[Jim McC]

Craftsman, Troybilt, Yard Machines ? I need one with a 40" to 42" deck, lot is about 2/3 of an acre. Budget is about $1,500, preferably less.

An auto or hydro is fine, as long as I don't have to keep my foot on the pedal to mow. I use the same speed for my entire lawn.

Thanks.

 

[Centex2011]

I have been using a Huskee 42" riding mower for about 3 yrs or so and it has been running good. It is actually little too small for my 2.5 acres, but it would be just about perfect for 1 acre or less. It handles just about everything I throw at it. I am in the process of mowing my property and part of it is about 3' tall.

 

[Centex2011]

I forgot to mention it came from Tractor Supply and was the lowest price they had ($900-$1000).

 

[funflyer]

42" Cub Cadet with an 18HP Kohler. Has cruise control also. $1499.00 at the Homedepot. I've had my Cub 46" with a 22HP Kohler going on the second season and love it. I mow two acres so the cruise control was a must have.

 

[Jim McC]

Thanks guys. Does anyone think the 3 I mentioned above are any good?

 

[Jim McC]

And what about Poulan tractors? Home Depot has those also. Thanks.

 

[Msradell]

I believe all three you mentioned in your original post are made by MTD with different names on them. I have no idea who makes Poulan mowers. Out of everything discussed here already the Cub Cadet is certainly the most reputable brand. Troybilt used to be a very good brand until they got bought out, don't know much about them anymore.

 

[Canarywood1]

You might want to read what consumer affairs has on Cub cadet.


https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/cub_cadet.html

 

[Jim McC]

Thanks guy. I wound up buying the Troy-bilt TB42 at Farm and Fleet

 

[funflyer]

Thanks guy. I wound up buying the Troy-bilt TB42 at Farm and Fleet

Should be a good one, they have many favorable reviews. To get the most out of it with the least trouble, I suggest using only pure gas in it without ethanol. You have plenty of gas stations around you to choose from.

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=WI

 

[Doomsday]

I only have about 10 hours on my new cub cadet xt1 but its been getting great reviews. So far it has performed flawlessly. My only complaint is that it was a real pita getting that oil filter off on its first oil change. It was on there to stay! My father has a troybuilt bronco but he thinks mine is better. Of course im coming from one of those $799 murray riding mowers that I have had for a few years. Its like im being chauffeured around compared to that murray lol. Really, stay away from those cheap ones. Its night and day difference in quality of mower, quality of cut and overall enjoyment while mowing.

 

[PPBART]

What about John Deere? I've got a 15(+) year-old D110 that has been a good mower, but the deck is pretty much worn out, not worth replacing. I'm looking to replace it, and my first thought was to get a new D110. The new models look just like the old one, except the engine in now labeled as John Deere (old mover has a B&S 17-hp). Price at H-D is $1700. Anybody had experience with this mower and/or the JD engines?

 

[Canarywood1]

Read this first.


https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/deere.html

 

[Davejss]

Should be a good one, they have many favorable reviews. To get the most out of it with the least trouble, I suggest using only pure gas in it without ethanol. You have plenty of gas stations around you to choose from.

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=WI

Gas makes all the difference. I've been running premium gas with a little Stabil in all of my equipment for years now. No more trouble with fouled carburetors.

 

[PPBART]

Read this first.

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/deere.html

Hmmm... guess they just don't make them like they used to!

 

[sixeightten]

I got about 12 years out of my first Craftsman tractor. I have another that is going on 6 years. The first one had a Kohler motor which i think is why it lasted for a while.

 

[Colbyt]

Thanks guy. I wound up buying the Troy-bilt TB42 at Farm and Fleet

After a few mowings be sure to give us an update / review. While I am not currently in the market I like to read real reviews.

 

[rjniles]

I have a Ford (New Holland) lawn tractor that is about 25 years old. Looks like hell but runs like a champ. I'll bet nothing being sold today will last that long.