The 8 Essential Lawn Tractor Features
A lawn tractor can make your yard maintenance much easier and quicker. Enjoy a perfectly manicured lawn in a fraction of the time and energy! But not at models are going to give you the results you want. We've created the following buyer's guide to the must-have lawn tractor features. As you explore lawn tractors for sale, make sure the models offer the below features! If you have any questions or want to explore lawn tractors for sale, head over to Prairieland Partners. We proudly serve those throughout Kansas.
1. An Hour Meter
Lawn tractors need regular maintenance to continue running smoothly. The schedule for the tasks tends to be based on hourly usage. Once you hit a certain number of hours, it'll be time to tackle a given project.
Look for lawn tractors that offer a built-in hour meter, which will make staying on top of maintenance a breeze. If you fall in love with a model that lacks a built-in hour meter, you can install it as an aftermarket part. Just be sure to include the hour meter purchase into your budget (it'll usually cost around $50).
2. Easy Deck Engagement
The blades on a lawn tractor are incredibly sharp. This helps the blades whip your yard into shape, but it also poses a safety risk. That's why the cutting blades don't automatically begin spinning when you start up the lawn tractor. The blades need to be engaged in some way, usually by a mechanical lever or an electric push-button. Some lawn tractors come with difficult-to-use deck engagement, which can slow your yard maintenance projects down and add unnecessary stress. Test out the system before you invest in a lawn tractor and make sure it is easy to use.
3. Implement Compatibility
Some lawn tractors are able to be connected to various implements, which allow the machine to tackle a wider range of tasks. These implements can help you work more efficiently and, in some cases, can spare you from needing to buy a second piece of equipment. Think about what implements would work best for your needs, then look for lawn tractors that are compatible with them.
4. A Bumper
A bumper is a valuable feature on a lawn tractor. As you cruise around your yard, your lawn tractor gets exposed to fallen branches and other types of debris. These obstacles can cause a surprising amount of damage to the front of your lawn tractor - or even end up inside and causing harm to the lawn tractor's inner workings. Make sure the lawn tractor either comes with a bumper or can be easily outfitted with one. An upfront investment in a bumper can save you money on repairs down the road.
5. Easy to Access Blades
Eventually, the lawn tractor's blades will need to be sharpened. Look for a model whose blades are easily removed, which will make this maintenance task much easier.
6. A Visible Gas Gauge
If you get a gas lawn tractor, you'll need some way to know when the tank needs a refill. Some lawn tractors come with a gas gauge, allowing you to assess the fluid levels with a quick glance. Other models require owners to lift the hood to check the gas level. A visible gas gauge offers valuable convenience and is worth seeking out.
7. Tires that Suit Your Terrain
Think about your yard's unique needs, then make sure the lawn tractor's tires are compatible. For example, maybe your lawn is full of rolling hills. Look for lawn tractor tires that offer the necessary traction to tackle these slopes.
8. Compatibility with Your Body
Finally, make sure the lawn tractor suits your body. Are the controls positioned in a way that suits your arm span? Does the seat work with your height? Will the lawn tractor be comfortable for the duration of the mowing project? You don't want to invest in an uncomfortable model, so be sure to test drive the various lawn tractors to find one that works for you.
Ready to shop lawn tractors for sale? Check out the selection at Prairieland Partners. Our friendly staff is always happy to answer questions and help you find the best model for your needs. We serve those throughout Kansas.