Replacing my Murray! Need advice!

[MFL]

Thanks Charlie,

I do tend to put a long eye on the JD's when I'm at Home Depot. Took both a Husqvarna and a Huskee for a drive today and both had definite drawbacks. the Husqvarna (at least the ones I can afford) are really LOUD! Didn't much care for the speed selector to be at my right hand instead of under foot. I like keeping both hands on the wheel, especially on the hills. The Huskee felt better and was quieter, but I had some issues with the fit and finish of the one I test drove.

I've been staying away from the JD's mostly on principal. I grew up in MOLINE, ILL., but my dad worked for J.I Case until he retired. Whenever anybody would puff up and start in with the "Nothing runs like a deer" line, I always threw in a " ...and nothing smells like a john" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Now I have a brother-in-law, two cousins, a sister, and half a dozen childhood friends that work at the JD headquarters. Can't tell you how much I enjoyed the howls when I bought my Kubota B7800! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Can't get around the fact that they're quality machines at a good price, though. Maybe it's time to throw the 'ol midwest sod cutters a bone!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[SPIKER]

When it comes to manufactures I belive MTD has the market share, they build about 80% of the riding mowers as well as the push mowers. they re-badge and add what ever a customer wants...

anyhow just thought I'd say that ... not sure if everyone was aware of it or not.

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Rainbow6]

If you can afford one look at the Simplicity line, you will not be disappointed.

 

[GerardC]

Here is where you'll find MTD.... web page

 

[Argee]

There is an attachment available that will allow you to use any sleeve hitch attachment on a 3PH..
A sleeve hitch adapter I believe it's called...had one for my Cat "0" Case once.

 

[fishman]

Have you checked out the Kubota offerings from the dealer that sold you the 7800? I have a Kubota T1670 that I absolutely love. Soooo much better than the Husqvarna my parents have, although it is a decent mower and at almost half the cost (Quality is expensive /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif)

When I bought it, they were offering 0% financing for two years, which lessened the bite a little. In a few more payments it will be mine, and it's still like new.

I particularly like the fact that it has a foot-controlled hydro just like my 2910. It allows you to hang on to a cold beverage and mow . . . but it doesn't have a cupholder.

 

[MFL]

I did call my Kubota dealer, and as much as I'd love to buy a baby 'bota, I can't justify the expense. The least expensive model that would work for me is about $3700. If this was going to be my primary tractor, I could certainly see buying a Kubota. As it is the lawn tractor will be almost solely used to cut the grass and maybe do a little aerating. It would be great to have matching tractors, and I could stop worrying about the quality issue, but the difference in cost to too hard to justify. $1500-2000 buys a WHOLE lot of fencing material!!!

 

[frank_f15]

some are going to disagree, but i bought a CRAFTSMAN 18 HP GT AND IT IS STILL GOING STRONG 14 YEARS LATER. , and i use it a lot, probaly over 100 hours a year, only thing i ever had to repalce othe than normal wear items was a starter motor about 6 years ago.

 

[fishman]

MFL,

I hear you about the expense. Mine is a 15 hp kohler, with the smallest deck, a 40". However, that is perfect for my lawn. With tax and everything, out the door, it was a little over $3200. I don't know that it would work with your garden tractor implements, so that is a consideration.

What sold me on it was the welded frame, the welded steering wheel column, the beefy deck support arms, and the MUCH larger/better designed hydro as compared to most other offerings of similar or lower price. I continue to be impressed. I had a battery leak, possibly from initial overcharging at the dealer, so I had to take it out and get rid of the spilled acid. The battery tray has got to be at least 1/4" steel plate, possibly thicker. Ridiculously overbuilt, but that's the way I like it.

The big problem I have is the wife is always wanting to mow now. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[glalonde]

I have an 18 HP (BS Vanguard) 42" 9 years old Husqvarna and it's been in the shop a few times. One time, fire started in the electric clutch switch, caused by a defective clutch. Cost of repair $800 CDN. Presenly, the cutting deck is broken and is in the shop waiting to be welded back. I have a slight hill and the tractor can't pull a small aerator (the hydro whines and wheels are not even spinning). The mulching is not very good (I have the proper blades), compare to my push Honda mower which desintegrates the grass.
It has been maintained evey year (greased, oil filter/air filter/spark plugs change).
If it breaks one more time, I might buy an RFM for the 790.