What's a good riding mower brand to look at?

[shovelmike]

My zero turn Grasshopper has a trailer hitch option, guess what it is for??

SR

There is a hitch option for Hustler too, I grabbed a piece of angle iron and made one.

 

[Al 2]

To Mapper. Please explain why we shouldn't buy from a 'big box store". Thanks

 

[tomplum]

I'm a tractor guy too. A rider that checks all the boxes is a Deere X series w/ their 48" Accell deck. You can get this in an all wheel steer. Know that the rear bagger will be a powerflo system w/ a powered price tag. These are real nice tractors and decks though. Kawasaki engine. Kubota makes a nice 48" unit, will use a Powerflo type bagger system.
If you wish something more inline w/ what you have- just larger: A Deere S240 w/ 48" Kawasaki engine. You may be able to get a Husqvarna w/ a Kawasaki engine in a 48". That's what we have at home. Husqvarna's like to hold onto the grass under the deck- but are a well made deck. The tractor itself is similar in quality of your 120. Deere's E series have a good 48" deck which does not use a Powerflo system. This will have a twin Briggs engine though. I'm OK with recommending a Briggs twin, not so much their singles. I get though once a guy has been soured, you don't want to be bit again. Simplicity is made by Briggs. MTD / CUB /Troy are all cousins. Their 50" deck is pretty decent and would be similar in build quality to what you have.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Consumer level stuff is really limited to about two, MTD or AYP regardless of the color or brand name label. The width of the deck you're looking for will add significant cost.

How 'open' on budget. Some of the SCUTs can be had for around 10-12K with a mower if you catch the right promo.

Not much left for consumer. Everyone is switching to zero turns so tractors are hard to find.

$3000 tractor-replace every 5-6 years
$8000 zero turn-Should last 10 plus years
$12000 sub compact-should last until you are tired of it

 

[Jchonline]

Get a real ZT. You wont be disappointed. We switched a few years back and can mow faster with 1 ZT than 2 ppl on riders.

 

[Jchonline]

To Mapper. Please explain why we shouldn't buy from a 'big box store". Thanks

First, because these places dont really work on the equipment. Second, because they often are made with incredibly cheap parts and break down. I mean you really should not buy a piece of equipment from any seller that doesnt stand behind and repair/service said equipment. When I say equipment I mean something bigger than a push mower.

I would never buy a cub cadet anything. I mean a push mower is 1 thing, but a machine you want to last 10 years and be productive mowing 3 acres? That is another.

 

[Al 2]

I agree, Jchonline , as far as all the other makes are concerned but I see no reason not to buy a John Deere from a big box store. I realize they don't service them and I'm ok with that. I think the reason most buy from a box store is convince only. I have no problem taking it to a dealer for warranty if it was ever needed (no issues at all for a few years) but it's a 3hr return trip for me.
Here's an old thread about Snapper lawn mowers and Walmart some may be interested in.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/lawn-garden-equipment/277082-snapper-says-no-walmart-then.html

 

[RandyT]

I agree, Jchonline , as far as all the other makes are concerned but I see no reason not to buy a John Deere from a big box store. I realize they don't service them and I'm ok with that. I think the reason most buy from a box store is convince only. I have no problem taking it to a dealer for warranty if it was ever needed (no issues at all for a few years) but it's a 3hr return trip for me.
Here's an old thread about Snapper lawn mowers and Walmart some may be interested in.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/lawn-garden-equipment/277082-snapper-says-no-walmart-then.html

At this point the Snapper by Walmart, Murray, Ariens, Toro consumer, Troybilt, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman riders, push mowers, trimmers, and chainsaws are all MTD