The Super Bronco is one of Troy-Bilt's newest models, priced to compete in a very dense market: lawn tractors priced less than $1,300. How does it stack up? Well, but not outstanding.

The engine in the Super Bronco is a 19-hp Kohler Courage -- a good design with adequate features for the price range. With regular maintenance, it should give relatively trouble-free service for many years. The transmission is similar to that on other lawn tractors; it's a continuously variable (automatic) model that easily operates with a right-side foot pedal. It also has cruise control to make longer mowing jobs easier. Fuel tank capacity is 2 gallons.

The 42-inch mowing deck cuts with two blades driven by a single adjustable belt. Cutting height can be changed from 1-1/2 to 4 inches by using a control handle on the right side of the driver. Two anti-scalping rollers are attached to the rear of the mowing deck to help keep the deck and blades from cutting unevenly over irregular ground. The blades are engaged and disengaged through a manual PTO control on the left side of the dashboard.

The engine hood is of light-gauge metal and lifts easily from a grip at the rear. The hood has venting louvers on both the sides and the top. We think the top louvers make it too easy for debris to fall into the engine compartment and possibly block the air intake to the engine.

The frame is 12-gauge steel, which is not as heavy-duty as some other models but is still adequate for a basic residential lawn tractor. The mowing deck is a little lighter with 13-gauge steel. The front axle is made of cast iron and has more strength than many steel axles.

Options for the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco include a mulching kit, double rear bagger, a bumper, dump cart, dozer blade, snow thrower and a sun shade. A plate on the rear of this model makes adding pull-behind attachments relatively easy. With the show thrower attachment, you can use your Super Bronco as a year-round workhorse.

Troy-Bilt offers two other related models that are larger and have more features. They are the Horse and Big Red Horse. They also offer a smaller model -- and for a lower price -- called the Pony. These models share most features with the Super Bronco, with the main difference being the engine horsepower and the size of the cut. If the Super Bronco has most but not all of what you are looking for in a lawn tractor, consider these similar models by the same manufacturer.

Overall, the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco is an adequate mower, and with a suggested retail price of $1299.00, it is also one of the most affordable basic lawn tractors on the market. You may even find a better price for this model if you shop around. Though this isn't an outstanding model, the Super Bronco will fill the needs of many lawn tractor shoppers with lawns up to about 1-1/2 acres.


Pros: Adequate engine and transmission, basic features, frequent discounts
Cons: Not as heavy-duty as some other models

Warranty
2 years, limited