# Need a riding mower **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 5, 2012, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206 "2012-06-05T22:07:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/21 "2012-06-06T15:20:01Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > I can handle an oil change no problem, but anything more than that, I’ll be lost. Do you know if they offer an onsite service plan for anything more major? I don’t have a truck to carry it anywhere… I’m sure you could handle a grease gun too. It’s all pretty easy stuff. Mine requires removal of rear wheels for axle grease; more expensive models probably don’t. It’s all regular, normal maintenance anyone could handle. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/22 "2012-06-06T15:49:59Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > Thanks for the responses! Zero Turn is definitely out of my price range… I’m trying to stay below $1500 and the Cub LTX1040 is right on the edge of that. I cut 5 acres with an LTX1040. It gets a \*\*\*lot \*\*\*of use. It’s been a good mower, and simple to maintain and operate. I would suggest staying away from mowers with advanced bells-n-whistles, like an automatic transmission or hydrostatic drive. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/23 "2012-06-06T15:53:02Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > I bought the base model John Deere for $1500 two years ago and have been very happy with it. It has a gear transmission rather than hydraulic, I prefer the gear transmission. The only thing I changed on it was disabling the seat cut-off switch and the button you have to press to put it in reverse. It mows my flat 1.4 acres very well. > > Lowes and my local John Deere dealer had it for the same price, but the local dealer would deliver it for free. I also looked at JDs in the $1K to $1.5K range. The problem with the JDs is that the engine did not have an oil filter. For the same price, I could get a Cub LTX1040 with an engine that had an oil filter. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/24 "2012-06-06T16:12:37Z")
I just spent all spring researching riding mowers. What I ended up getting was a Husqvarna YTH22V42(42") for $1600. It has a Briggs 2-cyl engine which runs quiter than the 1-cyl engine found in a lot of other mowers in this price range. I did a lot of comparisson on the [mowersdirect.com](http://mowersdirect.com) website and evetually purchased from them to 1) not pay sales tax, and 2) get free delivery. Greatly satisfied with it so far. Speed control is easy, it goes from a crawl to a gallop and everything inbetween. It’ll cut in reverse which I hear not all mowers do. Very comfortable ride and very maneuverable. Right now I have it set to side eject the clippings but will probably get the mulching kit ($50). The double bagger would be nice but runs $300. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/25 "2012-06-06T16:18:39Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I also looked at JDs in the $1K to $1.5K range. The problem with the JDs is that the engine did not have an oil filter. For the same price, I could get a Cub LTX1040 with an engine that had an oil filter. So? Mine doesn’t have an oil filter. I’ve been cutting 2 acres for 16+ years and change the oil every year. The engine is probably the least of my worries. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/26 "2012-06-06T16:27:17Z")
Orionizer, out of curiosity, do you use a self propelled mower now? Not to discourage your pursuit of a riding mower but 1/3 of an acre made me ask the question. The smaller the lot, the more the trimming in relation to the size of the lot. Another thought is to look for a well maintained or rebuilt mower from the 70’s. I’ve worked on a mower or 2 in my time and “Craftsman level” mowers were built like tanks. I’d rather have one of those for $450 than a new anything for $1600. The key of course, would be to find one in good shape. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/27 "2012-06-06T16:32:21Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > Kimball, what model is yours? LA115, basically the next step up from the bottom (LA105). I felt I had to keep up with the Joneses as there are three others on the block. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/28 "2012-06-06T16:34:49Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > and a LCD hour meter that blinks every X hours to remind you that service is needed. I thought it was supposed to quit blinking. Mine’s been blinking ever since the first service. Are you supposed to reset it somehow? If not, I’ll have to take it in to get fixed sometime. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/29 "2012-06-06T16:38:11Z")
> [@nate](#): > > You might want to check out the Craftsman 42" YT4000 or YT3000… it’s in your price range when it is on sale. It has the smallest turning radius of any tractor-style mower. That should be a good selling point for such a small yard. I have one and I couldn’t be happier… unless I had a ZTR. I’m really not looking at Craftsman because I’m not sure how long Sears may be in business… But thanks! ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/30 "2012-06-06T16:41:17Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Orionizer, out of curiosity, do you use a self propelled mower now? Not to discourage your pursuit of a riding mower but 1/3 of an acre made me ask the question. The smaller the lot, the more the trimming in relation to the size of the lot. This is a good idea. Many lawn care guys use self propelled mowers because the overall costs including fuel and maintenance cost much less. Commercial units cut a swath almost as wide as tractors. For 1/3 acre, especially with a steep incline, this may get the job done faster than a tractor. If you do get a tractor, while an automatic transmission is unnecessary, I used to have a tractor with one, and never had a problem with the transmission. The engine did have a problem though. Specifically the fancy carb on a B&S engine that was a constant problem. After several repairs, nobody could figure out what was wrong with it, and I junked it. Currently I have a cheap TroyBilt, it does the job, but doesn’t cut in reverse as someone mentioned above. If there is a next tractor on the horizon, I won’t get it at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Every one of their models has been minimized for low price, increasing maintenance costs. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/31 "2012-06-06T16:42:04Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > I just spent all spring researching riding mowers. > What I ended up getting was a Husqvarna YTH22V42(42") for $1600. > It has a Briggs 2-cyl engine which runs quiter than the 1-cyl engine found in a lot of other mowers in this price range. > I did a lot of comparisson on the [mowersdirect.com](http://mowersdirect.com) website and evetually purchased from them to 1) not pay sales tax, and 2) get free delivery. > Greatly satisfied with it so far. Speed control is easy, it goes from a crawl to a gallop and everything inbetween. It’ll cut in reverse which I hear not all mowers do. Very comfortable ride and very maneuverable. > Right now I have it set to side eject the clippings but will probably get the mulching kit ($50). The double bagger would be nice but runs $300. What would I do if I had an issue, though? Do they offer any type of extended warranty? I like what I’ve read on the Husqvarna’s, but Lowes here won’t be able to deliver before 07/16 for some reason (and that’s online, too)… ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/32 "2012-06-06T16:44:31Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > This is a good idea. Many lawn care guys use self propelled mowers because the overall costs including fuel and maintenance cost much less. Commercial units cut a swath almost as wide as tractors. For 1/3 acre, especially with a steep incline, this may get the job done faster than a tractor. > > If you do get a tractor, while an automatic transmission is unnecessary, I used to have a tractor with one, and never had a problem with the transmission. The engine did have a problem though. Specifically the fancy carb on a B&S engine that was a constant problem. After several repairs, nobody could figure out what was wrong with it, and I junked it. Currently I have a cheap TroyBilt, it does the job, but doesn’t cut in reverse as someone mentioned above. If there is a next tractor on the horizon, I won’t get it at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Every one of their models has been minimized for low price, increasing maintenance costs. My biggest problem right now is walking the whole lawn. After my accident, after I do 1/2 of my lawn, I really can’t walk right for a few hours and I’m thinking a rider would help me out a lot. I can handle walking the perimeter only using a string trimmer, though. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/33 "2012-06-06T17:06:44Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > My biggest problem right now is walking the whole lawn. After my accident, after I do 1/2 of my lawn, I really can’t walk right for a few hours and I’m thinking a rider would help me out a lot. I can handle walking the perimeter only using a string trimmer, though. OK, that answers that question. I would focus on a mower you can handle. I’ve never driven a high-end model and find the everyday riding mowers to be a flaming PITA to use. But in your case you need to both sit down and NOT wrestle the controls constantly. With a 1/3 of an acre you’re going to be busy shifting gears and letting the clutch out. It can be as laborious as walking behind a self propelled power. I greatly encourage you to call all your friends who own one and test drive as many as you can. A hydrostatic transmission may make a huge difference as well as the lever steering models I’ve seen used by professionals. Being able to get in and out of a tight spot is going to add greatly to your mowing experience. Constantly shifting through gears and going forward and back is best for yards where you can mow large swaths uninterrupted. ---
**Author:** ![Turble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/34 "2012-06-06T17:16:49Z")
Depending on the nature of your problem, you might want to give strong consideration to the hydrostatic type. The low end John Deere with the 1-2-3-4-5 gears lurches and lifts the front wheels off the ground when you start moving or shift gears; that is normal operation, according to the manual. My dad has back problems and couldn’t ride the one he bought. The hydrostatic has a smooth progression rather than the fixed gear scheme and makes for much smoother starts and shifts. And this is worth repeating: > [@TriPolar](#): > > … If there is a next tractor on the horizon, I won’t get it at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Every one of their models has been minimized for low price, increasing maintenance costs. This applies to most every complicated device sold by big box stores. Their models look just like the ones sold by dealers but are filled with little gotchas that you don’t notice until you start using the thing. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/35 "2012-06-06T17:59:23Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > What would I do if I had an issue, though? Do they offer any type of extended warranty? I like what I’ve read on the Husqvarna’s, but Lowes here won’t be able to deliver before 07/16 for some reason (and that’s online, too)… You’d have to find someone local who works on Husqs I guess. Husqvarna’s website lists local dealers by zipcode. Some may offer transport service. I don’t know who would come to your home for repairs though no matter which brand you bought. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/36 "2012-06-06T18:33:49Z")
Well after work today, I’m going by a local shop (not a big box) and get their take on it. I know they sell Cubs, but they also sell other brands as well, so we’ll see what they have. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/37 "2012-06-06T19:09:53Z")
Do NOT buy a John Deere from Home Depot! Trust me, I made that mistake. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/38 "2012-06-06T19:23:55Z")
> [@August\_West](#): > > Do NOT buy a John Deere from Home Depot! Trust me, I made that mistake. Just curious, care to elaborate? I was actually thinking Lowes, anyway, but am curious about your experience. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/39 "2012-06-06T19:30:19Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I also looked at JDs in the $1K to $1.5K range. The problem with the JDs is that the engine did not have an oil filter. For the same price, I could get a Cub LTX1040 with an engine that had an oil filter. Where are you finding Deeres for less than $1500? We don’t have them here. My LA105 (base model) has an oil filter. From reading other responses, maybe it’s because I bought it from a John Deere dealer? I wouldn’t have imagined the big box versions would be different. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2012, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206/40 "2012-06-06T19:32:55Z")
> [@Kimballkid](#): > > I thought it was supposed to quit blinking. Mine’s been blinking ever since the first service. Are you supposed to reset it somehow? If not, I’ll have to take it in to get fixed sometime. There is no reset, but it is supposed to blink for 2 run-hours, so for example from 50 to 52 hours of usage it will blink. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-riding-mower/624206.md?page=3)