[schmee]

Hey everyone,

I will start with the usual introduction. My name is Josh and I have been reading/lurking on this site for awhile and it has been a valuable resource. My JD 316 governor gear is out and I am tired of working on this old beast, so I am now in the market for a new riding mower.

Currently I have about $3000 to spend and I have narrowed down what I am look at. Since I have a couple of questions, I wanted to see what everyone’s opinions were. Each of the following would be purchased from the dealer and not Lowes/HD.

Here is the background. Currently, I live on a corner lot that take about 2 hours to mow with the JD. (big yard) My wife and I are looking at moving to 3-5 acres within the next few years, so I want something that will mow this yard with ease and have the ability to move up. I like the implements idea but the zero turn would also be excellent. I am having trouble picking the best one out of these four. Longevity would be the biggest plus.

Ideas??

Cub Cadet RZT50 – Kawasaki -$2800
Toro Time-Cutter Z5030 – Kohler VTwin - $2899
Craftsman GT500 - Kohler VTwin - $2699
Craftsman PGT or PTY 9000 – Briggs - $2899

 

[davidg]

:Welcome1:

none of those are in class of your 316, so keep that in mind. all of them are basically entry level machines and longevity is not one of their selling points. you may get 10 years out of them, maybe more maybe less.

Edit: just to clarify, for 3-5 acres you do NOT want anything availble in a box store. they just are not marketed nor designed for those sized properties.

 

[schmee]

I understand that. However, I know there are several people here running the craftsman series and others on several acres with no problems.. I realize that the JD was superior but I am not willing to spend tons of money on a new machine in order to get the same level... Make sense?

 

[davidg]

understood, just making sure you realize you are looking at an entirely different quality of machine.

do you have the acreage yet, or is that a sometme in the future purchase? what type of work besides cutting grass do you need it to do? most ZTRs cannot pull just any cart, they have to be special made for a ZTR if it even supports it.

the "pro" series craftsmans are no different than the top model YT/GT. the deck is a hair thicker, but other than that it is paint color and maybe the seat.

once you narrow them down by your needs, your best bet would be to find the machine you are most comfortable driving. quality wise they are all going to be about the same.

 

[Jim_WV]

:MTF_wel: Josh, can't offer any advice, but did want to say Howdy and Welcome aboard .

 

[schmee]

Thanks Jim.

David,
I tend to agree with you on the options. Currently, I do not live on an acreage however I want to be thinking ahead. I think that the box blade would be the most benifical attachement but it really is not a "must have". It was explained to me that the TORO has a trailer that it can pull but it really wouldnt be much.

 

[davidg]

if you want a decent box bolade you would need to move up into subcut/cut sized machines. teh GT sized BB is ok, but will not do very good for big jobs.

maybe the best option would be to look for what you need right now, then if/when you move to teh acreage buy something bigger.

 

[schmee]

That sounds like pretty good advise.. Just havent determined if the ZTR or Garden tractor would be easier for me. lol Decisions!

 

[modaone]

what else is wrong with the 316?

If you like it other than the governor being bad why not get that repaired and spend that $ on other attachments.

 

[schmee]

I was told that it would be 12-1500 to get it fixed by the time it was done. At this point, I am tired of sinking money into that old of a machine. It feels like it has been a money pit, because I am always having to work on it before I mow.

Just like the idea of a new mower with a warranty.

 

[Rodney in VA]

schmee

:MTF_wel2: We are glad you found us on the net. There are many friendly and knowledgeable folks here at MTF, so enjoy all the different forums. Click on ”Active Topics” near the top left of the page for all the latest activity. You can also register with other members from your state by clicking here:

 

[jeepersmitty]

Welcome to the forum. Glad to have you.

 

[Dad0850]

Welcome to the forum, schmee! :Welcome1: Glad to have you here!

 

[DJ in WV]

:Welcome1: