The big box Deere are built to that same MTD quality though.

Nothing wrong with MTD as long as you understand what you are getting. They are easy and cheap to maintain, and if your yard is fairly small and flat they may be all you need.

1,900 sq ft of lawn or 19 acres?
dead flat or hills and ditchs?

under $5,999.00 or over $5,000.00?

The LA105 series deere at the box store are the base models, opt to move up to the 130 series, you get the hydrostatic drive, no gears, so no clutch, it's simple forward and reverse with two pedals on the right and you get the larger Vtwin engine.

My LA105 made 10 years, but you have to remember in FL we mow 52 weeks a year, so that's what 30 years in Yankee time...

I have a Cub Cadet 46" that within 15 hours of operation the hydrostatic transaxle blew.

They replaced it under warranty, but they wanted to charge me for pick up and delivery. I complained to Cub about it and they covered the transport for the dealer.

The Kohler V twin engine is STRONG, the deck sets easy and stupid easy to remove for cleaning.

The only caveat is the dammed reverse button you have to press so you won't mow over your children backwards.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
The only caveat is the dammed reverse button you have to press so you won't mow over your children backwards.

That button kills the reverse shut off so you can mow over your children backwards.

I have $4k worth of Cub Cadet, about 10 years old, no problems. I may investigate a Zero-turn, should I have to buy another.

Upon getting advice on Sigforum I went with a J.D. and I never looked back. I ended up with the J.D. LT180 17 h.p. v-twin koehler with hydrostatic tranny. 15 years later and runs like new. Good luck on which ever you you choose as all are giving you GREAT advice. John

quote:

Originally posted by GotDogs:
Upon getting advice on Sigforum I went with a J.D. and I never looked back. I ended up with the J.D. LT180 17 h.p. v-twin koehler with hydrostatic tranny. 15 years later and runs like new. Good luck on which ever you you choose as all are giving you GREAT advice. John

I'm looking to purchase something that is going to last me 10-15 years, I don't want to go to through this process again 5 or 6 years from now.

My dad has a mtd John deer and it has not held up well and his yard is as flat as a pancake and only 3/4 acre.

I bought the smallest Toro ZTR they make a couple of years ago and I am very happy with it. It is very well made and easy to work on if it ever needs anything.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:

The only caveat is the dammed reverse button you have to press so you won't mow over your children backwards.

Pull the connection off the switch and jumper it with a paper clip, then it's always engaged and you can run over anything anytime in R

MTD can make a very good tractor. Craftsman's Pro series black/yellow tractors are made by MTD and have excellent feature like heavy gauge decks, Kohler professional engines and high-end Torque Tuff transmissions.

Craftsman's red tractors are built by Husqvarna and are, likewise, very well built. I have a GT5200 built by Husqvarna and it has a 24hp professional grade B&S engine and a pro-grade Hydrogear G730 transmission. Haven't had any trouble except that the engine surges a bit a idle, but not under load. I thought there was a problem with the carb and learned its a characteristic of this engine - both from the service I took it to and an owner of a landscaping business that has this engine on some of his equipment.

Nobody's mentioned Simplicity yet, but the one I bought back in 2005 (Regent 22hp) ran like a champ until last winter with virtually zero maintenance (which was its ultimate downfall) mowing about 3/4 acre. In that time I replaced the battery and blades once. If I had changed the oil more than about once every 5 years or checked it more than once a year it would still be running strong. But I got lazy last year finally it ran low and it spun a bearing and then pitched a rod out the side of the case. A new once costs about the same as I paid 12 years ago, so I'm not sure if the quality is the same.

I own a 54" Hustler Raptor SD and love it. Make sure to get a jack to change blades and clean the deck.

Bought a 46” Husky from Lowes at the end of the season back in 2011. Got a nice discount. Been used a lot here in Alabama. Gets serviced each February (e.g., Changed belts this season).

Koehler engine.

No complaint but there is one feature missing .... I wish I could adjust the deck mowing height settings as I like to mow my grass high and “6” isn’t quite high enough. Only way for me to get more height is to over inflate my tires.

I have a Toro LX427 with the 20hp Kohler Pro engine that is 8 yrs old and it is very well built. Regretfully, Toro no longer makes riding lawn mowers. Just the zero turns that are mega bucks.

The only reason I brought this up is to say that if it were me, I'd look for a mower that had a Kohler Pro engine and an all steel deck.
Oh, and a drink holder. Must have a drink holder.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
I have a Toro LX427 with the 20hp Kohler Pro engine that is 8 yrs old and it is very well built. Regretfully, Toro no longer makes riding lawn mowers. Just the zero turns that are mega bucks.

The only reason I brought this up is to say that if it were me, I'd look for a mower that had a Kohler Pro engine and an all steel deck.
Oh, and a drink holder. Must have a drink holder.

Jim

That’s too bad about no more riding mowers from Toro. They make good equipment.

Dig thru Craigslist and you'll find a deal.

https://louisville.craigslist....n-52/6655717929.html

Zero turn 52" - $2400

quote:

Originally posted by doublesharp:
Hustler Raptor is a durable well built residential zero turn.

My neighbor has one. Very nice.