(It's) Riding lawn mower time

[Whitworth]

Just starting to look at riding lawn mowers, so I'm soliciting any advice or opinions on what's available with a $3000 budget.

54" deck is a must have, otherwise open to brand and features. Would consider ZTR, but I don't think I need it. 1 acre, all grass, no trees. Currently have a 42" Craftsman about 13 years old, still works good, but really want 54" deck.

Not interested in used or restoring an antique.

What's best for quality and reliability, and what is the best time during the spring for deals, sales and special financing?

Thanks!

 

[Streetbu]

Why such a large deck for an acre? I usually recommend a 42-48" depending on budget and how much there is to mow around. Husqvarna has a rebate for the last week of March on some of their riders...

The LGT2654 has a $150 rebate. Nice mower. Well under your limit.

You could step up to a GT52XLS and possibly get it for $3K if you can bargain with a dealer. That gets you a fabricated deck instead of stamped, Kawasaki engine, and the heavier, locking rear differential....

 

[ishiboo]

I'd agree... 42-48" are going to give you a better cut quality, and not substantially decrease mowing time.

If your budget is only 3k, I'd personally look used. No need for an antique, but a Deere GT235/245, 345, GX345, etc. is going to give you a heavy-duty tractor that can pull an aerator, dethatcher, lawn cart, trailer, etc. I paid under 3k with a power flow bagger for my GT235 with a 54" deck. It was waxed by the previous owner, deck repainted, etc... very nice unit. A lot of people who purchased $5,200 mowers back in 2002 kept them up, versus the $2000 L-series for example which were sad even when new.

Personally, I'd avoid anything with a T42/T46 Tuff Torq transmission. It's always the weak link on those machines. The GT52XLS Street recommends has a Hydrogear G7, seems like it is a lower-end ACTUAL GT-rated transmission, and I've been very happy with my Husky products. I'd highly recommend that over the LGT2654 that has the T46 and despite the "GT" in the name, is simply a lawn mower that can barely get out of its own way.

 

[sleek98]

I am going to be following this as well. I have a over an acre of actual mowing.

 

[tjdux]

Why not a ZTR. Ive found out on the farm (4 acre yard) going from a 60 inch tractor mower to a 60 in ztr cut out 40-45% mowing time. It makes going around stuff so much easier. Unless you want to trade in your current tractor on the new one (not sure how much a 13 year old machine is worth on trade) i would keep the tractor for small implements and get a ztr.

Maybe see if a dealer would let you test one. Also I don't know how your yard is for hills and slopes but the ztr has wider wheelbase and can ride a slope much better than a lawn tractor. My yard here in town has some slopes i wont even drive my lawn tractor (42 inch deck) that the ztr doesnt even feel tilted.

Signiture; Check out my garage progress http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352703

 

[4Kings]

Anything with a 54"+ deck is gonna put you in garden tractor territory ($$$)

 

[gungatim]

I agree with above. with a big deck, you want a heavy duty machine, and a good K72 hydrostat that is SERVICABLE...you won't find that in the lower tier cubs/deere's/craftsman pro's...

you can find a nice used X500 series JD in that range if you look hard enough, however...

 

[bry@n]

ZTR will cut down mow times IMO. When I swapped over to a ZTR, I cut half hour off my time from start to finish and I was exactly like you at the time (1 acre, no trees).

Now, trees, fence, other objects in the way, I'm glad I made the move then.

Oh and stay away from CM ztr's.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I also am on board with the ZTR idea. Just adding an OEM front caster wheel kit to my Snapper 21" walk behind reduced mowing time. It reduced fatigue a bit, too.

Tommy

 

[Todd.Brock]

I think the challenge with a ZTR is the price point b/c everyone will then try to point you to a commercial unit. If getting a rider, I would go with the fabricated deck. Husquvarna seems to have a good value. I would have looked at their ZTR last year, but it didn't come in a 48"

 

[Kaizen]

depending on speed of the unit each extra inch I believe reduces mow time for an acre by 15 minutes. hopefully op has a garage he is putting it in or a door big enough to accommodate a 54inch. i'd save a grand and get a husky, john deer, etc 42 or 46. yea maybe a beer slower but hey

 

[braidmeister]

If it snows in your neck of the woods, forget the ZTR and get a conventional. They are like tanks with weights and chains plus a plow - even the cheapest/smallest ones.

Buy used. There are lots of garage kept/dealer maintained machines out there for good money that look/work like new.

I had a 42" rider - got a Deere 445 ZTR 54" - gave it up for a rider again because the ZTR was tearing things up. I mow fast because I have like 4 acres to mow.

ZTR would do 8.5mph. X749 Deere also @ 8.5mph (4x4 and 4WS) - way more comfortable for mowing and doesn't tear up in the tight turns. 62" deck.

 

[sleek98]

depending on speed of the unit each extra inch I believe reduces mow time for an acre by 15 minutes. hopefully op has a garage he is putting it in or a door big enough to accommodate a 54inch. i'd save a grand and get a husky, john deer, etc 42 or 46. yea maybe a beer slower but hey

A buddy of mine is trying to get me to go to a 54" john deere but I think I want to stay with the 48".

From what I have found online most guys are saying it saved them 10-15 mins per acre from a 6" deck gain.

 

[Pitalplace]

yours is 13 yrs. old and I have one that's over fifteen. It's a 48" and does more than an acre. I don't know about you but I think I will do Craftsman again when and if it dies.

 

[Crusarius]

To bad you don't want an antique they are 100 times the tractor you get today and cost a fraction of the price. if you change you mind I have a pair of cub cadets that would come with 42" mower deck, plow, and snowblower. I want to sell each package as a package deal.

They are both cub cadet model 108's. one unit has less than 10 hours since fresh rebuild the other unit has new engine. PM me if interested. I am willing to make a deal

 

[steveo1o9]

I'm going keep an eye on this thread since I am in the market for a mower as well. Not much in the used market around me and I have been disappointment in what the big box stores have to offer. Unfortunately my budget is $1500-2000 and I have about an acre worth of grass.

 

[Dr Stan]

Last year I upgraded from an old 32" Snapper to a Cub XT1 LT50 and couldn't be happier. I only have 1/2 an acre to mow, but needed a tow vehicle for my trailers other than the truck. I also plan to build a snow plow as we do not need a plow very often, but when we do we really need one especially with a bulging spinal disk. It has a stamped deck, but it also has hook-ups to wash out the deck with a garden hose. Every so often I raise up the front end and get after it with a pressure washer.

Last year Cub switched from Kawasaki to Kohler engines as they had a lot of problems with the Kaw's.

 

[jives]

I question the benefit to cost ratio of a fabricated deck. Yeah, the $8-10K commercial units all have fabricated decks. A quality stamped deck a homeowner's 1 ac will last as long as the mower. I've got stamped decks on my Simplicity Sunstar (60") and my Wheelhorse 416 (48"); both are 30 years old. The Wheel Horse deck has been welded in stress/rust areas but continues on.

Currently you need to get into the $5K range for a new GARDEN tractor (Deere 400 and up, Simplicity Prestige, though Husky GTs are less). 1 ac of only mowing does not require a garden tractor.

https://ithaca.craigslist.org/grd/6041144754.html

 

[OneOfEm]

Last year I bought a Cub Cadet ZTR with a fabricated deck for 1.5 acres. It's fast. I ordered their dual bagger for this model last Fall. Prior to this I used a leaf vacuum, and it would take every bit of two weekends to clean up after our live oaks twice a year. With this, it took about four hours.

The only issue I've had has been with rear wheel spinouts when I turn too sharp and fast at the same time. I had to learn to take the tight turns slower than the machine can handle.

Could I get a better cut with a different mower? I'm sure. Am I happy with the cut? yeah. Will I find something else to do to fill my weekends? Absolutely.

I'd buy it again.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Already cut mine 3 times here in the south and its getting hot enough this week and it wont be too long it will be every week, its suppose to hit 85 this week!

 

[Mastercraft81]

Why do you need a 54 inch deck? H*ll you could push mow 1 acre. I'm a JD guy my self we have three different JD's, two garden tractors, and one zero turn. The zero turn are nice and well definitely shorten your mowing time. If all you use your tractor for is mowing go for it, but if you tow or plow get a garden tractor.

Also ZTR'sare zero turns guys.

Are JD zero turn mows around 6 acres and I drive it down the road 1/2 mile to mow we have had if for 10years or so.

My advice would be to get a tractor from a good dealer and one that is easy to find parts for.

Also tractors last for ever if you take care of them heck my grandpa had a Massey Ferguson from the 60's and it still ran like new.

 

[rwilner]

I have a Husqvarna and also have an acre. 48" deck I think. It's a great machine. I also use it to haul firewood and dethatch/aerate. It has the 22 horse Kohler v twin.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[Garanok]

Mowers are what I do for a living. They all have their quirks and issues. The biggest issue for most of them is that people abuse them.

That said, from personal experience: I've worked on more Green and Yellow tractors and ZTR's in the last two years than any other brand. (I work for a CUB/Hustler/Gravely dealer we still work on just about anything.) Tractor most likely to come in with a broken hood? John Deere. Rider that will cost you a small fortune for parts? John Deere. Mower I least like to work on for anything outside of basic service and sharpening? %*%^%%!!!!! John Deere.

Trade on a 13 year old tractor? This time of year? Ha! If you find a dealer that will bite on that let me know, it might be worth the drive for me.

If you want a rider just for mowing/bagging then ZTR would be your choice. I'm partial to Hustlers. Built well, good ride, and a cut quality you won't find on most mowers in the same price range. I'm just talking their Residential ZTRs too. (3 year/300 hour warranty on those as well.) They can take a bagger, pull a cart and pull up to 50 lbs like a rider. What any ZTR can't do is move snow and a few other things that a rider can.

Once you figure out what you need it for, I'd figure out who my local or reasonable drive dealers are and go from there.

As far as ZTR's tearing up yards. Usually the operator is making a tight turn at high speed and locking the wheel they are turning on. (Saw this all the time from other outfits when I mowed commercially) For instance, the operator is making a left turn at speed. If they slow down just a hair, and instead of pivoting on the left wheel, they pull the left bar back to reverse the wheel as they push forward on the right bar they can complete the turn just as tight without digging a divot or tearing up the grass. Unless it's really wet. (works the same way on the other side)

It takes a little getting used to but once you do...

 

[joshfcb]

IMHO, zero turns are great for reducing time mowing, but if like to enjoy a cold adult beverage while mowing stick with the tractor. That's my only regret with my ZTR.

Bad boy 48" ZTR mowing 3/4 acre

 

[30cal]

Get 'er done. Around here, we drink after the job is completed..lol

 

[Dave Cav]

I've had a Kubota T series (T16xx) for sixteen years. It's been a great mower, and only had to be in the shop once in that time about two years ago, for a new carb. Otherwise I have put two sets of belts and blades on it, and my wife beats the **** out of it running over the gravel driveway. It still has plenty of life left in it and when we move this spring we're going to leave it as a gift to the new owners. I'll probably replace it with a GR series (not sure if I'll go gas or diesel) because I'm going to need to run a snowblower and I want the AWD and extra power and weight.

 

[jp828108]

I have a buddy that does commercial mowing. He started with Hustler mowers. They couldn't keep up with his demand, but I imagine would serve a homeowner with only an acre just fine. The guys that mow my neighbors use a gravely and a toro. The gravely mowers are a little over your budget, but appear to be built like tanks for a decent price. When I got my place dad and I switched from a traditional husky mower to a diesel Massey zero turn. The zero turn saves a TON of time, but there is a learning curve associated to it. I am still learning after using it for an entire season. The old husky didn't hold up, but we abused it, and mow a lot of acreage for a homeowner grade mower.

It also seems that all manufacturers are making low end mowers now, So in my opinion just because it is green doesn't mean what it used to.

 

[slip knot]

I will be replacing my 46in rider with a Hustler ztr next year. An employee of mine has one and he's the guy with the rubber mallet and anvil. He's had the Hustler for @5 yrs and he hasn't even hurt it yet.

 

[aeopav]

I just bought a 1999 JD 445 with only 414 hours on it for $ 3,200. If you can find a deal something like that, it would be a unit that will last you a long time. A bit of overkill for 1 acre, but the 400 series JDs are nice machines. Check out www.tractorhouse.com.

 

[stihlntime]

The farm store I work at a couple days a week has a service department that will basically work on any brand. Good friends with the two techs, their preferred engine is Kawasaki and Briggs Vanguard. They both think late model Briggs and Stratton (non vanguard) and Kohler are junk. They absolutely hate them. I mow a 6.5 to 7 acre yard. A ZTR will cut your mowing time 45 percent, yes almost in half. If your yard is not as smooth as a gym floor a fab deck is a requirement. Bare, nothing on them stamped deck shells run 5-700.00 most last about 3 years. Fab decks last more than double that. (Only exception is your higher end JD stamped decks. Most Ztr's use same drive trains relative to price point, hydro gear and Parker dominate the drive/transmission market. Bottom line find a dealer that will service and sell what they sell, forget the box stores. For a basic machine we have excellent results from the Husquvarna MZ 54 or 60. I've currently got a JD and a Bad Boy both over 500 hers no issues. Over the years owned Gravely,Kubota, several Deer's and started with Snapper, I've tried Scag, all have been good real difference has been service and support. When I'm working its usually at the parts counter,see what fails on most of them. Just stay far away from box stores and extended warranties that aren't worth a damn except for fire starter.

 

[brownbagg]

i refuse to pay more for a mower than a good used car with automatic and working a/c, but then I only have a 1/2 acre

 

[30cal]

My good friend is a Massey dealer, he sold the Land Pride eight years ago. Since then he has brought JD, Massey, Badboy, Kubota, Hustler, and some others. Keep it for the week, tell me what you think. The Land Pride has 745 hours, 16 acres a week, and will be racking up another 85 hours this season. Well built Kansas City machine, 25 horse Kawasaki

 

[retfr8flyr]

I upgraded last year from my JD LT170, 15 years old, to an Hustler Raptor SD 48 and couldn't be happier with my choice. I checked out all the ZTR mowers and I felt the Hustler offered the best bang for the buck.

I only have about an acre around the house to mow, hence the 48 inch deck but it is cut up with mulch beds and trees. I had to use a push mower in the tight areas with my JD but I never have to get off my Raptor now, so I gave my push mower to my son.

 

[ct03911]

I've had a few ride-on mowers.
I finally bought a Deere 320 three blade. I think it's 48".
The power and cut quality is so impressive.
It's above your budget new but my advice is to step up and buy a tractor you will have for a long time and no issues.
I got the bagger and a 44" snowthrower attachment.
I wish I bought this a long time ago.

 

[Slednut]

Why such a large deck for an acre?

Wide decks enables the mower to get close to edges/obstacles, I have an old Honda rider where the deck sticks out one side. I will never have a mower where the deck is the same width as the wheel base.

 

[MattN03]

After going from a Cut Cudet 42" to a Toro MX5060 50" zero turn, to a full blown commercial Toro Z-Master 3000 60", I'd never want a garden tractor again. The same size deck or a smaller deck on a zero turn with cover much more ground in maneuverability and speed. Hustler get's good reviews from what I've read. You may check this one out too. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hustler-RA...rostatic-52-in-Zero-Turn-Lawn-Mower/999958367

 

[tjdux]

Still curious we we have sold the OP on ZTR mower for speed.

Only decent argument aginst is lack of attachments which OP didn't have an opinion on in opening post. Plus since he already has a (older) tractor i would just keep it for any attachment needs and go ztr for speed and manuverability. Only issuse there is space and another thing to maintain.

Signiture; Check out my garage progress http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352703

 

[soapii]

54 is a big deck for only an acre, depending on how many trees/obstacles you have, that is only 30 minutes of cutting.

--Joe

 

[TractorJeff]

soapii, if you can cut an acre in 30 minutes, feel free to cut mine every week this summer!
LOL!
I started with a Cast Iron Briggs powered Murray with a 36inch deck that was already 20 years old. Moved up to a Briggs V-Twin Sears with a 48inch deck that was then 15 years old. Its considered a Garden Tractor. I keep this to pull the Roller and a Lawn Wagon plus move my trailers around. I bought a Kawasaki powered(?) Craftsman Hydro with a 42inch "Engineered Vac Deck" and it ***** as it chokes and skips grass on one of the blades. It did decrease my cutting time as I can shift the Hydro faster while steering a little tighter.

 

[braidmeister]

A Deere 42" LA130 (max speed 5.5MPH) used to take me 6 hrs to cut 4 acres. Deere Z445 w/54" @ 8.5mph max took 3 hrs. Deere X749 w/62" deck @ 8.5mph max takes me 2.5hrs. A little longer if I do the cart paths between the fields. It's faster than cutting with the 48" PTO mower.

There are a lot of obstacles...trees, utility poles, buildings etc to get around. The 4 wheel steering works the best for my property - better than the zero turn.

Zero turns tend to be really light in the front end which makes for a rough ride if the ground is hard & the steering wheel is a lot more comfortable than the dual sticks. For me anyway...