The type of garden tractor that is appropriate for a given home depends on how it will be used. For homeowners who are solely interested in purchasing a machine for mowing their lawns, a riding mower may be sufficient. On the other hand, professional landscapers may want a more powerful garden tractor to which a snowblower, rear blade, or bucket loader can be attached for a greater range of work.

Four wheel drive can benefit users who negotiate hilly land. You may also need four wheel drive if you have poor traction, which is often the case if you use your tractor on snow or ice. Some garden tractors also feature four wheel steering and power steering, providing increased maneuverability.

Both the job and the amount of land are important considerations when choosing the right garden tractor. A garden tractor with too weak an engine will take a considerable amount of time to mow a large piece of land or one that has hilly terrain. Choosing a garden tractor that is too large is also a mistake, as these tractors are more difficult and dangerous to operate, as well as being more expensive to fuel and requiring more storage space.

Properly caring for a garden tractor can significantly increase its lifetime. Oiling and greasing the tractor frequently can facilitate future repairs. Rinsing grass off of the tractor after each use can minimize the build up of rust and corrosion. Following the manufacturer's guidelines for changing fuel, filters, and fluids can also keep the tractor operating at peak efficiency.