Did a quick search and didn't find much on my particular topic.

I'm helping a friend find a riding lawn mower for there house. I guess between the front and back yard its about an acre or so. Just a little too much to push mow. Also a riding tractor comes in handy for the snow blowing and the utility cart hauling.

I've been doing most of the research and have learned quite a bit but still not sure what band or model to go with. Looking for a ride on with bagger at not much over $2500. $2500 is mak but still trying to keep it under $2000. Need the tractor to last a good 10+ years be fairly reliable and be able to get parts for it 10 years down the road. THey have a 88(I think) model 18HP Craftsman now. Looking to stay away from Craftsman for now.

I've determined that a pressurized motor has about double the torque of a splash(non pressurized) system. So most likely I am looking for pressurixed oil system motor.

Looking on input on the differant brands out there. John Deer (X300 but it's a little over budget), Toro, Airens, Honda, Huskavarna, any others??? Troy Built is out as well as models from Lowes & Home Depot. I heard Troy Built is hard to get parts for after models change.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...ing-mower.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ing-mower.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...rn-mowers.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...asshopper.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...r-acreage.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...wn-mowers.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...awnmowers.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...a-pick-up.html

 

i have been working for john deere for 9 years now, and the 100 series mowers are what your friend might be looking for. they start up around $1499. they are the same mowers you get from lowes or home depot. just make sure you buy from a dealer, the warrenty go so much smoother if you buy it there. all the 100 series are set at the same price so if you find one costing more, be sure to turn that dealer into deere. ken

 

we got great service from our 95 toro, However, they sell em at depo nopw, so I bet the quality is gone

 

Is he handy with tools? I'm very fond of the early JD lawn tractors (110 and 112, hence my user name). There are usually several on eBay, as well as quite a few parts available there and JD still makes just about everything for them.

Every time I look at the new ones they seem to have more plastic, more safety switches, and more other crap I don't want. Just my opinion...

 

Thanks to Ebay you can find plenty of replacement parts for Craftsman cheap. Just ask me. I just rebuilt the deck on my 7 year old craftsman.

 

I have a Craftsman 20hp that has a Kohler engine that is giving me great service. It has a heavy guage deck with 4 wheels, a cast iron front end and a pressurized lube system. I have a friend that bought a Husky and has had problems from the onset.

It's like anything else, if something is going to break...it will, regardless of who made it.

 

I have a '65 Allis-Chalmers Big Ten that I bought for $50.00 at a yard sale a couple years ago. After changing the fluids and putting in a new battery, it runs great.

I'm not going to say anything bad about the power equipment D'pot sells, but if it's good enough for them to sell, it won't show up around my place.

 

My Dad has worked for Deere for 29 years, and as much as it pains me to say it, I'd stay away from new Deere's. Ever since they started selling them at Home Depot and Lowes the quality has gone way down. I'd try and find a nice used one.

My Dad had a 1963 110 that worked until he sold it (it was a collector's item by then).

 

Thank for all the input.
Million 2 of the links were real usefull the others were just rambelings...

I think I'm staying away from the JD 100 series as they don't have a pressurized system. I may end up with the tractor in a few years and I will also be the one to mainly use it. The friend I'm talking about is my close to 65YO mom. She can't use the Craftsman she has now (mower deck leaver is a PITA to use and takes lots of strength to lift. The front wheel bearings are starting to go, the ignition key switch is basicly busted and needs fenessing to turn it and the one and only time I think it was services was back around 91 or 92)

Right now I am leaning toward Toro or JD. The Toro salesman told me to get a small 17hp(Kohler) one with manual PTO because he was having/seing troubles with the larger ones with electric PTO and B&S motors(deaseling and not starting correctly).
A JB sales man turned me off on the 100 series and towards the X300 (I don't need the AWS of the X305). The X300 is pushing it money wise so it might be out as well.

I looked at Airens and Honda but they only make the "no front crumple zone" type ride on's. Are they good for towing and such or just strictly a mower with a seat?

And as for Lowes and HD. I saw a JD 195 there and did not see a 195 on the JD web site, just up to 155.... Hmmmmm... Special retail model?????

I also looked into Ingersall and they are way over budget and limited dealers. I did a quick look into the MTD line (Troy Bilt, Cub Cadet, etc) and want somthing a bit beafier. And Husky.... They were out of the loop before I started as well as few others I can't think aobut right now.

 

You didn't mention who would be operating it. The old JD's aren't too hard to drive if they're in perfect repair, but probably not a good fit for your mom. (Mine have hydraulic lift, though, so lifting the deck isn't a problem at all...)

It seems that your purposes are not real well aligned with your mom's, though- tractors designed to be easy to operate (e.g. easy lifting decks, light steering) probably won't be too good for the harder work you'd like to do with it.

If you're looking new, I'd be inclined to buy on dealer as much as on brand- seems like many of the people I've talked to who've bought new tractors in the last few years have had issues with them, and a good dealer who will work with you on whatever warranty the machine has would be a real good ally. (My uncle bought a Scotts at Depot and a drive-belt pulley shattered within minutes of use. HD wouldn't give him a new pulley, he had to buy it (for $7, but still...).)

 

I'd like to add that Briggs & Stratton engines IMO are junk. If you can find Kohler get it.

And yes, Deere makes special models for Lowes/Home Depot sales only.