Riding Mower

Hi all, just looking for some opinions for these two mowers.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/John-Deere-E120-42-in-20-HP-V-Twin-Gas-Hydrostatic-Lawn-Tractor-BG21069/302923653


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cub-Cad...-Lawn-Tractor-LT46/311264766#customer_reviews

thanks!

 

Sorry.....skip the conventional tractor layout.

Get Zero Turn mower. Exmark, Ariens, Deere,......
Then add the mulching kit.

You'll only need a string trimmer to tidy up. Use the string trimmer before mowing, then the mower will mulch all the clippings.

Advantages: less fertilizer needed, less weeds, zero clean up, Fall leaves can be mulched (no raking), less mowing time, better visibility, makes mowing damn fun.
Cons: Won't take a snowblower or tiller attachments.

The speed and efficiency of a Zero Turn would allow a smaller deck. You're looking at a 42", a Zero Turn 36" may be more the sufficient. A bit easier to store.

 

I concur, I went Zero-turn in '13, night & day, never looked back.

Of those two, I'd probably go Cub with the Kohler & a 3yr warranty vs JD ('branded' ?)engine & 2yr warranty. Other than that, they're essentially apples to apples.
That, and the fact that the JD dealer here is a complete ass unless you're a fanboy farmer with a pocket full of oil & gas money....

 

My grandmother has had three mowers all cub cadets and the first they replaced when I was like 7 in the late 90s but the second was a 1998 or 1999 and that lasted till 2014 and under water during a hurricane with no problems and then she got her current 2014 so far so good but I’ve heard that since Cub Cadet revamped their lineup in 2015 the quality has dwindled a bit.

my dad has a John Deere Stx? Something which has been good although it’s old and needs parts now and again.

I do know the JD branded engine is made by Briggs & Stratton.

 

It's a toss-up really. "They don't make 'em like they used to" relates to about everything, but on the rare occasion it can be a good thing!

Previous to the Zero, a had a Simplicity, ran it for 23yrs. Great unit, with regular care & maintenance (the key to longevity). I sold it at a flea market to three old-timers who were giddy as school girls to get it. They ran a small engine/mower repair shop.

 

The mowers at big box stores are built to a price point, not a quality standard. Go to a dealer of that brand and look at their product. The model numbers are similar but not the same, yes they cost several hundred dollars more. There's a good reason, the metal is a heavier gauge, bearings are better, cast suspension parts instead of stamped steel. The dealer product will last twice as long.
I mow a half acre at home and three acres on the family farm. I use a 42" Toro Z-turn. It's too big for my yard, a 38" tractor would work much better, but it's great for the three acre barnyard.
Z-turns can drag a wheel and scuff the yard, especially if you do a lot of tight turns. They are great for large yards.

 

that’s what my dad was saying with the Cub Cadet that definitely seems to be the case with their being so many levels like this at least has the kohler motor but then the transmission is different not to mention the other things you mentioned with the John Deere I saw you can get that also at a dealer and apparently the dealer delivers it to you and assembles it so I’m wondering if that has better components since it’s not an exclusive hd model.

 

@lock speaks the truth. When the box stores are buying 500 units at a time, they can dictate to a certain price point. The manufacturer adjusts to meet it. Even though the model designation may be the same, usually the vin# will have a character to denote this as a 'to spec' built unit. That's how a dealer service dept can tell it is a Lowes unit, or Menards, Home Depot, etc...and then bend you over accordingly.

 

That makes total sense