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Hal Peeler
03-29-2005, 11:52 AM
After 15 years, my Wheel Horse is on its last leg. I am looking at the JD at Home Depot and the Cub Cadet at Lowes. Probably 20-25hp and 48-50" cut. Anyone one have experience with these? Pros/Cons of both? I know the drill about spending 3500 or more for a "real mower" from the independent dealers and I have done this before but just don't think I can do it this time. Thanks in advance.
Hal

Ken Kimbrell
03-29-2005, 11:56 AM
After 15 years, my Wheel Horse is on its last leg. I am looking at the JD at Home Depot and the Cub Cadet at Lowes. Probably 20-25hp and 48-50" cut. Anyone one have experience with these? Pros/Cons of both? I know the drill about spending 3500 or more for a "real mower" from the independent dealers and I have done this before but just don't think I can do it this time. Thanks in advance.
Hal

Glad you started this thread Hal... as it happens I in the middle of the very same process!

Donnie Raines
03-29-2005, 12:34 PM
Not sure of the model number, but I have a Cub with the 50 inch cut and auto trans. Bought it last year and love it. Can't say much about the JD...I simply have no experience with it.

Boyd Gathwright
03-29-2005, 1:20 PM
Hello Hal,

.... JD is good and I own one but is made for a price, quality second. I have never owned a CUB but I am under the impression from the past they are like the JD decent but a little pricey. Check out cost of replacement parts before buying. One may be less costly to maintain than the other if you're considering long term.

.... Just my opinion and good luck ;).


Boyd
.

After 15 years, my Wheel Horse is on its last leg. I am looking at the JD at Home Depot and the Cub Cadet at Lowes. Probably 20-25hp and 48-50" cut. Anyone one have experience with these? Pros/Cons of both? I know the drill about spending 3500 or more for a "real mower" from the independent dealers and I have done this before but just don't think I can do it this time. Thanks in advance.
Hal

Dan Mages
03-29-2005, 1:40 PM
How big of a yard? How flat is it? Are there a bunch of trees?

Dan

Darren Ford
03-29-2005, 1:47 PM
When I looked at the JD's that Home Depot carries I was under the impression from multiple online sources that those are not built to the same level of quality that you would expect from the name.

Whatever brand you pick, get the automatic unless you mow mostly wide open spaces. That instant reverse is worth the price of the auto. I have very few obstacles to mow around, so I did not get the auto; but I have regretted it from the first day.

Joe Mioux
03-29-2005, 2:16 PM
I had a smaller Cub Cadet before I bought my SCAG zero turn mower. I am familiar with both models and have used both brands. Either way you go, the HD version of these two brands will be pretty comparable. A few items to look for in your selection is Cast iron front axle; drive shaft transmission; type of engine, Kohler or Kawasaki, (both are good); ease of removing the mower deck; is the mower deck belt driven or shaft driven; gage of steel and how much plastic is on the machines.

Whichever, one you buy, make sure you get one with a Hydrostatic transmission. They never need servicing and quickens grass mowing.

I had a bunch of small annoying things go wrong with the Cub Cadet and finally got frustrated and sold it.

......Some items that went wrong...headlight cover broke off, and you can't get them easily fixed, one of the wheels kept coming off, the steel sheet metal under the seat tore, which made the seat a bit loose and uncomfortable, the steering arms broke, etc. Nothing major just things that were annoying.

Bob Johnson2
03-29-2005, 3:51 PM
Great place to ask...
Someone let me know if posting this link is a no no.

direct links to other public forums are not allowed - moderator removed link.

Steven Wilson
03-29-2005, 4:47 PM
How sure are you that Home Depot will carry any parts for your JD in two years. HD has this nasty habit of only keeping a tool brand around for a season on two and then droping it. How about service? The JD models that HD caries are light weight, unsubstantial, but would probably work for cutting grass for a year or two. Some of them look to be HD specific models (i.e. no comparable model at a JD dealer). The same goes for Echo trimmers sold at HD, they aren't the same models sold by an Echo dealer. Anyhow, the real JD dealer will take the time to get you into the JD to fit your needs (do you need to till, blow snow, run a blade, etc, etc). Maybe the less expensive LX model will suit you fine, maybe a GX, maybe something else. Besides, the JD dealer is a good place to find decent, used JD tractors that might fit your need at a substantial price reduction. As with woodworking tools you get what you pay for.

Greg Narozniak
03-29-2005, 4:53 PM
Being a former Owner of a Lawn and landscape service my advice would be this. For that kind of $ I would check with the shops that the local Lawn and Landscape services go to. Most large services will trade equipment in after 1-2 years when the warranty is up and you can then purcahse the machine alot cheaper because the shops want to move them so you benefit with the savings.

I did the exactly this and I have a used commercial mower that cuts better with dull blades than any JD or Cub or Snapper with razor sharp blades. I have had it for almost 5 years and have only added Gas and Oil changes and greased all fittings and I have had ZERO downtime. When it's cold it starts on the 3rd pull and 1st when it's warm. Add some freshly sharpened Gator blades, I change them every 15th cut but I am anal about it, and you will win the neighborhood grass show. :)

Scag, Ransomes Bobcat, Toro, Dixie Chopper are just a few but like any quality WW machine most of these will always have service and part available.

Dennis Peacock
03-29-2005, 5:30 PM
I have owned a Cub before and really loved it. I now have a JD with power everything and a really nice mower....but a bit pricey at $5K for a mower/garden tractor. Just remember that a lot of mowers are now built by MTD (Murry Tractor Division) to include Cub Cadet, Troy Built, Yardman, Craftsman...and the list goes on from here. Poulan, now Electrolux makes Snapper, Weedeater and Poulan products.

If I was smart, I would have done like Greg suggested and getting a good used commercial mower for about 1/3 the cost would have saved me money while providing me a much better mower.

Live and learn!!! :rolleyes:

Bob Weisner
03-29-2005, 6:08 PM
I looked for a long time when I was searching for a new lawn tractor. My old tractor is a MTD 12 HP lawn tractor that I bought from Builders Square before they went out of business. It has served me well. In the past 8 years, that tractor has mowed my front and back yard. Pulled a 18 cubit foot trailer that I used to carry everything from loads of garbage, topsoil, trees, plants, lumber(used to stack it higher than the trailer), and numorous new tools from the truck to the trap door of the basement. I also used it to mow the garden down in the fall. It did a excellent job of cutting corn stalks down in the garden :D . The only repairs tat I have had to do to that tractor were:

1. Replace 2 tires.

2. replace the battery every 2 years.

3. change oil and spark plugs every couple of years.

4. replace a broken flywheel.

5. replace starter twice and replace the plastic starter wheel every 2 years.

6. rebuild the rear end of the tractor when the right rear wheel came flying off the tractor as I was mowing uphill :eek:

My new tractor is a Sears 20 HP standard transmission tractor with a Kohler engine. Seems to be working well

Thanks,

Bob

Keith Outten
03-29-2005, 7:18 PM
If you wanna plow a field get a tractor, if you wanna mow a lawn get a lawn mower :)

My 2 cents;
Concerning selecting a lawn mower it is my opinion that you should never choose a mower in the middle price range. Buy a really inexpensive mower and replace it every few years or buy a quality commercial mower and it will be the last mower you will ever purchase.

John Shuk
03-29-2005, 7:58 PM
I have the JD only painted orange when it was branded Scott's. Mine is the 20hp Briggs 48" cut with a hydrostatic tranny. I have about an acre of grass which is uneven and hilly and I mow in about an hour of machine time. I love the machine and when you buy from HD they are actually processed through a local dealer somehow so it isn't a bad deal. I tell my friends that it is the best investment I have made.

Matt Meiser
03-29-2005, 9:15 PM
I don't own either as I needed something a little bigger, but a coworker/friend bought a new lawn tractor last year. He was replacing a 5 year old MTD which was in need of regular repair. He looked at Home Depot, then the regular JD dealer. He said there was no comparison. Everything he looked at was beefier and better made when comparing the two. He went with the dealer sold model.

One thing I would definitely do if you are considering the Home Depot model is to talk to the dealer who you would want to service it. If their attitude towards those models is negative, you'll be getting the same attitude when you go for parts and service.

I am very happy with my JD compact tractor which is 1-2 steps into a "real" tractor.

Ron Jones near Indy
03-29-2005, 9:40 PM
I had a Cub Cadet and will never owner another one. I have had a JD since June of '98. No trouble, well built, dependable and plenty of power; it's everything the CC wasn't. It came from a dealer; not a big box store. My next door neighbor has a JD from HD. He has had problems getting parts for it. The dealer doesn't carry the parts, but will order them.

Gary Herrmann
03-29-2005, 10:21 PM
Had an old JD, when it went belly up I got a good deal on a Simplicity. Honda engine. Been very happy with it. Don't know your application or the max you want to pay, but they have a variety of price points.

Almost time to start mowin again.

Boyd Gathwright
03-30-2005, 10:39 PM
Hi Keith,

.... For the most part, I agree with your evaluation and assessment of your choice of lawn mowers. I also give credence to Greg Narozniak, if you can find a landscaper who takes care of his equipment and does NOT abuse it knowing he will be trading it in in just a couple of years.

.... My real question to you is, how did you settle on a DIXIE CHOPPER zero turning mower rather than one of the more popular and better known mowers like JOHN DEERE, KUBOTA, SCAG or one of the lesser known stand-up or sitting down zero turning mowers? Is there something about the DIXIE CHOPPER that stands head and shoulders above all these other manufactures? I did NOT get the opportunity to talk to a salesperson but did get a look, in past years, at one in Winchester VA. And there was nothing I saw that stood out to me unless there are subtle but important differences I missed. Am really interested in how you came to your decision?


.... Thanks again ;).

Boyd
.

If you wanna plow a field get a tractor, if you wanna mow a lawn get a lawn mower :)

My 2 cents;
Concerning selecting a lawn mower it is my opinion that you should never choose a mower in the middle price range. Buy a really inexpensive mower and replace it every few years or buy a quality commercial mower and it will be the last mower you will ever purchase.

Keith Outten
03-31-2005, 6:18 AM
Boyd,

My purchasing a Dixie Chopper was based on the design and performance of the machine. I was shopping for a mower that would cut six acres in a reasonable amount of time and I wanted a machine that was built tough and would be serviceable. One of the things I didn't like about many of the other manufacturers machines was the sheet metal which I don't need. A mower with a body on it makes it hard to service. Choppers are not the most beautiful machines in fact they are kinda plain but that isn't a concern for those who are looking for performance and reliability.

Dixie Choppers are mostly made from stock off the shelf parts. Bearings and other major components are available almost anywhere, there are very few dealers parts and most of the dealers parts can be ordered from the original manufacturer or made by a local shop. The frame has a lifetime gurantee and the Kohler motors are known to be reliable, properly maintained they will provide over 3000 hours of running time. The Chopper is also a hydraulic driven machine, not hydrastatic, it uses regular oil for the pumps and drive motors.

I should also mention that Choppers are fast, I can cut and trim six acres in two hours flat. Going into my fifth season this year and I still have less than 300 hours on the machine and I have cut several of my neighbors lawns as well as my own for the last four years. Chopper owners don't rake leaves, the mower turns leaves to dust.

At 1200 pounds the 72" Chopper is a heavy mowing machine and yet it will traverse wet areas that the other commercial mowers won't. One of my neighbors had a commercial lawncare service that couldn't cut an area of her lawn because it was low and normally wet. I used to cut that area for them on my Chopper, much to the dismay of the Pro's who were loading their Scag on their trailer with muddy tires :)

I tend to purchase high quality equipment when I can because it is always the best value for me. I have an 8HP IH Cub Cadet that was built in 1964 that is still running. The Model 71 Cadet has a huge cast iron rear end, drive shaft and cast front end and will last forever. The Cadet has pulled my trailer across the yard with 4500 pounds of plywood on it, the truck driver couldn't believe his eyes. I retired the Cadet from mowing when I bought the Chopper so now it is a tow motor and does other duties around the yard.

The Chopper is also a machine that will be here for decades to come and it is a machine I can maintain myself so the cost of ownership is very reasonable. When it is 95 degrees and 90% humidity here in Eastern Virginia I prefer to have the motor behind me, a surry above me and ten miles per hour when I'm cutting grass. It makes the job almost enjoyable.

Below is a picture of the Fastest Mower in the World, a jet powered Dixie Chopper that will actually cut grass :)

Michael Cody
03-31-2005, 10:04 AM
Love the Dixie Chopper Jet Keith! .... on the quick note on the Cub -- I use a fully restored 12hp hydrostatic 1971 Model 127 .. it's amazing what it will do (even w/being a hyrdo) .. I can pull a car w/it uphill and it mows like dream. I've only got 1.5 arces so I don't need the big-un but compared to mowers today -- they just don't build like the old Cubs, MF's, Bolens, Simplictys & Allis's --- all 'bout the same type tractors from the 60 & 70's!

Odd how we think about the 70's now as good ole days eh?

Boyd Gathwright
03-31-2005, 1:48 PM
Keith,

.... Thank you for taking the time to give me and others, I am sure, the insight into your machine, your enthusiasm radiates throughout. I too have a large amount of grass to mow and am NOT interested in any more downtime than is absolutely necessary. After reading your summary, I will approach your machine with more regard and respect. When I was first introduced to the DIXIE CHOPPER I considered it little more than a high powered go-cart with a big engine and a mowing deck. I was not that impressed with its' looks and frankly I didn't feel it was sturdy enough to hold up to the rigours that I would undoubtedly put it through. But, all of this is based on the fact that I did NOT get to talk to any of the sales personnel at that time. I very much liked everything you had to say about your DIXIE CHOPPER and couldn't agree more with most of your points of view. There are a couple of questions I would like to ask you. What is your definition between hydrostatic and hydraulic? What brought the DIXIE CHOPPER to your attention and did you compare it to other compatible machines and what were they? How long did it take you to cut the same amount of grass with your older Cub Cadet? And on the lighter side, How did you ever get to know about zero turning mowers?

.... Thanks again, and I think this has been a great discussion for all those interested in our subject matter once again here at SMC ;).

Boyd

.

Joe Mioux
03-31-2005, 2:07 PM
Love the Dixie Chopper Jet Keith! .... on the quick note on the Cub -- I use a fully restored 12hp hydrostatic 1971 Model 127 .. it's amazing what it will do (even w/being a hyrdo) .. I can pull a car w/it uphill and it mows like dream. I've only got 1.5 arces so I don't need the big-un but compared to mowers today -- they just don't build like the old Cubs, MF's, Bolens, Simplictys & Allis's --- all 'bout the same type tractors from the 60 & 70's!

Odd how we think about the 70's now as good ole days eh?

Michael you are breaking my heart. My dad bought the IH Cub Cadet 126, the non-hydrostat variety, new back in 1972. I cut 6 acres of grass with that mower. It worked great. Unfortunately, back in the mid 80's while I wasn't looking, he sold it! I wish I had that mower back.

Joe

Keith Outten
04-02-2005, 7:35 AM
Michael,

You might recognize the Jet powered Dixie Chopper from the TV show "ToolTime". This was the mower that Tim Taylor used to race Bob Villa on one of the ToolTime Shows.

We used our Cub Cadet to mow 2.5 acres for almost 30 years. When I decided to cut the back yard the total came to six acres so a larger machine was necessary to keep the mowing time down. It used to take me about 2.5 hours to mow the 2.5 acres with the Cadet, the Chopper will mow all six acres in about 1.5 hours, then it takes me about 30 minutes to trim. I am in the process of ordering a hydraulic bucket kit for the front of my Cub Cadet from cadplans.com so I intend to put my little mini brute back into service real soon, check out the Dixie Chopper tires on the back of my Cadet they really improved the ride and the traction :)

Boyd,

A hydraulic system uses oil for the drive medium and is supposed to be much stronger and longer lasting than hydrastatic systems. Farm tractors use hydraulic systems for their 3 point hitch systems and they always have as far as I know.

One of the most popular web sites for lawn care is lawnsite.com which is one of the places I visited when I was researching mowers. In the Spring of 2000 the Dixie Choppers were way ahead of the competition, many of the other manufacturers have improved their mowers now in an effort to catch up and in fact there are several brands that are excellent machines these days. I still am a proponent of the design of the Choppers though, the closer you look the more you will understand how well built they are and how easy they are to maintain. For the record I was en Engineman in the Navy so I've had some experience with hydraulics and mechanical systems. I am also a state certified small engine machanic but I like to keep that a secret because I don't want to have to repair every lawnmower in the family :)

The Cub Cadet with a 42" deck would cut about an acre an hour. The Chopper will do about 4 acres per hour, of course you have to adjust for the number of obstructions in your yard. The numbers work out as advertised for me, I can mow about 4 acres per hour in my open field at ten miles per hour. My wifes mother had a typical yard in the city, it took less than five minutes for me to cut her entire yard.

I found out about zero turn mowers by visiting a large tractor dealer in my local area that also sold Dixie Choppers. Jackie and I stopped in one day to look at their Choppers and to get some advice, I was sold on the Chopper as soon as I verified the salesmans information with those who owned Choppers. My main objective was to purchase a mower not a bush hog since I was interested in cutting grass. The Chopper will produce some of the most beautiful stripes you have even seen on a nice lawn, unfortunately I don't have a lawn I have six acres of common grass :( You should see a six foot wide stripe, it makes me grin just thinking about it.

It takes about two hours of riding time to get used to the steering system and even longer to get used to the 72" wide mower deck. Most people will tend to run into trees and houses at first because they aren't acclimated to how far the deck sticks out on each side of the machine. Once you get the hang of it you can walk the machine around a one inch diameter tree and cut real close.

Join us at the SMC SwapMet, I'll show you two mowers that will last you a lifetime!

Boyd Gathwright
04-02-2005, 7:17 PM
Keith,

.... You have pointed out some very strong and good arguments about your machines. Sorry, I missed that segment of TOOL TIME. I would have enjoyed seeing a lawn mower race among two celebrities. I feel sure that, back then, it would have been well worth seeing.

.... When I was a small boy in grade school, I can remember seeing in the evening newspaper, which back then was the BALTIMORE EVENING SUN paper, adds for tractors with such ungainly ag tires. Never ever once thinking that I would own one of those kind of tractors in my distant future. And the strange thing was when that time did come for me to buy my first big tractor I remember glancing over and seeing the zero turning mower for the first time on the show room floor and thinking what an odd piece of gear it was. At that time, zero turning mowers were unknown to most people. We used REAL garden tractors, like the one you have, HAND mowers, REEL mowers, and POWERMOWERS. My encounter with zero turning mowers prior to buying my first tractor was seeing them in POPULAR MECHANICS as a kid. They struck me as a curios oddity. I never gave a thought that I would someday be using one.

.... I cut my eye teeth with a 61” SCAG and all but tore down a section of horse fence getting to know and understand it! Later came a 72” GRASSHOPPER and he and I got along well. Had NO trouble with the BIG deck, it was a natural. I did, however, notice that I could not turn too tightly. At that time, what appeared to be their small diameter tires would start to dig and or skid and I would have to back off and take it a little easier going into the turns.

.... I recently just bought a new machine myself. It's probably the overall equivalent to yours with some exceptions. It's supposed to have one of the highest tip speeds in the industry, if not the highest. It's a little heavier and most likely has a little more power since I got their bigger model. For months I wavered between the 60” and the 72” 7-gauge steel deck and finally decided on the 60” deck. That way I can get into tighter spots. I have asked if the decks are interchangeable and have not received an answer yet. The deck is fabricated, hydraulically controlled and is shaft driven. The rear tires are 24X12 probably close in size to yours though not as aggressive as yours, more of a turf tire. The front tires are independent suspension from the rear and can be locked down so I can crank up the front end and change or sharpen the blades.

.... I have always been an advocate of diesel engines. In my view they are equivalently more powerful and safer. In passed years, I have waited for a manufacturer to build a frame sturdy enough to overcome the high torque generated from these engines without shaking everything to pieces. Like you, I now have an old standby, a JD 332 diesel with a bullet proof transmission that I am replacing with my new machine and it, like yours, will have other lesser duties.

.... Thanks again for sharing your experiences and I hope we have given any others who may be interested some insight ;).

Boyd
.

Michael,

You might recognize the Jet powered Dixie Chopper from the TV show "ToolTime". This was the mower that Tim Taylor used to race Bob Villa on one of the ToolTime Shows.

We used our Cub Cadet to mow 2.5 acres for almost 30 years. When I decided to cut the back yard the total came to six acres so a larger machine was necessary to keep the mowing time down. It used to take me about 2.5 hours to mow the 2.5 acres with the Cadet, the Chopper will mow all six acres in about 1.5 hours, then it takes me about 30 minutes to trim. I am in the process of ordering a hydraulic bucket kit for the front of my Cub Cadet from cadplans.com so I intend to put my little mini brute back into service real soon, check out the Dixie Chopper tires on the back of my Cadet they really improved the ride and the traction :)

Boyd,

A hydraulic system uses oil for the drive medium and is supposed to be much stronger and longer lasting than hydrastatic systems. Farm tractors use hydraulic systems for their 3 point hitch systems and they always have as far as I know.

One of the most popular web sites for lawn care is lawnsite.com which is one of the places I visited when I was researching mowers. In the Spring of 2000 the Dixie Choppers were way ahead of the competition, many of the other manufacturers have improved their mowers now in an effort to catch up and in fact there are several brands that are excellent machines these days. I still am a proponent of the design of the Choppers though, the closer you look the more you will understand how well built they are and how easy they are to maintain. For the record I was en Engineman in the Navy so I've had some experience with hydraulics and mechanical systems. I am also a state certified small engine machanic but I like to keep that a secret because I don't want to have to repair every lawnmower in the family :)

The Cub Cadet with a 42" deck would cut about an acre an hour. The Chopper will do about 4 acres per hour, of course you have to adjust for the number of obstructions in your yard. The numbers work out as advertised for me, I can mow about 4 acres per hour in my open field at ten miles per hour. My wifes mother had a typical yard in the city, it took less than five minutes for me to cut her entire yard.

I found out about zero turn mowers by visiting a large tractor dealer in my local area that also sold Dixie Choppers. Jackie and I stopped in one day to look at their Choppers and to get some advice, I was sold on the Chopper as soon as I verified the salesmans information with those who owned Choppers. My main objective was to purchase a mower not a bush hog since I was interested in cutting grass. The Chopper will produce some of the most beautiful stripes you have even seen on a nice lawn, unfortunately I don't have a lawn I have six acres of common grass :( You should see a six foot wide stripe, it makes me grin just thinking about it.

It takes about two hours of riding time to get used to the steering system and even longer to get used to the 72" wide mower deck. Most people will tend to run into trees and houses at first because they aren't acclimated to how far the deck sticks out on each side of the machine. Once you get the hang of it you can walk the machine around a one inch diameter tree and cut real close.

Join us at the SMC SwapMet, I'll show you two mowers that will last you a lifetime!

Don Henthorn Smithville, TX
04-02-2005, 10:24 PM
but I could be pursuaded to part with this outstanding example of the modern riding lawnmower. However I will not ship. It must be picked up in person so I can see that it is going to a good home.
<br>
<img src="http://users2.ev1.net/~henthorn/mower1.jpg">

Boyd Gathwright
04-02-2005, 10:58 PM
Don,

.... That's a classic. I've never seen one of those before. What is it? I wouldn't want to part with it either. It appears to be still serviceable.

.... Thanks for sharing :).


Boyd
.

but I could be pursuaded to part with this outstanding example of the modern riding lawnmower. However I will not ship. It must be picked up in person so I can see that it is going to a good home.

Glenn Clabo
04-03-2005, 7:42 AM
Isn't anyone an American Chopper fan? Remember this one with a jacked up lawnmower motor...http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/amchopper/photogalleries/dixie/gallery/dixie2_hzoom.jpg
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/amchopper/photogalleries/dixie/gallery/dixie6_hzoom.jpg

Keith Outten
04-03-2005, 9:11 AM
Glenn,

I must admit that I watched both episodes when OCC was building the Dixie Chopper motorcycle for Magic Circle, the people who build the Dixie Chopper Mowers. I never thought I whould see a Chopper motorcycle with a Kohler engine on it :)

Don,

Your antique mower is quite the machine, looks like an old cast iron Briggs one lunger.

Don Henthorn Smithville, TX
04-03-2005, 9:49 PM
Don,

.... That's a classic. I've never seen one of those before. What is it? I wouldn't want to part with it either. It appears to be still serviceable.

.... Thanks for sharing :).


Boyd
.


It is an old Roof mower made in Chicago. Powered by a Tecumseh. Really great fun to drive. There are a very few left still running. Only other one I have heard of is one used to mow a cemetary. It will mow right up to the stones and they love it.

Terry Hatfield
04-03-2005, 11:36 PM
I'll throw another zero turn commercial type mower into the fray......

<IMG SRC="http://www.grasshoppermower.com/03/images/products/mower_pics/220-left_ROPS.jpg">

Grasshopper 200 series. I have a 20 horse with 52" cut. I have had it for 5 years and it is great. Cut my mowing time more than in half vs a regular tractor style mower and is built like a Sherman tank.

t

Aaron W. Gonya
04-04-2005, 2:06 AM
This is my first post here,

I'm another Woodworker/ Old Cub Cadet owner,

Most every week during the summer I mow with a couple of different restored/refurbished IH Cub Cadets. Seems to fit right in with vintage woodworking machinery.:D
The newer CC's are made by the Cub Cadet corporation, a division of Modern Tool and Die, but the production is seperated from low end MTD machines.
They are very well made, but nowhere near the leval of the International built machines.

Some of you gentlemen might find this interesting,
www.ihregistry.com (http://www.ihregistry.com)

Boyd Gathwright
04-04-2005, 9:13 AM
Terry,

.... That is an awesome machine. I have run the big 72” version of that with what I call the reverse tricycle gear with the Kubota diesel engine. It some kinda moves and covers a lot of ground fast and does a good quality job. Very nice machine indeed. With the diesel engine and proper maintenance it should last you a life-time.

.... Another SUPER good choice :).


Boyd
.

I'll throw another zero turn commercial type mower into the fray......

http://www.grasshoppermower.com/03/images/products/mower_pics/220-left_ROPS.jpg

Grasshopper 200 series. I have a 20 horse with 52" cut. I have had it for 5 years and it is great. Cut my mowing time more than in half vs a regular tractor style mower and is built like a Sherman tank.

t

Boyd Gathwright
04-04-2005, 9:52 AM
Hello Aaron and welcome aboard,

.... Let me be one of the first to say hello. Glad to see a another fellow woodworker who takes in other aspects of life besides WW. That link that you have shared with us is just plain great. Those are some very nice looking restored mowers. They look better than they did when they were NEW for sale. Uh oh, I think I hear the chief of pics coming (TYLER). Glad you posted that link or both of us would be in trouble :eek::D ;).

....Thanks for sharing and look forward to your future posts.

Boyd

.

This is my first post here,

I'm another Woodworker/ Old Cub Cadet owner,

Most every week during the summer I mow with a couple of different restored/refurbished IH Cub Cadets. Seems to fit right in with vintage woodworking machinery.:D
The newer CC's are made by the Cub Cadet corporation, a division of Modern Tool and Die, but the production is seperated from low end MTD machines.
They are very well made, but nowhere near the leval of the International built machines.

Some of you gentlemen might find this interesting,
www.ihregistry.com (http://www.ihregistry.com/)

Scott Loven
04-04-2005, 10:48 AM
Keith, my lawn (http://www.vmtw.com/shop/house101500.jpg) is all hill, I mow about 4 of the 12 acres that I own. How does the Dixie chopper do on a hill compared to a tractor type mower? Do you mow across the face of the hill, or up and down? I spend a lot of time sitting off the edge of my seat depending on which direction I am going.
Scott

Ted Shrader
04-04-2005, 11:56 AM
Aaron -

Welcome to the Creek. A great place to hang out and exchange ideas about all sports of things. There are a variety of interests here besides woodworking.

Welcome aboard,
Ted

Keel McDonald
04-04-2005, 12:11 PM
All I have to say is you can't go wrong buying a Deere. I've owned a couple of them. The last a long time, and retain their value if you keep them up. Good luck.

Keith Outten
04-04-2005, 7:26 PM
Keith, my lawn (http://www.vmtw.com/shop/house101500.jpg) is all hill, I mow about 4 of the 12 acres that I own. How does the Dixie chopper do on a hill compared to a tractor type mower? Do you mow across the face of the hill, or up and down? I spend a lot of time sitting off the edge of my seat depending on which direction I am going.
Scott

Scott,

Most of the manufacturers who build hrydraulic or hydrastatic driven machines don't recomend going straight downhill. I believe the reason is that machines that don't have a mechanical drive system don't provide any breaking force other than the hand brake so the machine will tend to accelerate downhill, plus the fact that since you must steer with the hydraulic system you can easilly lose control. Going uphill isn't a problem. The newer Choppers have a much lower center of gravity and are supposed to mow across the face of a hill very well.

I can't prove this to you since Eastern Virginia is absolutely flat, if it wasn't for the curvature of the earth and the trees I could see past Richmond from the Atlantic Ocean :)

Boyd Gathwright
04-04-2005, 9:04 PM
Hi Don,

.... Sent you a PM.

Boyd
.

It is an old Roof mower made in Chicago. Powered by a Tecumseh. Really great fun to drive. There are a very few left still running. Only other one I have heard of is one used to mow a cemetary. It will mow right up to the stones and they love it.

Glenn Hodges
04-05-2005, 2:43 PM
When my JD goes I plan to replace it with a Dixie Chopper to mow my 2 plus acres. I figure anything named DIXIE has to be pretty doggone good.