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.

"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

(Al) wrote:
"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

I didn't want to get involved in the low budget thing,but you're right.

--
GO# 40
----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://NewsReader.Com/
50 GB/Month

"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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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.

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.

"L Alpert" wrote in message
news
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.

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

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

Srgnt Billko wrote:

"L Alpert" wrote in message
news

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

"willshak" wrote in message
...
Srgnt Billko wrote:

"L Alpert" wrote in message
news
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.