Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Need advice on buying first riding lawn mower
From: tim
Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 23:44:12 GMT
Chris Hill wrote in
news:fr1842h7k4saurpb8f5dq2cr7v031sbhbe@4ax.com:
> On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 22:56:02 GMT, jplasater@NOSPAMjuno.com
> wrote:
>
>>I have about 2 acres to mow. I live in a small town and the
>>only mowers I have access to are those at a local Sears outlet
>>and I can drive 30 miles to a Lowes. I just want the best buy
>>for the money. If I could keep the cost close to $1000-1200,
>>that would be great. Of the mowers in that price range, what
>>would you recommend. THanks
>
> If the Sears can get you parts, go with them. One thing every
> mower needs is parts. As far as model, so much depends on the
> way your yard is layed out. If it is fairly flat and without
> many obstacles, a standard transmission will work fine, if it is
> full of things to mow around, add a few hundred to your budget
> and get hydrostatic drive.
>
>
Amen to the parts issue. The number one requirement is that
whatever brand with whoever's engine, IT MUST BE PRESSURIZED WITH
AN OIL FILTER! The neighbor and I bought almost identical Sears
tractors within a week of each other for almost exactly the same
price. His had a Kohler engine w/filter. Mine had B&S w/o. His
is still running strong, I am on second engine and it is toast.
If your land is relatively flat and smooth, go for a 42" or larger
deck. You will definitely want the little outrider wheels on the
deck to make sure you don't scalp any areas. Hydrostatic is nice,
but in my opinion, the more important factor for mowing around
things is the turning radius.
Another consideration is mulch vs bag vs blow it out the side. My
wife used to like to use the bagged clippings as weed control
around the base of the dozen or so trees on our acre. I finally
said fine, but only every other cutting, so that there would be
some clippings returned to the soil. A mulching plate for the exit
is no big expense, but a bagger can run several hundred dollars.
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