Swisher Brings Back The Ride King!

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Fsharp

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I'm sure most on here know what it is:

I always thought they were cool and wanted one as a kid, but when I was in need of a lawn mower a couple of years ago I found, to my dismay, that they were no longer made! I'm going to see about getting one of these new ones if I can justify the price which is a bit stiff. U.S. made, I guess. I like the idea that there is no reverse, you just turn the drive wheel completely around to go in reverse. A very cool, unique design.
Ride King
Anyone have any experiences with these or thoughts?
 
I had an uncle that had one. The engine sits right in your lap and you're forced to lean over the top of the engine-it's extremely hot, uncomfortable and noisy. The low seat height makes anyone over 4' 6" tall crouch when using it-it's about as comfortable for an adult as a kids tricycle. He lived in town with just a small yard, but when I had to mow for him I brought over a push mower rather than use that Ride King. The push mower was just as fast and far more comfortable to use.

I would use one of the little rear engine riders before I'd use one of those again. I've seen some of the originals (in unrestored condition) go for less than $100 at auctions. If I wanted one for nostalgia purposes, I'd buy a decent unrestored one and fix it up rather than drop (after taxes) almost $4,000 on a new one.
 
Don't think it would climb or descend my hill with any degree of security. I would recommend checking out the toro or cub cadet zero turns with steering wheels before investing too much into this. Unless you are buying for the novelty effect
 
The way the engine is positioned will give the operator an intimate feel for when there's a problem.

It's almost but not quite double the price of the usual similar machine. Is there something special about this one?
 
There's a nostalgia/novelty effect going on. It's certainly retro, looks well built and there's some nice graphics and CNC work on it. I haven't seen or sat on one since I was a kid(It didn't seem small then lol). It is certainly a unique machine. For the moment I'm going to be cruising craigslist for an old one. It would be neccesary to test drive before buying

Going up a hill especially might be interesting
 
Wow! almost $4000?? I bought mine new in 1972 I think, for about $300 If I remember correctly. I am still using it now, as a matter of fact, I just got it out of the shed yesterday and fired it up and checked it over for the year of mowing. Mine has the 6 HP tecumseh engine. Has around 2 to 3000 hours on it, and just 2 years ago replaced the original points and condenser. Had the carb cleaned once I think. Couple of blade belts. Replaced blades once. Figure to use it until I can't mow my own lawn anymore.
 
Originally Posted By: old1
Wow! almost $4000?? I bought mine new in 1972 I think, for about $300 If I remember correctly. I am still using it now, as a matter of fact, I just got it out of the shed yesterday and fired it up and checked it over for the year of mowing. Mine has the 6 HP tecumseh engine. Has around 2 to 3000 hours on it, and just 2 years ago replaced the original points and condenser. Had the carb cleaned once I think. Couple of blade belts. Replaced blades once. Figure to use it until I can't mow my own lawn anymore.


Now that's a good story and a testament to good care, and a quality machine! How comfortable and easy to use is it? Does it feel cramped? Hot? It's got to be pretty enjoyable to use if you've kept it so long. 45 years of regular use is pretty great for a lawn mower especially needing so few replacement parts.
 
Originally Posted By: FlyNavyP3
The muffler under the seat and in close proximity to my leg would be a concern for me. Otherwise very cool.


At least it's a hot ride. lol I feel bad for anyone who lets it throw a rod with it between your legs.
 
Seems like a silly design with the engine in your lap. I wouldn't want three wheels either, for stability mowing on hills.
 
To answer a couple questions, I am 6 feet tall, and it doesn't feel cramped to me, but much of that is personal opinion. As far as being extra hot---I personally have not really noticed it to much, but I don't wear shorts when mowing either. Stability? NOT for hills. I have always had flat ground. Slightly rolling is no problem. Very low on traction, with only one wheel drive. When I bought mine, zero turn was virtually unknown, so was really neat to be able to turn in your own tracks, and sure saved a lot of time compared to the standard rider that took 40 acres to turn around.LOL. But unless you can buy the new one for WAY less than other zero turn machines, I wouldn't.
 
I used one of these for years. I would probably still have it if it weren't for the Tecumseh motor on it.

Never forget the time I pulled myself up over the wheel to get more traction and the steering wheel came off in my hands.

The deck doesn't float so it scalps and the grass exit side tire will leave a trail of clippings.

I ended up selling the hulk to a guy who was going to try to make a robotic mower out of it.

Mine had a crank start but you could not crank it 360* as the handle would hit the steering column.
 
I'll bet that personal injury/liability lawyers are eagerly awaiting the return of this design marvel.
 
I use to start in the middle of the lot and work my way out in a circle when I had my Swisher. It's a fast mowing machine that performs poorly!!!
 
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