Advice on what brand is most reliable these days

[Auto Doc's]

New Holland mowers? That is getting into the commercial level meant for larger acreage.

Having a servicing dealer along with parts is important for any equipment purchase you consider.

John Deere seems to have the best network of dealers

 

[kikikopa]

New Holland mowers? That is getting into the commercial level meant for larger acreage.

Having a servicing dealer along with parts is important for any equipment purchase you consider.

John Deere seems to have the best network of dealers

John Deere you say? Read these reviews: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/deere.html?page=3#scroll_to_reviews=true
and then tell me if you think John Deere has "the best network of dealers."

 

[Auto Doc's]

Those are some very poor reviews. They seem to have gone downhill fast in recent years with their quality control and customer satisfaction policies.

I was a service manager for a local JD dealer back in '07-'11, but that was a different time.

 

[kikikopa]

Those are some very poor reviews. They seem to have gone downhill fast in recent years with their quality control and customer satisfaction policies.

I was a service manager for a local JD dealer back in '07-'11, but that was a different time.

A different time indeed although it was relatively recent. I've found quality control and customer satisfaction deficiencies to be practically universal across many if not most industries. I have to think its related to the dichotomy of the population and the hyper-politicization of the nation as a whole. It's a complex subject but there is definitely a reason for it and the cause(s) are many.

 

[DHook]

I've had a Husqvarna for about 7 years now (YTH18542) and if I had to buy another rider I'd stick to the Husqvarna brand. Like any brand you buy, maintenance is key to longevity. I think the only weak point on the mower is the B&S engine.

A couple years ago I bought a YTH 48" Husqvarna with the twin cylinder Kohler engine for $25 that needed a hydro overhaul and some other repairs like steering wheel bushing, deck adjustment hardware and replaced the dash panel due to broken pieces. (I think something fell on the mower and damaged the hood and other pieces.) I found the replacement parts easy to access and reasonably priced (compared to JD). Rebuilding the hydro was pretty straight forward and everything worked well. Used it occasionally for a season to be sure it worked okay, then sold it as I didn't need two riders.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a well maintained, low hour used Husqvarna in the future.

 

[kikikopa]

I've had a Husqvarna for about 7 years now (YTH18542) and if I had to buy another rider I'd stick to the Husqvarna brand. Like any brand you buy, maintenance is key to longevity. I think the only weak point on the mower is the B&S engine.

A couple years ago I bought a YTH 48" Husqvarna with the twin cylinder Kohler engine for $25 that needed a hydro overhaul and some other repairs like steering wheel bushing, deck adjustment hardware and replaced the dash panel due to broken pieces. (I think something fell on the mower and damaged the hood and other pieces.) I found the replacement parts easy to access and reasonably priced (compared to JD). Rebuilding the hydro was pretty straight forward and everything worked well. Used it occasionally for a season to be sure it worked okay, then sold it as I didn't need two riders.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a well maintained, low hour used Husqvarna in the future.

Thanks for your input. That Husqvarna model is a popular one and has 1868 reviews just on Lowes alone. 72% of them recommend it which today is a high number. Here is the refined product review summary: The mower has a mixed performance, with some users reporting it is powerful, maneuverable, and cuts grass effectively, especially on flat terrain. The hydrostatic transmission and reverse mowing are convenient features. However, many users have experienced issues like excessive vibration, problems with the seat and deck, electrical/starting problems, and premature failure of components. The overall quality and reliability of the product seem questionable based on the mixed feedback.

There are common problems in all these mowers that are obvious when you read enough of the reviews. If one is able to deal with these issues as they inevitably arise, and is able to do the work themselves, (which to me is absolutely necessary to avoid adding insult to injury dealing with repair shops) then you can have a machine that will serve your needs. As long as you enter into the relationship knowing this in advance, you should be OK because you'll know what to expect and how to handle it.

I have a couple of questions for you if you would be so kind. Was the Kohler engine the Courage model? Have you experienced any of the issues mentioned above in the product review summary?

 

[grumpyunk]

Just my opinion, but I would look for a used AYP(craftsman, poulan pro, and others) and do a bit of refurbishment to make it usable and reliable. I also tend to want a Kohler CV single as the engine. I have a 6 speed geared, but would like a hyrdo sometime in the future. I know very little about the hyrdo models and specifics. Some are good, some are kind of weak.
I do not know of one consumer grade that has the quality and durability of those build roughly 20 years ago and prior.
Mine is a 1997 model. Stuff wears out, and needs work occasionally, but not obtrusively.
Unless you go to the commercial versions, or close to them in price, you likely will not like the product once you are familiar with it. Most make your current model look like a tank in comparison. Many flimsy parts are installed, and the just break.

 

[DHook]

Thanks for your input. That Husqvarna model is a popular one and has 1868 reviews just on Lowes alone. 72% of them recommend it which today is a high number. Here is the refined product review summary: The mower has a mixed performance, with some users reporting it is powerful, maneuverable, and cuts grass effectively, especially on flat terrain. The hydrostatic transmission and reverse mowing are convenient features. However, many users have experienced issues like excessive vibration, problems with the seat and deck, electrical/starting problems, and premature failure of components. The overall quality and reliability of the product seem questionable based on the mixed feedback.

There are common problems in all these mowers that are obvious when you read enough of the reviews. If one is able to deal with these issues as they inevitably arise, and is able to do the work themselves, (which to me is absolutely necessary to avoid adding insult to injury dealing with repair shops) then you can have a machine that will serve your needs. As long as you enter into the relationship knowing this in advance, you should be OK because you'll know what to expect and how to handle it.

I have a couple of questions for you if you would be so kind. Was the Kohler engine the Courage model? Have you experienced any of the issues mentioned above in the product review summary?

I can't tell if the vibration is excessive or not because the YTH18542 is the only rider I've owned or used but I will say the YTH4624 that I bought for $25 was a smoother running mower. I think it's because the twin cylinder Kohler engine has less vibration than the single cylinder B&S. Other than the engines, there's not much difference between the two mower besides the size of the deck. If there's noticeable vibration, it seems to start when the mowing deck is engaged on both mowers. And yes, the engine was the Kohler Courage, IIRC. I haven't experienced any of the other problems you mentioned in the review summary.

Haven't had any problems with the seat but the mower is covered anytime it's not in use. Purchased a Husqvarna brand cover when I got the mower and it's much better than the generic covers you see on Amazon and still available on their website.

I've seen comments/complaints about the electric clutch controlling the blade(s) engagement but mine is manual so I don't know anything about that. But I know, from what I've read, I'd prefer the manual over the electric engagement system, just to eliminate that as a potential problem. YMMV. I've had to replace the battery last season after the original lasted the first 5 years so I figure that's pretty good. I was having starting problems before replacing the battery but none since. I've had no other electrical problems. It didn't come with an hour meter but I bought one off Amazon and it was an easy install.

 

[grumpyunk]

All the mowers I have used did not vibrate excessively. If the vibration is happening once the deck is engaged, I would suggest removing the blades and checking their balance. You can balance on a screwdriver through the hub, and the blade should stay pretty level when allowed to move. Remove metal using a flap disk or file or grinding wheel on the end that droops. You can make big improvements in balance by just doing this. I bought a balance gizmo for a few dolleros from an online source. It is of course China made, looking to be pot metal, but it works. It will indicate front to rear balance along with side to side. It actually works pretty well as far as I am concerned. It is bare metal with a cone shape that sits on a pivot allowing motion in all directions.
Any vibration that remains may be traced back to failing bearings allowing shaft wobble, which the belt motion might amplify. When balanced they really do run pretty smoothly, low budget or high end, they all should run smoothly.
When you apply tension to the deck belt you can generally feel the deck start to shake as the blades spin up if they are out of balance. Once balanced, you will no longer feel the desk start to move on its own.
The vibration from the engine would be felt from startup, likely staying steady as rpms increase from start. Most times you will not feel it...
tom

 

[Craftsman Garage]

Thanks for your input. That Husqvarna model is a popular one and has 1868 reviews just on Lowes alone. 72% of them recommend it which today is a high number. Here is the refined product review summary: The mower has a mixed performance, with some users reporting it is powerful, maneuverable, and cuts grass effectively, especially on flat terrain. The hydrostatic transmission and reverse mowing are convenient features. However, many users have experienced issues like excessive vibration, problems with the seat and deck, electrical/starting problems, and premature failure of components. The overall quality and reliability of the product seem questionable based on the mixed feedback.

There are common problems in all these mowers that are obvious when you read enough of the reviews. If one is able to deal with these issues as they inevitably arise, and is able to do the work themselves, (which to me is absolutely necessary to avoid adding insult to injury dealing with repair shops) then you can have a machine that will serve your needs. As long as you enter into the relationship knowing this in advance, you should be OK because you'll know what to expect and how to handle it.

I have a couple of questions for you if you would be so kind. Was the Kohler engine the Courage model? Have you experienced any of the issues mentioned above in the product review summary?

Husqvarna is a great brand, best new mower brand if you ask me, but If you have 2 acres, don't bother even thinking about getting a base model Husqvarna like the YTH18542. It won't have enough power for your property and was made with the bare minimum features, like a weak transmission and a single cylinder engine. If any mower you look at has a Kohler courage, AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE. What size of deck do you want? What's your budget? For a property like that, I would absolutely get one of the Husqvarna garden tractors like the TS348XD or the TS354XD. Both have a Kawasaki V-Twin, which are highly regarded and definitely the best engine you could get in a riding mower. Both have a Tuff Torq K66 with a electronic locking differential, so you won't get stuck! Both have heavy duty fabricated decks, so the deck rusting out won't even come to mind. And these GTs are just straight up powerhouses. Heck, you could even put a sleeve hitch, front loader, or anything you could want on it.