Replies

1. 
   BobL | Jun 23, 2004 09:51pm | #1

   u keep posting this all over the place and BH is going to find u

   bobl          Volo, non valeo

1. 
   Varoom | Jun 23, 2004 10:28pm | #2

   Hey, if Boss Hogg has got a strong opinion on JD (ie, they are a piece of shyte), great, I'd like to hear it.   If it saves me blowing a couple of K notes on a pofs, then I am that much the wiser and thankful to him for it.

   Paul.

1. 
   Varoom | Jun 23, 2004 10:53pm | #3

   To give you an idea of the size of the property, this is a photo from about 1/2 way in.  Looks flatter than it really is.  And in case you are wondering, the photo was taken last week.  No, actually, back in March.

   Problem with the 100 series JD's as I see it is that they are available at HD.  Enough said, I think, which means graduating up to the higher level 100's or the LT/LX's with the Kohler's/Kawasaki's.  Which means is it then better to go Husqvarna? Or New Holland.  Or going with the plan to let the back half of the property go to pasture, plant trees, etc and then getting a mid-quality machine makes more sense.

   Thanks in advance.

   Cheers, Paul.

   
1. 
   Toolsguy | Jul 21, 2004 08:06pm | #4

   Varoom, I'm no expert on tractors but I have the L110 JD. I have about 1.5 acres. Looking at the pics you posted of your property though, you should get something bigger and fastre.

   The L110 is nice but you'll be out there all day long if not into the next day with it. Try the higher level JD machines or some other brands too. I looked into Kubota but they were a bit pricey for my use. Good commercial grade though.

   Good luck.

1. 
   Varoom | Jul 23, 2004 03:43pm | #5

   Thanks for the post.  I should have put in an update.  I actually bought close to what you have power-wise.

   I went with the Husqvarna YTH1848XP - 18HP and 48" deck with 4 blades.  Very sweet machine with a Kawasaki engine.  Pick it up next week and looking forward to using it.  I was able to get last year's model from a dealer for close to wholesale cost.  And since we plan to replant a lot of trees in the back end of the property, I didn't think a 22HP was really necessary as I don't plan to cut 4 acres forever.

   Was my concern over the 100 series of JD justified?  I had concerns over quality, as the prior owner of the property had a JD L110 in the garage with one of the anti-scalp wheels from the deck snapped off and sitting on the seat.  If the wheels snap off, what's next???  I suppose he may have hit one of the hills on the wrong angle though.

   Cheers, Paul

2. 
   Toolsguy | Jul 23, 2004 04:40pm | #6

   Sounds like a great choice. 4 Blades? Sounds like a beast. Very nice.

   I haven't had any probs with my L110 yet. He must have really hit something hard to snap off that anti-scalp wheel. Hope that doesn't happen to mine. When I bought it I figured for $1800 it was a good deal. I hope it lasts 10 years or so. Cross your fingers. Looking back though, if I had the extra cash I would have bought a more utility/mower model. Maybe one of the higher end JD's. Mine is doing great so far though.

   Best of luck with yours.

3. 
   Varoom | Jul 23, 2004 08:28pm | #7

   I said 4 blades, didn't I.  Meant 3.  Getting ahead of myself.  4 would be a beast indeed, and would take more than 18 HP I'm sure.  I'm like a kid waiting for x-mas as the pick-up date approaches.

   The JD's do seem like quality machines, especially with the Kohler engine in the L110.  But I'm always a bit hesitant about power equipment that's sold at the big boxes.  HD has a lot of "exclusive" lines, which makes me nervous.  No offense meant if that's where you picked up yours.

   On the JD website, I typed in the specs for the property and the recommendation was for several of the high end machines (25HP, etc).  Same thing with the Husqvarna site.  Nice, but the wife would kill me.  I was pushing it at $3,300 CAD, but if I came home with a $5,000 machine ....... the life insurance might have paid it off.

   And the dealership boys used the 1848XP to cut the 2 acres at the shop, so that sold me.  If the riding mowers are as good as their chainsaws, this thing will last me a lifetime. :)

   The JD's and Husqvarna are miles ahead of the MTD's.  A brief look at those and I walked away.  I think HD carries a few of their models as do other home hardware shops.

   Cheers, Paul

4. 
   Toolsguy | Jul 23, 2004 09:19pm | #8

   Nah, I bought mine from the local power equip shop. Saw them at HD but figured I would have to take it to the local guy for repair some day and he would probably put me on the bottom of the list. I'm very sceptical about the quality of stuff at HD too.

   Best of luck with the mower. Race ya.

2. 
   WayneL5 | Jul 24, 2004 06:43am | #9

   I bought the John Deere L110 based on the Consumer Reports review that praised it for being a good value.

   I haven't been on a riding lawnmower since high school so I really can't compare the operation of the machine to a less expensive brand.  But, giving them a good look over in the store, the Deere's are better made.

   Home Depot and the John Deere dealers sell the exact same products.  I asked the Home Depot guy about discounts and when they go on sale and he said the manufacturer requires them to sell at the list price, the same price dealers charge.  Even discount promotions are not valid with John Deere products.

   The salesman at Home Depot was outstanding (which is unusual there).  I ended up buying at the dealer rather than Home Depot though because Home Depot doesn't service the machines (they arrange for service at the dealer), and they charge for delivery, whereas the dealer did not, and the dealer went over the whole machine with me when they delivered it.

   I also prefer to avoid large discount stores with lousy service in favor of local merchants when I can.