Earthquake Acreage Tow-Behind Mower, 44" Steel Deck, 17.5HP Briggs & Stratton, Electric Start w/Battery, Manual Blade Lever, Adjustable Tow & Height, 2" Ball, Model 42795 Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The Earthquake 44" Tow-Behind Mower (Model 42795) is a serious piece of property maintenance equipment designed for owners of 2+ acres who want a finish-quality cut without the expense of a zero-turn or garden tractor. Powered by a 17.5HP Briggs & Stratton engine with electric start, this mower turns any ATV, UTV, or lawn tractor with a 2-inch ball hitch into a wide-area mowing machine. It’s built for efficiency, not speed—think open pastures, large country lots, and hobby farms where you want to mow in fewer passes, not minutes.
Who Should Buy This
1. Owners of 3–10 Acre Rural Properties
If you’re tired of spending half a Saturday on a 42-inch rider cutting five acres, this 44-inch deck cuts a wide enough swath to make a real dent in your mowing time. It’s ideal for flat to gently rolling terrain where a tow-behind makes more sense than a $6,000+ zero-turn.
2. ATV/UTV Owners Who Already Have a Tow Vehicle
If you’ve got a side-by-side or quad with a 2-inch receiver, you’re halfway to owning this mower. No need to buy a separate tractor—just hitch it up and go. This is especially smart for people who use their UTV for other property chores like hauling firewood or plowing snow.
3. Homeowners Who Hate Small Gas Cans and Pull-Start Frustration
The electric start with a battery means you push a button, and the engine fires. No yanking a cord 20 times on a hot day. The battery is included and charges while the engine runs, so you’re not stuck with a dead battery after storage.
4. Budget-Minded Buyers Who Want Commercial-Grade Build Without the Commercial Price
At $3,449, this mower undercuts many zero-turn mowers by thousands while offering a 44-inch cut and a heavy 12-gauge steel deck. It’s not a cheap homeowner special—it’s built to last for years of heavy use.
Key Features Breakdown
44" Steel Deck (12-Gauge)
The deck is made from 12-gauge steel—thicker than the 14- or 16-gauge decks found on most residential tow-behinds. This resists warping and rust, and it handles rough terrain without flexing. The 44-inch width strikes a balance between maneuverability and coverage; you can still get through a standard 48-inch gate.
17.5HP Briggs & Stratton Engine
This is a proven, air-cooled single-cylinder engine with enough torque to spin the three blades through tall grass and light brush. It’s not a high-RPM screamer; it’s a workhorse that runs smoothly at governed speed. The 17.5HP rating is honest—you won’t need more power unless you’re mowing 6-foot-tall weeds.
Electric Start with Included Battery
No separate battery purchase required. The starter motor engages reliably, and the charging system keeps the battery topped off while you mow. If you let it sit for months, a quick charge with a trickle charger brings it back.
Manual Blade Engagement Lever
This is a positive engagement system—pull a lever to spin the blades, push it to stop. It’s simpler and more reliable than electric clutches found on some tow-behinds, which can fail over time. The trade-off is you have to be stopped to engage or disengage the blades.
Adjustable Tow & Height
The hitch height is adjustable to match different tow vehicles, and the cutting height adjusts from 1.5 to 4.5 inches via a single pin on each wheel. You can set it for a low, golf-course-style cut or leave it high for tough, drought-stressed grass.
2" Ball Hitch
Standard for most ATVs and UTVs. If your tow vehicle uses a 1-7/8 or 2-5/16 ball, you’ll need an adapter. This is a universal fit for the vast majority of recreational and utility vehicles.
Pros
- Massive time savings on large properties. A 44-inch deck cuts 21% more per pass than a 36-inch mower, and you’re not limited by a tractor’s top speed.
- Built like a tank. The 12-gauge steel deck and heavy-duty axle bearings are overbuilt for residential use. This mower will outlast a typical box-store tow-behind by years.
- Simple, reliable blade engagement. The manual lever won’t leave you stranded with a fried electric clutch. It’s old-school and it works.
- Electric start is a joy. No priming, no choking, no pulling. Especially nice if you’re older or have shoulder issues.
- Great for uneven ground. The deck floats on four independent wheels, so it follows contours without scalping. You get a clean, even cut on bumpy pastures.
- Easy maintenance. The engine is a common Briggs & Stratton—parts and service are available at any small-engine shop. The blades are standard 20.5-inch replacements.
Cons
- No reverse mowing. You can’t back up with the blades engaged. You have to stop, disengage the blades, back up, then re-engage. This gets old fast in tight areas.
- Heavy and awkward to move by hand. At over 300 pounds, you won’t be pushing this around your garage. You need a tow vehicle to move it anywhere.
- Manual blade engagement requires you to stop. Unlike electric clutches that let you engage on the fly, you must be completely stopped to pull the lever. This slows you down when crossing driveways or avoiding obstacles.
- Not for small lawns. If you have less than an acre, this mower is overkill. You’ll spend more time hitching and unhitching than you would just using a push mower or rider.
Bottom Line
The Earthquake 42795 is a no-nonsense, heavy-duty tow-behind mower that delivers excellent value for owners of 2+ acres who already have an ATV or UTV. It cuts cleanly, starts reliably, and is built to withstand years of rough use. The manual blade engagement and lack of reverse mowing are genuine inconveniences, but they’re trade-offs for simplicity and durability. If you’re mowing open fields, pastures, or large country lots, this mower will save you hours every week—and it costs thousands less than a comparable zero-turn. Strongly recommended for anyone with a hitch and a big yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pull this mower with a lawn tractor (like a John Deere X300 or Cub Cadet)?
Yes, as long as your tractor has a 2-inch ball hitch and enough pulling power. Most garden tractors with 20+ HP and a heavy-duty hitch will handle it on flat ground
How It Compares
Quick Verdict
The Craftsman wins for most homeowners due to its vastly lower price, proven reliability with 166 reviews, and all-in-one riding design, while the Earthquake only makes sense for buyers who already own a tow vehicle and need extreme durability for acreage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A: Earthquake Acreage Tow-Behind | Mower B: Craftsman 42" Riding Tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,449.95 | $2,099.00 |
| Power Source | 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton (tow-behind) | 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton (riding) |
| Cutting Width | 44 inches | 42 inches |
| Self-Propelled | No (requires tow vehicle) | Yes (7-speed transmission) |
| Best Yard Size | 2+ acres (rough terrain) | 1–2 acres (typical lawns) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited (Earthquake) | 2-year limited (Craftsman) |
Where Earthquake Wins
1. Wider cutting deck for larger properties. The Earthquake’s 44-inch steel deck gives you an extra 2 inches of cutting width per pass compared to the Craftsman. Over a 2-acre property, this saves roughly 10–15 minutes per mow, which adds up over a season.
2. Heavy-duty construction for rough terrain. The Earthquake is built like commercial equipment—thick steel deck, manual blade engagement lever (no electric clutch to fail), and adjustable tow height. It’s designed to handle uneven ground, tall weeds, and brush that would beat up a residential riding mower. Owners on acreage report it lasting years longer than tractors in similar conditions.
3. No engine maintenance on the mower itself. Since the Earthquake is towed behind a vehicle (ATV, UTV, or garden tractor), you don’t have to maintain a separate mower engine. The 17.5 HP Briggs is on the mower, but the towing vehicle takes the wear and tear of moving the unit. This can extend the mower’s lifespan significantly if you already own a capable tow vehicle.
Where Craftsman Wins
1. Dramatically lower price. At $2,099, the Craftsman costs $1,350 less than the Earthquake—a 39% savings. That difference buys you a year’s worth of gas, oil, and maintenance, or a quality trimmer and blower combo. For most budgets, this is the deciding factor.
2. All-in-one riding convenience. The Craftsman is a complete riding mower—you sit down, turn the key, and mow. No need to own a separate tow vehicle, no hitching/unhitching, no maneuvering a trailer. For homeowners with flat to moderate terrain, the 7-speed transmission gives plenty of control without the hassle of towing.
3. Proven reliability with 166 reviews. The Craftsman has 166 customer reviews averaging 4.2 stars, meaning thousands of buyers have tested it in real-world conditions. The Earthquake has only 3 reviews (though all 5-star). Craftsman’s brand support, parts availability, and service network are far more established than Earthquake’s niche market.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Earthquake) if: You own a 2+ acre property with rough terrain, hills, or brush, and you already have a tow vehicle (ATV, UTV, or garden tractor). You’re willing to pay a premium for industrial-grade durability and don’t mind the extra setup time of hitching/unhitching each mow.
Buy Mower B (Craftsman) if: You have a typical 1–2 acre lawn with moderate slopes, you want the convenience of a self-contained riding mower, and you’re on a tighter budget. The Craftsman offers 95% of the cutting performance for 60% of the price, with far more customer validation.
Buy neither if: Your yard is under 1 acre—a quality walk-behind mower ($400–$800) will be cheaper, easier to store, and more maneuverable. Or if you need zero-turn capability for complex landscaping, look at a dedicated ZTR model instead.
Quick Verdict
The EGO Power+ wins overall for most homeowners due to its superior convenience, zero-emission operation, and integrated riding design, but the Earthquake is the better value for large-acreage owners who already own a tow vehicle and want maximum cutting width per dollar.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Earthquake A (Model 42795) | EGO B (TR4204) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,449.95 | $4,399.00 |
| Power Source | Gas (17.5HP Briggs & Stratton) | Battery (6 x 56V 6.0Ah) |
| Cutting Width | 44 inches | 42 inches |
| Self-Propelled | No (tow-behind) | Yes (riding mower) |
| Best Yard Size | 2–10+ acres | 1–3 acres |
| Warranty | 2-year limited (engine) | 5-year mower, 3-year battery |
Where Earthquake Wins
1. Lower upfront cost and better value per cutting inch At $3,449.95 for a 44-inch deck, the Earthquake costs $78.41 per inch of cutting width versus the EGO’s $104.74 per inch. That’s a 25% savings, and you don’t pay for a riding chassis you may not need.
2. Unlimited run time and faster refueling The 17.5HP Briggs & Stratton engine runs as long as you have gasoline. For properties over 3 acres, this is critical—you’ll never wait for batteries to recharge. Refueling takes 2 minutes, while the EGO’s six 6.0Ah batteries require 2–3 hours to fully recharge.
3. Superior for very large or rough terrain The tow-behind design lets you use an existing ATV or lawn tractor, which often has better ground clearance and suspension than a dedicated riding mower. The manual blade lever also gives you direct control over blade engagement for thick grass or tough spots.
Where EGO Wins
1. True zero-emission, whisper-quiet operation The EGO produces no exhaust fumes and operates at roughly 65 decibels—quiet enough to mow early morning without disturbing neighbors. The Earthquake’s gas engine emits CO2, noise, and requires oil changes, spark plug replacements, and fuel stabilization.
2. Integrated riding convenience and maneuverability As a self-propelled riding mower, the EGO eliminates the need for a tow vehicle. You sit, drive, and steer with zero-turn-like agility. The 42-inch deck is slightly narrower but offers better trimming around obstacles, flower beds, and fences compared to a bulky tow-behind.
3. Longer warranty and proven reliability EGO backs the mower with a 5-year warranty and batteries with 3 years—versus Earthquake’s 2-year limited warranty. With 119 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, the EGO has a much larger track record of real-world performance, while the Earthquake has only 3 reviews.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Earthquake) if: You own a 5+ acre property and already have a riding tractor or ATV with a 2-inch ball hitch. You want the lowest cost per cutting inch and need unlimited run time without worrying about battery charge cycles. This is the budget-friendly workhorse for open, flat acreage.
Buy Mower B (EGO) if: You have 1–3 acres with obstacles, flower beds, or tight corners. You value quiet operation, zero maintenance (no oil, gas, or filters), and the convenience of a dedicated riding mower. If you’re willing to pay $950 more for a polished, low-hassle experience, the EGO is the better long-term investment.
Buy neither if: Your yard is under 1 acre—consider a push mower or smaller zero-turn. If you have more than 10 acres, look at a commercial zero-turn or a larger tow-behind with a 60-inch+ deck.
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🛒 View on Amazon →Last updated: June 2026