If you were buying a lawn tractor what would you get?

[General Lee]

I'm not sure I can get another season out of my Craftsman riding mower and need/want to look into something else. I don't need a top of line mower, not much grass on my wooded lot. But I do want dependability, best bang for the buck.

What is a good buy these days? I've lost confidence in the mowers the big box stores sell and I haven't had to shop for a riding mower for 12 years.

 

[rsewill]

Zero turn will make you wonder why you waited so long. All the manufacturers make good machines. I like my Deere Z425 for my half acre.

 

[Red Horse]

Not sure how much grass you mow, and it looks like you have plenty of "tractor" for your heavy work. To get to your question, one of my kids upgraded his Ztrak and I bought his old 655 Ztrak (at an inflated price) . Needless to say my Landpride rear mount is for sale. Can't beat a zero turn in my book IF you don't need the versatility that a garden/lawn tractor provides.

 

[Egon]

Go Automated! Two sheep.

 

[General Lee]

No, I don't need the versatility of a lawn and garden tractor. I have a feeling a zero turn will be to much I'm willing to shell out for a mower. I haven't priced them though, any decent "harry the homeowner" ones for @ 2 grand? I mow about 3/4 of an acre, and its not thick healthy grass either.

 

[Red Horse]

No, I don't need the versatility of a lawn and garden tractor. I have a feeling a zero turn will be to much I'm willing to shell out for a mower. I haven't priced them though, any decent "harry the homeowner" ones for @ 2 grand? I mow about 3/4 of an acre, and its not thick healthy grass either.

I was talking "clean used".

 

[creekbend]

I have a Sears riding mower that is 7 years old. I just finished mowing with it today-1 1/2 acres. If I won the lottery, I would buy a Husqvarna zero turn. One of my Brothers has one, and that mower is well made and mowing with it really gets the job done fast.

 

[DT86]

What about a 3pt finish mower for the 'bota? You could get a 72" for about $2300 and not have to mess with changing oil in yet another engine, hauling gas, ect.

 

[aczlan]

I have a Sears riding mower that is 7 years old. I just finished mowing with it today-1 1/2 acres. If I won the lottery, I would buy a Husqvarna zero turn. One of my Brothers has one, and that mower is well made and mowing with it really gets the job done fast.

I used to work on Husqvarna zero turnswhen I was a mechanic for lawn care company... I'll take a eXmark over ANY of the Huskies that I worked on ANY day of the week. They are MUCH better built.
Back to the subject at hand, not sure where you are, but around here, you will have a hard time finding a decent zero turn this time of year for $2000.
You could probbaly find a Deere 300 or 400 series garden tractor, or a Cub Cadet GT3000 series in that price range. Either can be found (with just a mower deck) for ~$2000 with plenty of life left in my area.

Aaron Z

 

[buck12]

I would look for a good used mower. By good used I mean a non box store mower. I bought a used JD gt 235 six years ago for $1000. It has given me great service other than the cheap plastic hood. I figured I could spend $1500 for a new box store mower or $1000 for a used better grade mower.