I have just moved into a new home with a little over an acre and a half of land. The land is relatively flat and has close to 40 mature trees. From what the neighbors say, the trees will drop leaves all fall and winter long and are a chore to keep up. My neighbor recommended a lawn tractor with 17 - 20 HP and a rear bagger (he has that setup on his craftsman). This will be my first major lawn equipment purchase and I would like to get something I can depend on and that will last for many years. Any recommendations on what I need or should get? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
What do I need?
- Thread starter SuperCrew
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Bob_Skurka
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I think you will find that a Zero Turn Mower will mow that size property in less than half the time that a Lawn or Garden tractor could mow it. ZTRs work best on smooth lawns, they don't perform very well if the ground is rough. Based on the number of trees you have to mow around, I think it might be just the ticket for you. ZTRs come in a wide price range and to some degree price will determine quality, but in any case they will cost much more than your neighbor's Craftsman lawn tractor. On the lower priced end of ZTRs you should be able to find one priced at about $2500 to $3000, I believe if you check with a Toro or a Cub Cadet dealer they might be able to help you out. Many of the ZTRs are much more expensive, but built for commercial application where they get a lot of abuse.
When you compare the price to a Lawn Tractor you may wonder why they cost so much, but realize the benefit of mowing speed and then ask yourself how much your time is worth (every week, year after year). If you save 30 to 60 minutes a week in mowing, the cost justification becomes pretty easy.
When you compare the price to a Lawn Tractor you may wonder why they cost so much, but realize the benefit of mowing speed and then ask yourself how much your time is worth (every week, year after year). If you save 30 to 60 minutes a week in mowing, the cost justification becomes pretty easy.
ZTR sounds nice, but I am concerned about all the leaves. Also the ground is flat but really bumpy around the trees (tree roots). I have alot of work to do in the back yard and I think maybe a lawn or gardern tractor may work best for me right now - until I can get things the way I want them. Any ideas on what brand/size lawn tractor I should look into?
Bob_Skurka
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IF you want to keep it for a long time (maybe 20 years!) then look for any of the better SHAFT drive GARDEN tractors. Garden tractors are built heavier in most ways than Lawn tractors. Shaft drive units are typically built better than belt drive units. A Cub Cadet 2500 series or 3000 series tractor will last you for a decade or two. A JD 300 series tractor will do the same.
bontai_Joe
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It would help to know what the budget will allow. There are bare bones cheap units for under $1000, some decent machines for $2500-3500. Better machines for $4000-6000 and then there are machines that should do ANYTHING you need including snow removal, landscaping, tilling, and heavy hauling for 20 -25 years at over $7000.
johndeere2210
Gold Member
SuperCrew, I assume that refers to excellent taste in pickups. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif You might want to consider an L series John Deere with a rear bag system. Ours does a pretty good job of picking up pine needles and leaves. If you stay with a 42" deck, it eliminates the need for a powerflow bagger. If you go with a triple blade deck larger than 42" you will need a powerflow. Ours works nicely without the powerflow. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I dont know wether you have them in the US
i would look out for a rear sweeper collector, makes over here such as Westwood and Countax (actually the same firm)
the mower deck cuts and spits it out the back, a powered rear sweeper bruses up all, wet grass leaves anything, you can even get a diesel version
they really are the best mowers
Countax (dunno if they sell in the US)
i would look out for a rear sweeper collector, makes over here such as Westwood and Countax (actually the same firm)
the mower deck cuts and spits it out the back, a powered rear sweeper bruses up all, wet grass leaves anything, you can even get a diesel version
they really are the best mowers
Countax (dunno if they sell in the US)
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( SuperCrew, I assume that refers to excellent taste in pickups. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif You might want to consider an L series John Deere with a rear bag system. Ours does a pretty good job of picking up pine needles and leaves. If you stay with a 42" deck, it eliminates the need for a powerflow bagger. If you go with a triple blade deck larger than 42" you will need a powerflow. Ours works nicely without the powerflow. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )</font>
Yes, it does refer to my truck. I have been leaning in the direction of the John Deere. I stumbled upon the brand new L111 at Home Depot last weekend and it looked like a nice tractor for the price. My only concern was the Briggs and Stratton engine - I know these are good engines, but I have always heard that Kohler was the way to go - why did Deere switch to the B&S? For $1799.00 The L111 seems to be what I need, add $300 for the bagger and I have met my self-imposed price limit and from what the JD rep said, it should do the job. Any thoughts on the new L111?
Yes, it does refer to my truck. I have been leaning in the direction of the John Deere. I stumbled upon the brand new L111 at Home Depot last weekend and it looked like a nice tractor for the price. My only concern was the Briggs and Stratton engine - I know these are good engines, but I have always heard that Kohler was the way to go - why did Deere switch to the B&S? For $1799.00 The L111 seems to be what I need, add $300 for the bagger and I have met my self-imposed price limit and from what the JD rep said, it should do the job. Any thoughts on the new L111?
johndeere2210
Gold Member
SuperCrew, I have used an L series for three years total and a Sabre 1842 with a Briggs for seven years before that. I was totally happy with the Briggs engine. The Intek engine with pressure lube and overhead valves will run with the best of them for a long time with a good maintenance program (oil and filter every 50 hours and a clean air filter as needed). The new L111 is basically the same as last years L118, with the only difference being rear tire size. Hope that helps /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I don't have a good answer as to why Deere took the Kohler powered L110 out of the line up. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif