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D125 or D130
#1
H
Howdy Doody
H
Howdy Doody
I am going to buy either a D125 or a D130 in the next month or two. I noticed that both only have 2 scalp wheels and was wondering if anyone has added another set? I have added after market scalp wheels on other mowers, and some were easier than others. This feature seems to help with not scalping my lawn as much as with only 2 wheels. Any feedback would be appreciated. I was also wondering if there was any major differences other than the front bumper?
#2
Carscw
Carscw
Have you looked at any other brand?
What makes you want a john Deere when there are better mowers out there.
What makes you want a john Deere when there are better mowers out there.
#3
jekjr
There are many brands which are much better mowers.
Scag, Gravely, Exmart, Kubota and others.
jekjr
I am going to buy either a D125 or a D130 in the next month or two. I noticed that both only have 2 scalp wheels and was wondering if anyone has added another set? I have added after market scalp wheels on other mowers, and some were easier than others. This feature seems to help with not scalping my lawn as much as with only 2 wheels. Any feedback would be appreciated. I was also wondering if there was any major differences other than the front bumper?
There are many brands which are much better mowers.
Scag, Gravely, Exmart, Kubota and others.
#4
H
Howdy Doody
I know there are heavier duty out there, but I do not see anything in its class so much better. Everyone has their own favorites I guess. I like features in different ones, but not on the same tractor.
H
Howdy Doody
There are many brands which are much better mowers.
Scag, Gravely, Exmart, Kubota and others.
I know there are heavier duty out there, but I do not see anything in its class so much better. Everyone has their own favorites I guess. I like features in different ones, but not on the same tractor.
#5
Carscw
You can get a lot more mower going with most any brand other than JD for the same money. Your paying to much money for a name and not the Quality of most other brands.
Carscw
I know there are heavier duty out there, but I do not see anything in its class so much better. Everyone has their own favorites I guess. I like features in different ones, but not on the same tractor.
You can get a lot more mower going with most any brand other than JD for the same money. Your paying to much money for a name and not the Quality of most other brands.
#6
wjjones
Yep my dad bought one, and he hates it really bad. That new Craftsman they show on tv looks pretty good 6" turning radius, and 7.5 mph forward speed. I would shop around a little more first John Deere mowers arent what they used to be.
wjjones
Have you looked at any other brand?
What makes you want a john Deere when there are better mowers out there.
Yep my dad bought one, and he hates it really bad. That new Craftsman they show on tv looks pretty good 6" turning radius, and 7.5 mph forward speed. I would shop around a little more first John Deere mowers arent what they used to be.
#7
Ean
Ean
John deer is way better than any POS Kubota or craftsman I know somebody who had a Kubota mower stayed in the shop all the time then one day it decided to catch on fire and craftsmanship have horrible steering that strips out john deer rules
#8
Carscw
Are for real?
Junk Deere is the bottom of the line mower.
The decks are junk and the pulley setup makes the engine bog down to much in thick grass. The spindles break to easy and are over priced.
The only people that buy junk Deere mowers are those that wish that where farmers. It's like the fuktards that spend $100 on a pair of work pants just to say the did.
You can spend the same money on a craftsman or a cub cadet and get a lot more and better built mower.
I understand you like the pretty green paint but until you use other mowers for 500 hours how can you even think to say what brand is better.
A few years ago it was john Deere mowers going up in flames.
Out of over 100 mowers that I have craftsman has the best steering to fix.
You really should not have to much trouble with steering if you don't turn the wheels when not moving.
Carscw
John deer is way better than any POS Kubota or craftsman I know somebody who had a Kubota mower stayed in the shop all the time then one day it decided to catch on fire and craftsmanship have horrible steering that strips out john deer rules
Are for real?
Junk Deere is the bottom of the line mower.
The decks are junk and the pulley setup makes the engine bog down to much in thick grass. The spindles break to easy and are over priced.
The only people that buy junk Deere mowers are those that wish that where farmers. It's like the fuktards that spend $100 on a pair of work pants just to say the did.
You can spend the same money on a craftsman or a cub cadet and get a lot more and better built mower.
I understand you like the pretty green paint but until you use other mowers for 500 hours how can you even think to say what brand is better.
A few years ago it was john Deere mowers going up in flames.
Out of over 100 mowers that I have craftsman has the best steering to fix.
You really should not have to much trouble with steering if you don't turn the wheels when not moving.
#9
wjjones
Never had any of those problems with mine, and my hood hasnt fell off either like the newer john deere mowers. If you spend a ton, and get a x series john deere they are not to bad but the ones at lowes, etc are crap. You cant tell me different because I have worked on to many of them. My Craftsman has 550 hrs on it, and all I have ever done is change the oil, and regular pm service.
wjjones
John deer is way better than any POS Kubota or craftsman I know somebody who had a Kubota mower stayed in the shop all the time then one day it decided to catch on fire and craftsmanship have horrible steering that strips out john deer rules
Never had any of those problems with mine, and my hood hasnt fell off either like the newer john deere mowers. If you spend a ton, and get a x series john deere they are not to bad but the ones at lowes, etc are crap. You cant tell me different because I have worked on to many of them. My Craftsman has 550 hrs on it, and all I have ever done is change the oil, and regular pm service.
#10
Ean
We have a large farm and I don't like them because of the paint they are heavy duty mowers all of our farm equipment is john deer I have cut a lot of grass with both craftsman and john deer craftsman's transmissions are better but john deer is a. Better tractor period
Ean
Are for real?
Junk Deere is the bottom of the line mower.
The decks are junk and the pulley setup makes the engine bog down to much in thick grass. The spindles break to easy and are over priced.
The only people that buy junk Deere mowers are those that wish that where farmers. It's like the fuktards that spend $100 on a pair of work pants just to say the did.
You can spend the same money on a craftsman or a cub cadet and get a lot more and better built mower.
I understand you like the pretty green paint but until you use other mowers for 500 hours how can you even think to say what brand is better.
A few years ago it was john Deere mowers going up in flames.
Out of over 100 mowers that I have craftsman has the best steering to fix.
You really should not have to much trouble with steering if you don't turn the wheels when not moving.
We have a large farm and I don't like them because of the paint they are heavy duty mowers all of our farm equipment is john deer I have cut a lot of grass with both craftsman and john deer craftsman's transmissions are better but john deer is a. Better tractor period
#11
Carscw
Ok what makes the JD a better mower?
Is it the tranny that both JD and craftsman and many others use?
Is it the front axle that is the same as craftsman made by ayp?
Is it the engine that is the same as others use?
Is it the 14 gauge frame and deck that no other brand would use?
Is it the hood that keeps falling off?
Is it that people think it's built as good as their heavy equipment?
I have a JD rubber tire loader and a excavator and love them but they let the ball drop on mowers.
Carscw
We have a large farm and I don't like them because of the paint they are heavy duty mowers all of our farm equipment is john deer I have cut a lot of grass with both craftsman and john deer craftsman's transmissions are better but john deer is a. Better tractor period
Ok what makes the JD a better mower?
Is it the tranny that both JD and craftsman and many others use?
Is it the front axle that is the same as craftsman made by ayp?
Is it the engine that is the same as others use?
Is it the 14 gauge frame and deck that no other brand would use?
Is it the hood that keeps falling off?
Is it that people think it's built as good as their heavy equipment?
I have a JD rubber tire loader and a excavator and love them but they let the ball drop on mowers.
#12
Ean
I promise my john deer will mow circles around any craftsman you have have you even owned a john deer mower or do you just think you know everything
Ean
Ok what makes the JD a better mower?
Is it the tranny that both JD and craftsman and many others use?
Is it the front axle that is the same as craftsman made by ayp?
Is it the engine that is the same as others use?
Is it the 14 gauge frame and deck that no other brand would use?
Is it the hood that keeps falling off?
Is it that people think it's built as good as their heavy equipment?
I have a JD rubber tire loader and a excavator and love them but they let the ball drop on mowers.
I promise my john deer will mow circles around any craftsman you have have you even owned a john deer mower or do you just think you know everything
#13
Carscw
I own over 100 mowers and have sold or gave away more then that.
And yes I have a few JD mowers.
Over the past 30 or so years I have used plenty of mowers.
The thing with JDs is your over paying for a name in their low end mowers. How many pro's do you see using JD mowers? Riders or ztr.
I have put the JDs to the test and they just did not hold up as good as other brands. Not even as good as a craftsman. And I consider craftsman as a mid grade mower.
Out of five JD riding mowers only one made it to 300 hours before it was not worth fixing. I put over 1000 hours on a cub cadet last year and will use it this year.
My 2007 husqvarna has over 3000 hours on it with the original engine, deck and tranny and steering parts.
On the JDs the frame is junk they break at the front axle brackets. The routing of the deck belt ( the set up of the pulleys ) is such that it bogs the engine down to much in wet and or thick grass.
Not saying that this is a fact it is just from my years of experience with them.
Riding mowers are my hobby. I have spent years finding out the pros and cons of many mowers. No mower is the perfect mower but I know what are the good and bad of most riding mowers.
This past winter I started building a mower from the ground up with the best parts from many mowers.
Carscw
I promise my john deer will mow circles around a craftsman you have have you even owned a john deer mower or do you just think you know everything
I own over 100 mowers and have sold or gave away more then that.
And yes I have a few JD mowers.
Over the past 30 or so years I have used plenty of mowers.
The thing with JDs is your over paying for a name in their low end mowers. How many pro's do you see using JD mowers? Riders or ztr.
I have put the JDs to the test and they just did not hold up as good as other brands. Not even as good as a craftsman. And I consider craftsman as a mid grade mower.
Out of five JD riding mowers only one made it to 300 hours before it was not worth fixing. I put over 1000 hours on a cub cadet last year and will use it this year.
My 2007 husqvarna has over 3000 hours on it with the original engine, deck and tranny and steering parts.
On the JDs the frame is junk they break at the front axle brackets. The routing of the deck belt ( the set up of the pulleys ) is such that it bogs the engine down to much in wet and or thick grass.
Not saying that this is a fact it is just from my years of experience with them.
Riding mowers are my hobby. I have spent years finding out the pros and cons of many mowers. No mower is the perfect mower but I know what are the good and bad of most riding mowers.
This past winter I started building a mower from the ground up with the best parts from many mowers.
#14
Ean
Ean
I think everyone has there own opinions on what they like and don't like did you get these john deer mowers from the john deer dealership or Home Depot
#15
wjjones
Yep it boils down to what type of mower you prefer, and is best for your usage.
wjjones
I think everyone has there own opinions on what they like and don't like did you get these john deer mowers from the john deer dealership or Home Depot
Yep it boils down to what type of mower you prefer, and is best for your usage.
#16
Carscw
I got them from the dealer.
You do know that the ones they sell at lowes are the same as the ones at the dealer. Made at the same place by the same people at the same time.
Everyone has their favorite brand and will fight to the end to prove it's the best.
Carscw
I think everyone has there own opinions on what they like and don't like did you get these john deer mowers from the john deer dealership or Home Depot
I got them from the dealer.
You do know that the ones they sell at lowes are the same as the ones at the dealer. Made at the same place by the same people at the same time.
Everyone has their favorite brand and will fight to the end to prove it's the best.
#17
Ean
What broke on them
Ean
I got them from the dealer.
You do know that the ones they sell at lowes are the same as the ones at the dealer. Made at the same place by the same people at the same time.
Everyone has their favorite brand and will fight to the end to prove it's the best.
What broke on them
#18
H
Howdy Doody
I guess this debate could go on forever and ever and it comes down to everyone's personal experience with a specific brand. If I purchased a certain brand and it was not reliable, I would hate them too. I read some people hate the Huskys, I have a buddy that has lots of hours on his and loves his. I see that some of you hate John Deeres, I have yet another buddy that has over 800 hours on his "L" series and he will not buy any other brand. My neighbor has a Craftsman "Anniversary" edition that he loves, and I must say I like it better than my Ariens. He said his engine "blew" up 6 months after he purchased it and they had to replace the engine. No problems since. I have a 2008 Ariens that if you read some blogs is basically a 2005 Craftsman. It has a Kohler engine with who know how many hours since it has no hour gauge. Some people here hate the Kohlers, but I have had no issues. I had to replace the Tuff Torque transmission earlier this year, which I did with a used transmission I purchased on eBay. Problem fixed, no other problems to report. Before that I had a 38" Poulan with a 17.5hp B&S which gave me zero problem too. I really do not know anyone that has owned a Cub Cadet other than what I have read on this site. One of you guys claims to have 3000 hours on one of these units with no issues? I find this to be incredible and some kind of record in this class of mower! I would be curious that type of engine you have on this mower? The 42" Cub with the Kawasaki engine was my second choice and I really, really like it, but can not get over the bad reviews and posts related to the decks being junk. I had read later that this was due to a "bad" batch of decks and it was later resolved, anyone heard of this problem? I am smart enough to know that there are some people that are retarded and will just post negative things on the web just to post things. My 3rd choice was actually a Craftsman fast with the tight turn. Again I have read that the Intek is not a great and the transmission is very jerky. So in summation, who know for sure what is good, best, most reliable....
H
Howdy Doody
What broke on them
I guess this debate could go on forever and ever and it comes down to everyone's personal experience with a specific brand. If I purchased a certain brand and it was not reliable, I would hate them too. I read some people hate the Huskys, I have a buddy that has lots of hours on his and loves his. I see that some of you hate John Deeres, I have yet another buddy that has over 800 hours on his "L" series and he will not buy any other brand. My neighbor has a Craftsman "Anniversary" edition that he loves, and I must say I like it better than my Ariens. He said his engine "blew" up 6 months after he purchased it and they had to replace the engine. No problems since. I have a 2008 Ariens that if you read some blogs is basically a 2005 Craftsman. It has a Kohler engine with who know how many hours since it has no hour gauge. Some people here hate the Kohlers, but I have had no issues. I had to replace the Tuff Torque transmission earlier this year, which I did with a used transmission I purchased on eBay. Problem fixed, no other problems to report. Before that I had a 38" Poulan with a 17.5hp B&S which gave me zero problem too. I really do not know anyone that has owned a Cub Cadet other than what I have read on this site. One of you guys claims to have 3000 hours on one of these units with no issues? I find this to be incredible and some kind of record in this class of mower! I would be curious that type of engine you have on this mower? The 42" Cub with the Kawasaki engine was my second choice and I really, really like it, but can not get over the bad reviews and posts related to the decks being junk. I had read later that this was due to a "bad" batch of decks and it was later resolved, anyone heard of this problem? I am smart enough to know that there are some people that are retarded and will just post negative things on the web just to post things. My 3rd choice was actually a Craftsman fast with the tight turn. Again I have read that the Intek is not a great and the transmission is very jerky. So in summation, who know for sure what is good, best, most reliable....
#19
wjjones
Yep I have heard people complain about all types of equipment but whatever you buy if you maintain it properly it should be ok. I just like Craftsman becuse I have always had pretty good luck with them, and when something did mess up they came out, and made it right. I had LT1000 that had a tap in the engine so without any trouble they just replaced the whole engine with one that was 2 more hp than what was on it. Just buy what makes you happy.
wjjones
I guess this debate could go on forever and ever and it comes down to everyone's personal experience with a specific brand. If I purchased a certain brand and it was not reliable, I would hate them too. I read some people hate the Huskys, I have a buddy that has lots of hours on his and loves his. I see that some of you hate John Deeres, I have yet another buddy that has over 800 hours on his "L" series and he will not buy any other brand. My neighbor has a Craftsman "Anniversary" edition that he loves, and I must say I like it better than my Ariens. He said his engine "blew" up 6 months after he purchased it and they had to replace the engine. No problems since. I have a 2008 Ariens that if you read some blogs is basically a 2005 Craftsman. It has a Kohler engine with who know how many hours since it has no hour gauge. Some people here hate the Kohlers, but I have had no issues. I had to replace the Tuff Torque transmission earlier this year, which I did with a used transmission I purchased on eBay. Problem fixed, no other problems to report. Before that I had a 38" Poulan with a 17.5hp B&S which gave me zero problem too. I really do not know anyone that has owned a Cub Cadet other than what I have read on this site. One of you guys claims to have 3000 hours on one of these units with no issues? I find this to be incredible and some kind of record in this class of mower! I would be curious that type of engine you have on this mower? The 42" Cub with the Kawasaki engine was my second choice and I really, really like it, but can not get over the bad reviews and posts related to the decks being junk. I had read later that this was due to a "bad" batch of decks and it was later resolved, anyone heard of this problem? I am smart enough to know that there are some people that are retarded and will just post negative things on the web just to post things. My 3rd choice was actually a Craftsman fast with the tight turn. Again I have read that the Intek is not a great and the transmission is very jerky. So in summation, who know for sure what is good, best, most reliable....
Yep I have heard people complain about all types of equipment but whatever you buy if you maintain it properly it should be ok. I just like Craftsman becuse I have always had pretty good luck with them, and when something did mess up they came out, and made it right. I had LT1000 that had a tap in the engine so without any trouble they just replaced the whole engine with one that was 2 more hp than what was on it. Just buy what makes you happy.
#20
Carscw
Carscw
The reviews on the cub cadet deck is mostly with the timed deck. But every brand has the bad reviews with it.
I have found the cub deck to be strong. I have had to replace the spindles. But I take the blame for that as I hit things like bricks and a axe head.
Mine has the 19hp kohler single cyl.
It is a good engine plenty of power and no problems.
I have found the cub deck to be strong. I have had to replace the spindles. But I take the blame for that as I hit things like bricks and a axe head.
Mine has the 19hp kohler single cyl.
It is a good engine plenty of power and no problems.
#21
H
Howdy Doody
So I am assuming the newer model Cubs do not have the timed deck? I read a few specs online and noticed a few things too:
1 - John Deere D125 has a 12 gauge frame so better than some, not as good as others.
2 - The Cub has a 11 gauge and the front bumper and the rear hitch being 9 gauge. I think this is as good as the JD X series.
I really want to like the Cub, seems to be better on paper at least than the John Deere. Thicker frame, KW engine, bigger fuel tank, longer warranty... I also do not mind the front gas tank, I think if they are not going to give you a proper fuel gauge that this is as good as it gets with the sigh glass where you can actually see it when you are sitting on the mower. I also like the "woven" seat versus the plastic covered, plastic gets hot in the summer! Both however have the plastic hood which I am not crazy about either. I mow relatively slow ( try to make it last as much as possible!) and do not have bumps on my property so I do not see this things breaking unless I hit something.
H
Howdy Doody
The reviews on the cub cadet deck is mostly with the timed deck. But every brand has the bad reviews with it.
I have found the cub deck to be strong. I have had to replace the spindles. But I take the blame for that as I hit things like bricks and a axe head.
Mine has the 19hp kohler single cyl.
It is a good engine plenty of power and no problems.
So I am assuming the newer model Cubs do not have the timed deck? I read a few specs online and noticed a few things too:
1 - John Deere D125 has a 12 gauge frame so better than some, not as good as others.
2 - The Cub has a 11 gauge and the front bumper and the rear hitch being 9 gauge. I think this is as good as the JD X series.
I really want to like the Cub, seems to be better on paper at least than the John Deere. Thicker frame, KW engine, bigger fuel tank, longer warranty... I also do not mind the front gas tank, I think if they are not going to give you a proper fuel gauge that this is as good as it gets with the sigh glass where you can actually see it when you are sitting on the mower. I also like the "woven" seat versus the plastic covered, plastic gets hot in the summer! Both however have the plastic hood which I am not crazy about either. I mow relatively slow ( try to make it last as much as possible!) and do not have bumps on my property so I do not see this things breaking unless I hit something.
#22
H
Howdy Doody
- Actually I miss quoted the spec on the frame of the Cub Cadet, webpage states "Heavy-duty 9-gauge steel frame rails"
H
Howdy Doody
So I am assuming the newer model Cubs do not have the timed deck? I read a few specs online and noticed a few things too:
1 - John Deere D125 has a 12 gauge frame so better than some, not as good as others.
2 - The Cub has a 11 gauge and the front bumper and the rear hitch being 9 gauge. I think this is as good as the JD X series.
I really want to like the Cub, seems to be better on paper at least than the John Deere. Thicker frame, KW engine, bigger fuel tank, longer warranty... I also do not mind the front gas tank, I think if they are not going to give you a proper fuel gauge that this is as good as it gets with the sigh glass where you can actually see it when you are sitting on the mower. I also like the "woven" seat versus the plastic covered, plastic gets hot in the summer! Both however have the plastic hood which I am not crazy about either. I mow relatively slow ( try to make it last as much as possible!) and do not have bumps on my property so I do not see this things breaking unless I hit something.
- Actually I miss quoted the spec on the frame of the Cub Cadet, webpage states "Heavy-duty 9-gauge steel frame rails"
#23
Carscw
Mine does not have the timed deck.
The hood is strong I have no cracks yet.
The frame has a lifetime warranty.
I also agree I like to see how much gas I have from sitting in the seat.
The seat is very comfortable but holds water if left in the rain.
I have the kohler engine and love it.
I abuse my mowers. I cut as fast as it will go.
Carscw
So I am assuming the newer model Cubs do not have the timed deck? I read a few specs online and noticed a few things too: 1 - John Deere D125 has a 12 gauge frame so better than some, not as good as others. 2 - The Cub has a 11 gauge and the front bumper and the rear hitch being 9 gauge. I think this is as good as the JD X series. I really want to like the Cub, seems to be better on paper at least than the John Deere. Thicker frame, KW engine, bigger fuel tank, longer warranty... I also do not mind the front gas tank, I think if they are not going to give you a proper fuel gauge that this is as good as it gets with the sigh glass where you can actually see it when you are sitting on the mower. I also like the "woven" seat versus the plastic covered, plastic gets hot in the summer! Both however have the plastic hood which I am not crazy about either. I mow relatively slow ( try to make it last as much as possible!) and do not have bumps on my property so I do not see this things breaking unless I hit something.
Mine does not have the timed deck.
The hood is strong I have no cracks yet.
The frame has a lifetime warranty.
I also agree I like to see how much gas I have from sitting in the seat.
The seat is very comfortable but holds water if left in the rain.
I have the kohler engine and love it.
I abuse my mowers. I cut as fast as it will go.
#24
H
Howdy Doody
I can see the seat doing this, but I never leave my equipment outside and would not mow in the rain either. Did they have the Kawasaki engine as an option when you purchased yours with a Kohler? If you purchased another mower, would you go with the KW engine, or would you stay with the Kohler since it has done good for you?
H
Howdy Doody
Mine does not have the timed deck.
The hood is strong I have no cracks yet.
The frame has a lifetime warranty.
I also agree I like to see how much gas I have from sitting in the seat.
The seat is very comfortable but holds water if left in the rain.
I have the kohler engine and love it.
I abuse my mowers. I cut as fast as it will go.
I can see the seat doing this, but I never leave my equipment outside and would not mow in the rain either. Did they have the Kawasaki engine as an option when you purchased yours with a Kohler? If you purchased another mower, would you go with the KW engine, or would you stay with the Kohler since it has done good for you?
#25
Carscw
I would stick with the kohler. I can not justify the extra money for the kW engine.
With over 1000 hours in less then a year on the kohler I am happy with it.
Only had to adjust valves twice.
Still running the original spark plug.
Uses no oil. Running 10-30
With doing foreclosed houses there are times I have to cut in the rain. Even running mulching blades the deck does not clog.
For the past few years I buy a new mower.
This year I will try and get two years out of the cub.
I carry two mowers at all times.
My second one is a husqvarna yth2448
Been using this mower since new in 2007 with the briggs.
Out of the 100 or so mowers I have these two are my pick
Carscw
I can see the seat doing this, but I never leave my equipment outside and would not mow in the rain either. Did they have the Kawasaki engine as an option when you purchased yours with a Kohler? If you purchased another mower, would you go with the KW engine, or would you stay with the Kohler since it has done good for you?
I would stick with the kohler. I can not justify the extra money for the kW engine.
With over 1000 hours in less then a year on the kohler I am happy with it.
Only had to adjust valves twice.
Still running the original spark plug.
Uses no oil. Running 10-30
With doing foreclosed houses there are times I have to cut in the rain. Even running mulching blades the deck does not clog.
For the past few years I buy a new mower.
This year I will try and get two years out of the cub.
I carry two mowers at all times.
My second one is a husqvarna yth2448
Been using this mower since new in 2007 with the briggs.
Out of the 100 or so mowers I have these two are my pick
#26
F
fairw21611
F
fairw21611
Here's my .02 cents on the issue.....
I have a John Deere X520 lawn tractor with the 54" deck that I bought new in July 2006. It now has almost 600 virtually trouble free hours on it. I keep the deck clean and lubed, blades sharpened, and oil, filters and coolant levels maintained properly. With just this simple maintenance, the X520 gives me a terrific cut - almost golf course quality...
I live on a 1.75 acre lot that is on a rather steep incline. The tractor also does a ton of other yard work chores around the property in addition to mowing.
I paid $6,500.00 for the machine when I bought it almost 8-years ago. The commercial yard services in our area charge about $75 per cutting for yards of my size.
$75/cutting x 20 cuttings per season (on average) = $1,500.00/year. $1,500/year x 8-years = $12,000.00. So by the end of this season my tractor will have paid for itself more that twice.
I say whatever works for you is your own best deal. In my case, my JD X520 has more than worked for me..... :smile:
Bill Fair
Hagerstown, MD
I have a John Deere X520 lawn tractor with the 54" deck that I bought new in July 2006. It now has almost 600 virtually trouble free hours on it. I keep the deck clean and lubed, blades sharpened, and oil, filters and coolant levels maintained properly. With just this simple maintenance, the X520 gives me a terrific cut - almost golf course quality...
I live on a 1.75 acre lot that is on a rather steep incline. The tractor also does a ton of other yard work chores around the property in addition to mowing.
I paid $6,500.00 for the machine when I bought it almost 8-years ago. The commercial yard services in our area charge about $75 per cutting for yards of my size.
$75/cutting x 20 cuttings per season (on average) = $1,500.00/year. $1,500/year x 8-years = $12,000.00. So by the end of this season my tractor will have paid for itself more that twice.
I say whatever works for you is your own best deal. In my case, my JD X520 has more than worked for me..... :smile:
Bill Fair
Hagerstown, MD
#27
H
Howdy Doody
I can understand your math on the costs, however there are other costs that you did not include in your formula. Fuel costs, maintenance cost and more importantly your time. What is an hour of your time worth?
H
Howdy Doody
Here's my .02 cents on the issue.....
I have a John Deere X520 lawn tractor with the 54" deck that I bought new in July 2006. It now has almost 600 virtually trouble free hours on it. I keep the deck clean and lubed, blades sharpened, and oil, filters and coolant levels maintained properly. With just this simple maintenance, the X520 gives me a terrific cut - almost golf course quality...
I live on a 1.75 acre lot that is on a rather steep incline. The tractor also does a ton of other yard work chores around the property in addition to mowing.
I paid $6,500.00 for the machine when I bought it almost 8-years ago. The commercial yard services in our area charge about $75 per cutting for yards of my size.
$75/cutting x 20 cuttings per season (on average) = $1,500.00/year. $1,500/year x 8-years = $12,000.00. So by the end of this season my tractor will have paid for itself more that twice.
I say whatever works for you is your own best deal. In my case, my JD X520 has more than worked for me..... :smile:
Bill Fair
Hagerstown, MD
I can understand your math on the costs, however there are other costs that you did not include in your formula. Fuel costs, maintenance cost and more importantly your time. What is an hour of your time worth?
#28
F
fairw21611
You're correct of course. I've probably spent $250-$300 on maintenance supplies (I do my own maintenance) and most likely $350-$400 on gas over those 600 hours. So figure worst case an additional $700.00 over 8 years.
I don't worry about my time because that's what the wife and I love to do in our spare time - our own gardening and yardwork. It gives us an additional sense of "pride-in-ownership" and we can take our time and do a much better job than the commercial guys who have to hurry from job to job in order to make a living. She mows with the tractor, I weed-eat and edge, we work together on other projects. That's just how we roll..... :thumbsup:
Bill
F
fairw21611
I can understand your math on the costs, however there are other costs that you did not include in your formula. Fuel costs, maintenance cost and more importantly your time. What is an hour of your time worth?
You're correct of course. I've probably spent $250-$300 on maintenance supplies (I do my own maintenance) and most likely $350-$400 on gas over those 600 hours. So figure worst case an additional $700.00 over 8 years.
I don't worry about my time because that's what the wife and I love to do in our spare time - our own gardening and yardwork. It gives us an additional sense of "pride-in-ownership" and we can take our time and do a much better job than the commercial guys who have to hurry from job to job in order to make a living. She mows with the tractor, I weed-eat and edge, we work together on other projects. That's just how we roll..... :thumbsup:
Bill
#29
H
Howdy Doody
I agree with you, if you love doing it then your time is not worth mentioning. I also agree that the commercial guys never do as good of a job as one could do, but their job is making money and they have other costs included in their pricing. Insurance and equipment cost being only one of them. I wish I had 1.75 acres to mow!
H
Howdy Doody
You're correct of course. I've probably spent $250-$300 on maintenance supplies (I do my own maintenance) and most likely $350-$400 on gas over those 600 hours. So figure worst case an additional $700.00 over 8 years.
I don't worry about my time because that's what the wife and I love to do in our spare time - our own gardening and yardwork. It gives us an additional sense of "pride-in-ownership" and we can take our time and do a much better job than the commercial guys who have to hurry from job to job in order to make a living. She mows with the tractor, I weed-eat and edge, we work together on other projects. That's just how we roll..... :thumbsup:
Bill
I agree with you, if you love doing it then your time is not worth mentioning. I also agree that the commercial guys never do as good of a job as one could do, but their job is making money and they have other costs included in their pricing. Insurance and equipment cost being only one of them. I wish I had 1.75 acres to mow!