Which riding mower??

[Tracy Chimenti]

Hi, I need a good rider that will mow apx. 1-acre of grass and some hilly driveways. I will be towing a sprayer from time to time, so I really want a conventional mower. I am looking at a Cub Cadet-- go figure, my last one blew up at 350-hrs, but it ran like a striped ape and I want to get another. After reading the reviews, I'm not sure though. I need a good one for a hill with at least a 50-inch deck.

Would you folks be so kind to recommend your personal pick for a rider under $3000?

Thanks all... the members of the website did me well and taught me alot before I bought my JD 4300 gear tractor. I learned alot about safety before buying it as well. This is one of the things that makes this site so great!

So here I am again,

Tracy Chimenti... or "Johnny Deerest"

 

[gauthier]

Under 3,000,you'll just have to get one of the box store ones,and to me,if you get one of them,[sears,lowes,homedepo,tractor supply],they are all about the same,different sizes,prices,colors,but,..the same.

 

[bp fick]

Under 3,000,you'll just have to get one of the box store ones,and to me,if you get one of them,[sears,lowes,homedepo,tractor supply],they are all about the same,different sizes,prices,colors,but,..the same.

I think there ARE some quality differences, because of the price range. Starting at $899 all the way to $3000, the budget allowed by the OP.

That said, I understand your point and it is taken. At that price point, one can get a better engine than the $899 version, a better trans, (to some degree), better cast iron front axles, thicker deck, a better seat, better controls, etc.

So, yes, within the "bracket" there are differences worth studying and considering, but the higher quality, 20 year machines start a bit higher, I am afraid. This is always a tough decision to think through. Buy 3 machines over 20 years @ the $1200 level or just one 20 year type machine @ $5000.

 

[2720wes]

If $3000 is firm I would get a used Deere "garden" tractor. Say a GT-235 or higher model. I had a box store riding mower and it mowed good but was bad on hills and blew the trans apart pulling heavy loads.

My GT-225 is great on hills and has a strong trans but only a 42" deck. A good used Deere garden tractor will last you a long time

 

[Johndeere3720]

If $3000 is firm I would get a used Deere "garden" tractor. Say a GT-235 or higher model.
A good used Deere garden tractor will last you a long time

My thoughts exactly. Get a used 20 year Deere. Check @ your local Deere dealer and on craigslist

 

[gauthier]

Unless I knew the owner,would never buy a used lawn mower,would take my chances with the best box store one I could find.[I don't want to work on someone elses junk,]yeah you might get lucky,but the odds are against you,wonder why its for sale?,not to many people get rid of a good running lawnmower,there are exceptions,people die,some move from big yard to apartment??,but the odds are against you.


Some people really like to take a not running good or not running lawnmower and fix it up,and if you're in this group,than maybe you should buy a used one,but if your not.....

 

[gauthier]

Well he might have 200 acres he takes care of with his tractor,maybe he's just talking about his yard

 

[Scooby074]

That's what I would go for. I wouldn't recommend getting new unless you could get an X320 or higher.

Another vote for used or X320 or higher. I was in the same situation and ended up with a X540.

As an aside, your old cub blew up after only 350 hrs and you want another one?

 

[Rod in Forfar]

For $3300 CDN you can buy a new Simplicity Regent or a used compact tractor with mower.

See attached review.

New vs Old: Simplicity Regent 18 hp hydro riding lawn mower vs Bolens G174 diesel compact tractor Walnut Diary

 

[rekees4300]

I want to get another.

Don't know where you're located but here's a good LT1050 for $1700 in southern Indiana.

Cub Cadet`Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor-LT1050