Looking for riding mower
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nybirdman
Super Member
Over your budget but look at Simplicty Broadmor.A friend purchased one a couple years ago,I am impressed.
Mine is a JD G100 that I purchased used and has been a great machine;they sold for $4800 new.
Mine is a JD G100 that I purchased used and has been a great machine;they sold for $4800 new.
MultiMow
Gold Member
This is just my two cents...
Since you don't have considerable slopes, and therefore don't need 4wd...
I would consider a good used commercial 2wd front mower... unless you don't want a diesel, or the prices are too high in your area.
A 2wd front mower, such as a Jacobsen Turfcat, Toro Groundsmaster 300 series, Ransomes Frontline, etc... can be easily found in good condition for $2,000-2,500. Well maintained, it's not hard to get 5-8,000hrs of service life out of these mowers. At the above price, a little hunting will net you a unit with 2-4,000hrs on it... that leaves 3-6,000hrs for you. As a homeowner, you'll likely never see that usage.
Commercial units have other advantages as well. Longer service intervals and prolonged availability of replacement parts for discontinued models are the biggest points for a homeowner seeking a "one and done" purchase.
Checkout the "rotary mowers" section of the Turfnet.com marketplace.
As I recall, Brad Fox had several good deals last year, and a couple others in NY/NJ area. Brad sticks out to me, as he was a straightforward guy and easy to deal with.
My phone is dying. I'll post a link to a couple mowers when I get charged back up.
Since you don't have considerable slopes, and therefore don't need 4wd...
I would consider a good used commercial 2wd front mower... unless you don't want a diesel, or the prices are too high in your area.
A 2wd front mower, such as a Jacobsen Turfcat, Toro Groundsmaster 300 series, Ransomes Frontline, etc... can be easily found in good condition for $2,000-2,500. Well maintained, it's not hard to get 5-8,000hrs of service life out of these mowers. At the above price, a little hunting will net you a unit with 2-4,000hrs on it... that leaves 3-6,000hrs for you. As a homeowner, you'll likely never see that usage.
Commercial units have other advantages as well. Longer service intervals and prolonged availability of replacement parts for discontinued models are the biggest points for a homeowner seeking a "one and done" purchase.
Checkout the "rotary mowers" section of the Turfnet.com marketplace.
As I recall, Brad Fox had several good deals last year, and a couple others in NY/NJ area. Brad sticks out to me, as he was a straightforward guy and easy to deal with.
My phone is dying. I'll post a link to a couple mowers when I get charged back up.
MultiMow
Gold Member
My apologies. I just double checked the classifieds on Turfnet.
Brad Fox is located in Basking Ridge, NJ... which is a whopping 2hrs away from you. I also checked the entirety of their rotary mower listings. Out of all of them, the closest unit to you and your price range, was this one:
Jacobsen Turfcat 428D - Used For Sale - TurfNet.com
These are great units, and you could probably negotiate a bit off the price... but I'm assuming you have nearly zero interest in travelling 2hrs to buy a mower.
Sorry for the misinformation. The market was thick up there last year. It could be again this year, when the spring selling season picks up.
As for new unit in the $2-2,500 range, I can personally speak for the John Deere D140. My wife had one when we met. It had stood up to her abuse for several years, and is still in operating condition today. For the price point, it leaves an amazing finish. It's not very fast in high grass, but that shouldn't be an issue for you. As for the transaxle... it doesn't leak, and still has the same power transfer as new. If you knew my wife and the abuse this mower had been through, it would testament enough for anyone... and she was using it to maintain 3 acres, not to mention a little over 1/4mi of roadside on both sides.
The only reason we stopped using this mower and bought the Toro, is because we opened up our 3 acre yard to 5.8 acres. It took up our whole weekend to mow it with the D140.
Brad Fox is located in Basking Ridge, NJ... which is a whopping 2hrs away from you. I also checked the entirety of their rotary mower listings. Out of all of them, the closest unit to you and your price range, was this one:
Jacobsen Turfcat 428D - Used For Sale - TurfNet.com
These are great units, and you could probably negotiate a bit off the price... but I'm assuming you have nearly zero interest in travelling 2hrs to buy a mower.
Sorry for the misinformation. The market was thick up there last year. It could be again this year, when the spring selling season picks up.
As for new unit in the $2-2,500 range, I can personally speak for the John Deere D140. My wife had one when we met. It had stood up to her abuse for several years, and is still in operating condition today. For the price point, it leaves an amazing finish. It's not very fast in high grass, but that shouldn't be an issue for you. As for the transaxle... it doesn't leak, and still has the same power transfer as new. If you knew my wife and the abuse this mower had been through, it would testament enough for anyone... and she was using it to maintain 3 acres, not to mention a little over 1/4mi of roadside on both sides.
The only reason we stopped using this mower and bought the Toro, is because we opened up our 3 acre yard to 5.8 acres. It took up our whole weekend to mow it with the D140.
thanks Mow.. yeah two hrs is a long way.. I prefers a tractor in case I may tow or install snowblower if need to. I will be using the bag catcher for leaves during the fall season.
JD models , husky I am looking closer..
MultiMow
Gold Member
That's a tall order for $2,500...
I know..Mow... the 2500 just for the tractor.. the extra adds up.the snowblower comes later on if need to,, I already got a walkbehind and the atv with plow. I am just going to spend the extra for the bagging catcher.
MultiMow
Gold Member
Even at that...
I don't know of a decent tractor that's even compatible with a snowblower for that price (not new, anyway).
For what it's worth, (which isn't much) a bagger and snowblower, and several other accessories are available for the Jacobsen above, and virtually any other similar mower.
plowhog
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At $2999 its a little over budget, but a Husky GT48DXLS is pretty competitive right now with features vs price. (I paid a little less than MSRP for mine.) Kawasaki engine, K66 transaxle, locking differential. It best fit my needs, which were simple mowing. But that doesn't mean it fits his or other needs. There are available attachments for it, but I just want to ..... mow.
I agree about shopping used but that is also risky depending where you are. I looked for a year, and everything that was used had the snot beat out of it. I generally prefer to buy new unless I can get a gently used unit, which I could not find. Once the grass started growing ... I ran out of time waiting for used. The GT48DXLS is a new unit and I believe it is in high demand, so it might be a challenge to find one (right now) even though it is brand new.
I agree about shopping used but that is also risky depending where you are. I looked for a year, and everything that was used had the snot beat out of it. I generally prefer to buy new unless I can get a gently used unit, which I could not find. Once the grass started growing ... I ran out of time waiting for used. The GT48DXLS is a new unit and I believe it is in high demand, so it might be a challenge to find one (right now) even though it is brand new.
I totally agree with you plowhog. I now more leaning towards new. Also really aiming at husky gt48dxls. I will be stopping by a local shop who sells them.
True. I just want to mow nothing more. Yes it tad over the budget range still realistic goal.
True. I just want to mow nothing more. Yes it tad over the budget range still realistic goal.
MHJ
New member
I just did a lot of looking myself.. I preferred diesel due to it's reliability and longevity and I just like diesel engines! (have an f-250 and a kioti ck20). My budget was $2,500 and I ended up with a used Kubota G1800. Those things are beasts, all metal, 3cyl diesel engine, just a very well built long lasting machine. I got mine for $1,750 and included new battery, all fluids and oil changed and new blades.
coobie
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Find yourself a good used ingersoll 4016 or 4020 lawn tractor.They are a very stout lawn tractor in your price range.The one I purchased(1996) a few years back came a 20 hp onan motor(with 400 hours)power steering 3 point hitch,tire chains,front snow plow,& 48 inch deck.I paid $2900 bucks for it.Parts are readily available to boot.
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fried1765
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The JD318 (great tractor/mower) also has an Onan engine, and engine parts are either absurdly expensive, or not available.
Many JD318 owners "repair" their Onan powered 318's by replacing with a Honda GX630 conversion kit.
I would be very wary about buying anything with an older Onan.
coobie
Super Member
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Never had any issues yet with my 20hp onan engine has 694 hours on the clock.I change the oil & filter every 50 hours.From my research air cooled Onan engines can go up to 2500 hours if maintained correctly.Reliability issues can be traced back to owners who do not properly maintain there engines such as low oil levels.
2ndhalf
Veteran Member
I was going to say a used kubota rider since you want a rider. However, if you want new I think I would get the Husky I have heard they are decent; though I haven't done any research. I do like the Kawasaki engines on mowers have had several and they have great torque.
cford36
Gold Member
Sorry to hijack this thread but my question is going nowhere in another forum.
Is $1500 a good price for a 2015 Cub Cadet XT2 LX46, 50 hours on it, stamped deck, looks clean.
Is $1500 a good price for a 2015 Cub Cadet XT2 LX46, 50 hours on it, stamped deck, looks clean.
2ndhalf
Veteran Member
Seems like an OK price considering the new ones are goin from 2000 - 2500
Texasmark
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I just bought a Ferris 61" with the BS Vanguard 26 hp. After years and years of looking and going through the rainbow of colors and types, I found rapture.
I know you are looking for a 48, but with what I found in this machine, you might include Ferris in your search since you are looking for a long term investment, if smooth ride is at the top of your list along with long term reliability and performance. Really a well engineered, well built machine.
The 44" Hustler Fastrak ZT with an 18 Honda has been a real nice, trouble free machine since purchasing in '05 and it too is well built, have only replaced spark plugs and tires in that time, but will not handle rough terrain like the Ferris. It's currently dedicated to lawn vac service.
The Husqvarna 46 big box purchase (about a 2007 year model) that had the Kohler Courage 20 hp single....it's in the trash with a BS 20 V twin replacement and ATV tires....it mows my pond banks and other structures in the 20-30 degree slope range. Had a crack develop in the deck to mounting bracket this year I had to weld up. But it is a twin blade and really sweeps the wet grass out without clogging which I really like.
The JD L110 (about a 2000 year model) has been converted to a "Gator" with a new BS V twin 18 and ATV tires. It was trouble free (except for one instance of my abusing...see comment below) and a big box purchase. It served well over the years with little to no upkeep.
The DR 52" Pro Z has provided excellent service since '05 too with no repairs required. My main dislike with it is the fabricated deck clogs and doesn't sweep clippings out like the Ferris which helps to cause the clogging problem. Deciding now what I will do with it as the Ferris is it's replacement due to soft ride and superior non-clogging deck performance.
The Scotts 42, about a '95 purchase, with it's 15.5 hp Kohler single has been highly modified to now run my 16 gpm log splitter.
So there are a few hydrostatic drive (zero hydro problems with any of them but the L110 and I caused the problem and was able to fix it with parts from Tough Torque the mfgr) inputs for you from my corral.
I know you are looking for a 48, but with what I found in this machine, you might include Ferris in your search since you are looking for a long term investment, if smooth ride is at the top of your list along with long term reliability and performance. Really a well engineered, well built machine.
The 44" Hustler Fastrak ZT with an 18 Honda has been a real nice, trouble free machine since purchasing in '05 and it too is well built, have only replaced spark plugs and tires in that time, but will not handle rough terrain like the Ferris. It's currently dedicated to lawn vac service.
The Husqvarna 46 big box purchase (about a 2007 year model) that had the Kohler Courage 20 hp single....it's in the trash with a BS 20 V twin replacement and ATV tires....it mows my pond banks and other structures in the 20-30 degree slope range. Had a crack develop in the deck to mounting bracket this year I had to weld up. But it is a twin blade and really sweeps the wet grass out without clogging which I really like.
The JD L110 (about a 2000 year model) has been converted to a "Gator" with a new BS V twin 18 and ATV tires. It was trouble free (except for one instance of my abusing...see comment below) and a big box purchase. It served well over the years with little to no upkeep.
The DR 52" Pro Z has provided excellent service since '05 too with no repairs required. My main dislike with it is the fabricated deck clogs and doesn't sweep clippings out like the Ferris which helps to cause the clogging problem. Deciding now what I will do with it as the Ferris is it's replacement due to soft ride and superior non-clogging deck performance.
The Scotts 42, about a '95 purchase, with it's 15.5 hp Kohler single has been highly modified to now run my 16 gpm log splitter.
So there are a few hydrostatic drive (zero hydro problems with any of them but the L110 and I caused the problem and was able to fix it with parts from Tough Torque the mfgr) inputs for you from my corral.
Teachu2
Platinum Member
Funny how different perspectives give different points of view. I'd consider transaxle failure and a new engine to be disqualifications to the "little or no upkeep" category.
