I purchased this tractor as an upgrade from my circa 1980(!) 33" Snapper rear-engine riding mower. We have just under a half-acre, and needed something a tad bigger to cut the yard with, and to perform additional yard chores. The tractor sale price paid was around $1800, less tax and extended warranty.

This is a new line of "yard tractors" from Sears for 2008. It's a "professional" line of tractors, meaning, it has a heavier gauge steel frame and deck as opposed to the more common residential type lawn tractors, as well as cast iron axles, and a heavy-duty Briggs & Stratton cast iron-lined twin-cylinder engine.

It should be noted that this tractor not a true "garden tractor", which means, no ground-engaging type work is possible. It's somewhat of a hybrid lawn/garden tractor: it can accept certain attachments like baggers, plow blade, snowthrower, aerator, rakes, carts/trailers, etc., but no PTO-enabled equipment. Additionally, the Tuff Torq K46 hydraulic transmission the tractor uses is not rated for heavy-duty work, and is made in China.

This tractor is a breeze to use. The fully-automatic hydrostatic drivetrain is quite a treat. It has an automotive accelerator-type pedal for speed control, which means no futzing with gears, clutches, or shifting. It also has cruise control, but I found the mechanical cruise facility somewhat clunky. For example, when attempting to set the selected speed, it seems to slow down once set. I refrain from using the cruise control anyway, and opt for more manual control.

The tractor has an excellent turning radius (16"), and is very easy to maneuver. The high-back seat is adjustable like an automotive seat, and is quite comfortable. Starts right up, and is surprisingly quiet. Another excellent set of features are the overall controls and gauges: ammeter and hour meter, color-coded, simple, and ergonomic operation controls, and an electric blade clutch (no funky lever to engage the belt-driven blades...just a simple switch).

The cut itself is excellent. Anti-scalp/"gauge" wheels are mounted on the deck (and are adjustable) to foster an even cut on uneven terrain. Nice, clean, even cuts with excellent "striping". The extra-wide turf-saver type tires really do wonders for the lawn; no tire ruts/trenches, good traction, and they don't disturb the turf like my old Snapper ride-on mower did.

For basic yard and turf chores, this tractor is an excellent value. It does exactly what it supposed to do, with great power, and at a reasonable price.

Recommended: Yes