Trying a Snapper before buying a JD.

[SeniorCitizen]

you can read my mind.. I am trying to talk myself either a HI-VAC rider or a lawn tractor. I just don't know if the $2k lawn tractors (JD, Hus, CC) have decent suction for leaves? It doesn't have to be as a good as HI-VAC, but I need good pickup of leaves and grass. what do you think? how is the suction of lawn tractors?

Bud

So you don't believe post #8? I've got one, I know how they suck with the standard blade that comes on the John Deere lawn tractors. Try it and then decide for yourself I guess.

 

[Bud659]

So you don't believe post #8? I've got one, I know how they suck with the standard blade that comes on the John Deere lawn tractors. Try it and then decide for yourself I guess.

I didn't fully understand. I think you are saying with a JD tractor and a high-lift blade, it is better than standard blade? but how does it compare to Hi-VAC? because I have no experience with a lawn tractor with any blade. but I drove a Snapper Hi-Vac to get a feel for how a rider vacuums

Bud

 

[SeniorCitizen]

I didn't fully understand. I think you are saying with a JD tractor and a high-lift blade, it is better than standard blade? but how does it compare to Hi-VAC? because I have no experience with a lawn tractor with any blade. but I drove a Snapper Hi-Vac to get a feel for how a rider vacuums

Bud

John Deere 42 in. Mower Blades for John Deere (2-Pack)-GY20567 - The Home Depot

The blades in this link comes on the 100 series JD lawn tractors. They claim they are for side discharge, mulching and bagging. They have a turned up and a down section which makes them multitask according to the sales pitch. I have these on my JD LA135.

They side discharge mediocre, never tried mulching with a deck plug if it is available and I can say for certain by watching side discharge they will never successfully bag. If you want to bag with the John Deere you'll need dedicated bagging blades which will have turned up hi lift wings.

I've also had a Snapper RER with the added wings that bolt to a standard snapper blade. I don't know of any mower that will bag clippings any better.

 

[Carscw]

As far as any riding mower goes snapper is hands down the best for bagging.
No other riding mower has the deck design like snapper.

For lawn tractors I have found that husqvarna with a high lift blade bags the best and is best for side discharge. Throws the grass out the shoot the best. Spreads the grass out farther then other mowers.

Now the best all around lawn tractor for mulching , bagging or discharge that I have found is a ( now don't laugh) 1983 Murray pro.

If I was a home owner wanting a good all around mower. In the $2000 price range I would get a cub cadet.