Why YardAdviser Exists
Most outdoor equipment advice online is written by people who have never used the equipment. You can tell. The specs are copied from the manufacturer’s website. The “pros and cons” are generic. The recommendations change based on which product pays the highest affiliate commission.
I got tired of that. So I built YardAdviser — a site where the advice comes from someone who actually works with this equipment, season after season, on a real property.
Who’s Behind This Site
My name is David Crafton. I live in rural Tennessee and maintain a large property — about 11 acres — which means outdoor power equipment isn’t a hobby for me. It’s a necessity.
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve run equipment ranging from old Ford 8N tractors to modern Kubota compacts. I’ve rebuilt carburetors, diagnosed shuttle shift problems, sharpened more mower blades than I can count, and spent more than a few cold Saturday mornings trying to figure out why something wouldn’t start.
I hold a certification in small engine repair. Before starting YardAdviser, I wrote equipment guides for several regional agricultural and homesteading publications. I’ve also helped local farmers and landscapers troubleshoot problems that dealers wanted to charge them hundreds of dollars to fix.
That last part matters to me. There’s a big gap between what dealers charge and what most repairs actually cost — in time and money — when you know what you’re doing. YardAdviser exists to close that gap.
What You’ll Find Here
YardAdviser focuses on outdoor power equipment — with real-world use as the standard, not just spec comparisons. Here’s what we cover:
- Lawn Mowers — riding mowers, zero-turns, push mowers, and robotic models. We cover sizing, deck types, engine brands, and the questions dealers rarely answer.
- Chainsaws — gas, battery, and electric. Professional-grade and homeowner models. We explain what the specs actually mean in the field.
- String Trimmers and Weed Eaters — comparisons, line types, head systems, and troubleshooting common problems.
- Tractors — John Deere, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, Mahindra, and others. We cover buying decisions, known issues, and real maintenance costs.
- Troubleshooting Guides — step-by-step fixes for common problems, written in plain language. No unnecessary tools. No guesswork.
- Buying Guides — honest comparisons that look at long-term value, not just price tags or star ratings.
- Yard and Garden Care — seasonal maintenance, weed control, tool upkeep, and general property management.
How We Write Our Guides
Every article on YardAdviser starts with a clear question: what does someone actually need to know to make this decision or fix this problem? From there, the process looks like this:
We start with manufacturer documentation — service manuals, technical bulletins, official specifications. Then we look at real owner feedback from forums, verified purchase reviews, and owner communities. That combination helps us catch things that spec sheets miss: known failure points, real-world fuel consumption, how a machine actually handles in wet grass or heavy brush.
Where possible, the advice draws from direct hands-on experience. When it doesn’t, we say so clearly — and we still verify everything against official sources before publishing.
We also update articles regularly. Models change. New problems get reported. Reader feedback teaches us things we missed. An outdated buying guide can cost you real money, so we treat updates as part of the job, not an afterthought.
A Note on Affiliate Links
YardAdviser participates in the Amazon Associates program and a few other affiliate programs. If you click a product link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission. It costs you nothing extra.
That said, affiliate income does not influence what we recommend. We’ve turned down sponsorship offers before and will continue to do so. If a product isn’t worth recommending, we don’t recommend it — regardless of what it pays.
Common Questions
Can I trust the recommendations here?
Yes — and here’s why. Recommendations are based on research, real owner data, and direct experience with the equipment category. We don’t pick “winners” based on commission rates. If two products are genuinely close, we say that too.
Do you accept sponsored content or paid reviews?
No. We don’t publish paid reviews, and we don’t accept products in exchange for positive coverage. If sponsored content ever appears on this site, it will be clearly labeled. Our editorial opinions are entirely independent.
How current is your information?
Buying guides and troubleshooting articles are reviewed on a regular schedule — and more urgently whenever a new model version is released or a reader flags something that needs correction. We don’t let content go stale.
How do I reach you?
Email us at contact@yardadviser.com. We read every message and respond within 2–3 business days. If you’ve spotted an error in one of our articles, we especially want to hear from you.
What We’re Committed To
Whether you’re comparing zero-turn mowers for a five-acre lot, trying to diagnose why your Kubota won’t move in shuttle mode, or buying your first chainsaw — you deserve a straight answer from someone who’s actually been there.
That’s all YardAdviser tries to be. No filler. No manufactured enthusiasm. No “Top 10 Best Lawn Mowers” written by someone who’s never owned one.
Just honest, practical guidance — written from experience.
— David Crafton
Founder, YardAdviser