OT: riding mower recommendations

[forestdepth]

This will be a gift for someone. Lot is right under an acre with about an 8 degree hill on most of it. Would also really like one with a nice leaf/bagging attachment. Don't want to spend any more than 2k.

Much appreciated

 

[Seinfeld]

I'm sure you'll hear a lot of comments about not buying from the box stores, but for the situation you've described, I'll say that I've been very happy with my Husqvarna 46” cut with a Kohler engine. I've had it about 6 years, it cost $1700 at Lowe's, and it's worked like a charm since I got it.

I don't think you'll find much at a dealer or in the zero-turn department for less than $2k, but for a lot that's under an acre, most of that stuff would honestly be overkill anyway. Just my $0.02

 

[MaxwellSmart]

I'm sure you'll hear a lot of comments about not buying from the box stores, but for the situation you've described, I'll say that I've been very happy with my Husqvarna 54" cut with a Kohler engine. I've had it about 6 years, it cost $1700 at Lowe's, and it's worked like a charm since I got it.

I don't think you'll find much at a dealer or in the zero-turn department for less than $2k, but for a lot that's under an acre, most of that stuff would honestly be overkill anyway. Just my $0.02

I've had a Husqvarna for 5 years with zero issues. Wanted the Kohler motor but had to go with the Briggs to get one that fit behind my storage building. Still no complaints. My Aunt has a Cub Cadet that has been run hard for 6 years (3 acre lot) with nothing but a battery change.

 

[MSUDAWGFAN]

I'm sure you'll hear a lot of comments about not buying from the box stores, but for the situation you've described, I'll say that I've been very happy with my Husqvarna 54" cut with a Kohler engine. I've had it about 6 years, it cost $1700 at Lowe's, and it's worked like a charm since I got it.

I don't think you'll find much at a dealer or in the zero-turn department for less than $2k, but for a lot that's under an acre, most of that stuff would honestly be overkill anyway. Just my $0.02

I'll second the Husqvarna. I have a 46" zero turn with the Kohler motor. It will run until the frame falls apart. No issues and had it 9 years now.

 

[DogStuckAtUM.sixpack]

I'll bring nothing of substance to this thread, except make sure it has good padding.**

View attachment 11945

 

[The Peeper]

I cut about the same amount of grass w/ a 46" Cub Cadet lawn tractor w/ a 21HP Kawasaki and it was $1,700*. I bought it 2 years ago from a dealer in the Spring after it was left over from the previous years stock. For buying the old year model they knocked off $400* from the new years model and gave me the same full warranty. I've had 1 issue (leaking wheel seal) that they warrantied no problem. Not sure how the different warranties work when you buy from a big box and then have to get a warranty repair done by an authorized dealer, may be something to think about. The John Deere's that Lowes has are set up by your local JD dealers and they do the warranty work for Lowes.

I think the Cub Cadet is only available w/ a Kohler engine now though, which isn't a problem as long as you keep the air filters changed religiously and always use the secondary pre-filter that wraps around the primary filter.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

I took the advice of someone on here to call my local repair shop and see what they do warranty work on or can get parts for. They did Husqvarna or Troy Buily and I bought a 54” Husq. I have about 2 acres and it does what I need. It drive good and cuts good. If you’re gonna buy a Deere, don’t buy one from Lowe’s. Buy from Deere

 

[anon1787432961]

Used John deer. 10 years old and going. $500. Waste all the money you want on a new one. This thing will outlive me.

 

[Crazy Cotton]

Check with your local Co-Op. The ones around here carry the better Husqvarna lawn tractors. The things that differentiate them from the home depot/lowes models:

1. Engine. You can do a little research and see the grades of Kawa and Kohlers. The co-op machine will sometimes have the next grade up, or the same motor. Any of the new engines are fine for a one acre once a week type thing, probably outlast the tractor if they are taken care of.

2. Deck: This is the biggest difference. The better grade co-op machine will have a thicker deck, often welded rather than stamped. Nothing wrong with a stamped deck, the John Deers have great ones on their better machines, but check the gauge of the metal. Also, crucially for longevity, is the quality of the spindles that the blades turn on. Again, usually better on the co-op machines. Decks are often the thing that trashes a mower. Better machines will also have a magnetic clutch to engage the deck, rather than some pulley tension system.

3. Hydrostatic drive. Most of these machines will have one-piece hydrostatics from hydrogear. If its a 2000 series, it is residential, if it is a 3000 series, it is light/medium commercial. The internals are better on the higher end ones, the drive axles will be a full 1" diameter, etc.

4. The co-op tends to provide much better service and its often in house.

 

[Dawg1976]

Here you go. Mow from the comfort of your recliner.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...g3ZIJKKnIIDflP5OcV366gds05QrmQlYaAkkpEALw_wcB

 

[PapaDawg]

Well there is always this for the strong of heart and wallet.
https://www.spidermowers.com/
View attachment 11947

 

[jdbulldog]

I have a Lowes version of JD and love. It has 100+ hours on it and never a problem. The thing I like most is the quiet engine and great steering. It is the cheapest JD Lowes sells. I have owned many riders. This is the best for the money.

 

[coach66]

My wife loves to mow and has destroyed several different riding lawn mowers

over the years until I bought her a commercial Xmark zero turn. She loves that mower more than me. If you want something that lasts
then go the commercial route.

 

[Clarence Boddicker]

over the years until I bought her a commercial Xmark zero turn. She loves that mower more than me. If you want something that lasts
then go the commercial route.

Did you drop 10Gs on it?

I am also about to be in the market for one of these and I have 2.5 acres to mow. Thinking about going with the $3500-$4000 Hustler 54" cut. I had considered that Husqy for $2800 that you see all over everywhere but I think I'll do the upgrade.

 

[coach66]

I think it was around 8K four or five years ago, can't remember. They are great

mowers, we have 2 acres and she knocks it out pretty quick.

 

[Clarence Boddicker]

mowers, we have 2 acres and she knocks it out pretty quick.

I have an opportunity to get a used commercial Exmark with about 250 hours on it for $4,000. Good deal?

 

[coach66]

Sounds like an excellent deal, you might want to have a dealer look at it

before you drop the coin.

 

[Salaunese]

If you have access to an implement or power equipment dealer, I strongly suggest you do that I’ve got a 3/4 acre yard in town and it has a fair amount of sloping, especially by the retaining wall in my front yard. I retired my Simplicity mower and picked up a JD E130 with the 22hp DOHC motor. I paid $2000 cash for it at the nearby JD implement and they delivered it the next morning, all set up and ready to go. It’s been great, lots of power and zero issues. I replaced the headlights with LED bulbs for $5 and it looks great. It has a really stiff frame though and I accidentally scalped a small spot by the curb due to that stiffness. There’s a local lumberjack that sells a Altoz and Husqvarna equipment and he seems to be doing well. I’m just comfortable with JD and tbe services they provide. My uncle just bought a JD Z994R but he’s got a fairly sizable waterfront property with woods.

Home Mower: JD E130
Farm Mower: JD 729 AWD