Lawn Tractors/Mowers

 I'm in the market for a new riding mower/lawn tractor.  I mow about
3/4 acre of grass in a flat yard with few obstacles.   The only thing
that I will do with this mower is cut grass and pick up leaves in the
fall.  I may buy an airator in the future and possible a cart, but
that's it.

I may buy a cheaper model from a box store, but prefer to go with
something a little better built from a dealer that can service and
repair the unit in the future.  For me, that means Toro or John Deere
- I'm not sure if there is a Cub Cadet or Simplicity dealer in my
area.  I know many people love their Deere's, but I'm not sure that I
want to spend the $$ to get into the LT series and am unsure of the L
series' quality and general "Deereness".  The Deere dealer told me
that the biggest issue with the L series is that the front axles need
to be greased frequently.  Considering that I can get an L110 with 42"
cut and a 17.5 hp kohler for $1800, and a LT150 with a 15hp engine and
38" for $2500, greasing the front axle everytime I add gas doesn't
seem like that much of an issue.  I would appreciate other's opinions.

I don't see many people posting their opinions or experiences with
Toro riders.  I have worked with the dealer near me and have been
satisfied with his service.  The only model that he carries in my
price range is the 16-38HXL.  It is on sale for $1900 right now.

This is from the Toro website:
http://www.toro.com/home/tractors/xl/1638h.html

Please advise.

~ Wyatt

 

I wouldn't hesitate going with the L110 - greasing is not a big problem -
first thing in the spring and last thing in the fall should do it unless you
start to mow neighbors yards or brush hog with the it.  I like Kohler
engines and the 42" deck better than the 38".   I would assume the local JD
dealer sets them up and services them for the box store but you might want
to confirm this since it is not a sure thing.  No big deal if it is some
other good service outfit.

 wyattwright@yahoo.com (Wyatt Wright) wrote:

Three-quarters of an acre will wear out one of the box-store riding mowers in
only a few years. Those things are *not* built for extensive use. So you're
right to be looking at Toro or John Deere.

But they *are* pretty pricey.

Have you considered buying a used JD model from a JD dealer? That's what I did
a few years ago when my MTD bit the dust. Paid less for a used JD than I would
have for a new MTD, and it's held up pretty well -- still has a few more years
of life left in it, I'm sure.

 Doug Miller wrote:


BS. My cheap ass ($1600), 18hp B&S, 42" 3 bladed mower, Agway bought,
Murray built, garden tractor/mower has been running for over 10 years
and I have a 1 acre plot of land ( minus buildings, pool, and driveway). =

In the spring, and wet summers, I have to mow twice a week. My land is
not flat, and I climb 30º slopes on both sides of my driveway.
Additionally, the tractor serves as a platform for an attached 48" snow
blower, and is used throughout the winter, cleaning my 100', 2 lane
driveway, plus 3 neighbor's driveways. I live in NY.

 
Speaking of BS, by what definition is sixteen hundred bucks a "cheap ass"
riding mower?