“Classic” riding mower recommendations please

I used to do that with the rougher part of the lawn with our cows too, but we're only talking three or four at the time.

 

I'd say any hydro ariens gt, or the older s series "h" for hydrostatic, you could get a g for gear drive as well will be 800+ usd of it's in decent shape. Implements are more$$ added. I've seen a few needing work for 400-$500 but they really need a bit of work. Unless you find someone that doesn't know what they have and the real value.

 

I’ll keep my eyes open but the Ariens I’m seeing is stuff from 2016.
But you changed the engine on yours? Just a mod or some other reason?

 

Starting my eleventh year with my la105. Minor repairs....brakes, steering sector and pinion. Annual oil change with filter and grease spindles every couple times I mow. Now about an acre. When it gives me a reason to, I’ll replace it with a zero turn

 

Ariens from 2016 are homeowner grade. My mom had one around that year. It's fine, for what it is. Ariens got out of the garden tractor game after the gt series.

I had a rod on the kohler kt17 series 2 break, after like 30+ years. I'd actually say it was partially my fault as it may have gotten low on oil from a leak and it was on a side hill possibly running the oil pickup out of the oil.

 

I picked up a used Craftsman 6+ years ago off of Craigslist advertised for $100. It was built around 93. When I met the gentleman to buy it, he decided to give it to me.

I brought it home, and put a new carb on it, and it ran great. Put a starter on it, because I could. Over the last few years I have replaced the front suspension and steering, at a cost of about $300, and the blades and spindles at about $150. So all-in I have about $500-600 in it so far. I beat the snot out of that thing, and it owes me nothing. I expect it will continue to run another 10 years, and will need some parts during that time. The B&S engine is flawless.

All that to say - they are often cheap on Craigslist, and don't be scared of Craftsman.

 

I have been on the same search and it’s tough. I keep landing on mowers in the $7,000 range. I have a John Deere d140 that is 8 years old with about 100 hours on it. I despise that mower with my entire being. It’s do cheaply built right down to frame. The gas cap cannot be tightened otherwise the fuel system vapor locks..... i refused to put a new battery on it last summer, so I nascar started it wit a 3/4 inch drill.....not my wisest move but no one got hurt. The gas cap fell off once and it rained....I ran it dry to blow it up. Oil leaked and it started smoking....prayed for fire....denied. Sadly it is robust enough to keep going, but is such a cheap mower!

 

Yes sir, it is!