I need a new lawn tractor...

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: keird
I had a 1984 8-HP Simplicity that I destroyed last year. After replacing tires and a starter, I thought I was all set for maintenance, just until there was a loud metalic bang and oil was spewing from the engine. A rod or piston blew a hole through the engine casing.

I need to buy a new riding mower and need advice, too. I'm looking at $1,600 for a Deere.

You threw a rod, probably had very little oil in the engine. When was the last time you changed the oil?

I don't recommend a $1,600 riding mower. For a $1,600 Deere, you're paying $1,000 for the mower and $600 for green paint. The higher-end Deere tractors are good, but not the ones you can buy from a box store.

Decent models will start around $2,250. You can't buy them from box stores. Personally, I would expect a good quality new lawn tractor to run me at least $3,500 and more likely in the $4,500 to $5,500 range.

If you want a Deere, the X300 is the smallest I would go and you're looking at about $3,000. Personally, I'd gravitate towards the X500 models instead, but those are even more. Overall, I still prefer Simplicity to Deere, but the X series are solid. Just stay away from the LA1XX models from Deere (also sometimes called the "100 Series").

ZV

 

[keird]

The oil wasn't the culprit, as I'd just changed it to the manufacturers specs. I have no idea what the cause was, though.

I was looking at the LA115/125 series. Consumer Reports just did another review and it was their top 'Best Buy'. No Simplicity models were reviewed.

 

[vi edit]

Last year I bought one of these Cub Cadet i-Series from Home Depot:

http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp..._16200_-1_600000_43276

It was reconditioned one that normally retailed for around $2900. I got it for $1600 with 12 hours on the clock. Slapped a $200 extended warranty on it for 7 years of coverage.

Other than having a stamped deck instead of a cast one it's really a nice mower. It has dual hydrostatic drives in the back that power each wheel independently. This thing eats hills and slopes for breakfast. Where my old standard drive hydrostat would get stuck and spin out this thing just motors on through.

Plus it's a true zero turn radius machine that can accept more attachments like a typical tractor can that a tradtional zero turn mower can't. It's a brilliant product really.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: keird
The oil wasn't the culprit, as I'd just changed it to the manufacturers specs. I have no idea what the cause was, though.

I was looking at the LA115/125 series. Consumer Reports just did another review and it was their top 'Best Buy'. No Simplicity models were reviewed.

Never heard anything good about the "box store" Deeres. But I grew up in farm country, so dedicated farm stores were common and people tended to be harder on their tractors, even tiny ones like lawn tractors. All I can say is that I don't know a single farmer who would trust the LA1XX series Deeres for anything other than the very lightest duty.

If you live in the city or the suburbs and have a nice flat lawn and don't really demand anything other than that it actually cut the grass, you will probably get by for 5-10 years with a disposable tractor like the LA1XX series. The X300 series or a Simplicity will last for 20-30 years easily if you are decent with maintenance.

It all comes down to what you're willing to pay for. If you're OK with spending $1,600 again in 5-10 years, then go for it. If you want something that is built with some solidity, you're looking at spending about twice that.

I'll admit to bias against Deere's lower-end consumer products in the light equipment area. I worked one summer for the local parks department and we had several new-that-year Deere products. They broke down more than the 5-10 year old mowers and trimmers they were supposed to replace. The big Deere commercial mowers were fantastic, but the smaller things were complete and utter junk. You couldn't pay me to take any of the Deere products that are sold at big box type stores.

ZV

 

[keird]

I was hoping that you would reply. Thanks for expounding on that.

 

[LS8]

From my experience Consumer Reports doesn't know jack about shit.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: vi edit
Last year I bought one of these Cub Cadet i-Series from Home Depot:

http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp..._16200_-1_600000_43276

It was reconditioned one that normally retailed for around $2900. I got it for $1600 with 12 hours on the clock. Slapped a $200 extended warranty on it for 7 years of coverage.

Other than having a stamped deck instead of a cast one it's really a nice mower. It has dual hydrostatic drives in the back that power each wheel independently. This thing eats hills and slopes for breakfast. Where my old standard drive hydrostat would get stuck and spin out this thing just motors on through.

Plus it's a true zero turn radius machine that can accept more attachments like a typical tractor can that a tradtional zero turn mower can't. It's a brilliant product really.

Cub Cadet has some very nice models (the 3000-series tractors and the i-Series zero-turn tractors you mention), but much like Deere, the lower-end models should be avoided. Staying away from the 1000-series would be a good idea IMO unless you're not going to be using the tractor for much other than mowing.

I definitely agree that the i-series tractors are a fantastic idea. I'm surprised that no-one else has copied the idea yet. The newer hydrostatic-drive tractors have some form of limited-slip built in so they don't get stuck anymore, but that's definitely not nearly as revolutionary as what the i-series provides. Very nice choice.

ZV

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

I definitely agree that the i-series tractors are a fantastic idea. I'm surprised that no-one else has copied the idea yet. The newer hydrostatic-drive tractors have some form of limited-slip built in so they don't get stuck anymore, but that's definitely not nearly as revolutionary as what the i-series provides. Very nice choice.

ZV

The guy who thought this idea up is a genius. I too am surprised that it hasn't really caught on by other brands. I think I remember reading in a Popular Motors (or science?) article that Cub/MTD registered over 70 patents in the design phase of the i-series ZTR's.

It's really the mower that probably 75% of lawn tractors need. The only downside to it is the cost (has two hydros) and the complexity (IE...two possible failing hydros). Outside of those it's the perfect compromise between function and conventional use.

You drive it just like a normal riding mower. My wife was intimdated by the steering arms of a traditional ZTR. But she can hop right on this thing and take off. It works on hills where a normal ZTR with free spinning casters can't perform and it can take front attachments and pull around light/medium duty carts and yard equipment.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: vi edit

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

I definitely agree that the i-series tractors are a fantastic idea. I'm surprised that no-one else has copied the idea yet. The newer hydrostatic-drive tractors have some form of limited-slip built in so they don't get stuck anymore, but that's definitely not nearly as revolutionary as what the i-series provides. Very nice choice.

ZV

The guy who thought this idea up is a genius. I too am surprised that it hasn't really caught on by other brands. I think I remember reading in a Popular Motors (or science?) article that Cub/MTD registered over 70 patents in the design phase of the i-series ZTR's.

It's really the mower that probably 75% of lawn tractors need. The only downside to it is the cost (has two hydros) and the complexity (IE...two possible failing hydros). Outside of those it's the perfect compromise between function and conventional use.

You drive it just like a normal riding mower. My wife was intimdated by the steering arms of a traditional ZTR. But she can hop right on this thing and take off. It works on hills where a normal ZTR with free spinning casters can't perform and it can take front attachments and pull around light/medium duty carts and yard equipment.

Given how simple a hydrostatic transmission is, the risk of failure isn't as bad as it might seem. A lot of large farm implements use a hydrostat for each wheel. The only downside on smaller tractors is that it pretty much precludes 4WD but, for your average lawn tractor that's not an issue.

I would imagine that Cub Cadet holds some form of patent on steering control and refuses to license it, which would explain the lack of similar tractors from competitors.

ZV

 

[LS8]

I just discovered the Husqvarna Rider... what do you think Zemmervolt?

Here is a little propaganda video but it is informative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0cdk9MsVhA

 

[Bryophyte]

Our Cub Cadet has been a great machine. When we bought it several years ago, we shopped around and found it to be better built than most of the other comparably priced riding mowers.

For real tractors, I'm partial to Kubota.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: LS8
I just discovered the Husqvarna Rider... what do you think Zemmervolt?

Here is a little propaganda video but it is informative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0cdk9MsVhA

I know that they make awesome chainsaws.

Their LS lines look good, not so sure about their TH and GT series. Their use of Intek engines in the TH and GT series would make me categorize them as light duty with the LS line being moderate duty. I haven't seen enough of them to know for sure though.

My general rule, which seems to be borne out from Dr. Pizza's experience, is to stay away from any models that are sold exclusively at big box stores. Check out a dedicated Husqvarna dealer and see if they can point out the differences between the box store models and the ones they sell.

EDIT: 12 gauge steel is used for the chassis in the LS Series. Light-duty, not moderate duty. On par with the Regent, but not the Broadmoor (10 gauge steel chassis). The TH and GT series use 14 gauge steel, which puts them in the Riding Mower class, not the Lawn Tractor class.

12 gauge steel for the chassis would be, IMO, the minimum acceptable if long-term durability is a concern, with 10 gauge being preferable. Both Simplicity and Deere use 10 gauge for anything except the cheapest model line.

ZV

 

[nocash]

I have a 2 year old yard machine that was about $800 at HD. Rough jerky bumpy ride. But cuts good and starts right up. Alternator seems weak, have to charge the battery often. Beats a push mower

 

[Beanie46]

Well, we've got a 4 yr. old Husky, a YTH2448 and have been quite happy with it. 10ga cutting deck, but only a lowly Briggs ELS 24hp V-twin engine. Hydrostatic trans....never given us a moment's problem, and it's used to cut a tad over 2 acres every week or so. Almost sounds like we got the last of the "decently" built Husqvarnas. The orange color is a bit different, but different can be good.

I'd also investigate Snapper mowers. Owned by Simplicity, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Briggs and Stratton, btw.....

I've seen Snappers cutting for over 2-3 decades and still refuse to give up. Just keep working and working.....

 

[Red Squirrel]

ooo we can see traces of grass. I can't believe I'm saying this but this thread reminded me that I'm actually looking forward to mow the lawn. I'll probably hate doing it once I'm 5 minutes into it, but the initial starting of the lawn mower, and adding gas, will be fun. Adding gas is the best. Smells so good! Oh how I miss that smell. In a few months all the snow should be gone.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Beanie46
Well, we've got a 4 yr. old Husky, a YTH2448 and have been quite happy with it. 10ga cutting deck, but only a lowly Briggs ELS 24hp V-twin engine. Hydrostatic trans....never given us a moment's problem, and it's used to cut a tad over 2 acres every week or so. Almost sounds like we got the last of the "decently" built Husqvarnas. The orange color is a bit different, but different can be good.

I'd also investigate Snapper mowers. Owned by Simplicity, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Briggs and Stratton, btw.....

I've seen Snappers cutting for over 2-3 decades and still refuse to give up. Just keep working and working.....

The ELS is an upgraded Intek, it seems to have had a few teething problems in the beginning that got sorted out.

Simplicity may be owned by Briggs, but they offer Kohler and Kawasaki engines in their tractors as well.

ZV

 

[slag]

Originally posted by: boomhower
If you decide to purchase a new one stay away from briggs and stratton. I have always had horrible luck with them. Kohler are always stoute, every now and again you will come across a kawasaki, also good. My Dad recently wanted to pick up a smaller mower for the wife to use to go behind to get the small stuff the big tractor couldn't get. He went to the Deere shop and found a 38" cut with a liquid cooled kawasaki for dirt cheap. If you can't fix just look around. There are always big deals coming up this time of year.

FAIL.

Nothing wrong with B & S engines, its the tecumseh's that are big pos engines. Also, tecumseh went out of business, but another company bought the rights to manufacture replacement parts.

Kohler is good, so is kawasaki, but for most entry level mowers, you will get a B & S engine made in mexico.

 

[robphelan]

a few yrs ago, I took advantage of all those $25 gift cards at 80% face value... bought a $1500 Cub Cadet from Lowes with a stack of gift cards... it was great.

 

[keird]

Zenmervolt,

I picked up a 15-HP Simplicity Regent riding mower yesterday for $700 on CraigsList. It's a Kohler engine model CV15S and it seems to have been maintained well. I think the engine was manufactured in 1999 according to what i can scry from the serial number, but the seller said that he thought the tractor was a 2004 model. It doesn't really matter if it was maintained, though.

Thanks for your input. My wife and I are really happy.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: keird
Zenmervolt,

I picked up a 15-HP Simplicity Regent riding mower yesterday for $700 on CraigsList. It's a Kohler engine model CV15S and it seems to have been maintained well. I think the engine was manufactured in 1999 according to what i can scry from the serial number, but the seller said that he thought the tractor was a 2004 model. It doesn't really matter if it was maintained, though.

Thanks for your input. My wife and I are really happy.

:thumbsup: Happy to help.

Just an FYI, there was a recall on the pre-2004 Regent models.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04183.html

It is not for anything related to durability or reliability, but rather to the safety switches that the government now requires. Apparently the blades take longer than 5 seconds to stop spinning if the operator gets off the seat. Personally, this would not be an issue for me since I bypass those safety switches anyway, but I just found out about it and figured that I should tell you.

That CV15S looks like a solid engine, especially with full-pressure oiling and a spin-on filter.

Enjoy the mower. Here's hoping it lasts you as long as mine have lasted.

ZV

 

[keird]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
:thumbsup: Happy to help.

Just an FYI, there was a recall on the pre-2004 Regent models.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04183.html

It is not for anything related to durability or reliability, but rather to the safety switches that the government now requires. Apparently the blades take longer than 5 seconds to stop spinning if the operator gets off the seat. Personally, this would not be an issue for me since I bypass those safety switches anyway, but I just found out about it and figured that I should tell you.

That CV15S looks like a solid engine, especially with full-pressure oiling and a spin-on filter.

Enjoy the mower. Here's hoping it lasts you as long as mine have lasted.

ZV

Yeah. I was reading about that in the owner's manual. They ask you to time the dis-engagement and adjust if neccesary

 

[JDub02]

my dad has a cub cadet from the mid 60's that he still uses to mow the lawn occasionally. that thing is a tank. since my brother bought a lawn care business, he typically mows the lawn with a zero turn.

FYI, you might be able to find a nice home model zero turn in your price range. look at the lower end Walkers. my brother has done well with their commercial models. the home ones look just as sturdy, but with a few less features (lower HP motor, smaller bagger)