Lawn Tractors

[Timmy59]

When we bought our 10 acre place 3 years ago, we bought a Husqvarna, we bought it because we could finance it for $53 a month.. 48" deck, tight turn and advertised a fast.. The 22 or 24 HP briggs runs fine.. I have put it thru the wringer, this place was a former horse place and the number of ropes, halters, saddle pads the mower found was unbelievable.. Not to mention pipe broke off near ground level.. I had replace SEVERAL deck spindle housings, due to finding things that you don't want to find.. Blades and deck belts, ALL of which I buy off of amazon for much less than the dealer.. Since that time we also bought a 40 hp tractor so now we're a bit nicer to the lawn mower..

 

[Aries]

I've had a Craftsman and currently have a Cub Cadet, and based on my experience I'd lean toward the Cub Cadet. I'd buy another one if the deal is right, with no hesitation.

 

[chuter]

We have 3.5 acres and I started out with a tractor style mower. Our property has some pretty rough spots due to spotty grass.
Now I've got a 52in Ferris, and it make a big difference. I wish I could have afforded the independent front suspension model, I'm not really impressed with the suspension on the one I've got. But it's still a huge improvement over riding that tractor mower.

 

[CorpsVet]

John Deere X300, not from Lowes, etc. but from JD dealer, will cost more but last forever. I have 5 acres and used "cheap" riders for years, had to replace about every 4 years. Went with JD and am on my 6th year and still running great

 

[SlugSlinger]

There’s really not much difference in the cheap big box store mowers and they are likely manufactured in the same plant with cheap motors made in Mexico. They are made as cheaply as possible and are intended for 2-4 years of light use and then thrown away. You truly get what you pay for when it comes to mowers.

I saw the same model cub cadet at tractor supply on sale for $1,799 in Owasso. Also, find yourself a Lowe’s 10% off coupon if you buy from Lowe’s or Home Depot. Home Depot will usually honor the Lowe’s coupon.

 

[AKmoose]

John Deere X300, not from Lowes, etc. but from JD dealer, will cost more but last forever. I have 5 acres and used "cheap" riders for years, had to replace about every 4 years. Went with JD and am on my 6th year and still running great

2nd on the green, I have a 1983 model 318 that has been mowing 5 acres since 2001. Had to rebuild the stock Onan when I got it and was till running but leaking and smoking when I decided it was time for a rebuild or a new engine last year. Decided on putting a B&S Vanguard 23 hp in. The Hydraulics and frame will last forever on the JD's. I couldn't go with a zero turn because of the dogs liking to dig for gophers and makes for some rough mowing in spots.

 

[John6185]

Three acres? Plan on a garden at some point in the future? If that is the case, you might consider a tractor with a belly mower, the tractor can be used to pull stumps, plow, till the soil and a myriad of other things on the property.

 

[Snattlerake]

Bought a Huskvarna tractor a month ago. Mowed my small yard but tore out several stumps with the cheap drawbar.

 

[GLGAR]

Same engine, same dash and mower controls, save $100 and get the Cub Cadet. I have used a XT1 for the last year and have no complaints.

 

[dirtrider73068]

Mtd makes alot of the mowers on the market, other than husqvarna mowers are their own. So no matter if its a craftsman, or others its made by Mtd. If you have 3 acres and want a good tough mower put out the money and buy a hustler, its a welded steel deck not stamped like what you see today and has the good kawisaki motors on them. John deere is good but beware there have been alot of complaints over the decks getting bent easy if you hit something, they bend where the spindle bolts on and when it does will make it mow stair step. Plus parts for JD is through JD there are no aftermarket parts and they cost a bit as well.

Zero turn are my first choice, they are faster will fast as they run, can out maneuver riding mowers alot better hence the zero turn. Riders can be used more for pulling and what not, there is a difference in lawn tractor or garden tractor. Garden tractor has better trannys since they will be used for that pulling attachments and working them. Lawn tractor are just that for mowing and light duty pulling like a garden cart and have lighter trannys.

If you are around the Norman area come see me at lowes I can go over the pros and cons of each and what suits your needs best.