around the world. The company only wants the best for its consumers and strives to develop products, where in, through research, it can provide the best of what technology has to offer.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

* Manufactures a full line of equipments for usage in lawn and ground care such as riding mowers, push mowers, and commercial walk-behind mowers. Plus, Zero Turn mowers are also available

* Manufactures equipments that are used for agriculture, construction, and forestry.

* Manufactures engines and powertrain components.

MANUFACTURING

* Factories are located in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.

* Associated companies manufacture John Deere products in the United States and South America.

This means that if you are looking for a good lawn tractor, you do not need to look any further. John Deere Tractors will provide you with quality products, without sacrificing ease and comfort. At the same time, they can assure you that your lawn will look its absolute best. With the help of their knowledgeable dealers, you will be able to find the right machine at the right price.

2. THE TORO COMPANY

This company was established in 1914 with the desire of helping its consumer care for their surroundings. With quality products and services that beautify the environment, the Toro Company is a household name for those who know what excellence is all about.

Products and Services

* Manufactures products such as mowers, compact utility loaders and vehicles, aerators, sprayers, trimmers, blowers.

* Provides a state of the art irrigation system.

* Guarantees high quality customer assistance.

Purchasing your lawn tractor from Toro will definitely make you proud of what your lawn will look like. You are ensured that what you bought will last long, is dependable, and worth every penny.

3. MTD COSUMER PRODUCTS

It was in 1958 when the company produced its first lawn mower. However, it was founded in 1932 and started as a tool and die supplier but as time passed with hard work and the devotion in achieving excellence MTD became well known that helped the company expand. In fact, MTD is now one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor equipments for both commercial and residential markets. With brands such as Cub Cadet Yanmar, GardenWay, and Troy-Bilt under their wings, MTD products can be bought anywhere, from your independent dealers, farm stores, to hardware stores.

With Cub Cadet as one of its popular brands when it comes to lawn tractors, it is proud to produce a line of equipment that will suit your every need in improving and beautifying your lawn. Cub Cadet also offers a five year warranty to its products making it very attractive to its customers.

4. SWISHER MOWER AND MACHINE COMPANY

With the sole committed to making products that will beautify your garden and lawn, this family owned company was noted to be established in the year 1945. Their desire in making the job done easier, faster, and at the same time enjoying the chore, have produced a line of equipments that do just that.

Hence, the Swisher Company is considered amongst the top ten manufacturers of agricultural and gardening equipments. With more than 60 years in the business, the company continues its vision of creating the groundbreaking lawn and garden mower while giving its customers value and purpose in its products.

Thus, products of the Swisher Company has been featured on national TV and published in the Country Journal, National Gardening, and Popular Mechanics among others.

5. KUBOTA MANUFACTURING OF AMERICA

Although the company has its roots in Japan, the desire to have quality and high performance tractors with a smaller set up in the U.S., the Kubota Company introduced the Kubota 21 horsepower L200, which filled the product void in the US market. Hence, in the year 1972, the Kubota Tractor Corporation was born.

Today the company has expanded its product line with compact lawn and garden equipments, construction equipments, pumps, and many more. In addition, last 1988, the Kubota Manufacturing of America was formed. At current, it manufactures and assembles lawn tractors, loaders, sub-compact tractors, and many others.

Thus, with the company's desire for continued excellence, in the year 1999, they also produced a line of compact gasoline and diesel engines for agricultural, industrial, and construction applications under the Kubota Engine of America. Engines that are liquid-cooled or have low vibration and produces minimal noise are available, making the Kubota Lawn Tractors a good prospect for the task.