Riding lawn mower

[bucketmouth64]

I'm thinking of buying a new riding lawn mower, non-zero turn. I've narrowed my choices to Cub Cadet and John Deere, with 22 hp engines. I've read some reviews that are good and bad just like any other product. But what has me thinking is some of the negative ones are saying that they don't last long, or lose power in a few years. I've been looking at the ones priced $1600-$2000. Are these not worth the money and I should consider their upper lines priced $2000-3000? I need one with a wider mower deck (46-48") and possibly buy the snow blade or the snow blower attachment. Any recommendations or experiences would be appreciated.

[rundrave]

How big of yard do you have?

 

I would stay away from the big box store models. I had a JD that was a big box model and it was all proprietary unit. Nothing was serviceable, no grease zerks etc and if you needed parts some were hard to come by or were not replaceable. And after a couple years the tranny started going bad and sure enough there was no way to service it or even drain the tranny fluid. I went and got a nicer model JD  with all wheel steer that you would get at an implement and there is no comparison, its superior in every aspect. I mow a little over an acre with a 48 deck. I would go bigger if I could but it gets the job done.

 

Also dont be afraid of buying an older but nicer model used to save some money vs buying a big box store model.

 

[Wanderer]

53 minutes ago, rundrave said:

Also dont be afraid of buying an older but nicer model used to save some money vs buying a big box store model.

 

 

+1

 

I've had pretty good luck with buying used (real) JDs rather than less expensive new mowers.  I've bought 4 over the last 17 years and still have and use 3 of them.

 

JD 318s are classics and you can often find blowers for them as well.  48 inch mowing deck and 48 inch single stage blower will kick butt on many newer systems.  Problem is, they're getting old.  Benefit is, they can be rebuilt.

 

It sounds like Bucketmouth plans on getting a unit for the long haul and being a bit of a work horse.  I recommend going green even if it means a little more green up front.  You won't need to buy another for a LONG time unless you want to.

[gunner55]

We bought a used 2011 Husqvarna with a 24 hp Kawasaki motor & a 48" deck that we are happy with. It had a 40" Berco( made in Canada & very heavyduty) blower attachment that came with it. Parts aren't a issue because of the year & the nearest(40 miles) L & M sells/ services them. It was a little spendy but barely had 100 hours on it, so it wasn't hardly broke in. I highly recommend the Kawasaki engines & hydrostatic drive in whatever model you decide on.

[Borch]

I bought a previous year's model hold over John Deere x324 (4 wheel steering) for a little over $3000 with full 3 year warranty.  Also, I know guys trade in their riders all the time with low hours.  Worth checking out.

[bucketmouth64]

Thanks for the replies, the local JD, Midwest Machine, has some used ones. I'll have to look more closely. I have under 2 acres to mow and a long driveway. Wasn't sure if I should be looking at their 100 series (like the price) or their X300 series. The snow blower is about $1400 or I can buy a blade for about $250. I asked the JD guy about what makes their product better than the competitors, and he said that all the brands are about the same in features, quality and price, not much of a difference. Which kinda shocked me what he said. I have a local hardware store that has Husqvarna and a store that's overpriced on the Cadet.

[Wanderer]

Surprised to hear that comment too!  Not much of a salesman!   Maybe the newest models of the other brands have closed the gap some?  I've always noticed a difference though.  Metal thickness, serviceability, parts availability, ease of use, etc. have always been better in green when I've compared in the past.  But it has been a few years.

 

I'd suggest the X300 series over the 100 series if the price is something you're OK with.  It's just a stronger unit all the way around.  I have an X320 and like it a lot.  It's basically the newer version of the 318.  I've kept both because I have several attachments for the 318 but the X320 rides and mows nicer and the bagger is in better shape.  I've thought about selling the X320 several times but just like it too much.  I picked up used 757 zero turn last year due to the larger yard I have now.  I can cut my mowing time down by a solid 50% with the zero turn.  It doesn't move snow worth a darn though! 

 

 

[Mike89]

 Husqvarna with a 24 hp Kawasaki motor & a 48" deck

 

that's what I have and I love it

[Musky hunter 82]

I have a Toro timecutter SS5000 with the Kohler 7000 series motor and really like it, I have a little over 2 acres I mow and have a bunch of trees also.  I wouldn't use anything besides a zero turn so much faster, but I have an old John deere 214 with a blower attachment, electric deck lift and a 48" mower deck that I picked up for $600 so I use that to move snow. 

[Wanderer]

I looked at the new X300 series this afternoon at the dealer.  They looked a little lighter duty than mine does and we're priced less than I expected.  It leaves me thinking they're changing their sales strategy a little.

 

Still fine machines but I'm happy to have what I have.

 

If it matters to you Bucketmouth, there's an auction in Garrison on the 20th that has some great equipment for your needs.  You can check the listing on line at midwestauctions dot com.  Hoheisel Auction Services.  Ted and Maggie Kostecka (Owners).