Big-A lawnmower

[wrigh003]

Well, I think I have decided to quit trying to dump money into my 17-year-old hand-me-down Murray from Grandpa's estate and start afresh with a new lawn tractor, as the thing was broken more than it worked properly for most of last season. I've got approximately 1.5 acres of mostly flat/ gently rolling lawn to mow, and it takes a while with the crappy 38" deck and 12HP that I have now.

I figure this is probably a decent time of year to get a deal, maybe, if I look around and play my cards right.

Related question: Anybody know where I could find a wiring diagram for this thing (or even start to look)? If I can get the little/recurring wiring issues sorted out and fixed, I think i'll give this thing to my little sister.

 

[Junkman]

Can't help with the wiring diagram, but if you want a compact tractor for cutting grass that will last the rest of your life and be trouble free, I can suggest a Kubota BX series tractor. I have a BX22 and it has been great for the past 4 years. I know of these little tractors that have logged over 1500 hours without anything more than oil changes. They just don't get any better than the Kubota BX.
The first picture is one that I picked up, but don't remember where. The second one is my tractor lifting a small rock. There are lots of used ones available, so don't let the price of a new one scare you away.

 

[wrigh003]

Can't help with the wiring diagram, but if you want a compact tractor for cutting grass that will last the rest of your life and be trouble free, I can suggest a Kubota BX series tractor. I have a BX22 and it has been great for the past 4 years. I know of these little tractors that have logged over 1500 hours without anything more than oil changes. They just don't get any better than the Kubota BX.
The first picture is one that I picked up, but don't remember where. The second one is my tractor lifting a small rock. There are lots of used ones available, so don't let the price of a new one scare you away.

Depends on what those go for, I guess. What's the used market like?
I think I'm looking more for just a lawnmower with a big deck at the moment, though. I do have some places where I could conceivably use the loader capability on a mini-tractor like that, but for the most part, it'd probably just be overkill. Besides- wife's granddad lives just a mile or so away, and when I need a bushhog or box blade, I just go get his diesel Kubota and do what's needed, then drive it back.

 

[the intimidator]

you may want to check out something from john deere mayby a 100 series. The 110 has a 42" deck auto ****** and a 19.5 horse engine you can get one with the bagger for around 1800$ 1650$ without the six speed deere is 1499$. I have heard good things abought them if you want cheap you could probably get a craftsman or something for under 1400$ they are not bad but the deere will produce better results on you're lawn and you will not have any trouble getting parts for many years to come

 

[the intimidator]

I guess we should also ask what you're price range is and what size deck you are looking for 42" is a pretty standard size 48" would probably suit you best I think anything over 54" would be way overkill for you're lawn

 

[wrigh003]

Well, my current lawnmower is a 38". It's tedious, but when it's working, I guess it's OK. I just want the biggest deck I can get, just so mowing goes pretty fast- as it is, when the grass is really growing, I have to ride the mower twice a week just to keep up with it.

I've been looking at 54" models. I could probably make $2k or under happen without too much trouble, specially if there's a decent finance deal going somewhere. Hate to pay a note on a lawnmower, but if it's taken care of in a year or less and I'll have the thing for many years after, I guess that's OK.

I'm still in the preliminary stages, too, so just gathering suggestions at this point.

 

[davidcalhoun]

Have you considered a zero turn radius mower? Since you have access to granddad's stuff for the big jobs, you might consider 42" to 48" ZTR mower with at least a 18 horse engine (if you go with a rider).

These are a blast to drive and really cut down the time spent mowing. The down side is that you can't use them like a tractor and pull a lot of stuff like a lawn roller all the time.

On other factor to consider is your terrain. Is you lot somewhat level or hilly?

 

[the intimidator]

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductC....ProdCatProduct?pNbr=SKU20404&tM=HO&link=enav

that is the 130 deere it has the auto ****** which is really nice and smooth to operate, (I like it alot) 21 horse briggs twin and a 48" deck it is 1999$ lol The 54" deck model cost's 2799$ and you get 26 H.P but I think you would be happy with the 48" You are gaining almost a extra foot and you will be able to cut faster with the deere then with you're old mower you could probably get a good deal on one from a dealer they also have some nice financing going on but you end up paying nearly 800$ extra just from the percentage they give mayby try to get a bank loan for the 2 grand and walk in to the dealer and offer them the two grand cash they should be able to give it to you for that and you will save mony borrowing from the bank vs deere's financing

 

[the intimidator]

Have you considered a zero turn radius mower? Since you have access to granddad's stuff for the big jobs, you might consider 42" to 48" ZTR mower with at least a 18 horse engine (if you go with a rider).

These are a blast to drive and really cut down the time spent mowing. The down side is that you can't use them like a tractor and pull a lot of stuff like a lawn roller all the time.

On other factor to consider is your terrain. Is you lot somewhat level or hilly?

what do the ztr's go for in the state's? I know the toro timecutter is around 5 grand up here and in my opinion that is way too much for a consumer model mower ztr or not you could probably find a good deal on a used ztr though most lawn care companys usually upgrade every two years or so and if you find a company that cares for their equiptment it will likly last you another 5-10 years assuming you keep up the maintanance and are only cutting under two acres

 

[davidcalhoun]

I know more about the commercial models than I do about the residential models. I have used all types of commercial mowers (from $1,600 walk behinds to $12,000 big ZTRs) over the past 25 years.

The Toro Time cutter looks sharp and is a decent residential mower, but it would not hold up to heavy commercial use.

If a guy could buy a used commercial mower that has under 300 hours on it, it should last him to at least 1000 hours with only minor wear and tear stuff (fluid changes, blades, belts and tires). Many of these commercial mowers will last up to 2000/2500 hours before the gas engine needs replaced (if you are good at maintaining service). A liquid cooled diesel engine will last quite a bit longer.

Go visit you lawn equipment stores (and farm stores) and ask what they may have taken in on trade. If you find something and would like comments, just post the specs of what you find and I'll try to respond.

 

[wrigh003]

I've looked at the ZTRs, but I feel like I'd be slowing down a lot for bumps instead of just zipping along. A lot of my yard is on a plate of rock (6" or so of topsoil in most places), and there's periodic places where a big flat section of rock is just sitting there in the yard, level with the grass. Also, at my price point, I'm looking at entry-level ZTR's, and I don't know that I need the speed/ extra complication of that. The guy who's been working on the Murray for me is a Scag dealer, maybe he can give me the hookup.

As far as lawn rollers and all that jazz, I don't know that I care all that much. I'd probably want to eventually have something that could tow a drop spreader, and a lightweight trailer, but beyond that, I'll probably just be driving my truck around in the yard.

This is a lawnmower, first and foremost. Larger tractors are avaliable for the heavy lifting.

 

[davidcalhoun]

Scag is one the heaviest and best built commercial ZTR mowers out there. Scag is just about to release their newest ZTR mower designed for homeowners. It is called "FreedomZ". It comes in a 48" or 52" deck. It has to be one of the best built "homeowner" mowers out there. It is still built very heavy with a decent fabricated deck (not some thin metal deck that is pressed). Have your dealer show it to you.

You will want to spend about 10 to 15 minutes on it to get a good feel for how a ZTR steers/handles. Once you get use to it, you'll see that it is the simplest method to mow with.

No, I am not a dealer. I just happen to know what's available in commercial mowers.

 

[wrigh003]

Scag is one the heaviest and best built commercial ZTR mowers out there....

No doubt- but the "" after "Maybe my Scag dealer can give me the hookup" was intended to convey "but I probably can't afford it anyway."

 

[krj]

I bought a John Deere 125 last year. 20hp V-Twin Hydrostatic with 42" deck. I paid extra because I really wanted that V-Twin. A good compromise is the John Deere 115 (not available at Home Depot) 19.5hp hydrostatic with 42" deck. Not a V-twin.... but cheaper too I still love the sound of that V-Twin!

 

[wrigh003]

Go visit you lawn equipment stores (and farm stores) and ask what they may have taken in on trade. If you find something and would like comments, just post the specs of what you find and I'll try to respond.

Thanks for the offer- I'll see what I can find.