I need a new lawn mower!

[jjeff]

Had several Honda cars all Good but the worst rider ever for me was the Honda 4518, it was terrible.

Some Honda riders in the 80s seemed temperamental, finicky and over complicated to me anyway but who else sold a horizontal shaft liquid cooled twin with a rubber coupled drive shaft ie no belts to the transmission? I don't use my 3813 for mowing anymore after the PTO clutch burnt out on top of it having a thin cheap stamped deck. However It has been pretty rock solid and reliable for everything else after my stepson and I put a new timing belt on it, like pulling trailers, sprayer, fertilizer spreaders, aerator, lawn rollers, etc and I initially bought it for my young stepson at the time to learn on, however he has moved onto other things now so i still use it frequently.

 

[BillC72]

I am a big and tall shopper as well. I mowed for years with a Bad Boy zt elite with a kawasaki engine. Last year I bought a new Maverick HD. This new Maverick HD has a big block commercial Kawasaki and 4 wheel "suspension ". It is an awesome machine. The biggest difference is the new mower is 54" and the Elite was a 60....but the new one is faster so.....about the same seat time.The Maverick handles the rougher parts of our lawn pretty well.

 

[sd455dan]

Some Honda riders in the 80s seemed temperamental, finicky and over complicated to me anyway but who else sold a horizontal shaft liquid cooled twin with a rubber coupled drive shaft ie no belts to the transmission? I don't use my 3813 for mowing anymore after the PTO clutch burnt out on top of it having a thin cheap stamped deck. However It has been pretty rock solid and reliable for everything else after my stepson and I put a new timing belt on it, like pulling trailers, sprayer, fertilizer spreaders, aerator, lawn rollers, etc and I initially bought it for my young stepson at the time to learn on, however he has moved onto other things now so i still use it frequently.

I have posted the story with that mower in other threads, but agree on the 2 cylinder inline liquid cooled engine itself was Good and a smooth runner while being fuel efficient. A short list of the problems PTO clutch would brake while trying to engage the deck and could not be adjusted for clearance. the Ignition died multiple times the igniter failed as did both coils , the stator failed so no charging system and the hydrostat jerked constantly while set to a steady speed. The MTD Hydro and the Deere X500 have both been much, Much better mowers for me. I would even take the non Hydro 1976 Gilson over that Honda except for the steering system Honda did well on that.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Well, got approved for $7500, and I've worked to narrow the options down, but this is a tough choice. It was easier before the financing was approved because it felt no different than window shopping, but now I have to make a choice. Obviously the choice is mine to make, but I value the input of others.

I crossed the Cub Cadet ZTSX off the list due to price; the Kawasaki engine puts the price well out of range. I also have removed the Bad Boy Maverick HD. It seems to be a great machine, but the only local dealer is new. Like, so new his showroom isn't finished, so new his machines are being assembled and parked at his other business. I think he will do well, and I wish him well, but I am spending too much to be comfortable taking a chance on him.

This brings me to my narrowed field...

The Exmark Radius E, with a 48" deck, and the addition of a suspension seat. The engine is labeled Exmark.

The Kubota T2290KW-48, with a 48 inch deck and Kawasaki engine. I really like the seating position on it, and it's got a good transaxle, but I feel the tires may be a little small?

John Deere X390. The X390 has an adjustable steering wheel, making it the most comfortable of the X3xx machines. I'd of course get it with a 48" deck.

Lastly, there are two local used machines that I am rather interested in. Both are at United Ag & Turff, though different locations. One is a Deere X394 and the other an X580.

Obviously the X580 is a tank, and with only 20 hours on it, it seems like new. The only concern here is I'll need to drop a few pounds, my stomach is getting a little close to the steering wheel for my liking.

The X394 is awesome, but I worry about the longevity of the 4WS on my rather unmaintained and abhorrent lawn.

 

[EddieWalker]

I don't know anything about any of the models that you listed, but will comment on the Exmark being a very common machine used by a lot of lawn mowing crews in my area. When I was buying, they where on my top five list, but I wasn't real happy with the dealer. He was disorganized and the place looked like a junk yard. Funny thing, he's still in business and the Skag dealer that I bought from is out of business.

I have a zero turn and a riding mower. The riding mower is a Deere. It's no better or worse then any other riding mower, but the thing that I do like about it is how easy it is to get parts for it. I can go on Amazon and order just about anything for it, and have it here in a day or two.

I've never bought anything Kubota, but always thought of them as a top of the line brand. When I was looking at their zero turns, I read that they where having issues with their hydraulic pumps. I spoke to the mechanic at the dealership and saw at least three of them in their shop being worked on. He said that in every case, they owners worked their mowers too hard and it wasn't Kubota's fault. I didn't like that answer, so I didn't look at Kubota any longer.

If I was buying today, and I had your list, it would probably be on which dealer I liked better.

 

[two_bit_score]

Some Honda riders in the 80s seemed temperamental, finicky and over complicated to me anyway but who else sold a horizontal shaft liquid cooled twin with a rubber coupled drive shaft ie no belts to the transmission? I don't use my 3813 for mowing anymore after the PTO clutch burnt out on top of it having a thin cheap stamped deck. However It has been pretty rock solid and reliable for everything else after my stepson and I put a new timing belt on it, like pulling trailers, sprayer, fertilizer spreaders, aerator, lawn rollers, etc and I initially bought it for my young stepson at the time to learn on, however he has moved onto other things now so i still use it frequently.

TractorData.com Honda HT3813 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

 

[sd455dan]

TractorData.com Honda HT3813 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

TractorData.com Honda H4518 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

 

[jjeff]

Snow drift but I think the air cooled 80s and 90s rt, and single h series Honda gear drive garden tractors had double axle steering, factory three point, rear pto, and a mower deck.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Well, just had a rug pulled out from under me that has me pretty pissed; I now have no place under cover to store the mower. So, I'm not buying a $6k or more machine to let it go to pot sitting outdoors. Now I'm thinking of putting something on the Home Depot card and paying it off at 0% before the year is out; unfortunately Home Depot doesn't seem to have the S170, for some reason I'd have to buy that from Lowes. On the other hand, theoretically, I could get a 42" S240 for a couple hundred more. The missus doesn't trust getting a used machine, but I'm still watching CL; it might be easier if I had Facebook, but nah.

So, that's the current update.

 

[jjeff]

Well, just had a rug pulled out from under me that has me pretty pissed; I now have no place under cover to store the mower. So, I'm not buying a $6k or more machine to let it go to pot sitting outdoors. Now I'm thinking of putting something on the Home Depot card and paying it off at 0% before the year is out; unfortunately Home Depot doesn't seem to have the S170, for some reason I'd have to buy that from Lowes. On the other hand, theoretically, I could get a 42" S240 for a couple hundred more. The missus doesn't trust getting a used machine, but I'm still watching CL; it might be easier if I had Facebook, but nah.

So, that's the current update.

I'm sure your aware but hd and Lowes offers 10% off most stuff, bring in a dd214 tsc offered 15% on memorial and vets day got a brand new Hobart lx 235 stick welder on clearance plus 15% off that. You served honorably, take advantage of it imo. Btw I'm a sucker for deals lol.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I'm sure your aware but hd and Lowes offers 10% off most stuff, bring in a dd214 tsc offered 15% on memorial and vets day got a brand new Hobart lx 2350 stick welder on clearance plus 15% off that. You served honorably, take advantage of it imo. Btw I'm a sucker for deals lol.

Oh wow, good to know. Thank you.

 

[tradosaurus]

The one I have would be overkill for your lawn but the MyRide really takes the bumps and holes out of ground while mowing. Hard to feel it.

You mentioned you are Big & Tall. I did buy extensions for the handles.

You definitely DO NOT want turf tires on the rears. My mower came with the tires shown and handle wet grass much better.

 

[tacticalturnip]

The one I have would be overkill for your lawn but the MyRide really takes the bumps and holes out of ground while mowing. Hard to feel it.

You mentioned you are Big & Tall. I did buy extensions for the handles.

You definitely DO NOT want turf tires on the rears. My mower came with the tires shown and handle wet grass much better.

You confirmed a few things for me when the time for a zero-turn comes; I had yet to see handle extensions, but I figured they must absolutely be a thing. I also presumed I'd want something other than turf tires, but that's like pulling teeth, telling someone you don't want turfs on a zero-turn. I've heard some good stuff about the MyRide; do you mind if I ask how much the Toro set you back with these options?

 

[tradosaurus]

You confirmed a few things for me when the time for a zero-turn comes; I had yet to see handle extensions, but I figured they must absolutely be a thing. I also presumed I'd want something other than turf tires, but that's like pulling teeth, telling someone you don't want turfs on a zero-turn. I've heard some good stuff about the MyRide; do you mind if I ask how much the Toro set you back with these options?

Fortunately my wife's not reading this because I paid $11K. I traded in a 4 yo Toro 60" (without the MyRide) to get this one because i was tired of getting beat mowing 4 acres. I would probably get the 54" deck for 2 acres or less.

Extension Handles for Toro

 

[Graybeard315]

Hello folks,

After giving up on my 314 and sending it on down the line, I am without a mower; this hasn't been a problem, but it'll need to be rectified before we get into Spring. My lawn, if you could call it that, would currently be about an acre on a just under 2 acre property. It barely exists as a lawn, having seen much destruction over the last year, and it was a mess to begin with. However, over time it'll be smoothed out, dried out, and an attempt made to return it to normal.

Traditionally I have mowed with lawn or garden tractors; prior to moving here I had a D160 that I really enjoyed, however I found the lawn (before it's current state) beat the tractor rather hard, so I sold it before it caused any damage. That has me scratching the 100 and 200 series out of the running. That was replaced with a Cub Cadet XT3, which handled the property well, but those are no longer in production. The obvious alternative is the X500 series, but that would need to be used given their premium price. So, that leaves the X300 series; from that I've cut out the K46 machines. From there I've narrowed it down to the X380, or maybe even an X384.

The lawn tractor market is sad these days, the only real alternative to the Deere would be a Cub Cadet XT2 in the higher end. Those seem to be good machines, but the frame is similar to that of the 100/200 series Deere; they're pretty well put together, but I'm a big guy and the flex makes me a little uncomfortable.

Husqvarna isn't even in the running, their lawn and garden tractors are a bit of a farce. So I guess that just leaves the Deere X380/X384, or whatever I can find used.

Or...

I could get a zero-turn.

I've never operated one in my life, but they've taken over the market so there must be something to them. I have a few concerns; first and foremost, will my Big & Tall catalog self be able to operate one comfortably? Not far behind that, I wonder how they do on rough terrain? Mud?

I've looked around the local field, and I've found these machines. Does anyone have any thoughts on them? On zero-turns in general? How they compare to lawn and garden tractors? This will just be a lawn mower, other tasks are handled by the Kioti. That said, I've got a 10P cart I'll be able to use again.

Cub Cadet ZTS2 50

ExMark Quest X

Scag Liberty Z

Ariens IKON

Ariens APEX

Bad Boy ZT Elite

John Deere Z330R

Is there anything I'd be doing a disservice not to look at? I'm trying to stay right around 48" with the deck size. Is there anything to look for on a zero-turn that doesn't apply to a lawn tractor? Anything to avoid?

I'd like to figure this out quick enough, before the Spring rush I suppose.

JD 3032 with 72" belly mower vs. Ferris IS800 52" deck, the ZTR Ferris mows the 3.5 acres about 25% faster than the belly mower. (12 trees on the property). I added an air suspension seat and with the shock system on the Ferris does a decent job on rough ground. Only regret, not buying the 62" deck on the Ferris. GL on your search.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Fortunately my wife's not reading this because I paid $11K. I traded in a 4 yo Toro 60" (without the MyRide) to get this one because i was tired of getting beat mowing 4 acres. I would probably get the 54" deck for 2 acres or less.

Extension Handles for Toro

You know, if I run the cheapie until I put up a shed, or better if I run it until it quits- the tractor will be paid off by then; I wonder if my wife would notice the difference between a $6k mower and an $11k just by looking at it?

 

[tradosaurus]

You know, if I run the cheapie until I put up a shed, or better if I run it until it quits- the tractor will be paid off by then; I wonder if my wife would notice the difference between a $6k mower and an $11k just by looking at it?

Mine wouldn't. She only found out two weeks later when she saw an email from the loan company.

 

[sd455dan]

Heck mine offered more than they hinted they would sell the consignment for !...
In the end It was still a bargain. All in for under $2600

JD's needing a wash and some plastic repair hid a good condition X model for a reasonable price. Already put another 100 hours on it and would buy it again in a heart beat. I have a newish suspension seat I should replace the ripped stocker with or splurge on a new factory JD seat.

 

[two_bit_score]

You definitely DO NOT want turf tires on the rears. My mower came with the tires shown and handle wet grass much better.

So what would you call those tires if not 'turf tires'?

 

[sd455dan]

So what would you call those tires if not 'turf tires'?

Another reason to maybe get a mower with a rear locker.