Used Riding Lawnmower - Which Brand and Model

[2002 Maxima SE]

I'm early in the process of researching a used mower. We had a push mower (Toro) at our old house and sold it when we moved because the yard is bigger (0.60 acre) and the lawn service of the previous owner agreed to keep us at the same price ($40 per week during the season).

We've gotten a mild increase in price recently and I have more time now to take on that task.

New mowers are expensive! The price is about 3x what it was a few years ago. I've started researching and learned Kawasaki or Kohler are the dependable engines, John Deere's easy change oil system is a farce, and the lower end models may be garbage in many cases.

My yard slopes down from back to front, not terribly steep and could cut side to side. I believe 20hp is around what I need. I have a single accessible gate for the backyard that is 60" wide, so I will need something with a deck that will fit (my yard crew uses a 52" zero turn mower for the back). I'm leaning towards a regular riding mower so it will fit in our garage.

What year, hours, Brand and Model would you recommend?

 

[TnT_M]

I'm early in the process of researching a used mower. We had a push mower (Toro) at our old house and sold it when we moved because the yard is bigger (0.60 acre) and the lawn service of the previous owner agreed to keep us at the same price ($40 per week during the season).

We've gotten a mild increase in price recently and I have more time now to take on that task.

New mowers are expensive! The price is about 3x what it was a few years ago. I've started researching and learned Kawasaki or Kohler are the dependable engines, John Deere's easy change oil system is a farce, and the lower end models may be garbage in many cases.

My yard slopes down from back to front, not terribly steep and could cut side to side. I believe 20hp is around what I need. I have a single accessible gate for the backyard that is 60" wide, so I will need something with a deck that will fit (my yard crew uses a 52" zero turn mower for the back). I'm leaning towards a regular riding mower so it will fit in our garage.

What year, hours, Brand and Model would you recommend?

For .6 acres a newer used John Deere 300 series would work. Most have a 48" deck that will allow you to cut your yard in a decent amount of time, but also fit through your gate. Repair parts aren't a concern with dealerships being available as well as the online market. It will likely come with a 2 cylinder Kawasaki engine that is reliable. I would check Marketplace in your area for what is available.

 

[wavinwayne]

If you would consider buying new, Gravely has some 0% interest financing offers, and I think all except their two least expensive mowers have serviceable transmissions. I think I've finally settled on Gravely for my next mower if I ever fire my current lawn guy.

I have personal experience mowing with a John Deere Z535M 60" (wife's Aunt's) and a Bad Boy 60" (In-laws). Both mowers have been solid machines for years with no major issues.

 

[Elkins45]

What is your budget? Are we talking $8k zero turn or $1k garden tractor?

Also, how handy are you? I’m still running the same Craftsman garden tractor I bought new 22 years ago, but I’ve done a number of repairs to it during that that time including removing the engine to replace the sump gasket. The less you spend the more you are likely to need to wrench on it.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

What is your budget? Are we talking $8k zero turn or $1k garden tractor?

Also, how handy are you? I’m still running the same Craftsman garden tractor I bought new 22 years ago, but I’ve done a number of repairs to it during that that time including removing the engine to replace the sump gasket. The less you spend the more you are likely to need to wrench on it.

$3k is the max I would want to spend. I'm handy so being able to service as much as possible on my own is important.

 

[walterjay]

I personally would look for a John Deere. Parts are readily available for long term use. Avoid the models sold at Big Box. If you can find one with a serviceable transmission you will do well.

 

[JTK]

If you are looking for a lower cost riding mower, I would suggest something Husqvarna Group built, with a hydrostatic transaxle rather than MTD built machine, with a belt and variator "CVT".

 

[97prizm]

Not sure what a used Ventrac goes for but they're designed for slopes and steep embankments.

 

[oldcodger]

You don't say anything about your age but you would enjoy a 42"-48" zero turn. Like was mentioned above, a lower end model with serviceable transmissions would serve you well. Mowing with a zero turn is really worth the extra cost.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

If you are looking for a lower cost riding mower, I would suggest something Husqvarna Group built, with a hydrostatic transaxle rather than MTD built machine, with a belt and variator "CVT".

Husqvarna TS242XD or TS248XD seems to check many of the boxes.

 

[AutoMechanic]

We have a John Deere E100 series we got a few years back pre owned from my grandma and it’s done great with only general maintenance needed and just resealed the valve cover last weekend. It’s a 2019 model and it even still has the original battery in it. I only buy John Deere for riding mowers usually. I think she paid around $1800 for it new but could have been a little less. It’s easy to get parts for. I don’t use John Deere filters on it anymore though cause I’m not willing to pay $18 for an oil filter. I just wish it had a Briggs and Stratton engine though.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

You don't say anything about your age but you would enjoy a 42"-48" zero turn. Like was mentioned above, a lower end model with serviceable transmissions would serve you well. Mowing with a zero turn is really worth the extra cost.

Early 50s. I'm not opposed to a zero turn but don't require one. I guess if the price is right I would consider it. What brand and model would you recommend?

 

[Astro_Guy]

Avoid anything with a large single cylinder B&S engine in the 17-19 HP range as these are know to have head gasket problems.

 

[14Accent]

For $3k, you can find yourself a nicely kept used JD X-series with a 48" deck and power steering/power deck lift. Those two options are key, as the only X3's with serviceable transmissions are the units with external hydraulics. 90% of those units will be Kawasaki powered, there were some earlier units that had Briggs twins but those are rare.

 

[Elkins45]

My answer is probably not one you’ll even consider, and I don’t know what your storage situation is like, but the Husqvarna built Craftsman LT 1000 and LT2000 series riders are all over Marketplace and Craigslist for $250-300. I would buy four of them, use the best one and cannibalize the other three for parts as needed.

 

[TomYoung]

My answer is probably not one you’ll even consider, and I don’t know what your storage situation is like, but the Husqvarna built Craftsman LT 1000 and LT2000 series riders are all over Marketplace and Craigslist for $250-300. I would buy four of them, use the best one and cannibalize the other three for parts as needed.

Beverly Hillbillies solution.

 

[IndyIan]

If you can mow it side to side, I think any riding mower will work fine, but if your lawn is smooth enough to go higher speeds, a zero-turn will be faster.
20 minute job with a ZT? 40 with a lawn tractor?

Lawn tractors seem to be among the easiest thing to fix, so I've just run a well used LT1000 from the late 90's with a "disposable" hst, and a 16hp B&S that won't die. If it does, I would probably go for smaller zero-turn now, just for the extra blade speed, and mowing speed. But belts, bearings, and blades are cheap, and that seems to be all it needs after I've tubed the original tires?

Lower end JD mowers are made in the same factory as several other brands, and the odd time one of them specs a slightly upgraded HST, or adds extra rollers to the deck, but they are all comparable, in parts or quality.

 

[Arc]

The problem with old mowers is the deck. $700 for a bare bones deck plus $$ for spindles and blades is more than the mower is worth. My 20 year old cub cadet zforce has a deck from a newer mower. I had to weld on the new parts and put on a few new pulleys but it saved a good running mower from being junked.

 

[Lubener]

0.60 acres is a small lot. I see no reason to get anything bigger than a 42 inch riding mower. I see no reason to get a worn out zero turn for $3k. Anything bigger gets cumbersome for a small parcel. You pick the brand based on price and condition. I like anything made by Husqvarna. They are basically the same. My brother and I use older Craftsmans (19 & 24 HP W/42 inch mowers) to cut 3-4 acres every two weeks. . We get it completed in about an hour and fourty minutes. Not a big deal.

 

[Lubener]

Avoid anything with a large single cylinder B&S engine in the 17-19 HP range as these are know to have head gasket problems.

Not a big deal to replace the head gasket. No reason to avoid.