Riding mower input

[kwelhand]

Even if it looks like the same mower, the box store version and the dealer version are different.
Local mower dealers always offer 0% financing for 48–60 months.
However, it’s not truly zero percent, since the cash price is usually cheaper and the finance company still needs to make money somehow.
Find a dealer that’s close to you and trustworthy.
They should have some demo and used units with warranty so check with them.
A fabricated deck and serviceable hydro are a must have.
Based on my experience, Kawasaki engines have always outperformed all other engines.

 

[cr107]

I bought a Hustler fastrac commercial 48” and haven’t looked back. It’s a tank and overkill but everything at the big box store is just crap in comparison. Even the zero turns.

 

[basstracker89]

Yeah. I can do cash.

I normally wouldn't go zero turn, but in this case I think you'd like it. Get you a nice almost new one. Wait till mowing season is over so you can get your best deal

 

[basstracker89]

Neighbor bought a green one at the big box store and the transmission lasted until the warranty expired.
The cost of a replacement transmission was more than he paid for the entire mower.
He junked it and bought a different brand from the big box store.

Folks on a fixed income buy what they can afford, but in many cases this ends up costing more in the long run than if they had bought better quality to begin with.

I have a commercial quality mower from the late 1990 and parts are becoming more difficult to find.
I dread the thought of trying to replace it.

I agree to stay away from big box store. Buy quality and keep it

 

[MaconGuns]

I normally wouldn't go zero turn, but in this case I think you'd like it. Get you a nice almost new one. Wait till mowing season is over so you can get your best deal

I may wait but I'm paying $75 a pop ATM twice a month but we don't have much longer.

 

[MaconGuns]

Even if it looks like the same mower, the box store version and the dealer version are different.
Local mower dealers always offer 0% financing for 48–60 months.
However, it’s not truly zero percent, since the cash price is usually cheaper and the finance company still needs to make money somehow.
Find a dealer that’s close to you and trustworthy.
They should have some demo and used units with warranty so check with them.
A fabricated deck and serviceable hydro are a must have.
Based on my experience, Kawasaki engines have always outperformed all other engines.

Ive seen several recommendations for a twin cylinder over a single. Think its worth the extra $?

 

[Targetmaster]

Go to Facebook Market, I bought a John Deere 2025 S100, with 1 hour on it for $1800, still had the price tags on it, I have another John Deere S160 which I bought two Years ago for $2300 with no hours on it, the deals are there. People buy them, then move or hire a lawn service. I still have both of them, not one problem with either..

 

[kwelhand]

Ive seen several recommendations for a twin cylinder over a single. Think its worth the extra $?

Absolutely! At your price level, most mower will come with V twin engine.
It's a lot smoother and better power for sure.

 

[basstracker89]

Ive seen several recommendations for a twin cylinder over a single. Think its worth the extra $?

You have less than an acre, nah. Now on the used market, if you find a great deal. Find a really nice used one. Get more mower and a better quality one than a big box store unit. It'll last so much longer with far fewer problems along the way.

 

[basstracker89]

Come to think of it. Get an old Snapper riding mower. You can't hardly wear those out. Get one like new and service it well. I've known those to last a lifetime. My Dad, Father in Law and myself have and had one. Unfortunately they don't make them anymore. And they are simple. Only reason I'm willing to change is because I have more acreage to mow now. But under an acre would be perfect for that Snapper