What riding mower should I buy??

[85roktoy]

The deck on my 6 year old Husqvarna failed me today coming loose at the welds. I've had a few problems with this mower in the past so I'm going to bite the bullet and buy a new or used one in good shape. My questions is, what brands should I steer clear of?? I really don't want to go with another Husky because I've had problems with this one but from what I've heard, all the Craftsman mowers at sears are made by Husqvarna. If they use a different deck then I might consider another.

Not looking to spend over $1500 on one. Any help would be great. Especially if you know anything bad about the auto transmissions or anything. Thanks in advance.

 

[valentine]

Do you only want to use it for mowing, or do you need one that can also run a rear mounted rototiller, plow blade etc..?

 

[Cube Dweller]

It's really time for a spractorplug subform.

 

[valentine]

It's really time for a spractorplug subform.

There is one in the "other vehicle" section.

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[semlin]

if you work on your 40 yourself, get yourself a 30+ year old sears/bolens/john deere/ford/wheel horse/simplicity etc... with about 12hp or so and a hydrostatic transmission for $3-500 off craigslist then file the blades and tune it up. chances are it will outlive you. if you plan to till or snow plow look for one selling with those attachments since it will be hard to find something later.

 

[1loudLX]

 

[85roktoy]

Thanks guys. I do NOT need one for attachments. Just something in the 42" or above cutting range.

 

[Weedhopper]

42" is big for $1500 or less. Doubtful you will find.

Look for a used Scag, Ferris or Bobcat commercial mower. Stay away from the Exmark, Huskys and Encore stuff.

I have a friend who just bought a house with about two acres of lawn. I talked him into buying a new Ferris 44" rider. He loves it.

 

[valentine]

I would poke around on this site. It's kinda like the 'mud of lawnmowers and tractors.

I'm into the garden tractors, I don't really know much about the riding mowers.

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[D'Animal]

Do you have hills and slopes or just flat ground that you mow?

Do you finish mow like a yard or do you use it to mow down pastures, brush, etc?

 

[Cruisin'Carolina]

Sounds like you need something bigger...I have a 28" Snapper, approx 3 years old (used 2 seasons) that I'm putting up for sale. Includes yard cart and catching attachments.

Good luck on finding something that big that isn't a POS for anything around that price!

 

[Michael Hanson]

John Deere. Mike

 

[D'Animal]

They make some good ones and some not so good ones.

Wife wore out an STX38 in about 2 years.

John Deere. Mike

 

[85roktoy]

Sorry guys but I should have been more clear. I'm not looking for a commercial type sit on mower. Went by Lowes and Sears yesterday and they had a good number in the $1200-$1600 price range. Guess I'm trying to decide between John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman. Just not sure if I should go for the hydro/auto trans or what. I want something thats going to last. Oh, and all were at least a 42" cut.

 

[fsusteve]

I understand wanting to save a few bucks but try looking at one of the local dealers anyways, it can't hurt. You won't get any service at the box stores and/or any warranty support, not at HD for sure.

 

[85roktoy]

I understand wanting to save a few bucks but try looking at one of the local dealers anyways, it can't hurt. You won't get any service at the box stores and/or any warranty support, not at HD for sure.

Thanks Steve. I'm guessing your referring to a smaller lawn mower shop correct??

 

[fsusteve]

well a dealer I would say, whether it's Snapper or JD or Toro. The mowers at the box stores are built by the large vendors to the stores specs which usually is a cheaper construction to keep the price down. Those crappy ass Sabre's JD made for HD is an example, you never saw those at the dealer stores. You may only be talking a few hundred dollars but in the end it's worth it.

 

[fsusteve]

btw, you probably never saw it but I bought a new Murray at HD a few years ago, smoked the tranny in like 6 months and they would not do anything for me...at all. I haven't spent a dime there since.

 

[85roktoy]

Thanks a lot. Yeah, I figured they were all probably mass produced to cut on some sort of expense. Sears may be a little better built since they don't sell so many. Just thinking though. Know anything about the automatic transmissions?? Should I just stick with the manuals for durability??

 

[85roktoy]

Or what about Snapper Hi-Vac's. Those things are built like brick s*** houses arn't they?