Ride on's

Steve_Miller · Jul 31, 2007

I'm in the market for a new ride on. I mow about two and a half acres once a week (at my cottage) and would like some opinions on a couple of things. First, engines, are the best engines the Kawasaki's, Kohler commands, Honda's (haven't seen any in a ride on yet)? Second, are these the most fuel efficient as well? Third, who make the longest lasting mower decks? I've looked at Husquvarna, Toro, Cub, so far, going to check out Deere (over priced?) I'm looking to buy something that is going to last 15 to 20 years like my old Yardpro (Kohler command) has and is still going. I'm getting older and fussier and would like something smoother and more comfortable and Hydro to boot. Lay it on me with opinions and experience.

Thanks a million

Steve

Bird · Jul 31, 2007

Steve, I think before anyone can help you much, you need to tell us what price range you'd consider. Personally, I agree on the hydro and for me I'd rather it be a foot controlled hydro than the hand controlled lever, although I've had a hand controlled one that worked quite well. And while the Kawasaki, Honda, and Kohler engines are considered "better" by many, and I agree that they're good, but except for changing spark plugs occasionally, oil changes, and air filter cleaning, I've not had much problem with the Briggs & Strattons.

GreenQuality · Jul 31, 2007

Hi I can only give my advice on what I have and know! I have a cub cadet 2000 series with a briggs Vanguard 18 hp engine. which I use for my Grass cutting business which I started in 2004. which has 1856 hr on it. #no1 buy a engine that parts are easy to get anywhere! like briggs or kolher. look for heavy guage frame on tractor. like 11 or10,9 guage. mower decks are the same look for a heavy guage deck 10 or lower. the more you spend the more you get when it comes to buying a good tractor. The hydro transmission is another big factor. ask your self can I service it. change the fluid , does it take a filter. does it have a cooling fan. are there hills any slopes? will you be hauling any thing. snow removal and such. class out a tractor that geared for your work load. My CUB CADET tractor has shaft drive.Which means no drive belts that can slip or dry rot.It has a hydro transmission which is easy to change the hydro fluid. and take a hydro filter, and has a cooling package. look around and Find The best tractor in your price range! Good luck in Hunting.

Steve_Miller · Aug 1, 2007

Bird said:
Steve, I think before anyone can help you much, you need to tell us what price range you'd consider. Personally, I agree on the hydro and for me I'd rather it be a foot controlled hydro than the hand controlled lever, although I've had a hand controlled one that worked quite well. And while the Kawasaki, Honda, and Kohler engines are considered "better" by many, and I agree that they're good, but except for changing spark plugs occasionally, oil changes, and air filter cleaning, I've not had much problem with the Briggs & Strattons.

Maximum of $3500, I prefer the foot pedal hydro with cruise. Bird your right on engine reliability but I was wondering about the fuel efficiency and smoothness of the engine, the vibration is beginning to put my hands to sleep when mowing, I think it's onset of carpal tunnel syndrom. Twin cylinders tend to be a lot smoother I think.

Thanks Shawn, those are some of the points I would like to look out for, I just can't think of everything at the right time when shopping.
Steve

Bird · Aug 1, 2007

Steve, a few years ago, I bought a new Craftsman riding mower. They were on sale and I could get the single cylinder 18hp Kohler or the twin cylinder 21hp Briggs for the same price. I took the Briggs for the same reason you mentioned. I've already had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands.

ToadHill · Aug 1, 2007

I have the Husquvarna GT4825 with the Kohler Command engine. The engine runs fine but I wouldn't call it fuel efficient. I mow about 3 acres of lawn and if I run the engine at full speed as they recommend, I use almost 5 gal to mow the yard.
The deck has held up well until this year (my third) but this summer I have replaced one complete spindle at about $45, and 2 spindle shafts at about $25 each.

VABlue · Aug 1, 2007

For 2 acres each week w/ a $3500 budget, is a ZTR an option? You can get some nice cutting ZTRs in that price range, although they are the lower end of the ZTR spectrum. They'll still be faster than a LG tractor!

That said, find a JD dealer and look at the X300 series mowers. They come with 2-cyl engines, cruise control, JD quality (heavy duty parts), and the JD support network. The cutting deck I have on my JD2305 is the same deck used on the X-series mowers - and they ROCK!!! You'll get an awesome cut the first time around... Good luck in your search.

Bird · Aug 1, 2007

I agree. For that kind of budget, and if you're not going to use it for anything but mowing, I'd go with a ZTR; faster and more comfortable, but in that price range, I'd probably go with a Toro.

bontai_Joe · Aug 2, 2007

Having your fingers go numb from prolonged exposure to vibration is not carple tunnel disease, it's White finger's disease. It is especially hard on guys that operate impact wrenches all day or jack hammers. There are impact absorbing gloves that are out now to combat this and they work well.

Bird · Aug 2, 2007

Joe, I'm certainly not disagreeing with what you said; I'm sure it's true, but if you are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome, tools or implements that vibrate may make the problem worse. The doctor who did my surgery on both hands said it was the worst he'd ever seen and he's a hand and arm specialist who's seen a lot of them, and he's a guy who believes surgery is a last resort. Anyway, even after the surgery he told me to try to avoid or limit exposure to things such as string trimmers and chain saws that vibrate.