New Lawn Mower...

[Curtis Farris]

Hey everyone! I am getting ready to purchase a new lawn mower and wanted some input. We live on a one acre lot, so it does not have to be anything huge. Not looking to spend over 2k for it either. What would be some good options? How good is a John Deere, or is there something else out there that gives you the most bang for your buck. Any help would be great! Thanks!

Birdy

 

[walter clark]

I also have about an acre as well and bought my first riding mower a few years back (mine as in not my dads I have used many types though). I bought the tractor style and went no frills for money and the theroy that less bells and wistles less problems. I wish I had bought the cheaper rear engine type as with a smaller yard manuverability is a biger factor than power or width of deck. I also wish I had gone with a hydrostatic type drive that is easely changed from a forward to reverse as in small (1 acre or less) usaly requires more stop, go, stop, reverse type driving. For a rear motor you just cant beat a good ol snapper. I have seen many of them 20 or more years old still running. Also the single blade types dont have the dredded stray sprigs in the middle as your blade wears. Last thing is if you can get it is floating deck, provides a much nicer cut. Oh yea and what ever you do dont buy one with a Tecumseh engine,,, There JUNK.

 

[John Moore]

I have a Husqvarna 21hp 48" cut riding mower. It was about $1800 and has been awesome! There are a couple good mowers around the $1800 price range. Cub Cadet has the LT1046 that's pretty good. IMO, Simplicity makes the best mowers but the Regent model is about the only thing around $2k.

 

[The Boss]

Sparks is definetely right. I used to work in Lawn & Garden at a national retailer, and to get probably the most power and bang for your buck you should go check out Husqvarna. I believe Sears sells them. Also, with tractors, I'd recommend getting the extended warranty or protection plan. A lot on what you are looking at really depends on how your land is, like is it hilly, many trees, etc. If you have a lot of trees I'd go with an automatic engine, which would sure as hell beat having to shift all the time around those trees when you need to turn. But a lot is just personal preference. Sometimes places will let you go outside (if its not inner city) and just drive it around for a second. But that probably varies place to place. I'd just do your homework, check out many places and ask as many questions as possible. Hope that helps.

 

[Bart Adkins]

I'm still cutting my lawn with the same cub cadet I cut my Dad's lawn with when I was a kid. They cost a little more, but last FOREVER.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

I like my John Deere LT 155. It's a 15hp with 48" mulcher deck. 8 years old, and I mow 1.3 acres with it. Only had to replace the starter motor so far and the battery, and I do all my own maintenance on her. Still has original mower belts (though I may replace them just because I seem to be pressing my luck).



TJR

 

[Gavin Allan]

I got a year-old John Deere GX 255 Garden Tractor last month, and it is the GREATEST mower I've ever had! The frame is very stiff, and everything about it seems very tight and very well-designed.



Spend a little more and get a year or two old John Deere GARDEN TRACTOR and you will have something to last for years. Mine is way tougher and better than the Toro/WheelHorse it replaced, and it is way better than anything at Sears, Lowes, or Home Depot. (Don't be fooled by the John Deere's at Lowes or Home Depot--they are made in the non-union plant in Tennesee and their quality is nothing compared to the regular John Deeres.) (I don't care about unions, but this is a good example of the differences in quality/price between union/non-union.)



Check out the link at the bottom for comparisons between John Deere models to see which one to get. Note there are two more links at the bottom of the chart on this page to see the Garden Tractors.



I guess if I had to buy the cheap ones, I would look at a Sears DGT 5000 or 6000, or a high-end Husky or Poulan Pro, but these are not nearly as well-built as the good John Deeres.

 

[Larry Michel]

What do you have for dealers in your area? Whatever you buy, you are going to need something for it sometime-make sure you can get support. I sold Deere for several years. I've owned Cub Cadet and Deere. I'd shy away from either one sold from Home Depot and Lowes. The dealer model line is usually a little better built-and better supported. I always liked the LT or LX series in the JD line. I'd get at least a 38 inch deck. Hydro is very nice! Make sure you get something that will take any attachments you might want later. Some of the cheaper models are pretty restricted as to what you can add. if you're in the right area, you can pick up a used Deere that is more machine cheaper than you can buy the lightweights new. I've bought most of my JD stuff used, have lots less troubles than my neighbors that buy the garden center stuff new. Best of luck, Lar

 

[Thomas Rogers]

I *TOTALLY* echo the "buy from a local dealer" sentiment. I am lucky enough to have a John Deere dealer about 1 mile from my house. Though I don't use them for service, just being able to go in their shop on a Saturday morning if I need a part or some advice is priceless. You don't get that from HD, Sears or Lowes.



TJR

 

[Chops]

I bought a tractor from Lowes in 1992 when I had a house in Raleigh with 1 acre of grass.

It has an 18hp B&S engine ( had to have that because I knew I could work on it). I didn't want to tie a lot of money up in it; I like new things and I didn't need it to last 30 years....

I think I paid ~$1100 back then. Anyway I'm down in South FL and my yard now is .6 acres. What I lost in yard size up north, now I keep this machine busy year round. Weekly during summer and twice monthy Dec-Apr.



And I haven't had anything at all go worng except a few batteries and blades....original belt even still.



All my neighbors in Raleigh had JD's but I think that was some weird status thing:lol:

 

[Tom Schindler]

We got a used John Deere STX-38. It is powered by a 13 HP Kohler engine with an oil filter. Paid $600.00. Works like a charm. The only downside is the they do not make a snow plow for it, but the thing runs great. Plenty of power. Will climb a steep hill with my fat butt on it.



IMO, you are just as well off buying a good used John Deere and be done with it. The ones Home Depot sells are OK, but at close to $2 grand, I am more then happy with our $600.00 unit.



Things to look for...



Never get a splash lubrication engine. Get one with a spin-on oil filter. Kohler makes some really nice engines. We have a friend that is really handy with small engines. If we have any problems, we just take it to him and he makes it run better then new...he is cheap too.



Many of the lower models that are sold at Home Depot or Lowes are actually made by MTD. If you look close, you can see them.



Check around. There are people that buy old riding mowers from people that have problems with them. Those retired guys tinker around with them and make them run like new. They do it for fun and don't try to make much of a profit. IMO, you best bet would be to go that route.



You would be suprised what you can find.





Tom