Lawn Tractor vs Garden Tractor

One of the challenges that individuals encounter when they want to buy a riding lawn mower is the right one to go for. Generally, there are two broad classes of riding lawn mowers: Lawn tractor vs Garden tractor. Even though most people think they are similar in function, one of the few similarities they share is the ability to cut grass.

When it comes to other functions in your yard, they have functions that are distinctive to themselves, and using one for the wrong task would result in low outputs. If you want to cut grass and perform other light tasks in the yard, the lawn tractor is your best choice. On the other hand, if you will perform heavy-duty chores like cultivating and the likes, you need a garden tractor.

Features of a Lawn Tractor

If a conventional lawnmower does not serve your need anymore, then upgrading to a riding mower is an ideal choice. Before your upgrade, you need to ensure you select the right one for your lawn. You stand to gain a truckload of merits when you use a lawn tractor like effortless use, attachments, and the likes.

Lawn tractors are great for people who have health problems or find it challenging to remain standing for a long time. Since it comes with a standard key start, you don’t have to go through a pull start stress. The beauty of using a Lawn tractor is, it is similar to driving a vehicle.

You just sit and use the pedal drive to coast around. Before you choose the right lawn tractor for your needs, you need to consider some crucial factors. One of these factors is the lawn size. If your lawn is huge, you need a tractor that comes with powerful and robust engines with bigger wheels.

1. Collection/Discharge/Mulching

Before you buy your lawn tractor, you need to be sure of what you want to do. If you’re going to achieve a fair and standard cut, you can use your lawn tractor to bag and compost them separately using the collection method. With the deflector in the lawn tractor, you can eliminate the clippings. And this method is best when the collection is compulsory.

You can also mulch the clippings, and the advantage of this is that the grass clippings fertilize the soil. It is best to mulch during the dry summer period so that the lawn will not dry out. And the exciting part is several lawn tractors can come with an extra mulch kit.

2. Transmissions

There are two transmissions that the lawn tractor comes with. The Transmatic transmission paves the way for unstopping variable shifting. You can select your speed by adjusting the speed shift lever and begin mowing. You can also reduce your speed by pressing the brake pedal, and there’s no need to switch gears. When you release the brake pedal, your pre-set speed resumes automatically.

The second transmission is Hydrostatic transmission. This type of transmission ensures smooth, seamless and accurate maneuvering. You can control the speed, variable forward and reverse speed. With the Hydrostatic transmission, you can avoid shifting gear or operating the clutch.

Also Read: Best Lawn Aerator – Guide to Choosing Your Lawn Aerator

Features of a Garden Tractor

The popularity of Garden tractors is increasing by the day, and this is mostly because they are more inexpensive than before. Another primary reason is that some of them come with state-of-the-art designs that make them more useful for smaller gardens. The truth is, once you have tasted the efficiency of the garden tractor, you will not want to use your old machine.

If you want to select a Garden tractor, it is crucial to opt for a machine that fits your need. If your garden is big, you need a garden tractor with a broad-cutting width. However, if you have a small garden, then it is best to get a garden tractor with a smaller-cutting width.

1. Accessories

Many garden tractors on the market come with accessories that make your task more comfortable and faster. Some of these extra accessories make it pricey, but it is usually worth it in the long run.

2. Transmission

You can decide to choose either hydrostatic or manual transmission. The manual transmission allows you to operate the garden tractor like a manual-gear car. Similarly, the hydrostatic transmission helps to drive the garden tractor like an automatic car.

3. Position of the Cutting Blade

If the cutting blades are placed in the front, it would be easy to trim little bushes and trees, saving effort and time. On the other hand, if they are beneath the driver’s seat, you can easily access the edges. It is believed that the blades positioned at the front help you see better; however, they do not gather the grass clippings.

Also Read: Best Garden Tiller – Select for a Garden Cultivator

Major Differences Between Land and Garden Tractor

Before you purchase either a lawn tractor or garden tractor, you need to know which is best for you. And one of the proficient means to achieve this is to understand the differences between the two pieces of equipment. In this guide, I will mention four key factors that aid the comparison between lawn tractor and garden tractor.

Function

When you are shopping for a tractor on the market, one of the biggest questions you should ask yourself is its purpose. You need to be sure of the function your tractor would perform for you. And it is necessary to mention that one of the most remarkable differences between lawn and garden tractor is their proposed functions.

Generally, garden tractors are rugged and extremely powerful. These features and more are among the primary reasons they are ideal for hauling materials and attaching different tools. In addition to the fact that garden tractors can mow a lawn, they can till and fertilize your vineyard. In comparison, lawn tractors have limited uses.

Size

To someone who does not know much about farm implements, it would be challenging to tell the difference between lawn tractors and garden tractor. If a novice looks at both of them, they will look the same. However, one of the ways to tell a garden tractor from a lawn tractor is the size. Garden tractors are bigger, and their transmissions and engines are more powerful.

With these attributes in mind, they will need a bigger housing to accommodate the large attachments and components. Also, Garden tractors are used for several power-consuming tasks like hauling, and this is why they would generally weigh more than lawn tractors. Since garden tractors are structured to handle big attachments, their rear drive wheels are more extensive than lawn tractors.

This feature is a downside to garden tractors because they would not maneuver easily like lawn tractors. Lawn tractors do not have big rear-drive wheels like garden tractors to maneuver easily around tight corners and barricades. To wrap it up, Garden tractors are weighty, which helps them handle hilly terrains.

Cost

When you want to make any purchase, it is essential to consider your budget. Suppose you are deciding between which to opt for between a garden tractor vs lawn tractor. It is imperative to state that garden tractors use more power, and they are more versatile.

Hence, they are pricier than lawn tractors. If you don’t have much to spare, you can always opt for used garden and lawn tractors. This option is another proficient means to get your tasks done.

Power

In the comparison between lawn tractor and garden tractor, Power is one of the greatest dissimilarities. Since garden tractors are more versatile than lawn tractors, they need more horsepower for optimum performance. However, since lawn tractors are basically for mowing, they don’t need much horsepower like garden tractors. Generally, garden tractors are equipped with a locking differential.

The function of the differential lock is to provide you with traction if you are on challenging terrains. With differential locks, it is effortless to release yourself from challenging situations. When you are operating your garden tractor, it is vital to toggle on the differential lock. When you do so, the rotational speed of the rear-drive wheel is restricted.

This allows for both wheels to turn at the same speed. When the wheels turn in the same manner and speed, they maintain the same ground contact, which grants you additional traction. Lawn tractors have a horsepower of between 15-25 HP. On the other hand, Garden tractors have a higher horsepower range of 20-30 HP.

Also Read: Electric vs Gas Lawn Mower – Which Should You Choose?

Conclusion

With the points listed, you would certainly be able to make a better choice when you want to buy either a lawn vs garden tractor. Once you know their individual specialties, it would be easier to select the tractor type that adequately suits your needs.

One of the reasons people don’t know which to pick when it comes to lawn tractor vs garden tractor is their close structural similarities. However, this guide helps to simplify and outline their differences and uses.