OT--just one more for the day

Tom N MS

Well-known Member
Got to buy riding mower-probably 50 or 54"--regular riding lawn tractor--no Zero turn for me--Don't laugh-I want something dependable but not over-priced..Must have Hydro-spoiled to that convenience....don't really like the foot pedal to make it go but I might could be persuaded to change my mind--Any advice on what to look for or what to stay away from? Email open if don't want to name bad brands in the open etc....Thanks
 
(quoted from post at 06:51:06 05/30/16) Got to buy riding mower-probably 50 or 54"--regular riding lawn tractor--no Zero turn for me--Don't laugh-I want something dependable but not over-priced..Must have Hydro-spoiled to that convenience....don't really like the foot pedal to make it go but I might could be persuaded to change my mind--Any advice on what to look for or what to stay away from? Email open if don't want to name bad brands in the open etc....Thanks

Once you get used to a foot pedal control you will never want anything else.

Lower quality and shorter lived hydrostatic trans-axles are cheap. Good quality and longer lived hydrostatic transmissions are not. You are only going to get what you pay for.

Perhaps you have heard the phrase "penny wise and pound foolish". In my opinion it is particularly relevant to the purchase of outdoor power equipment.

TOH
 
brand don't matter much anymore, mostly clones of each other.
Like Hokie said, never the base model, they are cheaper for a reason.
agree on the hydros quality comment.
other cheap model trouble points.....
....front end...option up to a cast iron front axle...and check the frame around it. Even a cast iron front axle is useless if it is housed in a popcan thin frame rail.
...mower deck...thick metal, heavily reinforced around the spindles.
Even the best will crack here eventually....start strong, last longer.
 
If you like old tractors, why not get an old lawnmower?

Get you an old Deere or Cadet and I think you'd be happy with your decision years down the road.
 
One of the older Cub Cadets with the hydrostat lever on the dash. Those were excellent machines and built to do work. One of my friends had a very nice one with hydraulic lift and had the snowblower attachment for the front of it. It was an excellent machine. Kohler engine if I remember right. You wouldn't be disappointed with your purchase.
 
A lot depends on the amount of acreage you usually mow.
Ant large amount will require a robost machine with an older heavy duty hydro transmission. Most used equipment has been "over stressed" from the time it was new. Lots of hills, grass-catchers, snow plows, etc. Attachments that will really do-in a small hydro-unit. TOO HOT of operating temperatures for the oil.

If you only MOW and only have a small lot, such as 1/4 acre or less, any small rider will do.

Make friends with your local TSC mower salesperson. Lowes, Home Depot, TSC, ie, do NOT take trade-ins.
Lots of times, a customer appreciates someone who will take the old equipment off their hands. Expect at least $200.00 worth of parts to get the old mower "up and running" to your likeing.

HTH

John,PA
 
I've had garden tractors of old that were hydro drive and they are easy to operate and durable. That being said I don't like spending my life mowing lawn. I mow about 4.5 acres in 2 yards. When I use a Cub Cadet, Wheel Horse or JD I was moving pretty slow to get a good cut and that was with freshly sharpened blades or new ones. The older machines just don't have the blade tip speed that allows you to go faster. My mowing time was about 3.5 hours. When I went to a rear mount finish mower behind my 8N blade tip speed was impressive and I cut 2 hours off of mowing time. I just bought a new zero turn with reasons listed in a prior post. I lost 12" of cutting width but mow time is still 1.5 hours. I did upgrade from the stamped steel deck to the heavier "fabricated" steel deck. So if you have a lot of time on your hands an older actual garden tractor could be a solution. IF you are determined to buy new your options are varied. Staying in the lower priced range you have many makes all made by 2 or 3 companies. Some better than others. You do get what you pay for. A few years back my FIL and my wife's uncle both bought a new lawn tractor about the same size. My FIL got a Deere and the uncle a Husqvarna. FIL went cheap as possible and the uncle bought the top end model. The Deere is dead having mower about 1/2 per week. The Husqvarna lost the electric clutch for the PTO once and is still mowing lawn. Keep in mind with the new ones few are rated for ground engaging implements. That means no front or rear blades. Sure you can pull a garden cart but that's about it. Or you can jump into the compact tractor market. Much more expensive but they are real tractors and attachments are available to do about anything. Many will allow you to mount a loader and a belly mower at the same time. Not knowing your needs or your budget it's hard to recommend anything.

Rick
 
Here is about 64+ years in a nutshell: 18" 2 cycle Lawnboy mowing about 2 acres for about 12 years; 32" Islander Rotohoe (piece of junk) 3 acres, 1 year; NEW Ford (Jacobsen built) 10 horse Kohler w/manual trans. with 42" deck 3 acres, 14 years (son has it now but not using); Used Ford (Jacobsen built) 10 Horse w/ hydrostat and 42" deck 3 acres, 5 years (still have it); Used Woods 72" 3 point hitch behind '51 8N, 4 acres, 15 years; same Woods 72" behind Jubilee (and still have the Woods), 4 acres, 15 years; Lawn Service (I've gotten lazy), 2 zero turns and a string trimmer, 3 acres, into 2nd year; I still use the Woods and Jubilee for a path around my other 3 acres.
Go for the quality built, reputable machine that is backed by a local dealer who can service it, if EVER needed.
 
I have a '92 Cub Cadet=hydro on dash but its only 38" cut--if was bigger cut I would'nt even be thinking about another mower--only mow about an acre--do another acre with 6 ft First Choice finish mower behind a L1500 Kubota.
 

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