Lawn Mowers

camaro mark · September 22, 2009

I have been looking on craigs list in my area and there are some decent self propelled 36" plus lawn mowers. Of course I would love a stander or riding zero turn but don't really want to spend that kind of money. So here is my concern. My front yard is not that large and does have some tight 90 degree areas with a fence. However my backyard is pretty good size and I could probably cut my mowing time in half not to mention some of those older mowers come with sulkey (I think that is what they are called) so it would be pretty cool to ride around. I know that is not a good reason to buy a mower but hey you only live once.

These mowers are obviously massive and I'm curious how tough they are to navigate. I guess overall looking for pro's and con's of these mowers. I currently use a cheap 22" and would love to upgrade.

Thanks

dansk · September 22, 2009

If you are talking about like an old gravely with a sulky, they were terrible as far and manuevering. Too long a wheelbase with the sulky attached. You could always continue using the 22" for your tight areas and the new mower for the wide open spaces.

hockeypro1411 · September 22, 2009

Operating a walk-behind mower is simple. Using one to turn a lawn into a masterpiece can take some serious practice. One thing to consider is whether or not you have a gate. If not, try to get a decent size deck. A good operator can get a good cut with a 36" almost anywhere. 48" and larger decks save time in open spaces, but can add time onto the trimming. I've used several commercial brands, and they'll all serve your needs just fine for one yard a week. The only thing to consider is whether it is a belt drive, or a hydro. They operate on the same principal, but the belt drives can require a little more "wrangling" in tight spaces.

camaro mark · September 22, 2009

If you are talking about like an old gravely with a sulky, they were terrible as far and manuevering. Too long a wheelbase with the sulky attached. You could always continue using the 22" for your tight areas and the new mower for the wide open spaces.

So the hydro is a better choice? I assume it works just like the riders? I do have a gate and I was thinking a 36" would serve my purpose. Anything larger is probably more than I need.

sab316 · September 22, 2009

Your gate is a huge thing to consider. My family owns a lawncare business (we own about 12 Exmark zero turn mowers) and it sucks when you can't fit a mower inside a gate. 36" won't be too bad in the tight areas maybe a bit more weed eating here and there but you'll like the extra cutting deck in the wide open spaces

ShimanoFisherman · September 22, 2009

Any idea how many sq ft or acres (or fractions of an acre) you're mowing?

99silveradoz71 · September 22, 2009

I do 3 lawns for family with a Lesco 48" belt drive walk behind and have plenty of praise for it. Others are right though, when you get into areas with fences or confined spaces, it gets to be a bit snug.

hockeypro1411 · September 22, 2009

Your gate is a huge thing to consider. My family owns a lawncare business (we own about 12 Exmark zero turn mowers) and it sucks when you can't fit a mower inside a gate. 36" won't be too bad in the tight areas maybe a bit more weed eating here and there but you'll like the extra cutting deck in the wide open spaces

Yea, gates were our number one enemy too. The only good ones were chain-link because you can untwist the metal ties and "roll up" the fence and get a walk-behind between the posts without harming the fence. And yes, hyrdo will be a better choice for handling. Another downside to a belt drive (may not concern you as much) is that when you have to cut in the rain or wet turf, the belts get wet and can slip. Also a hydro will be better suited to pull a sulky.

WaterGuy · September 23, 2009

Since your backyard is the largest, just get a 46" and don't worry about the gate.

Use your smaller mower for the front.

I weed-wack as much as possible with Round Up.

Where ya at?

I've just finished rebuilding my 46" with 25HP twin cylinder with "hydra-drive".

For sale.

camaro mark · September 23, 2009

Thanks for the response guys. After reading a lot of this I'm starting to rethink things. I have approx 7000sq ft to mow with 4ft gates. Back yard is fenced so it sounds like I may not save a lot of time even with a 36" mower. Maybe I need to look at other options. Do they make mowers larger than 22" before getting into commercial grade (36"+)?

I think the thing that appealed to me the most is the MAN side of me kicking in which is wanting the baddest mower on the block. Kind of like wanting a diesel when a 1/2 ton more that suites my needs.

hockeypro1411 · September 23, 2009

Since your backyard is the largest, just get a 46" and don't worry about the gate.
Use your smaller mower for the front.

I weed-wack as much as possible with Round Up.

People who do that drive me absolutely insane. Especially when it's an account that I personally spent time cutting/maintaining. The thought of those beautiful edges getting sprayed because someone doesn't want to spend the time trimming.

Thanks for the response guys. After reading a lot of this I'm starting to rethink things. I have approx 7000sq ft to mow with 4ft gates. Back yard is fenced so it sounds like I may not save a lot of time even with a 36" mower. Maybe I need to look at other options. Do they make mowers larger than 22" before getting into commercial grade (36"+)?

I think the thing that appealed to me the most is the MAN side of me kicking in which is wanting the baddest mower on the block. Kind of like wanting a diesel when a 1/2 ton more that suites my needs.

That's completely natural. ...Not to mention ALWAYS the best solution.

You wouldn't believe the amount of time that a 36" will save. Not to mention how much better the lawn will look without all those hideous 2" lines from the wheels. However, if you're interested, Exmark makes a 26" push mower.

http://www.exmark.com/metro26.htm

There. Saved ya some leg work.

WaterGuy · September 23, 2009

I weed-wack as much as possible with Round Up.

People who do that drive me absolutely insane. Especially when it's an account that I personally spent time cutting/maintaining. The thought of those beautiful edges getting sprayed because someone doesn't want to spend the time trimming.

If I was wanting the "Yard of The Month" look then I would reconsider the R-up useage.