Is a riding lawn mower foolish .25 acre lots?

7 years ago

So, I've been doing research on the subject and getting mixed answers or opinions for that matter and so I guess that's what I'm like looking for. Here's my dilemma so to speak. I own a lot over a .25 acre and have been given the opportunity to buy a used one for about $500. It's an older Minneapolis mower that is worth around $1k just for what it is. I don't want to purchase it and find it to be too cumbersome to mow. The yard is relatively flat with a slight slope on one side with a few trees. I've been considering getting a bigger mower anyway as I've been using a 21" walk behind that usually takes about an hour and a half or less but just a bigger walk behind. The mower in question also comes with a snow blower attachment as well which would come in handy here during the lovely Michigan winter season. Storage isn't an issue as I have a 1,000sqft garage. A part of me feels it's too good of a deal to pass but on the other hand don't want to miss an opportunity.

And b4 anyone suggest I buy it and turn around and sell it for a profit.

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Comments (6)

exmar zone 7, SE Ohio
7 years ago
IMHO, if you want a rider, buy a rider "older Minneapolis mower" isn't a good thing unless you're mechanically inclined and willing to do your own repairs. Also, do you have a truck or trailer to haul to a shop if you aren't? Older equates to more breakdowns and repairs irregardless of the brand. Are parts available for it? Assuming it has a common engine like a Briggs, etc. parts are available, but the other "odds and ends" could be a problem. With that size lot, you'll spend a lot of time turning and backing and will probably keep your walk behind for trimming after you see what a PITA the rider is to maneuver. Also, with a blower, you'll need chains and weights are those included? Put another way, a new LT and blower, chains, weights, etc. would probably be $4,000+ and you're getting a deal for $500.

Can you borrow a rider from a neighbor to find out how much faster it would be?

Good luck,
wheely_boy
7 years ago
I had occasion to cut a 1/4 acre lot with a push mower at my first house 30 years ago. Your 1.5 hour estimate is pretty good but only under ideal conditions; like not trying to cut thick wet grass. I don't care how foolish I looked I would have bought a rider just to save the time.
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OK... So it's getting down to the wire. I went around to a few stores today and I think although it will be a bit more expensive I'm leaning towards new.. The warranty is important for me.. I went to two specialty stores and Home Depot.. So here's what I saw: 1. Cub Cadet zero-turn. The sales guy showed me a 50" for $3500 or a 48" for $4000. The 48" had a welded deck and seemed more solid. He also said some stuff about the mechanics were better. I'm concerned that 48" may be too small for my 3 acres. 2. Another store had a very nice machine. It was a Toro/Exmark. It was more costly at $5000 but it had a 52" deck and was welded, etc.. He told me that if I went with something smaller I'd have to replace it very soon.. 3. I checked out Home Depot.com and they had a John Deere Zero Turn with a 54" deck.. I can't tell but it doesn't look welded... Link below So now I really need the benefit of all of your insight and experience. This is a large purchase and I don't want to make any mistakes. Thanks!!! Here is a link that might be useful: JOHN DEERE 54
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BTW, just be sure to get only a rear-wheel drive. I don't think Honda has a FWD but Toro does. I guess that falls under 'Make what's selling and don't ask why.' No doubt, the Honda plastic decks are good although a little twisty. One thing I loved about them is they aren't painted - the color goes clear through. So if you need to fix a scratch or something you just sand, polish it and you're done! But the flexibility started to get to me. Another thing; their premium mowers seem to be very much longer than others, counting the handle, and they're also fairly heavy, not a good combination for maneuverability. The Quadracut dual-blade set-up is an answer looking for a question. I had so much trouble with it mulching that I had to remove the top blade, after which it was much improved. The thing would 'puree' the cut grass and turn it into green slime that choked the deck and stuck in the wheel tracks so bad that it had to be manually raked out or it would kill the grass where it lay. Having a good old Toro is beautiful and basically boring after that. Toro has stopped making the 22156 which was the best mower in the world. It was the last commercial mower developed by Lawn-Boy, termed the 22271, and was only sold for part of one year before Toro started painting them red and selling them. They had the Honda 190cc GSX commercial OHC engine, aluminum deck and ball-bearing steel wheels with replaceable tires! If you could find one of those in somebody's warehouse you would never need another mower. I've had my 22271 now for nine years. That reminds me its time to change the oil in it!
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bossyvossy
7 years ago
Both posters have made excellent points but I do think it is very important that owner is mechanically inclined as a used mower is going to require it. What good is it if it saves time but it is at repair shop 1/2 the time. Brand matters little, they ALL need repairs from time to time
Mitchell Scantlen
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to buy it. It comes with everything that is needed. Belts are newer. Blades recently sharpened. I know the person selling it and told me everything about it. Nothing wrong with it other than cosmetic wear and needs a new battery. I'm sure if it needed anything I could always ask him. I do know my way around motors so I can handle any repairs for the most part unless it were something major. I feel either way I can't lose on this deal. It's too good to pass.
James Webb
7 years ago
I have a 1/3 acre lot and I wouldn't ever use a push mower. So go for it. Every machine is unique, a new mower could require frequent repairs while an older one hardly ever. Manufacturing before the 1980's didn't have designed obsolescence down to a science. If the mower was well maintained you are all set. Some quality newer push mowers cost more than $500 and can't compete with the mower you are considering,
trickyputt
6 years ago
Walmart sells the RX12 Robotic Lawn Mower!! ONLY 699!

Is a riding lawn mower foolish .25 acre lots?

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exmar zone 7, SE Ohio

wheely_boy

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Is a riding lawn mower foolish .25 acre lots?

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exmar zone 7, SE Ohio

wheely_boy

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