We have about 1 acre which we have been using our Toro push mower and are thinking of purchasing a riding mower/tractor. The land is relatively flat but has some tight turns around fences and some trees. I want a brand that will last if I take care of it. I would like to spend only up to 3K which is why I have been starting to look at used equipment. What brand would you buy in the lower price range? Is there an advantage to a gas vs diesel engine? I would also like something that is as quite as possible.
What to buy for first riding mower/tractor?
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Bird
Rest in Peace
Do you like Toro? If you want new and want to stay under $3k, you might have to buy what I'm using. But if you want a bigger, or a commercial, model, then you will probably have to find a used one if you want a ZTR. Of course if you just want a riding mower, you should be able to get a pretty good one within that budget. And if you take your time, you might find a really good deal, but of course, a lot of the used ones were used commercially and are pretty well used up. The biggest advantage of diesel to me is longer engine life, but that doesn't necessarily mean the rest of the machine is going to last longer.
DmansPadge
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Would you rather a ZTR or a lawn tractor? Like Bird said, the Toro would be within your budget and should last quite some time with only 1 acre.
On the tractor side, I would look at Craftsman and Cub Cadet to stay within $3k. A diesel is out of the question for a new machine. And also Like Bird said, the diesel engine will out last every other part on the tractor!
On the tractor side, I would look at Craftsman and Cub Cadet to stay within $3k. A diesel is out of the question for a new machine. And also Like Bird said, the diesel engine will out last every other part on the tractor!
Gatorboy
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- Kubota M8950, Bobcat 873 SSL & Kubota ZD-331
For 1 acre, I would get a 48" walk-behind mower. Scag, Exmark, Hustler, etc. You will cut the grass fast, and it will last you for many many years.
I have another question, what makes the difference between a lawn mower and a lawn tractor? I assume the acreage and the longevity of the equipment is a factor. Do Troy-bilt mowers/tractors have a good reliability Someone mentioned them.
DmansPadge
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A lawn mower is typically a walk behind unit. A lawn tractor is the smallest of ride-ons. A yard tractor is next and then a garden tractor. Generally the lawn tractor is small, low HP, smaller deck. A yard tractor is bigger, heavier built, largers tires, engine, deck. A garden tractor is the biggest and it built heavier. Generally have 20+ HP engines, 48"+ deck, bigger tires, ability to use ground engaging attachments.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Spiffy
Veteran Member
On the defintions, I can't add to DmansPadge description of the tractor styles. I will note though, in mowers you also have the RER's [rear engine riders...like the old Comets!] including all sorts of "interesting" configurations of "ride on mowers."
If grass is you're only concern, Bird and Gatorboy gave great advice. The ZTR or the walk behind ZTR [as opposed to ride on ZTR or "push mower"] will really take the time out of your obstacles. Two differences: for the same ballpark price the walk behind will get commercial quality [pretty much lifetime for an acre; even if you're 18], but you do have to walk behind it and don't get the "cool ride on factor." The walk behind will get under things a midmount ZTR just can't. Actually, the former can be rectified by getting a stand on or sit on velke or sulke, but for an acre you'd be fine with a residential Z if you like it better.
Going back to tractor style, you'll get more steel for the same money, but remember the Z's will likely be ran fewer hours for the same mowing area, gaining some longevity that way. On the other hand if you're looking for ground engaging attachments, the GT is pretty obvious.
I don't know of any good or bad on the Troybilts, but would bet they're on par with anything in that price class. The thing I will note, they are not the same machines as the original indestructable tillers.
If grass is you're only concern, Bird and Gatorboy gave great advice. The ZTR or the walk behind ZTR [as opposed to ride on ZTR or "push mower"] will really take the time out of your obstacles. Two differences: for the same ballpark price the walk behind will get commercial quality [pretty much lifetime for an acre; even if you're 18], but you do have to walk behind it and don't get the "cool ride on factor." The walk behind will get under things a midmount ZTR just can't. Actually, the former can be rectified by getting a stand on or sit on velke or sulke, but for an acre you'd be fine with a residential Z if you like it better.
Going back to tractor style, you'll get more steel for the same money, but remember the Z's will likely be ran fewer hours for the same mowing area, gaining some longevity that way. On the other hand if you're looking for ground engaging attachments, the GT is pretty obvious.
I don't know of any good or bad on the Troybilts, but would bet they're on par with anything in that price class. The thing I will note, they are not the same machines as the original indestructable tillers.
Well, I was in your shoes a bout 4yrs ago. I had 1.5ac that I was renting and had the agreement that I would mow it. After several used Snappers, that had the decks rotted out and motors burnt up from mistreatment, I decided to get a "good name brand, new". That name brand cost me $2500 for a 15hp Kohler and a 38" cut w/ hydrostatic trans. Overall its a great mower, though I dont believe the quality is any better than a cheaper Murray, MTD, or anything elso you can find under $1800, plus the parts cost much more because of that name. The key is get something big enough, with a good motor ( I like the Kohler) and keep it greased(make sure it has fittings) and cleaned. The grass can accumilate and rot the deck, that is the #1 killer of any mower, eliminate this and you will have a better chance at a long lived mower.
I would definatly look at the Z Turn's now, I could have had one for the price of my small fancy named rider. I have 2ac and a compact tractor to do anything else, so the Z would work the best for me, again, the same rules apply. Keep it clean and serviced.
I would definatly look at the Z Turn's now, I could have had one for the price of my small fancy named rider. I have 2ac and a compact tractor to do anything else, so the Z would work the best for me, again, the same rules apply. Keep it clean and serviced.
cmkh3
Silver Member
I am going to ask a couple of questions which you don't have to answer here but should think about before buying anything.
First if this is my first machine what do I want it to do?
a. cut grass only
b. cut grass and do all of the lawn/yard maintenance jobs
c. relandscape the entire yard and then maintain it
d. I would guess some combination of the above
Now also think hard and be truthfull as to your mechanical abilities and the amount of time you are willing to commit to upkeep of the unit as well as the $$$$ you are willing to spend in maintenance.
Also you stated a "first lawn tractor" is there a master plan to buy a bigger machine in the future if so what is your projected budget for future purchase?
I recently faced these issues and decided for the money, both now and in the future, that to buy a late model low hour John Deere 318 would by the best I could do. Don't get me wrong it did and will need things but I have the necessary option of fixing them as time and money permit, and especially with all of the excellent help available here and on other sites, it is not too terribly difficult. This also goes for attachements and implements.
The other thing I like about the John Deere 318 is that it has power steering with easy throttle (which acts as a cruise control) and an hydrostatic tranny.
As to yard size, we have 1.25 acres, the backyard has a swale to it and there are trees a garden a pond and play areas to deal with. I have a 46" deck with the power flow bagging 7 bushel system. For my yard if I mow every two weeks then I end up with 1.25-1.5 bags of clippings. 3 weeks equals 1.75 bags and 4 weeks I am dumping twice.
Sounds to me that this setup might be something for you to consider as the unit is highly flexible and build like a little tank.
Here are two links to further your information
http://www.deere.com/en_US/homeowners/products_non_current/series/300_series.html
http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/
Chris
PS The 318 also has a very good resale market if you do decide to get a different tractor.
First if this is my first machine what do I want it to do?
a. cut grass only
b. cut grass and do all of the lawn/yard maintenance jobs
c. relandscape the entire yard and then maintain it
d. I would guess some combination of the above
Now also think hard and be truthfull as to your mechanical abilities and the amount of time you are willing to commit to upkeep of the unit as well as the $$$$ you are willing to spend in maintenance.
Also you stated a "first lawn tractor" is there a master plan to buy a bigger machine in the future if so what is your projected budget for future purchase?
I recently faced these issues and decided for the money, both now and in the future, that to buy a late model low hour John Deere 318 would by the best I could do. Don't get me wrong it did and will need things but I have the necessary option of fixing them as time and money permit, and especially with all of the excellent help available here and on other sites, it is not too terribly difficult. This also goes for attachements and implements.
The other thing I like about the John Deere 318 is that it has power steering with easy throttle (which acts as a cruise control) and an hydrostatic tranny.
As to yard size, we have 1.25 acres, the backyard has a swale to it and there are trees a garden a pond and play areas to deal with. I have a 46" deck with the power flow bagging 7 bushel system. For my yard if I mow every two weeks then I end up with 1.25-1.5 bags of clippings. 3 weeks equals 1.75 bags and 4 weeks I am dumping twice.
Sounds to me that this setup might be something for you to consider as the unit is highly flexible and build like a little tank.
Here are two links to further your information
http://www.deere.com/en_US/homeowners/products_non_current/series/300_series.html
http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/
Chris
PS The 318 also has a very good resale market if you do decide to get a different tractor.
JohnSinVA
Silver Member
For a "traditional" lawn tractor I would recommend the Simplicity Regent as a unit that will last. A good zero turn unit can be had from several makes, the Airens units receive good reviews for consumer grade mowers.
The big walk behinds are good options as well. You haven't said if you are strictly mowing or if you might use the tractor for other things, (towing a cart, pulling an aerator, etc.)
The big walk behinds are good options as well. You haven't said if you are strictly mowing or if you might use the tractor for other things, (towing a cart, pulling an aerator, etc.)
