What mower to get

[n_mathews13]

Im sure this topic is on here somewhere. We are in the process of getting a new house. i want to get a new ridding mower. lots of work outside to do, might end up redoing sprinklers.
I dont want to spend a crazy amount, lots of things we would like to do to place off the get go.
Kid is not to far away from doing yard for me, so im thinking not a zero turn.
Is there really a big enough difference in box store mower?

Thoughts?

[Woodchuck]

I would suggest not buying a big brand name mower from a box store. Any warranty issues can be a mess.

[2MANY]

Get one with a cup holder.

[n_mathews13]

Get one with a cup holder.

top of the list

[b0bbyg]

If you are not mowing too much then many of the mowers will be fine, of you are mowing a large area and it is rough ground look over the underside to find one that looks like it can take a beating. or one that will have a good warranty which may not be big box.

When I was buying last I was on a tighter budget which took out some of the higher end nicer mowers, the toro in my case looked the most beefy and I have had it since 2007.   Granted I have replaced several small parts that have worn out, several tires and had to redo the head gasket a few times from leaking, but as I type my wife is mowing so it is still going strong.

I do get the itch to buy a newer mower with a bigger deck to shorten mowing times, but until this one gives up the ghost I will be hard pressed to pay the money.

[Fl0und3rz]

as I type my wife is mowing . . . .

This is the type of mower you should get.

[Buckmark]

Whats your budget?
If i was getting a dedicated mower only a zero turn would be it
If not then a higher end rider from a dealer not a box store
If on a tight budget (under 2k) then a box store rider like a husquvarna or cub cadet, or even look for a really good deal on a used one.
Quality though lasts longer so come out cheaper in the long run 
I just recently acquired my dads 30+ yr old john deere stx 38 that still runs like a top and works just fine, it was like 1700 back in the day which was alot but a cheapy would of never lasted this long.
Good luck
*
Cup holders are fine as long as its a closed container, hold that beer like man so you can wave at the neighbors with it 

[Woodchuck]

as I type my wife is mowing . . . .

This is the type of mower you should get.

But by far the most expensive. 

[b23]

If this will be a mower you plan to have for a long time, I'd pay up the extra $$$ for the model with either a Honda or Kawasaki motor.  Most of the big name riding mowers will have two models that are pretty much identical, except one will have a Briggs motor and the other will cost a couple hundred more and have a Kawasaki motor.  I've had mowers with all three motors and the Honda and Kawa motors are just better, definitely they're quieter.

[Alchase]

I would suggest not buying a big brand name mower from a box store. Any warranty issues can be a mess.

An example, the "E100" series John Deere sold at all the box stores are total crap.
Move up a level and get it from a dealer, they will last decades. That goes for most of the box store rider mowers.

After buying a zero turn, I would never go back to a rider.

[slavenoid]

If this will be a mower you plan to have for a long time, I'd pay up the extra $$$ for the model with either a Honda or Kawasaki motor.  Most of the big name riding mowers will have two models that are pretty much identical, except one will have a Briggs motor and the other will cost a couple hundred more and have a Kawasaki motor.  I've had mowers with all three motors and the Honda and Kawa motors are just better, definitely they're quieter.

 

Those better engines are found at the dealers and not Home Depot. Just got a new John Deere from a dealer because it came with the better motor. They also claim a more durable chassis, but motor was the biggest thing on my list.

[Alchase]

The Box store E100s etc....
Are notorious for front spindle breaking, and they are not covered under the John Deere warranty.

[Igor]

Get one with a cup holder.

You won't need a built-in cup holder if you go this route:

[b0bbyg]

as I type my wife is mowing . . . .

This is the type of mower you should get.

I am a lucky man!

[n_mathews13]

May just go with a Craigslist buy for now. when looking at a mower how can you tell the difference between a lowes and a dealer mower?