drifter

I checked out an EX-Mark Quest today at my local Case dealer. They only had the 20hp/42" deck model in stock, and that was $4700. according to the rep who served me. He wasn't 100% sure of that price though, as the regular sales-rep was away for the day. I've gotta say that the build-quality of that eXmark machine, was VERY IMPRESSIVE to say the least. It looks like it would last forever.

Wow !! That seems like a very well built and designed unit, but probably much more tractor than I could use.. I hate to think of how much they must cost. Ny slopes are also much steeper than 30 degrees, so I'll be sticking to a grass-trimmer for those areas.

I'm looking primarily for a "mower only" type of machine, and I'd kinda like to keep it under $3500, or possibly even less. My local Canadian-Tire store is offering the Troy-Bilt 25hp/50" model for $2399. this week. I have no idea if this is a decent machine. It has a Kohler V-twin engine, hydrostatic, 22" rear tires, etc. Mind you, most of these small tractors I've looked at, don't inspire a lot of confidence.

Has anyone come across a machine sold by Home-Depot, called the "Beast"?

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=935075&Ntt=935075&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber

Hi all,

Well, it's been a while since I last came here, and since you folks gave me some great advice last Fall, regarding snow-throwers (bought a Honda 11/32), I decided to come back for a little guidance on lawn-tractors.

First off, my property is roughly 27,000 sq.ft. Roughly 18,000 sq.ft. of that is relatively "flat". The remaining 9000 sq.ft. is comprised of fairly steep slopes, where it would be impossible to use a tractor, and I'll be doing those areas with a push-mower and a grass-trimmer.

Budget-wise, I'm reasonably flexible, and I'd like a quality machine. I've only just begun looking at these machines, and so far I've tried a Cub-Cadet Zero-Turn 50" mower, and I've taken a brief look at a Troy-Bilt 25HP/ 50" conventional lawn-tractor.  Wednesday of this week, I'll be visiting a John Deere dealer.

I've got to say that I was impressed with the Cub-Cadet, but I suppose it would take a little time to get used to the twin-lever steering system.

Can you folks give me a little shove in the right direction? Is there something I should consider when choosing a motor? (single cylinder vs twin, etc)

How about accessories? My understanding is, you can't use rear-bagger accessories on the zero-turn mowers. Is that a big deal? Do those rear-bagger systems work well?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

Hills/slopes are a major issue at my place. I remove the collector-bag from my mower, to reduce weight and the possibility of roll-over, and I tend to cut diagonally across the slope, rather than try to push the mower straight up the slopes. I also wear golf shoes, for better traction.

This year, I may buy a low-profile/lightweight electric mower, just for those slopes. Mind you, I don't relish the thought of working with 100+ feet of extension-cord.

Having a goat would be great, if the municipality allowed it,,,,, and buying a flame-thrower has crossed my mind as well. 

Same here. I use LED lighting for my band lighting, primarily because they consume very little power, and produce no heat.