What would you say the best Lawn Tractor is for the $$$

[ClayW]

What do you guys think. Im going to have to buy a new one in a week or so. I have a 89 model craftsman that was given to me. Its been a good one, but the deck is bent now and the steering is shot big time. I just dont think the newer ones are made as good. Especially the thickness of the decks. I have looked at the John Deers at Home Depot, and they seem much cheaper than the ones you buy at John deere stores. Snappers are good but kinda pricey. I have been impressed with the Cub Cadet at Lowes. They are well made all around. Deck is made of thicker metal etc. Father in law has had one for 4 yrs with no problems. I can get one of those$1599 or $1699. Whats your opinions, Im wanting to stay under $1700. Any good experiences.

[Pistonhead]

Really can't go wrong with a JD or one of those snappers.

[nate b]

simplicity

[x.system]

I bought a brand new cub cadet for about $2100 10 years ago and have never had a problem with it yet. I still have the original belt and I'm on the second battery. Its got the hydrostat drive, sharp turning radius, 14 horse with a 42 inch deck. I only have about a half acre to mow with lots of trees so it was a good purchase for me. Its even been rolled off the back of a trailer going down the road at about 45 and she fired right up afterwards. Don't let your buddies borrow your lawn mower, mine was just like new after 8 years until this event. After a years use I noticed some rust forming on the side panels and the hood so I called my dealer and they put all new panels on it for me for free. My next mower will be an x-mark but I can't complain about cub cadet.

[smokey]

John Deere 318 best mower I have ever used

[dirtface]

I have a Cub Cadet too, It is ten years old and have really had no problems with it. Alot of the lawn tractors you buy at Lowes, Home Depo and other stores comparable to these are made by the same company (MTD). We have four acres we mower and I'm not the best at maintaining, and the Cub Cadet is still running, that's the one I recommend.

[MTS]

i used a JD diesel one for along time...great little lawn tractor....cant remember the model......55 something i think...hydrostatic drive....worked pretty good and just kept on a chugin....it was about 15 yrs old now i think..

[ClayW]

This is the Cub Cadet im looking at getting.

http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_14101_10224_16208_-1

[OldSchoolin86]

I picked up a 1977 Simplicity 7016 a couple years ago and I've been a Simplicity fan ever since. I've disliked Cub Cadet ever since I've had to install new gears on to my buddies 4 year old hydo unit. I've never really got in to the cub cadet tractors so it didn't take much to sour me. I do have to say I was a die hard JD man but my Simplicity has been great.

[busy44]

Beware John deere is a good mower with a heavy duty deck but there parts are expensive to replace , Same with kubota. Try and find a parts breakdown or repair manual on JD on the internet they guard there product and dont want u to know how to fix them

[faf_racing]

My buddy sold me his newer john deere cuz he liked his older cub cadet better and my "newer" deere is broke now and his "older"cub is fine... cubs are really good and long lasting. good luck!

[Wickedfinger]

Alot of the lawn tractors you buy at Lowes, Home Depo and other stores comparable to these are made by the same company (MTD). .... actually the John Deeres are made by ... you guessed it, John Deere. Our other lines, the Lawn Boy and the Poulan's are both made by Electrolux. The tractors we had a few years back, labeled Scott's, were made by MTD.

[hedge1988]

I have had really good luck with snapper but they are selling those new john deere tractors right as far as price goes and my father in law has one and loves it. So theres my 2 cents

[K1500]

Try to find a used Gravely. I have a 1974 that still runs good, it uses a little oil, I mow 5 acres with mine and it will use a little over a pint. It has a 50" hydraulic lift deck, pto, and lift. They are built heavy and you can still get parts easily.

[MO350X]

Sears had them on sale two years ago and it's been absolutely problem free since.
Starts up every time (original battery, too) and cuts great.

If you're on a budget, I highly recommend it.
18.5hp, 42" deck. "just right". :)

[thehickfarmer]

KUBOTA BX1800 thats what we got.

[Meat-BoX]

I went to Sears ang bought a New Lawn Tractor for about $1200
Its real nice, and everyone I know that has one is very happy. Me, I keep bending Blades due to many bumps and stumps that arent there anymore. :w00t:

No more bent blades for me. :beer

[jeswinehart]

this is a friend and what she uses ,,,

[trikerider2oo7]

lol @ john...i had that samne idea to do that before...i have a cub cadet but i prefer the old wheel horses. they will last forever

[3 weelin geezer]

I want one to ride around on like a quad that can mow my lawn that way I have an excuse to ride.

[ClayW]

Well I ended up getting a real bargin on a high end Craftsman. It listed for $1899 and I ended up getting it for $1269. That included a bumper and free garden cart. A employee gave us a friends and family discount on sundsay. Its got a 19hp Kohler and 42 inch deck. Man its nice. Much nicer than the lower end Craftsmans. Its bigger too.

[70binder]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/c0mpl3x/tracorange1.jpg

i say that's the best tractor, 12hp briggs w/ port job, bored out carb, high-comp head (from 6.5:1 to around 9.3:1) 2" exhaust (chrome tip) on the end of black iron pipe, 5 speed ratchet shift, foot throttle, re-geared on 5/8" belts, good for about 50mph IF you can keep the beast from rolling over (old gear reduction steering, lots of slop)