Most exciting thread of the year? Let’s chat Ride On Lawn Mowers!
 

Hi Guys,

Looking to purchase a ride on lawn mower within the next couple weeks and was hoping to tap into your experience.

Brand?
Specs?
Must haves?
Anything to stay away from?

Thanks,
Dan

Hey Dan.

Gravely (vintage 1975) or nuthin’!! :biggthumpup: LOL. Photo from the 2000 and still have her. 20 HP Kohler w/ twin cylinders and beaucoup accessories including a 50” belly motor and 3 PTOs forward/middle/rear. 2nd photo is this spring cleaning up our woods with the vintage Amerind MacKissic chipper shredder (still in business).

Good luck. Watch the cheap Chinese crap!

On a serious note, how big a lawn and what else do you want to do with it?

I was about to ask the same thing Dan.

I have a Toro Timecutter 60” zero turn. I switched from a JD 425 60” tractor to the zero turn. I mow about 2 1/2 acres, so you might not need that much deck width. If you’re buying a machine dedicated to mowing, buy a zero turn. If you need other attachments, buy a tractor.

Toro bought out Exmark a few years ago and my mower was built at a former Exmark plant in Beatrice, NE. Toro builds their own engines and I understand these days that they’re building engines in both the US and China.

The Timecutter 60” is a mid range mower, high end if the homeowner line and low end of the commercial. It has the hydraulic pumps and motors of the next two models above it.

Mine is about 4 years old and so far, it’s a great mower. The cut quality is far superior to any tractor mower.

I sold for Caterpillar for 30 years, so try to buy quality products. I buy from dealers and stay away from the junk the big box stores sell.

I looked at a Skag, one of the best, but sort of overkill for residential use. I have a friend that has a Husky and likes it, but I don’t think it’s Toro/Exmark quality.

I agree how much lawn we talking about?

You can’t beat the zero turn for quality of cut and efficiency. The downside they are pretty much one dimensional. I have a compact Kubota tractor that has a belly mower, bucket and forks. It comes in really handy.

Thanks Guys! I have an acre. About 20% is wooded. There is a hill with an incline on one side of the property. Flat back yard. There's a local dealer who will be getting my business - trying to shop small for this purchase - just need help on specs.

I would like a ride on tractor because over time I'm sure I'll get accessories like a bagger, plow, small trailer. The logic in me thinks high HP is better due to the small hill? Anything else I should be aware of? What size mower deck? Property isn't huge but I'd like this to be a one time purchase for many years of use...

Thanks

I agree with Vern.

I have a Toro Timecutter zero turn with a 42" deck for a 3/4 acre lot. Had it 10 years now and still love it. Other than routine maintenance I have had zero issues with it.

A compact utility tractor with 4wd, a real frame, rear three point hitch for things like a sprayer, 60" deck like a 25 hp John Deere 2210 would be perfect for that makeup. Stay away from the stamped sheet metal frame units with spindle mount wheels parked in front at the box stores. Get heavy duty enough to drag a log and still make short work of the yard.

That tractor is so handy, but we mow 6 acres so instead of spending all weekend on it, we mow with a 45 hp Dixie Chopper with a 74" deck.

This was a nice mower for me, 2010, 48" deck, twin cylinder Kawasaki smooth and quiet. Deere mowers never die. If you are shopping new get the updated version or consider a 5 or 7 series with 54 or 60" deck.

Another possibility, new zero turn, and an older tractor for other tasks.

Bill W

After moving I needed more. The first year here I put 40 hours on this doing landscaping work with all sorts of 3 point equipment etc. Gets called in for heavy snow removal too and countless lifting tasks.
The three cylinder Yanmar diesel cut fuel consumption less than half.
Likely overkill for you but depends on what you need to accomplish.

Keep us posted Dan!