Time for a change?

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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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

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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.

 

[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.