MURRAY vs. CRAFTSMAN

slammer · Jun 27, 2004

Nobody is trying to "push" anyone. The JD 100 series is not a good lawnmower. The Craftsman mowers are no better and the Murray is worst of all. I think the suggestions by the more knowledgeable members here has been pretty much all the same. Avoid the new crap and buy a quality used mower.

$1000 will not buy you a good or even marginal lawn tractor brand new but it might with careful shopping get you a good quality used tractor.

Slam

Alan L. · Jun 27, 2004

I own my second Craftsman lawn tractor in 12 years. The first one lasted 10 years with very little maintenance. When you look at it, it looks cheaper than one of the high-dollar mowers. However it mows just as well, the only difference being won't last as long and won't bring much when you're done with it. For the vast difference in price, I'll keep buying the "junk", use it 10 years and give it away and buy another one.

If I was trying to mow 3 or 4 acres every week, or was using it commercially, then I'd get a better one, but I use my tractor for the big areas.

slammer · Jun 27, 2004

( I own my second Craftsman lawn tractor in 12 years. The first one lasted 10 years with very little maintenance. When you look at it, it looks cheaper than one of the high-dollar mowers. However it mows just as well, the only difference being won't last as long and won't bring much when you're done with it. For the vast difference in price, I'll keep buying the "junk", use it 10 years and give it away and buy another one.)

Exactly! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif But I must chance your ire by saying I would wager your 2 year old Craftsman won't see 10 without extensive work. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Sorry I could'nt help myself.

Slam

Zoomie · Jun 27, 2004

If it were my livelyhood at stake, I might argue on the side of the expensive brands, but for me (and many thousands of others) its just a mower.

So when push comes to shove, for me, the Craftsman is just fine.

FWIW

slammer · Jun 28, 2004

( If it were my livelyhood at stake, I might argue on the side of the expensive brands, but for me (and many thousands of others) its just a mower.

So when push comes to shove, for me, the Craftsman is just fine.

FWIW )

Agreed. I have said the same thing several times in just the last week. People make decisions for a myriad of reasons. Some are limited finacially, some don't mind (and even enjoy) buying a mower every five years, some are just suspicious of any "name brand". Whatever the reason, it is ultimately their decision to make. But when asked for an opinion or advice It would be irresponsible to give anything but an honest opinion. Even if said opinion is dissapointing or unappreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Slam

Libertine · Jun 28, 2004

Gatorboy:

I've never heard so much discussion on deciding on two inferior brands and basing it on which one will have less breakdowns. I would buy a used commercial walk-behind (48"-60") if money is the REAL issue. 

Amen.

JEH

Libertine · Jun 28, 2004

slammer:

$1000 will not buy you a good or even marginal lawn tractor brand new but it might with careful shopping get you a good quality used tractor. 

I paid that for a 40 year old Gravely with a number of implements (mower, cycle bar mower, rotary plow, tiller etc, etc). I think the total was $1,100. Better made than almost anything made today in the US. The American consumer is oriented to crap, doesn't even understand quality and is getting what he deserves. They "expect" a piece of machinery to fall apart in 10 years. The manufacturers are just giving them what they have been trained to want - cheap and flashy. Imagine calling a glorified riding lawn mower a "tractor" - they don't even have a PTO do they?

JEH

slammer · Jun 28, 2004

( Imagine calling a glorified riding lawn mower a "tractor" - they don't even have a PTO do they?

JEH )

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I think I have ruffled enough feathers on this topic so suffice to say "agreed" and i'll leave it at that. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Slam

slowrev · Jun 28, 2004

"I've never heard so much discussion on deciding on two inferior brands and basing it on which one will have less breakdowns. I would buy a used commercial walk-behind (48"-60") if money is the REAL issue. "

Watch out about buying the used commercial units. They sell them for the reason that they are pretty well worn out and are starting to cost big bucks to keep going. I know a couple of friends that got burned on them. Yeah a big commercial unit for 1,500, looked great ran ok fot 6 months then started replacing hydraulic drive components. $3,500 later it was ok again. The next year it was motor repair time, etc.

songhunter · Jun 28, 2004

Travis,
Few things in this world are more aggrevating than a broke-down mower. Usually it breaks when it is hot and your almost finished cutting, so the yard looks like a nascar track with high grass in the center.

My dad cut two acres every week during mowing season for 10 years with an MTD he bought from Lowe's in 1991 for $999. It had a 42" cut, 12.5 hp B&S, and gear transmission. He spent most of his Saturdays mowing grass. He said he enjoyed it. By the time I had to start cutting his grass for him, the MTD was worn out. The front axle was so far gone it would hardly steer. I don't enjoy mowing enough to spend all day Saturday mowing.

I have rebuilt quite a few riding mowers over the last few years and sold as many as I could. First, don't buy anything without a cast iron front axle. In that price range, I'd avoid hydrostatic transmissions. You might get a good one, but if you don't, the mower isn't goining anywhere until you replace the tranny. If I had $1000 in my hand to buy a mower, I would buy a used JD, Toro, Case, Ariens, Gravely or Cub before I would buy either a Craftsman, Murray, or MTD.

If you are cutting that much grass (2.5 acres or so), I would go less than 46" cut. Otherwise you'll be on the tractor way too much, which is okay if all you want to do is cut grass and work on a mower. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Let us know how it comes out!