In Market For Riding Lawn Mower. Suggestions Please?
I’ve done some research, and I’m thinking I like Cub Cadet or John Deere. I don’t want to spend any more than $2000 for the tractor and bagging attachment. Will the cheapest models hold up on a 1/4 acre lawn? Do you have experience with your Deere or Cub Cadet? I can perform maintenance and repairs, but I want something that will last a while without much trouble. Does anyone have a cheaper brand (Yard Machines etc) they are happy with?
November 17th, 2009 at 11:55 am
They’re both good mowers as are several others. I’ve had a couple of Craftsman that I’d swear by. They’ve got a good one on sale right now for about $1700 w/bagger.http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605…
Cub Cadet has a good deal on this one. w/ a bagger it’ll be about $2Khttp://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/store…
I’m thinking that’ll be my next mower or one like it.
John Deere is always good but overpriced in my opinion.
All of these mowers are rated for up to 2 1/2 acres. Your 1/4 acre lot should be a piece of cake. Just remember, sharp blades and dry grass.
Whatever your choice, check out warranty, service availability, cost of maintenance (blades, belts, battery etc.) some mowers can be very expensive to maintain. Is there a dealer local?
My first Craftsman lasted 10 years and was still running pretty good in fact when I got a new one. It’s 10y/o now (another Craftsman) and I’m looking. I have about 2 acres to mow. Just keep the air filters clean and oil fresh.
I also have a C/man self propelled walk behind that I mow the front with (lotta stuff to mow around, flower beds, etc). It’s 5 years old and still runs like new practically.
November 17th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
You should consider “Simplicity.” I own 9 acres and mine gets quite a work out. Be careful about models at home centers. Some brands have made cheaper models available at home centers which are not as good as their regular models. With only 1/4 acre to mow, you don’t need an extremely heavy duty mower, but be aware “cheap” comes with a heavy price in that they are not as reliable as others. In my opinion, both Cub Cadet and John Deere are over priced for what you’re getting and you’re paying for the name. You may want to consider buying your mower from a stand-alone mower business who will have parts available when you need them and will also service the mower.
November 17th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I have had my Yard Machine for over 6 yr. Only normal stuff. Belts and battery. The two you mention are more expensive brands and both have good reputations. Cub Cadet got theirs when they were made by International Harvester. Now made by MTD like mine and umpteen other brands. For only 1/4 acre even a cheaper one should hold up a very long time. The one I would avoid though is Bolens, also by MTD. Just look one over and you will see why. The one thing I heard from several people before and after buying mine was about the deck. While the engines are often the same the deck on cheaper ones tends to be lighter. But keep it clean and there should be no problem. In your price range I would also look at Husqvarna.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:56 am
All I can say is that I wouldn’t recommend a Troy Built or an MTD (I think Yard Machines are made by the same company that makes MTD mowers).
I had an MTD that lasted for about 3 years, but burned oil like crazy, and literally fell apart from regular use (the hood even fell off the thing). The Troy Built I currently have (this is its third season) needs constant minor repairs (i.e. replacing spindles, etc.) but wasn’t designed with repair in mind, so it is difficult and time consuming to work on yourself. It mows fine though, and may hold up OK on a 1/4 acre lawn. It cost under $1000.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:11 am
Also check out husqvarna.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:58 am
John Deere
November 28th, 2009 at 2:42 am
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