Need lawn tractor recommendations - Ontario Canada

[dourobob]

My neighbour's son is considering buying his parents a riding lawn mower (what a kid!). His folks probably have an acre or so of lawn (rural property - NOT smooth and manicured). He has been researching local dealers (with THEIR brands to promote) and thinks the following specs are what would be best for his folks: about 14-16 HP, Hydrostatic drive with foot pedal control and cruise control, ability to cut in reverse, deck of about 42" width with front and back rollers (non-scalpling for rough ground). His dad is not very mechanically inclined and would like something with a reputation for reliability and easy servicing. Am interested in collecting any advice and recommendations you may have.

Thanks
Bob

 

[hwp]

Bob, I have to admit that I had to get out a map to find where Douro is. Now my curiosity is satisfied. From what you said, my suggestion is to stay away from the box store brands of lawn tractors (MTD, Craftsman, etc.) and go with a sturdier garden tractor such as a JD (but not Scotts or Sabre), Cub Cadet or Kubota. You didn't indicate that the tractor would be used for anything other than cutting grass. What about snow removal? Something like a JD 3xx would seem about right to me. Of course, the amount he is willing to spend is a major factor. Sturdy tractors don't come cheap. Cheap tractors don't last long. You get what you pay for.

 

[dourobob]

Thanks Howard, Excellent advice (and by the way I thought everyone new about "downtown Douro" - pop 57 in the 1996 census /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif - wonderful 4th generation general store <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www3.sympatico.ca/pgtowns/>http://www3.sympatico.ca/pgtowns/</A> ). I know Joe has been checking JD (perhaps the Sabre line), Husquavana, White but I'm not sure about Kubota or Cub Cadet. I'll pass this along to him.

I believe this unit is just a grass cutter as I do most of their snow removal with a 6'6" blower.
Cheers!

 

[kbarrett]

Bob,

My first choice is to have him take a look at Simplicity. There is a pretty extensive network of dealers throughout Ontario.

http://www.simplicitymfg.com/prodct/bro.htm

I know others wouldn't recommend the following, but I'm going to stick my neck out and recommend the Craftsman
DLT2000.

I feel it's the best value Sears has produced to date
and it's sufficiently tough (10 gauge steel deck) for a rough
property.

Craftsman's have faired pretty well in Consumer Reports reviews. It's not considered a premium line, but I think it
would last quite a bit longer than some will admit.

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