Best Bang for the Buck Riding Mower for 1.4 acres?

[wmblalock]

I've got a fair amount of turns and such on our lawn that I would HATE a fender mounted control. What I like about the foot control is it drives just like a car, one or 2 hands on the wheel, push the pedal to go faster, release it (slowly) to slow down and stop. Simple, and works like a car. It's really not that heavy to keep holding down - I'd say about like an accelerator in a car. Granted, I've got size 13 feet, so I may have some additional leverage but it's no big deal at all. Reaching around and messing with a fender control I think would get old real quick, especially since I have a fair amount of obstacles and don't do 1 speed all the time. If your land is flat and obstacle free, a fender may work better.

For the cruise control - mine was a little hard to engage in the beginning as well. What I did was simply get at the linkage with a spray can of white lithium grease and it works like butter. I think mine was a little corrosion from being the "display model" at Home Depot which was stored outside.

I really think the CVT will last longer than a hydro. It is a much simpler unit ( head over to Element V Automatic - By General Transmissions to see about it) - it's pretty much a couple pulleys, some belts, and gears all drenched in grease or gear lube. The same stuff car bearings are packed with or the oil that's in a car differential. The Ariens has the RS-800 unit. The only complaint I have on mine is that the revers - forward transition can be a little jerky and it's slow in reverse But I think the slow in reverse is true of all new mowers now.

I take good care of my stuff and don't see a reason this unit won't last 10-15 years as long as you follow the service and replace parts as needed. Heck, my cheap Craftsman 22" is 5 years old and runs strong, no deck rust, and about the only thing I have replied is the drive wheels due to the plastic gears.

Thanks for the advice. I keep bouncing back and forth between the two, but I do feel the Ariens, built by Husqvarna would probably be the longer lasting machine. It's hard to argue with 250+ Great reviews. I also really like the VTwin, I feel it would last longer and power through more than a single cylinder engine. I also agree about the tranny simplicity. Is there a way to change the gear lube at all?

 

[itguy08]

Thanks for the advice. I keep bouncing back and forth between the two, but I do feel the Ariens, built by Husqvarna would probably be the longer lasting machine. It's hard to argue with 250+ Great reviews. I also really like the VTwin, I feel it would last longer and power through more than a single cylinder engine. I also agree about the tranny simplicity. Is there a way to change the gear lube at all?

You sound like you're where I was before I bought mine! I knew I wanted a VTwin because of the smoothness and most likely better torque than a single. (And, IMHO it sounds like a car starting. ) Like you I saw the good reviews on the Ariens and jumped in. I also found that at the sub $3k mark, most of these mowers are pretty much the same. Low end hydro unit, thinner frame and steel, and an engine, all built by Husqvarna, MTD, or Briggs (Murray). The Ariens seems to be well built and a decent middle of the road mower.

I'm not sure on changing the gear lube. The General Transmissions' website doesn't go into it much at all but by looking at the design, I suspect that this transmission is using some sort of grease for the gears. It would make sense given the design and maintenance free nature of it. I figure if a car can go 50-60k+ on bearing grease my mower will last quite a long time - even after 10 years of, say 10 miles mowing, that's only 5200 miles.

 

[Ric]

You sound like you're where I was before I bought mine! I knew I wanted a VTwin because of the smoothness and most likely better torque than a single. (And, IMHO it sounds like a car starting. ) Like you I saw the good reviews on the Ariens and jumped in. I also found that at the sub $3k mark, most of these mowers are pretty much the same. Low end hydro unit, thinner frame and steel, and an engine, all built by Husqvarna, MTD, or Briggs (Murray). The Ariens seems to be well built and a decent middle of the road mower.

I'm not sure on changing the gear lube. The General Transmissions' website doesn't go into it much at all but by looking at the design, I suspect that this transmission is using some sort of grease for the gears. It would make sense given the design and maintenance free nature of it. I figure if a car can go 50-60k+ on bearing grease my mower will last quite a long time - even after 10 years of, say 10 miles mowing, that's only 5200 miles.

Most of the lubes in your Transmissions will vary but as far as I know they all take some type of oil. My Toro GS recommends there own Toro Hypr-Oil 500 hydraulic oil and to change every 500hours or if you prefer use mobil 1 15w50 and change every 250 hours. Now the Cub Cadets with the 2800 drives say to use a 15w40 motor oil. I would assume the transmissions in tractors would also use motor oil of some type.

 

[davbell22602]

wmblalock,

If have any future plans to put snowplow on the new mower then dont one thats hydrostatic. It shortens the life of the hydro when using a snowplow.

 

[exotion]

wmblalock,

If have any future plans to put snowplow on the new mower then dont one thats hydrostatic. It shortens the life of the hydro when using a snowplow.

I think I would want a sturdier trans and fender control if I was doing anything other than mowing I had the fender controls on my old Murray and I liked it lots of control

 

[Carscw]

I like the fender control it gives you better control. And you don't have to reach for it it is right there. My cub has the foot pedal and as much as I like the cub my husqvarna with the fender control is so much more comfortable to use

 

[kco0054]

I am buying a new house that sits on a 1.4 acre lot, and need a riding mower.
The lot is overgrown right now, but flat for the most part, except for a raised septic drain field which could take some power to climb.
I do not intend to use this mower for any activities other than cutting grass and am very good with maintenance.

I am looking to spend between $1,000-$1,500 on a new mower, the less the better.
At the same time, I want the best bang for the buck in regards to longevity and usability.
I was looking at the basic $1,000 Craftsman models and other bottom of the line box store models, but they get horrible reviews and seem to be complete garbage, not what I want!

What do you guys think about Hydostatic vs CVT transmissions, is one really better than the other in performance or longevity?

Here are 4 options I found through my research.
I am really stuck between the first two, the Ariens and the Craftsman.
All of these models have full pressure oil systems, deck wheels, and automatic transmissions.
Let me know what you guys think would be the best option!

1. ($1,449) Ariens A22A46 46" 22HP V-Twin Dual Cylinder Briggs & Stratton Automatic Riding Mower #960460056
- I really like the idea of a V-Twin dual cylinder B&S. I tend to delay between mows, so more power is welcome to tame the overgrowth. Is it better than a Kohler Single Cylinder 22HP on the Craftsman below?
- This one has the most reviews at 225 scoring a 4.4 / 5.0. Almost everyone loves it, says it's built great, and has tons of power. I figure this power will be needed in my overgrown property.
- I am not sure if it has a CVT or Hydrostatic tranny as some people have reported the earlier ones were hydrostatic and the newer ones have a CVT. Does it matter? Is one much better than the other?
- I like the wide 46" deck, cruise control, all metal construction, large gas tank, etc.
- I like the hose hookup to flush the deck.
- From what I gather, this mower is made by Husqvarna.

2. ($1,299) Craftsman LT2500 46" 22HP Kohler Single Cylinder Hydro Riding Mower
- I am mostly stuck between this and the Ariens. This is $150 cheaper, has the Craftsman name / support, and seems to have the same features but different engine.
- Is the V-Twin B&S in the Ariens better than the single cylinder Kohler? Is one more reliable than the other? At 22HP, they should both have the same power right?
- This definitely has a hydostatic transmission per the specs.
- Only has 36 reviews scoring a 4.0/5.0. Some great reviews, some bad reviews about engine failure and a finicky hydostatic tranny.
- I am pretty sure this mower is made by Husqvarna as well.

3. ($1,399) Cub Cadet LTX10410 42" 19HP Kohler Single Cylinder Courage Automatic Riding Mower
- CVT Transmission
- 3 year warranty, the others have 2 years.
- Cub Cadet is made by MTC. MTD makes mostly junk from what I gather, but their Cub Cadets are actually pretty good quality?
- Is the quality going to be much better than the Ariens or Craftsman made by Husqvarna?
- Has a smaller 19HP Kohler motor, smaller 42" Deck, and higher price than Craftsman? Is the quality offset worth these downgrades?

4. ($1,499) John Deere D105 42" 17.5HP Automatic Riding Mower
- This is the most expensive, and has the smallest engine at 17.5HP.
- Is the quality of the Deere that much higher than the others that it warrants the highest price tag even though it has the weakest motor and smallest deck?
- It has 65 reviews that score it 4.2/5.0. A few complain about the lack of power, which I don't like.
- There are also several complaints about quality and malfunctions. Doesn't seem to me that the quality is any better than the others, what do you guys think?

Back in 1997 I bought the cheapest rider available - when to the big box and bought a MTD. 16 horse 42in cut, 7 speed. Change oil once a year and still going strong. Same belts. Have done nothing to it except changed the battery a couple of times. Best $1,000 I spend ever.

 

[wildbill]

NO box store stuff u wont get good service ..If any at all ....As the others said buy from a dealer ....Ariens has a good Selection also

Okay, having dealt with these mowers and repaired them for about 40 years, consider the up front price as only a part of the picture. As for the costs of blades and other "normal" repairs this should also be considered. The highest cost for blades is Cub Cadet and John Deere. These two brands also have parts that are hard to get from a wholesale parts house, so you will pay dearly. As for the quality of the motors it is pretty much a wash, as each brand will have either a Briggs or a Kohler. If you take good care of either one it will do you a good job for years and years. The width of the cut is also a consideration. I have 3 acres and use a 42" cut which requires only 2 blades, and about 2 hrs of time. Most of the mowers wider than 42" will use 3 blades which will cost you almost 2x.

Here is my opinion based on working on the mowers as well as having a large yard to cut.

1- I would NEVER buy a Troy Bilt even if it was 1/2 the price of a similar size mower. They are a piece of (expletive), the hardest to work on, way too many drive parts.

2- John Deere is a joke, believe me on this. Poor quality on the drive system.

3- Ariens is a good selection, easy to work on and standard parts.

4- Craftsman is a good ride, easy to work on, parts easily available. (I have one, a 42", 2001 model, with 3 acres to cut in mid-Georgia.... lots of cutting season, and still in great condition)

The bottom line is that most people think they are getting a good deal when they get a new mower from a big-box store and usually think they NEED a new one. Well, its like this: Change the oil yearly, change the air filter yearly, keep the tires properly inflated, do not store it in the sun but if you have no choice then cover the tires so the sun exposure will not deteriorate them, use a gas fortification product like Sta-Bil or Seafoam and the carburetor/fuel system will never give trouble, never use gas older than 2 months, and ALWAYS blow all the cut grass off when done mowing, and for the sake of whomever NEVER mow when the grass is wet or even damp. Oh, and if you happen to have a Briggs engine, be sure to set the valves as directed.

How long should a mower last? Well, it operates at about 3200 to 3500 R.P.M. If it were a car for example, that would be equivalent to going down the interstate at about 80 to 85 M.P.H. No problem with that. So, for each one hour of cutting you would have traveled lets say 85 miles in a car. A vehicle which gets good maintenance will easily get 150,000 miles on it. Divide this out and you will get 1,764 one-hour mowing sessions....... go figure.

 

[weewilly]

In my experiance i keep them until the warranty is off or + 1 year
I have had 14hp briggs 42" cheapest MTD (gear drive)they make ran it for 2 years probably the cheapest on gas sold it at about 1/2 price.
every thing after that was a hydro drive.
bought a sears 20hp 42" much improved ride used more gas no noticeable difference in lawn cut or in speed of doing the job gave to the brother inlaw.
bought a sears 28 hp 54" cut 3 blade (best cut) again a little more confortable and more gas again kept for a snow blower.
bought a 20hp 46" kohler cub cadet blades are a little on the expensive side no proper fitting aftermarket blades(do not use the universal blades they in my opinion are hard on spindle shafts) on 2nd year of 4 year warranty
observations I cut 5 acres some of it is rough, trees, hills, and lawn. I average 100 hr a year.
A garden tractor is built heavier duty than a lawn tractor (in my situation worth any extra) 14-20 hp and I would lean to a 14hp single or twin and a 3 blade 42"deck.
After the first 25 hours they all went to synthetic oil and a filter at every 50hr the exception was the cheap MTD which got 30w diesel oil and filter every 50 hr
The cheaper lawn tractors seem to me have lighter steering components and deck lift/attachment points and perhaps deck shells.
Weewilly

 

[russ7127]

Have you considered a used heavy duty riding mower. Most heavy duty mowers holder their abilities for 20 years or more. Frequently a used mower can be reconditioned to new performance levels for less money then the cost of a new (cheap) riding mower. You also wind up with heavier duty machine.

I am buying a new house that sits on a 1.4 acre lot, and need a riding mower.
The lot is overgrown right now, but flat for the most part, except for a raised septic drain field which could take some power to climb.
I do not intend to use this mower for any activities other than cutting grass and am very good with maintenance.

I am looking to spend between $1,000-$1,500 on a new mower, the less the better.
At the same time, I want the best bang for the buck in regards to longevity and usability.
I was looking at the basic $1,000 Craftsman models and other bottom of the line box store models, but they get horrible reviews and seem to be complete garbage, not what I want!

What do you guys think about Hydostatic vs CVT transmissions, is one really better than the other in performance or longevity?

Here are 4 options I found through my research.
I am really stuck between the first two, the Ariens and the Craftsman.
All of these models have full pressure oil systems, deck wheels, and automatic transmissions.
Let me know what you guys think would be the best option!

1. ($1,449) Ariens A22A46 46" 22HP V-Twin Dual Cylinder Briggs & Stratton Automatic Riding Mower #960460056
- I really like the idea of a V-Twin dual cylinder B&S. I tend to delay between mows, so more power is welcome to tame the overgrowth. Is it better than a Kohler Single Cylinder 22HP on the Craftsman below?
- This one has the most reviews at 225 scoring a 4.4 / 5.0. Almost everyone loves it, says it's built great, and has tons of power. I figure this power will be needed in my overgrown property.
- I am not sure if it has a CVT or Hydrostatic tranny as some people have reported the earlier ones were hydrostatic and the newer ones have a CVT. Does it matter? Is one much better than the other?
- I like the wide 46" deck, cruise control, all metal construction, large gas tank, etc.
- I like the hose hookup to flush the deck.
- From what I gather, this mower is made by Husqvarna.

2. ($1,299) Craftsman LT2500 46" 22HP Kohler Single Cylinder Hydro Riding Mower
- I am mostly stuck between this and the Ariens. This is $150 cheaper, has the Craftsman name / support, and seems to have the same features but different engine.
- Is the V-Twin B&S in the Ariens better than the single cylinder Kohler? Is one more reliable than the other? At 22HP, they should both have the same power right?
- This definitely has a hydostatic transmission per the specs.
- Only has 36 reviews scoring a 4.0/5.0. Some great reviews, some bad reviews about engine failure and a finicky hydostatic tranny.
- I am pretty sure this mower is made by Husqvarna as well.

3. ($1,399) Cub Cadet LTX10410 42" 19HP Kohler Single Cylinder Courage Automatic Riding Mower
- CVT Transmission
- 3 year warranty, the others have 2 years.
- Cub Cadet is made by MTC. MTD makes mostly junk from what I gather, but their Cub Cadets are actually pretty good quality?
- Is the quality going to be much better than the Ariens or Craftsman made by Husqvarna?
- Has a smaller 19HP Kohler motor, smaller 42" Deck, and higher price than Craftsman? Is the quality offset worth these downgrades?

4. ($1,499) John Deere D105 42" 17.5HP Automatic Riding Mower
- This is the most expensive, and has the smallest engine at 17.5HP.
- Is the quality of the Deere that much higher than the others that it warrants the highest price tag even though it has the weakest motor and smallest deck?
- It has 65 reviews that score it 4.2/5.0. A few complain about the lack of power, which I don't like.
- There are also several complaints about quality and malfunctions. Doesn't seem to me that the quality is any better than the others, what do you guys think?