TimTheWiner
New member
When I start researching something I go crazy spending hours on end until I've consumed a wealth of information. I want to start looking for a riding mower before spring and everyone else is looking. Just bought a small .75 acre property so I'd rather not use a push mower anymore. My grandmother owns the wooded abutting 8 acres to the North and West sides, which I would like to clear out a bit and extend my yard space. My budget is a measly $1k. From what I've gathered (and I'm sure I'm generalizing a bit), Kohler Courage is crap. Kohler Command engines are good, but do not seem as common. Heard various thing about Briggs Engines. From what I understand the V Twins seem ok, but the Inteks are considered only a hair better than the Kohler Courage?? I was set on Deere for a while, but read tons of bad reviews on the newer stuff (mostly from Lowes/Home Creepo), and told that if looking at a Deere then mainly something from a dealer (ie: x300 and above) are decent, which is out of my price range.
My Uncle restores vintage Cubs in New Hampshire and piques my interest when posting restoration projects on Facebook. With this I looked for some older stuff and found an amazing (by the pics) early 80s Bolens HT 14 XL (Tecumseh) with a 42" mower deck. Priced at $1,100. Seen cheaper across the country, but CT and New England seem to demand a premium. Apparently needs a starter or solenoid, but I would make sure it's running before purchasing. From what I gather it is a medium tube frame and there could be potential for some attachments, but not sure what really exists anymore and for 14hp I wouldn't go too crazy.
Another option is a late 70s Allis Chalmers HB212 (12 hp) with a couple mowers, snow blower (I don't need), and a tiller for $1,400, but much less "pretty". Not sure about the track record of either of these machines or engines, but if they're still running strong after 40 years then I'd say it's a good sign.
My main question (and sorry for the essay), is, are there any "newer" trators (Craftsman, Husqvarna) that are in my price range used and can hold there own for reliability. I'm sure most of these would be considered more riding mowers than garden tractors. Thanks much
My Uncle restores vintage Cubs in New Hampshire and piques my interest when posting restoration projects on Facebook. With this I looked for some older stuff and found an amazing (by the pics) early 80s Bolens HT 14 XL (Tecumseh) with a 42" mower deck. Priced at $1,100. Seen cheaper across the country, but CT and New England seem to demand a premium. Apparently needs a starter or solenoid, but I would make sure it's running before purchasing. From what I gather it is a medium tube frame and there could be potential for some attachments, but not sure what really exists anymore and for 14hp I wouldn't go too crazy.
Another option is a late 70s Allis Chalmers HB212 (12 hp) with a couple mowers, snow blower (I don't need), and a tiller for $1,400, but much less "pretty". Not sure about the track record of either of these machines or engines, but if they're still running strong after 40 years then I'd say it's a good sign.
My main question (and sorry for the essay), is, are there any "newer" trators (Craftsman, Husqvarna) that are in my price range used and can hold there own for reliability. I'm sure most of these would be considered more riding mowers than garden tractors. Thanks much
