One of the coolest vintage lawn tractors I’ve seen, this Steiner 3-Wheeler may just look like a regular lawn tractor, but one with a single wheel on the front. That isn’t the case; this one has a swivel seat that can turn 180 degrees so you can use it facing “forward or backward,” depending on your task. This rare 1980s Steiner 3-Wheeler can be found listed here on Facebook Marketplace in State College, Pennsylvania, and they’re asking $1,800. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Gary for the tri-tire tip!
I wish the seller had unlocked the seat and turned it around so you could see what I’m referring to. I can’t think of another 1980s lawn and garden tractor with three wheels, but I’m sure there were a few. The majority seem to have four wheels, but this is really unique. I believe the rear (or front, depending on whether you’re facing forward or backward) tires would have been big turf tires with a flatter profile and less aggressive tractor-like tread. From what I’ve found, and there isn’t much info on these things, this is a TWT-20: a three-wheel tractor with a 20hp engine.
This is the photo where I really wish the seller had turned the seat around. Here’s an old ad showing one in action. And an ad showing some info and specs. Is that not cool and unique? Steiner reportedly made this 3-wheeler between 1983 and 1986, and you could connect a snowblower, lawnmower deck, rotary broom, dozer, snowplow blade, etc. When the seat is facing forward, you can pull a rotor-tiller or other gardening implements. It only takes a minute to change attachments. It’s all operated by an Eaton hydrostatic drive, a Peerless two-speed transaxle, and foot controls. This example is so rare that I’m not sure where you could get parts, but maybe some are interchangeable with other makes.
Starting in Ohio in the 1940s, Steiner began making lawn tractors in the 1970s, and the company was sold to Ransomes (tractors) in 1988. Textron bought the company in the 1990s and moved it to Wisconsin. Since 2019, Doosan/Bobcat has owned the company, but reportedly shut it down in 2025. This one should be powered by a 20-hp Onan opposed-twin. You can see the unique chain steering mechanism in the photo above. This would be a fan favorite at almost any vintage tractor shows that feature lawn equipment. Is there such a thing as a show with vintage lawn equipment? If not, there should be. I want to go to one! Have any of you seen a tractor like this Steiner TWT-20?
Very unique tractor. It’s not light either at 850 pounds. I’ve never seen a reversible tractor before. I have to say, it’s a pretty good idea. Mower deck in front you can see what your running over. And all those different attachments too, including a sweeper. That could come in handy. Onan engines I think were very well built too. This was definitely designed to be around for a while. But like Scotty already pointed out, parts, whats still available?
yeah there’s nothing like seeing the mower spit out shredded baby birds or segmented garter snakes that you’ve accidentally run over while cutting the grass. Too bad my folks didn’t have something like this, or any lawn tractor.. We had a big lawn and it took two days using a push mower..
HA! Reminds me of a time, I had a big rural yard, and my Simple-City[sic] Landlord did a great job. The mower drive belt was this funky “dual” one piece thing, wasn’t cheap. So one particularly wet spring, had a river nearby, and snakes were prevalent. So I’m cutting away in tall grass, YOINK,,,what the heck was that, and out the grass chute, something goes flying, 1st thing I thought, oh great, another belt, but the mower was still cutting fine. Turns out it was a snake, all chewed up, and my kids stood in frozen shock looking at it.
This site, I tell ya'( oh here it comes), scrolling down,, let’s see,hmm hmm,,RR, nah, Maserati, nah, Rover,,,maybe, and then along comes Scotty,,,ahhh, always refreshing to see. Releases endorphins, it does.
So,,,I never heard of this particular piece, but nothing surprises me in the lawn maintenance dept. Think about it,,,rural living had taken hold, “Pressboard Estates” were popping up all over, all with hundreds of houses, and all had a lawn and all had to be cut, according to the neighborhood assn. rules. The market was wide open, and everybody jumped on the bandwagon, not unlike snowmobiles. This is a novel idea, but a “mans creation”, and I don’t know how many women would change a greasy steering mechanism, I still don’t see how that works, okay, maybe our own Ms. Rand, and clumsy attachment mounting, surely some swear words were spoken doing such. My Landlord had several attachments too, but a PITA to change them. Something like this doesn’t need a dealer, you should have plenty of spare parts that will work in the junk pile,,,WHAT? No junk pile? Tsk, tsk, can’t help you then. Great find.
Howard +🐍 = ⚰️
The first time you have to mow the side of a hill, you’ll discover what a terrible design this is.
even that reverse wont help in a cross traverse. Hafta go in reverse UP the hill to get some wrk done round here (specially w/implements on back….
Kouwell find tho->
It’s going to be very difficult to steer while your facing backwards!
You’re probably right, Rob, but as with all vehicles, there is no 100% perfect, use-everywhere lawnmower or really anything. We even have two different TV remotes; one doesn’t work for everything. This tractor isn’t for every single use on the planet, just like a Honda 50 isn’t for freeway travel. It was just to show the unusual ideas that were around a few decades ago.
I would bet that it would get many looks at the Picket Steam and Gas Engine Club Garden Tractor show on the last weekend of August each year at Pickett, Wisconsin.
That would have a crowd around it at Rough & Tumble in Kinzers PA in August. There’s always really weird equipment on display and in the flea market ( Where we start at when we get there)
Steiner equipment i remember being overbuilt, heavy, and expensive. Municipalities and golf courses were their best customers in the Carolinas atleast.