New Riding Lawn Mower Recommendations

Just bought a new place (about 1.5 acres) and looking at purchasing a new mower. Looking for the utility and stability of a traditional tractor version, not a zero turn. Mainly looking at the John Deere S140 and the Cub Cadet XT1 LT46. The Cub is a bit cheaper, not much. Cub has a 3 year warranty with unlimited hours. Deere has a 2 year, 120 hour warranty. Cub has a better turning radius, which will be handy but not sure how much yet. Deere has a 48" deck, where the Cub has a 46". I am ok with both. From my research, Briggs and Stratton makes engines for Deere and Cub Cadet motors are made by Kohler

Anyone have history and can point out what you've like or disliked about these 2 units I would appreciate it.




Thanks!

In my experience, buy based upon the motor you want. I would rank them Kaw, Honda, Kohler and B&S.

Good luck.

If you can find one with a Kawasaki that would be my first choice of motor. I don’t know that you can find one in a riding mower. I’ve had a Honda I couldn’t kill and on my second with a kohler. The newer Briggs are not what they used to be. I’d also go for one with the thicker deck. You have no idea how quick you can tear one of those up.

When I had to mow my parents place the zero turn mower was life changing from traditional ride on

I am heavily leaning towards the Cub Cadet because of motor and warranty. I know John Deere puts Kawasaki motors in there higher end X series but I really don't want or need to spend the money on a unit of that caliber for what I need.

I agree Revolver, zero turn units are great. However, I have significant elevation changes on the property that a zero turn may struggle with. I also need the utility of a wagon to able to haul stuff around the place.

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I really enjoy my Deere s120, the quick oil change is great and easy. 22hp, 42" mower , I've had for just over two years. 2 acres to mow, lots of trees and leaves to mulch. No issues keep up with grease and oil changes and sharp blades.

I'd go with the cub. People rag on them for being junk, but all you have to do is take care of it. I assume it has the new Kohler 5400 series engine?
I'd advise against a Z turn as the way to kill a hydro Trans is pulling a cart/load with it. You can't tow as much as a riding mower with a variable speed and gear drive trans.

Get a zero turn. You will never go back.

I have 25 acres and mow about 2-3 acres with my mower - my Cub Cadet has been awesome - I am not a fan of zeros - had one on another property and the elevation changes were a challenge - my Cub is 50 inch

I also went with the John Deere S120 but converted it back to traditional oil change. I did not like the idea of leaving so much used oil still in the mower. When I bought mine I got advice from a local small engine repairman. He advised me to go with JD over Husky.

Based on what you’ve said, I’d go Cub Cadet.

But…..
Check Bad Boy with a Honda

My take, don’t worry about the motor at all, change the oil and filter like you should and keep it full if it uses any and it should easily outlast the frame/deck it’s on. My old rider was a craftsman with a brigs and the motor was Theo oh part I never had problems with.

My brother has a cub cadet rider, it’s about 4 years old and has been a really good mower.

We had a Cub Cadet LT 1042 at the church for a decade before somebody decided they needed it more than we did. It was a great mower, all we ever did was change oil and blades.

As redchevy posted, just pick one and take care of it. You're not going to kill it mowing 1.5 acres.

Amen to that brother

Mowed 3.5 - 4 acres around house, barns, road, & path around our little farm last night in about 2 - 2.5 hours and it looks like a golf course.
Regular riding mower with same size deck would have taken 3x that long if not longer and not done nearly as good a job.

I spent a lot on mine 4 years ago and do not regret it one damn bit!

late to the discussion ... we have a Cub Cadet XT1 LT46, 22 hp with 46" cutting deck. we have had it for about 5 years and it has not given us any problems. I have replaced the blades several times due to trying to chop up rocks and need to replace the battery about every other year. We had a 42" Craftsman (Sears) for about 15 years prior to the Cub and this one is much better. Nice tight turning radius, adjustable seat, hydrostatic style transmission. We have been really pleased with it so far. I would loved to have gone with a zero turn but the cost difference just wasn't justifiable for us.

I’m on my 3rd Sears Craftsman 42” riding mower in 30 years. Current one is at least 10 years old, have only changed one battery. It’s needing a belt replaced. The blades are turned up on the ends, but no sense in changing them, we’ve got too many rocks. It gets the job done on our 1 acre lot.