My Daughter Is Officially Driving—and She’s in Love With This John Deere Ride-On Toy

One of the great joys of being a parent is giving your child things you never had. So, for me, it was giving my toddler a Peg Perego John Deere Mini Tractor. Growing up, I always wanted a ride-on toy like the ones I saw in commercials. But I grew up in New York City, where riding one on the crowded sidewalks would have been hazardous if not impossible.

There are so many things to love about this John Deere ride-on toy. It’s affordable, yet has many of the features you’d find in a more expensive model. It’s also the perfect size for my tiny toddler, and overall, I'd say it's one of the best ride-on toys for younger children. I’m so impressed and truly enjoy watching how this toy makes my daughter smile from ear to ear. Here’s my John Deere ride-on toy review.

John Deere ride-on toy review: we're obsessed

Ease of use

I always thought my daughter would be driving at 17 years old, not 17 months, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how much my little city slicker likes driving her John Deere tractor. Intuitively designed for parents and children, Carlin figured out how to operate it with ease—from getting into the seat to understanding the pedals to riding around the driveway. She doesn’t really steer it yet, but our driveway is pretty narrow.

It’s simple to operate—just climb in and go. Unlike a real car, there’s only one pedal. To move forward, your child presses down with their foot. There’s no brake; to stop, they simply lift their foot. The mechanism shuts off immediately, making it easy to control, ideal for little ones still developing coordination.

Safety and speed

While you must supervise your child at all times while using this toy or any other ride-on, one of the best features is its slow, manageable speed. Because it can’t go more than 1.5 miles per hour, toddlers can cruise around safely and even tired parents can easily keep up. I’m pretty sure my daughter can run faster than this tractor goes.

Sounds and lights

When the tractor starts up, it makes a loud (but not too loud) engine sound, just like a real tractor. It makes the experience realistic and fun. The tractor also has a horn, which many kids will love using to "warn" others as they ride.

But Carlin’s favourite feature is the music button. It plays a fun remix of Old MacDonald Had a Farm along with two other tunes that sound like square dance songs. She appreciates the music as much as the ride, often taking little dance breaks.

In addition to the sounds, the tractor’s two headlights light up when it’s turned on, so kids can easily see in front of them.

Size and storage

The compact size of this ride-on is one of its best features. My daughter is 17 months old and on the smaller side but she has no trouble reaching the pedals. Some reviewers noted it might be too small for larger or taller kids (it’s designed for children aged 1.5 to 3 years old and up to 44 pounds).

If you have a bigger kid, you might want to consider some of the other John Deere ride-on toys available, although they are a bit pricier. The Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor is suitable for ages 36 months to 7 years—it's got reverse capabilities, a working FM radio and comes with a detachable trailer.

If you’re concerned about where to put your tractor, know that it is easy to store. Living in the heart of Los Angeles, our home doesn’t have much extra room, but it fits perfectly in our dining room near the front door without feeling obtrusive. It’s a great option for families without a garage or shed. While I don’t let Carlin use it indoors (I’m afraid she might drive into the furniture and hurt herself), it is made for both indoor and outdoor use.

Price and affordability

One of the best things about this mini tractor is its price. Ride-on toys can get pretty expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars. I’ve even seen high-end models going for several thousand dollars—yikes! This John Deere model, however, has all of the bells and whistles without the high price tag.

At $99, it’s a low-risk purchase if you’re unsure that a ride-on toy is right for your child. It’s also an excellent choice if you want to give a generous gift or you’re looking for a “big” holiday present for your child or family member without breaking the bank.

Battery and charging

The tractor has a 6-volt battery and a charging adapter that plugs into standard outlets. If you ever misplace the charger (which can happen with any kids' toy), you can purchase a replacement at a reasonable price. You can also buy an extra battery if the original no longer holds a charge or gets damaged.

Smartly designed, there’s a battery charge indicator light under the steering wheel, so you won’t have to worry about the battery dying unexpectedly mid-ride.

Final verdict

Even if your child isn’t a country kid, they’ll love everything this ride-on tractor offers. There are so many reasons why it’s the best ride-on toy you’ll find at a lower price point. It provides hours of entertainment, whether used in a driveway, on grass or even inside a spacious apartment hallway. It’s easy for toddlers to drive, and the features like music and lights will keep them engaged— all without driving you crazy!

Peg Perego John Deere Mini Tractor

Pros

• Affordable price
• Looks like a real John Deere tractor
• Perfect for toddlers and smaller kids
• Compact and easy to store
• Fun sounds, music and lights
• Intuitively designed for kids to use easily

Cons

• Steering might be difficult for younger children
• Larger children may outgrow it sooner than other models