Lawn Tractors

the lone gunman · Mar 16, 2010

Im looking at getting a new Lawn tractor soon. The 2 I found that I think would meet my needs (1 acre )and my price (under $1300.00) is a Sears 42" and a Troy-Built Bronco 42". Both have Auto transmission and it states that they "drive like a car" . Price isnt much different between auto and standard shift. Does anyone have the Auto trans and do you like/recommend it over a standard shift Lawn Tractor? Not sure if Id like having to use constant pressure on the foot pedal, as in the auto trans. My lot has some small hills and quite a few trees to mow around so having the speed control of an auto seems kind of appealing. Thanks.

beau5278 · Mar 16, 2010

The Troy Bilt is,I think built by MTD,not sure who's building the Sears now but its usually harder to get parts and service on Sears machines if they need anything.As far as the transmission,I don't really know how the new ones compare to the older ones,most all lawn mower transmissions,hydro and standard are built by the same company,Peerless.I've got a Bolens hydro from about 1986 and it works good,you really don't need much pressure for it to work,mine also has cruise control that you can set and don't need to even use the pedal.

THE PUNISHER · Mar 16, 2010

mtd or murray most are built by the same company.......

Shann · Mar 16, 2010

Get the Sears if you want to buy something every couple of years. :thumbdn: Everything I've ever bought from Sears has been low quality (riding mower, push mower, weed whacker, treadmill). I finally realized that you can't get good quality from them. Now I just bite the bullet and get toro or echo. (I have mixed feelings about the craftsman hand tools; I will concede they are okay for the money).

If you want just a mower rather than a real all purpose lawn tractor look at the zero turn mowers. They are quicker and they are also fun to drive!

Josh K · Mar 16, 2010

Shann said:
Get the Sears if you want to buy something every couple of years. :thumbdn: Everything I've ever bought from Sears has been low quality (riding mower, push mower, weed whacker, treadmill). I finally realized that you can't get good quality from them. Now I just bite the bullet and get toro or echo. (I have mixed feelings about the craftsman hand tools; I will concede they are okay for the money).

If you want just a mower rather than a real all purpose lawn tractor look at the zero turn mowers. They are quicker and they are also fun to drive!

I love their handtools but feel they are lacking in most everything else.

Zero turns are fun, but they can get expensive. Plus make sure you can mow your entire lawn with one otherwise you may have to go back with a hand mower to touch up some spots.

garciajr · Mar 17, 2010

You need aJohn Deere.
Bought one 12 years ago and it is still running strong.
I have 10 acres but I mow about 2 acres.

Scott Free · Mar 17, 2010

I never thought I'd be happy to see a thread about lawn mowing, but after this past winter...

I'm in PA, too, and my yard is STILL covered in snow.

the lone gunman · Mar 17, 2010

Scott Free said:
I never thought I'd be happy to see a thread about lawn mowing, but after this past winter...

I'm in PA, too, and my yard is STILL covered in snow.

All our snow is gone and we have had some really nice days so far in March,supposed to be in the mid 60s today. Believe it or not,my grass is starting to green up already.
I think Im going to go with the Troy-Built Bronco,it has a Kohler engine, Still unsure on the auto trans though.

somberbear · Mar 17, 2010

i dont know if its even worth it at an acre ... honestly. unless your getting it for attachments. but most of those for the lawn tractor market are not too impressive.
maker quality i would probably go for a troy built over the sears.

my neighbor repaired a lotta lawn tractors. and the number one thing that killed em lack of maintenance . most came in at the 2-3 year mark no matter the maker. but it doesn't matter if your not going to keep up with it. this went for tractors and lawn mowers etc. if you keep up with it it can last you for years. find a small engine repair place you like now. cause your going to need em.

the lone gunman · Mar 17, 2010

Im a nut on tractor maint. I go over them often. I like the Troy-Built as it has grease fittings and think thats better than "lubed for life " like the Sears. I have a couple local guys that are good on major problems. My yard isnt bad but I do have some small hills and a lot of trees to mow around. Thats kind of why I thought the Auto would be nice. Id only be cutting grass with it, no attachments other than a cart to haul dirt and wood for outdoor fires. It will be a couple weeks yet before I buy so Thanks for all the info guys.

555 · Mar 17, 2010

Scott Free said:
I never thought I'd be happy to see a thread about lawn mowing, but after this past winter...

I'm in PA, too, and my yard is STILL covered in snow.

the lone gunman said:
All our snow is gone and we have had some really nice days so far in March,supposed to be in the mid 60s today. Believe it or not,my grass is starting to green up already.
I think Im going to go with the Troy-Built Bronco,it has a Kohler engine, Still unsure on the auto trans though.

I bought a Cub years ago and it is run hard if you account for the Stone and Roots/Sticks that I run through it, it's holding up well.

I still can see Snow too and I'm in PA. There Pitt and Philly and then there's central Pa.