Our current machine: 2006 Hustler Fastrak/ Honda 20hp/ 52 "
Our current mowing reqs: 1.5 acres of "lawn" which is relatively flat, but very bumpy, rural home with lots of critters that dig holes, invasive weeds, tuff bahia in some mowing areas, around gardens, dog pen, around pond and barn and fence lines
We also have 6 acres of pasture, clear cut and currently mowed for hay production by someone else, this year may be last year he is able to do this and we would then have to cut this acreage ourself. We do have two MF tractors, but mowing the pasture on either the new or the old tractor would be a rough ride
Looking toward retirement and also ahead to arthritic aches and pains increasing. What would be the ideal machine for our needs, now and later?
Major concerns are durability, longevity, comfort in ride, ease of maintenance and cleaning--like not having to stand on my head to wash under the deck or change the blades; cost of fuel--(can not find information as to fuel consumption comparison on most machines)
Also what should be considered in moving up to a larger deck, except for not fitting through one of my gates--and opinions please in re: plastic chute vs metal and aluminum spindles vs. cast iron
Price is only a consideration in that we expect to get what we pay for, so what would you folks be looking at? We have been very pleased with the performance of our Hustler except for the lack of ride comfort and ease of cleaning/blade change. Plan to ride a Ferris and a new Hustler, do not know if they have made improvements in this area in the last 7 years...
So, post the dream machine of your choice....and any comments you think are relevant and THANKS
Our current mowing reqs: 1.5 acres of "lawn" which is relatively flat, but very bumpy, rural home with lots of critters that dig holes, invasive weeds, tuff bahia in some mowing areas, around gardens, dog pen, around pond and barn and fence lines
We also have 6 acres of pasture, clear cut and currently mowed for hay production by someone else, this year may be last year he is able to do this and we would then have to cut this acreage ourself. We do have two MF tractors, but mowing the pasture on either the new or the old tractor would be a rough ride
Looking toward retirement and also ahead to arthritic aches and pains increasing. What would be the ideal machine for our needs, now and later?
Major concerns are durability, longevity, comfort in ride, ease of maintenance and cleaning--like not having to stand on my head to wash under the deck or change the blades; cost of fuel--(can not find information as to fuel consumption comparison on most machines)
Also what should be considered in moving up to a larger deck, except for not fitting through one of my gates--and opinions please in re: plastic chute vs metal and aluminum spindles vs. cast iron
Price is only a consideration in that we expect to get what we pay for, so what would you folks be looking at? We have been very pleased with the performance of our Hustler except for the lack of ride comfort and ease of cleaning/blade change. Plan to ride a Ferris and a new Hustler, do not know if they have made improvements in this area in the last 7 years...
So, post the dream machine of your choice....and any comments you think are relevant and THANKS
