Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
Jul 22nd 2018, 1:51 pm
#1
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Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
We had a Sears Craftsman for over 20 years and it was maintained and babied along by M and served us well. Then we got drawn into the "John Deere is the best" clique and for the last 8 years have regretted it. Enough, it's time to find something that makes life easier. We have one acre to mow in Texas humidity and heat and we are getting older so reliability is a must. Probably looking at a "Z" turn (?) if that is the correct term.
So give me your experiences and any recommendations you might have or any for sure no-no's!
So give me your experiences and any recommendations you might have or any for sure no-no's!
Jul 22nd 2018, 1:55 pm
#2
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
Won the lottery recently? https://www.ventrac.com/products/tractors/4500p
Jul 22nd 2018, 2:16 pm
#3
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
Won the lottery recently? https://www.ventrac.com/products/tractors/4500p
When their website says to explore their financing soloutions........haha! The four Seasons model looks amazing but I don't know what 4 seasons are anymore!
Jul 22nd 2018, 2:24 pm
#4
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
We've had a John Deere for about 14 years, mostly trouble-free.
Last year had a gummed up carburetor. Bought a new carb, fitted it and still running well.
You can get a lemon whoever you choose.
The term you're looking for is 'zero-turn'. Turns 360 degrees on the spot.
Last year had a gummed up carburetor. Bought a new carb, fitted it and still running well.
You can get a lemon whoever you choose.
The term you're looking for is 'zero-turn'. Turns 360 degrees on the spot.
Jul 22nd 2018, 3:06 pm
#5
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
Which ever brand you choose buy from a dealer and not big box stores. Models made for the big box two are a different quality (hence the lower pricing) than models carried by dealers.
For a zero turn I would look at Cub Cadet
For a zero turn I would look at Cub Cadet
Jul 22nd 2018, 3:12 pm
#6
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
I bought a second hand John Deere from the previous owner of the house near Toronto we bought on 3/4 of an acre in 1993. I think I paid $C3000 for it then.
In 2015 when we sold the house, the JD was still going strong and I sold it to a neighbour for $C1000.
In 2015 when we sold the house, the JD was still going strong and I sold it to a neighbour for $C1000.
Jul 22nd 2018, 3:35 pm
#7
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
We bought a Troy Built (unfortunately, cannot afford a zero turn) and have had to have it in for repair twice over the last year. Definitely not worth the money spent. Next one, if there is a next one, will be a John Deere.
Jul 22nd 2018, 4:12 pm
#8
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
We've had a John Deere for about 14 years, mostly trouble-free.
Last year had a gummed up carburetor. Bought a new carb, fitted it and still running well.
You can get a lemon whoever you choose.
The term you're looking for is 'zero-turn'. Turns 360 degrees on the spot.
Last year had a gummed up carburetor. Bought a new carb, fitted it and still running well.
You can get a lemon whoever you choose.
The term you're looking for is 'zero-turn'. Turns 360 degrees on the spot.
It's been a very expensive lemon and we have come across a lot of friends and neighbors who now won't touch JD anymore for any of their small acreage land.
Jul 22nd 2018, 4:16 pm
#9
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
We have looked at the Club Cadet and like it. We are going to look at Husquanna (sp?) as well.
Jul 22nd 2018, 4:21 pm
#10
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
When it constantly breaks down half way through each cut and I see M pushing it back to the garage in 106 degree heat then it's time to spend some money.
So guess what his 65th birthday present will be in August!
Jul 22nd 2018, 6:31 pm
#11
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
Take a look at Hustler zero turn. I know JD makes different models to sell in big box stores but I don’t think Hustler does. I got mine at Lowes two years ago and like it. Would never go back to a lawn tractor type. Mine has a 22hp Koehler engine but the ones I saw recently at Lowes had Kawasaki engines which is probably better. You can compare prices of Lowes versus a dealer which the dealer would have better service which is mostly non existent with Lowes. Also check out Gravely excellent mowers with many professional models and others more for home owner all good. You will love a zero turn but it will take a little getting used to. I taught my wife to drive it and she now cuts the yard. It’s actually fun with a zero turn and takes about 1/2 the time of a lawn tractor.
Jul 22nd 2018, 8:18 pm
#12
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
Features to look for are ruggedness of construction especially a heavy welded mower deck versus a thin stamped steel one. I also prefer a narrower cut 42” max so they only have two blades versus three. Less complicated and easier to maneuver around trees and flowers. As for the Gravely you won’t find them in big box stores but both Hustler and Gravely make heavy duty professional models and also some excellent ones for less intense use.
Jul 22nd 2018, 11:16 pm
#13
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
Take a look at Hustler zero turn. I know JD makes different models to sell in big box stores but I don’t think Hustler does. I got mine at Lowes two years ago and like it. Would never go back to a lawn tractor type. Mine has a 22hp Koehler engine but the ones I saw recently at Lowes had Kawasaki engines which is probably better. You can compare prices of Lowes versus a dealer which the dealer would have better service which is mostly non existent with Lowes. Also check out Gravely excellent mowers with many professional models and others more for home owner all good. You will love a zero turn but it will take a little getting used to. I taught my wife to drive it and she now cuts the yard. It’s actually fun with a zero turn and takes about 1/2 the time of a lawn tractor.
Jul 23rd 2018, 4:43 am
#14
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Re: Buying new Ride on Mower. Most reliable?
Hire a service.
