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Is there a good riding mower out there?

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Bill Wineman

03-24-2008 08:42:28

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Need to get a new mower. Any suggestions for something in the 20 hp and up range?

Brand, Reliability etc.

Thanks in advance

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LenNH

03-25-2008 06:38:36

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Cann't speak FOR any particular brand, but I can tell you from an unhappy experience NOT to go for the cheapo stuff. A neighbor once told me he had bought a "good little mower" from TSC. I paid $1300 for a "tractor" (great Briggs v-twin engine) and a good-sized deck. The outfit mowed well, but the mower could not take any abuse. I broke at least two "quills" (the bearing holders) when I hit something, and I think I spent hours keeping this thing running. The quills appeared to be made of pot metal, and had no strength. I recently bought a used 11-hp Ford tractor with rear-mount 3-point mower. The tractor makes me think I'm back on the farm, and the mower is sturdy and does a great job. The only problem with the rear-mount is that you have a pretty long outfit, and you have to watch that thing swinging out behind you when you're making short turns in tight places. I whacked a tree or two until I learned to slow down and watch out for obstacles BEHIND me! Slow learner, but I finally got it. This is a very small tractor, but it is built like a big tractor and COULD even be used on a very small farm with the right equipment.

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ericlb

03-25-2008 05:38:30

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

forgot to add theres a decent looking lowboy in the photo adds right now, i dont know how close it is to you , might give it a look

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ericlb

03-25-2008 05:35:31

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

im with dave, i think a cub, a or if its flat ground, even a b, with a belly mower and turf tires would be way better than any rubber band drive lawn rider, i plan to buy one of these next as i just bought a sears last year and already dont like it,it just feels 'cheap'and its very uncomfortable to drive, the seat on my old rider was better worn out than this one is new, it leaves a stripe when the grass is tall,just like my old one did,the old one was a western auto "commercial version" the rear end lasted 2 months on that one then cracked in half,they didnt cover it as they decided that it had fell out of my truck going down the road, [ it hadnt even been in my truck] give me old iron any day!

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dave guest

03-24-2008 21:22:06

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Cub and belly mower 4 acres 25 years. A and belly mower 10 acres 4 years to date.

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riverbend

03-24-2008 18:02:05

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

We have a JD RX75 that Mary has been beating the daylights out of for 15 years. Gas and blades are the biggest expense. It needs a new chute and tie rods every 4-5 years. The little IH batteries last 5-6 years.

Greg

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Chuck46

03-24-2008 16:46:14

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Bill, The best "riding lawn mower" I have ever seen is my Arab gelding. Starts with a very slight squeeze of my knees, top speed of close to 40, stops with a gentle tug, is unbeatable for fencing or getting the cows home. Terrific baby sitter for the grandkids and gives me the most enjoyable sunday afternoon or moonlight rides I can imagine. Hitch him to the buggy or sleigh and everybody has a great time. Takes me less time to clean up behind him than it would to run another machine every week, had him for 20 years without a single breakdown or repair. Good luck, Chuck

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Hugh MacKay

03-24-2008 18:22:12

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Chuck46, 03-24-2008 16:46:14

Chuck: You can train him to go behind the barn, thus eliminate the clean up behind him.

Mr Willard Ervin of Stewiake Nova Scotia, in the 1920s trained his driving horse to clip all of an acre, not touch the flowers or ornamentals and to go behind the barn for his constitutional. I'm too young to remember this, however I have heard his son tell this story.

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Chuck46

03-24-2008 20:03:45

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Hugh MacKay, 03-24-2008 18:22:12

Hugh, It would really be fun to have the time to spend with a horse, I have seen some do some pretty spectacular things. One of my dreams has been to drive a Budwieser hitch, but you know how far you get milking cows. Do anything you want-just so you are back in time for chores. Have a good day, Chuck

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Hugh MacKay

03-25-2008 03:07:44

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Chuck46, 03-24-2008 20:03:45

Chuck: Been there and done that.

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03-24-2008 16:15:58

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Bill, I would buy from a dealer that you feel is going to take care of you when you have a problem. People bragg about their box store tractors lasting 10-15 years, if I did not think it would last at least 20-25 years as a homeowner, I would think I wasted my money buying it. then it also depends on what you want your yard to look like when you are done mowing. you can get a mower that will knock it down, then you can get one that will make your yard look good when it is done. there are literly hundreds of good mowers on the market. MTD is starting to use Chinese engines, makes me want to go get one, A lot of box store mowers warranties are worth about what the paper they are written on is worth. And the quality of the older box store mowers are 10 times better than a newer ones are. I would look at a Toro, Exmark, Scagg, Dixie Chopper, Gravely, Grasshopper, some Cub Cadets, some John Deere, as some of the better ones out these that will last 20-25 years with proper maintenance.
Jim

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Ray Pell

03-24-2008 15:40:22

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

I run 7 exmark 52" mowers in my lawn maintenance company here in S. Fl. have not found a beter machine in the last 25 years. We mow about 48
weeks a year hope this helps.
Ray

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Pete in Holland, MI

03-24-2008 14:17:24

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Bought a 15 hp 42" Cub about 5 years ago. Looked at pretty much all available tractors at the time. Kept away from the K-mart & Sears lawn mowers, and had a budget of $2000. Was torn between a JD & CUB, but finally decided on the Cub. Ability to grease many of the points was a big deciding factor. Make sure the engine has a pressurized oil system & filter, and a cast iron sleeve in the cylinder (not sure if cast iron blocks are made any more.

Don't push any machine to the max, do the recommended maintenance at least at the recommended intervals, and most products will last a long time.

Why the Cub over the Deere ?

Nothing Runs like a Deere..... .from a Cub :)

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Bob M

03-24-2008 12:59:04

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

My father in law has been mowing 3-1/2 acres of orchard with a Gravely 25 HP zero turn for about 8 years now. Other than replacing the battery and the blade drive belt a couple years ago it has been absolutely trouble free.

Similarly one of my kids has a 22 HP Exmark Laser(?) zero turn. Aside from some electrical issues when first delivered it too has be trouble free.

Neither was cheap. However seems you get what you pay for...

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Lee in Iowa

03-24-2008 12:49:13

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

I'm still mowing or at least the kid is with a cub cadet model 100 ten horse. I had them look it up a while back they were made from 1961-63. I got it on my wife's great uncle's farm sale in 1990 for $130 cost $200 to have it overhauled still doesn't use any oil. Had to replace both clutches and all the tires over the years, but its mowed a lot. Lee

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big red 1

03-24-2008 12:46:38

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Bill dont be afraid of Cub Cadet based on what other some of the un-iformed may say.
Any piece of equipment is only as good or poor as the operator handles it and maintains.
We are a Cub Cadet dealer and I can tell you horror stories about them all.But there is an underlying theme-No Maitnance-Buying a 1000.00 rider to mow 5 acres-buying at big box because they maybe cheaper than the dealer or a rebate racket of some sort.
In Cubs case our 0% financing is more aggressive then Home Depots or Lowes

Go see a real dealer tell them what your expectations are make your decision based on what you need to get the job done.
Make them explain why you should buy a piece of equipment.
Your local dealer carries models not carried by big box
Support the dealer of your color choice(hopefully Cub)if it needs worked on they will support you
Randy In Iowa

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NDS

03-24-2008 15:45:46

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to big red 1, 03-24-2008 12:46:38

If you want a mower to be part of the family buy one of the expensive mowers and be prepared for some very expensive repairs when it goes down. I have a $600 MTD that was a customer return at Lowes, could not return to Lowes but 2 year factory warranty was good. Have gotten 3 trouble free years on 1 acre lawn and if it blows uo next time I use it I will junk it and get another one. Next door nieghbor has $4900 John Deere and my MTD will cut bigger ranker grass than the John Deere. Interest on $4300 difference in price will pay for another $600 mower in 3 years.

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John M

03-24-2008 13:53:27

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to big red 1, 03-24-2008 12:46:38

AMEN..... Shopped for months for a new mower, before cutting season, 2 mowers kept coming up, Cub Cadet and John Deere. I will however say that I liked the John Deere, but just cant justify the money, so ended up with a Commercial M50 Tank zero turn. I have owned several mowers and one Cub 154 for mowing, NOTHING has come close to this mower yet. I will also say that DEALER SUPPORT is another reason I bought it. I have 5 dealers within a reasonable driving distance from home, NO OTHER BRAND near me except Deere, and I refuse to go there, since they dont care about you unless you spend 1000's with them every year.

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Steven f/AZ

03-24-2008 12:45:39

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Grasshopper with Kubota engines. Ran a 721 for a few years for a friend with a 3-cylinder gas. Works great and is zero turn radius...

Link

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Tim...Ok

03-24-2008 11:11:43

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

I guess opinions vary,but I've been real happy with MTD's for the money.. I finally retired the old one about 3 years ago,it was 12 years old..had to replace one belt during that time,but that was the only repair other than flats and batteries mowing 4 acres.. this will be the 4th season on the replacement,also an MTD,the ranch king pro..similiar mower but hydro drive..it's been great so far with no problems..I suppose there are better machines out there,but I don't need them..

Tim

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dhermesc

03-24-2008 13:59:14

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Tim...Ok, 03-24-2008 11:11:43

"I guess opinions vary,but I've been real happy with MTD's for the money"

I would agree. If all you are going to do is mow - they are good for several years. The last MTD I owned I bought used - it was a Monkey Wards that turned out to be 10-11 years old when I bought it - I mowed for 5 years with it and sold it to another guy who is still mowing with it - at least 18 years old. If you are willing to take care of it you can get a surprising number of years out of them. My older brother finally killed the transmission on his Sears (MTD) - it was 12 years old and he paid $820 for it. 3 to 5 acres of mowing every year and he occassionally used it to mow off pasture edges before burning. The new one he replaced it with last summer costed the same - if he gets 20 years out of $1600 in mowers (not counting what he sold the Kohler engine off his old one for) he's not doing to bad.

To many people treat those older MTDs like old push mowers - they don't have much in them and treat them that way.

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N.D. Farmall H Pulle

03-24-2008 10:58:22

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

I am truly a IHC person but I had a John Deere Lawn mower lasted me for about 20 years needless to say I have bought my 2nd one is a 18 H. P. 48" Spin Steer also a John Deere they are quite expensive but well worth the $$$$$$. So with that said I believe John Deere is the way to go.

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old timer in Ohio

03-24-2008 10:57:30

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Hey there Bill;
Look for a GOOD used cub low-boy, with a finish mower. I think it would be better than anything "new"out there right now.
Bob
God Bless

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Ron-MO

03-24-2008 10:45:44

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

I went through the same thing last year. From what I could tell the answer is yes, but hold on to your wallet as they are expensive. A lot depends on what you want/need, but I have a lot of hills, and areas that do not lend well to a tractor and finish mower. I ended up buying a zero turn, but watch the MTD made 'junk'. Cub Cadet, Troy Bilt, are made by MTD, and do not hold up well at all for anything other than small 'city' lots that are smooth. I had a fairly large MTD (46 inch cut, 18.5 hp) that was litterally falling apart. A lot of them are thin sheet metal, and have plastic bushings in the wheels and spindles, and the variable speed drives are good for a while, but once they get some wear they are hard to keep going. Most of those are variable pulleys and belts, and slip after time. Best zero turn is the commercial mowers, and if you look around you can pick up a decent one used for a good price. I bought a Toro and so far have been pleased with it, but time will tell, and I am concerned with the wheel motors and how they will hold up over time on this one. You are on the right track, and for the type of money these things cost, and I found out you do not necessarily get what you pay for you need to do your homework. As much as I hated to do it I bought this one from Home Depot simply because I had a 10% Lowes discount which they matched. Then after the fact Home Depot messed up and instead of matching the coupon for 10% UP TO $500 max they simply gave me $500 off. Still too darned much money, but that made it a little easier to swallow. If you have a large flat area without many obstructions I would get a tractor mounted finish mower. You can literally buy a small farm tractor, and finish mower for less than a good one of these 'lawn' tractors cost.

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VAJerry

03-24-2008 10:42:57

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Super A with a 6' woods mower can't be beat.

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Jesse

03-24-2008 14:09:34

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to VAJerry, 03-24-2008 10:42:57

Amen.

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Bill Wineman

03-24-2008 10:37:47

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Good looking H. I think the wife would think it would leave too much tire print in the lawn!! The last time I drove the MTA across the yard she had a fit. I'm looking for something more in the lawn tractor size. I have thought about a belly mower for my C, but think it would be too big for most of my spaces too. I have a sicle mower on it now and cut all of the grass and weeds around the farm with it so I really need something smaller.

But if you could get that H here to Nebraska,well who knows??

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Mike CA

03-24-2008 09:30:00

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Bill Wineman, 03-24-2008 08:42:28

Bill Wineman said: (quoted from post at 08:42:28 03/24/08)Any suggestions for something in the 20 hp and up range?

How about an International Farmall H with a 72" Woods belly mower?

third party image

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HENRY E NC

03-24-2008 11:33:58

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Mike CA, 03-24-2008 09:30:00

I have had really good luck with the sears lawnmowers/tractors. I have a 21 HP 42" (10 years old.) cut that has been thru the mill. I use it to bush hog my area so I beat the daylite out of it. I also drive it about a mile daily taking the dogs for a walk. They are simple to repair and parts are reasonable and in good supply. I lost brakes on it (MY FAULT) last fall and rode it down hill thru the trees and into the ditch and bent all the steering and axles on it, and it took about two weeks to repair as good as new. I just bought my wife a new one , also 21 HP with a 46" cut for around 1300$ on sale. Love it. We live iin the mountains also. Henry

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Dick fm Iowa

03-24-2008 14:28:21

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to HENRY E NC, 03-24-2008 11:33:58

I bought a Cub Cadet 1864 (20 horse 54") from my Father's estate - it was about 10 years old. Other than occasionaly belts it mowed 5 plus acres of rough and smooth hilly ground for 10 years for me. When I saw a new Cub Cadet 22 horse with 54" cut three years ago I decided I needed an "in service" spare mower. The new one doesn't hold a candle to the old one. It has more horseposer but won't even pull the hills, the belt tensioner comes unfastened (under the mower - you have to drop the deck to reconnect). It wasn't their "best" mower but I didn't realize it had so many poor design features. Glad I kept the old one for the hard work. Dick Davis

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HossinMe

03-24-2008 14:36:58

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to Dick fm Iowa, 03-24-2008 14:28:21

Getcha a bunch of sheep and dont tell your wife nothing! Hoss

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dave2

03-24-2008 14:49:46

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Re: Is there a good riding mower out there? in reply to HossinMe, 03-24-2008 14:36:58

HossinMe said: (quoted from post at 14:36:58 03/24/08) Getcha a bunch of sheep and dont tell your wife nothing! Hoss

Shropshires. Just eat the grass and leave trees/shrubs alone. People use them here to keep Christmas tree lots clean.

Dave

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