Need help choosing a riding mower

[redmondjp]

I see the mower in the link runs on diesel rather than gasoline. Is there a particular reason why a diesel mower would be a better choice? I can understand why a diesel engine would be much better for some applications, but why is better for a riding lawnmower? I understand that the one in the link is a garden tractor and can do a lot more work than just cut the grass. But that aside, the opening poster wants a lawnmower so I have to assume all he really wants is something to cut the grass. I am just curious as to the reasoning for getting a diesel versus a gasoline engine on a lawnmower. Not saying you are wrong, just curious as to the reasoning behind it.

For commercial use, diesel is the way to go. More fuel efficient, more torque at lower RPMs, and extremely long life with minimal maintenance. Also significantly more expensive than a gas engine. So unless you come across a deal on a diesel machine, and for the OP's given application, there is no real advantage to getting diesel over gas. But as you go up into the higher-end machines, you are going to find that more of them have diesel powerplants.

 

[md21722]

You drive a Cummins, get a Kubota zero turn diesel.

 

[KenC]

I see the mower in the link runs on diesel rather than gasoline. Is there a particular reason why a diesel mower would be a better choice? I can understand why a diesel engine would be much better for some applications, but why is better for a riding lawnmower? I understand that the one in the link is a garden tractor and can do a lot more work than just cut the grass. But that aside, the opening poster wants a lawnmower so I have to assume all he really wants is something to cut the grass. I am just curious as to the reasoning for getting a diesel versus a gasoline engine on a lawnmower. Not saying you are wrong, just curious as to the reasoning behind it.

IMO, the lack of an ignition system and carb is the major advantage. More
reliable and less maintenance.

Fringe benefit, much lower fuel consumption especially when running at higher loads.

Also, most, if not all , are liquid cooled so quieter than air cooled versions.

On the subject of engines, Briggs sells a premium engine labels 'Vanguard' that is IMO, equal to the best from anyone.

Full disclosure: I have a JD455 diesel, Ingersoll 4016 Vanguard as well as some older Briggs, Kohler and Onan powered machines.

If you don't mind some wrench work, I second or third the older heavier duty selections. The JD 425/445/455, Ingersoll 4016-4020, 3014-3018 would be my choices.

 

[slip knot]

I'm gonna advise a zero turn mower. I'm looking at replacing my 46in rider with a ZTR later this year. I have some Scags at work and they run circles around the older belly mount tractor mowers.

 

[jerawls82]

I run a garden center for home depot. As a result I get to see all the vendor presentation for all these brands...Even our competitors. I would tell you go with a John Deere d155. Plenty of horsepower, good solid engine. Cub cadet is too focused on how to be like John Deere and not on how to beat John Deere. The rest of MTD is a waste of money. Toro has a few nice options in ztr and have gone back to kowasaki engines after Kohler engines kept having issues shooting fuel out of the air intakes. I would stay away from Husquavarna and it's siblings (ariens and poulan) they're prone to engine and deck issues. The only think Husquavarna beats John Deere at are snow throwers (not a necessity where I live). Bottom line is John Deere is the highest rated mower for a reason...They pay attention to quality. Even the John Deere mowers at Home Depot are inspected by the local dealer before you buy them. If they don't meet John Deere standard they cannot be sold. Ariens, cub cadet, and poulan can be assembled and put on the floor by any associate. Same goes for Husquavarna mowers at Lowe's. Spend the money and get something that lasts

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Firebrick43]

IMO, the lack of an ignition system and carb is the major advantage. More
reliable and less maintenance.

Fringe benefit, much lower fuel consumption especially when running at higher loads.

Also, most, if not all , are liquid cooled so quieter than air cooled versions.

On the subject of engines, Briggs sells a premium engine labels 'Vanguard' that is IMO, equal to the best from anyone.

Full disclosure: I have a JD455 diesel, Ingersoll 4016 Vanguard as well as some older Briggs, Kohler and Onan powered machines.

If you don't mind some wrench work, I second or third the older heavier duty selections. The JD 425/445/455, Ingersoll 4016-4020, 3014-3018 would be my choices.

I would disagree, the diesel (kabota diesels) grasshoppers I have operated are much louder than the gas air cooled versions. Maybe quieter than the old opposed flat head onans and kohlers but not than the new vanguards and kawasakis. Also a bad fuel pump on a diesel(and it happens about half of the engines life and the same hours a good gasser will last) will nearly cost as much as a new gas engine through small engine warehouse.

Also as for the sub compact tractors the OP asked about, they would not be a good choice. The are lumbering and and not very manuvrable. Ok on a large open area but not hill not around trees. Neighbor has a 2520 jd. To mow their 4 acres it took 7 hours due to the amount trees. They bought a grasshopper 722d and can do it under 2 hours now. My 67' 53 hp 2020 jd tractor can actually turn around in the same space as the factor a third the size and weight can.

 

[WittHay]

Small diesel motors are noisy, harder starting when its colder and the diesel smoke can be unpleasant. They need better batteries and starters. Also some have glow plugs which can be a pain.
A sub compact tractor might be too much money ******* for just cutting grass.

 

[fastbike02]

2 of my co workers have matching Husqvarna riding mowers and both seem to burn through at least one belt during the summer at 75 bucks a pop. I have an 2010 L110 john deere that was bought at local dealer... so far I have replaced both belts (20 a pop), 2 sets of blades, 2 batteries (cheap walmart), fuel pump line, and i just put a tube in one of the back tires bc its starting to dry rot. I have abused it beyond reason and it still runs like new!

 

[jobo1004]

2 of my co workers have matching Husqvarna riding mowers and both seem to burn through at least one belt during the summer at 75 bucks a pop. I have an 2010 L110 john deere that was bought at local dealer... so far I have replaced both belts (20 a pop), 2 sets of blades, 2 batteries (cheap walmart), fuel pump line, and i just put a tube in one of the back tires bc its starting to dry rot. I have abused it beyond reason and it still runs like new!

Consider yourself lucky that the hydro drive still works.

 

[MrGiggles]

Consider yourself lucky that the hydro drive still works.

I see a lot of people that have trouble with the cheap hydros, but I serviced a JD L110 at work that had over 1000 hours some seriously rough, hilly, terrain. It chucked a rod through the block when the operator didn't check the oil, but the trans still worked fine. Makes me wonder if there are different variations of the K46 trans.

That thing was beat up so bad that the transaxle mounts on the frame broke apart and needed to be rebuilt with angle steel.

 

[tvtaurus]

I would be looking into a zero-turn mower. But between the two, I would go with the husqvarna.

 

[sierradmax]

I'm going on 4 seasons now with my Husqvarna YT46LS. 2 acres of grass. I don't know why they discontinued this mower but it has been bulletproof with a Kawasaki engine.

My folks have 5 acres and have gone through numerous zero turns, garden tractors but are stubborn to upgrade to a diesel. They've burned through machines with Briggs & kohler motors while their original Husqvarna GT with a kawasaki motor still runs strong.

 

[Frank Dukes]

i was in this perdicament last year after buying a house on an acre a pusher was not gonna cut it. i wound up with a cub cadet xt2 42". great mower, comparable JD was like $500 more. go to the dealers, avoid the big boxes.

 

[jives]

So, you started off with a Troy-Built and now the advice has gone up to diesel powered Grasshoppers. Let's get back to reality.

1. You haven't stated how steep (or did I miss that?). The belief is that zero turns are not stable on hills, but they can be made stable with wider tires and locking front caster wheels. My friend runs a Gravely Pro with a 60" deck on a hill our kids use for serious sledding in the winter. On the other hand, I mow my steep roadside ditch across the fall line with a Wheel Horse 416-8 with a 48" deck. I need to hike out to one side like the crew of a sailboat. Only when the grass is dry!

2. The mowers mentioned are 48" decks. With 1.5 acres I'd go no less than 54", but 60" is better. At 60", though, you are talking a whole new ballgame in price and build quality. Yes, you could get away with a 48" deck mower, and may have to with your price point.

3. $2000 is not a lot for what you are asking. If your hills on 1.5 ac are as steep as you imply, you could wear out a $2000 residential mower pretty quick.

4. Of the new tractors in the $2000 range, I'd go Husky. See Emort007's recommendation for the Husky GT.

5. Any used commercial mower for $2K is gonna have a lot of hours. Nevertheless, you may be able to find a clean machine. Not sure what is popular in OK, but Ferris and Exmark are the commercial machines of choice in my area.

 

[jobo1004]

I see a lot of people that have trouble with the cheap hydros, but I serviced a JD L110 at work that had over 1000 hours some seriously rough, hilly, terrain. It chucked a rod through the block when the operator didn't check the oil, but the trans still worked fine. Makes me wonder if there are different variations of the K46 trans.

That thing was beat up so bad that the transaxle mounts on the frame broke apart and needed to be rebuilt with angle steel.

I've got a LA145 w/ a T40J transaxle (K46 derivative). At 200 hours the hydro crapped out and I bought the rebuild kit from TuffTorq for just under $400. That got me another 50 hours out of the unit. Definitely not money well spent. Seems like complete luck of the draw as to whether they last or not. Hypothetically they're sealed units and not designed to be be serviced. If you want to change the fluid, you have to remove the transmission from the mower and tip it upside down. I would stay away from any mower with a cheap hydro drive. Especially if you're going to be mowing any hills.

 

[Bcom]

You need to look into any of the john deere x series mowers. Ive had my x300 for 9 years and have not broken or had to replace one part on it besides maintenance items. My deere has the Kawasaki engine init which i suggest you look for in any mower. Or check into the deere S240 which also has the kawasaki engine but is alot cheaper. Kawasaki is the only engine i recommend.

 

[D45]

I run a garden center for home depot. As a result I get to see all the vendor presentation for all these brands...Even our competitors. I would tell you go with a John Deere d155. Plenty of horsepower, good solid engine. Cub cadet is too focused on how to be like John Deere and not on how to beat John Deere. The rest of MTD is a waste of money. Toro has a few nice options in ztr and have gone back to kowasaki engines after Kohler engines kept having issues shooting fuel out of the air intakes. I would stay away from Husquavarna and it's siblings (ariens and poulan) they're prone to engine and deck issues. The only think Husquavarna beats John Deere at are snow throwers (not a necessity where I live). Bottom line is John Deere is the highest rated mower for a reason...They pay attention to quality. Even the John Deere mowers at Home Depot are inspected by the local dealer before you buy them. If they don't meet John Deere standard they cannot be sold. Ariens, cub cadet, and poulan can be assembled and put on the floor by any associate. Same goes for Husquavarna mowers at Lowe's. Spend the money and get something that lasts

When I was shopping for a riding mower three years ago........I was looking at all the big box stores (Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards)

Nothing offered or sold at these stores beat the specs and the price for the Craftsman T3000 20390

Granted the John Deere D155 is a 48"/24HP mower but it is still $2,200

My 42" deck and 24hp Craftsman (rebranded Husquavarna) was $1399

I think the ALL big box store JD products are grossly over rated and very over priced

 

[theoldwizard1]

Take a close look at the actual manufacturer. Many riders & garden tractors are made by MTD with only a brand name change.

Troy-Bilt is owned by MTD. All Troy-Bilt products EXCEPT for their rototillers are just re-badged MTD.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I used to have a craftsman with the briggs engine ...

Craftsman were typically made by American Yard Products, AYP. Same quality level as MTD.

 

[Slednut]

I'd check craigslist, a few good mowers for sale in OPs area.

If I had hilly land to mow and didn't need a tractor I'd buy this.

https://stillwater.craigslist.org/grd/5968423570.html

 

[rockinacummins]

I'd check craigslist, a few good mowers for sale in OPs area.

If I had hilly land to mow and didn't need a tractor I'd buy this.

https://stillwater.craigslist.org/grd/5968423570.html

I saw this and loved it, but I was worried how it would do on the hill...

 

[rockinacummins]

You drive a Cummins, get a Kubota zero turn diesel.

Previous home owner used a kubota bx2300 (not sure on the model number) 3 cylinder diesel subcompact tractor. I tried to buy it with the house but he wouldn't go for it. I could see paying a lot more for something like that and gladly would!

 

[rockinacummins]

Here's my hill for reference...

 

[ShumanSS6.0]

That is a garden tractor hill. The mowers you listed in your original post would be lucky to make it a couple of years. Heat kills the hydrostatic if they are not made for it. Like an earlier poster mentioned;
John Deere GT225, GT235, GT245, 325, 335, 345, 425,445, 455 are designed to handle that hill. I only list the JD versions, but there are other brands out there with stout hydros. Anything with a K66 (Tuff-Torq brand) or higher number is meant to withstand the heat and use of a hill like that. Not to mention, have the weight of the machine to safely mow that hill.

 

[redmondjp]

I saw this and loved it, but I was worried how it would do on the hill...

That unit will work just fine - not sure on the price, and the deck looks like it's had a lot of recent welding done on it. My uncle uses a similar machine on his hillside cemetery which is even steeper than your yard.

 

[cvairwerks]

Data point for you... I've got a Cub LT1045 for our two places. In the 6 years I've owned it, I have had to replace the deck belt 7 times, all of the pulleys twice, the springs twice, five batteries and one carb. As of today, it has a grand total of 54 hours run time and looks like the Kohler on it will need an overhaul this summer. To contrast, I've been mowing more and more with my Kubota B5100. It's way faster, cuts better and is much less of a problem. The Kubota is an early 70's unit and was heavily used and abused before I bought it.
One house has a little over 1/4 acre to mow, with a couple of trees and the other has just over an acre with about 30 trees. The Cub takes right at an hour and a half to do the acre while the Kubota will do it in about 40 minutes.

 

[drink]

Some of the newer mowers I have encountered were not so good IMO. They were made with some plastic parts and I don't think they will last long. So far I have seen plastic stater bendix gears, plast transaxles, plastic engine parts, and plastic steering parts. There are other plastic body parts, pulleys, and other places. Buyer beware.

A mower shop salesman suggested I spend more and buy a mower with better quality.

 

[drink]

Your yard looks really dangerous to mow. You might consider a push mower with a rope to pull it up and down the steep hill. Maybe consider hiring a yard service and save yourself from a possible injury.

 

[rustyjames]

I would look for an older model rider, like a JD, Allis Chalmers, Massy Ferguson, etc. Something from the 70's-80's. They are much heavier and robust. As long as you go up/down the hill it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[MrGiggles]

Your yard looks really dangerous to mow. You might consider a push mower with a rope to pull it up and down the steep hill. Maybe consider hiring a yard service and save yourself from a possible injury.

Really!? You must live in Kansas or North Dakota...

I could mow that sideways with my ZTR. A gradual slope like that is a piece of cake.

 

[toyotadriver]

Really!? You must live in Kansas or North Dakota...

I could mow that sideways with my ZTR. A gradual slope like that is a piece of cake.

Yeah that slope is nothing. Any decent mower would handle that.

 

[My Old Tools]

I have a Husqvarna from Lowes, 46". It is 5 years old. I have rebuilt the deck with new spindles with grease fittings. I have had to reweld the deck support brackets 3 times now and reweld the scalper wheels twice. The deck is paper thin and won't take any abuse at all. If your yard is a flat lot with minimal obstructions it will last awhile, otherwise it will slowly fall apart. Get a real deck.

 

[mikegt4]

After having to rebuild a Murray riding mower what seemed to be every year I went with a commercial level zero turn mower and never looked back. More expensive up front but for mowing about 2.5 acres it will last me AND my heirs lifetimes with very little maintenance. This will be my 16th season and I have had to replace only a few items in that time.

It's a Walker brand that could mow the pictured hill straight up and down, sideways or even diagonal without any problems. I have some steep hills on my property too.
http://www.walker.com/tractors/t23/

 

[77Mini]

Go with the Husqvarna. I have a 26HP 48" Craftsman (made by Husqvarna) thats about 4 years old. It is classed as a garden tractor (their heaviest built model) Also have a similar sized yard with some hills. I have been pretty happy with it over all and I think it would be a better built machine than the Troy Bilt.

 

[LawnBoy-5247]

Consider watching for a used john deere 332 430 or 455 or any john deere garden tractor with a 3 cylinder Yanmar diesel. While it may cost more upfront they are unkillable I know of many with thousands of hours that run like new.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

 

[KEH]

Suggestion to op: borrow or rent a ZTR and try it out on the hill.

KEH

 

[LawnBoy-5247]

I will 2nd KEH ZTR's and steep hills are often a very dangerous mix. You can mow steep hills but you must be very careful as it can end up being a disaster if you are not. If you do go the ZTR route make sure it has a roll bar for your safety.

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[MrGiggles]

I will 2nd KEH ZTR's and steep hills are often a very dangerous mix. You can mow steep hills but you must be very careful as it can end up being a disaster if you are not. If you do go the ZTR route make sure it has a roll bar for your safety.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

And if you do use ROPS, buckle up.

 

[Badattitude]

Here's my hill for reference...

Do you have any experience mowing steep slopes? This one looks like it's at least 25° and trust me...mowing it is not for the weak and timid especially if it's your first time. There are plenty of machines out there that will safely mow that steep, but your confidence and ability to react at a moments notice is equally important as the machine you use.

I speak from experience as I have a 25° slope that I've cut for the last 27 years using a New Holland compact tractor with a 60" belly mower. The first 5 years or so I used a Sears Garden tractor which was a good choice IMO, because it allowed me to build the confidence needed. So much that I can mow with my New Holland in 4 directions...checker board and diagonal.

 

[byoungblood]

If you are on any kind of hill, get one with a limited slip or locking differential. Ones with an open differential are an utter pain in the you know where because the axles are just bolted to the frame directly. It doesn't take much for one wheel to lose traction and then just spin.

That's about the only gripe I have with my Husqvarna I've owned for the past 6 years.