Which Riding Mower $1400 - $1600

[nraheja]

The engine on my 2006 troy bilt 42" sezied. any guess which one it was....yes Kohler courage 19 HP SV590. I opened the engine as I was hell bent on understanding what had gone wron. The crank shaft is binding - piston, con rod, valves, cams, motor, pumps, gears are in excellent condition. The damn rubber tube from the pump to the lower crankcase failed/damaged and pulled out casue the bearing to fail.

Rather than spend $600 on repairs, have decided to buy a new Lawn Mower.

Need some advice on which riding mower do people recommend. I dont have courage to go in for another Kohler given the reviews on this engine and a gaurantee of problems!

my yard is .5 acre.
I do have a steep hill on one side (hours has a walkout).
need it only for mowing grass
Yes need a nice level cut
Would prefer 42" as I bought a $300 bagger for junk troy-bilt 6 weeks ago
Need it last a lot more than 6 years for sure
budget is $1600 (definitely not $1800)

I have done my research but given my limited understanding look to hear your experiences.

 

[KennyV]

WELCOME to LMF...

Looks like you have been reading some on the forum already... & that you have shopped around and located a few mowers, any way at least a $1600 and an $1800, so what have you looked at that appeals to you?
There are several brand loyal mower folks here, so give an idea what you have seen that You liked...

& the Kohler courage, has had its problems... :smile:KennyV

 

[Def-Ed]

I would suggest mowing less and sub'ing it out for the next month or two.
Reason being,you'll then be shopping in the 2100 range for the same money.

I hemmed and hawed and shopped around so much while beating a 20yo 36" to death our first season here.
When I finally made a decision and went to buy it was considered "get em moved out" time and I bought the more expensive model for like $700 less or so.
I could only afford like $1800,and the $2100 model had been marked down to like $1400 or something.
So if you can rough it till late season,you might get a nice surprise.
Like boats and motorcycles,never buy em in season or you'll pay full retail.
Big difference in price between you wanting it and them needing to get rid of it.