GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - Deere "lawn tractor" OK for cultivating/soil prep?

20-04-2006, 11:03 PM posted to alt.home.lawn.garden

wrote:
Somewhat. Are the transmissions really that different on the garden
tractors? I haven't been able to find much specific info when I
compared the two (e.g. at Sears the other day). Is the traction
difference from tire size...or gearing or both? I see most of the
'garden tractors' have 23" tires while the lawn tractors are 18-20"
(and wider)...

Yes, they are that different, they are not even closely related. Garden
tractors typically have a cast iron transmission often with (sometimes
optional) auxiliary power take off (pto) to supply power to attachments.
These things are bullet-proof. You will also find an automotive style
rear end. This allows a lot more range in the gearing, lower lows and
higher highs.

A yard tractor on the other hand has an aluminum transaxle (usually
Peerless) that cannot take much abuse. You can't even change the oil in
them. They are considered disposable. They work fine for hauling around
the tractor and a rider but any more and they are quickly overloaded.
The big price difference is partly because a transaxle means no separate
rear end is needed.

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Art