Troy-Built 17.5-HP Shift-on-the-Go 42" Cut Pony Lawn Tractor

by Blake Rouse
(Fredericksburg, VA)

This is an okay mower if you've got a small to medium sized yard that is relatively flat. I bought this after having a John Deere for about 8 years because of the price difference and how similarly built there were (or seemed).

First, the positives : the shift on the go feature is great because it allows you to change to whatever speed you want without stopping which is a big upgrade over my old Deere.

Second, this mower starts right up every time, no choking no priming, no going under the hood whatsoever and I've had it for close to a year now, and with a yard as large as mine (2+ acres) it has been very very reliable.

The negatives : after only about six months the headlight started fogging up and was replaced under warranty but it is already starting to do it again, so the build quality is questionable.

Also, adjusting the blade is fairly difficult and can be a challenge so it is best left to one setting, if you have hills beware.

Overall it is a good mower for the price, I don't think it will last as long as a John Deere and when it comes time to buy a new one I will go back to John Deere because of their quality.

However if you're looking to spend only $1000 then this is a good bet!