Seeking Lawn Tractor Mower with Manual Transmission - New

[unit731]

At some point going to replace my older riding tractor/mower.
Have read a few posts here.
Some claim that the big box store models are different from the authorized dealer models. Some state there is a difference while others state that the manufacturer would never decontent/make cheaper their brand name. Is there a difference or is this an urban myth?

Anyway, seeking a riding mower/tractor that has an engine made in USA. With manual transmission. No bagger. Just a basic model.
Viewed all/most of the manufacture web sites - and it is a tad difficult to find out where the engine is made.

As stated in other posts - many are manufactured by MTD, Husqvana, John Deere, and Briggs & Stratton. Most of the other name brands have been gobbled up by the aforementioned.

Bottom line.
Seeking a new riding mower with manual transmission with engine made in the USA.

Any suggestions?

 

[Maxify55]

Anything from any Big Box Store is garbage anymore.

If you're looking for American made, you might look to Simplicity or Snapper.
Both of them are owned by Briggs, as I understand, but by an large....

You'll get what you pay for with respects to your tractor purchase.

Quality comes at a price and as far as I am concerned it should.
The higher end manufacturers spend a lot on manpower, design and machining to get things done right.

Myself? I chose used commercial back in '04.
I spent $3K on a used Ferris Z and it's still running today.
My neighbors all wish they could by the Olde Girl but she's only got 1000 hrs on the clock.
I figure in 10 more years I might take offers on a 20 yr old mower and look to replace her.

That's what I did on 7 acres of farm land.
Of which, I mow around 4 1/2 acres but not all with her anymore.

My LS has taken over the major mowing with an A/C'd cab.
Point being that if you start off small and used.
You can afford to move up over time.

Or you can keep paying $2000 - $2500 every couple of years at Home Cheapo or their blue cousin Lowes.

Simplicity, Snapper or even Bag Boy mowers aren't bad but certainly worth your time in seeking.

There! My 2 cents

PS: One other thing. If you're looking to have one that doesn't need maintenance...
Those aren't made by anyone. Expect to get dirty once in awhile with any of them.
The amount of money spent is directly proportional to the amount of time spent in
breakdowns but not necessarily time spent in maintaining any of them.

 

[4570Man]

Why do you want a manual transmission? Any big box store lawnmowers suck. I doubt you will find a good quality modern lawn mower that is made in the USA with a manual transmission, because everyone wants HST. The only thing I can think of that mostly fit the bill would be a sub compact tractor like my Kubota B7200 or my old Case 235. Both of my machines are HST, but most similar models were offered in geared or HST. I'm pretty sure the motors weren't made in the USA, but I would take either of those little diesels over a USA made gas of modern emission crap diesels.

 

[unit731]

Here is the only one I have found so far:

LINK

A17KG42 42 in. 17-HP KOHLER 6-Speed Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower

 

[ruffdog]

How many times does he say "jerkiness"? This is why HST is popular.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyhmdW9G2EA

 

[Soundguy]

MTD dominates the market in store brand mowers. on the other hand.. they are EASY to get parts for because of this.

 

[unit731]

How many times does he say "jerkiness"? This is why HST is popular.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyhmdW9G2EA

Thanks. Viewed video.
I have an older manual transmission. And that is what I am seeking. Jerking or no jerking.
For me, too many horror stories about automatic/hydrostatic transmission.
I fully realize that most are sold that way and many love it. Just not for me.
But thanks for the video.