riding mower question

Hey fellas. I'm in market for a new riding mower. There are so may choices out there and talk about expensive. Good grief. Several people suggested getting a zero turn but those things are over $2500 a piece. Anybody in a position to recommend a decent mower for me? I need to mow about 1/2 an acre. I've had a murray and it wasn't too reliable. The Briggs and Stratton engine was ok but the overall mower left alot to be desired. Anybody tried the Craftsman from Sears? I'm looking hard at those. I want something that'll last me for awhile, not something that's going to break every couple of outings.

Johnnyboy just remember, you get what you pay for. I've used Craftman, Murry, Lawnboy, MTD, Yardman, and let me tell you they are just about all the same. In fact most are made by the same factory. I recently got a Gravely Zero Turn as a repossessed. It was a steal but knowing what I know now, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one new if I lose this one. There is no comparison to it from all those named above. It's a lot of money but if you want it for a life time find a reputable dealer and go from there. Word of mouth is everything when finding a good dealer. Another plus, it will cut your mowing time at least in half leaving you more time for fishing.
"gene"

I have a Ferris IZ1500 21 hp w/ a 48" cut, commercial grade ZTR, well worth the money, will probably never buy another mower as this one will last me until I can't cut my own yard anymore. Some say the JD's are good, but they are still $2500+, and just a different color from the Murray, etc. check some local lawn mower shops, they usually have some trade ins, etc., might be able to take a trial run with a demo etc.

I can tell ya. I will never own another mower with a steering wheel period. I bought a encore 48" with a 19 kawasaki 8 years ago. It was a great investment. I got tired of working on junk just to mow the grass. Be sure to buy one with a welded steel deck, not a stamped deck. There is a big difference.

Grease 'em and keep 'em clean and stored and you'll get ALOT of years out of an $800 mower. JMO cause I'm like you...cannot afford a $2500 mower.

You might want to do a little research and find out who makes some of the mowers. You will be amazed to find out that there are really not that many manufactures left. The last time I did this I think I found out there were only 5 manufacturers left. At that time everybody around here was pretty high on John Deere. I am not saying that they are not a good piece of equipment but John Deere did not make them. Check it out I think you will be amazed.:)

X2 on zero turn especially if yard is level. I have a Ariens 1742 that I bought for 1200 used 5 years ago. I cut 2 acres with it and my place is not level at all. Cut mowing time in half and not near as tired when finished. Watch Craigs list in your area. Some good deals on there wher guys think the want to be in lawn device business then find out how much work it is and like PawPaw said check shops for repos and trades.

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Johnnyboy just remember, you get what you pay for. I've used Craftman.....

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That's the truth. I've had others and a Craftsman last time for many years, and spent lots of repair money on them for various reasons. I cut roughly 2 acres of cleared land on my large property. The property is hilly with lots of tree roots - so a zero radius mower was out. Bought a John Deere at the dealer, not like the ones you see at Lowes, etc. They are not the same, in fact they don't carry the low end ones at the dealer. Love the Deere and it's warrenty, and they really do back what they sell. Just my 2 cents.

We cut a little over an acre on a weekly basis and have always used a Craftsman...the last one was an 18.5 hp with 42" deck and we got about 8 years out of it with very little problems until the last year, then the deck started having problems. Now we are running a 21.5hp and are on our 3rd year with no problems! When it bites the dust, I will not think twice about buying another Craftsman!

LOL.... Those of you that are in love with your steering wheel mowers have obviously not ever mowed with a ZTR.....Just try out your Neighbors and see what you are missing....

Another option is to check with the guys in big business in lawn care. They are always selling off their older mowers and buying new ones. Even theyre old mowers would last a long time for just mowing your own lawn but them guys cant afford the wait should anything go wrong with them. Time costs them money when their hired help is standing around.

I had a Craftsman before, cost me 1800 for it, 18 hp, 42 inch cut, we cut less than a 1/4 acre with it for 4 seasons and it blew the seals inside the motor and I had to change 3 pullys during that time. I don't feel like I got my money out of it and won't buy another one... I have a friend that has the John Deere zero turn and what took almost 3.5 hours to cut with a regular riding mower or a small tractor with a grooming mower attatchment, he can now cut in about 45 minutes to an hour. Another friend has a Bushhog brand zero turn and he has been cutting about 5 acres with it for the last 4 years and only problem was a flat tire, and several thousand cheaper then the Deere... When you are looking at them, like someone said earlier, get it from a dealer. Lowe's and such sell alot cheaper built mowers. Look at the thickness of the deck and if the spindles and pullys and such have grease zerts on them. The biggest problem that I know of with mowers are the pully bearings going out due to lack of lube.

I have 2 Craftsman's one is a 50" garden tractor with 22.5 hp Koler engine, it has over 1200 hours on it. I have only had to change belts about every 2 yrs and the deck once in 12 yrs. The other one is a 42" also with a Koler 18 hp engine, I just picked it used a few months back gave $400 for it, it seems to be in great shape. LOL it even came with a snow plow, I know I will really get lots of use out of that plow in South Louisiana. I found it on Craigs List in Lafayette.