small riding lawn mower recomendation

[scubasteve12]

Small riding lawn mower recommendation

So I find myself in a unique situation I need a small riding lawn mower I have never purchased a mower in my life. Every mower I have ever had was something I dug out of junk yard dumpster curb etc and got running. My current rider is a newer Toro on its 2nd motor and that is about to die as motor I swapped in was a Briggs from a 40 year old Murry the blades are shot and deck has tendency to change cut height at random. I'm unable to fix it due to a broken leg.

So I'm looking for new mower with deck no larger than 42 in preferably 38-40 range that has a ground floating deck, my yard has lot of small transitions and trees so width is the enemy and the deck should be as relative to the ground as possible and not relative to the mower.

I was keen on a Husqvarna. LTA18538 but I've seen they are hit or miss on quality, and I also read that they are discontinuing their mower lines.

Most other mowers are made by MTD and I have heard they are cheap garbage and are complete junk in 5 years if I'm buying mower I want something that will last.

This has led me to the John Deere x300 series with 42 inch deck which is more than I want to pay 渡ot a fan of paying for green paint and I'm not sure if are there any other brands that compete with this line or still build quality mowers. Zero turns are not an option due incline.

I was also considering used but I'm scared of getting something that has issues and I can't fix in my current state also in my area difference in price is like $200 new vs used, IE a mower with 450 hours they are asking $300 less than a brand new one of the exact same model sitting beside it.

Any other options that I can look at would be great

 

[Diggin It]

Zero turns are not an option due incline.

What kind of inclines?

Small, consumer riding mowers often come with low end Hydrostatic Transmissions. They're fine for the majority of buyers with urban/suburban lawns that are more or less flat. They have trouble on inclines though and that can dramatically shorten the life of the transmission. My two will both pull my hill which is rather severe, but I have to be careful not to let them overheat.

Pulling any kind of equipment beyond a cart or small trailer magnifies the problem.

 

[scubasteve12]

won't need to pull any thing more than maybe trailer full leaves have a 30hp tractor for every thing else. I would say the steepest is 45% -50% incline but its short and i mow it sideways the biggest chunk is a north-south mow on a 15% grade of 1/4 - 1/2 acre

also most zero turns decks are 2 wide

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

My new pampered Husqv GT has NOT been reliable. Would not personally recommend new Husqv's, as reviews show many problems with other models as well. OTOH my YTH48 (2008) has been used and abused (was kept filled with bad gas, not serviced or lubed; this has since been corrected) and still runs like a top. Handles most of my steep hills. Has pulled way beyond its weight. Been driven over stumps and rocks, etc., etc. The stamped deck even cuts way better than the new Husqv with the fabricated deck. But if you must buy new:

There are a couple of ELECTRIC riding mowers that I would def consider if I didn't need a larger mowing deck. I believe the max is 32".

For really tight spaces, I would love an articulated mower with the mowing deck in the front. Not sure anyone but Husqv makes them though. And PRICEY.

When I was shopping, Cub Cadet seemed to be one of the better brands. Almost bought one, but was so impressed with my old Husqv, bought a new one. Mistake.

Also shopped Simplicity, and folks say they are the best. Impressive machines. Expensive.

For mowing really steep hills, Ventrac. Very expensive.

One thing I learned, whatever you buy, don't buy it at a big box store. Apparently mower co's make "special" (cheaper) models for these stores. Go to a DEALER. You'll get better service too.

The $$$ extended warranty I bought has paid for itself a couple times over. Pretty sad.

Good luck!

 

[atsah]

I would say 18542, if you buy the 38 you can't get close to anything.

 

[herm0016]

as you already have a tractor, i would go for a zero turn hands down. every color builds a 42 in deck, and it will be much faster and you will be much happier mowing around stuff. whats your budget? check out the cubs, and the toro. or look for a used commercial machine.

 

[radios1]

my John Deere was made in their factory in Tennessee and JD has a high resale value.. btw, you only get what you pay for, Companies don't exist to lose money, keep that in mind..

 

[AVIVIII]

If you don't have to have NEW one, I'd look for a nice 2 or 3 series JD from the 80's. I had a 212 and a 318 before my 430 and they were both great mowers. I probably wouldn't buy a new one....

That being said, my neighbor just bought a Cub Cadet XT2 with a 42" deck and a 22hp kohler and it is a pretty nice piece of equipment for under $2k. I'm not sure if the gauge wheels are adjustable though.

 

[radios1]

If you don't have to have NEW one, I'd look for a nice 2 or 3 series JD from the 80's. I had a 212 and a 318 before my 430 and they were both great mowers. I probably wouldn't buy a new one....

That being said, my neighbor just bought a Cub Cadet XT2 with a 42" deck and a 22hp kohler and it is a pretty nice piece of equipment for under $2k. I'm not sure if the gauge wheels are adjustable though.

Cub Cadet is made by MTD, and they make many others too..

 

[AVIVIII]

Cub Cadet is made by MTD, and they make many others too..

Isn't that just the XT1 series thats available at the big-crap-stores?