ZTR mowers

 I've got a flat 1 acre lot and am considering getting a smaller ztr
mower.  I just compared the cub cadet and troy bilt 42" mowers and
found that they are made by the same company (MTD) and virtually
identical except for 1hp difference in the Kohler engine.  Even most
parts are interchangeable.  Well, maybe the cub cadet has a few minor
niceities.  So my question is: is the cub cadets 1 extra hp (20 vs 19)
and a few minor features worth the $300 price difference or is it
paying for name recognition only?
Yeah, I know the Kawasaki engine is better but they only come on the
larger size mowers.

Red

 Red wrote:

Both are pieces of crap. Don't throw away your money, buy a decent machine.

--
Art

 

Why?  Bear in mind the mower will be used on a single yard only and
not commercially.


That's why I asked the question.  Buying more mower than I need for
the job is throwing away money also.  Is a Lexus better than a Chevy?
Yeah, but the Chevy will get me to Walmart and back just as many
times.

Red

 KC wrote:

MTD builds crap. I don't know why, you'd have to ask them. Parts are
thin stamped steel, bearings are poor quality, shafts are of minimal
diameter, blades are thin and not heat treated, tires from China. Every
part they use is absolutely the cheapest thing they can source.

There is also something to be said for the availability of things like a
mulcher, bagger or other towables or push attachments. MTD hasn't got
much and what they do have is usually ill-fitting and flimsy. Often
replacement parts for attachments are not available at all.

I suggest you take a look at a couple of homeowner models of Hustler,
Dixie Chopper, Snapper or whatever is available down at your local power
equipment store. There you can see the difference. Compare the weights
of the machine and the quality of the parts. Kick the tires even.

I realize you don't need a commercial machine but I'd think you'd want
the best bang for your buck and that is rarely found with the cheapest
product available. You may wind up with an MTD in the end but at least
you should know what else is out there.

--
Art

 
Thanks.  Now that is a very informative reply.  I will now be checking
out other models.

Red