Time for a new lawn mower

[Shann]

I have a 15 year old Toro Timecutter with a 42 or 44 inch deck (I should know but its been a long winter). Several minor problems, nothing major but I am not handy and easily frustrated if the law equipment doesn't work. I've maintained it pretty well (regular maintenance by the business that sold it) except for not cleaning out the deck after use.

Over the years I've cleaned up my 2 acre lot so its almost all lawn, mostly flat. The only uneven part is the ditch where the lawn meets the road. Also do my in laws lawn across the street which is pretty even but smaller.

Talking to my lawnmower guy about buying a new Toro with a 50" deck. There is one with a 12 gauge deck and one with a 10 gauge deck, most everything else is the same. Price difference about 500 bucks. (3,500-4,000). He will give me about 1,000 for trade in.

1. Is a 50 inch deck too big? Will it scalp the lawn?, Be unwieldy? It is mostly open but about 10 fruit and maple trees. No hills but the edges can be a little uneven.

2. Should I pay extra for the heavier duty one? My thoughts are that I am not good about cleaning out the deck after use and at my age (50) this should be last mower I need to buy.

I considered a small tractor with some attachments, which would be very fun, but honestly, I don't have any need for shovels and blades and brush hogs, etc.

 

[MRider86]

If the mower has a free floating deck and it is a zero turn. It should do fine not scalping the lawn and you will be able to maneuver around the trees without a problem. Personally I would get the sturdier deck it will hold up better and is worth the investment.

 

[Sid Post]

You don't mention the specific models in question but, a Zero-Turn floating deck mower from one of the better brands would work well for you. Floating decks should not scalp on sloping lawns however, there isn't much you can do about mole hills and other "humps". The 6" increased deck width isn't significant so, I suspect you really won't notice any difference in scalping.

Definitely get the heavier deck. If you traded mowers every few years it would not be worth it but for longevity, there is no doubt that the heavier thicker deck will serve you better over time. The heavier deck isn't just about rock impacts from the blades but, also vibration and impacts as you roll over humps and dips in the yard where the mower deck wheels push and drop the deck itself independent of the mower body and frame.

Garden hose washouts are nice too if that is an option for the mowers in question.

 

[nlewman]

If you are accepting ideas, I have a recommendation. Of all the lawnmowers I have worked on, about a quarter are zero turns. Once you get up there to them, they are generally built in much higher quality. I don't know if it's just the area, or what, but most of the zero turns I get to work on are toros. Maybe you have good luck with them, idk. Myself? I would recommend a bad boy. I have one, and I regularly maintain what the tractor cannot on a 72 acre farm. So, much more than 2 acres. I have never had an issue, and I highly recommend.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Shann]

If you are accepting ideas, I have a recommendation. Of all the lawnmowers I have worked on, about a quarter are zero turns. Once you get up there to them, they are generally built in much higher quality. I don't know if it's just the area, or what, but most of the zero turns I get to work on are toros. Maybe you have good luck with them, idk. Myself? I would recommend a bad boy. I have one, and I regularly maintain what the tractor cannot on a 72 acre farm. So, much more than 2 acres. I have never had an issue, and I highly recommend.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Yes. Looking at Toros. The dealer is a mile from my house and takes care of all my maintenance for me. If I was handy, this would not matter so much but having a good local dealer I trust is most important.

 

[Shann]

Ordered a Toro MX5050. Zero Turn mower. 24 horsepower, 50" deck. cost just under 4K but the dealer is giving me $1,100 for my old Toro so not too bad. I looked at getting an actual small tractor with implements like a bucket and brush hog, but just don't really have any need for a "real" tractor.