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Lawn Tractor Suggestions
Ron B wrote in message ... On 14-04-03 14:09, in article , " wrote:14-04-03 14:09 On Mon, 14 Apr 2003 15:14:14 GMT, "Tim Fischer" wrote: Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Yeah...my neighbor cheaped out and bought a Craftsman last year. Within 2 weeks the transmission crapped out, and he actually had to fight Sears to get them to stand behind it. Finally, he had a relative fix it, because Sears was giving him problems. I guess all that I can say is 'Vaya Con Dios' should you purchase a Craftsman and expect longevity in using it. You get what you pay for... I'd put my old 1983 Allis Chalmers 914Hydro(Simplicity) up againt a green machine any day of the week! 20 years old and it still thinks it's a pup. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
"Tim Fischer" wrote in message news:afAma.451738$3D1.243408@sccrnsc01...
Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Please report back in 3 years and let us know how it's doing, or if it's in the junk-heap yet. -Tim Don't agree on this...Have had a Craftsman for 12 years now and still going strong. Consumer Reports mag recently rated Craftsman very good. I would definately recommend a Craftsman.. Al |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
"Steve" wrote in message news:2Fmna.240393$Zo.44359@sccrnsc03...
Ron B wrote in message ... On 14-04-03 14:09, in article , " wrote:14-04-03 14:09 On Mon, 14 Apr 2003 15:14:14 GMT, "Tim Fischer" wrote: Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Yeah...my neighbor cheaped out and bought a Craftsman last year. Within 2 weeks the transmission crapped out, and he actually had to fight Sears to get them to stand behind it. Finally, he had a relative fix it, because Sears was giving him problems. I guess all that I can say is 'Vaya Con Dios' should you purchase a Craftsman and expect longevity in using it. You get what you pay for... I'd put my old 1983 Allis Chalmers 914Hydro(Simplicity) up againt a green machine any day of the week! 20 years old and it still thinks it's a pup. I whole-heartedly agree with you on this one. I have been working on lawn-mowers since I was about 12 years old. I have customers who bought a Simplicity in the '70's and only bring it in once a year to be sharpen and tuned. Amazing machines that with the proper care will probably outlast your desire to mow your own grass. Also when they break down, the company is still around and parts are available for them. That is a very important think to be mindful of. Also looking for a unit with single piece steel deck is a good thing. Tend to last longer and do not rust through like the craftsman. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
This is strickly an observation as my yard is much larger than average...
Monitoring your group I see alot of folks looking for longevity from a lawn tractor. None of the machinery suggested will come closs to matching the longevity of a compact tractor. I mow 8.6 acres of burmuda and bushhog another 9 acres. I own a 1967 Ford 3000 deisel that is still running strong. I'll sell it for what I paid for it IF I ever sell it. The same can be said for nearly any compact tractor built before 1980. These machines are built for farming and will last forever mowing large lawns. Look at what the highway dept in your area uses. Those guys have more grass than all of us combined! As for manuverablity, that's their weak point. If you must mow around obsticles, a larger zero-turn commercial mower is faster but I can guarentee it will be a pile of junk or heavily serviced (rebuilt) while my old Ford is still running strong. I also have tha advantage of a PTO shaft which I use to drive attachable emplements. These tractors can be had for $3000 to $5000 in rebuilt condition. There is an entire industry centered on rebuilding and selling them. They weigh as much as a small car and are not sheet metal junk like most mowers. Large turf tires allow them to have a footprint with similar lb-per-sq in as a small mower. Anyways...something to consider if you need to do large scale lawn and garden. Bill in TN "MOOSE" wrote in message m... "Steve" wrote in message news:2Fmna.240393$Zo.44359@sccrnsc03... Ron B wrote in message ... On 14-04-03 14:09, in article , " wrote:14-04-03 14:09 On Mon, 14 Apr 2003 15:14:14 GMT, "Tim Fischer" wrote: Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Yeah...my neighbor cheaped out and bought a Craftsman last year. Within 2 weeks the transmission crapped out, and he actually had to fight Sears to get them to stand behind it. Finally, he had a relative fix it, because Sears was giving him problems. I guess all that I can say is 'Vaya Con Dios' should you purchase a Craftsman and expect longevity in using it. You get what you pay for... I'd put my old 1983 Allis Chalmers 914Hydro(Simplicity) up againt a green machine any day of the week! 20 years old and it still thinks it's a pup. I whole-heartedly agree with you on this one. I have been working on lawn-mowers since I was about 12 years old. I have customers who bought a Simplicity in the '70's and only bring it in once a year to be sharpen and tuned. Amazing machines that with the proper care will probably outlast your desire to mow your own grass. Also when they break down, the company is still around and parts are available for them. That is a very important think to be mindful of. Also looking for a unit with single piece steel deck is a good thing. Tend to last longer and do not rust through like the craftsman. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
ok, have to chip in here, to help the guy with the original question.
You are in central Florida? Bahai and St. Augustine are some of the toughest grasses in the world to mow. And the fine sand in your soil has ruined many a good mower. I was in commercial mowing for several years and still do it part time. All the people recommending Deere product blows me away, as I don't know many commercial operators who'd waste their money on it. Simplicity? Just bought out by Briggs and Stratton. That's not going to go over well in the long run. Simplicity does own Ferris, however, which is a much higher grade of mower. My advice is this: Florida is the biggest market in the world for commercial mowing equipment. The turnover of commercial mowing equipment is phenomenal there. You should be able to pick up a good, used commercial unit for your 1800 bucks, and have the most comfortable, reliable and finest cutting mower you could ever hope to own. Quote:
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Lawn Tractor Suggestions
"PrestoChang0" wrote in message .. . ok, have to chip in here, to help the guy with the original question. You are in central Florida? Bahai and St. Augustine are some of the toughest grasses in the world to mow. And the fine sand in your soil has ruined many a good mower. I was in commercial mowing for several years and still do it part time. All the people recommending Deere product blows me away, as I don't know many commercial operators who'd waste their money on it. Simplicity? Just bought out by Briggs and Stratton. That's not going to go over well in the long run. Simplicity does own Ferris, however, which is a much higher grade of mower. My advice is this: Florida is the biggest market in the world for commercial mowing equipment. The turnover of commercial mowing equipment is phenomenal there. You should be able to pick up a good, used commercial unit for your 1800 bucks, and have the most comfortable, reliable and finest cutting mower you could ever hope to own. Just be aware that a machine used commercially for one year has more wear and tear on it than a homeowner puts on a machine in 10 years. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently.
I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
"L Alpert" wrote in message . .. Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
Srgnt Billko wrote:
"L Alpert" wrote in message . .. Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. I have been thinking of a plow attachment for a 4 x 4 instead of using a GT. I have looked at the zero turn mowers and was thinking that I could get a utility type vehicle along with it if a single vehicle doesn't look like it would fit the bill. Thanks for the response. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
"L Alpert" wrote in message . .. Srgnt Billko wrote: "L Alpert" wrote in message . .. Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. I have been thinking of a plow attachment for a 4 x 4 instead of using a GT. I have looked at the zero turn mowers and was thinking that I could get a utility type vehicle along with it if a single vehicle doesn't look like it would fit the bill. Thanks for the response. Sounds like a plan. My nephew (an experienced plower) loves his ATV with plow. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
youll need to get a real ,small type farm tractor with mowing
,plowing implements, like a pull behind finish mower.. john deere has some good small farm tractors. youll need at least 5-6 foot cut or youll be out there a long time mowing, lucas http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
OK a Dixie Chopper will do it all and do it fast also last a long time.
Go to www.dixiechopper.com From Mel & Donnie in Bluebird Valley |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
Srgnt Billko wrote:
"L Alpert" wrote in message ... Srgnt Billko wrote: "L Alpert" wrote in message om... Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. I have been thinking of a plow attachment for a 4 x 4 instead of using a GT. I have looked at the zero turn mowers and was thinking that I could get a utility type vehicle along with it if a single vehicle doesn't look like it would fit the bill. Thanks for the response. Sounds like a plan. My nephew (an experienced plower) loves his ATV with plow. A plow on an ATV in the northeast might not be what you want. I have had both a plow and a snowblower mounted on my garden tractors here in NY, and the blower is much better and faster. In the northeast, it is not uncommon to have two or three heavy snowfalls in a week (8" to 12"). At some time, you are going to run out of space to push the snow. When I had the plow, it seemed my driveway got more narrower with each snowfall. I like the idea of throwing the snow some 20 or 30 feet onto the lawn. Heavy snow will be a little problem for the plow, but not the blower. Another thing is that I can drive right up to the garage doors and throw the snow out of the way. -- Bill |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
"willshak" wrote in message ... Srgnt Billko wrote: "L Alpert" wrote in message m... Srgnt Billko wrote: "L Alpert" wrote in message news:iK6dnRgK2IEWZjnenZ2dnUVZ_tSdnZ2d@comcast. com... Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. I have been thinking of a plow attachment for a 4 x 4 instead of using a GT. I have looked at the zero turn mowers and was thinking that I could get a utility type vehicle along with it if a single vehicle doesn't look like it would fit the bill. Thanks for the response. Sounds like a plan. My nephew (an experienced plower) loves his ATV with plow. A plow on an ATV in the northeast might not be what you want. I have had both a plow and a snowblower mounted on my garden tractors here in NY, and the blower is much better and faster. In the northeast, it is not uncommon to have two or three heavy snowfalls in a week (8" to 12"). At some time, you are going to run out of space to push the snow. When I had the plow, it seemed my driveway got more narrower with each snowfall. I like the idea of throwing the snow some 20 or 30 feet onto the lawn. Heavy snow will be a little problem for the plow, but not the blower. Another thing is that I can drive right up to the garage doors and throw the snow out of the way. Bill That's the way I view it too. |
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