Mowing Which mower?

countrybob1 · Apr 11, 2006

After 14 years my current mower is coming to the end of it's life and I'm looking at buying a new one.

I have 2 acres with one gentle slope and no obstructions, I keep this looking nice and cut about once a week. I also have another 1.5 acres in the back where we have a horse and so this only gets cut every 6-8 weeks.

I'm looking at getting either a Cub Cadet SLT1554 or a John Deere LX280, both would have either a 48" or 54" deck. The Cadet is more powerful but the Deere seems to be a little better built but also a little more expensive, I think the LX280 may also becoming near the end of it's manufacture.

At present I think the Deere would be the better mower but I would appreciate some advice.

DCS · Apr 12, 2006

I have a JD LX277 with the Kawasaki 17hp motor and have been more the pleased with it. I mow about an acre and a half with a 42" deck. It originally came with a 48" deck, but I have some tight spots to get into, so I went with the 42". I have had it for 4 or 5 years now with no problems.

1bush2hog · Apr 12, 2006

Hello CountryBob1 and welcome to TBN -

I have a JD LX277 also, but use it to cut fescue grass and it does a good job. However, if I had bermuda or similar, I would opt to go with more HP, as it seems somewhat underpowered when I use the mulching kit.

What kind of grass will you be cutting?

Do you plan on just cutting, or mulching, or bagging, or all of the above?

I went with a 42in deck also because of some tight areas in my yard.

If you are cutting an average of 2+ acres per week and time is a concern, I would say go with 20HP and a 54" deck.

Of course we like to spend your money here too /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

countrybob1 · Apr 12, 2006

Gentlemen ......thank you for your speedy replies.

1bush2hog you hit the nail on the head with the comment
"If you are cutting an average of 2+ acres per week and time is a concern, I would say go with 20HP and a 54" deck."

My grass is of normal density with only one area of about 25 x 35yds that gets overly thick and lush, I don't mulch or bag. My current machine is 14hp with a 42'' deck and only just copes with the 2 acres. My concern with the LX280 with a 54" deck, would 18hp be enough? Perhaps the GT245 with 20hp and 54" deck would be a better option, unfortunately there are the extra $$$$

The Club Cadet SLT1554 has a 54" deck, 27hp which is more than enough and the price is good, I'm just a little concerned with the quality of build.

KiotiJohn · Apr 12, 2006

Why not check out the Hustler Turf Equipment site:
HUSTLER

These machines have a 3 year bumper to bumper warranty, lifetime on the frame and leading edge and are avaiable in various configurations that may fit your needs well.

John

1bush2hog · Apr 13, 2006

I know the old Cub Cadets used to be very good machines, however, I can not comment on the newer ones.

However, the GT245 is very nice machine.

I believe you get what you pay for too. More HP and larger deck at a cheaper price is not necessarily the best deal IMO. There is usually a reason it is cheaper - cheap bearings, plastic instead of metal in critical areas, etc. I looked at the GT245 also, a very nice machine, but could not justify the addl. $$$ for a lawn mower.

Have you had a chance to look at the Lawn and Garden section on this forum? Lots of specific info there too. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

countrybob1 · Apr 13, 2006

1bush2hog

Thanks for your thoughts and I agree, the extra $$$ are a bit more than I hoped to pay. I usually keep my stuff a long time and as they say "you get what you payed for", hence when possible I try to buy "quality" that will do the job. I guess I may have to bite the bullet and pay the extra.

KiotiJohn

Thanks for the info on Hustler. I had a look at their web site , I was quite impressed and think the FasTrak 20/52 may be an option. Unfortunately there are not many Hustlers around here and the nearest dealer is 50 miles away. A few more $$$ than I planned, however they sounded pretty helpfull over the phone and so I'll have a look next week. I wonder if the wife would be able to drive it?! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KiotiJohn · Apr 13, 2006

( Thanks for the info on Hustler. )
You're welcome. It's a cutting fool. I just have the mini fastrak and it does a good cutting job.

Dave's 80 something year old mother uses a huge one there at her house on the dealer property. I think you're wife would find it easy and delightful.

You don't say where you are, but I bet Dave could order you one and have it shipped to your house very reasonably.

Tell him I sent you, and that I said to give you a good discount. I'm sure he'll fix you right up!!
www.bigtractorsupply.com/Contact.htm

I believe all the hoses on the larger models are also guaranteed for the life of the tractor.
John

countrybob1 · Apr 14, 2006

KiotiJohn again thanks.

I'm down in Australia and so I think it may be a bit far for Dave, but thanks for the thought. I just wish we had the same prices you pay, having looked around on the Net we are around 25% more expensive here.

KiotiJohn · Apr 14, 2006

( I'm down in Australia and so I think it may be a bit far for Dave, but thanks for the thought. )
Why not fill in your profile a bit, that way we can have others closer to you know you're there.
Go to My Home at the top of the page, click, and choose personal settings to fill in the info. It helps a lot to know some of those things.

We have several OZlandias here and always enjoy the sharing of cultures.

Hope you find something good at a reasonable price.
John