Not all riders are made the same. Some machines are made for the sole purpose of cutting grass whereas others are much more versatile. Here are some of the main differences:
Riding Mower
Riding Mowers are made for the sole purpose of cutting grass and usually feature a rear-engine design and a small deck. They’re also usually have the lowest price point.
John Deere Riding Mower Examples: RX Series
Lawn Tractor
Lawn Tractors look more like a traditional tractor with the engine in the front. They typically have more power than a Riding Mower and can utilize small implements such as a small, manually operated snow blade. They typically have light frames and the rear wheels are usually mounted with a 3/4” or 1” center bore whole rather than a 4 or 5 bolt pattern.
Low End John Deere Lawn Tractor examples: L100 Series, LA Series, LT Series, D100 Series, E100 Series
High End John Deere Lawn Tractor examples: LX Series, X300 Series
Garden Tractor
Garden Tractors are characterized by increased versatility and a larger, sturdier design. Many garden tractors feature some sort of hydraulic system used for raising and lowering the deck, power steering, or auxiliary hydraulic remotes. Many garden tractors have add-on options that include a 3 point hitch or rear PTO. Most garden tractors can handle many attachments including a front hydraulic snow plow, snow thrower, or a rear tiller. Some of the larger models can even support a front end loader. Many models will have a rear differential locking foot pedal and may feature extras such as electronic fuel injection, tilt steering, or suspension seats. Garden tractors can come with gasoline or diesel engines. Some even come in 4-wheel drive. These machines are the most expensive with a new John Deere X758 priced in excess of $12,000.
Low End John Deere Garden Tractor Examples: 300 Series, GT Series, GX Series, Select X500 Series
High End John Deere Garden Tractor Examples: 400 Series, X400 Series, Select X500 Series, X700 Series
Deciding which of these types of machines is right for you is dependent on your needs and your preference. Even if you only need a machine for mowing which can be accomplished with a Riding Mower or Lawn Tractor, it may be your preference to have a Garden Tractor that has power steering and power deck lift. If you have small acreage and are interested in pulling things, pushing snow, or tilling a garden, then a Garden Tractor is the only way to go.
Not sure which category your machine fits in? Check out TractorData for more information. For each model, TractorData provides the years of manufacture, the series name, and the type (Garden Tractor, Lawn Tractor, or Riding Mower)
