riding mower vs. large walk behind: Lavender Room: Slowtwitch Forums

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riding mower vs. large walk behind

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littlefoot

Apr 26, 12 20:00

Post #1 of 27 (1706 views)

riding mower vs. large walk behind	Quote \| Reply

I am not sure what to do. I have a used riding mower (older craftsman) that I kinda like because it is simple. However, when I engage the blades there are issues. Sometimes it cuts, sometimes it doesn't. It actually will also smoke as well. I know something underneath is messed up, cause it makes a noise and it sounds like something is rubbing underneath.

I have a regular walking mower and it takes me about 45-an hour to cut. I like the control of the walking mower, but the ease (when it works) of the riding mower. Plus it is nice to go back over the already cut areas and mulch it up so it doesn't clump up and dry and ruin the growing grass.

Would you:
1. pay to get the 1st mower fixed (200+)-and will have to have pick up and delivery!!!
2. buy a jack (229) and check out the undercarriage-and potentially find issues...
3. buy a new deere, cub cadet, craftsman etc. riding mower $1500+
4. buy a walk behind 33inch for about 1400 etc.

Thanks.

I also don't like the uneven cuts that the riding mower gives me, but that MIGHT be because one of the wheels needs to be replaced due to dry rot and being deflated.

rick_pcfl

Apr 26, 12 20:16

Post #2 of 27 (1699 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

If it were me, I'd throw another option in there. Depending on the size of your city, you can probably search Craigslist and find a good used (1-3 years old) riding mower for about half of what they sell for new. Find someone who is moving and needs to sell, you should be able to get a good deal.

If that is not an option, I would consider going with option 3. It sounds like your mower has seen better days, and spending a couple hundred dollars (or more) to fix it up might get you another year out of it. I've got a Deere that I bought at Home Depot for $1400 about 8 years ago. I keep it in my garage and it looks brand new. It could easily last me another 10 years.

Oh, if you get a new mower, get the electrostatic transmission - meaning you don't have to change gears. My JD has one pedal that I push to go forward, and one that to go backward. It has no clutch or gear lever. It cost me an extra $100 and is worth much more than that to me.

FWIW - You shouldn't need to spend $230 for a jack to lift up your mower. Drive the front wheels up on blocks, and then left the rear end and have someone slide blocks underneath it. You can buy floor jacks heavy enough to lift your car for less than $50
http://www.walmart.com/...-Floor-Jack/16539088
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slowbern

Apr 26, 12 21:01

Post #3 of 27 (1689 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Your mower sounds like it is a mess. I don't know what your mechanical aptitude is, but generally mowers are fixable with some know-how. I can think of several things that are causing the problems you are describing. I suspect that if you were to get it fixed, it will be well over $200.

Personally, I don't think that 45 minutes-an hour is that much time to mow your lawn...even walking it.

I second the purchase of a used walk-behind. How big is your mowing area?

Bernie
______________
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littlefoot

Apr 26, 12 21:09

Post #4 of 27 (1686 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [slowbern] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

About half an acre. I dont mind walking now, but it can get annoying at times. Especially in hot summer. I like the idea of a larger walk behind, but dont want to pay a ton for one.

I dont mind buying used. My rider with issues cost me $600 used. I think that is part of the problem.

patf

Apr 26, 12 22:01

Post #5 of 27 (1680 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

littlefoot wrote:

If it is smoking, that probably is not cheap to fix. Make sure you check the oil before you cut each time. Mine smokes a little when I start it, but it hardly uses any oil so I do not worry too much.

As for cutting level, make sure your tires have the appropriate pressure. park in a level place, and adjust according to your owners manual. I also have a Craftsman and this is not hard to do. You do not need anykind of jack. The instructions are in your owners manual. I think those are probably on-line if you don't have a copy.

If you figure out to adjust your mower deck level, you wil also know how you can remove the dedk and take a look underneath. Maybe you have bent some plates or something and it is binding.

IF you are doing anywork, remove your spark plug and make sure the cable is tucked where you can't get a spark.

Hubblesmith

Apr 27, 12 7:37

Post #6 of 27 (1635 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Have you considered just dropping the mowing deck, cleaning impacted grass out of the underside, replacing the drive belt and airing up the tire? A little maintenance can go a long way towards lengthening the life of your lawn care tools.

Duffy

Apr 27, 12 7:51

Post #7 of 27 (1627 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Quote:

However, when I engage the blades there are issues. Sometimes it cuts, sometimes it doesn't. It actually will also smoke as well. I know something underneath is messed up, cause it makes a noise and it sounds like something is rubbing underneath.

Did you check underneath for cats or small children?

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damn lucky

Apr 27, 12 8:09

Post #8 of 27 (1618 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

If you're going to buy, have you seen this? 30 inch cut for $1000 at Home Depot. i'd like to try it as my yard is big enough for a rider but has a lot of things to cut around, this may be the ticket.

Toro 30 in. TimeMaster Wide Area Variable Speed Self-propelled Mower

Desoto Triple T - done
Roth - done
Silverman - and DONE!

nhunter344

Apr 27, 12 8:10

Post #9 of 27 (1617 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

klehner

Apr 27, 12 8:16

Post #10 of 27 (1614 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

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littlefoot

Apr 27, 12 10:35

Post #11 of 27 (1596 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [klehner] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

good laughs guys. :)

So, yes, I have thought of cleaning it out and redoing wheel, but I was wondering if that would be more $ spent unnecessarily.

I am going to check it out this weekend and go from there. I am hoping a wheel/tire won't be too much-it has cracks all around the rim (dry rot) and needs to be fixed.

Rodred

Apr 27, 12 10:43

Post #12 of 27 (1593 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [klehner] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I prefer goats.

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NCtri

Apr 27, 12 11:35

Post #13 of 27 (1582 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [Rodred] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Rodred wrote:

I prefer goats.

Hmmmm......not sure how to interpret this.

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slowbern

Apr 27, 12 12:12

Post #14 of 27 (1569 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I've never minded walking a mower. I have about 3 acres that I mow. I use a riding zero-turn and it takes me a little more than an hour to mow and about 20 minutes to trim the edges.

there are only a few things that can be catastrophic with a mower. The mowing deck usually isn't one of those things. How many blades do you have on the deck?

Bernie
______________
"Slowbern has always made astute observations."-Casey 03/10/2009
"If I have to root for the red wings I'm going to need another martini."-Katy 05/08/2013

rick_pcfl

Apr 27, 12 12:59

Post #15 of 27 (1559 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [NCtri] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

NCtri wrote:

Rodred wrote:

I prefer goats.

Hmmmm......not sure how to interpret this.

I think we can figure out how to interpret it if you factor in his response in the "how often" sex thread, and the fact that he said he doesn't get sex (with a woman) any more frequently than once every 4-6 weeks;
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littlefoot

Apr 27, 12 15:46

Post #16 of 27 (1541 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [slowbern] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Two. I am not sure if smoking is tied in with odd grinding, clunking sound or if they are separate events. Im hoping to find out this weekend

Duffy

Apr 27, 12 19:16

Post #17 of 27 (1512 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

This is the real triathlete's mower...

HTFU MFER!

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(This post was edited by Duffy on Apr 27, 12 19:17)

Bmanners

Apr 27, 12 20:00

Post #18 of 27 (1504 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Walk behind with a stand on sulky. They are lots of fun :0)
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slowbern

Apr 28, 12 18:09

Post #19 of 27 (1475 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I guess it depends where the smoking is coming from. If it is actually coming from the mowing deck, I guess I would think it was a belt.

Bernie
______________
"Slowbern has always made astute observations."-Casey 03/10/2009
"If I have to root for the red wings I'm going to need another martini."-Katy 05/08/2013

littlefoot

Apr 28, 12 20:41

Post #20 of 27 (1455 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [slowbern] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Im pretty sure it is coming from under the deck, but hard to tell from my position. I did some research on consumerreports...there arent really any any good comments on riders...maybe ill just keep what i got. Seems not worth the money

jharris

Apr 29, 12 6:11

Post #21 of 27 (1439 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

It sounds like its overfilled with oil if it smokes. Also, check the spark plugs.... Clean with a wire brush or replace. Put the same spark plug back in, it should have a part number on it.

Borrow a jacK from a friend, or buy ramps for $25 and drive the tires up the ramp so you can look underneath. It could be something jambed in it, but if the engagement is electric ( a switch), then the switch could be bad or the clutch that engages it. If it is manual engagement, (a lever that moves the belt into position), that's simpler and if it isn't engaging, the belt is slipping, a spring on the pulley could be broke, or something is jammed in it.

realAlbertan

Apr 29, 12 7:19

Post #22 of 27 (1436 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [Duffy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Nice, looks kinda like my push mower.
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littlefoot

Apr 29, 12 17:35

Post #23 of 27 (1404 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [jharris] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

smoke is coming from the underneath deck, NOT the engine. I put it on jacks today and think I figured the problem out. I think the bearings that house the blades (allowing them to spin) are done. they won't fully spin freely. I cleaned as best as I could and then sprayed wd40. I know it isn't going to totally solve my problem, but I noticed that things seemed to be better after that.

I'm gonna take it in and get it fixed. $300 limit. Otherwise I will leave it in the woods.
Just kidding about the woods, but that is probably what my redneck neighbors would do.

synthetic

Apr 30, 12 10:08

Post #24 of 27 (1383 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [littlefoot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Dont know if your city has one, but once a year in san diego you can trade your gas junker for a new electric mower.

riotgear

Apr 30, 12 10:19

Post #25 of 27 (1376 views)

Re: riding mower vs. large walk behind [synthetic] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Ugh, I hate electric mowers.

Seen too many folks run over the damn cord and they just don't have the oomph that a good gas mower has.

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