Ride-On Lawn Mowers

[iwantthatone]

Hi - can anyone make any recommendations as far as makes of ride-on lawn mowers go? Any experiences with them, or opinions of the different makes, but in particular Toro and John Deere.

 

Any suggestions/recommendations appreciated.

 

Thanks very much!

[Clanad]

A lot depends on what your needs actually are.  I have a Simplicity 18hp rear bagging mower I've had for 5 years.  I like this one because of the even quality of the cut... the deck suspension is unique.  Additionally, for my taste, it is the last "tractor" made by the original Allis Chalmers company.  I need something to pull a trailer around the farm so this one will do that quite well.  It has a hydrostatic transmission, which is also recommended. I also recommend the grass impeller attachment.  It goes on the end of the mower deck and adds momentum to the cut grass just before it goes up the chute to the bagger... this really helps if the grass is long or wet.  If you have no need for pulling attachments with your tractor, I'd also look closely at the zero radius turn mowers.  My son has one...a Woods brand and it works very well once you get used to the lever steering.  This, of course, describes my experience in the US.  I had a Snapper previoulsy... it worked well, but had an unusual drive system that needed occasional maintenance.  I learned to fix it myself, but a novice would need to have it serviced.  If you are in the UK, see if this site helps...

http://www.kellysearch.com/gb-product-119278.html

Good luck...