Questions about riding mowers

[rowech]

After returning from vacation, I was told our Toro mower is shot after four years. Our lawn took out a Troy-Bilt after five, a Toro after four, and quite frankly, I don't want to spend another 400-500 to have a mower crap out on me after five years. So, to help with my questions, my lawn is about 3/4 of an acre, relatively flat and not too many turns, etc. Some here and there but nothing too insane.

1. John Deere versus Craftsman...Is JD really worth $200 more even though they have less HP and the same B&S engines?

2. HP...19 HP, 21 HP, or 24 HP for my size lawn or won't it matter too much?

3. Deck Size -- 42" or 46"? Does the deck size I choose impact the HP I would need? If I go 46" do I need the 24 HP or would 21 HP suffice?

4. One cylinder versus two -- how much does this matter?

[Drake]

I wish I could spend $500 on a mower.

I've been repairing mine for the last two summers (with increasingly Rube Goldberg results) and have come to the conclusion that it's time to drop $5k on a new one. I mow 7-9 acres depending on the year, FWIW.

I hate mowing. Hate it. I can't wait until I'm old and can retire to a condo community so it's someone else's problem.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I have a John Deere riding mower and a zero turn mower. Love both of them and have had no issues for 8+ years. I'm not sure why they work better than others, but I'll keep buying them because they flat out run and run and run.

[cougarfreak]

I bought a new Cub Cadet last year and am happy with the purchase. However, I would have bought a Craftsman if I could have gotten anyone to talk to me when I went there 2x. I think Craftsmen are good bang for the buck. I'd get the most powerful engine you can afford, if your yard tough on mowers the power should help.

[cartman]

rowech,

Do you grow rock grass? I have almost two acres, and have had the same Craftsman riding mower for over 5 years. I have a lot of elevation change and tons of hidden limestone rocks that the blades always seem to discover. :) I've had to do the replacement of some of the mower blade parts, but the overall machine has been solid.

[rowech]

rowech,

Do you grow rock grass? I have almost two acres, and have had the same Craftsman riding mower for over 5 years. I have a lot of elevation change and tons of hidden limestone rocks that the blades always seem to discover. :) I've had to do the replacement of some of the mower blade parts, but the overall machine has been solid.

My previous two were not riders...just push mowers that couldn't handle the size of our lawn over the long haul.

[cartman]

Ah, gotcha. I was trying to wrap my head around how 3/4 of an acre could destroy two riding mowers. :)

[Airhog]

what about it crapped out?

[CraigSca]

John Deer here - going on 7 years - half an acre lawn :)