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Best riding lawn mower
#7855350
05/30/20 03:47 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,582
Son of a Blitch
OP
Extreme Tracker
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OP
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,582 |
I’m in the market for a good riding lawn mower. Got a hustler raptor 52” zero turn but it is giving me issues, and i am starting to look elsewhere for the next ride. I previously had a JD and the transmission went out well before it should have...so I’ve been a little cautious about going with JD after that.
Looking to stay under $3k for sure! Don’t want to get something too cheap. Been down that road.
Anyone have any suggestions? Recommendations? Or stay away froms?
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855364
05/30/20 04:05 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,959
cxjcherokec
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,959 |
Do some research and you'll find MTD makes 90% of the parts. You're paying for a name. The biggest thing to look for are the trans. Did a ton of research when my craftsman went through 2. The tuff torq k46 is the most widely used and biggest pos out there; non serviceable, expensive to rebuild and comes in 5 or so forms. Now the k66 on the other hand is a great hydro trans. If possible find one with a Kawasaki motor and strong serviceable hydro trans. I went to a commercial ZT for this exact reason since I mow lots of hills. If you want one that last, best bet is a true garden tractor.
Last edited by cxjcherokec; 05/30/20 04:06 AM.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855550
05/30/20 02:11 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,679
possom813
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,679 |
I've done a ton of research on zero turns the last few weeks.
Under 3k, for new, doesn't get you serviceable hydro on any model that I could find. There are tricks to service the non serviceable, but they weren't designed that way.
About 4 grand is where they start to get serviceable and pretty good warranties.
But after looking at pros and cons, if I broke down and bought one it would be a lower-mid Scag or Exmark.
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855555
05/30/20 02:16 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,284
BradyBuck
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,284 |
I bought a 60 in club cadet for 4500 and have been really happy with it.Heavy frame and welded heavy duty deck.
Same Kawasaki motor that's in a lot of the higher end brands.
HRCH Washita's Kimber Locked N Loaded GRHRCH Firefly's Rally The Troops MH
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855557
05/30/20 02:16 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,264
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,264 |
New landscape guys will start out with little money and buy undersized machines only to trade them back in for larger ones. Those traded in units are solid.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855560
05/30/20 02:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,443
Poppa
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,443 |
bad luck with the hustler? ive had one for 5 yrs, omly issue was the bolts holding the trannies. once I changed them out not a problem since.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855590
05/30/20 02:41 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,254
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
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THF Whiskey Sommelier
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,254 |
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Poppa]
#7855622
05/30/20 03:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 17,117
MikeC
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 17,117 |
bad luck with the hustler? ive had one for 5 yrs, omly issue was the bolts holding the trannies. once I changed them out not a problem since. Same here. Spend a little more and get the Hustler SD. They are certainly built better than the cheaper models. A friend of mine bought the 52" standard Hustler and has has some issues. I bought the 54" SD about the same time and haven't had a single problem. Both were purchased 5 years ago.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855627
05/30/20 03:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,543
NewGulf
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,543 |
My Husqvarna has been a solid mower 8 years old only thing I've had to do is keep the oil changed and the inline gas filter and I put new blades on once a year and have never had a issue
Last edited by NewGulf; 05/30/20 03:26 PM.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855632
05/30/20 03:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,456
Big Fitz
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,456 |
Transmissions and deck design (fabricated) are the differentiators and stay with Kawasaki or Kohler motors.
What are the issues you are having with the Hustler?
Last edited by Big Fitz; 05/30/20 03:29 PM.
I was wrong...on anything technical. Fitz............. is right, ya know............
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855636
05/30/20 03:33 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,293
cm250
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,293 |
Been happy with my Kubota Kommander Z121S. Had it for 5 years + with no issues. Serviced and changed filters on both hydros myself, pretty easy, serviced at 100 hrs as per service manual. Has the Kohler V-twin. Had the best warranty around when I bought it, but sorry, won’t touch it for $3000.
My Yote toys, Ruger 77 22-250 Foxpro 416B & numerous hand calls ************ God would never send Firefighters to Hell because we would put the fire out!
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855676
05/30/20 04:32 PM
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 19,154
TCM3
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 19,154 |
Kawasaki or Kohler, If you go with a Briggs, make sure it is a Vanguard. They can make quality IF they want.
Do not forget to entertain strangers, For by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels Hebrews 13:2 (R-TX)
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855680
05/30/20 04:36 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,415
bigbob_ftw
Big Sprocket Bob
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Big Sprocket Bob
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,415 |
I have a cub cadet ztr 50 with the Kawasaki motor. Love it.
Ultra MAGA '24.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7855711
05/30/20 05:10 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,741
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,741 |
We have an Xmark 52” ZT. Bought it used for about $3000, about 6 or 8 years ago. Only problem we’ve ever had was that leaves, sticks, and dirt would get under the plastic shield over the pulleys on the top of the deck and cause the belt to be thrown off. Took the shields off, and problem solved.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: 603Country]
#7855727
05/30/20 05:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416 |
We have an Xmark 52” ZT. Bought it used for about $3000, about 6 or 8 years ago. Only problem we’ve ever had was that leaves, sticks, and dirt would get under the plastic shield over the pulleys on the top of the deck and cause the belt to be thrown off. Took the shields off, and problem solved. Its happened to me.
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Poppa]
#7855895
05/30/20 09:37 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,582
Son of a Blitch
OP
Extreme Tracker
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OP
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,582 |
bad luck with the hustler? ive had one for 5 yrs, omly issue was the bolts holding the trannies. once I changed them out not a problem since. This might be one of my issues. The drive/trans belt keeps coming off. I need to get it lifted up to check all the bolts next time I’m at the ranch and have some time. What did you replace them with? Was there an upgrade kit you found? I’ve been hearing this is a more common issue for the 52’s.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7856867
06/01/20 12:12 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,469
vanguard
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,469 |
cant get better than a hustler until you go comercial grade and that aint any where near 3k
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7856871
06/01/20 12:18 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22,463
Superduty
"The Regulator"
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"The Regulator"
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22,463 |
'It's Only Treason if You Lose."
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Superduty]
#7856879
06/01/20 12:27 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416 |
Highly recommended. My yard is too small to spend the money on a zero turn mower.
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7856896
06/01/20 12:38 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,228
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,228 |
Very happy with my Gravely. It has a heavy fabbed deck And the Kohler 7000 series motor. It is a smaller deck at 42” with a 24 horse motor. I’ve only changed belts and pulleys which I consider standard maintenance. 490 hours currently and I use it to brush hog part of the time. I’m not nice to it.
Speaking of hours i think that a pretty important reference compared to years. I have no idea what normal is so mine might be high or low. Currently 4 years old I think.
Edit: forgot to add, that is a $3000 mower. You have to go smaller to get the better deck at that price. The upgrade to Kawasaki takes it out of that price range. Check out the mowing speeds rated for each one. The same motor with a bigger deck typically mows slower.
Last edited by wp75169; 06/01/20 12:51 AM.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7856926
06/01/20 01:08 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,825
68rustbucket
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,825 |
I have a 42” craftsman.Had it for about 6 years. Haven’t changed the oil since 2017, but I do check the level before running. It stays outside all year long, it’s gonna need the belt changed soon. It was slipping yesterday. Can’t justify a nicer mower, I’ve got too many rocks on my place. Only repair was squirrel chewed wires behind key switch couple months ago, and the starter went out around the same time.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7856940
06/01/20 01:22 AM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 7,984
Stompy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 7,984 |
I have an Exmark Quest, it's 6 years old. It's been pretty reliable. Only issues I have is an easily replaceable safety switch due to all the dust out here. It has a Kawasaki engine, I will never buy a mower without a Kawasaki engine. Belts and blades are easy to replace. Very comfortable seat too.
Last edited by Stompy; 06/01/20 01:23 AM.
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: 68rustbucket]
#7856941
06/01/20 01:24 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416 |
I have a 42” craftsman.Had it for about 6 years. Haven’t changed the oil since 2017, but I do check the level before running. It stays outside all year long, it’s gonna need the belt changed soon. It was slipping yesterday. Can’t justify a nicer mower, I’ve got too many rocks on my place. Only repair was squirrel chewed wires behind key switch couple months ago, and the starter went out around the same time. I have the same mower. Never changed the oil.
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7857315
06/01/20 01:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,443
Poppa
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,443 |
bad luck with the hustler? ive had one for 5 yrs, omly issue was the bolts holding the trannies. once I changed them out not a problem since. This might be one of my issues. The drive/trans belt keeps coming off. I need to get it lifted up to check all the bolts next time I’m at the ranch and have some time. What did you replace them with? Was there an upgrade kit you found? I’ve been hearing this is a more common issue for the 52’s. bad luck with the hustler? ive had one for 5 yrs, omly issue was the bolts holding the trannies. once I changed them out not a problem since. This might be one of my issues. The drive/trans belt keeps coming off. I need to get it lifted up to check all the bolts next time I’m at the ranch and have some time. What did you replace them with? Was there an upgrade kit you found? I’ve been hearing this is a more common issue for the 52’s. bad luck with the hustler? ive had one for 5 yrs, omly issue was the bolts holding the trannies. once I changed them out not a problem since. This might be one of my issues. The drive/trans belt keeps coming off. I need to get it lifted up to check all the bolts next time I’m at the ranch and have some time. What did you replace them with? Was there an upgrade kit you found? I’ve been hearing this is a more common issue for the 52’s. Sorry for the delay. I bought grade 8 bolts and lock washers and replaced all bolts holding the trannies. That’s what the hustler repair shop recommended. Haven’t had any prob since. 52 “ raptor. And the drive belt coming off was what clued me in. It’s a pain to put on
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Re: Best riding lawn mower
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7857341
06/01/20 02:20 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 14,149
glens
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 14,149 |
Have had 2 new Kubota mowers This Diesel ZD221Z Zero turn I have now and Traded in a Diesel Kubota Lawn Tractor GL2120 that they never could get it to cut right. Crap sticking up everywhere.This Zero turn ain't much better unless your cutting on the lowest setting. Both over 10 grand a piece. Don't buy a Kubota. They suck.
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