Looking for riding mower recommendations

[doodadem]

I'm not finding anything on the web that doesn't cost (like, Consumer Reports). I have a huge yard (probably a couple acres worth), and also use it to do the edges of some of our closer fields, and some trailblazing for riding/walking the rest of our 40 acres. I have a big tractor/bush hog for the really tough stuff.

I just sent this email off to John Deere's corporate:

"We bought an L100 riding lawn mower at Home Depot approx. 5 years ago.
Now, at the height of mowing season in our area, the engine on this
machine has quit. It's a piece of junk that we'll be lucky to sell for
parts.

We invested in a John Deere because it was supposed to be the best.
Five years for a $1,500 machine is the best you can do? Previously, we
had a cheap little Murray that we bought at K-mart. It lasted 15 years,
and always ran like a champ.

We had just sunk $500 into this mower for a spring tuneup, and some worn
out part replacement. Another chunk of money wasted.

We now have to go buy another riding mower, and you better believe it
will NOT be a John Deere. We will also pass the word along."

[flvegan]

1. We had a Craftsman. Never failed. Not once.

My mom sold it with the house when she moved. We had that thing for well over 10 years. Not easy years, either. I could get it to wheelie when launching it in top gear.

[Mugu]

2. I have a little Kabuta 3-cylinder diesel that has been a wonderful machine.

Have owned it 14 years (1600 hrs) and have only needed to change mower blades twice and drive shaft u-joints once. One of the best pieces of equipment that I have ever owned.

[Bake]

3. My Craftsman has held up very well.

And it's seven years old. Still starts first time, every time.

Bake

[doodadem]

4. Thanks guys!

I've been looking at some of the Craftsman, as well as Husqvarnas--we have one of their chainsaws that has been really good.

I SO used and abused the little Murray I mentioned previously. And I don't think we ever changed a thing on it or tuned it up the way we did the John Deere. They probably don't even make them like that anymore.........

[Bravo Zulu]

5. From consumer reports, good luck.

Best for most, with versatile mowing:

• John Deere LA110 , $1650, CR Best Buy
• Craftsman (Sears) 28724 , $1600, CR Best Buy
• Craftsman (Sears) 27690 , $2000
• Husqvarna YTH2348 , $1800
• Craftsman (Sears) 28713 , $1200


Between the low-priced John DeereLA110 and Craftsman 28724, choose the Deere for its high-back seat and visible fuel level, the Craftsman for its twin-blade, 46-inch deck. Also consider Craftsman 28713, which trades a hydrostat drive for a less-smooth gear drive for less money. Choose the 54-inch Craftsman 27690 and 48-inch Husqvarna YTH2348 if wider mowing trumps cut quality


Craftsman (Sears) 28724
Summary: This Craftsman 46-inch 21-hp hydrostatic drive lawn tractor has cruise control and requires a blade change to mulch. It is backed by a 2-year warranty.

Highs
This lawn tractor features excellent bagging, very good handling, ease of use, evenness of cut, side-discharge mowing, and mulching. Further, this model has been among the less repair-prone brands of lawn tractors.

Lows
This model has no discernible lows.

Bottom Line
Very good overall and a CR Best Buy, this lawn tractor features excellent bagging, very good handling, ease of use, evenness of cut, side-discharge mowing, and mulching. Further, this model has been among the less repair-prone brands of lawn tractors. It is backed by a 2-year warranty

[Taverner]

6. I have always wanted to ride a riding mower

One of those strange desires, I guess..

[Mugu]

10. You just let me know anytime that you decide you need to ride a lawnmower.

I spend about 115 hours per year sitting on my tractor and would be happy to let somebody else ride instead. What the hell was I thinking when I wanted a big yard?

Regards, Mugu

[Taverner]

11. Yeah I don't want a big yard

Just an hour with a riding mower, thank you.

One request - can I ride it downtown?

[Mugu]

13. It has headlights but no brakelights.

And it only does 8MPH, so it may be a problem in traffic.

Regards, Mugu

[Ghost in the Machine]

7. I really like our Cub Cadet lawn tractor

http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_14101_89356_33812_-1



25 HP* Kohler® Courage® V-Twin, OHV engine for longer engine life, quieter operation and better ride.
Full-pressure lubrication w/spin-on oil filter. Easy access makes routine maintenance quick and easy.
Hydrostatic transmission w/cruise control provides durable reliable power and a smooth ride.
50" QuickAttach™ deck.
Exclusive Smart Jet™ Deck Wash System. High pressure water cleans out grass and debris build-up under the deck.
RevTEK™ Reverse Mowing Technology allows mowing in forward or reverse until the operator leaves the tractor seat, turns the key back to normal or turns off engine.
Electric PTO for smoother deck engagement.
* as rated by engine manufacturer

[guitar man]

8. I have a Husqvarna

Model GT2254 I bought at Lowe's 3 years ago and have not had a minute's trouble from it. I only have about 3/4 acre, but have septic with laterals and a literal jungle will grow up in aboout half the yard in a week's time, so I wanted an overbuilt brute for the job. Let me tell you, "brute" just isn't quite adequeate to describe this monster.

It looks like the exact tractor have has been discontinued, this is the closest thing I see to what I have. The major difference is this one is hydrostatic and mine has a manual dual range gearbox, and this one is 26hp vs 22hp for mine.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=91238-63311-LGT2654&lpage=none

My tractor is actually made by Electrolux Inc. for Husqvarna, they also make the same (more or less) tractors for Poulan Pro and Craftsman.

good luck :hi:

[BlueJazz]

9. You knew some person was gonna' post this....

[doodadem]

12. I have 4 of them already!

Four little pygmy goats, plus 3 big horses, and 2 miniature donkeys. Problem is, they don't differentiate between grass, weeds, flowers, landscaping, etc.

Nice try though!