Choosing a new riding lawnmower

[razz]

I need a new lawn mower to keep up with the 1 1/2 acres around our house plus the roadside that needs trimming for visibility.
I am struggling to choose between a Cub Cadet LTX1146 which is almost $1000 less than a John Deere 300. Same engine size, Kawasaki , two blades...
Any advice, pro or con, appreciated

[bae]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-78b98Zq2t1k/TBa8QDX1ySI/AAAAAAAAA_g/yK7XWXQ-i1U/s640/img_0222.jpg

[goldensmom]

I like the goats. Cub Cadet when manufactured by IH were quality machines but now that they are manufactured by MTD they are not so good. We've had 4 Cub Cadets, the last one was a 7254 and we were sorely disappointed. We've had John Deere for many, many years....current model X748. I know these are not the models you are asking about but my experience says always go with the Deere.

[The Storyteller]

Deere are indeed expensive.

I don't know about Cub Cadets. We had a Poulan for years, but have now purchased a 54" Craftsman. I like it a lot. We got it cheap at a mid-winter farm equipment auction, the best time to buy a mower.

Bae, I like goats and find them effective at brush control, but will never again have one in my front yard.

[jp1]

I have absolutely no experience with lawn mowers other than the human powered rotary push mower we used for our small yard when I was a kid, but I do happen to remember hearing somewhere that "Nothing runs like a Deere"... :-)

Storyteller, I'm curious if there's a story involved in your decision never to have a goat in your front yard again?

[Wildflower]

DH really likes our John Deere. We've had it several years, since his first back surgery and we had to buy a riding mower, and it will probably last forever. Our neighbor has one too and is very happy with it as well.

Love the goats, Bae. I have always wanted goats, but DH has never been too enthused about the idea. ;)

[razz]

I would love the goats but the area to be mowed does not lend itself to goats, they eat everything in sight and they need to be fenced. Believe me, I did consider animal mowing.

[SteveinMN]

My neighbor's idea is to get a goat and let it range among the lawn on the block. Then, come fall, cabrito!

No experience with riding mowers. At one time at another house we owned, I looked at riders and ended up thinking we'd be better off with one of those big stand-on golf-course mowers, but the price and the storage space required were just too much.

The comment I will make is that even some of the good manufacturers sell somewhat-cheaper versions of their lower lines at big-box home improvement stores (better to go to a store that specializes in such power equipment) and some do put cheaper components in lower-end products that share the name but not the legacy of the brand. Compare the specs carefully; there also are some Web sites out there where folks discuss the pros and cons of various brands and models.

[The Storyteller]

Storyteller, I'm curious if there's a story involved in your decision never to have a goat in your front yard again?

Well... there's always a story. :)

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp29/storypage/Goats_zpsa48ae264.jpg

Pretty funny, the first time it happened.

[Glo]

Deere is the best on the market; worth the extra $.

[jp1]

Storyteller, your username is totally appropriate. And I think you summed it all up perfectly with this sentence:



Pretty funny, the first time it happened.

[Wildflower]

Loved that pic, Storyteller!!! :laff:

Steve's advice is good. We bought our mower at a John Deere store/dealership.

[goldensmom]

Storyteller, I can totally relate. We would find our goats on top of the truck, they sure can jump. The problem was finally solved with a 6' fence around the goat run. Crazy critters.

[razz]

Well, I was able to negotiate an extra good deal for a new John Deere so it will be delivered next week. I can mow, aerate and rake the lawn, move my wood during the winter for my fireplace and have a 4 year full warranty. What is not to like?

[Tussiemussies]

Well, I was able to negotiate an extra good deal for a new John Deere so it will be delivered next week. I can mow, aerate and rake the lawn, move my wood during the winter for my fireplace and have a 4 year full warranty. What is not to like?

Does it also rake the lawn? ThenI want one too!!! LOL

[razz]

Actually my rake is a tow-along sweeper should I need to use it. :D

[Wildflower]

Razz, I think you'll be really happy with it! :)

[iris lily]

Well, I was able to negotiate an extra good deal for a new John Deere so it will be delivered next week. I can mow, aerate and rake the lawn, move my wood during the winter for my fireplace and have a 4 year full warranty. What is not to like?

That's great razz, glad to hear it. I hope it runs well for many years.

[goldensmom]

Good choice but then I'm a Deere person. Don't forget to get a John Deere cap...I have a pink one.