Lawn tractor opinions wanted: I have had a John Deere lawn tractor for the past 20+ years, but it is pretty worn out, so am looking to buy something new. I’m looking at Kubota, Toro...

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I have had a John Deere lawn tractor for the past 20+ years, but it is pretty worn out, so am looking to buy something new. I’m looking at Kubota, Toro, and Bad Boy tractors, with a minimum 48” mower deck. What do y’all recommend or advise staying away from. All opinions or advice is much appreciated.
Thank you FS guys and gals!
Randy

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Nothing runs like a Deere! Why not replace the old reliable with another one?

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

Randyhartford wrote:

I have had a John Deere lawn tractor for the past 20+ years, but it is pretty worn out, so am looking to buy something new. I’m looking at Kubota, Toro, and Bad Boy tractors, with a minimum 48” mower deck. What do y’all recommend or advise staying away from. All opinions or advice is much appreciated.
Thank you FS guys and gals!
Randy

I have a John Deere lawn tractor too. I love mine, but I got the narrowest because needing to get around big fir trees that are near raise rose beds. The main reason I like mine is the engine. It has a Kohler engine like my Troy Built Tiller and those engines have been to best for me. Past Briggs and Strattons have been the pits! I would buy one with a good engine which is the core of your machine.

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

Stay away from box store mowers!!
But yes,a John Deere

MAS fish Loc: Peoria,IL

Randyhartford wrote:

I have had a John Deere lawn tractor for the past 20+ years, but it is pretty worn out, so am looking to buy something new. I’m looking at Kubota, Toro, and Bad Boy tractors, with a minimum 48” mower deck. What do y’all recommend or advise staying away from. All opinions or advice is much appreciated.
Thank you FS guys and gals!
Randy

Hey Randy. I gave up my Woods mowin machine after 25 years with it and went to an Exmark which is made by Toro. I got the 50" deck with a 24 hp. Exmark motor and I have my dad's 12 year old Exmark with a 52" deck and a 24 hp. Briggs motor for my place in Arkansas. The suspension is a little lacking if what you are mowing is rough. My dad also has a Ferris with a 60" deck and the suspension is a lot smoother. He just bought a new Scag and is quite impressed with it so far so you might look into that brand also. Good luck with what ever you end up with.
MAS fish

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Spiritof27 wrote:

Nothing runs like a Deere! Why not replace the old reliable with another one?

I have loved my JD, but the only dealer in town sold out to a “big company”, that now owns all the JD stores in the 50 mile radius. This new company sucks; both for service, maintenance, and honesty. i.e. wrong parts, incomplete service, and higher prices. So....I just thought I would see if anyone thought the other brands were worth looking at. We’re thinking zero radius type. Thanks for responding.

Lowescatfish18 Loc: Wesley Chaple florida

I have my John deere zero turn 48 inch deck since 2007 I use it 12 months a year living n fl.you cut grass year round plus we live on 2 acre once a year I bring it in for service 3new blades oilchange adjust belts or replace the best 200.00 you spend never let me down
Please go to John Deere dealer they will treat you right Home depot deere are not the same......

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Kerry Hansen wrote:

I have a John Deere lawn tractor too. I love mine, but I got the narrowest because needing to get around big fir trees that are near raise rose beds. The main reason I like mine is the engine. It has a Kohler engine like my Troy Built Tiller and those engines have been to best for me. Past Briggs and Strattons have been the pits! I would buy one with a good engine which is the core of your machine.

Thanks Kerry,
The Kubota comes with a Kohler OR a Briggs. The commercial lawn tractors have Kawasaki’s in them. We are wanting the zero turn type.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

MAS fish wrote:

Hey Randy. I gave up my Woods mowin machine after ... (show quote)

Thanks for the info Mas.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Lowescatfish18 wrote:

I have my John deere zero turn 48 inch deck since 2007 I use it 12 months a year living n fl.you cut grass year round plus we live on 2 acre once a year I bring it in for service 3new blades oilchange adjust belts or replace the best 200.00 you spend never let me down
Please go to John Deere dealer they will treat you right Home depot deere are not the same......

Thanks al and Lowe’s; you both advised to buy from dealer and not “big box” stores. I’ve heard the same from others in the past. Thanks for the reminder !
Sounds like John Deere is the favorite brand nationwide, so far.
If there are more ideas/opinions out there, please let me know as I will not be buying until Monday or Tuesday. If this JD “trend” continues, I may have to bite the bullet despite my dislike for the local dealer here. The JD lawn tractors are expensive, but worth the money. Thank y’all!!

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

Randyhartford wrote:

Thanks al and Lowe’s; you both advised to buy from... (show quote)

JD service has gone down the drain . Kubota dealers have the parts and service,(at least where I am) another option is a Husquanvarna , mine is 15 years old , never replaced anything except the mower blades, and I cut brush with it!

MAS fish Loc: Peoria,IL

Randyhartford wrote:

Thanks al and Lowe’s; you both advised to buy from... (show quote)

Just remember Randy, these dealers will bend over backwards to make sales. Try everything before you make a decision. Dealers do let you try before you buy.
MAS fish

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

ripogenu wrote:

JD service has gone down the drain . Kubota dealers have the parts and service,(at least where I am) another option is a Husquanvarna , mine is 15 years old , never replaced anything except the mower blades, and I cut brush with it!

Thanks, ripo. One more brand to look at....

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

MAS fish wrote:

Just remember Randy, these dealers will bend over backwards to make sales. Try everything before you make a decision. Dealers do let you try before you buy.
MAS fish

Thanks for the tip, Mas. I WILL see how bad they want to sell one. At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, I have been called the king of Jews on more than one occasion! LOL. “Negotiating” is my forte.

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Randyhartford wrote:

Thanks al and Lowe’s; you both advised to buy from... (show quote)

Most people like to shop close to home, but in this case you may want to make an exception and expand
your 'shopping zone' - it might be worth your time and effort to go beyond your 'comfort zone' and try finding another John Deere dealer
just outside that company's range !
It may be inconvenient, but still be
a better option than that dealer
you'd rather not deal with !