Riding, push, or pull lawnmowers?

[WriterDom]

I had a pull. A self=propelled one. It slung a rod. I've never had a riding mower. Both my neighbors do. I think might get one. But, that's an additional 600 dollars or so. That 600 dollars could buy some neat stuff. Very nice HD TV. Nice shotgun. Maybe a set of woods.

Riding looks fun though. Walking behind a mower isn't.

 

[TheOne007]

It really depends on the size of your yard, actually. If you have a 1/2 - 1 Acre yard, with very few obstacles, flat...you could get by with a rider. If it's under a half, then a self-propelled would be absolutely the best option.

If that's the case, I'd recommend the Honda HRX line. I would personally recommend the HRX217HXA model. Very powerful, easy to start, maintain, etc. You can buy from an independent dealer (which you may find a good deal) or Home Depot carries, and goes for about $750. Although expensive, it will be the last mower you will own.

If your looking into a rider however, try a Z-Turn. If you have a lot of trees, and the yard is flat, with no hills, you'll thank yourself, at the same turn have fun mowing. They aren't cheap, $1,500 - $3,000.

If you want traditional, dont' buy and return a Craftsman, they break down..all the time. Go Good, buy a John Deere. An L Series is good enough.

Just some recommendations, if you want trimmers, saws, etc..go with Stihl...that will be the last you'll own too!

 

[WriterDom]

It's a double lot but with two big chestnut trees and a big garden. Last was from Sears and lasted about 8 seasons. Honda might be better.

 

[TheOne007]

Honda's are great mowers. The first Honda, my father bought in 1984, and ran till 2006! Always started on the first pull, never had any serious issues...great mower. We then bought the HRX, and is a joy to mow with!

 

[NippleMuncher]

I've never had problems with Craftsman push mowers, though it sounds like your needs really are a little more serious than the typical homeowner. If you go for a rider, STAY AWAY from anything made by MTD! MTD makes nothing but garbage and has ruined the brand names (Craftsman included ) that they either own or build and private label for. Definitely go with a Honda, JD, Kubota, and there are others. Do your research before you buy to avoid headaches and hassles later on with either bad customer service or lack of serviceability.

Also keep in mind that in this economy, there is always a bunch of stuff available on Craigslist. You should be able to find a good piece of equipment at a decent price. Like cars, the mower will lose half it's value once it's loaded into the back of your truck.

 

[Bottomlover]

TheOne007 and NippleMuncher are dead on. MTD is junk, and if you want a good rider, get a Deere.

I have the top end of the L series with a 48" deck, and it does a great job on 2 acres. The mower deck sticks out far enough on the sides to get under the bushes and around the trees. It has an electric PTO clutch, which makes life a lot easier. It is extremely easy to maintain. Whatever you buy, I highly recommend an automatic transmission. The downside to this type of mower is that the front wheels roll over the grass to be cut, and this can result in some unevenness if the grass is really long.

Zero turn mowers are fun and do a great job, but are expensive due to the dual hydrostatic transmissions. I found the tractor type to be more practical for me, as you can get a little trailer for hauling stuff around the yard for $100, and I also use it with a towed leaf vac.

For a trimmer, I have a Stihl straight shaft. It is better for getting under bushes. As TheOne007 says, it is the last one you will buy.

 

[WriterDom]

I think I'd rather have a really good self propelled mower than a crappy riding one. In 15 years I might need a riding one. But for now I could probably use the exercise. I'm more of a Toyota guy but Honda is just as good.

Thanks for your help. It will be a week or two before I have the money but I can window shop at Home Depot today.

 

[RonnyJane]

Once you buy your mower, you are welcome to come cut my grass. That's why I'm here right now...putting off the inevitable day working in the yard. I pay well...

 

[dave's thing]

I had a honda ride on. Very nice, very expensive (comparatively), very bad in winter (used it for blowing snow... fuel lines kept fucking up), parts were hard to find (I live rural), great for cutting and pulling trailer. Having said all that would look at a craftsman, john Deere or ????? (shit can't remember the name) before buying another Honda.

For what ever the above is worth.
Oh yes......... riding is WAY BETTER the pushing!!!

 

[Eilan]

My in-laws had a Craftsman riding mower that gave them nothing but trouble. Every third or fourth time they'd mow with it, the same belt would break.

My husband, dad, and brother like Cub Cadets. We have almost two acres with lots of trees and stumps, and it's a three-hour job with a rider.

 

[dave's thing]

Eilan thanks... Cub Cadet was what I was thinking about. Heard nothing but good things about them.

 

[NippleMuncher]

Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Bolens, Yard Machines, and Troybilt, among others, are all well known brand names that have been bought out or are built by MTD. If you look at the machines side by side, you'll see that they are identical machines with different colors of paint. The rub is, all of these machines had a healthy reputation before MTD got involved with them. You can no longer find parts for machines that are pre MTD takeover because MTD didn't continue the design or parts, the machines have all be redesigned and cheaply built and I've yet to read a review from anyone who's had a good experience with them.

As was earlier pointed out about parts availability, it is important to purchase a machine that is readily available in your area so that when you do need parts or service, you've got a supplier/dealer who can provide it.

When it comes to power equipment, I really like Honda motors and prefer Echo over Stihl, though Stihl is an excellent and durable brand.

 

[TheOne007]

Most anything with Craftsman is built by another company...above was stated MTD.

MTD owns and runs Cub Cadet, White, Yard-Man, Bolens, and Troy-Built. I believe they also own McCullough, a once awesome Chainsaw brand..but not anymore.

One thing to note that I was reading is the electric PTO clutch. Many, MANY people start their blades at Full Throttle. BAD IDEA. Always throttle down to mid range, start your blades, and throttle up. Now i have tools and a machine shop to rebuild the PTO clutch, but a normal home owner cannot, and your looking at $150 to replace. If you remotely hear a squeal coming from you deck or something that doesn't sound just right, it's your bearings going from the clutch or the spindles on a rider (easy to fix).

Two other notes, even though some mowers have "Wash Ports" I don't recommend washing your mower deck for two reasons 1.) Mildew - If you leave your mower in an area that is warm, moist, it's a nasty nasty smell and yucky! 2.) Water can get into Sealed bearings or open bearings diminishing the life of your spindles. Get a Putty Knife from home depot, stiff (lol..i said stiff) and file a knife edge on the end. Each month, tilt your mower carburator side up, preferably with a near empty gas tank, and scrape all grass build up off. You will not only make the mower run more efficiently, (especially if you use a recycler!) but it saves the blades

Also, make sure the blades are sharp, sharpening a blade by hand is an easy job if you have a vice, otherwise, take to a mower shop and they will true the blades themselves. Never EVER grind a blade on a bench grinder, you will gauge the blade, possibly remove the "temper" (another note for metal hardness" out of the blade, or worse, even unbalance it, causing more bearing wear on the spindle, or engine for that matter!

Finally, cut at the right height, in this area of the country, we have Kentucky Blue, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, etc. You should not be cutting lower than 3". Cutting lower promotes thin blades, faster growth (yes i said it will grow faster), and ugly browned out lawns. Mow infrequently, meaning once per week is great, but it doesnt' have to be the same day each week. By keeping the lawn at 3" you will promote root growth, which is what it needs to stay strong in the winter. Also, if your the lazy type, don't try to recycle your yard when it's over a foot tall. Bag it, or discharge is best. Mow at the highest setting first, then come back and mow again at 3".

Ok...i'm not mowing anyones yards, but i'd love to have a girl in a bikini come mow mine, cause afterwords...the pool may need...ahem...stuff.

 

[RonnyJane]

All this talk of throttling, squeals, hand jobs, and grinding is making me hot! I know what I need...a YARD MAN!

 

[Submission13]

I had a pull. A self=propelled one. It slung a rod. I've never had a riding mower. Both my neighbors do. I think might get one. But, that's an additional 600 dollars or so. That 600 dollars could buy some neat stuff. Very nice HD TV. Nice shotgun. Maybe a set of woods.

Riding looks fun though. Walking behind a mower isn't.

If you don't mind pushing a mower, why bother with a riding mower. They are always a hassle, no matter what brand you buy it will need service. Worry about the riding mower at a later date, when you are less able bodied. The initial investment on a riding mower is just that, they cost a lot of money to maintain. I have used a variety of brands over the years and the only common factor is they all break. If you really want a good riding mower get a commercial grade, but that will be several thousand dollars! Zero turn mowers are a blast!