The Poulan Pro PBGT26H54 garden tractor is an entry-level model that is a good option for homeowners with large swaths of mild terrain to tend. While it is not the sturdiest or strongest tractor available, it is a viable machine for those who want the attachment capability of a garden tractor for a reasonable price.

One of the deceptive traits of this tractor is its 26-hp Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine. While the numbers look good, this engine is often found in lawn tractors that are geared toward lighter-duty jobs. Many rival garden tractors opt for a Kohler Command engine or a stronger Briggs and Stratton engine, so consider this engine a bit of a compromise to keep costs down for the consumer. It is a strong enough engine for light utility duty, but the PBGT26H54's giant 54-inch cutting deck that is found on this unit drastically reduces its efficiency. Poulan Pro compensates for this by giving you a generous 4-gallon tank, which will last for hours if you don't challenging this machine; on hills and rugged terrain, the power takes a hit and the machine can get loud and shaky when tested. The cutting deck has good floatation, but it sways when taken out of the confines of normally manicured yards. The cutting deck has a hand-adjustment lever and cuts to heights of 1.5 to 4 inches. The huge deck covers a good deal of ground efficiently, though the side-discharge can get cluttered from time to time; this is fairly normal with large deck mowers, however.

The handling of this tractor is good, as long as you don't take it across rugged terrain; on rougher ground, you'll get bounced around, and the machine can feel unbalanced while turning on steeper hills and inclines. The automatic transmission is smooth and even when the engine was a bit underpowered, momentum and engagement was fluid. The suspension on the tractor isn't designed for heavy-duty use, but under normal lawn conditions, the large 23-inch rear tires help eat up some of the bumps. The optional catching and mulching attachments are easy to set up, but be warned: the deck expels clippings with gusto, so your bags will fill quickly.

Overall, the Poulan Pro PBGT26H54 is a respectable garden tractor that has just enough kick to warrant its garden tractor status. For homeowners with large yards, the huge cutting deck is a delight, and for the price, you can't go wrong.


Pros: Good price, huge cutting deck, good handling
Cons: Inferior engine for garden tractor duties, stiff suspension

Warranty
2 years, limited (consumer)