Which riding lawnmower ?
Apr 18, 2023 15:18:31 #
My brother's Craftsman mower is leaking oil from the engine and soaking the drive belt. Not good news. We want to get a good riding mower with a good warranty from a reputable company that stands by their products, etc. We might want to get a zero turn mower. My neighbor has a Toro zero turn mower with a 2 year warranty he bought for $4,000 that he is pleased with. His has a 56 in. cut. We will probably stay with a 42 in. cut. Has anyone got any recommendations or opinions about brands, type, etc. from experience, good or bad ? It should be gas, not electric.This is your chance to complain or compliment.
Apr 18, 2023 15:42:46 #
We bought a John Deere Z355e zero radius late last summer and so far are very pleased with it. $3,400 new, 48” cutting deck.
It has a Briggs and Stratton motor, if you go bigger and more expensive you can get one with a Kawasaki motor.
The only downside is it’s a little louder than I think it should be but I always wear hearing protection any way.
We mow about 1-1/2 to 2 acres with more obstructions in inconvenient places than you can shake a stick at takes less than an hour. Way less if you want to.
It has a Briggs and Stratton motor, if you go bigger and more expensive you can get one with a Kawasaki motor.
The only downside is it’s a little louder than I think it should be but I always wear hearing protection any way.
We mow about 1-1/2 to 2 acres with more obstructions in inconvenient places than you can shake a stick at takes less than an hour. Way less if you want to.
Apr 18, 2023 15:51:32 #
I had to get a new mower last spring. I use a 42 also because I have some long areas near ditches and rock walls needing that smaller width. Prices were higher than hell and inventory short.
What I found was the new Craftsman is a Cub Cadet. They get made by the same plant/manufacturer.
I was looking at both brands. No Cubs of the model I wanted in stock anywhere. But for $300 less you can get a Cub Cadet painted red with a Craftsman label on it. Go figure.
Best riding mower I have ever owned. Gives a great cut, powerful smooth transmission. Highly recommended.
Picked it up at Lowes.
What I found was the new Craftsman is a Cub Cadet. They get made by the same plant/manufacturer.
I was looking at both brands. No Cubs of the model I wanted in stock anywhere. But for $300 less you can get a Cub Cadet painted red with a Craftsman label on it. Go figure.
Best riding mower I have ever owned. Gives a great cut, powerful smooth transmission. Highly recommended.
Picked it up at Lowes.
Apr 18, 2023 15:54:56 #
RodeoMan
Loc: St Joseph, Missouri
You can get advice from all across the U.S. but the fact is you will be using this mower in the specific area of North Carolina (assuming you're still there and if not then you're somewhere else) and you will have to get service and repairs in your area. That said, I'd be wanting to know if the place that is willing to sell me a rider is also willing to stand behind its sale when it comes to service and repairs. I also might look around to see who is doing lawnmower and small engine repair in your area and talk with them. I assume you will be removing and changing your blades for sharpening or replacement (deck belts as well). You might want to see what this entails. Your brother also might want to have a repair person take a look at his mower in case it is something that can be fixed at a reasonable cost. Lastly, if I had a camera problem, I wouldn't be asking the folks in the lawn and garden chat room what I needed to do.
Apr 18, 2023 16:09:32 #
Apr 18, 2023 16:12:06 #
Did some research a couple of years ago and decided that the Hustler Raptor with the 42 inch deck fit my needs very well. I’ve got a 48 inch gate that I need to get thru, and the 52 inch deck was too big. Have to pull off the chute on the side that takes the grass from the deck and sends it to the rear bags, but other than that it’s been a workhorse. I bought mine from Home Depot, but if I had to do it all over again, I would get it from an authorized local dealer just in case any warranty work is required.
Andy
Just be careful when using a zero turn, cause they can really tear up the turf, especially when it’s wet.
Andy
Just be careful when using a zero turn, cause they can really tear up the turf, especially when it’s wet.
Apr 18, 2023 16:28:11 #
popheizz
Loc: berks co., pennsylvania
cameranut wrote:
My brother's Craftsman mower is leaking oil from t... (show quote)
I have a Cub Cadet Steering Wheel Z-Turn, I ha e a hilly lot and that's what they're made for. Besides, I ca d drive one-handed. And, I have a 54 inch snow plow for it.
Apr 18, 2023 17:44:43 #
Have used Hustler mowers for years on a college campus. Dependable, very durable and easy to work on. (I was the mechanic and also helped with the mowing). Have a Hustler Raptor for my personal use.
Apr 18, 2023 19:47:33 #
I was checking out Consumer Reports and they listed John Deere as :"Best Bang For Your Buck." I'm trying to get some prices but the dealers don't seem to want to list them. I have one vote for JD. Thanks for your input.
Apr 18, 2023 20:01:01 #
Yes, I'm still in NC. Can't afford to move to the desert with sand and cactus and no grass. I think the warranty is about 90% of it all because most any mower will probably start and run when you first get home with it. I just want to get it straight from the horses mouth, so to speak, instead of a dealer who is trying to make a sale. Don't take the horses mouth as an insult. I love horses and I think they are beautiful. Oh, by the way, not everyone owns a camera (poor things don't know what they are missing) but most people have a yard to mow. 
Apr 18, 2023 20:04:58 #
Haven't heard of that one. Will check it out. Bullet proof ? Must be in a rough neighborhood. 
Apr 18, 2023 20:08:46 #
Grump's Photos wrote:
Did some research a couple of years ago and decide... (show quote)
I'll Google that name and see what comes up. Haven't heard of that one. I want at least a 2 year warranty where they will pick up the mower if there's a problem.
Apr 18, 2023 20:11:23 #
popheizz wrote:
I have a Cub Cadet Steering Wheel Z-Turn, I ha e a hilly lot and that's what they're made for. Besides, I ca d drive one-handed. And, I have a 54 inch snow plow for it.
Thanks for replying. I'll be checking the prices of these also. Looking for something under $4,000.
Apr 18, 2023 20:16:00 #
ghbowser wrote:
Have used Hustler mowers for years on a college campus. Dependable, very durable and easy to work on. (I was the mechanic and also helped with the mowing). Have a Hustler Raptor for my personal use.
You are the 2nd. one to mention that brand. I'll have to check that one out. 2 votes for Hustler so far. Hope they still make them. Some things get discontinued.
Apr 18, 2023 20:22:36 #
Properframe wrote:
I had to get a new mower last spring. I use a 42 a... (show quote)
My brother can get a veterans discount at Lowe's so we will be looking there and comparing prices. Thanks for responding. I got 2 votes for Cub Cadet so far.
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