QuestionMany Thanks Eric! Yes, I think the beneift of readily available parts for a used riding mower makes a lot of sense. The Sears mowers all seem pretty basic and could be easily worked on. And of course, following the basic maintenance is always a good idea. So, I have been considering mowers that look like their air filter has been changed and the oil looks good -- no grimy oil or grit. And no smoke while burning. It looks like I'll settle on a Sears as this being my first riding mower and see how that goes. Briggs & Stratton engines have been reliable in the push mowers I have owned over the years, so we'll see.
My last question would be: someone once told me to run higher octane gasoline instead of adding a lead additive. What do you think about that recommendation?
Again thanks for your expertise.
Bill
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I would be mowing a fairly smooth (a couple of bumpy spots), 2 acre flat lawn. As far as attachments, I would consider possibly attaching a bagger and that's about it. And, I would like to have it for a few years -- 3- 5 seasons. Where I am, I mow from mid May until late September.
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I am currently shopping for a used lawn or riding tractor. I have looked at Toro, John Deere, Cub and Sears. Prices vary widely but I am finding that the Sears models all still run pretty good and parts seem to be readily available and they tend to be less expensive. My question: if you were to rate these machines, which would you recommend. I will be mowing a average amount of lawn and think a 12hp + mower will do the trick. Also, any tips when buying a mower.
Thank you much and I look forward to your reply.
Bill
Answer -
Is the yard flat and smooth or rough/hilly? Are there a lot of obstacles that you will need to mow around (trees, fences)? How long do you plan on keeping the mower? Are there any attatchments that you may wish to add in the future (tiller, blade, bagging system, snow blower)?
Let me know.
Eric
Answer -
Sears would last if you took good care of it. Kept it clean, changed the oil and sharpened the blades. I guess this is about the same for all the mowers. The best thing about Sears is you can order parts on-line. This is a major benefit...I love it!!
As far as Cub, I would try to avoid them. There good tractors but the company has had problems in the past...I had difficulty finding parts for mine.
JD is very good but the ones Home Depot sell are a little less quality than what the JD dealers sell. FYI, JD makes Scotts brand mowers and they're are cheaper.
Toro are just as good and the company has been strong for several years now so parts should be easy to find if you need them.
Does this help at all?
Let me know.
Eric
AnswerI wouldn't worry about the higher octane and do no use lead additive. Older engines, pre 70's required the lead mainly for the valves. As for the octane, almost all engines are designed for 87 octane except for high compression performance engines.
I use regular unleaded for all my lawn equipment and I'm sure most of our customers do. We haven't see any problems.
The only additive I would recommend is fuel stabilizer. Fuel in smaller quanities will become stale quickly, depending on where you live due the the additives in your fuel. Warm climate area fuel has very little additives and starts to go bad in as little as 30 days.
Change the oil regularly, use some fuel stabilizer and you should be fine.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Eric
