The Simplicity Coronet 13/30 riding lawn mower is a good choice for 1/2- to 1-acre flat lawns with turns but few small obstacles.

The Coronet models are Simplicity's lower-priced riding mowers that fit the needs of larger yards. They are very maneuverable with a 12-inch turning radius to follow curving lawn contours and circling large trees and obstacles. They aren't as adept at navigating around smaller objects such as single rose plants. The Coronet 13/30 is powered by an adequate 13-hp Briggs & Stratton overhead-valve (OHV) two-cycle one-cylinder engine that is less noisy than many other mower engines.

The Coronet 13/30 cuts a 30-inch swath in the grass with a single belt-driven blade. Cut height is easily adjustable between 1 and 3-3/4 inches. It can move forward across your lawn at up to 5 miles an hour or in reverse at up to 2.3 mph -- not ready for the tractor races but adequate for most applications.

The mower's frame is lighter 14-gauge steel, and the front axle is formed steel rather than cast iron that can be found on some other riders; not a big thing, but worth considering, especially if your yard has a few hidden holes below the grass or other conditions that will text the axle's strength. Tires are 16 inches on the rear and 13 inches on the front with treads that work well on grass without tearing it up.

The transmission is hydrostatic, meaning it automatically changes gear ratios as it moves from slower to faster speeds. Shifting isn't required. A hand lever near the rider controls the transmission. At two gallons, the fuel tank is more than adequate to power the engine over an acre's cutting.

Let's talk about size for a moment. The Coronet 13/30 is 33 inches wide, so it can fit through most yard gates. And it's 5 feet 1 inch long, meaning it can park in your garage -- especially if you turn it sideways -- and still allow room for any vehicle smaller than a pickup. Unfortunately, the seat isn't very comfortable for larger mower jockeys.

As with most rider mowers, the 13/30 normally discharges cut grass out a chute on the right side. Available attachments include a 6-1/2 bushel rear grass catcher, a pull-behind grass mulcher and leaf shredder, a pull-behind thatcher, and a 10-cubic-foot dump cart.

Though conventional rear-engine riding mowers have lost market share to the fancier -- and pricier -- zero-turn riders, we think the Simplicity Coronet 13/30 will be around for awhile. It's a compact design with good maneuverability, adequate power, easy-to-use controls and a comfortable seat. And it's versatile.


Pros: Adequately maneuverable for most larger yards, relatively compact size, many attachments are available
Cons: Doesn't mulch without an optional attachment, front axle is sufficient but not heavy-duty, the seat is a tight fit for larger people