The Toro LX425 is a value-priced lawn tractor that is adequate for cutting up to 2 acres of grass. It's not fancy, but it is well built and well priced, so it has earned a Best Buy rating.

Let's start with the engine: It's a 20-hp Kohler Courage OHV with a cast-iron cylinder sleeve, full-pressure lubrication and a twin-cam system that should keep it running, with proper maintenance, longer than engines in cheaper lawn tractors and just about all of the walk-behind mowers. It has a continuously variable (automatic) transmission (CVT). Forward speed tops out at 5.5 mph -- plenty fast for most lawns. And it has cruise control to maintain a constant cutting speed.

The mowing deck cuts a swath of 42 inches with two belt-driven blades. There are no anti-scalping rollers on this budget model, so be sure to drive carefully on uneven lawns. If anti-scalp rollers are important to you, take a look at sister models LX465 and LX500, which also happen to have wider cuts. The blades on the LX425 are engaged and disengaged using a manual PTO controller. There are six cutting heights from 1-1/2 to 4 inches, which are set via a lever on the right side of the driver; for most mowing jobs you will probably set it and forget it.

The fuel tank holds 3 gallons, which is larger than most in this price range, and is easy to read. Other nice features include the large 20-inch rear tires that won't tear up the lawn, and handles on the fenders to help the driver balance during turns and slight inclines. There's a cup holder in the fender near the driver so you can keep a drink near you to help you stay hydrated.

Available options include a mulch kit, twin-bagger (with a chute from the side discharge to the rear-mounted bagger), snow thrower and dozer blade. A front bumper is another option. The easy-connect hitch on the rear makes attaching and pulling a utility cart uncomplicated. The 20-hp engine can adequately pull the extra weight. If you need more power to pull attachments, take a look at the more-powerful garden tractors.

The LX425 weighs about 400 pounds, which is about 100 pounds less than some other models. The frame is compact; there is no wasted space, and that includes the short-back seat that is adequate but may be the limiting factor in how long you mow. The seat can be adjusted forward or backward.

So why is the Toro LX425 a Best Buy? Because the MSRP is lower than other models with comparable features and the LX425 also has some features that are found on higher-priced models. Most important, though, it has a strong, proven engine that should keep it running for many years. That's the main difference.


Pros: Solid engine, adequate features, value priced
Cons: No anti-scalp rollers on this model