Go BottomHELP-Buying New Mower
 | mowkelter
Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2 Missouri 
|
2005-03-02 107136
Help. I am going to purchase new riding mower for myself and neighbor. Have 1 to 1.5 acre total to cut and want a riding mower to cut time to mow and get to lake. Have looked at HD L118 w/BS 22 hp Intek and have looked at Lowes Cub 1045 w/Kohler 20 hp. Have $2600 to spend on mower and bagger. Would like something that shows nice striping on lawn. What is the best way to go? Anybody have experience in this area? What are the most important things to keep in mind, ie bigger hp motor, better quality motor, rollers on deck, etc. I really appreciate any help.
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoHELP-Buying New Mower
 | Iowafun
Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 955 Central Iowa 
 Pics
|
2005-03-02 107142
Well, start by figuring out your terrain. Do you have steep hills on your place? Do you have many trees and/or obstacles to mow around. If you have hills you will need Hp to drive the mower up the hill while running the deck.
Many obstacles may mean you want a maneuverable unit like a zero-turn-radius machine.
I ran a JD 325 with 17 Hp and 54" deck for 2 years. It did a fine job with a nice cut (after I sharpened the blades). Do you need it to run any attachments? ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoHELP-Buying New Mower
| mowkelter
Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2 Missouri
|
2005-03-02 107144
Thanks for your reply. Mostly terrain is flat with some very minor slope to lawn. Not really looking to use attachments other than maybe a cart. Thanks ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoHELP-Buying New Mower
| Iowafun
Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 955 Central Iowa
Pics
|
2005-03-08 107535
I'm no expert, but my 17 hp JD325 ran a 54" deck just fine. HAd to slow down in deep stuff. I would think anything with 15 hp or more and a 48" deck or more would work fine for you. One thing to consider is how much time you have to spend mowing. A bigger deck and more power typically leads to less mowing time. I wouldn't go less than a 48" deck.
I mow about 3 acres and upgraded to a JD 4310 with a 72" deck. But that is an expensive option. But I no longer spend 8 hours or more of my Saturday mowing.
A 48" deck should get you taken care of for a year or two. The experience will tell you if you need more. The next thing is to consider hydrostat or gear drive. If you have wide open spaces so you won't be changing speed or backing up often, then gear will work fine for you. I back up a lot so I love hydrostat. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoHELP-Buying New Mower
 | yooperpete
Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1413 Northern Michigan 
Pics
|
2005-03-08 107537
Most manufacturers stop offering a bagger option on decks larger than 44". If you want to go larger, you may require the towbehind variety or one that has a vacuum attachment as it exits the deck. Most of the baggers that just have a chute coming out dumping in either a 2 bag or 3 bag hopper just behind the tractor don't work that great when the grass is wet. They plug easily. A pull behind lawn sweeper may also work but that usually means a second pass through. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoHELP-Buying New Mower
| yooperpete
Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1413 Northern Michigan
Pics
|
2005-03-08 107538
Allot of the lower end products in your price range may not have the quality and durability that you are looking for. You may want to consider a nice used upper end model from Cub-Cadet or John Deere or a zero turn model. I have lots of used lawn tractors my newest is a Cadet 1864 with 18 HP, 44 inch deck with 3 cannister bagger, hydro and power steering. You may be able to get one of these from a dealer or private seller in your area with low hours in that range. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add Photo
Go Top
Share This