I've got a Craftsman tractor with an 18 HP Kohler engine and I use it to
cut about 7 acres of prairie grass. It has more than enough power but
the 48" deck is a bummer. I think almost all of the 48" decks use three
blades and because of the way they are placed in the deck housing they
will not give a clean cut when the prairie grass gets over about 10" or
when you make a turn. I've decided to get another tractor with a 42"
cut because the blades are longer and I'm sure it will give me a better
cut, especially when you turn a corner. Almost all of the tractors
today use Briggs engines, and probably the same transmissions, so paying
a thousand dollars more for a brand name probably isn't worth it. I'll
buy the Sears brand again.
Bill

Bluetobb wrote:

I just bought a new house on 3.7 acres of land. We need to purchase a
new tractor to mow about 2-2.5 acres of it, as well as pull a cart.
There is a half acre grove of trees that needs to be mowed and some
reasonable size hills.

The last owner offered to sell us a 2 year old yard machines 17hp 42"
cut for $900. I am pretty sure this is not enough mower for the job
and I think she is asking to much. Am I right?

So... the hunt begins. We have from $1500 to $2500 MAX, I really want
a 48" cut. My hunt has lead me to Sears Craftman mowers. I was looking
at model 27324 a 25hp 48" automatic with cruise control and B&S
engine. This would cost after tax and delivery $2550. After reading
some of the lawn tractor threads here I see that craftsman may not be
all that I thought. Is the tractor I am looking at going to hack it?
Any ideas on tractors that will do the job and are within my price
range that would be a better choice?

Thanks in advance for all the advice!
Dan