What kind of rider lawnmower do you have? (paint, install, gas)

[maschuette]

I've decided to buy a rider lawnmower and i was wondering which brand to buy. John deer seems to be more dependable (because it is the most expensive). I was just wondering what other people use and what runs good (and what runs like crap). Thanks for any replys.

[MrRational]

There are about 3 factories that make all the mowers...
regardless of what brand or paint scheme is on the outside.

Buy by the major components... most importantly being the engine.
Kawasaki --> Kohler --> Briggs

Short of going nuts with a too small yard... there's no such thing as too big a mower.

Zero turn mowers don't cut as well...
adjusting your flower bed layout and plantings costs a LOT less.

hth

An entirely reasonable compromise:
http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/product..._sku=U99111160

[texdav]

We just bought a new riding lawn mower. I bought a Toro zero turn with a Kohler engine. Its cuts beautifully and take alot less time to cut with the added control . I should have bought one long ago its effortless compared to a tractor type which we had several of before.They actually cut much better since you can control the pattern better without having to circle around because of wide turning radius of tractors.It leaves alot less trimming because of the control.Definitely buy the deck size to yard size and lawn tightness between flower beds etc. The less trimming is good because my wife loves to use the zero trun now that we have it.

[faithfulFrank]

I have a professional grade eXmark 52" ZTR lazerZ-HP.

Frank

[Bydand]

First things first: cost does not equal dependability.

I have an old beat-up Craftsman 42" cut with a 19HP motor and it still cuts like new and runs like a top. Shoot, I don't even bother covering it up during the winter months. 15 years later it is still going strong and I have put a grand total of 3 sets of blades on it over the years ($25 for the last set), $35 for a new steering shaft and bushing this Spring, and gas and oil to run it. That is ALL the upkeep and repairs it has needed even with my lack of maintain and abuse.

[Ellwood]

I have had two Sears tractors with Kohler engines. First one blew head gasket at 150 hours. Second one I bought was leaking oil and they had to replace the engine because they forgot to install three bolts at factory. Tractor was only 25 hours, then it just stopped and wouldn't start at 100 hours. They had to replace a module. Now I have a John Deere zero turn and love it. No problems, very little trim work required.

[texdav]

You had some really bad luck then because Kohler engines are some of the best and I have seen hundreds.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by texdav

You had some really bad luck then because Kohler engines are some of the best and I have seen hundreds.

Not to rub it in... but some say we make our own luck.

[South Range Family]

I just gave away a Cub Cadet that I bought new in 1994. The Kohler engine was still running great, but the deck, and body were total junk. It was never good at cutting grass from day one. I have a 71 Gravely and a big Yanmar that I pull a finish mower with. They are both good for around the pond, and cutting trails, but awkward around the house.

I just treated myself to a new Toro zero turn. It has a 19 horse Kohler, and a 42" cut. I love that thing. It cut my grass cutting time in half. I find myself going out to cut grass for no reason, because that thing is so much fun to drive. Even my kids are out there cutting grass now.

[kinkytoes]

John Deere. I am a dummy when it comes to mechanics and I LOVE the way the John Deere guys came and gave me a tutorial about how to use the mower. It's really easy to use, easy to start etc. They also offer services such as tuning and blade sharpening.

I am a wuss and all of my other "power tools" are cordless and electric. I think they're way safer. I have sharpened the pushmower blades myself, but no way in heck am I touching the blades of anything that runs on gasoline and is as big as my riding mower.

The problem is that I can't get under the pines. I can't get close enough to the trunk without getting decapitated by branches. I have noticed that the professionals have some sort of mower with the blades in the front so they can get under trees. If JD sells one of those, I would recommend it.