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Time for a change?
#1
W
Wide_cut
W
Wide_cut
Hi folks,
As my username alludes to, I'm the owner of a Garden Way Troy-Bilt Wide Cut mulching mower that I bought new in 1992. It's been a workhorse and remains very serviceable aside from a bit of oil burning at startup. But it's 22 years old, and I'm thinking of candidates for replacement.
I'm a rural homeowner with a 3-acre yard, a good portion of which is on a steep grade. Placement of buildings and fences also limits my deck width, probably to 40 inches or so.
I like the Ariens WAW34 wide-cut mower but I'm also considering a rider to speed my mowing up. I want a quality machine but something that's small and agile. At the same time, I should note that I weigh 225 lbs and I need enough power to climb a pretty good slope. And ideas out there?
Thanks for any suggestions.
As my username alludes to, I'm the owner of a Garden Way Troy-Bilt Wide Cut mulching mower that I bought new in 1992. It's been a workhorse and remains very serviceable aside from a bit of oil burning at startup. But it's 22 years old, and I'm thinking of candidates for replacement.
I'm a rural homeowner with a 3-acre yard, a good portion of which is on a steep grade. Placement of buildings and fences also limits my deck width, probably to 40 inches or so.
I like the Ariens WAW34 wide-cut mower but I'm also considering a rider to speed my mowing up. I want a quality machine but something that's small and agile. At the same time, I should note that I weigh 225 lbs and I need enough power to climb a pretty good slope. And ideas out there?
Thanks for any suggestions.
#2
H
Howdy Doody
For 3 acres with some slope I would consider a John Deere X300. Standard deck is 42", but you can get one with a 38" deck.
H
Howdy Doody
Hi folks,
As my username alludes to, I'm the owner of a Garden Way Troy-Bilt Wide Cut mulching mower that I bought new in 1992. It's been a workhorse and remains very serviceable aside from a bit of oil burning at startup. But it's 22 years old, and I'm thinking of candidates for replacement.
I'm a rural homeowner with a 3-acre yard, a good portion of which is on a steep grade. Placement of buildings and fences also limits my deck width, probably to 40 inches or so.
I like the Ariens WAW34 wide-cut mower but I'm also considering a rider to speed my mowing up. I want a quality machine but something that's small and agile. At the same time, I should note that I weigh 225 lbs and I need enough power to climb a pretty good slope. And ideas out there?
Thanks for any suggestions.
For 3 acres with some slope I would consider a John Deere X300. Standard deck is 42", but you can get one with a 38" deck.
#3
Briana
Briana
Welcome to LawnWorld!
We moved your thread to the Mower & Equipment Buying & Pricing forum.
We moved your thread to the Mower & Equipment Buying & Pricing forum.
#4
exotion
exotion
Waw34 is discontinued currently you can probably still find it some places but ariens is not making them right now. Look at the cub 33" less expensive and looks like a good machine
#5
W
Wide_cut
W
Wide_cut
Thanks for the ideas. I'll look into the X300 -- some neighbors with a truck garden (so they should know their equipment) use an X300 on their hilly lawn.
Sorry to hear Ariens discontinued the WAW34. I saw a Gravely version at a dealer a few years back, and it looked indestructible. I'll look at the Cub, but I fear the MTD-built versions of the Wide Cut mower have lower build quality than the original version. I think I'd rather keep fixing what I have. The handles cracked from metal fatigue most recently, but the deck looks solid.
Maybe I'll shop Craigslist for some smaller commercial machines too, if I can find some that aren't beaten to death.
Sorry to hear Ariens discontinued the WAW34. I saw a Gravely version at a dealer a few years back, and it looked indestructible. I'll look at the Cub, but I fear the MTD-built versions of the Wide Cut mower have lower build quality than the original version. I think I'd rather keep fixing what I have. The handles cracked from metal fatigue most recently, but the deck looks solid.
Maybe I'll shop Craigslist for some smaller commercial machines too, if I can find some that aren't beaten to death.
#6
djdicetn
Have you considered a ZTR(3 acres is a lot to mow)....or are your "steep grades" too steep(> 15 degrees) for most ZTR's???
djdicetn
Thanks for the ideas. I'll look into the X300 -- some neighbors with a truck garden (so they should know their equipment) use an X300 on their hilly lawn.
Sorry to hear Ariens discontinued the WAW34. I saw a Gravely version at a dealer a few years back, and it looked indestructible. I'll look at the Cub, but I fear the MTD-built versions of the Wide Cut mower have lower build quality than the original version. I think I'd rather keep fixing what I have. The handles cracked from metal fatigue most recently, but the deck looks solid.
Maybe I'll shop Craigslist for some smaller commercial machines too, if I can find some that aren't beaten to death.
Have you considered a ZTR(3 acres is a lot to mow)....or are your "steep grades" too steep(> 15 degrees) for most ZTR's???
#7
W
Wide_cut
ZTR is definitely an option. In fact, I took a test drive today on a Gravely ZT34. The size is right, but I'm wondering about the quality of the B&S Intek engine. The ZT42 has a 21-horse Kawasaki, if I can navigate the tight spots with the bigger deck, I'd like the extra power. Can you suggest any comparables? The smaller Gravely is $2300, the 42 is $2700.
W
Wide_cut
Have you considered a ZTR(3 acres is a lot to mow)....or are your "steep grades" too steep(> 15 degrees) for most ZTR's???
ZTR is definitely an option. In fact, I took a test drive today on a Gravely ZT34. The size is right, but I'm wondering about the quality of the B&S Intek engine. The ZT42 has a 21-horse Kawasaki, if I can navigate the tight spots with the bigger deck, I'd like the extra power. Can you suggest any comparables? The smaller Gravely is $2300, the 42 is $2700.
#8
P
pcclipper
P
pcclipper
Dixie Chopper has that 34" model they advertise on TV. Don't know about their quality these days though. Just a thought.
#9
djdicetn
I would be leery of the Briggs Intek(not the best reputation and I had lots of problems with one myself). If your budget max is around $3k you have several choices. The Gravely 42 would be a good choice, that Dixie Chopper Zee 1 or a Hustler Raptor. It depends on whether you have those dealers nearby. Let us know what you are willing to spend and we will try to recommend some more specific ZTR's that will be good choices.
djdicetn
ZTR is definitely an option. In fact, I took a test drive today on a Gravely ZT34. The size is right, but I'm wondering about the quality of the B&S Intek engine. The ZT42 has a 21-horse Kawasaki, if I can navigate the tight spots with the bigger deck, I'd like the extra power. Can you suggest any comparables? The smaller Gravely is $2300, the 42 is $2700.
I would be leery of the Briggs Intek(not the best reputation and I had lots of problems with one myself). If your budget max is around $3k you have several choices. The Gravely 42 would be a good choice, that Dixie Chopper Zee 1 or a Hustler Raptor. It depends on whether you have those dealers nearby. Let us know what you are willing to spend and we will try to recommend some more specific ZTR's that will be good choices.
#10
P
piloto
I have a Craftsman with a 2 cyl. 24 hp B&S Intek that after 5 1/2 years, is running well, with only oil changes (Mobil 1), air filter changes, I fuel filter and 1 spark plug change, while the mower, of the Husqv model type made for Sears; front end, deck and deck supports), is falling apart around it. Not only the mower's fault, really, because I hit roots, cypress root stumps and small depressions (holes, removed tree areas, etc.) often. My back yard is a valley, with uneven erosion caused by heavy running water through an old deer path when it rains hard. Of late, I try to only use ethanol free gas in it and maybe that helps.
I can't imagine doing your yard on anything but a rider. Have you looked at the Husqvarna R 322 T? it is pricey, at $5200 list, but is maneuverable, can do hills, has 4wd, has a Front Deck (real good around buildings) and can attach implements. I'm, however, a bit worried about what it would be like hitting things.
P
piloto
ZTR is definitely an option. In fact, I took a test drive today on a Gravely ZT34. The size is right, but I'm wondering about the quality of the B&S Intek engine. The ZT42 has a 21-horse Kawasaki, if I can navigate the tight spots with the bigger deck, I'd like the extra power. Can you suggest any comparables? The smaller Gravely is $2300, the 42 is $2700.
I have a Craftsman with a 2 cyl. 24 hp B&S Intek that after 5 1/2 years, is running well, with only oil changes (Mobil 1), air filter changes, I fuel filter and 1 spark plug change, while the mower, of the Husqv model type made for Sears; front end, deck and deck supports), is falling apart around it. Not only the mower's fault, really, because I hit roots, cypress root stumps and small depressions (holes, removed tree areas, etc.) often. My back yard is a valley, with uneven erosion caused by heavy running water through an old deer path when it rains hard. Of late, I try to only use ethanol free gas in it and maybe that helps.
I can't imagine doing your yard on anything but a rider. Have you looked at the Husqvarna R 322 T? it is pricey, at $5200 list, but is maneuverable, can do hills, has 4wd, has a Front Deck (real good around buildings) and can attach implements. I'm, however, a bit worried about what it would be like hitting things.
#11
W
Wide_cut
I've been doing the walk-behind for 22 years. It's good exercise. I usually break it up into 45-minute segments (45 times three). I'm thinking of extending my cutting area, though. And, I'm getting older, so time is becoming more valuable!
I've had decent luck with the 8.5 hp Intek motor on my Troy-Bilt, but it rolled off the assembly line quite awhile ago. Comparing my old Troy-Bilt to the "new" Troy-Bilt has me projecting that comparison to B&S. The old Briggs built in America's Dairyland vs. the later ones built who-knows-where.
I don't want to spend more than $2500 or so. Home Depot has the 42-inch Ariens ZT for $2500, and my Gravely dealer has his version for $2700. They're the finalists unless I stumble across a deal on Craigslist. BTW, a local dealer has a pretty clean Toro SS3200 for 2 grand. Any thoughts on that model? At the suggestions of djdicetn I looked at the entry-level Dixie Chopper (Briggs motor) and the Hustler (deck raised by hand lever vs. foot pedal). Good options, but I think Ariens/Gravely look most attractive to me.
W
Wide_cut
I have a Craftsman with a 2 cyl. 24 hp B&S Intek that after 5 1/2 years, is running well, with only oil changes (Mobil 1), air filter changes, I fuel filter and 1 spark plug change, while the mower, of the Husqv model type made for Sears; front end, deck and deck supports), is falling apart around it. Not only the mower's fault, really, because I hit roots, cypress root stumps and small depressions (holes, removed tree areas, etc.) often. My back yard is a valley, with uneven erosion caused by heavy running water through an old deer path when it rains hard. Of late, I try to only use ethanol free gas in it and maybe that helps.
I can't imagine doing your yard on anything but a rider. Have you looked at the Husqvarna R 322 T? it is pricey, at $5200 list, but is maneuverable, can do hills, has 4wd, has a Front Deck (real good around buildings) and can attach implements. I'm, however, a bit worried about what it would be like hitting things.
I've been doing the walk-behind for 22 years. It's good exercise. I usually break it up into 45-minute segments (45 times three). I'm thinking of extending my cutting area, though. And, I'm getting older, so time is becoming more valuable!
I've had decent luck with the 8.5 hp Intek motor on my Troy-Bilt, but it rolled off the assembly line quite awhile ago. Comparing my old Troy-Bilt to the "new" Troy-Bilt has me projecting that comparison to B&S. The old Briggs built in America's Dairyland vs. the later ones built who-knows-where.
I don't want to spend more than $2500 or so. Home Depot has the 42-inch Ariens ZT for $2500, and my Gravely dealer has his version for $2700. They're the finalists unless I stumble across a deal on Craigslist. BTW, a local dealer has a pretty clean Toro SS3200 for 2 grand. Any thoughts on that model? At the suggestions of djdicetn I looked at the entry-level Dixie Chopper (Briggs motor) and the Hustler (deck raised by hand lever vs. foot pedal). Good options, but I think Ariens/Gravely look most attractive to me.
#12
S
Shughes717
A ztr mower would definitely cut your mowing time down, but it depends on how steep a grade your lawn is. A residential ztr mower does not do well on hills. You won't find a new semi commercial mower for less than 4000. Commercial walk behinds and stand ons do well on hills, but they too will be in the 4000 to 5000 range. Sounds like you may be better off with a tractor mower.
S
Shughes717
I've been doing the walk-behind for 22 years. It's good exercise. I usually break it up into 45-minute segments (45 times three). I'm thinking of extending my cutting area, though. And, I'm getting older, so time is becoming more valuable!
I've had decent luck with the 8.5 hp Intek motor on my Troy-Bilt, but it rolled off the assembly line quite awhile ago. Comparing my old Troy-Bilt to the "new" Troy-Bilt has me projecting that comparison to B&S. The old Briggs built in America's Dairyland vs. the later ones built who-knows-where.
I don't want to spend more than $2500 or so. Home Depot has the 42-inch Ariens ZT for $2500, and my Gravely dealer has his version for $2700. They're the finalists unless I stumble across a deal on Craigslist. BTW, a local dealer has a pretty clean Toro SS3200 for 2 grand. Any thoughts on that model? At the suggestions of djdicetn I looked at the entry-level Dixie Chopper (Briggs motor) and the Hustler (deck raised by hand lever vs. foot pedal). Good options, but I think Ariens/Gravely look most attractive to me.
A ztr mower would definitely cut your mowing time down, but it depends on how steep a grade your lawn is. A residential ztr mower does not do well on hills. You won't find a new semi commercial mower for less than 4000. Commercial walk behinds and stand ons do well on hills, but they too will be in the 4000 to 5000 range. Sounds like you may be better off with a tractor mower.
#13
djdicetn
Areins ztr's are by no means junk(parent company for Gravely, since they bought them a few years back), but for heaven's sake pay the extra $200 to get the Gravely(Arien's high-end Residential and Commercial bread-and-butter line) from the dealer. The Ariens Zoom and Gravely ZT are similar ZTR's, but the Gravely is much heavier built by far. And if you needed any warranty work on the Ariens you would end up taking it to the Gravely dealer anyway....and would find out that the $200 would get you quicker service than bringing the dealer a BBS-bought ZTR.
djdicetn
I've been doing the walk-behind for 22 years. It's good exercise. I usually break it up into 45-minute segments (45 times three). I'm thinking of extending my cutting area, though. And, I'm getting older, so time is becoming more valuable!
I've had decent luck with the 8.5 hp Intek motor on my Troy-Bilt, but it rolled off the assembly line quite awhile ago. Comparing my old Troy-Bilt to the "new" Troy-Bilt has me projecting that comparison to B&S. The old Briggs built in America's Dairyland vs. the later ones built who-knows-where.
I don't want to spend more than $2500 or so. Home Depot has the 42-inch Ariens ZT for $2500, and my Gravely dealer has his version for $2700. They're the finalists unless I stumble across a deal on Craigslist. BTW, a local dealer has a pretty clean Toro SS3200 for 2 grand. Any thoughts on that model? At the suggestions of djdicetn I looked at the entry-level Dixie Chopper (Briggs motor) and the Hustler (deck raised by hand lever vs. foot pedal). Good options, but I think Ariens/Gravely look most attractive to me.
Areins ztr's are by no means junk(parent company for Gravely, since they bought them a few years back), but for heaven's sake pay the extra $200 to get the Gravely(Arien's high-end Residential and Commercial bread-and-butter line) from the dealer. The Ariens Zoom and Gravely ZT are similar ZTR's, but the Gravely is much heavier built by far. And if you needed any warranty work on the Ariens you would end up taking it to the Gravely dealer anyway....and would find out that the $200 would get you quicker service than bringing the dealer a BBS-bought ZTR.
#14
W
Wide_cut
I've turned up a couple used Deere X304s with all-wheel steering. That might give me a little more maneuverability with the advantages of a tractor mower. Here's a link to a machine at a local dealer: 2007 John Deere X304 Lawn & Garden and Commercial Mowing - John Deere MachineFinder
Does anybody like/hate the X304? Deeres are very popular in my area because they're made nearby.
W
Wide_cut
A ztr mower would definitely cut your mowing time down, but it depends on how steep a grade your lawn is. A residential ztr mower does not do well on hills. You won't find a new semi commercial mower for less than 4000. Commercial walk behinds and stand ons do well on hills, but they too will be in the 4000 to 5000 range. Sounds like you may be better off with a tractor mower.
I've turned up a couple used Deere X304s with all-wheel steering. That might give me a little more maneuverability with the advantages of a tractor mower. Here's a link to a machine at a local dealer: 2007 John Deere X304 Lawn & Garden and Commercial Mowing - John Deere MachineFinder
Does anybody like/hate the X304? Deeres are very popular in my area because they're made nearby.
#15
S
Shughes717
Never been around the all wheel steer jd, but the craftsman mower supposedly has a 6" turn radius. Had good luck with them in the past. I understand not being able to afford a commercial ztr. It was difficult for me, but it pulled the trigger because I wanted a mower to last me 20 years. Plus they are a lot of fun to mow with.
S
Shughes717
I've turned up a couple used Deere X304s with all-wheel steering. That might give me a little more maneuverability with the advantages of a tractor mower. Here's a link to a machine at a local dealer: 2007 John Deere X304 Lawn & Garden and Commercial Mowing - John Deere MachineFinder
Does anybody like/hate the X304? Deeres are very popular in my area because they're made nearby.
Never been around the all wheel steer jd, but the craftsman mower supposedly has a 6" turn radius. Had good luck with them in the past. I understand not being able to afford a commercial ztr. It was difficult for me, but it pulled the trigger because I wanted a mower to last me 20 years. Plus they are a lot of fun to mow with.
#16
W
Wide_cut
W
Wide_cut
Well, I pulled the trigger on a used Deere X304 with 4-wheel steering. Just under 400 hours on it -- I got it from a private seller for $2K.
I just couldn't see spending the extra bucks on a ZTR, and after trying out the lawn tractor on my yard, I'm glad I went the tractor route. I've got some steep slopes, but beyond that, much of the yard is simply uneven. It's something you notice less when you're walking behind a mower than when you're riding on one.
Here's a pic of my new used machine.
I just couldn't see spending the extra bucks on a ZTR, and after trying out the lawn tractor on my yard, I'm glad I went the tractor route. I've got some steep slopes, but beyond that, much of the yard is simply uneven. It's something you notice less when you're walking behind a mower than when you're riding on one.
Here's a pic of my new used machine.
#17
S
Shughes717
It sounds like a tractor was the right choice for your lawn. Good looking mower to have 400 hours. The first owner appears to have taken care of it. Hope you get at least another 1000 out of it.
S
Shughes717
Well, I pulled the trigger on a used Deere X304 with 4-wheel steering. Just under 400 hours on it -- I got it from a private seller for $2K.
I just couldn't see spending the extra bucks on a ZTR, and after trying out the lawn tractor on my yard, I'm glad I went the tractor route. I've got some steep slopes, but beyond that, much of the yard is simply uneven. It's something you notice less when you're walking behind a mower than when you're riding on one.
Here's a pic of my new used machine.
View attachment 22334
It sounds like a tractor was the right choice for your lawn. Good looking mower to have 400 hours. The first owner appears to have taken care of it. Hope you get at least another 1000 out of it.