Best Lawn Tractors 2027

Lawn tractors on Amazon.de cost from around 1,450 euros for a petrol model with side discharge to almost 3,000 euros for a battery machine with a grass collector. This guide is for owners of gardens of 1,500 m² and up who lose a whole Saturday pushing a mower, and for anyone choosing between petrol and battery. The best lawn tractors 2027 are the STIGA Tornado 5108 for large areas up to 6,000 m² (2,499 euros), the Alpina AT3 98 a as the best value (1,449 euros) and the STIGA Tornado 398e as the best battery model. We compared seven models with live prices as of 29 October 2026, from 1,449.00 to 2,939.01 euros.

Before you buy, measure your lawn and check the slope. A lawn tractor is not a machine for steep banks, and the slope section below explains why.

Quick overview: the best lawn tractors 2027

All lawn tractors in this comparison are available on Amazon.de; check delivery to your country in the basket. Click a name for the current price.

Specifications come from the STIGA, Alpina and Güde websites and from STIGA user manuals. Area is the manufacturer's recommendation; for battery models it means the area of one charge.

How to choose a lawn tractor

Lawn tractors differ in the lawn size they are built for, how they deal with clippings, the drive and the power source. Before you look at prices, answer six questions.

Lawn size

According to STIGA's mower buying guide, a machine with a wider deck pays off for lawns over about 1,000 m². STIGA's smallest tractors are meant for around 1,500 m², and the manufacturer describes the Combi 372 as the first step up for people who have been using a walk-behind mower. All lawn tractors in this comparison cover at least around 1,600 m² according to their makers. For 4,000 to 6,000 m² a deck of 98 cm or more is much faster, because a narrower one takes longer. If your lawn is under 1,000 m², a good petrol lawn mower or a robot lawn mower will be cheaper.

Tractor or rider

According to Wikipedia, a lawn tractor has its engine at the front like a real tractor, while a rider has the engine behind the driver. In practice, riders are often shorter and more agile, so they get round trees and flower beds more easily, while classic lawn tractors often have wider decks and a tow hitch. Zero-turn mowers that spin on the spot are a separate type; they are more expensive and none made our list.

Collector, side discharge or mulching

A collector picks up the clippings, so you don't need to rake. STIGA recommends it for gardens with trees and shrubs that drop a lot of leaves. Side discharge leaves the grass on the ground and suits large areas where collecting makes no sense. Mulching chops grass into small pieces that stay on the lawn and return nutrients to it. Most models in the comparison can mulch in addition to their main mode; for the Güde GAR 685 T the manufacturer does not list mulching.

Hydrostatic or manual gearbox

Hydrostatic drive changes speed steplessly and without stopping, like an automatic car. Most models use a foot pedal; the Combi 372 uses a lever. That makes mowing around obstacles easier. A manual gearbox has gears, such as 5 forward and 1 reverse, that you change with a lever. It is cheaper: for the STIGA Tornado 398, the hydrostatic version costs 400 euros more than the manual one according to STIGA's recommended prices.

Petrol or battery

Petrol lawn tractors have no runtime limit beyond the fuel tank, but they need oil, a spark plug and winter storage. The battery STIGA Tornado 398e mows up to 3,500 m² in about 45 minutes, and charging takes about 6 hours. Petrol STIGA tractors have a guaranteed sound power level of 100 dB and 85 to 87 dB at the operator's ear, while the Tornado 398e measures 84.4 dB at the operator's ear. Hearing protection is a good idea even with a battery model.

Slope

This is the most important question for hilly ground. In the Tornado 398 manual, STIGA says the machine must not be used on slopes steeper than 10° (17 %) and that there is no such thing as a "safe" slope. Mow up and down the slope, never across it, and slow down before going downhill. For other models, check the permitted slope in the manual. If your lawn is steeper, lawn tractors are not the right choice.

1. STIGA Tornado 5108

Photo: STIGA, Amazon

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The STIGA Tornado 5108 is our pick for large lawns because it has the widest deck in the comparison, 108 cm, and the manufacturer recommends it for areas up to 6,000 m². For 2,499 euros you get a STIGA ST 500 engine with 452 cc and 8.4 kW and pedal-operated hydrostatic drive. The blades engage via an electromagnetic clutch.

There is no collector. Grass is discharged to the side, and with the Multiclip plug fitted the machine mulches. You set the cutting height with a lever in 7 positions from 25 to 80 mm. LED lights, a tow hitch and a battery charger are included. It is 1,315 mm wide, so measure your garden gate before buying.

Pros: widest deck in the comparison, hydrostatic drive with no gear changes, mulching plug and tow hitch included, good price for the 6,000 m² class.

Cons: no collector, 1,315 mm wide, as loud as any petrol tractor (100 dB guaranteed sound power).

Our opinion: For half a hectare of grass around the house, this machine gets the job done fastest. If you want to collect the clippings, look at the Estate 384 M a or the Güde.

2. STIGA Estate 384 M a

Photo: STIGA, Amazon

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The STIGA Estate 384 M a is the best choice if you want to collect your grass. It has a 200-litre collector and can also mulch and discharge at the rear. It costs 1,999 euros, and the deck is 84 cm wide. On Amazon.de it is listed for lawns up to 3,000 m².

The drive is manual, with 5 forward gears and 1 reverse, so you change speed with a lever. According to the Amazon listing the engine has 352 cc, while stiga.com lists a 414 cc engine for the ST3 version, so check the exact version in the listing before you buy. It is 880 mm wide, narrower than the Tornado 5108.

Pros: large 200 L collector, three ways to handle clippings, narrow enough for paths.

Cons: manual gearbox, engine data on Amazon and stiga.com differ, battery charger sold separately.

Our opinion: For a garden with fruit trees and autumn leaves, the collector saves hours of raking. If hydrostatic drive matters to you, the Güde offers it for 100 euros less, but with a narrower deck.

3. Alpina AT3 98 a

Photo: Alpina, Amazon

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The Alpina AT3 98 a is the best-value tractor in the comparison: a 98 cm cutting width and up to 4,500 m² for 1,449 euros. Alpina is a STIGA Group brand, and the machine is powered by a STIGA ST 350 engine with 352 cc and 6.5 kW. The blades engage electromagnetically.

Like the Tornado 5108, it has no collector; it discharges to the side or mulches with the insert included in the box. The drive is manual with 5 forward gears and 1 reverse. At 158 kg it is one of the lighter machines in the comparison; only the narrower Güde is lighter (151.5 kg). The seat has a low backrest, and there is no dashboard. A tow hitch and a battery charger are available as accessories.

Pros: cheapest tractor with a 98 cm deck, mulching insert included, relatively light at 158 kg.

Cons: no collector, manual gearbox, simpler seat and no dashboard.

Our opinion: If you need a wide machine for a meadow rather than comfort, the Alpina costs 1,050 euros less than the Tornado 5108. There is no hydrostatic drive, but on a flat lawn you will get used to the lever quickly.

4. STIGA Tornado 398e

Photo: STIGA, Amazon

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The STIGA Tornado 398e is the best battery tractor in the comparison. A 48 V, 30 Ah battery (1,500 Wh) and charger are included, and according to the manufacturer one charge covers up to 3,500 m² in about 45 minutes. In easy conditions and ECO mode the manufacturer quotes up to 4,500 m². It costs 2,719 euros.

The deck is 98 cm wide, the same as the Alpina, and grass is discharged to the side or mulched. There is no oil, spark plug or petrol. It is driven with a pedal at up to 9.5 km/h, and you choose between ECO, STANDARD and BOOST modes. The STIGA.GO app shows the battery status. At the operator's ear it measures 84.4 dB, quieter than STIGA's petrol tractors. Charging takes about 6 hours.

Pros: no petrol, oil or spark plug, quieter for the driver, battery and charger included, app.

Cons: no collector, charging takes about 6 hours, more expensive than a petrol model of the same width.

Our opinion: For weekly mowing up to 3,500 m² the battery is enough, and there is no engine to winterise. If you mow more than that in one go, the petrol Tornado 5108 is cheaper and never waits for a charger.

5. Güde GAR 685 T Hydrostat

Photo: Güde, Amazon

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The Güde GAR 685 T Hydrostat is the cheapest hydrostatic tractor with a collector in the comparison. For 1,899 euros you get a 210-litre collector and hydrostatic drive, up to 7 km/h forward and 4.2 km/h in reverse. The engine is a four-stroke with 224 cc and 4.15 kW and electric start.

The 68.5 cm deck is the narrowest in the comparison. The manufacturer recommends the machine for up to 4,000 m², but an area that size takes longer with 68.5 cm than with a wider machine. Cutting height is set centrally in 5 positions from 35 to 75 mm. It has pneumatic tyres, an LED work light, a parking brake and a towing eye. The fuel tank holds only 1.2 litres.

Pros: hydrostatic drive and a large collector at a lower price, compact and light (151.5 kg), pneumatic tyres and LED light.

Cons: small 1.2 L fuel tank, narrowest deck, only 5 heights with a 35 mm minimum, mulching not listed.

Our opinion: A good choice for a 1,500 to 3,000 m² garden where you want to collect grass and drive without a gear lever. For larger areas, pick a wider deck.

6. STIGA Combi 372

Photo: STIGA, Amazon

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The STIGA Combi 372 is the narrowest petrol machine in the comparison: just 745 mm wide, so it fits through narrower garden gates too. The manufacturer describes it as the first step for people moving up from a walk-behind mower and recommends it for lawns up to 2,500 m². It costs 2,099 euros.

It has a STIGA ST 400 engine with 414 cc and 7.1 kW, lever-operated hydrostatic drive and a 170-litre collector. With the insert included it can also mulch. The deck is 72 cm wide with a single blade, which you engage by hand. You choose from 7 heights between 30 and 80 mm. It cannot tow a trailer, and the fuel tank holds 4 litres.

Pros: very narrow, hydrostatic drive, collector and mulching, a good first tractor after a walk-behind mower.

Cons: only 72 cm and one blade, manual blade engagement, cannot tow a trailer, small tank.

Our opinion: For a garden with lots of trees, beds and narrow paths, this is more practical than a wide tractor. On an open meadow you would be paying for compactness you don't need.

7. STIGA Swift 372e

Photo: STIGA, Amazon

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The STIGA Swift 372e is a compact battery rider with a 170-litre collector. According to stiga.com, four 48 V, 5 Ah batteries (900 Wh) and a charger are included. On Amazon.de the listing is titled only "Swift 372e", so check in the description that the kit includes batteries before ordering. It costs 2,939.01 euros and is the most expensive model in the comparison.

The manufacturer quotes about 1,600 m² per charge and up to 2,400 m² in Eco mode in easy conditions, and the product description even says up to 3,000 m². The batteries also work in other STIGA tools from the 5, 7 and 9 series. It has two counter-rotating blades, cruise control and the STIGA.GO app. The outer turning radius is 1.62 m and the width is 735 mm.

Pros: battery machine with a collector, batteries fit other STIGA tools, cruise control and app, very agile.

Cons: smallest area per charge in the comparison, high price for 72 cm, the Amazon listing title does not mention batteries.

Our opinion: It makes sense if you already own STIGA battery tools or want quiet mowing of a smaller, fragmented garden. The petrol Combi 372 costs about 840 euros less and covers a larger area, but it is louder.

Maintenance and safety

Petrol lawn tractors don't need much maintenance, but they need it regularly. According to STIGA's engine instructions, the first oil change is due after 5 operating hours, and the oil level should be checked before every mow. Under full load or in hot weather the oil is changed every 25 hours. According to its manual, the STIGA engine in the Tornado 398 takes 1.2 L of SAE 30 or 10W-30 oil, and the spark plug gap is 0.6 to 0.8 mm. For Güde and other brands, follow their own instructions.

Before winter, if the machine stands for more than 30 days, empty the fuel tank, charge and disconnect the battery, clean the machine and store it somewhere dry. The deck on STIGA tractors is rinsed through a water connector while the blades run. Before the first mow in spring, check the oil, filters and tyre pressure.

For safety: never mow across a slope, don't carry children on the machine and disengage the blades before crossing gravel. Wear ear protection with a petrol engine.

Conclusion: which lawn tractors to choose?

For large lawns up to 6,000 m², the best choice is the STIGA Tornado 5108 for 2,499 euros, with a 108 cm deck and hydrostatic drive. If you want a wide machine for less money, the Alpina AT3 98 a for 1,449 euros covers up to 4,500 m². Lawn tractors with a collector, such as the Estate 384 M a and the Güde GAR 685 T, are better for gardens with trees, and the battery Tornado 398e suits anyone who wants quieter mowing without petrol.

For edges along fences and around trees you will also need a cordless grass trimmer, and for preparing beds a garden tiller.

Frequently asked questions

From what lawn size is a lawn tractor worth it?

According to STIGA, a machine with a wider deck pays off for lawns over about 1,000 m². The smallest tractors are meant for around 1,500 m², and the compact Combi 372 for up to 2,500 m². Below 1,000 m², a regular mower is cheaper.

What is the difference between a rider and a lawn tractor?

A lawn tractor has its engine at the front, a rider behind the driver. A rider is often shorter and more agile, so it is better for gardens with many obstacles. Lawn tractors usually have wider decks, more often a tow hitch and are better for large, open lawns.

Hydrostatic or manual gearbox?

Hydrostatic drive usually uses a pedal and changes speed steplessly, which makes mowing around trees easier. A manual gearbox has gears you change with a lever and is cheaper. For the STIGA Tornado 398, the difference in recommended price is 400 euros.

Can a lawn tractor mow on a slope?

Only on a gentle one. In the Tornado 398 manual, STIGA gives a maximum of 10° (17 %) and warns that there is no safe slope. Mow up and down the slope, never across. For another model, check the permitted slope in its manual.

How long does a battery lawn tractor run?

The STIGA Tornado 398e with a 48 V, 30 Ah battery mows up to 3,500 m² in about 45 minutes, and charging takes about 6 hours. The smaller Swift 372e with four 5 Ah batteries covers about 1,600 m² per charge.

How do you maintain a petrol lawn tractor?

The first oil change is due after 5 operating hours, and you should check the oil level before every mow. Under heavy load, change the oil every 25 hours. Clean the air filter more often in dusty conditions, and before winter empty the tank and disconnect the battery.

How we chose

For this comparison, lawn tractors were chosen by lawn size, how they handle clippings, drive type and power source. We looked at 11 models available on Amazon.de. We checked specifications on the STIGA, Alpina and Güde websites and in STIGA user manuals. Prices are live Amazon.de prices as of 29 October 2026 and may change. Six of the seven models are STIGA or Alpina (STIGA Group), because at the time of checking Amazon.de did not sell Husqvarna, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Stihl, AL-KO or MTD lawn tractors as machines, only spare parts and accessories. We left out the EGO ZT4201E-S battery zero-turn mower (around 6,000 euros) and the Mountfield, Brast and Fuxtec models, for which we found no specifications beyond the Amazon title. We did not physically test the machines.

Sources and references

1. STIGA - How to choose a lawn mower
2. STIGA - How to choose a battery lawn tractor
3. STIGA Tornado 5108 specifications
4. STIGA Tornado 398e specifications
5. STIGA Combi 372 specifications
6. STIGA Swift 372e specifications
7. Alpina AT3 98 a specifications
8. Güde GAR 685 T Hydrostat specifications
9. STIGA Tornado 398 user manual (PDF)
10. STIGA engine instructions (PDF)
11. Wikipedia - Rasentraktor

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• Best Cordless Grass Trimmers