I have about $3500 to $4000 to spend on a riding mower. I don't really need a garden tractor as all I do is mow. I may two a little here and there. What I really want is a mower that is going to last. My 3 acres are pretty rough...lots of slopes, uneven ground, rocks, etc. I am coming off of a craftsman that literally fell apart, even though I got 10 years out of it. I want something that will allow me to mow my yard quickly and withstand the rough terrain. I've looked at a lot and have come to the cub 2550 or 2554 and the JD x320 or x340. I have a quote for the cubs at 3699 and 3999 respectively. have not recieved my quote from jd yet and will post as soon as i do. any thoughts on the cub pricing? Also, any feedback on the two cub versus jd woul be appreciated. I saw anohter fellow in a similar situation in this site and it seemed almost everyone was recommending the cub...anything good about the jd?
$3500 - $4000 to spend on mower
- Thread starter klh92
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daTeacha
Veteran Member
Be careful about the cadets -- a lot of the newer ones are aimed at the box store market and not really what I would consider a real CC. Same with the JD 100 series, AKA the Sabre series. The major companies sometimes build or put their names on cheaper units to get into a new market segment.
Stick with a good servicing dealer and simply ask their opinion of how a particular machine will hold up under your intended useage. I think JD even rates theirs for so many years on such and such a type of lawn.
Stick with a good servicing dealer and simply ask their opinion of how a particular machine will hold up under your intended useage. I think JD even rates theirs for so many years on such and such a type of lawn.
Dmace
Elite Member
If I were looking for a rugged primary mowing machine in that price range with speed, I would go with a Zero Turn Mower. They seem to be built stronger and are definitly faster. I have seen numerous machines that look 5-10 years old still working hard with local landscaping companies.
Around here, the Ariens mowers tend to be the ones to have. I see them more than any. According to their website, the Zoom model is the one to have for up to 5 acres. Seen here
Around here, the Ariens mowers tend to be the ones to have. I see them more than any. According to their website, the Zoom model is the one to have for up to 5 acres. Seen here
VABlue
Platinum Member
For strictly mowing, you can't beat a ZTR. But if you want to do anything else, the ZTR performance will drop dramtically - if you can even do it at all.
I don't know anything about the CC's, so I won't talk about them. But the JD machines you're looking at can do the job and will last long enough to justify the numbers. You can also get Johnny Bucket loaders for them (and CC, etc). Google it... They are a nice addition for 3 acres...
I don't know anything about the CC's, so I won't talk about them. But the JD machines you're looking at can do the job and will last long enough to justify the numbers. You can also get Johnny Bucket loaders for them (and CC, etc). Google it... They are a nice addition for 3 acres...
Dmace
Elite Member
With a wider track and lower center of gravity, I would think the ZTR's are better for slopes. Is it the tight turning that makes it difficult?
daTeacha
Veteran Member
Cadet makes a more or less conventional mower that acts like a ZTR. The original style ZTR has the front wheels on casters with no connecting axle. To run it cross slope you need to goose the downhill wheel and/or ****** the uphill one while mowing, essentially crabwalking across the hill. Dealers around here do not recommend them for any kind of seriously hilly work.
As far as I can tell, the new Cadet has a special steering action on the ends of a conventional front axle. The wheels are offset further from the pivot point and hence can turn further. I think there is some trick going on with the rear axle, too, maybe something like (GASP!) turning brakes. I really haven't done much more than look at them in passing, so I won't swear by the accuracy of this information.
As far as I can tell, the new Cadet has a special steering action on the ends of a conventional front axle. The wheels are offset further from the pivot point and hence can turn further. I think there is some trick going on with the rear axle, too, maybe something like (GASP!) turning brakes. I really haven't done much more than look at them in passing, so I won't swear by the accuracy of this information.
LBrown59
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dgl24087 said:
I know it's not.
scott_vt
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Mornin Klh92,
I own a smaller ZTR and LBrown is right they are not good for slopes and uneven ground ! Im really not current on whats hot in 07 as far as lawn tractors, but my old C-125 Wheel Horse is a 1982 model Kohler engine and this thing is still goin strong. My point is that a rugged lawn tractor should fit your needs providing it has a large enough mower deck to cut your acreage along with enough HP for those hills.
I own a smaller ZTR and LBrown is right they are not good for slopes and uneven ground ! Im really not current on whats hot in 07 as far as lawn tractors, but my old C-125 Wheel Horse is a 1982 model Kohler engine and this thing is still goin strong. My point is that a rugged lawn tractor should fit your needs providing it has a large enough mower deck to cut your acreage along with enough HP for those hills.
