Push mowers with front casters

[Tmo]

Has anyone here use the push mowers with the front casters on them. My local JD dealer has a discontinued, leftover stock JS63C for about $85 off the original price. I've never really considered one before, but was just wondering what's people opinion of them are. I may get it, but I probably would have to let one of my Lawn Boys go. Here is a picture of the current JD model that replaced the JS63C, the JS40.

[mtgrs737]

I have never mowed with one before, but I have pushed one around in the store and I would think that if you had a lot of objects to trim around then the front casters would be just the ticket. However if you didn't have a lot of objects to trim around then the casters may just be extra wear points to deal with later on. Just my opinion though.

[Mickey]

No push mower with casters but the Cub's deck is equipt with them. Best deck I've ever had and that covers a LOT of yrs. I believe Cub also make a push mower with casters in the front.

As with anything, qlty of design and components play a big part in durability of anything.

[Matt N TX]

I have an MTD Yardman with front casters...and a lot of trees. I really like it. I don't pick the front up to turn anymore - and that was a hard habit to break. My dad uses it more than I do now, because he finds it easier to turn on flat land.
I have to say it is a witch to mow the ditches with, so if your yard is hilly, you may want to lock the casters...but they make the front end a little heavier and therefore may be harder to turn than a fixed wheel model.

In general I like mine, but just like everything else it has it's limitations.

Matt

[jwor620]

Originally Posted by treed

Has anyone here use the push mowers with the front casters on them. My local JD dealer has a discontinued, leftover stock JS63C for about $85 off the original price. I've never really considered one before, but was just wondering what's people opinion of them are. I may get it, but I probably would have to let one of my Lawn Boys go. Here is a picture of the current JD model that replaced the JS63C, the JS40.

Treed, I just happen to own a JS63C. I usually keep the front wheels locked in the straight position. I have used it with the wheel doing the steering and it is nice, however I have a very bumpy section of my yard this gets used on. That is why I lock the casters out. Nice mower with a lot of power. Very durable machine overall. I am basically beating the crap out of mine on this bumpy back yard and it just keeps on going. Seems very tough. Hope this helps.

Here is a link to the thread where I pictured mine. Let me know if it is like the one you are speaking of.
http://mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=29477

[FordTech]

Looks like it would be great if your lawn was smooth as a golf course green.

[Gene Wissink]

It looks like it would save the front wheels if you did a lot of trimmimg, after a few years I have to replace them.

[Tmo]

Jwor620,

That's it. It seems that JD has discontinued this model, as well as the JS60, JS60H, and a few other models. The JS60 and JS60H were both "push" mowers with the "H" being the high rear wheel model. The new line of JD mowers are the JS20, JS30 and the JS40, the JS40 being the direct replacement for the JS63C as the front caster model. There is no replacement for the JS60 and JS60H, no high rear wheel models, no push models, all now are self-propelled. I might go tomorrow and see if my dealer still has that JS63C.

Thanks for all the responses.

[jwor620]

Originally Posted by treed

Jwor620,

That's it. It seems that JD has discontinued this model, as well as the JS60, JS60H, and a few other models. The JS60 and JS60H were both "push" mowers with the "H" being the high rear wheel model. The new line of JD mowers are the JS20, JS30 and the JS40, the JS40 being the direct replacement for the JS63C as the front caster model. There is no replacement for the JS60 and JS60H, no high rear wheel models, no push models, all now are self-propelled. I might go tomorrow and see if my dealer still has that JS63C.

Thanks for all the responses.

There was a JS61 and a JS63 also. The JS63 was the JS63C without the caster type wheels. JD also built the JS63 under the Scott's name and sold it at Home Depot (can't remember the model number, but had two of them). The JS61 was the same mower with a single speed tranny. All were good mowers. Strong as an ox both in structure and motor. The Intek seems to have power to spare. The one you are looking at may have a 7hp Intek on it. Of course you know this group. If you get it,......

[lawnboy dan]

i just got a very nice condition ja62 (alum deck 2 speed) w/briggs intek 6.5. its very hard to start. everything is in order and i suspect the problem is the camshaft may be off just a bit. i adjusted the valves and it got a little eaiser to start but still something is amiss. once it starts after coughing and sputtering for a while -it runs flawless. smooth and powerfull. at 50 $ it was a deal any way. if the briggs dosnt shape up -i will put a kawi from an olld 14sb i have started tp part out to keep my fleet of jd commercials going. jw-is your intek fussy to start?

[jwor620]

Originally Posted by lawnboy dan

jw-is your intek fussy to start?

No not really. I have to prime it again if it stalls for any reason, but on the second pull it is running again. Runs strong and it seems to be fairly easy on fuel. I have a friend that wants to buy it and I think I will let him take it. It is a good mower and will give him good service.

[Tmo]

There was a JS61 and a JS63 also. The JS63 was the JS63C without the caster type wheels. JD also built the JS63 under the Scott's name and sold it at Home Depot (can't remember the model number, but had two of them). The JS61 was the same mower with a single speed tranny. All were good mowers. Strong as an ox both in structure and motor. The Intek seems to have power to spare. The one you are looking at may have a 7hp Intek on it.

Yeah, I knew about the JS61 and JS63, but just didn't include them in my post. I haven't been back yet to the dealer, so they might have sold that JS63C. I was going to drop by yesterday, but my granddaughter was having her birthday party and so I went there and didn't have time to drop by the dealer. I usually get home to late to drop in to the dealership during the week and usually Saturday's are filled with projects, mowing duties, etc. Next Saturday my wife is threatening that she wants to go to Six Flags.

No not really. I have to prime it again if it stalls for any reason, but on the second pull it is running again. Runs strong and it seems to be fairly easy on fuel. I have a friend that wants to buy it and I think I will let him take it. It is a good mower and will give him good service.

I wish I was that friend and was closer to Texas.

[jwor620]

Originally Posted by treed

Next Saturday my wife is threatening that she wants to go to Six Flags.

Now you have bargaining power. Tell her Six Flags is fine as long as we detour by the mower shop and pick up this mower. Duck when you say this for good measure.

On my machine, if you lived closer maybe..... I found a Craftsman behind our church today. Actually, I noticed it sitting outside for about 3 weeks now. Told the wife "Next time I see someone outside from the house, I am going to ask about the mower" Well, today the owner was outside so, I ask if, he wanted to get rid of the mower. He said yes, just take it. Then he tells me why. It is leaking gas from the Briggs fuel tank right at the seam. This is not a problem since I have one or two in the shed. I think Rowland (friend) will like the Craftsman better since, it is identical to the one he let his son in law have. By the way, he got that one from me as well. So, maybe the JS63C will be staying here. Who knows, next time you are in Texas.........

[lawnboy dan]

once upon a time -you could get a new tank for that briggs for free as there was a recall on them for leaky seams. of course my local dealer acted like they had never heard of the recall

[Yazooman]

last week saw an old craftsman here at a salvage and pawn store with out front casters i have a yazoo and a sarlo with them and i like the way they handle