Time for a new lawn mower...advice????

[Birdguy]

OK I had an 06 Cub cadet LT1050 that I loved and has been a great mower. I have somewhere around 350 hours on it and two weeks ago the middle spindle pulled through the deck  . I thought I would be able to fix it until I really looked at it  . Motor still works great and will be made a yard tractor soon. So after two weeks of looking everyday (several times) at Craigslist and not finding anything reasonable. (By reasonable I mean something comparable to my old mower in size and hp, for a decent used price, $1200-$1800 is too much for a used mower) I have found a new deck (just the housing) on line for between $500-$650 plus shipping. The Mrs. said tonight the grass is getting way to long and I need to go buy a mower. I have looked at the Cub Cadets again and would buy on if I could find one that was a mower and not a car. I do not need power steering on a lawn mower(a $500 add on), Home Depot does not carry cub cadet anymore and they are way to proud of the John Deers for me. Local cadet dealer only carries the LTGX model with power steering and front bumper for $2599.99 for the 46" deck.

Current desired options:
20 hp minimum
48' cut minimum
hydrostatic transmission
ability to mow in reverse

Looking for suggestions and dealers. I live across the Narrows bridge but not afraid to travel reasonable distance for the purchase. Personal experience with Husqvarna or other brands accepted. Not interested in Craftsman though. Thanks.

[FC]

Sounds like you should just buy the deck and fix your existing mower.

[LITTLEBUCK]

Birdguy, yes john deere is proud of their stuff, but that is what i bought last year and love it. It came down to the Husqvarna or deere, just a few things I did not like about the Husq that turned me to deere. I know several people that have the Husqvarnas and say they are very good. I would say buy the deck and be done with it. That cub should last anouther 10 years or more.

[Special T]

If you take care of your mower the deck will nearly always be the first thing to go. Is the deck fully loaded for $500? Of is it bare so you need to move over all the parts? If its fully loaded that is a pretty good deal, especially because now u can save your older stuff for parts.   I have stayed with Craftman riders. I stay with them NOT because they are the best, but the parts availablilty is huge and there is aa good aftermarket supply. Not to mention that i have a couple of bonyard tracktors that were givent to me so that when/if i need a part i can rob one off another.

[bloodhound]

my uncle just bought a used one at a local shop here in spanaway. he gave them his old jd rider and 900 for a used club with a brand new motor in it. might give the store in spanaway a call and see what they have, they are a club dealer.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I would find the bare deck for cheaper and transfer the parts. It's not rocket science.

-Steve

[elksnout]

I would find the bare deck for cheaper and transfer the parts. It's not rocket science.

-Steve

   Did my John Deere. No big deal, just your labor.

[Birdguy]

I know putting a new deck on is no big deal. From what I have found so far for my $500-$650 deck it is bare bones, no spindles, belts blades, etc. I would be in it another $200+ for those parts. I still think I may do eventually as it is nice to have the beater mower for the first mow of the season or a new area. I was really looking for feedback on other mower types or dealers that may carry the standard LTX models. I cannot justify $500 for power steering and my local dealer is not interested in selling me anything but the LTGX that they have on hand.

Bloodhound what is the name of the shop in Spanaway? I maybe very interested in stopping in there Saturday afternoon.

Thanks for the responses guys keep them doming if you have something to add. I better make a decision real soon or I may loos the kids in the grass. If the weather is good for anything it is growing grass!

[jackelope]

I used to sell Ahrens back east. They were really good rigs 15 years ago. Not sure what they're like now.
http://www.ariens.com/products/riding-mowers/lawn-tractor/Pages/default.aspx

In order to get a hydrostatic drive with a foot pedal you have to go 48" but that is a nice option.
They have some smaller hydrostatic drives but they have a shifter instead.

[timberghost72]

So why not Craftsman? Just curious on that. Bad experience? I bought my Craftsman in 2004. It is a 27HP with the Kohler engine, hydrostatic drive and a 54" deck. I mow about 2.5 acres every week and it performs great still. The only things I have replaced are the spindles and regular maintenance. Like Special T said the parts availability is huge and also the aftermarket is excellant too.

I am surprised that a spindle pulled throught the deck. What guage steel is the deck? The deck on mine is 12 guage and is very stout. Has some rust but no real weaknesses anywhere yet.

This is a good place for replacement parts. I found a part I needed for a 35 year old rototiller. The only place I go to now.

[Birdguy]

Timber, I am staying away from Craftsman as my brother has  killed three of their better mowers in the last 8 years. He is a mechanic by love of machines, and takes great care of his things. We both have big lawns (though I will say mine is yard grass and a lot of his is pasture grass) and use our mowers a couple times a week to keep it short and looking good. I just do not want to have the issues he has had with them. I know they make good mowers too as there are a lot of older ones that work great for sale now as people try to upgrade their mowers. You mentioned a place you buy parts but did not give a name or web address? I had no issues finding parts for my Cub Cadet and the parts were reasonably priced but the price for a new deck seemed a little steep until I started looking at mowers  .

[lokidog]

Goats!  Then use them for packing in the fall.   

[timberghost72]

Timber, I am staying away from Craftsman as my brother has  killed three of their better mowers in the last 8 years. He is a mechanic by love of machines, and takes great care of his things. We both have big lawns (though I will say mine is yard grass and a lot of his is pasture grass) and use our mowers a couple times a week to keep it short and looking good. I just do not want to have the issues he has had with them. I know they make good mowers too as there are a lot of older ones that work great for sale now as people try to upgrade their mowers. You mentioned a place you buy parts but did not give a name or web address? I had no issues finding parts for my Cub Cadet and the parts were reasonably priced but the price for a new deck seemed a little steep until I started looking at mowers  .

Haha, ooop sorry I didnt put in the web site, duh.  www.repairclinic.com

[Birdguy]

Well, after much deliberation, a quote of  over $1000 for the local dealer to get me a new deck, complete ( new spindles, blades, belt, etc.) I found a new Cub Cadet LTX1050KW (the KW means it has a Kawasaki engine) for $2100  . I brought it home yesterday before the dealer closed but did not use it until today. After 4.9 hours on the meter this afternoon I am very impressed. It cut my 10"+ tall WET grass all day. The Mrs. and kids and I raked, as that much wet grass could not be left on the lawn with all the rain we are supposed to get this week. I think we raked and hauled 22 loads of grass (in the lawn tractor trailer) to the bird pens and compost pile and that was just the front lawn. The sides and back still have to be raked but I am not as worried about them. The new mower works awesome, runs so smooth and a bit quieter than the old one. The old one came in handy as a tow rig for the grass so I could keep mowing. It is only the first day but so far it is great. We have decided to rebuild the old mower I found a place on line that says I can get a new mower deck for about $400 with shipping I will call this week and find out if I can find the time.

Thank you to all who responded, Timber looks like I too will be using the sight you recommended  .