[rdlviper]

I am looking at purchasing a new John Deere lawnmower, but I am totally lost as to which one I would need. I have a large yard, but its still just a house not an acreage. I want something that will last me for many years.... I'd rather buy a good one now, then replace a piece of junk over and over.

What should my approximate budget be?
Is John Deere still known for their quality? Any particular model line I should look at?

 

[lawnjockey]

Are you looking for a push mower or a riding mower? For the size you may just want a push mower, but the riding ones are more fun

I'm looking for something new as well. I really like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Craftsman-DTY40...ltDomain_0&hash=item19bd7c1cec#ht_2480wt_1038

It's a craftsman and unfortunately out of my price range lol, but I definitely like it!

For John Deere it looks like there's some decent ones online but they will run you $500-600:
http://e-marketing.deere.com/collab...E616663FB179FFBC5.app1?AppId=BuyOnline&cat=WB

Hope this helps, I'm in the market too .. will be shopping this weekend and will see what I can find and will post! Will take some pics on my phone too lol

Fred

 

[NoRider]

My place is just under and acre and I've used a self-propelled Craftsman for the past 11 years. Saves a lot of wear and tear on your muscles and such. More expensive, though.
Nothing wrong with John Deere.

 

[Brad]

2 thoughts come to mind.

1. Go to a John Deere dealer and work with them on deciding what would work for you. A lot does depend on whether you are looking for a push, Self Propelled, or rider. You might save $50 buying it at a box store, but you may end up buying one that will not last as well, or buying over-kill. A dealer will walk you thru the purchase. (If you don't care for the first dealer you deal with, try another one.)

2. After you get your new machine, maintain it. After you initially run it, providing the owners manual agrees, put synthetic oil in it, of the wt. recommended. Change the oil more frequently than suggested (if it says every 100 hrs, change it every 50. If it has an oil filter, change that every oil change.) Keep it clean, fresh gas, a little Sea Foam in the gas can will keep the carb clean. In other words, think of your dream car. Pretend your new mower is that dream car and maintain it the same way. And 20 years from now you'll probably still have a fine piece of equipment that you'll at every time you use it.

 

[bontai Joe]

I have found over 45 years of pushing mowers is that features are nice, but the handle bar fit to your body is VERY important. I'm taller than average and there are a lot of machines out there that force me to stoop over, which just kills my back and they don't have enough adjustment to work for me. And if you are shorter than average, it's no fun trying to push a mower with handles to high to comfortably push. As to quality, Toro, Snapper, Simplicity, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna and Deere all make nice machines. Go with whichever has a dealer near you that you like doing business with. See what machines have the features you want, and decide if bagging vs. mulching vs, discharge are all options you want, or if your sure one is the way to go. Myself, I'll naver pay for a bagging feature on a mower, but you may have different requirements.

 

[Ikes-Mower]

I would buy me a nice Honda if you want a mower that would last you a really long time. From what I can understand, there price is equal to that of deere and there quality is unmatched. I have two and they have never ever let me down.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

Are you looking for a push mower or a riding mower? For the size you may just want a push mower, but the riding ones are more fun

I'm looking for something new as well. I really like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Craftsman-DTY4000-48-Riding-Lawn-Mower-Tractor-/110553210092?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19bd7c1cec#ht_2480wt_1038

It's a craftsman and unfortunately out of my price range lol, but I definitely like it!

For John Deere it looks like there's some decent ones online but they will run you $500-600:
http://e-marketing.deere.com/collab...E616663FB179FFBC5.app1?AppId=BuyOnline&cat=WB

Hope this helps, I'm in the market too .. will be shopping this weekend and will see what I can find and will post! Will take some pics on my phone too lol

Fred

Don't forget the shipping. If it's very far away shipping can cost as much as the mower. I always try to buy locally because I don't have a truck big enough to haul a big mower. Sometimes local dealer will deliver for free.

 

[Gil]

Some very good suggestions among this forum. Honda... Don't have a Honda mower, but based on my experience with Honda small engines they are the best. Have a pressure washer with Honda engine that goes months without being started. Always started on 1st or 2nd pull. All Honda small engine of which I have experience have been outstanding. If looking at big box store for any mower be careful. For instance the John Deere sold at big box are not the same as sold by JD dealers. One of main concerned is their riding mowers sold at big box DO NOT have grease fittings on the mower spindles. Thus they will last only a couple seasons before having to be replaced. The best input and advice I have received on purchases have come from the local authorized dealers of whatever brand you are looking at. Most dealers in my area will give you a "test drive" at your home of most mowers, specially riding mowers. Just purchased a Gravely ZeroTurn from mower dealer and had a good purchase experience.

 

[Terry]

I have discovered that the Ariens Max zoom 60 inch ztr and the Hustler Fastrak 54 inch are remarkably similar in deck, features, equipment. Is the Ariens a clone of the Hustler? Does Hustler make the Ariens? Can anyone help ?

terry

 

[ghlkal]

After you get your new machine, maintain it. ... In other words, think of your dream car.

Very good advice. I'm fanatical about my car maintenance, but less so about my mowers As others have suggested, Honda engines are fantastic. I've had my Honda push mower for ... well, I can't remember how long. I put gas in it and that's about all It always starts, runs, and cuts the grass. I would also buy from a dealer/small business, and avoid a big box store.