Looking at new "rider" lawnmowers...chime in!

Hey, all! The old John Deere 170 (riding mower, about 25 years old) is getting tired. I feel that soon, I shall be in the market for another unit. I mow about 2 acres, and don't use the mower for anything else (I don't plow, snowblow, till, etc with it).
Given that my knowledge is somewhat lacking, and Im sure the gearheads here know more, I thought I would see what you guys think.......

 

Bad Boy zero turn from TSC, best bang for the buck.

 

If you are looking to get another 25 yrs. from a lawn mower, better get one from a company that has a current healthy business. Seems things are often not built to last more than a few years. some things are no longer made and you are out of luck. So one with a darn good history is important. I don't more want or care to spend anymore than necessary.. Grass is cut about a dozen times a year around here.

 

+1 just bought one and it seems very well built.

 

I have a John Deere x300. Pretty awesome mower. Tight turning radius too.

 

That must be nice. I figure I mow mine about 70-80 judging by how many hours I put on my mower.

 

exactly my point....spending a couple thou on something that gets used 36 or 48 times? c'mon, that sucks. The other issue is the games played with branding these days....the Cub Cadet you get from Home Despot isn't the Cub you get from a Cub dealer, etc (supposedly). So, spend a couple thou on something I am gonna throw away in 4 years versus spend a couple thou plus $500 for something that will last 10? I will take the more expensive unit every time.

 

well, its Maine...there's still snow up there now. They have a one month growing season up in dem parts!

 

I think anything you buy at a box store is made by MTD...just has different paint and stickers. They are throw-away mowers.

 

not that I "like" throwaway mowers, but yea, I know an older dude who works on them, and he pretty much said the same thing......he's the guy who told me that the units aren't necessarily the same when ya buy from a Big Box.....

 

got some trees I mow around, a few flower beds. Hilly? a few hills, but nothing very steep. Im a traditional guy, I guess......Ie heard about hydraulics issues with those new-fangles ZT units

 

ZTs can be quick capable on hills IF you know what you're doing (keep the nose pointed uphill, never put yourself in a position where you need to back up-hill, etc). If you don't, they downright suck.

With they hydro's...you get what you pay for.

 

I guess I need you to define tired? Can you put some money into your existing mower and get another 25 years? Nothing runs like a Deere.

 

my .02 since I am I same boat, my 35 year old cub cadet is getting tired I mow yard of probably 3 acres. nothing more than 10% grade. I do have a lot to mow around trees pool flowerbeds wood piles etc. My buddy got a little Ariens, ZTR, from a mower shop.

my riders I have killed them all, JD, Toro, MTD, when I used to mow 13 acres around house once a week. Before Kubota and brush hog,

To mow 3 acres on Rider takes 2 hours and 3 gallon of gas. on buddies ZTR, takes 1 hour and about a galloon. His is a little homeowners unit but it does save time and money he's had it for 3 years now needs oil change blades etc.. maintenance but has 200 hours of mowing on it.. Just my experiences.

 

Get a couple of cows. You will be making gas rather than burning it.

 

I don't need help making gas!

 

well, where do I start? Needs new tires- originals. Electric clutch is problematic, I need to replace it. Starter is iffy. Seat is shot. Headlight is broken (but I don't mow at night anyhow!)...motor starting to snake oil. Tranny is grumpy, tends to stop and jerk. I know, I know, its mechanical and can be fixed.....buuuut the time and money involved would approach what a new units may cost.

 

you know, Ive always bought used.....my old tractor was a Panzer! maybe treat myself and buy new? I will have to modify my shed door most likely to fit a new one, but hey! why not?