Hi folks, I'm looking for nay recomendations or warnings anyone may have about a riding mower. I'm looking for a lawnmower (I don't need tractor or a bunch of other accessories) with a bagger. i have about 3/4 acre t cut, with some small hills. I'd ideally like to spend around $1,000 (or less of course)......
thanks
-_JD
In a nut shell, find one with a cast iron steering axle. I've had more problems with cheap steering axles than from any other part & have retired and parted out ones that had good engines, decks, & transmissions for this reason. Besides, it usually follows that the ones that have the better fornt axle are better built all around.
Afternoon, JD...
I use to have a riding mower with grass catcher attachment. I cut 1 acre plus. I would usually fill 15 bags of grass clippings. Unfortunately, once a week my grass clippings were picked up, but, I was limited to 9 bags. So, I switched to larger bags and then the pickup service wouldn't pick them up because they were too heavy. It would take me an additional 1 hour to fill the bags, having dumped the clippings on my driveway.
So, let me recommend a John Deere mulching mower. Mine is the LT155. No more grass clippings, no more hassle with the pickup service and don't have to store the bags until pickup day. I also saved myself an additional 1 hour cleanup every week.
Good Luck
My suggestion is to buy from your local independent dealer. they will be familiar with your machine, can service it and will stock parts. I know everyone is on a budget and it cost less to go to a big box. I advise against it.
Your local rental shop also sells mowers. You might try them. they may not have many stock but they can order anything. I am a lot less interested in a brand name than I am in what kind of repair shop they have. All mowers need repair eventually no matter the brand or cost.
The guys at the rental shop fix mowers day in and day out and have seen just about every problem possible. My local guys sell the Toros and I been saving my money since they can be expensive. So, anyway, I like the Toros and hope to buy one for next spring. Good luck to you in your purchase.
I agree with Lawrence, buy from a mower dealer if at all possible, you'll be gald you did if any problems should arise. As to what mower to buy you really need to go to some dealers and sit on a few, try them out if possible and ask friends, family and neighbors if you can "test drive" theirs. My personal favorite is still the old tried and true Snapper. They cut very well, they are simple to maintain and (if properly maintained) last forever. I have two of them (inherited one from the inlaws) the oldest being a 1981 and they both work perfectly.I mow just over an acre of lawn. In the end though my answer is....Do your homework and buy what looks, smells and feels good to YOU.
Hope this helps Good Luck George
with 1000.00 limit, id suggest murray or sears . get a briggs engine. lucas
Check Consumer Reports at the library. In one of their last reviews, they noted that the cheap John Deeres at your local box store are not made in a John Deere factory.
They only place you're going to find a new riding mower for less than $1000 is at WalMart or Home Depot or Lowe's etc. At that price point, a lot of corners must be cut and the quality suffers.
Plan to spend about $1600 and you can get a good mower with an engine powerful enough to cut the grass properly.
About 15 years ago I bought a 4 wheel steering lawn tractor from Lowes. It had a 2 cylinder engine that was smooth as silk. It was my 3rd rider and by far the best. It had a 12 inch turning circle which was incredibly convenient. The grass catch sucked up everything and never clogged. Lowes told me that many had come back because people did not grease the steering mechanism and had problems. I had one and a friend had one and neither of us had a problem with it. So maintenence is the key, just like a car. When I sold the house with the big lot, the rider went with it. It was my only regret about moving from that house.
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