A rider for hills - suggestions needed

[I-75]

Last spring my 12.5hp Murray blew up and I decided to have a service do the mowing for me. He charges what seems to be a good rate (about $60) to cover my 2 acres. But the grass needs cutting often and I can't afford to have him out practically every week.

Thus far I've been keeping is cut myself with the kindness of neighbors (borrowing a 21hp Huskee) and mowing it myself using my push mower (it can be done, just takes forever).

I REALLY want to get my own mower but I need to be smart with my money and target the BEST bang for the buck.

I was barely able to keep it cut with the 12.5hp. Unless the grass was practically spotless it took forever in 1st gear. The Huskee (21HP is luxurious by comparison) is nice but is scalp happy and uneven.

I've looked at Craftsmans but after reading their reviews (even the big ones) I'm really concerned about getting something that has all sorts or HP and yet stalls on hills. Can't afford that to happen.

So with that I'm asking if anyone can point me to a best bang for the buck suggestion on something, again for a little under 2 acres, rather hilly, and will do it to it if the grass happens to get a little tall. I may have at bet $1,500 to put toward but $1,000-ish is much better. Used suggestions welcome as well.


Thanks all!

 

[Ric]

Last spring my 12.5hp Murray blew up and I decided to have a service do the mowing for me. He charges what seems to be a good rate (about $60) to cover my 2 acres. But the grass needs cutting often and I can't afford to have him out practically every week.

Thus far I've been keeping is cut myself with the kindness of neighbors (borrowing a 21hp Huskee) and mowing it myself using my push mower (it can be done, just takes forever).

I REALLY want to get my own mower but I need to be smart with my money and target the BEST bang for the buck.

I was barely able to keep it cut with the 12.5hp. Unless the grass was practically spotless it took forever in 1st gear. The Huskee (21HP is luxurious by comparison) is nice but is scalp happy and uneven.

I've looked at Craftsmans but after reading their reviews (even the big ones) I'm really concerned about getting something that has all sorts or HP and yet stalls on hills. Can't afford that to happen.

So with that I'm asking if anyone can point me to a best bang for the buck suggestion on something, again for a little under 2 acres, rather hilly, and will do it to it if the grass happens to get a little tall. I may have at bet $1,500 to put toward but $1,000-ish is much better. Used suggestions welcome as well.


Thanks all!

There isn't a whole lot out there for a $1000-ish or even $1500 new thats going to do 2acres of hilly terrain. If all your going to spend is that amount you may want to consider used and start checking things like Craigslist. Maybe locate a used Wide Area Walk Behind or a ZTR.