With its 18-hp Kohler engine, cruise control and 42-inch twin-blade cutting deck, the Bronco lawn tractor from Troy-Bilt packs plenty of power for a relatively low price. The Bronco is powerful and easy to use, and features a foot pedal-controlled AutoDrive transmission with cruise control and a StepThru frame. This is one of Troy-Bilt's most popular models and is priced to compete in a very dense market.

The 18-hp Kohler Courage engine sports a good design with adequate features for the price range. It's designed to provide peak power performance and quiet, smooth operation, and with regular maintenance, it should provide relatively trouble-free service for many years. The transmission is similar to those of other lawn tractors; it's a continuously variable (automatic) model that easily operates with a right-side foot pedal. It also features cruise control to make longer mowing jobs easier. The Bronco's fuel tank capacity, however, is just 2 gallons.

We like the transmission -- this tractor drives like a car, but its turning radius (18 inches) is great. This tractor also features a StepThru frame -- which allows you to get on and off easily -- and sports a comfortable medium-back seat. It is worth mentioning, however, that the front axle is made of steel, so it isn't quite as strong as many cast-iron axles. We also wish that this machine offered electric power take-off (PTO), rather than the less reliable manual PTO that is included.

Alarmingly, we find that the Bronco's mower and drive belts have a tendency to slip and come off when driving quickly over bumps. When the pulleys loosen, the mower belt can fall off the pulleys; you'll then be required to remove the whole deck to replace it. The drive belt also slips off easily; don't be surprised if you have to replace it at some point during the life of the tractor. What's more, the blades bend easily, so you might need to replace those as well.

For lawns under three acres, the Bronco's 42-inch cutting deck can be ideal; the two blades give an even cut and are easier to maintain than wider three-bladed decks. If you're looking at mowing roughly an acre of lawn each week but don't need a machine with lots of extras, you should consider the Bronco for its value. In light of the belts' tendencies to slip, however, you might consider whether your patience and mechanical aptitude can meet the potential issues of this model.


Pros: Strong engine, cruise control, well featured, large deck, good value
Cons: Blades lack durability, belts slip, does not mow in reverse, steel front axle, manual PTO

Warranty
2 years, limited