Looking for a reliable riding mower, Need ideas.

[Parttimer]

I am looking to purchase a riding lawn mower. I, well mostly my son, has been using my father's craftsman 15.5 hp 42" deck. I like it but the standard shift/brake pedal is difficult for my son to reach and stay on the seat properly. I was in Lowes and he sat on an automatic troybuilt i think, it was (1400 $) and he could reach nicely. Not looking to spend more than 1,500 dollars, unless there is some substantial reason. Yard is about 2 acres of grass and alot of trees. I don't want a big deck so i can fit in some spots where we mow now with the 42". Also, I am interested in what is going on with MTD / troybuilt that i read something about in another thread alluding to something wrong. Thanks for the wisdom in advance.

Dave

 

[bontai_Joe]

Your's is a situation where ergonomics is important, because it has to fit a small operator and also fit you. Most tractors today offer adjustable seats to allow for shorter or longer legs. In your price range, there are several choices. I'd also check out the Husqvarnas and their Craftsman clones at Sears. Even Cub Cadet and Deere offer tractors in your price range. So both of you ought to go and sit on a bunch of them, adjust the seat for fit, check out what features you want. I personally don't care for the Troy-Bilt line as I remember what Troy-Bilt machines used to be before MTD took them over, but that's just a grudge on my part. If it will be just used to cut grass and light hauling of a cart, again there are many choices between $1000 to $1500.

 

[michiman]

I have always had good luck with craftsman mowers. There are some great bargains now too because its the end of the season.

 

[islandman]

Dave - I'm going out on a limb here and will advise you to look into a used Kubota riding mower on EBay or even at Kubota dealers. Get a diesel model, they are so economical to run and Kubota stuff is first class. I have a Craftsman, about 6 years old.......piece of junk and not comfortable to ride on either. Maybe the top-of-the-line Craftsman mowers are okay, but my 1999 Craftsman with 15.5 hp Kohler engine and 42 inch deck isn't much. Good luck on whatever you get!

 

[RonR]

I have a bitter taste still from the last MTD walk behind mower I bought. It fell apart.

Before I replace it, I'm planning to hit several repair shops and see if I can speak with a repair guy to find out which ones (if any) are still well built.

I might end up with a 20 yr old snapper cuz those drive units used to work well. Assuming I can get parts............

Not sure what I'd look at in a rider.........

ron

 

[DmansPadge]

Gatorboy HIGHLY recommends Craftsman.

 

[LBrown59]

My MTD Wards PowerCrap has always been a real joner.
After 11 years of greif with it I replaced it today with a Cub Cadet.

I should have gotten the CC instead of the MTD in the first place.

 

[Hard]

My MTD Wards PowerCrap has always been a real joner.
After 11 years of greif with it I replaced it today with a Cub Cadet.

I should have gotten the CC instead of the MTD in the first place.

How do you like your CC/MTD now?