$850

[TexasTimbers]

I have $850 to spend and need a mower. I know prices will go down a little soon, but can't wait any longer. I have a 1.5 acres to mow with a fair number of obstacles.

I need a zero turn but cannot afford one until next year at the earliest. I also cannot afford a new traditional rider either obviously.

So I have been looking at craigslist - any suggestions on what brands or models to stay away from?

[punt66]

1.5 acres isnt that much. You can do that with a lawn tractor as long as your not going to use it commercially.

[TexasTimbers]

Yes I know, just wondered what brands to stay away from because of parts availability cost maintenance etc.

[punt66]

Get a hydrostatic drive. They all make descent homeowner mowers. Just cant abuse them.

[A-Land]

$850 isn't much, any commercial unit is going to be beat to hell for that price. A decent used homeowner rider is about all you can get for that price.

[TexasTimbers]

I am not looking for commercial just homeowner. Needs to get me through these last 3 or 4 mows this year and next summer. After that I can spend several thousand for a zero turn. We will be sodding another acre so I will need one then.

Punt, if the mower does not have a hydrostatic drive what would be the other types (so I can avoid them)? I own my own sawmill and a bevy of chainsaws but I am rather ignorant about riding mowers.

Thanks for the replies thus far.

[mngrassguy]

Check with your local dealer to see what brands they sell/service. I would think that would be a good place to start.

[punt66]

I am not looking for commercial just homeowner. Needs to get me through these last 3 or 4 mows this year and next summer. After that I can spend several thousand for a zero turn. We will be sodding another acre so I will need one then.

Punt, if the mower does not have a hydrostatic drive what would be the other types (so I can avoid them)? I own my own sawmill and a bevy of chainsaws but I am rather ignorant about riding mowers.

Thanks for the replies thus far.

well the other type is gear drive or belt drive. But if your only going to ust it for a season any rider will work. Maybe you should just hire somebody for that time and wait to buy your ztr.

[prizeprop]

well the other type is gear drive or belt drive. But if your only going to ust it for a season any rider will work. Maybe you should just hire somebody for that time and wait to buy your ztr.
I second that, hire somebody for 3-4 cuts.

[A-Land]

He needs one for the beginning of next year as well... A cub cadet is half decent, of course toro is okay too. there are a bevy of machines made by mtd under a number of different brands as well. any hydro rider should be fine

[jim kolb]

I have a Husqvarna that I bought from Lowes. It has been a good mower and until I bought a Grasshopper 329 it mowed about 2 acres. Now I am mowing all 11 acres with the Hopper. They have them on sale in my area.
http://tinyurl.com/5xvp39 This url is for a 20hp/46", I know it is more than what you what to pay, but check out the no interest pay back.

[newz7151]

Also look at some of the financing deals availble from your LOCAL DEALER and see if there's not a way that you can stretch that $850 over a period of time on a zero turn mower.

Where is Central Northeast Texas?

[davidcalhoun]

Check out craigslist in your area. There are always mowers on it.

[WirelessG]

Watch Home Depot and Lowes. I bought a 46" 20 hp (kohler) toro riding mower that was factory reconditioned with lees than an hour on it for $600 from Home Depot. It came with the original warranty and I've used it for 2 years with no problems. The only thing is, you need to wait for these bargains to pop up.