Frequently Asked Questions

When do I know I need a tractor as opposed to a lawn mower?

A number of factors will affect your decision. Generally speaking, if your lawn is larger than 100' x 100', you could consider a lawn tractor. Also the age and physical condition of the operator will have a bearing on your decision. A lawn tractor will significantly reduce the amount of energy and effort expended by the operator when cutting the grass. Time is always an important consideration as well. It will take about 1 hour to cut a 100' x 100' area with a walk behind mower and only about 20 minutes with a lawn tractor. That's a big time saver. One other consideration is the fact that often-larger properties have a longer-than-ordinary driveway. With the proper attachment, your lawn tractor can see double-duty as a snow thrower in winter.

How big of a lawn tractor do I need?

It is more important to consider the deck size you need rather than the tractor itself. There are 3 different deck sizes -- 38", 42" and 46". The 42" deck reduces cutting time by 10% compared to the 38" deck, and the 46" deck reduces cutting time by 20% compared to the 38" deck. Once you determine the proper deck size for your needs, the tractor size will follow.

What is the difference between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor?

Only a garden tractor accepts ground-engaging attachments. A lawn tractor will only accept surface attachments such as a 2-stage snow thrower, dozer blade, front bumper, grass catcher, mulch kit and tow-behind. A garden tractor is generally larger and more powerful. It accepts all the surface attachments plus the ground engaging attachments such as a tiller, plow and disc harrow tiller.

What kind of oil should I use?

SAE 30 oil is recommended for summer use in your lawn or garden tractor. To help your engine run smoother and last longer, change the oil after the first 5 hours of operation and then again after every 50 hours of use or, as a general rule, after every lawn care season. If you use your tractor in winter as a snow blower, change the oil after the lawn care season and switch to SAE 5W-30 during the cold winter months.

What is the difference between a hydrostatic transmission and a transmatic transmission?

A transmatic transmission offers a set number of forward and reverse gears, usually between 5 and 7 speeds. While there is no clutch per say, the operator need only depress the brake/clutch pedal in order to reduce the ground speed. No pedal contact is needed for shifting from low to high through the speed range while in the forward or reverse mode. If you are downshifting a gentle tap of the brake/clutch pedal is all that is required to shift from high to low ground speed. With this patented system you can set the speed selector for a given speed, then if you have to slow down for a turn (cutting around trees, flower beds or other obstacles) all that is required of the operator is to slightly depress the clutch/brake pedal. When you release the pedal, the unit will automatically resume the original set speed. This type of drive system allows shift-on-the-go speed control and enables you to match your ground speed to your particular mowing conditions without reducing the speed of the cutting blades thereby eliminating any compromises in cutting quality.

What is AutoDrive™?

AutoDrive™ tractors are the latest development by MTD. The operator just pushes the lever into forward and presses the foot pedal to accelerate. It’s just like driving a car – certain models even have cruise control.

What attachments or accessories are available for my tractor?

If you have an MTD lawn tractor there are a number of attachments available. You can get a 2-stage snow blower, a dozer blade, front bumper, grass catcher, lawn sweeper, mulch kit and tow-behind cart. Accessories available include a Sunshade for summer use and a snow cab for protection in winter.

If you have an MTD garden tractor, you can use all the attachments and accessories noted above, plus ground engaging attachments such as: the tiller, plow and disc harrow.

What are FastAttach™ Attachments?

FastAttach™ accessories and attachments are available for all AutoDrive™ tractors. They attach in minutes, without any tools!

The twin bag, dozer blade, bumper kit, and dethatcher FastAttach™ accessories are now universal fitting and fit all MTD tractors, not just AutoDrive tractors.