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Would love to get your opinions on which of these models is the best option for me. Here's what I'm looking for:

- Something around $2k
- To be used on 1 acre (residential), mostly fairly flat, except for the drainage ditch along the front of the property. Some trees.
- A mower that has the flexibility to do other things (aerate, spreader etc)

I've narrow it down to the S240 Sport and YTH24V48, both are relatively speedy (important in the short term as I have to 'drive' to the site - about .75mls down a quiet street), and get decent reviews on various sites. I've ruled out the Zero-Turns on the basis that you don't get as much for your money at this price point, and they're really only good for mowing....reluctantly though, they look like more 'fun', and can easily be convinced that they'd be a good option.

I'm totally new to ride-on's, so aside from exhaustive web-site reading, I've no experience of them.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Pete

Bump :newhere:

Pete,
I have a couple of Husqvarnas and like them just fine. They are built just well enough to meet the needs of the average homeowner. They have recommendation for the amount of yard a particular unit is designed to handle. I didn't look it up, nut I imagine the YTH2448 would do fine up to about 3 acres, but, if that yard is rough with some or a combination of slopes, ditches, roots, rocks, thick grass, heavy weeds, etc., you will more likely stretch the designed capacities and workload of any machine.

A common comment that I read here is that you won't get high quality for any mower for less than $2000. It's probably so. I see differences in gauge of metal, size of bearings, steering assembly, number of grease fittings, and more. Some things are over built, and I respect and admire that, other things are designed to be adequate as necessary to keep prices down.

I think that my Husq units have been fairly simple and easy to work on. Parts are are fairly easy to fine because they are so popular. I browse eBay for parts sometimes, and have even bought used worn out stuff for parts off Craigslist before. I honestly believe they are easier to work on than the Snappers I have had.

John Deere, of course, has a good name. The L series are their entry level machines, and priced to be competitive with Husqvarnas and Cub Cadets. I have no doubt that they are very competitive with both in price and quality. I see comments that parts and service prices run high for the Deere units, and it sounds like that includes the L series, not just the higher end X models.

It's hard for me to patronize a Lowe's, Tractor Supply, or Home Depot for a piece of lawn equipment that costs as much as a riding mower. I'd rather find an independent dealer I like and have confidence in and trade there, even it means a little more money. I am just more comfortable that I am going to get better attention and service after the sale, especially warranty.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

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Thanks. I agree that generally buying from Lowes etc isn't a great idea, although the reviews of the 'Lowes experience' have been really good for this mower. I guess it helps to have local stock on hand, particularly if there's an issue early on. My concern with the JD is that they've tagged 'Sport' on to it to appeal to suckers like me, but really it's just an L with lipstip and big tires. That said, it seems to have a better engine (Kawa) and some other upgrades from the X. I'm ware of paying the JD-premium though. For my needs (easy cutting, the occasional hauling) both will be fine, but I'd still rather invest in something that'll last. I learnt that lesson with a series of regular mowers, until I bought a Honda, so now I'm sold on paying for the quality!

I see a d here numerous praises on the Kawasaki reliability! My dealer had one on a Husqvarna that I considered. I also see some comments that Kawasaki engine parts are more expensive than Briggs and even Kohler, very few non-OEM filters, for example, available.

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