Another vote for a John Deere X series. Steer clear from the Home Depot and Lowe's models.
Riding mower suggestions.
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Hustler dealers are pretty much slim in my area. Not so good with the pricing either. Lowes actually had a Hustler brand for about 4k best i remember. Gravely dealers around here are greedy and dont compare to Toro's in price for comparable models. I may look harder at the john deere x series. What do they cost with the heavier duty tranny?
Youre paying for that expensive green paint.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: jasonal
Hustler dealers are pretty much slim in my area. Not so good with the pricing either. Lowes actually had a Hustler brand for about 4k best i remember. Gravely dealers around here are greedy and dont compare to Toro's in price for comparable models. I may look harder at the john deere x series. What do they cost with the heavier duty tranny?
I'd first decide what style machine you want. ZTR or conventional rider. If you have lots of hills, inclines and uneven mowing to do, I'm not sure you'll find a (new) ZTR in the
In regards to the JD X series specs/pricing, look it up online. The X's are nice, but I wouldn't consider them super HD. That's going to cost you a bit more than $4K.
Hustler dealers are pretty much slim in my area. Not so good with the pricing either. Lowes actually had a Hustler brand for about 4k best i remember. Gravely dealers around here are greedy and dont compare to Toro's in price for comparable models. I may look harder at the john deere x series. What do they cost with the heavier duty tranny?
I'd first decide what style machine you want. ZTR or conventional rider. If you have lots of hills, inclines and uneven mowing to do, I'm not sure you'll find a (new) ZTR in the
In regards to the JD X series specs/pricing, look it up online. The X's are nice, but I wouldn't consider them super HD. That's going to cost you a bit more than $4K.
Originally Posted By: jasonal
I may look harder at the john deere x series. What do they cost with the heavier duty tranny?
The X310 w/ the K58 lists for 4K.
I was in a Deere dealer today. They did not have a X310 on the floor, however they had the X300 for $2699. without haggle.
I may look harder at the john deere x series. What do they cost with the heavier duty tranny?
The X310 w/ the K58 lists for 4K.
I was in a Deere dealer today. They did not have a X310 on the floor, however they had the X300 for $2699. without haggle.
Originally Posted By: Tdbo
Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
Youre paying for that expensive green paint.
Well worth every cent. No thanks are necessary.
No thanks are necessary?? You got that right!!!! John Deere?? NO THANKS!!!!
Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
Youre paying for that expensive green paint.
Well worth every cent. No thanks are necessary.
No thanks are necessary?? You got that right!!!! John Deere?? NO THANKS!!!!
Originally Posted By: HM12460
Another vote for a John Deere X series. Steer clear from the Home Depot and Lowe's models.
Why is that?
Another vote for a John Deere X series. Steer clear from the Home Depot and Lowe's models.
Why is that?
Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
Youre paying for that expensive green paint.
I do agree with that.
Kubota make very competitive equipment. Quality is right up there and price is more reasonable.
What is it with that green pain that draws suckers like flies? Not questioning their higher end equipment but, JD should actually be embarrassed to put their good name on some of the junk they sell in the box stores.
Youre paying for that expensive green paint.
I do agree with that.
Kubota make very competitive equipment. Quality is right up there and price is more reasonable.
What is it with that green pain that draws suckers like flies? Not questioning their higher end equipment but, JD should actually be embarrassed to put their good name on some of the junk they sell in the box stores.
Originally Posted By: jmsjags
Originally Posted By: HM12460
Another vote for a John Deere X series. Steer clear from the Home Depot and Lowe's models.
Why is that?
Because most, if not all JD products sold in box stores is just off the shelf, run of the mill, cheap equipment built by manufacturers other than JD. The only thing JD about them is the colour scheme and brand name.
There's a reason they sell for $2000.00 and less. They're anything but JD.
Originally Posted By: HM12460
Another vote for a John Deere X series. Steer clear from the Home Depot and Lowe's models.
Why is that?
Because most, if not all JD products sold in box stores is just off the shelf, run of the mill, cheap equipment built by manufacturers other than JD. The only thing JD about them is the colour scheme and brand name.
There's a reason they sell for $2000.00 and less. They're anything but JD.
Originally Posted By: boraticus
Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
Youre paying for that expensive green paint.
Kubota make very competitive equipment. Quality is right up there and price is more reasonable.
Totally agree. If they produced a LGT, I'd be all over it.
However, I don't have much use for a CUT.
JD does serve the LGT market. If there are any other manufacturers that have as good an offering as the X300 series, please inform so that I may start planning for the predecessor for my 2007 X300..
Yes, you do pay for the green but you also get superior part and dealer support and easy availability to such.
The stuff that they put in the big box stores creates unreasonable expectations because they put the color and the name on them. Even though they are produced by Deere, they are spec'd to the lower end of the market and are made to compete with the MTD's of the world. If you want a "true" Deere, the lowest price of entry is the X series.
Bottom line is that you get what you pay for everytime.
Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
Youre paying for that expensive green paint.
Kubota make very competitive equipment. Quality is right up there and price is more reasonable.
Totally agree. If they produced a LGT, I'd be all over it.
However, I don't have much use for a CUT.
JD does serve the LGT market. If there are any other manufacturers that have as good an offering as the X300 series, please inform so that I may start planning for the predecessor for my 2007 X300..
Yes, you do pay for the green but you also get superior part and dealer support and easy availability to such.
The stuff that they put in the big box stores creates unreasonable expectations because they put the color and the name on them. Even though they are produced by Deere, they are spec'd to the lower end of the market and are made to compete with the MTD's of the world. If you want a "true" Deere, the lowest price of entry is the X series.
Bottom line is that you get what you pay for everytime.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: boraticus
Because most, if not all JD products sold in box stores is just off the shelf, run of the mill, cheap equipment built by manufacturers other than JD. The only thing JD about them is the colour scheme and brand name.
This is not true. This same topic comes up every so often and I'm really not sure why some still assume these green and yellow mowers are made by MTD or Husqvarna. The JD 100 series machines have always been built at John Deere's Power Products manufacturing plant in Greeneville TN. About 20yrs ago JD marketed them under the "Scotts" name, but if you read the nameplate on these orange Scotts machine, it said built by JD at the Greeneville plant.
Are they anything like the higher end Deeres made in Iowa? Heck no. I wouldn't expect a riding mower that starts at ~$1500 to be. Do I think they're a little better built and easier to work on than a $1500 MTD. I sure do.
At the end of the day, you can buy these same "big box" 100 series machines right along side the $10K mowers at your local JD dealership. Same as it's always been.
This is coming from a guy that mostly cuts his lawn with a $300 CraigsList Sears LT2000 rider. LOL. Point is, I see the value in many makes/models.
Because most, if not all JD products sold in box stores is just off the shelf, run of the mill, cheap equipment built by manufacturers other than JD. The only thing JD about them is the colour scheme and brand name.
This is not true. This same topic comes up every so often and I'm really not sure why some still assume these green and yellow mowers are made by MTD or Husqvarna. The JD 100 series machines have always been built at John Deere's Power Products manufacturing plant in Greeneville TN. About 20yrs ago JD marketed them under the "Scotts" name, but if you read the nameplate on these orange Scotts machine, it said built by JD at the Greeneville plant.
Are they anything like the higher end Deeres made in Iowa? Heck no. I wouldn't expect a riding mower that starts at ~$1500 to be. Do I think they're a little better built and easier to work on than a $1500 MTD. I sure do.
At the end of the day, you can buy these same "big box" 100 series machines right along side the $10K mowers at your local JD dealership. Same as it's always been.
This is coming from a guy that mostly cuts his lawn with a $300 CraigsList Sears LT2000 rider. LOL. Point is, I see the value in many makes/models.
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: boraticus
Because most, if not all JD products sold in box stores is just off the shelf, run of the mill, cheap equipment built by manufacturers other than JD. The only thing JD about them is the colour scheme and brand name.
This is not true. This same topic comes up every so often and I'm really not sure why some still assume these green and yellow mowers are made by MTD or Husqvarna. The JD 100 series machines have always been built at John Deere's Power Products manufacturing plant in Greeneville TN. About 20yrs ago JD marketed them under the "Scotts" name, but if you read the nameplate on these orange Scotts machine, it said built by JD at the Greeneville plant.
Are they anything like the higher end Deeres made in Iowa? Heck no. I wouldn't expect a riding mower that starts at ~$1500 to be. Do I think they're a little better built and easier to work on than a $1500 MTD. I sure do.
At the end of the day, you can buy these same "big box" 100 series machines right along side the $10K mowers at your local JD dealership. Same as it's always been.
This is coming from a guy that mostly cuts his lawn with a $300 CraigsList Sears LT2000 rider. LOL. Point is, I see the value in many makes/models.
+1 on the Deere 100 series. Built by JD, and even sold at local dealerships, which is what makes me laugh when I see CL ads saying "this is a dealer model".
The 100 series is a cheaper built version, but that is why they also cost less. I'd say they are better than their competition who sells the same line. MTD made machines for example, won't have the same parts availability as the Deere 100 series. I wouldn't use a Home Depot Deere for tilling or heavy ground engaging work, but then again they aren't designed for that. They work perfectly fine when they are maintained and used to mow grass like intended.
I would say look at the Deere X series for your price range, very solid built machines, even the used ones are a good buy. I do equipment repair on the side, and a Deere is what I own for my personal lawn machine. Well built, parts are easy to find, and they cut really nice too. Sure someone could argue a diesel Kubota is better, but try finding parts for one that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
I'd also avoid "homeowner" zero turns like the ones sold at big box stores. These are huge ticking time bombs. The hydros are weak and often live a short life. Replacing them is very expensive. Parts for zero turns in general are also more expensive, since many of the companies cater to the commercial market and feel they can mark-up the parts. I'd look at a few local JD dealers and see if you can source a nice used X series machine. A friend of mine got a great deal on a used X500 series with mower and snowblower from his local dealer.
Originally Posted By: boraticus
Because most, if not all JD products sold in box stores is just off the shelf, run of the mill, cheap equipment built by manufacturers other than JD. The only thing JD about them is the colour scheme and brand name.
This is not true. This same topic comes up every so often and I'm really not sure why some still assume these green and yellow mowers are made by MTD or Husqvarna. The JD 100 series machines have always been built at John Deere's Power Products manufacturing plant in Greeneville TN. About 20yrs ago JD marketed them under the "Scotts" name, but if you read the nameplate on these orange Scotts machine, it said built by JD at the Greeneville plant.
Are they anything like the higher end Deeres made in Iowa? Heck no. I wouldn't expect a riding mower that starts at ~$1500 to be. Do I think they're a little better built and easier to work on than a $1500 MTD. I sure do.
At the end of the day, you can buy these same "big box" 100 series machines right along side the $10K mowers at your local JD dealership. Same as it's always been.
This is coming from a guy that mostly cuts his lawn with a $300 CraigsList Sears LT2000 rider. LOL. Point is, I see the value in many makes/models.
+1 on the Deere 100 series. Built by JD, and even sold at local dealerships, which is what makes me laugh when I see CL ads saying "this is a dealer model".
The 100 series is a cheaper built version, but that is why they also cost less. I'd say they are better than their competition who sells the same line. MTD made machines for example, won't have the same parts availability as the Deere 100 series. I wouldn't use a Home Depot Deere for tilling or heavy ground engaging work, but then again they aren't designed for that. They work perfectly fine when they are maintained and used to mow grass like intended.
I would say look at the Deere X series for your price range, very solid built machines, even the used ones are a good buy. I do equipment repair on the side, and a Deere is what I own for my personal lawn machine. Well built, parts are easy to find, and they cut really nice too. Sure someone could argue a diesel Kubota is better, but try finding parts for one that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
I'd also avoid "homeowner" zero turns like the ones sold at big box stores. These are huge ticking time bombs. The hydros are weak and often live a short life. Replacing them is very expensive. Parts for zero turns in general are also more expensive, since many of the companies cater to the commercial market and feel they can mark-up the parts. I'd look at a few local JD dealers and see if you can source a nice used X series machine. A friend of mine got a great deal on a used X500 series with mower and snowblower from his local dealer.
Not to swoop in but it seems relevant.
How does one figure deck size?
Researching online says I should be looking at a mid 40" deck for my 1.3 acres. Seems like a 54-60 would be more appropriate since I have minimal obsticals. I was leaning towards 60 but am toning back to 52-54.
How does one figure deck size?
Researching online says I should be looking at a mid 40" deck for my 1.3 acres. Seems like a 54-60 would be more appropriate since I have minimal obsticals. I was leaning towards 60 but am toning back to 52-54.
Originally Posted By: racer12306
Not to swoop in but it seems relevant.
How does one figure deck size?
Researching online says I should be looking at a mid 40" deck for my 1.3 acres. Seems like a 54-60 would be more appropriate since I have minimal obsticals. I was leaning towards 60 but am toning back to 52-54.
We've got 2 acres, but I probably only mow about 1.5. The 54" deck on my JD 425 seems about perfect. My neighbor has about the same and has a JD zero turn with a 60" deck. He says he actually wishes had had gone a little smaller. When we first moved in I had a Craftsman with a 42" deck, which was too small but got the job done, it just took a while.
Not to swoop in but it seems relevant.
How does one figure deck size?
Researching online says I should be looking at a mid 40" deck for my 1.3 acres. Seems like a 54-60 would be more appropriate since I have minimal obsticals. I was leaning towards 60 but am toning back to 52-54.
We've got 2 acres, but I probably only mow about 1.5. The 54" deck on my JD 425 seems about perfect. My neighbor has about the same and has a JD zero turn with a 60" deck. He says he actually wishes had had gone a little smaller. When we first moved in I had a Craftsman with a 42" deck, which was too small but got the job done, it just took a while.
Thanks. What your neighbor is experiencing is what I'm worried about.
My goal with my mower purchase will be to buy one that will last for decades under residential lawn mowing, snow removal and general yard care.
My goal with my mower purchase will be to buy one that will last for decades under residential lawn mowing, snow removal and general yard care.
I am not bashing JD here but for ~$3K you can get yourself a Husqvarna GT52XLS with the Kawasaki engine and a Hydro-gear G730 transmission vs. the John Deere X300 with a Tuff Torq K46 hydrostatic transmission. The Hydro-gear transmission is much more robust than the Tuff Torq; 1" vs .75" axle size, 7.8 MPH vs 5.5 MPH, 230 Ft/Lbs(445 Ft/Lbs intermittent) vs 131 Ft/Lbs of torque, and the Hydro-gear has a basic service interval of 75 hours for the initial fill and then every 400 hours after that vs. the "sealed-for-life" K46. In addition, the Husqvarna has a 730CC 24 HP Kawasaki engine vs the JD with a 491CC 17 HP JD branded Kawasaki engine. As a bonus, with the Husqvarna you get a reinforced fabricated deck vs the stamped deck on the JD.
Originally Posted By: racer12306
Not to swoop in but it seems relevant.
How does one figure deck size?
Researching online says I should be looking at a mid 40" deck for my 1.3 acres. Seems like a 54-60 would be more appropriate since I have minimal obsticals. I was leaning towards 60 but am toning back to 52-54.
My toro is a 50" deck. I would have gone 60 but it would not have fit through the doors of my storage building.
Keep that in mind.
Not to swoop in but it seems relevant.
How does one figure deck size?
Researching online says I should be looking at a mid 40" deck for my 1.3 acres. Seems like a 54-60 would be more appropriate since I have minimal obsticals. I was leaning towards 60 but am toning back to 52-54.
My toro is a 50" deck. I would have gone 60 but it would not have fit through the doors of my storage building.
Keep that in mind.
Originally Posted By: spasm3
Originally Posted By: racer12306
Not to swoop in but it seems relevant.
How does one figure deck size?
Researching online says I should be looking at a mid 40" deck for my 1.3 acres. Seems like a 54-60 would be more appropriate since I have minimal obsticals. I was leaning towards 60 but am toning back to 52-54.
My toro is a 50" deck. I would have gone 60 but it would not have fit through the doors of my storage building.
Keep that in mind.
Very good point. I was worried about that until the other day as I measured out the potential trouble spots. There is only one narrow portion on the whole property and it is about 64" wide. I have a 71" wide shed opening. Seems most ZTRs are only a few inches wider than their deck size, negating the discharge flap, at least in the ones I'm researching.
Originally Posted By: racer12306
Not to swoop in but it seems relevant.
How does one figure deck size?
Researching online says I should be looking at a mid 40" deck for my 1.3 acres. Seems like a 54-60 would be more appropriate since I have minimal obsticals. I was leaning towards 60 but am toning back to 52-54.
My toro is a 50" deck. I would have gone 60 but it would not have fit through the doors of my storage building.
Keep that in mind.
Very good point. I was worried about that until the other day as I measured out the potential trouble spots. There is only one narrow portion on the whole property and it is about 64" wide. I have a 71" wide shed opening. Seems most ZTRs are only a few inches wider than their deck size, negating the discharge flap, at least in the ones I'm researching.
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