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?