Auld Yin

If you have a lot of trees and bushes that need cut around it is better/easier if you buy what's known as a zero-turn mower. Unfortunately they are more expensive than the steering wheel type.

Novocastrian

Massively more expensive. Cheaper to get rid of the trees. (Maybe )

Bellanova

Thanks for the tips peeps, I think Kijiji will be the way to go!!
We too have loads of trees to cut round, but we'll use a standard mower for the more fiddly bits!!

AmyDavid

Can I have a go on it when we come up? I've always wanted a go on a ride on mower...! Saddo or WHAT!

pennyhp

Just a thought on the buying second hand front.
We bought a used snow blower the first winter we were here and had nothing but trouble. Even with a friend who is an experienced mechanic (we met him after we had bought the snow blower) we couldn't keep it going through the winter.

There seems to be an obsession with blowing snow in winter and cutting grass in summer here.

So used yard stuff usually has seen a lot of action!

So unless you know a lot about engines and maintaining them, be wary about used stuff.
When they say it has only been used for a season or two, just how much action has it seen. That could be mowing a few acres of their own, plus quite a few of the neighbours too.

On the other hand you will find people who live in sub divisions with not much mote than a pocket handkerchief lawn who own a top of the range John Deere ride on mower.
Thas the second hand mower I would be wanting.

We spent our first summer using a cheap gass push mowerfrom Walmart which we abused abminably, but its still gowing and we were have been very impressed with it.
At the end of that summer we bought a Craftsman from Sears in the Autumn sale. Arounf $1400 I think. That has been really good. Again we have abused it a little, but its still doing what it should.

Anyhoo I hope you get a good un, whatever you go for.

Silverdragon102

I find it fun. I have about 3 acres to mow and still takes me a couple of hours. If I let DH do it I have to go back and do the bits he missed.

iaink

At the risk of tempting fate our 20HP Sears Craftsman 42" Hydrostatic has been great value and no trouble over the last 7 years. Ride on mowers are one thing I would buy new rather than used. Maintainence goes a long way to extending small engine life, and repairs can be costly.


British Racing Green, easy to get spares should anything die, but so far thats not been an issue. Vtwin OHV 20HP B&S motor has spin on filters and proper lubrication, and is more than powerfull enough to get up the slight hills in our yard. Id buy another one, especially as similar models are often on sale. Dont ever pay full price at Sears...

Simon Legree

I have the same tractor and also a 48" snow blower attachment for it. It's seven years old now and I had a severe rust problem with the fender deck after two years. Sears were of no help at all and basically said they could care less even though it appeared to be a design problem. That's the last time I ever spent a nickel with them. I fixed it myself and repainted it John Deere green !! My house sitter has used it a lot in the last few months. One of my first chores when I get back is to do the maintenance and put the mower back on. As you said, regular maintenance pays off as far as the engine goes.

Big Stevo

Cheers iaink, I actually had a look at a Craftsman today outside Sears, much better quality than the one in Wallymart. Will investigate further.
Thanks everyone for their helpful advice!!
(I did however purchase a DeWalt set of power tools today. The wife wanted to buy me a tool belt. Next will be a tight white vest and blonde crew-cut and she'll have her very own Mike Holmes, lucky girl!!)

nikki dreaming

Bellanova

Oh I can't wait for the Mike Holmes impression, what time you getting in tonight??

Big Stevo

You'll be asleep my dear, but I can wake you up with some drilling if you like!!

woodmanbg

We have 8 acres and some is a little steep so we had to go for power also and ended up with a Husqvarna (? spelling). It has done a good job and can recommend but expensive.

Novocastrian

Ah, but does it have a block heater?

bodgerx

...or snow tires?

Incidently, just how long does the novelty of a ride-on lawnmower take to wear off?