Ranking of the best garden tractors and riders for 2024

Work on an agricultural or garden plot takes a lot of time and effort. And if you do not use additional equipment, then such classes can drag on for a long period. But if you use a garden tractor or rider, then processing the site will not cause a feeling of severe fatigue and it will not take much time. Such devices are popular with owners of both large and small areas. Due to such popularity, models are constantly being improved, and new functionality is added to them.

What is the difference?

At first glance, these two gardening equipment are quite similar, for this reason many believe that they are one and the same. Now let's look at their features and figure out what the difference is.

So, both units are machines that have a reliable and powerful motor, a deck for mowing grass, as well as a comfortable seat and control panel. The body of such devices is made of durable material that is resistant to certain influences.

The engine for garden tractors is located in the front of the body, in front of the operator's seat. For raiders, the motor is usually installed behind the operator's seat. But there are also models where the engine is placed under the seat, thanks to which the device becomes more compact.

The mowing deck is similar in design to both of these units. But the difference is in its location. In tractors, this part is located between the wheels, thanks to which the machine gets maneuverability. But because of this, many models do not involve the installation of additional attachments. The rider has a deck in the front of the body. This gives the operator a wide overview and the ability to control the entire process of work. With this deck position, it is convenient to mow close to buildings or under trees. Thanks to this, a variety of suspension elements can be added to the rider, with the help of which the unit becomes a universal assistant.

In terms of cost, garden tractors are cheaper. But their functionality is also limited.

Types of riders and garden tractors

First of all, this version of the technique is distinguished by its engine. The most common options are gasoline powered models. Units with a diesel engine have also become widespread. But they are more expensive, make more noise during operation, and the maintenance of such options will be more expensive. There are also devices that operate on battery power, but such models are available in limited quantities. This is due to the fact that they cannot work for a long time, and also have a large weight, which is highly undesirable for working on a lawn.

If we talk about decks, then in their design they do not differ from those that are installed on lawn mowers. Only the difference in the width of the given element Usually it varies from 60 to 150 cm. But the deck may differ in the principle of its work, i.e. how the collection of cut grass will go. Usually the entire cut is collected in a grass catcher or there may be a side discharge. It is also possible to adjust the cutting height.

Also, garden equipment differs in the way of control. If the control is manual, then a lever is used. Foot operated models use pedals. There may be two pedals here, one for forward and the other for reverse. In addition, such units are available with mechanical and hydrostatic transmission. Budget options usually have a manual transmission. But do not think that you can adjust the speed here in the same way as in a car. It is selected at the moment of a complete stop of the equipment. High speed is used for movement. And if work is done with a load, then a lower one is chosen. Models with hydrostatic transmission are more comfortable to operate and require little or no maintenance. Also, garden equipment usually has rear-wheel drive; models with all-wheel and front-wheel drive are rare.

Criterias of choice

If you want to acquire a reliable assistant who will serve you faithfully for many years, then study each model carefully. Now let's look at certain parameters that you should pay attention to before buying.

The most important parameter is engine power. It must be selected based on the area on which you will carry out the work. If you have a small area and you only plan to cut the grass, then a low-power unit would be the best option. Such models will be distinguished by their mobility and maneuverability. Equipment with a capacity of up to 13 kW is suitable for areas not exceeding 3 hectares. Such models have a large selection of attachments, with which you can not only cut the grass, but also perform many other works. The equipment with high power is used on large areas, where the treated surface reaches 10 hectares.

The choice of transmission will depend on the characteristics of the area. If the site is located on a plain, has no hills or depressions, then preference should be given to models with an automatic transmission.

The mowing width plays an important role. The larger this parameter, the faster you complete the job. But not in all areas, machines with a wide deck are suitable. If you have a lot of bushes or trees around which you need to work, then it is better to take the option with a large mowing width.

Certain models have a grass chopping function called mulching. In the future, such a processed product is used for fertilizers. If you are using fertilizers, then this function will be very useful.

Now let's look at the parameters that will create comfort for the operator during operation, as well as in servicing the unit. So that your legs and back do not get tired during work, it is better to choose a chair with medium rigidity. Also, the seat should be adjustable in height so that each person can choose the optimal height for their height. The steering wheel cover should be sufficiently soft and well to damp vibration during the operation of the equipment. It will be helpful to have an hour meter, so you don't miss the time of your garden assistant's technical inspection.

Best Budget Riders & Garden Tractors

MTD Smart RF125

Are you the owner of a large area with a lawn and are tired of doing garden work with a lawn mower? Then this rider model will be an excellent solution to your problem. It is designed to work on an area of ​​1000 sq.m. MTD Smart RF125 has a 12 hp engine. This power allows you to mow a lawn on an area of ​​16 acres in just one hour. The mowing width is almost 1 meter.There are 5 positions for adjusting the cutting height, which range from 30 to 95 mm. Thanks to the special tire tread, the grass will not be crushed after work, and the appearance of your site will be at the highest level. This model has a side discharge of grass, if desired, you can install an additional collection container with a volume of 200 liters.

The manufacturer has not forgotten about the convenience of the operator. For work in the dark, halogen lamps are installed. The seat has optimum rigidity and is positioned so that the operator can easily reach all the controls. The MTD Smart RF125 has a six-speed manual transmission and one reverse speed. The turning radius is 46 cm for high maneuverability and mobility.

The average cost is 168,000 rubles.

• Large cutting width;
• 5 positions for adjusting the cutting height;
• Ergonomic workplace;
• Halogen lamps;
• Small turning radius.

• There is no connection for washing the deck.

STIGA Tornado 2098

This model of a garden tractor is specially designed for taking care of large areas. It will be an excellent companion for mowing grass in parks, cottage settlements or cultivating backyard areas. The STIGA Tornado 2098 has a compact size and good maneuverability thanks to its small turning radius.

The deck of this model allows you to effectively cut tall and coarse grass. The deck carries out lateral discharge of grass. It is also worth noting that the deck has a special shape, thanks to which all the cut grass will be equally distributed over the area. The STIGA Tornado 2098 has mulching capability. The knives can be started independently of the travel drive as they are connected to the motor via an electromagnetic clutch. The cutting width is 98 cm. There are 7 positions for adjusting the medium height, which vary from 25 to 80 mm.

For comfortable work of the operator, the manufacturer has provided a soft steering wheel covering made of polymer material. The seat is fixed on a cushioning platform. Thanks to this, the driver will not feel vibration and shock while driving. "STIGA Tornado 2098" has a mechanical transmission that has 5 speeds for forward and one for reverse. Use low speeds during operation. And the movement can be started at maximum speed, since a hydrostatic drive is installed here.

The average cost is 150,000 rubles.

• 7 positions of cutting height;
• Mulching;
• Possibility to install additional suspended equipment;
• Suitable for cutting tall grass;
• Comfortable operator's seat.

• Not found.

Cab Cadet LR1 NR76

Although at first glance, this model may seem compact, but behind such a miniature rider there is a lot of power. This machine is suitable for processing large areas. The Cab Cadet LR1 NR76 has a powerful four-stroke engine that delivers high performance. The fuel tank of such a model holds 5 liters of gasoline, this will allow it to work for a long period of time without stopping or additional refueling. The Cab Cadet LR1 NR76 has a semi-automatic transmission, so you can control the speed without stopping. You just need to choose the direction of travel and set the speed. Also, this unit has a small turning angle, so you can easily make maneuvers.

With a cutting width of 76 cm, you can easily work around trees or shrubs. There are 5 positions to adjust the cutting height. This parameter can be in the range of 38-95 mm. The cut grass can be collected in a grass catcher with a volume of 200 liters. It is also possible to carry out side discharge or mulching.

The average cost is 183,000 rubles.

• Compact size;
• Maneuverability;
• Semi-automatic transmission;
• 6 speeds of movement;
• Grass catcher full indication;
• Possibility to empty the grass catcher from the operator's seat.

• Minimum cutting height 38 mm.

The best professional riders and garden tractors

AL-KO Solo T 15-103.7 HD-A

With this garden technique, you can quickly mow the grass even in large garden areas. After all, the AL-KO Solo T 15-103.7 HD-A deck has a width of 103 cm. There are 6 positions with which you can choose the optimal cutting height. There is a 220 liter container for collecting cut grass. This container can be emptied directly from the driver's seat using the telescopic handle. Also on the front, you can easily install additional equipment. For example, shields for clearing snow.

The engine power of this rider is 7.8 kW, which indicates good performance of the equipment. The width of the AL-KO Solo T 15-103.7 HD-A tires reaches almost 50 cm. This gives good grip on the ground and protects against slipping. To work in the dark, the manufacturer has installed headlights that will perfectly illuminate the work area.

The average cost is 220,000 rubles.

• Possibility to install additional suspended equipment;
• Mulching function;
• Sound indication when the grass catcher is full.

• The maximum speed does not exceed 4 km / h.

Viking MR 4082.2

If you want not only to mow the grass, but also to enjoy the process, then Viking MR 4082.2 is the ideal option. The engine of this model is installed behind the operator's seat, thanks to this, you can better control the process of work, and it will also be convenient to work in tight spaces. For example, between trees or bushes.

Viking MR 4082.2 has a mulching function. To do this, replace the cutting deck with a wedge. The chopped grass will be evenly distributed over your lawn. The cutting width is 80 cm. And the cutting height of the grass varies from 35 to 90 mm. There is a 250 liter container for collecting cut grass. It can be emptied directly from the operator's seat.

For comfortable control of this unit, the manufacturer has installed an automatic transmission. The driver's seat can be adjusted in height with a low step for a comfortable fit. And also has a large legroom, even a very tall person will be comfortable working on such a technique.

The average cost is 285,000 rubles.

• Automatic transmission;
• Large collector volume;
• Small turning radius;
• It is convenient to control the entire process of work.

• High price.

MasterYard CR1638

This model of garden equipment from a Czech manufacturer has a compact size, which makes it highly maneuverable. MasterYard CR1638 can be used on the farm all year round. In the summer, you can use it to mow the lawn, and in the winter to clean up the snow. To do this, you will need to install a landslide and chains that will make the rider's movement safe. With the help of "MasterYard CR1638" it is possible to process an area of ​​up to 0.8 hectares, while it should be noted that this unit can move on slopes with an angle of inclination of up to 10 degrees. The rear of the device has a hitch, now it will not be difficult to install the towed equipment.

The MasterYard CR1638 has a powerful single-cylinder petrol engine that is easy to start and can operate in difficult conditions. It uses a top valve mechanism to reduce fuel consumption and extend engine life.

The cutting deck has a special shape and a special arrangement of knives. Therefore, such a rider can easily cope with tall grass. The entire cut will be placed in a grass catcher with a capacity of 300 liters. When the container is full, a beep will sound to the operator. The mowing width is 92 cm and the minimum mowing height is 30 mm.

The average cost is 260,000 rubles.

• The turning radius is 36 cm;
• There is a hitch;
• The ability to use all year round, changing attachments;
• Small size;
• Economical fuel consumption.

• Not.

The best mini tractors

Belarus 122Н-01

This model is a compact tractor with which you can perform various jobs both on large areas and in confined spaces. "Belarus 122Н-01" has a powerful Japanese engine that can operate both in summer and winter. The engine can be started using an electric starter, in which case you will need to use a key. You can also use a mechanical starter that crank the engine when the cord is pulled.

"Belarus 122Н-01" has a mechanical transmission, while there are 4 speeds for forward movement and 3 for backward movement. Such a tractor can be used with various attachments or trailed equipment. Thanks to this opportunity, it can be applied to solve many problems.

The average cost is 335,000 rubles.

• Four-wheel drive;
• Possibility to install additional equipment;
• Small size.

• Great weight.

Belarus 132Н

Such a unit can be used both in agriculture and in public utilities. With this technique, you can easily dig up the ground, mow grass, clear snow and even transport small loads.

"Belarus 132H" has a powerful four-stroke engine. An air system is provided to cool all its parts. This mini-tractor has a four-wheel drive and a manual transmission. For forward movement there are 4 speeds, and for reversing - 3. For maneuverability and a small angle of rotation, you do not have to worry, since there is a broken frame. Also a distinctive feature of this model is the ability to adjust the wheel track.

The average cost is 247,000 rubles.

• Maneuverability;
• The ability to install various suspended and trailed equipment;
• Engine power is 13 hp;
• Japanese-made engine.

• Strong vibration when working.

Conclusion

Such garden helpers are not cheap. And the higher the price, the more opportunities you can get from this type of equipment. The cost will also depend on the reliability of the manufacturer. With a small garden plot, you can get a simple rider model. All models presented in the rating have the ability to install additional equipment. This way you can easily transform the rider into a versatile machine.

If you live in a rural area or own a farm, then a mini-tractor will be a worthy purchase, since it will be able to solve more problems with it.