After months of mowing, mulching, and bagging, Consumer Reports found that some of the best mowers and tractors aren’t necessarily the priciest.

The current state of the economy has people scaling back on a variety of luxuries and the lawn care service industry is no exception.

Best values in lawn gear

The latest lawn poll from Consumer Reports found that more than a third of adults (37 percent) use a self-propelled gas mower. The poll also showed that a quarter of adults (24 percent) with lawn responsibilities own both a mower and a tractor, but when asked which they use most, 73 percent turned to their tractor.

Shoppers don’t have to spend thousands to get the best mowers and tractors, according to CR’s latest Ratings. Nearly 80 models went through comprehensive testing to determine the best values.

Four mowers were designated CR Best Buys, including the new Toro Recycler 20330, $320, with front wheel drive, and the Craftsman 37435, $300, along with the Toro Recycler 20332, $390, and the Toro Recycler 20333, $420, which offers a blade-brake clutch that stops only the blade when the handlebar is released — a work-saving feature typically found on much pricier mowers. All are gas-powered and self-propelled. The Black & Decker MM875, $240, was designated a CR Best Buy in the electric-push category, saving both money and the usual engine maintenance and fueling.

CR identified three CR Best Buy tractors with two available for as low as $1,500. The Craftsman 28724, $1,500, takes a wide, 46-inch bite with each pass, while the Cub Cadet LTX1040, $1,500, is also a top performer that takes a bit less storage space. The John Deere LA115, $1,850, offers even easier handling for little more money.