The John Deere LA175 lawn tractor boasts a 26-hp engine that is designed to provide plenty of power and torque for tough mulching, mowing and bagging tasks. Manufactured for John Deere by Briggs & Stratton, this engine features is engineered to start easily and has the ability to power the tractor through just about any lawn care chore. The engine's V-twin cylinder is designed to provide greater torque, lower vibration and less noise. We also like the engine's electronic ignition, cast-iron sleeves (which lengthen engine life) and the overhead valve design (which provides high power and fuel savings). The full-pressure lubrication and oil filter keep oil cleaner, which serves to further improve the health of the engine. The solid one-piece frame is constructed of 12-gauge steel and feature high-strength steel rails.

The LA175 also features excellent handling. You can cruise in comfort on the deluxe three-position lumbar-adjustable seat, and the steering wheel is padded with a soft grip. The hydro/automatic drive provides several options of ground speeds (up to 5.5 mph), and the headlights provide good night visibility. We find the LA175's translucent fuel tank with sight gauge, which is convenient to keep track of the fuel level.

The generous 54-inch deck is so wide that it drastically reduces the number of passes that you'll need to make in order to mow the yard, and the LA175's Edge Cutting System is designed to provide a precise, level cut every time. We appreciated this machine's .25-inch cutting height adjustment, which results in a more precisely manicured lawn than many other models. The mower deck features Starlock blades with a 7-point lock design; this keeps the torque at the correct level for easy removal. The deck can quickly be converted from mulching to side-discharge to bagging without any tools or changing of mower blades.

We also like the enhanced convenience of the LA175's 12-volt power outlet, which offers homeowners the ability to use accessories that require electric power, thus enhancing the tractor's utility. John Deere attachments for use with the power port include a grab light and an oscillating fan. The LA175's exclusive CargO Mount system is designed for simple, fast hook-up and detachment of a variety of attachments -- such as a bagger and sun canopy -- without tools, and it can easily pull snowplows, carts and lawn aerators.

The tractor's front axle is constructed of solid cast iron, which is more durable than steel. And because the frame is constructed from full-length welded steel, fewer bolts are apt to come loose over time, which further improves this model's long-term reliability.

The LA175 includes an impressive package of features and provides terrific performance, making it one of the best residential lawn tractors available.


Pros: Powerful, comfortable drive, precise cutting ability
Cons: Short warranty for the price