this is true for almost all brands, the thing i dont like about cub cadets are the deck gauges are thinner and rot out way faster then other brandsBetween me and my Dad, we've owned three Cub Cadets over the years. I still have #3, but I wouldn't buy a new one. I don't think they're as good as they used to be.
Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
I would certainly buy my WALKER MBK-23 again. It was fine with a 60" deck with ample power however not nimble enough over the rough stuff. However I eventually realised it was a 'one trick pony' and I needed another mower. Instead of buying another mower, I downgraded the deck. I now have a 42" deck that does it all. Cuts the lawns as well as the >10" rough stuff, plus I can get around trees easily and also through most spaces.
Great piece of kit with tons of attachments available and power to drive them all
I bought a Toro Timecutter model 74778 which has a nice cutting width and the best feature for me is that it is equipped with shock absorbing equipment for the seating area of the mower. I live in the country and our yard is quite rough due to crayfish activity etc. I am elderly now and my back just cannot stand the jarring ride of riding mowers without the shock absorbing feature. The only downside of the unit I have is that I wish the fuel tank had higher capacity. I see commercial units that have fuel tanks on both sides. I was able to get this unit through my dealer on a 0% 24 month time payment arrangement. We have one more payment to make and then it is all ours. Another feature I like about this unit is that it is a zero-turn type. It replaced an older Cub Cadet which was not a zero-turn type. I find the lever steering much easier (power operated) than manual steering. It makes it easier on my shoulders and neck while mowing. I use the mower to handle up to 4 acres or sometimes less. We have a total of 15.25 acres and the rest of the property is handled by a John Deere 5105 AWD tractor.Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
I bought a 2008 Bad Boy ZT. It has been a great mower with no real problems. I mow several acres. I have never had a riding mower last 12 years and still be mowing great. I also have a 2010 Cub Cadet 54" that I use it on steep banks. I am not sure I would replace it with another Cub Cadet.Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
No. I have Ariens RM 1028. To hard to find parts for and ones I did find dealers and private seller want way to much for. Do not get me wrong it cuts great.Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
this is true for almost all brands, the thing i dont like about cub cadets are the deck gauges are thinner and rot out way faster then other brands
the LA and D series john deers are made in china and have plastic tranny housings and are made as you would expect cheap chinese crap to be.
the troy builts are the black and decker of lawn mowers, cheap, pretty reliable, but not high quality in any way
one of the best brands out there now to buy would be a husqvarna hands down
Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
My last riding mower was the Troy-Bilt Pony 42. It did well for the first two years. Then a valve lifter cracked and had to be replaced. A few months later the other one broke. This year the flywheel cracked and the slot for the flywheel key has widened. Can not find another powermore engine for it. Won't buy another Troy-bilt or anything made in China. My service center said they are using cheap steel. He had several of the same brand in his shop for repair.Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
I have owned several zero turn mowers. Starting with a Grasshopper 48", then an Exmark Lazer z 52" then an Exmark Frontrunner 52".Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
Is your model number Z248F? It's what I have. I wish I could have bought a Z254F with a 54" deck but it didn't become available until 2016. I bought my Z2348F in 2015.Have a Husqvarna 48" zero-turn , fab deck . Had almost 9 years , cutting 2 ac. at lease once a week , here in fl. Still runs like new , as long as you keep up with maintaining , grease fitting , oil , air filter , blade ( here in fl. because in the sandy soil , they wear out sooner , and keep them sharp ) . So yes I would buy another one , Had riding mowers , this Zero Turn makes mowing fun and a lot lease time , All be safe and wash them HANDS .
I have had many different brands in my life. (I'm 64) most all of them have been the cheaper types (MTD Brands) to the Allis, Dixon and Simplicity. All did the job well if you used them for what they were designed for, just mowing a smaller yards, but I uses them for big yards. So every 5 to 7 years I had to get another. They were just totally wore out from front to back. Now I have a Grasshopper 720K that I bought used. This is one Great mower! I could have saved myself a ton of money over the years if I would have gotten a machine that is built like this from the start.Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
I've had a Husqvarna for over 8 years now, and after the issues with the deck and rear axle, no more. My next tractor/mower will be a Kubota. I'm not a JD lover.this is true for almost all brands, the thing i dont like about cub cadets are the deck gauges are thinner and rot out way faster then other brands
the LA and D series john deers are made in china and have plastic tranny housings and are made as you would expect cheap chinese crap to be.
the troy builts are the black and decker of lawn mowers, cheap, pretty reliable, but not high quality in any way
one of the best brands out there now to buy would be a husqvarna hands down
What's your repair rate on the Kubota? Looking at it as my next purchase.Yes I will when the time comes ,right now I have a Kubota BX 2200 .
I would certainly buy my WALKER MBK-23 again. It was fine with a 60" deck with ample power however not nimble enough over the rough stuff. However I eventually realised it was a 'one trick pony' and I needed another mower. Instead of buying another mower, I downgraded the deck. I now have a 42" deck that does it all. Cuts the lawns as well as the >10" rough stuff, plus I can get around trees easily and also through most spaces.
Great piece of kit with tons of attachments available and power to drive them all
I love my old Ventrac 3000,if that thing could lift a little more would be great!
So I may buy a different "utility carrier" next time. Maybe an Avant 4 or 5 series (Finland made) but is very expensive
View attachment 52153
I have owned several zero turn mowers. Starting with a Grasshopper 48", then an Exmark Lazer z 52" then an Exmark Frontrunner 52".
Last year I bought a Toro Titan 2000 60" with "easy ride". The easy ride platform sold me plus I wanted to get rid of the tail wheel. Man I wish I had that Frontrunner back. This mower is the roughest riding unit I have ever used. If you hit a dip or hollow with one wheel it lurches & jumps like a bronco. The easy ride is a joke. I've tried every setting with no relief. No anti-scalp wheels on the rear of the deck causes it to scalp in uneven terrain. I hate this mower & cuss every time I use it. On flat even ground it cuts very nice. Mechanically it's very sound.
We love our Ferris Z-turn mowers. I started out with the IS 500, and liked it so much that when it came time to replace the in-laws worn out Craftsman rider, I bought them a Ferris IS 700. The 700 was a big improvement over the 500. Since both the IS 500 and 700 models have been discontinued, my next one will be the newer IS 800 model, which has a better seat, smoother suspension, and Even larger wheels than the IS700 to smooth out the bumpy areas. All of these come with either 52” or 60” decks. I prefer the 52” deck due to the fact that it fits in between the many ornaments, trees, and bushes that adorn our immediate 1.5 acre lot.Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
I had my 1st Simplicity (Allis Brand) in the 80s. Moved to smaller property then back to larger. I bought another Used Simplicity. 96 model CH20. 20hp Kohler. 60 in deck. Bought because I loved the 1st so much. Hr meter broken but it gets several hours use weekly in the NC summers. I've rigged a 2" ball to it and use to move boats, trailers, and stuff around the yard. No oil use. Just replaced starter and fuel pump. Other wise only major work was welding repairs on mower deck. Would I buy another one. You bet!!Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
While I use a residential Country Clipper 48" mower for my acre, I think it would be a good idea if you would check out one of their commercial mowers, considering how much you mow. The biggest selling point for me was joystick steering, rather than the two levers needed to operate an M113 APC.Well I started out with a Ford riding mower. It was had good engine and transaxle wise but the deck was nothing but trouble as I was constantly having weld it. IN the end I use it sheet metal to do some body repairs on a '66 Ford pick-up. The truck probably would had a nervous breakdown if it was from the Murray.
Then I went Murray which I simply wore out. Now I using a MTD 42" rider with an upgraded engine (21hp instead of the 16.5 hp it had).
Now if I was to buy a new mower it probably would be a zero turn with lap bars. This is mainly due to me working on and using them here on my six acres. I would however stay away from residential versions as I see too many of them in the shop for repairs. No particular brand preference even I do lean toward the JD or Hustler commercial line.
Well I started out with a Ford riding mower. It was had good engine and transaxle wise but the deck was nothing but trouble as I was constantly having weld it. IN the end I use it sheet metal to do some body repairs on a '66 Ford pick-up. The truck probably would had a nervous breakdown if it was from the Murray.
Then I went Murray which I simply wore out. Now I using a MTD 42" rider with an upgraded engine (21hp instead of the 16.5 hp it had).
Now if I was to buy a new mower it probably would be a zero turn with lap bars. This is mainly due to me working on and using them here on my six acres. I would however stay away from residential versions as I see too many of them in the shop for repairs. No particular brand preference even I do lean toward the JD or Hustler commercial line.
After years of maintaining gas-powered mowers and other garden equipment and getting tired of it, I've been converting over to battery-powered equipment - including my first riding mower. I purchased a Ryobi RM-480E with a 38-inch deck. We have about 6 acres and I use it to cut the lawn and field grass on about half of it. Ok, for you old-school guys, I still use my John Deere 4110 diesel tractor for the other jobs. The Ryobi has done the job well. It is stable on hills and doubles as a utility cart. I can also drive it up on ramps and it fits perfectly in my 6-foot VW pickup bed. I can easily tow a utility cart or my DR chipper. I wished it had an accessory tool carrier, but didn't. So I mounted an ATV carrier on the back, as you can see in the photo. It will cut for a full 2.5 hours before it shuts off the mower and requires a charge. Thankfully it has a reserve to let you drive back to the shop. At the time I purchased it, it was one of the few battery-powered riding mowers out there. Now Ryobi has a Zero-turn, 42 inch deck mower. I costs a lot more than my 38 inch model. But I am happy with it and would probably purchase it again - although I may have opted for the zero-turn if it was available when I purchased mine.
Before we bought the ZD1211 Kubota we really wanted to buy a Scag Tiger Cat 2. We liked everything about it except My sister, a tiny little 75 year old gym teacher, couldn't lift the deck pushing with one leg, so we regretfully ruled it out. She couldn't lift the deck on the Turf Tiger with both legs on the pedal. Neither could my 78 year old wife. The Kubota had a nice fast acting hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower the deck, so we bought that instead. You would find the Kubota to be too heavy. It has a 26hp Diesel which powers through everything without slowing down. We like everything about it except the weight.No, I would not buy the same mower.. Purchased a 2017 Scag Turf tiger for 14,200. Reasons: To heavy. I have a 37 Hp Vanguard EFI on it, to much horse power for every day mowing.
You can buy a tiger cat 2 with the velocity deck @ 9,000 No deference in quality cut, a lot lighter, and cheaper. save over 5,000. This mower will be up for sale soon... 400 hours
I have the same only 61 in. deck. I did replace the gas with a diesel Kubota as I prefer diesels. Like the mower a lot.Bought a Scots (by JD) in 1999, still runs great but needed a better mower to get around 21/2acres. So found auctioned 2004 Grasshopper 725G2/52"/Kubota gas w/725hrs. Bought it for $3200 and have loved it since day one. Just did the service and she runs like a top. If I could afford it I would get a new Grasshopper or used if that mower was a Grasshopper.
If I remember right I read about someone with the same problem and was suggested to raise the seat and move the seat back ?? I never looked into it as I'm 5'7" and have my lap bars set as far ahead as they will go to be comfortable for me.Yes. Bought a Gravely ZTX 42" with Kohler 22 HP engine (pictured in my avatar) about 4 months ago. My first zero turn. It now has about 9 hours of relatively easy duty on it, cutting my 2/3 acre lot once a week. Has been trouble free and cuts very well. Added an onboard connector to a smart charger for the battery - it sits unused for most of the week. Only complaint is that the seat back presses against the engine cowling when slid to the rear, adding vibration to the seat and limiting space for my long legs. It's fun to operate and I actually look forward to cutting the lawn now. Dealer in Sarasota was excellent and at $3K delivered, I consider it a good value.
Observation: why do they paint these mowers to look like M&M's? You would think that residential models would have more automotive color finishes. I know each mfr has their own "identity" color, but there's no mistaking my mower's brand with "GRAVELY" proudly displayed on every side. Should have asked for an advertising discount. LOL!
Ohhh.. I so remember when I first started on this site. I bought a John Deere D-160. Someone asked me " Why the hell did you buy that piece of crap for?" My only defense was, " Because it was a John Deere!". It never occurred to me that the bean counters had gotten hold of the company, and were just profiteering of the brand value.I figured it was a no brainer... Get a John Deere, and not worry about it's quality or durability. Maybe twenty years ago, but not today, not by a long shot.
Just because it's green, doesn't mean it's a John Deere!
Reading the manual blew my mind...
Warranty .... 120 hours, or ten years. So, if you used it to make money, and cut 40 hours a week.... It had a THREE WEEK warranty.
Having a rip roaring case of O.C.D., I read the manual to plan my service schedule. According to the manual, the Tuff Torque K46, is "sealed for life, and as such, never needs service" WTF?!?!
There isn't even a drain plug on it ( the trans - axle ). I put the first fifty hours on it, and then removed the trans-axle, and left it upside down over a bucket for a day. I refilled it with Amsoil heavy duty synthetic.
The new ones have a pre charged oil filter change system, you screw on the pre loaded filter, and, if needed, add more oil to fill it up. The end result is it's quick and easy, but you haven't changed all the oil out of it.
It's not that this is only happening with John Deere, it's pretty much all the brands are cashing in on brand value for short term profitability.
The "Pro-sumer" category, is crap, on it's best day.
For example, how can Stihl make a chainsaw that retails for $249.00, and goes on sale for $199.00? That means that Stilh made it for $50.00, made $50.00 profit on it ( 100% markup), Then, they sold it to Home Depot, who marked it up again, end retailed it for $200.00 to $250.00.. There's no such thing as a quality chainsaw that was manufactured for $50.00.
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Briggs & Stratton has a new line of mowers under the sub brand "Quantum".. Their selling point is that you never change the oil, you just check and add as necessary. There is no drain plug. They figure that by the time it starts to burn oil, you're adding oil with fresh additives. By the time it dies, The wheels are bald, the cables are rusting, the deck is shot, and you'll just buy a new one.
Welcome to a disposable society...
I bought a Honda HRX217VKA about 3 or 4 years ago. The motor started leaking oil onto the deck from the beginning. Last fall I took it back to the dealer and they made some repair under warranty. We will see if it still leaks this spring. To answer your question, this was my second Honda because the first one lasted 12 years, however I believe Honda has lost the quality focus in their engine building department so I would not buy another at this time. I would probably go back to Toro.Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
Replaced a YTD2042 I inherited because of many of the problems you had.I bought a YTH2148 Husqvarna 15 years ago. 350 hours. I bought Husqvarna because they make good motorcycles and other equipment in Sweden. It is a piece of junk. Granted the motor is Briggs and Stratton, but i had to replace it because the cam went flat. Found a reasonable used replacement. Have had to beef up all welds on the deck. Deck does not raise sufficiently in the front. Poor adjustment method. Now I am making front steering link so that I can adjust the front end alignment. It is currently towed out bad and has no adjustment. Recently had to replace the electric clutch. Good thing that the spare engine that I had, had a clutch. It was thicker and required steering link adjustments.
I bought my John Deere Model D125 in 2016. Other than a flat tire, I've had no problems. It has over 170 hours on the clock now. I mow nearly 2 acres.Here's one that everybody can chime in on. Would you buy the same mower again, or would you go with a different model? Do you have any regrets about your purchase?
I'll start. My first mower was a John Deere 365 with 48" deck. Loved that machine for 430 hours until we sold it. But I will say that the only thing different I would do is go up to a machine that had the power to handle a 60" deck instead of the 48" deck.
How about you?
Yep, that was me. Haven't raised the seat yet, but will give it a try. It's not a big deal...I can still use the mower comfortably. It just surprised me that the seat can slide back into the engine housing.If I remember right I read about someone with the same problem and was suggested to raise the seat and move the seat back ?? I never looked into it as I'm 5'7" and have my lap bars set as far ahead as they will go to be comfortable for me.
Maybe Gravely engineers and QC staff are all short ?.Yep, that was me. Haven't raised the seat yet, but will give it a try. It's not a big deal...I can still use the mower comfortably. It just surprised me that the seat can slide back into the engine housing.
Yeah I have been disappointed with the bagger. That said when it is drier time of the year and grass is not growing super fast it has been great and I have had no issues even mowing close to full travel speed. This is a tough time of the year here in the PNW, lot of rain leaving very few days to mow, and not uncommon to get 3-5" of growth in spots in a week. That length in itself is tough, but then it also holds moisture which compounds it makes it hard to bag. I need to remind myself to drop the bagger ( only actually takes 2min) and just mow normal to get the length cut, then come back over it latter to bag the cut grass. Takes much less time than trying to creep and not overload the chute.That's a good report on the Ferris. I has seen one last fall at one of the local agricultural fairs and was impressed with the welded deck and suspension. The fact that the grasscatcher clogs easily and is troubesome in clearing the clog is great to know. Thanks for the report.
LaVern
If you want to keep it that way make sure you lift the false floor regularly and clean the debris out from around the steering gear & drive controls.Zero Turn with a steering wheel?? YOU BET!!! My Cub Cadet RZT SX42 is the most amazing machine I've ever seen! It has all of the zero turn benefits without the draw backs.
1st - It is beyond amazing on hill sides/ditches. It will outperform almost any 2wd tractor and EVERY zero turn on the market. I'm talking "mountain goat!!"
2nd - The steering wheel is tremendously more comfortable than the lap bars.
3rd - it doesn't tear up the lawn when making sharp turns.
4th - (this is a biggy) it's very possible to drink beer while you mow! Not so much with a typical zero turn.
The list goes on and on.
OK...so...it IS a totally residential model...and I wish it had a nicer deck...but the benefits far out weigh the drawbacks.
Had one of those in the shop this spring. Needed the drive belt replaced. What a PITA that was getting to the belt guard bolts.If you want to keep it that way make sure you lift the false floor regularly and clean the debris out from around the steering gear & drive controls.
I've never done that. Thank you!!If you want to keep it that way make sure you lift the false floor regularly and clean the debris out from around the steering gear & drive controls.