Done with craftsman, looking at Cub and Deere, need help

[JoelD]

I'd think long and hard before dropping $3.5K on a gas, riding lawnmower.

You can purchase a used diesel tractor or used commercial ZTR for that kind of money or not terribly much more.

I'd look long and hard for a good used machine before spending that kind of money on a gas riding lawnmower, if spending $700, that's a totally different ball of wax.

personally, and no offense to anyone, I couldn't imagine dropping $3.5K on a gas riding mower with no three point, no true frame, small front spindles, etc.

I purchased a 1970's Kubota B6000E three or four years ago for under $3000 with rear finish mower, tiller and york rake, put 100's of hours on it and then solid it for what I paid.

Look for used cubs like the GT, I bet in short order the machine is worth a fraction of its purchase price. I know little about that particular market but I'd be pleasantly surprised if I'm wrong.

I'd be looking for used commercial zero turns or the like. I bet would easily out last the cub.

my 2 cents.

The only commercial grade piece of machinery I've owned that failed on me was a 1950's case 310 crawler loader that was gas, had no air cleaner for years and finally gave up the compression ghost. Kick in the pants was, the hydraulics, pump, valve and all still worked strong and drip free.

You can't compare the stamped out homeowner stuff to the commercial stuff, used commercial is worth double new homeowner.

Think about it, what do you think the cub you are looking at would be worth used three years from now? There is a reason for that.

Joel

 

[jenkinsph]

Worth the drive. Worth renting a trailer. Seller did offer to deliver for a small fee.

I would definately check this out before deciding. I looked for quite some time for a good used mower but in the Southwest finds like this are few and far between.

 

[Dax]

I would definately check this out before deciding. I looked for quite some time for a good used mower but in the Southwest finds like this are few and far between.

I called and left a message, hope to hear back today. I intend on investigating this before moving forward, but I am not as comfortable looking at used from a private seller. I do not know enough to accurately gauge the fitness of a used mower. I should have said that from the start. The problems I have had looking used was because I was looking at what the local dealers had for used equipment so if I run into a problem I have a dealer I trust to work with.

As of now here is where I am at:

Cub Cadet 2050 $3,799 from a local dealer I know and trust, less then 5 mins from home.

John Deere x320 $4,200 from a local dealer 15 mins from home. I do not know this dealer as well and, fair or not, they seem to care more about their agriculture side then Joe Homeowner. Another location of the same dealer is geared to the homeower side and a great to work with, but they would not be the location that does any service.

Simplicity Broadmoor 46" $3,899 This dealer is about 20 mins from the house and aside from a very good phone conversation I know nothing about them. They have 60+ simplicitys in stock, which at least tells me something. This uses the k57 tuff torque, but I am not sure how that compares to the k58 in the x320 and the cub BDU-10?

Kubota: just too far away. Over an hour drive to a dealer I have no experience with.

So, assuming I go new and understanding that my main concern is getting 15-20 years out of the mower which of these would fit the bill? Or would all of them?

 

[powerstroke444e]

If it was me and I didn't want used I would go with the Deere 2 neighbors have that machine and have had no problems. I had several bad experances with CUB back in the 90's and have not been around them since. I do like the Simplicity line and the local dealer in these parts seems to move alot of them, and they leave a great looking yard.

 

[jenkinsph]

I called and left a message, hope to hear back today. I intend on investigating this before moving forward, but I am not as comfortable looking at used from a private seller. I do not know enough to accurately gauge the fitness of a used mower. I should have said that from the start. The problems I have had looking used was because I was looking at what the local dealers had for used equipment so if I run into a problem I have a dealer I trust to work with.

As of now here is where I am at:

Cub Cadet 2050 $3,799 from a local dealer I know and trust, less then 5 mins from home.

John Deere x320 $4,200 from a local dealer 15 mins from home. I do not know this dealer as well and, fair or not, they seem to care more about their agriculture side then Joe Homeowner. Another location of the same dealer is geared to the homeower side and a great to work with, but they would not be the location that does any service.

Simplicity Broadmoor 46" $3,899 This dealer is about 20 mins from the house and aside from a very good phone conversation I know nothing about them. They have 60+ simplicitys in stock, which at least tells me something. This uses the k57 tuff torque, but I am not sure how that compares to the k58 in the x320 and the cub BDU-10?

Kubota: just too far away. Over an hour drive to a dealer I have no experience with.

So, assuming I go new and understanding that my main concern is getting 15-20 years out of the mower which of these would fit the bill? Or would all of them?

In 15 to 20 years time you could have trouble with any of them no guarantees there. The 455 is a much more expensive and heavy duty build to start with, I don't see much difference betweeen buying private and buying used from a dealer. When you buy used it is better to have some experience but it also helps when buying new too.

Sight unseen it would be impractical for any of us to give a useful opinion on the used 455, I can only tell you a new x749 the new replacement is about $13,000 with sales tax. As you can deduce the 455 would have more capabilities than a lower cost unit.

Buying new I would still think the x320 will work well for you, can't comment on the others since i have little experience with them.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You get what you pay for, especially with a mower. Skip the Cub. My neighbor has about a 2006 50" ZTR Big POS. Anything with a stamped deck is lower end.

Spend your money on a Bad Boy ZTR. They make a unit that is near your budget. If not get a good used commercial ZTR from any of the major makers like SCAG, FERRIS, BAD BOY, ect. Something with a Kawasaki and under 1000 hours will last you twice as long as a new Cub.

Chris

 

[amaxwell]

1+ on the good used commercial ZTR. Exmark would be my first choice,but Scag,ferris,bobcat,or great dane are also quality mowers.

 

[mostly_gas]

I have a 97' Agco Allis (Simplicity rebadged) with 500 hours. The 44" stamped steel deck has had one broken weld (snagged a tree stump). The air cooled 16 hp B & S engine has required one fuel pump other wise just normal maintenance. The HydroGear IZT trannie has had several stuck brakes episodes until I adjusted the brake. I use it as a trim mower, and it still cuts the grass well. I would expect the current offerings to work as well for you as they have for me.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I called and left a message, hope to hear back today. I intend on investigating this before moving forward, but I am not as comfortable looking at used from a private seller. I do not know enough to accurately gauge the fitness of a used mower. I should have said that from the start. The problems I have had looking used was because I was looking at what the local dealers had for used equipment so if I run into a problem I have a dealer I trust to work with.

As of now here is where I am at:

Cub Cadet 2050 $3,799 from a local dealer I know and trust, less then 5 mins from home.

John Deere x320 $4,200 from a local dealer 15 mins from home. I do not know this dealer as well and, fair or not, they seem to care more about their agriculture side then Joe Homeowner. Another location of the same dealer is geared to the homeower side and a great to work with, but they would not be the location that does any service.

Simplicity Broadmoor 46" $3,899 This dealer is about 20 mins from the house and aside from a very good phone conversation I know nothing about them. They have 60+ simplicitys in stock, which at least tells me something. This uses the k57 tuff torque, but I am not sure how that compares to the k58 in the x320 and the cub BDU-10?

Kubota: just too far away. Over an hour drive to a dealer I have no experience with.

So, assuming I go new and understanding that my main concern is getting 15-20 years out of the mower which of these would fit the bill? Or would all of them?

$400 more for the Deere may be the best money you ever spend. A Cub is more of an 8-10 year purchase. It will not last as long. I have a great dealer and he managed to sell most everyone in my neighborhood a mower. Almost half have moved on to another model. Mine is just like the one you are looking at, and it only has about 160 hours. I doubt it will make 400.

 

[Gittyup]

I called and left a message, hope to hear back today. I intend on investigating this before moving forward, but I am not as comfortable looking at used from a private seller. I do not know enough to accurately gauge the fitness of a used mower. I should have said that from the start. The problems I have had looking used was because I was looking at what the local dealers had for used equipment so if I run into a problem I have a dealer I trust to work with.

As of now here is where I am at:

Cub Cadet 2050 $3,799 from a local dealer I know and trust, less then 5 mins from home.

John Deere x320 $4,200 from a local dealer 15 mins from home. I do not know this dealer as well and, fair or not, they seem to care more about their agriculture side then Joe Homeowner. Another location of the same dealer is geared to the homeower side and a great to work with, but they would not be the location that does any service.

Simplicity Broadmoor 46" $3,899 This dealer is about 20 mins from the house and aside from a very good phone conversation I know nothing about them. They have 60+ simplicitys in stock, which at least tells me something. This uses the k57 tuff torque, but I am not sure how that compares to the k58 in the x320 and the cub BDU-10?

Kubota: just too far away. Over an hour drive to a dealer I have no experience with.

So, assuming I go new and understanding that my main concern is getting 15-20 years out of the mower which of these would fit the bill? Or would all of them?

If not the 455, then check out the 400. Guy says it's completely refurbs. If so, it would be a good choice too.

When you check out the 455, make sure the engine is cold (place hand on engine before starting it). Tell the seller you want to start it from cold os he doesn't run it before you come. Then see how it starts and check for smoking. Should only blow maybe a little puff of smoke on first turn over. Then look for leaks. Operate the hydraulics (raise/lower deck, steering hard L/R) against the pressure reliefs and listen. Should ony hear a little whine as it hits the stops. Check the rear u-joints on the AWS (if so equipped) inside of the wheelwells for grease and play, and drive it while turning back and forth to check for steering play. If you can, drive up hill in both forward and reverse. After it warms up, turn on the mower deck. It should start with a slight shutter, then run smooth with little vibration. Ask to see any service records. Look at the fluid condition in the engine and tranny at the dipsticks. Check that the cage wheels have been greased and spin freely. The tranny should whine just a little when in motion and when you remove your foot from the forward/reverse pedal, the tractor should stop immediately without braking, unless on a good incline. it will roll a little on an incline. Set the park brake and gingerly try to go forward or reverse just a little bit. Tractor should not go, but tranny will start to whine.