Rating of the best garden tractors and riders for 2022

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 a rider, then processing the site will not cause a feeling of severe fatigue and will not take much time. Such devices are popular with owners of both large and small plots. 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 take a look at their features and see what the difference is.

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

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

The mowing deck is similar in design to both of these units. But the difference lies in its location. For tractors, this part is located between the wheels, thanks to which the machine gains maneuverability. But because of this, many models do not require the installation of additional attachments. The rider's deck is located in front of the body. So the operator has a large overview, and it becomes possible to control the entire process of work. With this arrangement of the deck, it is convenient to mow near 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.

If we talk about the cost, garden tractors are cheaper. But their functionality is limited.

Types of riders and garden tractors

First of all, this version of technology is distinguished by an engine. The most common option are models with a gasoline engine.Diesel engines have also become widespread. But they are more expensive, they make more noise during operation, and the maintenance of such options will cost more. There are also devices that run on battery power, but such models are produced in limited quantities. This is due to the fact that they cannot work for a long time, and they are also very heavy, which is very 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. The only difference is 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 will the collection of cut grass go? Usually the entire cut is collected in the grass catcher or there may be a side discharge. It is also possible to adjust the cutting height.

Garden equipment also differs in the way it is controlled. If the control is manual, then a lever is used. Foot operated models use pedals. There may be two pedals, one of which is designed to move forward and the other to move backward. In addition, such units come with mechanical and hydrostatic transmission. Budget options usually have a manual transmission. But do not think that you can adjust the speed here just like in a car. It is selected at the moment of a complete stop of the equipment. High speed is used to move. And if work will be done with a load, then choose a lower one. Models with hydrostatic transmission are more comfortable to drive and require virtually no maintenance.Also, garden equipment usually has rear-wheel drive, rarely there are models with all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

Criterias of choice

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

The most important parameter is the 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 will be the best option. Such models will differ in their mobility and maneuverability. Equipment with a power 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 grass, but also perform many other works. Equipment with high power is used in large areas where the treated surface reaches 10 hectares.

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

The cutting width plays a big role. The larger this parameter, the faster you will complete the work. But not in all areas, units with a wide deck are suitable. If you have a lot of bushes or trees around which processing is required, then it is better to take the option with a large mowing width.

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

And now let's look at the parameters that will create comfort for the operator during operation, as well as in the maintenance of the unit. So that in the process of work your legs and back do not get tired, it is better to choose a chair with medium hardness. Also, the seat should be adjustable in height so that each person can choose the optimal height for their height. The steering wheel braid should be soft enough and dampen vibrations well during the operation of the equipment. It will be useful to have an hour meter, so you do not miss the time for the technical inspection of your garden assistant.

The best budget riders and 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 an engine whose power is 12 hp. Such power allows you to mow the lawn on an area of ​​16 acres in just one hour. The cutting width is almost 1 meter. There are 5 positions for adjusting the cutting height, which range from 30mm to 95mm. 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 ejection of grass, if desired, you can install an additional collection tank with a volume of 200 liters.

The manufacturer has not forgotten about the convenience of the operator. Halogen lamps are installed for work at night. The seat has optimal rigidity and is positioned so that the operator can easily reach all controls."MTD Smart RF125" has a six-speed manual transmission and one speed for reverse. The turning radius is 46 cm, which gives 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 fitting for washing the deck.

STIGA Tornado 2098

This model garden tractor is specially designed for tending large areas. It will be an excellent assistant for mowing grass in parks, cottage settlements or processing home gardens. "STIGA Tornado 2098" has a compact size and good maneuverability, thanks to a small turning radius.

The deck of this model allows you to effectively cut high and coarse grass. The deck carries out lateral emission of a grass. It is also worth noting that the deck has a special shape, thanks to which all the cut grass will be evenly distributed over the site. The "STIGA Tornado 2098" has the possibility of mulching. The knives can be started independently of the drive, as they are connected to the engine through an electromagnetic clutch. The cutting width is 98 cm. There are 7 positions for adjusting the height of the medium, which range from 25 to 80 mm.

For comfortable work of the operator, the manufacturer has provided a soft steering wheel cover made of polymer material. The chair is fixed on a platform with shock-absorbing properties. Thanks to this, the driver will not feel vibration and shock while driving. "STIGA Tornado 2098" has a mechanical transmission, which has 5 speeds for moving forward and one for reversing.During operation, low speeds should be used. And the movement can be started from the maximum speed, since a hydrostatic drive is installed here.

The average cost is 150,000 rubles.

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

• Not found.

Cab Cadet LR1 NR76

Although at first glance, this model seems compact, but behind such a miniature rider lies high power. This unit is suitable for processing large areas. "Cab Cadet LR1 NR76" has a powerful four-stroke engine that provides high performance. The fuel tank of this model contains 5 liters of gasoline, this will allow you to work for a long period of time without making stops and additional refueling. "Cab Cadet LR1 NR76" has a semi-automatic transmission, thanks to which you can control the speed without making stops. You just need to choose the direction of movement, and set the speed. Also, this unit has a small turning angle, so you can easily make maneuvers.

The cutting width is 76 cm, which makes it easy to work areas around trees or shrubs. There are 5 positions for adjusting the cutting height. This parameter can be in the range of 38-95 mm. The cut grass can be collected in a 200 liter grass collector. You can also carry out side discharge or mulching.

The average cost is 183,000 rubles.

• Compact size;
• Maneuverability;
• Semi-automatic transmission;
• 6 travel speeds;
• Indication of filling the grass catcher;
• Possibility to empty the grass catcher from the operator's seat.

• The minimum cutting height is 38 mm.

The best professional riders and garden tractors

AL-KO Solo T 15-103.7 HD-A

With such garden equipment, you can quickly mow the grass even in a large garden area. 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 capacity of 220 liters for collecting cut grass. You can empty this container directly from the driver's seat using the telescopic handle. You can also easily install additional equipment on the front. For example, shields for snow removal.

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

The average cost is 220,000 rubles.

• Possibility to install additional hanging 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 to not only mow the grass, but also enjoy the process, then the Viking MR 4082.2 will be an ideal option. The engine of this model is installed behind the operator's seat, thanks to which you can better control the work process, and it will also be convenient to work in narrow places. For example, between trees or shrubs.

"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 installed an automatic transmission. The driver's seat can be adjusted in height, for a comfortable fit there is a low step. And it 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 grass catcher
• Small turning radius;
• It is convenient to control the whole process of work.

• High price.

MasterYard CR1638

This model of garden equipment from the Czech manufacturer has a compact size, due to which it has high maneuverability. "MasterYard CR1638" can be used on the farm throughout the year. In the summer, you can use it to mow the lawn, and in the winter, you can clean the snow. To do this, it will be necessary to install a collapse and chains that will make the rider's movement safe. With the help of the MasterYard CR1638, it is possible to process an area up to 0.8 hectares, while it is worth noting that this unit can move along slopes with an inclination angle of up to 10 degrees. The back of the device has a tow bar, now it will not be difficult to install trailed equipment.

The MasterYard CR1638 has a powerful single cylinder gasoline engine that is easy to start and can operate in tough conditions. The overhead valve mechanism reduces fuel consumption and extends 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, the operator will receive a sound signal. The cutting width is 92 cm and the minimum cutting height is 30 mm.

The average cost is 260,000 rubles.

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

• No.

The best mini tractors

Belarus 122N-01

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

"Belarus 122N-01" has a mechanical transmission, while there are 4 speeds for moving forward and 3 for moving backward. Such a tractor can be used with various mounted or trailed equipment. Thanks to this opportunity, it will turn out to be used to solve many problems.

The average cost is 335,000 rubles.

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

• Big weight.

Belarus 132N

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

"Belarus 132N" has a powerful four-stroke engine. An air system is provided to cool all its parts. This mini-tractor has four-wheel drive and a manual transmission. There are 4 speeds for moving forward, and 3 for reversing. You don’t have to worry about maneuverability and a small turning angle, since a broken frame is installed here. Also a distinctive feature of this model is the ability to adjust the wheel track.

The average cost is 247,000 rubles.

• Maneuverability;
• Possibility of installation of various suspended and trailed equipment;
• Engine power is 13 hp;
• Japanese made engine.

• Strong vibration during operation.

Conclusion

Such garden helpers are not a small cost. And the higher the price, the more opportunities you can get from this type of equipment. Also, the cost will depend on the reliability of the manufacturer. Having a small personal plot, you can get a simple rider model. All models presented in the rating have the ability to install additional equipment. So you can easily turn 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 possible to solve more tasks with it.