Tax Return time... Any Suggestions?

Iplayfarmer · Mar 3, 2008

My wife got the tax return last year to buy a new stove and fridge. I get it this year to buy a new lawn tractor. I'd like some input from the forum to give me ideas on what's out there. I believe in buying used,and My budget is right around $1000. I've got my eyes on Craig's list and the local classified ads, but there's not much activity yet for used mowers.

Here's what I'm wanting...

I mow 1/2 acre.
I want something that I can get a snowblower for.
Has to have a bagger. (Wife's rule. Something about kids tracking green stuff all through the house.)
I want enough power that if I skip a cutting I can still mow in one pass.
I want a heavy enough frame that I can use the lawn tractor to pull my dump cart.

I've been using an old John Deere 140 for a lot of my mowing. It's a good old tractor with plenty of power, but I want something that I can get a bagger for, and I want something that can maneuver a little better. I had a JD 111 for a while, and I loved how it maneuvered, but it was a bit underpowered. I've also used an old MTD Ranch King 12/38. It was just about right for power and maneuverability, but it's falling apart.

I want something to buy and keep, so parts availability is important.

What are some good options out there? What models should I look for and which should I steer clear of?

RobS · Mar 3, 2008

My simple advice:

Pick a dealer/retailer that you are comfortable with.
Pick a brand that they carry, again that you are comfortable with.
Choose the smallest model that will accomodate a snowblower (for 1/2 acre, that should be more than adequate).

I went through something similar about 20 years ago when we built our first house in a subdivision. Ended up with the smallest Craftsman that would take a blower. We've since moved to a rural property but I still have that Craftsman. As much as I scorn the thing, it just won't die. I'd call that money well spent.

Iplayfarmer · Mar 3, 2008

RobS said:
My simple advice:

Pick a dealer/retailer that you are comfortable with.
Pick a brand that they carry, again that you are comfortable with.
Choose the smallest model that will accomodate a snowblower (for 1/2 acre, that should be more than adequate).

I went through something similar about 20 years ago when we built our first house in a subdivision. Ended up with the smallest Craftsman that would take a blower. We've since moved to a rural property but I still have that Craftsman. As much as I scorn the thing, it just won't die. I'd call that money well spent.

That sounds like good advice...especially since you've backed it up with personal experience.

I want something small as long as it has plenty of power for the deck size. In fact, I have a tree near a fence that a 38" deck will just barely clear. My only concern with buying small is that it will not handle the towing that I want it to do. In addition to the dump cart, I have a lawn roller that I use occasionally, and I borrow my BIL's dethatcher about every other spring.

JiminGa · Mar 3, 2008

talk to your local dealers. when I traded my JD LT150 with bagger, they gave me $1200 for it. it sold that same day for $1300 if the salesman didn't tell me a story.

bontai_Joe · Mar 4, 2008

If you liked your Deere 111, you would probably love the 116. Has 5 more HP and all the features of the 111, like easy manuverability.

Iplayfarmer · Mar 4, 2008

bontai_Joe said:
If you liked your Deere 111, you would probably love the 116. Has 5 more HP and all the features of the 111, like easy manuverability.

I looked up the 116 and remembered something else I didn't like about the 111... No Headlights.

At the right price, though, I don't think I'd turn it down.

Iplayfarmer · Mar 10, 2008

I took some time this weekend to compare what was available new at Lowe's. I learned enough to know I'm not going to buy a mower from Lowe's.

I wasn't surprised to find that they really didn't have a great selection, and no one there knew enough to help me compare mowers. I did learn that the Husqvarna seat is a lot more comfortable than the John Deere seat.

The more I look into things, the more I am drawn to Husqvarna. Anyone had experience with this brand? Good? Bad? Things to watch for?

One of the reasons that I am looking at Husqvarna is that the small town closest to the tiny town where I live has a Husqvarna dealership that has a really good service department.