Features

• Belly mount deck
• 42" Zero-Turning Radius mower
• 18.5HP OHV Briggs & Stratton Intek engine
• Electric PTO
• Twin Hydrostatic Transmissions

Reviews (3)

Lot of features for the money but not worth it!
This mower is nearly $600 less than the nearest competitor which.Makes it appealing to the budget buyer.BUYER BEWARE!!!I bought this mower new in April and mowed with it for 5 weeks before the right hand hydro went out.It was in the shop for an additional 5 weeks.When I finally got it back I had the pleasure of using it another 3 times before it was stolen.The belt constantly came off for no reason.I could mow in 18" tall grass for an hour and it would stay put but it would come off mowing 4" grass.I struggled for hours trying to get the belt to stay on for any period of time.Finally I took the belt covers off and figured out how to get the belt back on in a few seconds.JUST WHAT YOU WANT TO BE DOING WITH A BRAND NEW $2800 MOWER RIGHT?Also the rear tires are too small to go uphill(they spin like crazy).Whoever stole this mower got themselves a gem.I would strongly urge you to look elsewhere!Like the old saying goes you get what you pay for!

Keep Shopping!
There's a reason its $$$ cheaper than the nearest competitor.I bought one and put 4 hours on it before I returned it to the store for a refund.

The IZT drive system is weak.The drive system has one box that contains both pump and wheel motor with a lot of aluminum parts inside.That was what failed on mine after mowing twice with it.Something went wrong with the right-hand side transmission, the thing would only travel in circles.It would run good until it got hot (~ about 30-45 minutes) then it would slow down and make some terrible noises.

The deck adjustment system and the height indicator are a joke.The indicator went missing after the first 30 minutes of use, it just fell off.I did find it before I ran over it and stuck it back on.

Its poorly designed - when you sit on the seat with the engine running, the seat pushed the plastic shround on the engine against the flywheel and it shaved part of the shroud away.

I'm a huge fan of B&S engines but when you pointed this mower uphill the engine started missing and burned enough oil to emit a huge cloud of blue smoke - no mosquitoes here.

I took it back to the store and got a refund.Then I spent another $1000 and bought a Simplicity ZT1844 with a Kohler, BDP-10 pumps and seperate wheel motors.The Simplicity is a mowing machine.

One hell of a lawnmower
For almost $3000, this had better be one hell of a mower, and considering that the operator rides on it and it has a drink holder, and can handle 1-1/2" stems (for those who let their lawns go for 6 months at a time), it probably is. It also occurs to me that as long as you stay on your own property, it's probably one of the few vehicles that you can drink and drive with (not that I'm recommending that, considering what would probably happen if you strayed off your lawn and ran over your neighbor's kid's lawn toys with it, or worse).

Back in the 60's when I was a kid, having one of these big riding mowers marked you out as the king of conspicuous consumption on your block, maybe even more so than having a new Cadillac parked in the driveway.

Anyway, for completeness, I include the following. The manufacturer proudly states that the other specs on this home lawn-care behemoth are: "Zero-Turning Radius 42" rider, 17.5HP Briggs Intek, 42" cutting deck, hydrostat, belly mount deck, electric PTO, 18 X 9.5 X 8 rear tires, 11 X 4 front tires. High seat back, arm rest, drink holder, 2 year limited warranty."

And as Jeff Goldblum said in the first Jurassic Park movie, "And there you have it." I can't wait to go out and buy one and annoy my neighbors with such an ostentatious display of conspicuous consumption. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)    5. Mowers    6. Gas Mowers    7. (Lawn Mowers)    8. (Lawnmowers)   

Editorial Review

Protect your trusty lawnmower from the ravages of sun, rain, mildew, dust, and birds with this sturdy, trim-fitting, all-weather cover. It's long enough to accommodate even the catcher on rear discharge mowers, while an elastic shock cord at the bottom hem provides a quick, customized fit. The cover measures 75 inches long, by 27 inches wide, by 23 inches high, and fits a wide assortment of gas or electric lawnmowers. ... Read more

Features

• Heavy duty fabric is coated for maximum water resistance and repellency and won't shrink or stretch
• Color:Black
• Protects against sun damage, rain, dust, birds and tree sap; covers both the mower and attached catcher on rear discharge mowers
• Handy integrated stuff sack
• Elastic shock cord in bottom hem for a quick, custom-like fit and the click-it closure on back makes installation and removal a snap

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Elastic shock cord in bottom hem for a quick, custom-like fit
• Color:Olive
• Protects against sun damage, rain, dust, birds and tree sap
• Dual vents let air circulate and help prevent ballooning in winds
• Handy integrated stuff sack

Reviews (1)

Great cover for the money
I have a lawn tractor with a 46" deck and this cover fits great.The elastic at the bottom completely surrounds the tractor and will keep your equipment dry in any conditions.My only complaint would be that the nylon is a little thin.You need to ensure that the tractor muffler has cooled or it would easily melt through.Well worth $40. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Infinite cutting height adjustment from 1-1/2" to 3-1/2"
• Twin hydrostatic transmission provides years of maintenance-free service
• Padded high-back seat for a comfortable ride
• Twin comfort grip control levers are easy on the hands
• Mid-mount mowing deck for smoother cut

Reviews (1)

Swisher Zero turn 36" mower ZT1436
...The ZT1436 is ...It is a bit noisier than other brands I have tried, but for the money I saved it's bearable.It does the same job around trees and plantings as the more expensive units and for me should last a lifetime as I do not intend to use it daily to mow for a living.(Professional brands)I would recommend this to anyone with "stuff" to mow around as it cuts your lawn care time in half(even less) so you can move on to other interests.Just as easy to use as the Big names zero turn units, only half the price.So far I am quite pleased.Parts are available internet and phone, but no local dealers for service.I figure I can fix anything that may go wrong and they will supply the parts if need be.This Zero turn mower actually makes lawn work fun! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)    5. Mowers    6. Gas Mowers    7. (Lawn Mowers)    8. (Lawnmowers)   

Editorial Review

If you have a lot of grass to mow, the Yard-man 13AT614H401 42-inch deluxe lawn tractor may be worth considering. The Yard-Man combines the power of a fully enclosed 22HP Briggs and Stratton twin Intek engine with the convenience of a hydrostatic AutoDrive transmission and foot pedal controls. The result is a powerful tractor that's as easy to operate as a car. The tractor comes equipped with Yard-Man's exclusive FastAttach system. Attachments can be added or removed quickly without tools. A large, 42-inch mulching deck and 18-inch tight turn steering radius make quick work of even the toughest lawn. An optional twin-bag grass collector can be added, as well, for an extra charge. Maintenance is fairly simple and straightforward, thanks to a quick-change oil drain system, spin-on oil filter and built-in engine systems monitor with hourmeter. An adjustable seat and vibration-dampening steering wheel help reduce fatigue and add to overall operator comfort. Other conveniences include an easy on-off step-thru design, cruise control and even a beverage holder.--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• 22HP Briggs & Stratton Twin-Intek engine
• 46-inch triple blade cutting deck
• Hydrostatic AutoDrive transmission with cruise and foot-pedal controls
• Fully welded step-thru frame with cast-iron front axle
• Mulch kit included

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Editorial Review

With a powerful 20-horsepower Briggs & Stratton Twin Intek engine under the hood and AutoDrive transmission with cruise control and foot pedal control, this mower’s got it all. Its 18-inch TightTurn steering radius will let you maneuver the 42-inch twin blade cutting deck all over your yard, around trees, along tight curves and zooming down the straightaways. It’s built like a tank, too, with a cast iron front axle and rugged frame. We particularly like this one for its clever step-through frame, making it easier to mount and dismount that most lawn tractors. The seat is comfortable and adjusts easily, too. This Yard-Man is a winner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Fully welded step through frame with cast iron front axle
• 20 HP Briggs & Stratton Twin Intek engine
• 42" twin blade cutting deck
• AutoDrive transmission with cruise control and foot pedal control
• Mulch kit included

Reviews (4)

Very Bad Design Can and will hurt you.
I saw this unit here and then bought it from Wall Mart (do to the no return policy) and it was a good thing I did! My son hurt his knee from the spring loaded PTO lever smacking him. So I drove it to see and it hit me so hard when I wasn't expecting it. You could hold it in place with a bungee cord but this is a new mower and that shouldn't be the case. It seems with a bump or when getting close to bushes it only needs a little force and the lever being spring loaded will come back with tremendous force and will hit your knee depending on your size. I got an MRI and will need an operation. I have contacted MTD but they will not reply. I simply wanted to let them know and have it altered because I liked the performance. I guess they are waiting for the paper work of the lawsuit. It will hurt you and yours and they know this now. I brought the unit back and still have heard nothing from MTD. The desighn is on many of their other mowers brands and should be avoided. MTD should be ashamed of the engineers that designed this PTO lever. Last year design is 1000 times better and I am looking for one, the only problem is only shift on the go type transmissions are available.

best
i love this lawn mower it has more than needed power and the price was great

not my dream tractor...
....but a good, reliable machine.I have five acres of fast-growing Florida lawn and this tractor performs dependably. I think the biggest drawback is that you cannot mow in reverse; any corners, narrow spaces require disengaging and re-engaging the mower deck and leaves some places "unmowable".Power steering would also be nice...but that'll be the tractor I get after I win the lottery. For the money it's a very good machine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Cup holder and mulch kit included
• 18 HP Kohler OHV engine
• Hydrostatic foot-pedal drive with cruise control
• 42-inch twin blade deck
• Ammeter included

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Cup holder and mulch kit included
• 22 HP Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine
• Hydrostatic foot-pedal drive with cruise control
• 46" triple blade deck
• Systems monitor package with hourmeter

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Cup holder & mulch kit included
• 22HP B&S V-Twin engine
• Foot-pedal autodrive with reverse transmission
• 46" triple blade deck
• Ammeter included

Reviews (1)

It's A Good Value!
I've mowed 2 acres of rough turf for one full summer. The terrain is flat. The Yard Man Tractor starts quickly, has much more than enough power, is very easy to use, comfortable and well built. I could not find a competitive tractor with the same impressive specifications. Amazon had the tractor delivered to my house freight prepaid!Caution: Replacing the mowing deck is a bear! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Cup holder included
• 25 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek ELS engine
• Hydrostatic foot-pedal drive with cruise control
• 54-inch triple blade deck
• Hi/low range for ground engaging attachments

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Editorial Review

Let’s face it, the Yard-Man 25 hp garden tractor is what every homeowner really wants. Heck, it’s got everything--hydrostatic autodrive transmission, cruise control, a 54-inch triple-blade cutting deck, and a cup holder! Inside, it’s perfection. A super-reliable 25HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine, PowerSwitch PTO engagement, a cast-iron front axle, and a systems monitor with an hour meter to keep track of your maintenance schedule. It’s actually a pleasure to cut the grass on this machine. The fully welded step-through frame is accessible and comfortable, no matter your size, so getting on and off isn’t an ordeal. Think your yard is too small for a riding mower? Not this one. It’s got a nifty 21-inch TightTurn steering radius for the smallest areas. What a beauty for any size yard. And don’t forget your coffee.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 25 HP Briggs & Stratton Twin Intek engine
• 54" triple blade cutting deck
• Hydrostatic AutoDrive transmission with cruise control and foot pedal control
• PowerSwitch PTO Engagement
• Fully welded step through frame with cast iron front axle extra wide ABS plastic fenders

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Cup holder included
• 22 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine
• Foot-pedal autodrive with reverse transmission
• 46" triple blade deck
• Hi/low range for ground engaging attachments

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Cup holder and mulch kit included
• 25 HP Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine
• Hydrostatic foot-pedal drive with cruise control
• 46" triple blade deck
• Systems monitor package with hourmeter

Reviews (1)

YardMan Scores!
I got a really good deal on this mower because it was left over from last season. I was hoping that it would be all it was announced to be, and it hasn't let me down.
The machine is solid as a rock, comfortable to drive for hours, and all the features add up to a really good buy.
The turning radius isn't great, but I'm sure if you want to pay another 1500 bucks, one of those Zero-turning-radius machines would do you up right. For the rest of us, though, this machine puts it all in perspective - it has the heavy-duty front end, the hourmeter/stats on constant display, all the horsepower you'll ever need, and just about the most comfortable seat on the market.
Being a new unit, I haven't had to purchase any replacement parts, so I may be writing again in the hopefully distant future - but, for now put me in the category labelled "happy owners." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• Cup holder & mulch kit included
• 20HP B&S V-Twin engine
• Foot-pedal autodrive with reverse transmission
• 42" twin blade deck
• Ammeter included

Reviews (13)

Problems with my Yardman
When I bought my Yardman there were only good reviews. I see that has changed. First the seat is designed for someone with really short legs, all the way back and your knees are stiil in your chest.To empty the bagger you have to tip the seat ahead.Since Imow when the grass is wet(Live in WA), the tube plugs up often. But it is not designed to disconnect from the mower easly.
The blades are made from to soft of steel and bend too easily. So if you hit any gravel or other obstuction, you end up with a bent blade and an uneven cut. They don't offer a heavy duty blade. I wouldn't recommend using on anything but smooth level ground.

Adequate for now
To start, I have the same complaint about Amazon as many others concerning an extra $25.00 charge for lift-gate services being required.I went back through Amazon's website several times and could not find anything that discussed other possible charges relative to shipping.I let my disappointment be known to Amazon and have not nor will I ever purchase another item from them.As far as the tractor, like one other review I read, I too found the cutting to be unsatisfactory.I would notice that the center grass in the cutting path was not being touched.I would have to make a second pass, so the end result was like using a 21-inch wide mower.After about the fifth mowing, I noticed that slight dips would cause severe scalloping of the lawn and it didn't seem to matter what height adjustment I used.I put the tractor away for the winter without correcting the problem.This spring I decided to go through and check the mowing deck adjustments including the deck wheels.After performing these checks, I tested it only to find that I was still digging crop circles in the lawn.A closer inspection of the deck revealed a blade with a bent tip, which extended below the deck.I replaced both blades and all my cutting problems disappeared.This made me believe that the blade was probably bent before I received the tractor, which would have explained the poor cutting performance.OK, the tractor now does a fine job mowing, but not much else.I had opted for the 20HP thinking it would be capable of handling other attachments such as a snow thrower, only to find out that this model will only accept a grass catcher and nothing else.At least for now it handles the mowing pretty well, but my next tractor will most likely be a Kubota.

Good product but lousy customer service from Amazon
Amazon states that any item over 25.00 is free shipping so I selected that option. Then was informed by the shipping company that I would have to unload it off of the truck myself. Then they stated that if I wanted a lift gate to get it off the truck I would have to pay 25.00 extra. What choice did I have but to do this as I cannot get it off of the truck by myself. Amazon misleads us by not making it a point to let the buyer know "before" checkout by using at a minimum a pop up that informs us of the issue that the buyer (us) would have to unload a 600lb+ mower off of a truck. Amazon states that the tiny link that is listed on the website informs the consumer of this but as I said it is a tiny link, almost hidden, because I am sure that if most read this link they would not purchase this item from Amazon. The irony is I was told by the Amazon customer service department that I did not choose to pay for the lift gate truck. Well guess what! There is no option in the checkout whereas you can choose this option. We are extremelydisappointed with Amazon and their lack of ethics and concern for their customers for selling equipment that they should not be selling unless they have a better way of delivering heavy items to the customer. Even Walmart.com at a minimum takes it off of the truck for you! Shame on Amazon.com for conducting business in such a poor fashion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Editorial Review

The Yard-Man AutoDrive lawn tractor should fulfill all your tractor dreams. Perched on the broad and absurdly comfortable canary-yellow tractor seat, cool drink at your side in the drink holder (a most enviable feature), you can survey your land with just pride in luxurious ease. Corrugated foam seat cushions and foam lower-back support provide comfort for your derriere and lumbar region, and strong shock absorbers under the seat keep the ride from jarring your bones (or spilling your refreshment). Rubber foot treads keep your feet from sliding about, and all the controls are an easy hand or foot reach away. Ignition, choke, and light switch are all prominent on the dash, as are the throttle controls (going all the way from turtle to hare). The blade height lever, on your right-hand side as you sit in the driver's seat, is delightfully easy to operate, deftly adjusting between six settings. The transmission gear to your left shifts between forward, neutral, and reverse. Three sharp blades keep your lawn trim, and you can choose whether you'd rather mulch or side disperse. Other features resemble those of your favorite car, and then some. The dash sports an indicator monitor, reminding you to depress the brake pedal or add oil, when necessary; the AutoDrive pedal enhances your power control, allowing you to accelerate with autolike ease, while the hour meter records how long you've been cruising--we mean working. The 20-horsepower engine, the top of the line when it comes to home lawn mower power, can carry you regally about the land you sweated for, but no longer need to sweat on. And best of all, it comes completely assembled. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 20-horsepower engine powers three cutting blades
• Corrugated foam seat cushions and foam lower-back support provide comfort
• Strong shock absorbers under the seat ensure a smooth ride
• Adjust the 6-position blade height lever from the driver's seat
• Mulching and side disperse options provide versatility

Reviews (3)

Poor customer service
The low rating on this product is aimed at the customer service/warranty associated with the product group. I bought a MTD lawn tractor 5 months ago and within 31/2 months the thread on the shoulder bolt striped out resulting in the idler pulley falling out of position. I called MTD for the location of a authorized service location in my area. The automated answering machine gave me the name and number for the service dealer. I confirmed with the service provider that the defect was a warranty repair. It took a month to get the tractor fixed and when I went to pick it up I was told that it wasn't under warranty and if I wanted to pick up the tractor I would have to pay for the repairs. I reminded him that he had confirmed warranty at the time I brought it in. At that time he said it was to hard to procees the warranty. I contacted MTD and the service rep said he would contact the service provider and call me back. He never returned the call so I called again. This time a service rep told me that they didn't tell me were to take the tractor for repair and that the choice had been mine. I told him that the automated system for service had that dealer as the authorized service provider in this area. He said he didn't care what it said, that the choice was still mine for where I took it. He did say he would call them to get the other side of the complaint and call me back. I went ahead and paid the charges for the repair because by that time I needed it. I did get the nut and bolt that had been replaced and after measuring them found that both components were grossly out of industrial specifications. The thread engagement for that combination should have been about 77%, the bolt and nut used on the tractor had less than 50%. With a third less thread emgagement the bolt would stripe at a much lower torque than normal.The components used on this tractor can be manufactured cheaper and faster than standard fasteners. The service rep from MTD, surprisingly, did call back and told me that the reason the warranty was not allowed was because I hadn't supplied Proof of Purchase. I told him I had and that the date was on the receipt I received from the service provider. I informed him of measurements on the defective material and the impact on the failure mode. Some of the numbers were technical in nature so I told him he should confirm them with his engineering dept. His main concern was that I had the defective parts and he wanted to know how I got them. I told him I had just ask for them. He said he would investigate further and call me back. Guess what? No call. It's also the last MTD product I ever buy.

Integrity and Speed
I was reluctant at first to make this purchase over the net. I am, however, sure glad I did. The process went fast and painless. The equipment was exactly as I expected plus more. The price was much better than if I purchesed this lawn tractor locally. The speed of delivery and the friendly help of the delivery personnel was a big plus. I have already used this equipment and find it to be of good quality and ease of use.
Keep up the good work. Lastly, I've noticed a customer service availability, I don't need them, all is fine here.

I love Riding Lawn mowers
I love Riding Lawn mowers and this one is one of the best it is comfertable is easy to use gives you control like no other and with the 20 hp engine you can cruise in style ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Editorial Review

If you're considering a move up to a riding mower, the Yard-man 13CX614G401 18HP 42-inch deluxe lawn tractor is a solid contender. Equipped with an 18HP Kohler Command engine and hydrostatic AutoDrive transmission with foot pedal controls, the Yard-man rides like a car and performs like a champ. The tractor features a 42-inch twin blade mulching deck, eliminating the need for raking or bagging grass. An optional twin-bag grass collector is available, if you prefer to bag your clippings, as part of Yard-Man's tool-free FastAttach attachment system. Once attached, the bagger can collect up 6.5 bushels of even wet or damp grass clippings. The Yard-man is built solidly from deck to stern. The engine is fully enclosed for added protection and to help reduce noise, while a cast-iron front axle and fully welded step-thru frame provide years of reliable, durable operation. An adjustable seat, cruise control and an 18-inch tight-turn steering radius add to the tractor's car-like feel and make it a joy to operate.--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• 18HP Kohler Command engine
• 42-inch twin-blade cutting deck
• Hydrostatic AutoDrive transmission with cruise and foot-pedal controls
• Fully welded step-thru frame with cast-iron front axle
• Mulch kit included

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• 13.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek OHV AVS Engine
• AutoDrive transmission with cruise control and foot pedal control
• A 38-inch twin-blade mulching deck (mulch kit included)
• Hour meter and systems monitor package
• Belt driven transmission system operated by a footpedal

Reviews (1)

This is great
This lawn mower is a great product.I have had this for only two months and it hasn't failed me yet.I used to just have aself propelled mower, but I'm walking through a hardware store and see this exact tractor.I wasn't about to just buy it, so like everything else I buy, I go to Amazon to see what they say.It looked pretty good so I thought, why not give it a shot.Now i love mowing the lawn, and when I'm busy, my son will mow my 2 acres for FREE!It's so much fun and takes no effort.I would buy this again if I needed it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• 17 horsepower Briggs & Stratton OHV engine
• 42-inch side discharge deck with mulch kit included
• AutoDrive transmission - foot-pedal speed control that is like driving a car
• TightTurn steering system - 18-inch turning radius for better maneuvering
• Fully welded, all-steel tractor frame

Reviews (4)

Battery Problems
I purchased the Yardman from Handyman on 4/25/01- it was last year's model. Last week the mower would not start and when I took it to the shop, they said the battery was dead and was not under warranty. I am very disappointed and feel that some restitution should be made since this was last year's model and I am sure that battery had been used for demonstrations to customers many times before I purchased it.
I would appreciate your opinion......Thank you.

Not a Work Horse, but okay for lighter work
I've owned an MTD tractor for 8 years. If you are not aware, MTD is a parent company that makes various "brands" including Yardman, Murray, various "hardware store brands" and Cub Cadet.The Cub Cadet brand represents their "high end" line, and not surprisingly, they are quite a bit more expensive.

I would recommend that Yard Man tractors be considered for smaller plots of mowing, as they do require more maintenance and more careful attention to routine inspections.In eight years, I had changed the drive pulley four times, had the carburetor fixed, fiddled with deck adjustments countless times, and replaced numerous cotter pins and washers that rattled off the machine while running.Still, I suppose, eight years of hard use on a two-acre plot, despite such maintenance, was not bad for a low priced tractor.

If you are willing to go an extra [price]to [price], there are two tractors that have big advantages over Yard Man:the Simplicity Regent and the Toro 16-38hxl.The latter is priced at [price]but has a commendable reliability record.On the other hand, if you don't intend to use the Yard Man on more than one acre, and are marginally handy with routine maintenance, then it is probably a good buy in the long run. They have undoubtedly made some improvements since the one I had, and I know of some owners who really like them. Do keep in mind that almost all brands of lawn tractors use Briggs and Stratton engines, so that is not really a purchasing factor (B&S has recently made great strides in developing quiter, more reliable engines). If the free shipping deal is still running, that's an extra incentive, too.

A great machine for the price
I bought my second MTD lawn tractor last year. There may be better machines, but I haven't found one at anywhere near this price. The first one (single cylinder / 38" cut)did 8 years of fairly heavy duty mowingand cart hauling. I had to replace one sealed blade spindle bearing and hadto put tubes in the tires so they would hold air towards the end(not a bigproblem). This machine was sold to a friend who is still using it. The newone is the 17 HP twin Briggs/42" cut(incredibly smoother) and ithandles like a dream. Bigger, more comfortable and tighter turning. Alsolike the "no-scalp" wheels on the mower deck. I have the "7speed-shift on the go" transmission, which I love. You need only usethe forward/reverse lever right in front of you to change direction and canslow down for close trimming by using the "clutch" which actuallyjust changes the ratio of the drive pulley and does not"slip".Big green machines may be better, but I can not justifythe price compared to the performance of the MTD. One thing every competantindividual will want to do is unplug the "ridiculous" reversemowing cutout so one can mow backwards around obstacles. The dealer"cannot" do this by law, but curiously, the law does not requirethe switch, only that it must work when delivered if origionaly installed!I would buy another MTD in a minute! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Riding Mower)    2. Landscaping Tools    3. Lawn Tractors    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Features

• 17.5 HP B&S I/C OHV V-Twin eingine with Oil Filter
• 42" twin-blade mulching deck (mulch kit included)
• Hourmeter and systems monitor package
• Autodrive with cruise control
• Takes Fast Attach accessories

Reviews (1)

GRASS CUTTING MADE EASY!
I HAD BEEN LOOKING FOR A RIDING LAWN MOWER FOR THTEE MONTHS, AND FOUND THAT EVERY THING I LOOKED AT WAS SIMILAR, A LITTLE LESS HERE A LITTLE MORE THERE IN FEATURES.THEN I FOUND THIS MTD YARD MAN LAWNTRACTOR 13AY614 THAT HAD "FAST ATTCHMENTS" AND DROVE LIKE A CAR.THERE WHERE SIMILAR MTD PRODUCTS, WITH DIFFERENT SUB DIVISION "NAMES" BUT MOSTLY ALIKE!THE COST WAS LESS THAN THOSE NAME BRANDS (JD, SNAPPER, ECT) YOU GOT MORE FEATURES FOR LESS $$.THE ONE THING I DIDN'T GET WAS PULLING CAPABILITIES, I WANT TO MOVE A BOAT TRAILER AROUND, MTD DOESN'T HAVE ANY SPECS, OR THEY DON'T GIVE THEM OUT, NOT EVEN TO THERE DEALERS?I TRIED TO FIND OUT FROM THERE WEB SITE, BUT DIDN'T FIND THE INFO I WAS SEEKING??ASIDE FROM THE LACK OF THAT INFO, I ONLY HAD TO ADJUST THE DECK ANTISCARFF WHEELS DOWN AN INCH, TO PREVENT CUTTING TOO CLOSE WHEN ROUNDING MY TREES, THE 18 INCH TURNING RADIOUS WAS THE SHARPEST TURN IN A LAWN TRACTOR.I GOT A GOOD VALUE IN THE YARD-MAN MODEL 13AY614. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)   

Editorial Review

The Yard Bug may look cute, but don't get so caught up in its curvaceous lines that you neglect its enviable design and practicality. This is a strong little machine with some unusual and innovative qualities. Perch on the comfortable yellow seat and you can control the gas, brakes, and blade engager with your feet. The ignition, the throttle (tortoise to hare), the gears (forward, neutral, and reverse), and the blade height adjuster (with five choices, from low to high) are all within easy reach of your hands. Perhaps the best feature of all on the Yard Bug is the grass catcher. Lift up the seat on most lawn tractors and you find a battery. Lift up the seat of the Yard Bug and half the metal chassis lifts with it, revealing the ingenious grass catcher beneath. It's a plastic basket with a mesh top, and it lines up with the side discharger to cleanly catch all of what the Bug mows. Just lift, release the catch, empty, reseat, and you're ready to roll again. There's even a little window you can see as you ride; when the orange ball falls from view, you know the bag is full and needs to be emptied. The 8-1/2-horsepower engine is among the smallest to be found in riding mowers (though, really, it can handle most home lawn requirements), and the driver weight limit is 250 pounds. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 8.5-horsepower Industrial/Commercial engine
• Internal bagging system hold 2.5 bushels in a polymer grass catcher
• Fingertip controls and automatic transmission with foot-pedal speed control for easy handling
• 6-position deck adjusts quickly to preferred cut
• Designed to mulch, bag, or side discharge

Reviews (24)

Mowing in reverse
I really like the bug except you cannot mow in reverse. How can I bypass this micro device. Please explain

Great little Machine.
I received my Yard Bug in a week from the time I ordered it. The Trucking Company called me two days before delivery and I explained to them that this was a private residence and I had no way to unload it if they sent a tractor trailer or regular box truck. After hearing my situation, they sent it out on a lift-gate truck and used a palate- jack to take it from the street to my garage. I followed the instructions, put the battery on charge while I ran some errands for a couple of hours, hooked up the battery when I got home and drove it away. Put it through it's paces for about a halh hour ahd am real satisfied.

Poor Quality
This "Bug" is really poor. I bought a yardman and experienced a lot of trouble: Gasline leakage, engine failed to start, etc. So it is not a best buy for your choice! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Lawn Tractors    3. (Riding Mower)    4. (Garden Tractors)