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Patentlaw
04-18-2015, 11:42 PM
In the last 10 years, I have not seen a thread on lawnmowers. Here in Texas, we cut most of the year around. I would assume that many people here have some pretty nice stuff. We are also getting into the season for most of the country for serious grass cutting. So, what do you have and how much do you cut? Lastly, do you have any recommendations for others who may be looking to buy?

Bugman Jeff
04-19-2015, 12:06 AM
My yard isn't big, but can be dangerous...
The old Murray has actually been a good tractor for me. I got it used and have no idea how old it is, but it starts every time and mows decent. My yard is only around 1/3 acre or so though, so I don't need something bigger.

https://scontent-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/247153_128407747238999_3696372_n.jpg?oh=ac5a2bab57 37f154c69c71330c87975c&oe=55E35E60

sparkrn
04-19-2015, 09:40 AM
For a push mower u can't beat a snapper. 38 years on the same snapper mower and goin strong!

outnumbered
04-19-2015, 09:47 AM
Depends on how much you have to mow. I have 3 acres; consequently I went with something big, bad and fast--a Husqvarna PZ6034 (60" deck with a 34 HP Kawasaki) that will run 13 mph. It will pull the front wheels for about 5 feet at full throttle. I think I could mow through nails and it wouldn't slow down.

C.J
04-19-2015, 10:05 AM
My yard isn't big, but can be dangerous...
The old Murray has actually been a good tractor for me. I got it used and have no idea how old it is, but it starts every time and mows decent. My yard is only around 1/3 acre or so though, so I don't need something bigger.

https://scontent-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/247153_128407747238999_3696372_n.jpg?oh=ac5a2bab57 37f154c69c71330c87975c&oe=55E35E60

LOL! You can't be too careful when controlling HP like that Murray has!

Regarding the original topic, I had a John Deere LT155 for 14 years and it was reliable, but never gave a super smooth cut. I picked up a SnapperPro S50XT last Fall and love it. Kawa FX engine, Hydro 3100 trans, superb deck, very comfy. Gives a very smooth cut at 6-7 mph.

VoodooRob
04-19-2015, 02:08 PM
Phone + cash = lawn mowed

swexlin
04-19-2015, 02:15 PM
This is the start of my second mowing season since I bought my house last year, after condo living for years. I've used ALOT of mowers since about 8 years old - my parent's yard, neighbors, even did it professionally one summer. Cars have gotten better, but the mowers back in the 70s ran forever.

That being said: I bought a Toro with Kohler motor last year at Home Depot, and honestly, it's crappy. The grass must be perfectly dry, or it bogs down, and clogs. Usually starts but sometime doesn't on the first try. I have about 1/2 acre, pretty flat, and I don't even use the self-propel function, as I like the workout (I'm a runner and gym rat). It was only $350 at Home Depot, and gets the job done, but when it dies (which honestly could be any time), I think I'll buy a Huskvarna.

blk_fxstc
04-19-2015, 07:28 PM
John Deere Z trak commercial series mower. My yard is one acre. Had it 5 years no problems. I'm in Rosharon if you want to test drive before purchase.

SA Heat
04-19-2015, 07:29 PM
I cut ~5 acres with a 48" Hustler Super Duty zero turn with a 23 hp Kawasaki V-twin. ....it'll probably be the last mower I ever need to buy. It's built like a tank.

eucharistos
04-21-2015, 12:04 AM
hey p-law, perfect timing for this thread,

with all this rain, the grass is going to be a beast, at least early on

we are about to get an awd husqvarna (any feedback appreciated)

have had good luck with the ohv hondas, very fuel efficient, (not the ohc engines on the cheaper models - gas hogs) but they will bog down in the tall stuff

Vipes
04-21-2015, 05:37 AM
http://i62.tinypic.com/30uwso6.jpg

3 acres with the 60" hustler

Slithr
04-21-2015, 10:45 AM
John Deere Z trak commercial series mower. My yard is one acre. Had it 5 years no problems. I'm in Rosharon if you want to test drive before purchase.

Like Eric, we're on an acre also, after burning up several 'residential' mowers we invested in a commercial ExMark Lazer Z 48" zero turn mower, which has been bullet proof for the last 10 years. The ExMark is a little pricey, I think some of that is just the name. A friend has a Bad Boy zero turn that I believe is cheaper and of comparable quality. In Friendswood if you want to test drive.

Link to ExMark:
http://www.exmark.com/products/mowers/zero-turn/lazer-z

Link to Bad Boy:
http://www.badboymowers.com/bad-boy-shop/lawn-mowers/outlaw-extreme-lawn-mower

PatrickB
04-21-2015, 11:37 AM
Recently bought an AWD Husqvarna (HU725AWD) push mower; my property is only about a 1/3 of an acre, so I didn't need a riding mower.

I've only used it a few times but I've been happy with the purchase for the most part. Only bogged the motor down one time, but in the mowers defense the stuff I was cutting was massive. Had a time starting the mower back after that, but once I finally got it refired it's been fine. Although I didn't think I needed it, I love the AWD and the mower itself will fly if you run it at full speed. Came with a bagger I haven't used yet, I only mulch. Easily adjustable ride height pins at each wheel. I do wish it had a push button start, but that being said the motor doesn't give a fit when starting.

And thanks for reminding me that I need to mow tonight.. :D

eucharistos
04-21-2015, 12:01 PM
Recently bought an AWD Husqvarna (HU725AWD) push mower; my property is only about a 1/3 of an acre, so I didn't need a riding mower.

I've only used it a few times but I've been happy with the purchase for the most part. Only bogged the motor down one time, but in the mowers defense the stuff I was cutting was massive. Had a time starting the mower back after that, but once I finally got it refired it's been fine. Although I didn't think I needed it, I love the AWD and the mower itself will fly if you run it at full speed. Came with a bagger I haven't used yet, I only mulch. Easily adjustable ride height pins at each wheel. I do wish it had a push button start, but that being said the motor doesn't give a fit when starting.

And thanks for reminding me that I need to mow tonight.. :D

thanks!

eucharistos
04-21-2015, 12:03 PM
http://i62.tinypic.com/30uwso6.jpg

3 acres with the 60" hustler

never used 1 like that but me thinks it makes cutting fun, no?

:drive:

C.J
04-21-2015, 01:29 PM
The Zero-Turn mowers are a hoot to use. Very fast, easy to maneuver, but watch out for putting divots in the yard. It took a couple hours of run time to get the hang of turning without tearing up the turf.

+1 on the commercial-duty engines too. Look at the EPA label on the engine, and it will tell you how long that engine will meet emissions. Non-commercial are 500 hours, and commercial are usually 1,000 hours. Air filtration is way better on commercial units too.

I almost bought a Hustler Fastrak SD...awesome machines, but they were going through a model change and were going to upgrade to the slant-front decks as the higher-end commercial units use. Plus the local dealers really didn't want to budge on the price.

daytonprowler
04-21-2015, 04:04 PM
I've got you all beat!

1974 Ariens Fairway

It's 40 years old and still runs great! And yes, I can still get parts for it. I've never taken an actual picture of it because...... it's a lawn mower. LOL But I did find an old advertisement for it on the web.




http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u18/whitemtnhowdy/22/22d/Image14133.jpg (http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u18/whitemtnhowdy/22/22d/?action=view&current=Image14133.jpg)

Roddy
04-21-2015, 05:06 PM
Old Elsie. Don't let the looks fool you.

Shaved the head down when we rebuilt her, muffler delete, Accel coil, various weight reduction strategies in place.

She keeps the weeds down pretty good. If you get her going in reverse then swap to the lowest forward gear on wet grass she will spin both back tires for atleast a foot or two.

Sam Goldfarb
04-21-2015, 05:19 PM
Kubota F2400 Diesel 4WD Hydrostatic. 60" Front Mower. I cut about 10 of my 30 acres. I also have a power angle snow plow that can be mounted in 5 minutes or less in place of the mower deck. It will cut on a 45+ degree hill and climb even steeper hills. They are expensive and parts are expensive but they hold up very well! It will cut in 20 minutes what an "average" mower takes an hour or more. I have outlasted a dozen or more neighbors mowers and that is how I know how it compares as I have ended up cutting their lawns for them while they repair or replace their mowers every couple years. This one is a 1995 model I bought new. I also had another Kubota for a few years before that. It was a mid mower 4WD diesel compact tractor. I sold it for about $500 less than I paid for it and threw in a couple attachments. That neighbor still uses it with no problems!

For the rough areas on my property I have a Bobcat 763 with a 6' Ambusher on the front. It will cut grass and up to 4" diameter trees! I also use it to trim around areas of my 10 acre pond.

v10enomous
04-21-2015, 08:33 PM
Guy on the right FTW !


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I4RNenmfFI

Patentlaw
04-21-2015, 10:08 PM
Keep'em coming. I am starting to see some trends here. Fascinating stuff.

And yes, the grass is unbelievable out in my area. Burr Clover. Liquifies as soon as you cut it. Neighbors burning out mowers all over the place. No ejection of the cuttings. Like glue.

Sam Goldfarb
04-22-2015, 01:57 AM
Keep'em coming. I am starting to see some trends here. Fascinating stuff.

And yes, the grass is unbelievable out in my area. Burr Clover. Liquifies as soon as you cut it. Neighbors burning out mowers all over the place. No ejection of the cuttings. Like glue.

I use some high lift blades and it looks like a tornado coming out the side discharge throwing stuff up to 20'. Much of what I cut is old pasture land from horses, sheep, cows and goats. When the conditions are right I have harvested several bushels of Morel mushrooms from one of the old pastures!

I also use my mower to mulch all the trimmings from my trees and bushes. It strips off most of the leaves and cuts branches up to 2" or so. then I just pick up the leftover large pieces and make a wienie roast pile. Even though we are in the country, we can't get a burn permit so the FD said to have some hot dogs or marshmallows around for a "campfire"!

C.J
04-23-2015, 08:54 AM
Randall, that Ariens is pretty cool. Amazing that parts are still available.

Patent, bur clover sounds tough to deal with. Maybe a couple of goats would do the trick?

No hemi
04-23-2015, 12:25 PM
John Deere 15hp/ 38 in deck, but I just have about 1/3 acre, with a hill on the back, works flawlessly and does mowing a quick job.

daytonprowler
04-24-2015, 07:54 PM
John Deere 15hp/ 38 in deck, but I just have about 1/3 acre, with a hill on the back, works flawlessly and does mowing a quick job.

Looking at your avatar, did you mean 13 acres instead of 1/3 acre? That's a pretty big yard.... nice house too. ;)

J TNT
04-24-2015, 08:41 PM
There is always the option to get a few goats , they cut grass and fertilize ............lol ! :witless:

Slithr
04-24-2015, 11:02 PM
Looking at your avatar, did you mean 13 acres instead of 1/3 acre? That's a pretty big yard.... nice house too. ;)

Randall, that's always impressed me also .... how well some of our members are doing, very nice.

Sybil TF
04-25-2015, 05:46 PM
In the last 10 years, I have not seen a thread on lawnmowers. Here in Texas, we cut most of the year around. I would assume that many people here have some pretty nice stuff. We are also getting into the season for most of the country for serious grass cutting. So, what do you have and how much do you cut? Lastly, do you have any recommendations for others who may be looking to buy?

We have 3 acres. O turn Ex-Mark 60 inch deck. Takes 1.5 hours, usually. Mower cost 1 $10,000 10 years ago. Probably more now. Here is what they look like but not my actual mower.

No hemi
04-27-2015, 08:53 AM
Lol, thanks, that's the Biltmore house in Ashville, believe me if I had that amount of money my viper collection would be rivaling D'ann's !!!!!!! HAhhaahh.