Troy bilt pony

Best cheap riding lawn mower Bottom line

The Troy-Bilt Pony won't win any awards for speed or maneuverability, but reviewers say that's just fine at this price. The no-frills mower still does an admirable job on small, flat yards, and reviewers like its easy, intuitive controls and space-saving design. The Pony can also accept several attachments, including a mulcher, bagger and snow kit. But some complain it can "scalp" lawns, and several wish for reverse-mowing abilities.

Performance

Enough power for small yards. Reviewers say the Troy-Bilt Pony's 17.5-horsepower engine is just fine for small, flat yards, one expert recommends it for up to an acre. The mower has a 42-inch cutting deck and 5.2 mph maximum speed. Reviewers say it cuts well, though one expert cautions that it's less effective when mowing more than three inches. The 18-inch turning radius should be adequate for yards without elaborate landscaping. The Pony can accept a mulch kit and bagger, but reviews of their performance are limited. Troy-Bilt fares poorly in a large reliability survey, and owners report durability issues that include faulty belts. The Pony comes with a limited two-year warranty.

Ease of use

Simple and compact. The Troy-Bilt Pony has a seven-speed "shift-on-the-go" controlled via a dash-mounted lever. The feature "really improves maneuverability over the older manual transmissions," an expert says. However, it does not mow in reverse, which many reviewers find limiting. Others say controls are intuitively placed on the Pony, and they like the cup holder and headlights -- the latter is a definite bonus at this price. It does not have cruise control. The mower has a compact step-through design that won't hog room in garages or sheds where space is tight. The seat is adjustable, though some wish it had a higher back for greater support. Service timetables are provided in the operator's manual.

Safety/noise

Vibrates too much for some. The Troy-Bilt Pony includes several safety systems. An operator-presence mechanism must sense an operator's weight on the seat, and a brake-pedal lock requires the brake to be engaged before the engine will run. The blade must also be disengaged. One expert notes that the Pony might not be the best choice for steeper slopes or lawns with a lot of debris because its "very basic tires" won't provide adequate traction. A handful of reviewers say the engine is a bit loud, and several complain that the mower vibrates too much while the blade is engaged.

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