Just starting out need advice

[Jimmy79]

I am just starting out and a friend of mine has 2 mowers he will sell me for pretty cheap just so I can get my lawn care business started and before I post my 2 options I already know they are not top of the line commercial mowers but I cant afford anything else right now.. He says I can have my pick of his used JD LA145 with 80 hours on it or his Troy built Mustang ZTR zero turn with 110 hours on it for $1300... nothing wrong with either one of them, both look really good. my question is which one should i get and why? Here are the specs on the 2 mowers and thanks for any advice you can give.

Troy Built ZTR:

• Infinite-speed dual hydrostatic transmission with large 1" drive axle
• Extra-wide 50" triple-blade mowing deck
• 4 adjustable & greasable anti-scalp deck wheels for a smoother cut
• Electric power take-off (PTO) for fast & easy blade engagement
• Ground-following solid steel pivoting front axle
• Standard front axle grease fittings for long service life
• Fully welded steel frame
• 2-way adjustable lap bars provide near infinite positioning
• Comfortable high-back seat with dual suspension springs
• Large, greasable 13" front casters
• Standard rear bumper
• 25 HP Kohler Courage V-Twin engine

John Deere LA145:

# Cutting Width : 48 in
# Engine Displacement : 656 cm³
# Engine Make : Briggs and Stratton
# Engine Torque (Ft./Lb.) : 656
# Engine Type : Gas
# Fuel Tank Capacity : 4 gal (US)
# Horsepower (hp) : 22 hp
# Housing Material : Steel
# Mower Deck Width : 48 in
# Mulching Capability : Yes
# Number of Cylinders : 2
# Start Type : Electric
# Turning Radius : 18 in

[fredmullegun]

For 1300 bucks I think I would rather have a used 48" walk behind. If these are your only two options I would go with the Deere because of a personal grudge I have with buying a complete POS Troy Bilt 15 years ago. I will never ever ever support that crap.

500 bucks for a mower that didn't mow.

[Jimmy79]

ok thats 1 for the jd, anyone else?

[1whitetail]

Originally Posted by fredmullegun

For 1300 bucks I think I would rather have a used 48" walk behind. If these are your only two options I would go with the Deere because of a personal grudge I have with buying a complete POS Troy Bilt 15 years ago. I will never ever ever support that crap.

500 bucks for a mower that didn't mow.

X2 plus its easier to get parts for John Deere than Troy Bilt.

[kemco]

IMO the kohler is a much better engine than a briggs, but I have never run Troy Buit or Deere

[rcslawncare]

Get the Deere, TB are junk....

[topsites]

I would pass on both of those and either keep saving up money or as was suggested get a used
commercial Wb because what you can't afford to do is buy junk that won't make it the season.

No argument that those mowers are fine for a homeowner's use, but at the rate
we mow lawns it probably won't last a week without breaking down.

[JoeHop6299]

Originally Posted by topsites

I would pass on both of those and either keep saving up money or as was suggested get a used
commercial Wb because what you can't afford to do is buy junk that won't make it the season.

No argument that those mowers are fine for a homeowner's use, but at the rate
we mow lawns it probably won't last a week without breaking down.

He's right, one thing I've learned the hard way is you get what you pay for. Get you a used walk behind to start out. 1300$ will put you on a good used one.

[Butler Landscaping]

a nice SCAG 36" walk behind would be great

probably one with a 15hp kawasaki
and low hours
advantage deck, etc

HEY! I HAVE ONE! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MESELX:IT

[Butler Landscaping]

Originally Posted by kemco

IMO the kohler is a much better engine than a briggs, but I have never run Troy Buit or Deere

x2

briggs is sh*&

kawasaki, kohler, and honda (gx series, not gc) are all good