NFT: Lawn tractor recommendations

bought a self-propelled walk-behind Toro two months ago, and already more than ready to buy a rider. Am looking at Deere as well, appreciate a cheat sheet on how to interpret model numbers, features, etc.

In comment 15289076 JonC said:

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bought a self-propelled walk-behind Toro two months ago, and already more than ready to buy a rider. Am looking at Deere as well, appreciate a cheat sheet on how to interpret model numbers, features, etc.

I've always been a self-propelled mower fan as I enjoy the exercise, but I'm nearly 40. I can handle the labor today, but in 3-5 years will I be regretting the labor? I'd rather think ahead than buy for now.

The Troy-Bilt Bronco that I picked up in Runnings and I love it I have about half an acre so it works great for me

Period. The end. I had a Craftsman that gave me a lot of problems. Bought a second-hand JD 5 or so years ago and have not had a single issue. I just buy the JD maintenance kit and change the spark plug, oil, oil filter and gas filter every year.

oh this topic. Wait for him to chime in before you buy anything.

for Red Dog.

I have a 7 year old LA.105, 42” lawn tractor. I have a 0.81 acre slightly hilly lawn to mow. Zero issues with my JD. Maintenance is very easy and I change blades myself only once a season. Grass grows very well in Alabama, so I mow every week from March till November.

One feature to consider for a hilly lawn is the flex on the mower deck. If you have a floating deck, it can make cuts into your lawn that give a choppy look.

In comment 15289094 BamaBlue said:

Quote:

I have a 7 year old LA.105, 42” lawn tractor. I have a 0.81 acre slightly hilly lawn to mow. Zero issues with my JD. Maintenance is very easy and I change blades myself only once a season. Grass grows very well in Alabama, so I mow every week from March till November. One feature to consider for a hilly lawn is the flex on the mower deck. If you have a floating deck, it can make cuts into your lawn that give a choppy look.

Great advice, thanks.

First of all, that small a yard doesn't need much of a mower. Unless you are having difficulty walking, I'd recommend looking at a top-level self-propelled walk behind. That's Toro. Maybe Ariens. Not Snapper. Definitely not Honda. I've got lots to back this up if you want it.

But if you want to go to a small tractor, there are some choices that are better and more cost effective than a Deere.

The Simplicity Regent is a great small tractor.
Simplicity generally gives you the most tractor for your money. You get a cast iron front axle that won't bend like a steel axle, the largest gas tank for more mows between refills, biggest capacity battery (measured in cold cranking amps or CCA), a full-width deck roller for a better finish on the lawn, and about the tightest turning radius of anything on the market which is very important for mowing tight spots. And with 23-hp, it will handle tall or damp grass with ease. Also note that Simplicity only sells through franchised dealers so you won't get screwed by third party service like you will if you buy through a big box store. If you take care of it properly, you should get 15 years or so out of it.

There are other choices. Husqvarna and Toro have decent enough product.

Some companies still sell rear-engined riders that are not zero-turns. Those are perfect for your size yard, and less expensive than a tractor, but I am really not up on them any more. All I can say is that if the company makes a good tractor, they probably make a decent rear-engined rider.

Hope this helps.

In comment 15289097 Red Dog said:

Quote:

First of all, that small a yard doesn't need much of a mower. Unless you are having difficulty walking, I'd recommend looking at a top-level self-propelled walk behind. That's Toro. Maybe Ariens. Not Snapper. Definitely not Honda. I've got lots to back this up if you want it. But if you want to go to a small tractor, there are some choices that are better and more cost effective than a Deere. The Simplicity Regent is a great small tractor. Simplicity generally gives you the most tractor for your money. You get a cast iron front axle that won't bend like a steel axle, the largest gas tank for more mows between refills, biggest capacity battery (measured in cold cranking amps or CCA), a full-width deck roller for a better finish on the lawn, and about the tightest turning radius of anything on the market which is very important for mowing tight spots. And with 23-hp, it will handle tall or damp grass with ease. Also note that Simplicity only sells through franchised dealers so you won't get screwed by third party service like you will if you buy through a big box store. If you take care of it properly, you should get 15 years or so out of it. There are other choices. Husqvarna and Toro have decent enough product. Some companies still sell rear-engined riders that are not zero-turns. Those are perfect for your size yard, and less expensive than a tractor, but I am really not up on them any more. All I can say is that if the company makes a good tractor, they probably make a decent rear-engined rider. Hope this helps.

What are your recommendations on the top self propelled mowers? You're right as in the size of my yard merits a self propelled mower, although the hills will be difficult as I age.

In comment 15289097 Red Dog said:

Quote:

First of all, that small a yard doesn't need much of a mower. Unless you are having difficulty walking, I'd recommend looking at a top-level self-propelled walk behind. That's Toro. Maybe Ariens. Not Snapper. Definitely not Honda. I've got lots to back this up if you want it. But if you want to go to a small tractor, there are some choices that are better and more cost effective than a Deere. The Simplicity Regent is a great small tractor. Simplicity generally gives you the most tractor for your money. You get a cast iron front axle that won't bend like a steel axle, the largest gas tank for more mows between refills, biggest capacity battery (measured in cold cranking amps or CCA), a full-width deck roller for a better finish on the lawn, and about the tightest turning radius of anything on the market which is very important for mowing tight spots. And with 23-hp, it will handle tall or damp grass with ease. Also note that Simplicity only sells through franchised dealers so you won't get screwed by third party service like you will if you buy through a big box store. If you take care of it properly, you should get 15 years or so out of it. There are other choices. Husqvarna and Toro have decent enough product. Some companies still sell rear-engined riders that are not zero-turns. Those are perfect for your size yard, and less expensive than a tractor, but I am really not up on them any more. All I can say is that if the company makes a good tractor, they probably make a decent rear-engined rider. Hope this helps.

Definitely not Honda? The Honda HRX is one of the top Self propelled mowers on the market.

In comment 15289111 jlukes said:

Quote:

In comment 15289097 Red Dog said: Quote: First of all, that small a yard doesn't need much of a mower. Unless you are having difficulty walking, I'd recommend looking at a top-level self-propelled walk behind. That's Toro. Maybe Ariens. Not Snapper. Definitely not Honda. I've got lots to back this up if you want it. But if you want to go to a small tractor, there are some choices that are better and more cost effective than a Deere. The Simplicity Regent is a great small tractor. Simplicity generally gives you the most tractor for your money. You get a cast iron front axle that won't bend like a steel axle, the largest gas tank for more mows between refills, biggest capacity battery (measured in cold cranking amps or CCA), a full-width deck roller for a better finish on the lawn, and about the tightest turning radius of anything on the market which is very important for mowing tight spots. And with 23-hp, it will handle tall or damp grass with ease. Also note that Simplicity only sells through franchised dealers so you won't get screwed by third party service like you will if you buy through a big box store. If you take care of it properly, you should get 15 years or so out of it. There are other choices. Husqvarna and Toro have decent enough product. Some companies still sell rear-engined riders that are not zero-turns. Those are perfect for your size yard, and less expensive than a tractor, but I am really not up on them any more. All I can say is that if the company makes a good tractor, they probably make a decent rear-engined rider. Hope this helps. Definitely not Honda? The Honda HRX is one of the top Self propelled mowers on the market.

My current self propelled is Honda HRX. It's 7-8 years old and the drive motor seems to be going. I changed the drive belt a few weeks ago and it temporarily got better, but I'm back to getting very little power on the self propel. With my hills, it's a real pain in the neck when that goes.

In comment 15289102 aimrocky said:

Quote:

In comment 15289097 Red Dog said: Quote: First of all, that small a yard doesn't need much of a mower. Unless you are having difficulty walking, I'd recommend looking at a top-level self-propelled walk behind. That's Toro. Maybe Ariens. Not Snapper. Definitely not Honda. I've got lots to back this up if you want it. But if you want to go to a small tractor, there are some choices that are better and more cost effective than a Deere. The Simplicity Regent is a great small tractor. Simplicity generally gives you the most tractor for your money. You get a cast iron front axle that won't bend like a steel axle, the largest gas tank for more mows between refills, biggest capacity battery (measured in cold cranking amps or CCA), a full-width deck roller for a better finish on the lawn, and about the tightest turning radius of anything on the market which is very important for mowing tight spots. And with 23-hp, it will handle tall or damp grass with ease. Also note that Simplicity only sells through franchised dealers so you won't get screwed by third party service like you will if you buy through a big box store. If you take care of it properly, you should get 15 years or so out of it. There are other choices. Husqvarna and Toro have decent enough product. Some companies still sell rear-engined riders that are not zero-turns. Those are perfect for your size yard, and less expensive than a tractor, but I am really not up on them any more. All I can say is that if the company makes a good tractor, they probably make a decent rear-engined rider. Hope this helps. What are your recommendations on the top self propelled mowers? You're right as in the size of my yard merits a self propelled mower, although the hills will be difficult as I age.

Honda HRX and Toro Super Recycler are the best of the best in the 21” range.

If you want something a little bigger, 30” Toro Timemaster would be your best bet

Toro also makes a 34” Time Cutter that is a zero turn mower. That is as about as big as you should go for .25 acres.

A regular lawn tractor wouldn’t be nimble enough on a .25 acre plot

it's .25 acre of maintainable grass. That's excluding house, mulch beds, patio, etc. The property size is .5 acre.

In comment 15289117 aimrocky said:

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it's .25 acre of maintainable grass. That's excluding house, mulch beds, patio, etc. The property size is .5 acre.

Ah ok. In that case I’d recommend a 42” zero turn over a lawn tractor. More maneuverability, faster cutting speed.

Toro Time Cutter, John Deer, Ariens are all decent consumer options. If you want something a bit more heavy duty look for ones that have fabricated decks and not stamped.

I have a 42” hustler raptor and absolutely love it.

the 30” Toro Timemaster may be perfect for me... Small enough to fit in my garage nicely, but a bigger deck to cut down my cutting time and enough power to handle my hills.

But don’t want to go to a riding mower. It has two blades and does really well mulching

for both cars. I have about 36-40" of space to fit the tractor.

I always recommend Toro for top-end self-propelled mowers.

They are built with more quality than most others. Some of this is stuff that you can't actually see to compare, like thickness of the metal, quality of the cables, and bearings instead of bushings for wear surfaces.

Toros also have the best ergonomics for the easiest operation. They put a lot of work into this and are way ahead of most of the others on this count.

And Toros are easier and cheaper to service than some of the others, notably Hondas - I've been there and done that. If you take good care of them, high-end Toros will last a long, long time. I got 15 years out of my Toro and still sold it as a working mower for $40.

Any other questions?

The best ones will have real cut gear drives, not some substitute like a belt that can slip or break, a chain that will stretch or even break, or the friction disc drive in a Snapper that can be troublesome at times.

Gears eliminate potential drive line problems for rough or hilly areas. As long as your tires have traction, you will be mowing.

Also note that better walk behinds drive the REAR axle, not the front axle. This provides better traction because it's easier to push down on the back end of the mower than on the front. If you bag, which isn't a bad idea for the first mowing of the season, the bag will be in the back under the handle so the weight of the contents is over the rear wheels.

tractor mower for about 3/4 acre.

the only complaint I have (and it might be fixable I haven't tried that hard) is even when I have it set for the shortest cut possible (meaning leave the grass as long as it will allow) it's still too much of a cut.

otherwise - operation is easy, maintenance is easy, parts are everywhere (I think most of the parts are the same as husqvarna or cub cadet - I forget - one of them it's the same accessories/attachments, etc.).

I think Ariens tractors were really pretty good. I almost bought one once, but went with my first Simplicity instead.

Unfortunately Ariens has given up on the tractor market and is out of it completely now. Husqvarna is now the tractor supplier for their dealers.

However, Ariens still makes zero turns, walk behinds, snow throwers (they invented the modern snow thrower) and other equipment. And they are still one of the better brands in anything they make.

it sounds like I'm right in the middle of a high end self propelled (Toro Timemaster) and small tractor. Storage will likely dictate how I go, since I only have 36"-40" width to fit the machine between my car and the garage wall. I may be able to fit up to 42" width which makes the Timecutter an option.

In comment 15289141 aimrocky said:

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it sounds like I'm right in the middle of a high end self propelled (Toro Timemaster) and small tractor. Storage will likely dictate how I go, since I only have 36"-40" width to fit the machine between my car and the garage wall. I may be able to fit up to 42" width which makes the Timecutter an option.

Toro makes a 34” time cutter zero turn

In comment 15289142 jlukes said:

Quote:

In comment 15289141 aimrocky said: Quote: it sounds like I'm right in the middle of a high end self propelled (Toro Timemaster) and small tractor. Storage will likely dictate how I go, since I only have 36"-40" width to fit the machine between my car and the garage wall. I may be able to fit up to 42" width which makes the Timecutter an option. Toro makes a 34” time cutter zero turn

Looks like that model has 40" width for storage. May be perfect. Thanks for the recommendation!

When you’re approaching 40 you should be finding more opportunities to walk and get regular upright exercise, not less. Maybe when you’re nearing 70 you can look at a rider or just get the grand kids to cut your lawn. But my goodness my BBI brother, approaching 40 ain’t the time to slow down! Might seem like no big deal, but more you use your body the longer it will last.

Regarding the mower, I got an Ego electric last year and I love it. It’s so much less work than the gas and oil and spark plug. It’s a simple machine, lots of plastic and aluminum. It won’t last forever and the battery will need to be replaced. But with good care, there’s essentially no maintenance aside from sharpening the blade. The thing fold up nicely and stores upright so that’s a bonus as well.

For the record, my Ego replaced a 20 year old (?) made in Japan Honda that weighed about 3,600 pounds, always started on the first pull and purred like a kitten until I seized the engine running it with no oil. (Which tells you more about me than the mower I suppose).

If you go the tractor route, listen to Red Dog, as he’s like the Eli Manning of internal combustion engines. Good luck!

I have a Honda propelled walk behind mower. But my property is pretty hilly. Not sure a riding mower would work.

Super quiet so you can mow at 6:00am if you feel like it without waking up any kids in the neighborhood

50 minute charge which just about does it for my entire yard

Am approaching 70 and you need every bit of exercise you can get if you plan on making 90 or more :>)

In comment 15289182 ChicagoMarty said:

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Super quiet so you can mow at 6:00am if you feel like it without waking up any kids in the neighborhood 50 minute charge which just about does it for my entire yard Am approaching 70 and you need every bit of exercise you can get if you plan on making 90 or more :>)

Was going to get it this year since I own 2 of the 7.5ah batteries with the snowblower, but pushed it to next year to spend my budget on other stuff. Absolutely lover their products.

Not a big fan of riding mowers, maybe because I'm in the minority that finds lawn mowing therapeutic and welcome the exercise. The cost and storing a rider are off-putting for me but i'd probably change my stance if I had a yard that pushed 1/3 acre. I can cut my lawn in 40 minutes or less so for me there's no need.

I've tried all the kinds of mowers there are except electric and robotic

-- Push mowers -- no thanks
-- walk behinds unpropelled -- no thanks
-- walk behinds propelled -- better -- I like Red Dog's comments about rear wheel drive
-- riding mower with saddle seat -- very stiff to operate when it comes to turns and tight places -- but more luxurious than propelled walk behind
-- zero turn -- there is no going back to anything else after you get a zero turn -- period!

I am looking for a new mower. Is there a Toro walk behind gear drive machine you would recommend? Thank you in advance.

As I haven't been walk-behind mower shopping in quite a while, I don't have any specific model to recommend at this point.

What I will say is this. Get a higher end Toro, making sure that it has gear drive to the rear wheels, the most horsepower you can reasonably get, has the other features that you value (width of cut, mulching capability, comfort and convenience features, etc), and take care of it as well as you can.

Shop at a franchised dealer who sells a lot of Toro for your best overall deal taking into account not only selling price but also factory parts stock, warranty and servicing capability, timeliness of service, and other factors like pick up and delivery if you can't or don't want to do that yourself.

In comment 15289182 ChicagoMarty said:

Quote:

Super quiet so you can mow at 6:00am if you feel like it without waking up any kids in the neighborhood 50 minute charge which just about does it for my entire yard Am approaching 70 and you need every bit of exercise you can get if you plan on making 90 or more :>)

I have a tractor with a 42" deck that I use for most of my yard. But I picked up an EGO self propelled mower for the spots I can't get with the tractor. Love that thing. It's quiet and I don't have to monkey around with gas, oil, etc. I recommend it as well.

Much appreciated

for a rider. We are about .2 acres and we use a Ryobi battery powered self propelled. More accurately, my 70 year old wife does the mowing and I do weed whacking with a battery Ryobi.

Quieter, lighter, easier to maneuver, minimal mantainance & no gas or oil to deal with and store. 2 batteries and you can go for hours.

We have gone all electric. leaf blower, hedge trimmer, power washer, I even have a Ryobi battery chain saw that is amazingly powerful.

YMMV

Scag or Exmark. For your property you’ll have this mower for as long as your living at your house. Both are great machines, costly but when you think about how long you will have it it will be well worth it. I have a similar size yard as yourself and can mow it in 20-30 minutes. I had the Scag for over twenty years and gave it away for a housewarming present to a relative about 5 years ago, still running like a champ. Replaced it with a Toro (36”). Quite honesty liked the Scag better but I got a deal on the Toro. Both are belt driven, when you get into the hydro the price really shoots up.

DO NOT assume that battery powered gear is lighter. Or less expensive. It isn't either one.

In most cases it is HEAVIER than either gas or corded electric product. And that is NOT what you want for any hand held equipment. If you have chronic wet spots in your yard, it's not what you want in your mower either.

I've been doing some serious weed whacker shopping over the last couple of years, and I am amazed at the battery powered crap they are selling now. It's so damn heavy that it's just crap.

I wore out a gas powered Weed Eater that was WAY lighter than any battery spin trimmer that I have been able to find anywhere in stores or on the web. In fact, I think every gas powered week whacker I've ever had was lighter than those expensive whales that are in all the stores now. And my old WE was literally a small fraction of the price, too. I had previously owned a Poulan Pro weed whacker that was also lighter and less expensive but it was stolen and never recovered.

So buyer beware. Understand what you are getting into with battery powered yard equipment.

way too heavy. My back starts getting sore with that monster.

But the battery powered mower is significantly lighter that any gas mower I've ever heaved.

Anyone know? I have a 14 yr old CubCdet 32" walk behind and does the job great like a beast. I've kept it running but know days are numbered. I looked at the current model and parts seem even cheaper than mine. I know mine well from battling it thru issues. The Toro wheels are smaller and look cheap. Wish I could test drive one on my lawn. Great thread btw.

I picked up a 350XL with a 42” cut. It makes short work of my 3/4 acre lot.

mine is going on 18 years old and runs like a champ. I mow an acre and use it leaf pick up in the fall. It cost more up front than most other brands but with proper maintenance will out last most others as well.

Use ethanol free gas. It may be hard to find in certain crowded areas in the tri-state area, but I am sure you can find an independent station in an outer area that sells it. Out here in central PA, it's pretty common and even a few of the convenience stores/gas stations are starting to carry one pump of it.

As far as tractors, mine is a John Deere, 500X. 54" cutting deck, 3 blade mulching attachment. I do 1.3 acres of grass in just over an hour. 9 years old and no issues. I attach a 44" snowblower to the tractor in winter (600 foot driveway). Snowblower and tire chains can be a bit finicky at times, but I only have to maintain one engine/machine throughout the year.

You said your yard was uneven. Depending on what you mean I would be leary of a zero turn as they flip easier. My craftsman lawn tractor is 19 years old and perfectly serviceable. The more features something has the more likely it is to have problems. I replaced the carb once and probably need to need to again.

John Deere is good but the quality from the big box models isn't what they built their reputation on.

other then with a weed whacker or is that only possible with the machine they use to do putting greens on the golf course?

In comment 15291448 xman said:

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other then with a weed whacker or is that only possible with the machine they use to do putting greens on the golf course?

The only specialty rotary mower capable of doing that which I am aware of is made by Toro called the ProStripe