The BEST Mowers to Buy and What to Avoid at The Big Box Stores This Year!

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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

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[@TaintedTeddy]

I have a question is it possible to put a ztr deck on a regular riding mower?

[@huntdeer7910]

Hi love your videos how important is it to have serviceable transmission ona zero turn?

[@DavidA20200]

I have to admit everybody’s keeps telling me to get a Bad Boy Maverick and you’ll never regret it. I’m starting to believe it, considering how many reviews I’ve seen!

[@greggantt9004]

Great Video!! I was waiting for you to mention one thing, I noticed on the Bad Boyz. On the Avenger and the Maverick the front casters are different. The orange color changes to black when going to the Maverick, I assume a stronger made caster. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Very knowledgeable video and well delivered!!!

[@mattchristinacushman9393]

Can you do one but for dealers? Big box store items tend to be the lower end of the range. Great vid!

[@OldPumpMan]

It breaks my heart about Craftsman. When I was a kid we had a Craftsman garden "tractor" from the 70's that had an electric 3-point on it for a disc & blade, fully welded deck, etc. My dad always kept a service agreement on it & every year he would get the service guys to come out in the fall to go over it & that thing ran for over 30 years. I still have all my Grandpas, Dads & my Craftsman hand tools from before it was all crap. RIP Craftsman.

[@jefferywilson1840]

Those days are over,we’re lucky we still have somewhat of a country.

[@davidjudd951]

If a person isn't mechanically inclined, they shouldn't buy from a big box store. Buy from your local lawn implement dealer. There's reliable ways to find the good ones.

[@bobbyhempel1513]

Craftsman has been nothing but a name for a long time now.

[@richardlapoint1845]

Yeah I remember my grandfather had a craftsman mower for YEARS and this was back in the late 80s early 90s

[@ralphllivrah9551]

Why don’t people just look. There are only three manufacturers of these cheap residential mowers,at my last check. They are all crap. If you can buy a professional grade mower buy it and keep it serviced,it will save you in the long run. I don’t really think she has a clue.

[@garydavis5078]

I retired as an OSHA fatality investigator and have done a couple of deaths involving zero turns. ROPS systems are so important that I would never mow on any type of slope or by any ponds without one. My last death investigation was a young man mowing an apartment complex that had a small pond in the center of the buildings. The employee ended up having the bank of the pond cave in, causing the mower and him to flip over in the water. Even though the water was just over 2 feet, the mower pinned him under the water, causing him to drown. The other fatality was an employee mowing a slope, and upon turning around at the top of the slope, the mower slid sideways down the slope, causing it to flip over several times, crushing the guy. If either one had a ROPS (Roll Over Protection System), both would have not died.

[@willyck948]

I ran a zero turn once on a hill and never again. If you loose tractoion you could ride it to the bottom, verses a tractor that can usually steer. I also have wheel weights front and back with ag tires to keep stable.

[@garydavis5078]

@willyck948 The case where the employee was crushed flipping down the hill , he had started mowing earlier than normal, and the grass was covered with morning dew. He lost traction. Both accidents involved commercial mowers.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Accidents happen, weather you are on the job or not, (a rubber room job). You sound like you are involved with a class action law suit here, pleading your baby sitter case. Sorry, but I am discovering, if we want to live our lives free, we have to use our own brains and reject the baby sitters. By the way, when I see OSHA and "facility", I am thinking a factory, (as a manufacturing expert myself), not some apartment buildings lawn. The over reach of the baby sitters has grown. Is it OK with you, if we "grow up" with out your expertise? it is wasted profit now. Sorry again, I am a free market man.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@willyck948 I saw a guy on YT mow up a hill until the front wheels came off the ground on his zero turn, and he did a 180 (reversing one wheel) with the front end still in the air and pointed the machine down hill and continued mowing. Mowed the entire side of the length of the hill like that.

[@joshuacrow9495]

My son was at Arkansas Tech in Arkansas. He was mowing near the creek and it caved in. The mower landed on him pinning him under water. Thank the Lord I had him in the gym for 2 years and he’s as strong as a grown man. He blew his shoes out pushing and got out. He had a broken shoulder, slap tear in shoulder, dislocated knee, and tore the ligament that holds the knee cap. The company he worked for didn’t have work comp, so still working to get medical and lost wages. Looks like he will get about 8k. For a 15 year old to not be able to walk or use his arm for 6 months was terrible

[@lcee6592]

35 years ago I purchased a Gravely G series garden tractor. 1200 lbs / 50" deck moved by a single cylinder flathead 12 hp Kohler Magnum. Still makes a beautiful cut and never lacks power. Seems like all these home owner jobs are just selling a big hp engine with some lightweight sheet metal wrapped around it! I wouldn't trade my Gravely for anything new these days!

[@stinkycheese804]

Well, you did buy a garden tractor and these are, apples to apples, just mowers if they come with anything nearly as small as 12HP. Frankly I haven't had too many issues with thin metal on my 25 year old rider except, finally the deck has started rusting out, and although the cast iron front axle beam is fine, the wheel knuckle to axle welds have broken a couple times, but nothing a DIY weld job couldn't fix.

[@lcee6592]

@@stinkycheese804 While yes, there is a big difference between a true garden tractor and a riding mower, is it not peculiar all the riding mowers come with such large engines? Is the design of the transmissions and or the drive of the mower decks that inefficient they need a twin cylinder 22hp on a 50" cut 500lb rider? In the 70s we had a MTD 42" cut lawn tractor and I know it was built a good bit heavier than today, and it had a 7hp Brigs. That was all and it cut heavy grass no problem. I'm guessing it's "horsepower wars" going on these days for the marketing and sales. At least the engines should never wear out before the rest of the tractor...

[@stinkycheese804]

@@lcee6592 Of course it's marketing, but at the same time, if the choice isn't that of stepping down to a lower quality (make) engine, I don't mind running one at lower RPM and particularly with the air cooled lawn mowers, having that be gentler on the oil. If you think about it, if it is the same general engine design, it doesn't cost that much more for them to make the crank, pistons/rods, cylinder, etc a little bigger compared to all the other overhead expenses. Plus, with the larger engine, it has a larger *alternator* (all else equal), which in my case, allowed to get quite a bit of light out of LED pods to replace the pathetic factory incan headlight bulbs... not nearly as much as if it had a proper, modular alternator bolted on like you find on better lawn tractors, but still enough to power substantially upgraded LED lights.

[@the_mowron]

​@@stinkycheese804One thing about the giant overpowered engines: If they are single cylinder, you start to get an enormous kick every time the cylinder fires. These engines are the same block as the lower hp model, just bored and stroked to a larger displacement. That big jolt of power (ok, torque) can cause excessive vibration, break engine mounts, etc. I think 16 hp and up should be twin cylinder.

[@ronalddaub9740]

​@@the_mowronI have a ancient Briggs 14 HP twin that is sooo smooth

[@deannelson4920]

I took my Bad Boy in for servicing and new blades and the mechanic said’ I never worked on one of these but they are the best built mower I have ever seen!’

[@Largent13]

Guess he doesn't have any experience with toro or older bush hogs

[@bobbyhempel1513]

​@@Largent13 toro is trash.

[@jamesfountain6183]

I just bought a Bad Boy Rambler on advice from my step son & haven't regretted it. All I have heard is positive things about them.

[@Daniel-qe8qe]

Bad boy is junk

[@awdeveau]

I bought a badboy ZT elite with 60in deck and the kawasaki engine a couple of years ago. It mows a few acres about twice a week. Have a lot of wood fence posts that I try and get as close as possible so I don't have to do a lot of trimming. Have cought the deck on the posts a couple of times and it shifted the whole mower sideways, the deck is built like a tank. Huge difference from the Husqvarna zero turn I had previously. The Badboy is extremely durable and very reliable. Just replaced blades on it today, which is probably why I got recommended this video.

[@davidkean1487]

Guess I'm keeping my 54 yr old Gravely 566! That thing is gonna outlive me!

[@akadog6319]

then new GRAVLEY is not the same mower. It had a factory defect and GRAVLEY would not fix it. Gave it away and bought a BADBOY.

[@JoeC730]

I've got a snapper rear engine rider from 1990 that I bought used for $300 seven years ago. Works great and I bet will outlast anything nowadays! 😊

[@williemoon7522]

my craftsman rider is one year newer ..

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@CountryRock2k1]

Hang onto it, they aren't selling snapper tractors in the U.S. anymore.

[@lukedawg357SIG]

I worked at Snapper a few months in 2010 when they were built in Georgia before they moved.

[@garypic4083]

I retired My 2005, 28 inch Snapper, to my Vacation home lol only lawn about 3 times

[@toghikes]

One thing you left out about the dealer is that your riding mower will be properly assembled and adjusted correctly. Thankfully I had worked in the equipment field for about 8 years and had no problems correcting the issues on my brand new mower I purchased from a big box store. This was my first and last time to purchase power equipment for a big box. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@jray5363]

The John Deere’s at the big box stores are actually (supposedly) set up by the dealers! It voids the warranty if anyone but the dealer even takes them out of the crate! Big box store employees aren’t allowed to service them at all! And most of the others are almost fully assembled at the factory! A third party assembler might have to put on a seat or steering wheel, but that’s it for service.

[@rexread8118]

I bought a Toro Titan MX6000 10 years ago June from our local family owned dealer and couldn't be happier. I mow about 5 acres in about half the time as my old mower. I have a few steep banks that the zero turn can't handle so I finish that with my almost 40 year old Wheel Horse from the same dealer. Nothing wrong with the big box stores but the local dealers are worth the little extra investment every time.

[@ohiofarmer5918]

At least when Toro bought Wheel Horse they maintained parts inventory for a good while I was able to cut pasture grass and weeds down with a fifty year old wheel horse Raider ten and the new belt I had to buy was only fifteen dollars. Paid three hundred for that tractor that's built like a tank. The K series and Magnum series Kohler engines on the Wheel Horse will last and last. They are tough enough to run a breaking plow,snow blade and rear drive tiller.,. Those big twin engines come with much higher fuel consumption per acre as well. Thanks for the heads up on those Bad Boy mowers. The difference is obvious

[@NorthlanderMN]

You’re exactly right. When you need a part they’ll have it and get it. The dealers will take care of their customers.

[@dennis4lyfe]

Thanks for the info I have always bought commercial products No home owner stuff

[@staind288]

A serviceable hydro transaxle is one that generally contains external tanks for the hydros. This allows the oil to be topped off and/or replaced. ​@@williamclinton6609

[@Gomoboo]

I live in Hawaii, so my lawn grows year-round. I have over an acre of grass. I purchased a 46" pro series Craftsman with 24 hp Kohler back in summer of 2017. So far I have replaced both spindles and my blade drive belt. I replace my own blades, change my oil/oil filter, fuel filter and air filter and lubricate as needed. I also use ethanol-free gasoline. The issue here in Hawaii is that there are only a few dealers here in Hawaii (Kubota). As far as I know, if you need your mower serviced, you have to transport your mower to their shop. One thing I liked about Craftsman is that they came out in their Blue vans to due repairs, if needed. But Sears no longer is in Hawaii and their Blue vans only service appliances. Really sucks here for customer support.

[@geraldharvill4699]

I use to live in Orangeburg, SC, it is home to a plant making Riding Lawn Mowers. The Last I heard its name was Husqvarna. They made all the different Brands from Craftsman, MTD, and most of the others. All of them go down the same assembly line, switching for different models and names. All body panels were punched and painted there. Different models would use specific parts and thickness of steel. People would be amazed that the same people assemble all the riding lawn mowers.

[@albertsnow8835]

I think most of these mower companies buy their assemblies from a company like you are talking about. they then just assemble them into a complete mower. There is a company near me that does the same for cars! They stamp out parts for Kia, Mercedes and I think Toyota. Floors, doors, fenders ECT. Big place!

[@richardbaumgart2454]

Same with a lot of other things built here and overseas. I worked at a shop making annular cutters and they got packed in many different boxes, like snap on, mac, matco, mac, and hougen (hougen actually manufactured them in MI)

[@MrCR500AF]

Not sure but I beleive it was American Yard Products,then electrolux and now Husqvarna. They manufacture 917 source craftsman,Poulan,weed eater,lately Snapper(now back and owned by Briggs and stratton) and others... But never John Deere or MTD owned brands

[@barrysnipes4723]

I purchased a cub cadet zt1 54 4 years ago and I mow 4 rough acres once a week. No issues at all. It's a beast.

[@keoniwalaka8858]

I had a Bad Boy MZ Magnum zero turn... what a piece of junk! Constant problems and service. I got the Cub Cadet LT54 to replace it. Not a stamped deck on that model. Seems to be good so far. Much happier with it than the expensive and constant downtime of the BB garbage zero-turn!

[@sup8857]

​​@@keoniwalaka8858Kohler engine too, correct? The one she showed had an mtd in it

[@robtankbuster5215]

Funny are local mower shop owner always said Bad boy mowers are junk.

[@AFVetteran]

I have the same Cub Cadet but it is almost two years old and going in the shop for the second time in three months due to a leaking hydrostatic transmission. I wouldn't buy another mower with these garbage unserviceable hydros MTD uses in their residential zero turns.

[@daniellawless92]

@@robtankbuster5215well that guy is an idiot. What’s wrong with them? Because they have the best build quality out of all zero turns, they do not make stamped decks at all, even the smallest residential mowers have 7 gauge decks. Move up to the commercial mowers and you can get one with a 3 gauge deck. The motor options are the same as damn near every other zero turn brand, so how are they junk?

[@donjohnson3701]

This is truly an education! Thank you , Bre! It i s hard for a consumer who may only buy one mower like these in a lifetime to know which on to pick. Just like cars, picking the wrong one may turn into a money pit.

[@bluenetmarketing]

It's impossible to buy only one of the bad ones because they don't last.

[@stinkycheese804]

@@bluenetmarketing Meh, my MTD built has lasted 25 years and still mowing strong. Sure it has needed a few minor repairs along the way, but total cost was MUCH less than if I had splurged on some $2500+ mower. Granted, I am thinking in terms of what they cost 25 years ago, SO, yeah, it might cost closer to $2500 in today's money. Granted I am not mowing commercially, not 100's if not 1000's of hours per season. Keep the hrs/year in mind when deciding on what to invest in. donjohnson might have hit the nail on the head with the statement, "just like cars", in that if you are thinking in terms of every little lost bolt requires hauling it to someone to repair it, yeah that would add up. Fortunately mowers are not that complex, to the point where I would not tackle putting a new engine in a modern automobile, but I would on a mower.

[@bluenetmarketing]

@@stinkycheese804 I bought a used 11 year old Troybilt for $275 and put $100 into it in parts. It's been running for another 3 years with minor tinkering required. Used can be the best solution as long as you can do the mechanical maintenance work. Most men can, and even some women.

[@irvinslagter8298]

@@stinkycheese804 You said a mouth full when you stated it was 25 years old, back when MTD actually made a good unit. A lot of the old Sears units were good machines. Like someone else mentioned, the bean counters got involved, but in their defense the consumers bought the cheapest thing they could find, and wonder why it didn't hold up. It's still that way. I talked to my local Deere dealer last week and asked him what happened to all the 700 series mowers. About all they have is the X300 series with the non serviceable transmissions. He said, "I can't sell them, too high priced". Can't argue that, but millennials would rather buy a hot tub than a good mower that will last for years. 🤥🤥

[@nobodyreally8441]

⁠@@stinkycheese804it’s really annoying when people state their 25-30-40 year old so and so is great. No problems. Of course not! NOTHING is made as good as it was 30 years ago. This is 2024, a time when EVERYTHING is made as cheap as possible with as big a price tag as possible. We are here to try and figure out which is the best cheaply made product in 2024. I don’t have a Time Machine to bring back a MTD made 30 years ago.

[@bassmeister192]

I can honestly say my 5 year old Cub LTX 46 has been a workhorse....I have cleaned up a 3 acre pasture with it with only one spindle change due to barb wire getting to it....22 hp Kohler is a hammer. I have been looking into the bad boy z turns to keep the pasture clean in less time....thanks for all you do...those 2 spindle 46" Cubs ain't that bad.....

[@Dinosaurdance]

I’ve got a cub ultima zt3 and love it. We use it clearing & maintaining fence it’s been great. Were well over 1000 hours with the only issue being my brother in law ran diesel thru it so we had to change the fuel filter.

[@chrispenny1422]

Think of getting the same

[@chrispenny1422]

Looking at one of these thanks for review

[@user-eh1uz3sr9d]

I have had a Cub cadet for over 7 years and never done nothing to it but change the oil and mow my yard

[@williamswindle5445]

Me too. My zero turn Cub Cadet is 8 years old and I'm just now going to change the front tires. Mine has a Honda motor.

[@squid148]

Me too! Mine is 2 years old and I mow 3 acres. My mower has the Kawasaki.

[@jerseyjim9092]

I got about 7 years out of my cub cadet zt before it would barely move. Suspected the drive belt needed replacement and it was such a pita, I just junked the mower.

[@James-rb9gu]

U lucky

[@broncomustangponypower]

I sold my Cub Cadet with a Kawasaki motor that had about 280 hours on it and it was 11 years old. Never an issue-just regular maintenance. Bought an Ariens Ikon in 2021 and no issues with it either. Same Kawasaki engine and the deck is much more stable/sturdy than my Cub Cadet. Mowers are improving in construction and ease of use.

[@Jett371]

I must'a been lucky. My Craftsman lasted 17yrs (bought in 2004). It was a pain keeping it going at times but, I managed. I had to call a repair guy once toward the end and all he seemed to do was put new gaskets on the valve covers. Didn't fix the problem at all for $250. I then had to figure out what was wrong and fix it myself. It was running extremely loud like it had no muffler on it. I learned thru youtube, the valves needed to be adjusted. Bought feeler gauges and I'm sure it wasn't perfect but, it sure sounded more normal and lasted another 2yrs. I have roughly 5 acres to mow.

[@michaelrobinson2048]

I have a 2003 Craftsman Gt 5000 I've been mowing 5 acres with purchased from Sears.Motor blew after 20yrs & I bought a good engine out of a John Deere & changed the shaft & it's like new again. Better to keep it going than buy this junk today lol.

[@nonofyabusiness4780]

@@michaelrobinson2048 I got a 2002 GT5000 of season for $1500 at sears I cut 5-7 acres for ten years then move to 1 acre cut it up till 2020 would still be using original engine but left cover off and water got in engine. Bought used 26 professional B&S did a valve job and reseal. Its up and running again. I know it is Overkill for 1 acre with the 56in deck but so what cheaper and will ou last any new riding lawn mower. Engine cost me $250

[@sixty_7230]

Thank you for this video. Shortly after watching it I went to my local Husqvarna dealer and purchased a new TS248XD (my first riding mower ever at age 56) and while I spent more than I thought I'd have to before watching your video, I know this is well worth it and feel very comfortable with my mower for years to come. I appreciate your help!

[@wfmontgomery]

I purchased a Bad Boy Maverick for my wife and she absolutely loves it. We upgraded to the best suspension seat they offered and got the Kawasaki engine.

[@MrFordguy73]

I'm looking at a bad boy. However my dad's gravely is having issues cutting grass over 8 1/2 in tall. And I was apprehensive because they both have the same engines. Have you witnessed anything like this with your bad boy? I know you're supposed to cut your grass before that, but sometimes it gets out of hand if it rains and you're not able to.

[@connerewings5865]

@@MrFordguy73have a Mz rambler cuts like trash anything kindve thick needs two or three passes

[@roberthastings708]

Thanks. That's helpful

[@MrFordguy73]

@@connerewings5865 that's exactly how his is doing, I'm not sure what could be the problem, but it makes me not want to purchase one. Thanks.

[@wfmontgomery]

@@MrFordguy73 I couldn’t really speak to that. I got the mulch kit for her mower. So we really don’t let it get above 5in before we cut. The motor is strong, I suspect it would handle tall grass reasonably well if it did not have the mulch kit.

[@terrymitchell7714]

Bre, Thanks for being so honest, and not just a manufacturing sales person.

[@n2music174]

Bought an Ariens home tractor in 1988, still kickin today , got my money's worth over and over.

[@ThomasLove-d2v]

I got a Hustler 72” Mower with Kawasaki 1000 motor, and I love it and would not go nowhere but hustler !

[@sheriffbart616]

I bought a Kubota Z421 (?) in 2018. It's a tank and I love it. No problems.

[@alanmccalla6737]

You are truly upfront, honest, knowledgeable, and consise. Your opinions carry lots of weight and are based on product knowledge and years of experience.

[@robert.brokaw3829]

I bought a used Bad Boy Magnum MZ 5 years ago with 75 hours on it and really love it. I have 3.5 acres and that thing is a game changer. Great video Bre. Thanks and stay safe.

[@MrFordguy73]

I was looking at a bad boy, however my dad's gravely won't cut grass over about 6"without leaving strips behind. His has a Kawasaki and so the bad boy, I was wondering if they didn't have enough RPM. His is brand new with new blades. I can't be spending I can't spend $4,000 on something that won't cut. I was just curious how your bad boy was in that department?

[@gunsaway1]

I bought my JD from the dealer. Same price as Lowe’s but like you said I had instant service from John Deere. Mine has 300 hours on it and I have had no problems. I keep it well maintained. Love your videos.

[@tetedur377]

My push JD JS28 (I think) lasted 13 years.

[@briangoldman8209]

I bought my X300 from the JD dealer in 2010. It now has 750 hours and still purrs like a kitten but I also keep it maintained very well. Has a kW engine on it.

[@johnphillips4342]

My 2000 LX 277 is entering its 24th season. I bought it used in 2003 from my JD dealer to get a larger (48) deck than my 1990 LX 176 (32) deck to take an hour + off my mowing time. The JD mowers at the dealers are more robust with better engines and heavier constructed decks. I have it serviced by my dealer every year and am looking for many more years of service. The only complaint is that the plastic body parts , hood, and bumper get brittle with age and crack.

[@roberthastings708]

Which model did you get?

[@williewortman323]

900 hours on my x300 17 years old still running strong

[@stevenmoss2152]

I've had a JD LX 280 since 2005. Only serviced it, replaced belts, original battery after 10 years, blades, it has a kawasaki engine and I'm still using it today💪

[@locapitano]

I’m in the market for a zero turn, never owned one before and want to save hours on my tractor with just mowing. I appreciate your videos more than I can put in to words

[@race8427]

Bought a Troy Built shift on the go 17 hp single rider some years back, lasted 7 years mowing 1-3 acres, a 250 hour machine. Now have a Walker Mower 0 turn w/2700 hours with lots of life left. Chickanic your a peach!

[@andrewdonohue1853]

it's amazing they have built something that is designed to be thrown away at 250 hours. meanwhile there are still 40+ year old IH cub cadets that have been rebuilt that are still working.

[@dannymccarty6680]

An epic tour de force! Should be mandatory viewing for those in the market. Very comprehensive and illuminating. Thank you!

[@GaryDavis]

Great video! For those looking, I'd buy a Bad Boy from a dealer, not the box store. You'll have more choices on engines and deck sizes there as well.

[@RobC1979]

Why didn't you show up the "stamp deck" on the john deer, I didn't know that I thought they were welded I'm gonna have to take a second look but, thanks for the mention.

[@mikejensen6684]

My John Deere ZTR is 17 years old now. Belts and maintenance only. I did remove the irritating spindle guards to ease cleaning grass clippings. I’m not recommending removing a “safety device” but I did it assuming the risk and I’m the only person operating it. Very happy so far

[@unclefuddelmer8611]

This Lady is a top-shelf, lawn equipment reviewer person. Thank You ma'am for this info❗️

[@M_dot202]

My 2016 46" XT1 is still tunning strong, no issues. Over 150 hrs. Kohler powered VTwin

[@rrich8371]

You are so right with the welded deck. My Husqvarna rider has a welded deck and it's taken a real beating. Grease the spindles every year and never had a problem

[@napollard]

I have GTH 52XLS with welded deck. It is durable, but it is also a pain. I mow 5 acres and half way through, I have to maintenance the deck. It collects dirt and grass like nobody's business. I have scraped two, 5 gallon buckets full, especially if there is any moisture present during mowing. I would be happy with a pressed deck,IMHO.....

[@rrich8371]

@@napollard You are right! Welded is durable but a terrible pain when I remove it to do a thorough cleaning. I usually have to chisel away the buildup.... sheesh.

[@JimFleming1953]

Thank you for presenting a great video. I am in the market for a Husqvarna 54 inch zero turn, eventually.

[@glasswinder]

I just bought a new Husqvarna Z242F zero turn mower 24 inch deck with a Kawasaki 21.5 engine. This is my first zero turn I've ever owned. I currently have a Husqvarna YT 42DXLS model that works well too. 🎉

[@teamgreen404]

Thanks for the awesome post. We learned more in that short video than all of the shopping that we have done lately.

[@tommybeasley7135]

I prefer traditional lawn tractors vs zero turns. I could really use your opinions. My Scotts/JD is 23 years old, ran like a champ, but its time for a new one. Thanks!

[@ReasonablySane]

5 years ago I bought a bad boy elite 60" for $5k. I mow 9 acres in three separate lawn areas with some significant hills. I've actually broken two of the black bars that connect the deck to the frame. I also pick up barbed wire from time to time and even picked up a mattress bix spring once. That one was a real pain. I love this mower and even retired my tractor and bush hog. However, there were three problems. Two are design defects and one is a mfg. defect. The latter: the bolt holding the clutch/pulley to the motor shaft fell off. The vibration broke the wire to the clutch engagement solenoid. I had to replace the whole clutch, get the "professional" clutch (because it was about $100cheaper and better) and accept that about a half inch of the key slot was all chewed up. Interestingly, it finally took an email conversation with bad boy support to find out that, yes, that clutch will work. And it has, for two years. Kudos th BB for working with me. Design defects: 1. Battery bolt fell into the cooling fan for trans. Fortunately I caught it early so no real damage. Deck raising switch kept failing. But I replaced with the manual foot lever and, frankly, I prefer that. I noticed they all do it that way now. Biggie: the seat on mine had a plywood sheet as it's main support. Though I kept the mower out of the rain, the store didn't while it was on the lot. The wood rotted and failed the second year. I bought a 5/8" marine plywood sheet and carefully made a replacement from the outline of what was left of the old one, and bought new bolts and "embedded" nuts off amazon. It's always garaged so I expect this to last forever This mower has really taken a beating, though, and still runs strong. Oh, and I chose it because of the welded frame and the ability to lift the panel to easily access the top of the deck.

[@charliehall8820]

Luv your stuff Bought a D130 Deere in 2011 from a dealer. (Not the closest one)For $100 more than the Next model down got a bumper and the bigger engine. Value for the dollar. Properly set up and delivered. Been happy ever since 😊

[@johnalt4792]

I have the Bad Boy 42" from two years ago. That was the last year they offered the 42 with the Kohler twin cylinder 725. You can only get that size in single cylinder now. Fits through a 48" gate, easy to get on a small trailer, solid steel deck. 5 gallon tank lasts half a year or more. Easy to service and clean. Love it. Only wish it came with larger rear tires. Easy fix though.

[@TheWalkerjrc]

Not buying a mower for awhile but learned what to look for. I went to a dealer for my first exmark zero. What I learned on that one was it has a stamped deck with putty style weld patches. When goes I have the knowledge on what to look for.

[@jimbrewer2893]

There are so many options for the homeowner. This video makes some very good comparisons. Around here, we have the usual. Then there are local companies selling Kubota products. They have one that looks like the standard rider but has a high or low dump grass catcher! Great video Bre!

[@andy_plumbs]

Love my 2022 Bad Boy Avenger. Thing is built like a tank!

[@mikebolcavage5457]

You can listen to her or buy what you want, there is just one thing you have to do when buying a tractor, You must take care of whatever you buy. You can buy the cheapest and if you take care of it, it will last.

[@troylee3179]

Mostly if maintained most will serve you well. Some are definitely better than others

[@robertduncan2742]

Heck out the Yatka from Australia the designs are from big outfits, so that and bad boys are two

[@victorpayne6586]

Thanks Kiddo. I just happen to be in the market for a riding mower. Don't need any zero turns. Your content is always good--and helpful.

[@james-rk5sd]

I've got a troy-bilt pony 17.5hp 42in cut i bought new in 2010 and other than oil changes and plugs and filters and a blade change 4 yrs ago i've had zero problems with it! I also have other troy-bilt equipment! Never had an issue with any of them

[@ericpigg2689]

You need to be buying lottery tickets!

[@james-rk5sd]

@@ericpigg2689 and why is that🙄

[@robertmceuen3630]

Have a Troy Bilt push mower with a Honda engine. 4 years old, best mower I've ever had.

[@Ron-0417]

James, Remember, that back 14 years ago, a lot of manufacturers built better stuff than the crap they do today.

[@james-rk5sd]

@@Ron-0417 my troy-bilt trimmer and walk behind blower are only 4yrs old and so far no problems! So if you want to over pay for Husqvarna or john deer or any of the other big names more power to you. More expensive isnt always better its like anything else if you take care of it it will last

[@Michael_Ellicott]

after using up a craftsman rider from Sears and later a cub ltx 54" I finally broke down a few years ago and went to a local tractor etc dealership and invested in a Husqvarna TD 354 with a Kawai engine and a tuff turf 66 transmission with a locking differential ( I have some hills as I am on the east side of a catskill ridge) at the time the Husqi was twice as much as a cub or JD (3700.00) but they offered 3 year 0% finance 3 year) I paid it off in 2. The welded deck transmission leather seat and Kawasaki engine and large garden tractor tires were well worth the money and it is still running strong. Bonus is supporting a local small business rather than a faceless large box store

[@hc8771]

Cub Cader XT2 2016, mow 1arcre with ditches and slopes 3x week + fall leaves clean up. Steering is going slightly wonky but everything else bulletproof with regular maintenance.

[@earlbaker3996]

As a almost professional 😅 l take your advice very seriously.. l went to the dealership for my zero. I took your advice on the weed wacker and I am very grateful. I thank you for the education.

[@ChrisMuncy]

Thank you Bre! As a shade tree mechanic and doing my own small engine repair, I still learn stuff from you.

[@Chillituber]

Great review and advise. You will never regret getting a quality mower.

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

Thank You Bre! You dont know how much those of use out here in the wilds appreciate all that you so willing give to us! Living my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona

[@ReasonablySane]

I moved from Seattle to rural south central KY about 13 years ago. That driving video at the beginning looks exactly like where I live. I love it out here.

[@omahabigbill2789]

I bought my Craftsman 42" rider in 1997. For 20 years I cut 4 lawns a week that were 80'x183'. I have NEVER had any thing so wrong with the engine or transmission. I performed the right maintenance tasks on it every year. I never bought a starter for it either. I did buy tires once, but that wasn't that necessary. Best machine I ever bought. I know now after listening to you, I would not buy a new Craftsman! I'm down to just cutting my own lawn now, and if anything happens to the mower, I'll just hire somebody to cut the grass. 🙂

[@Refus777]

I have never regretted the time spent watching your truly informative videos! I wish there was a way of measuring the amount of money you save your viewers! Great job!!

[@Noblesquire]

I learned more on this video than I have on all the other lawn mower videos that I've watched so far and I've watched about 10 of them. Very good detailed explanations about everything.

[@tomdoty8334]

This video provides a valuable service to future buyers.

[@dburton7929]

Bought an Ariens zero turn 52” deck w/Kawasaki 691 engine, three years ago. Best mower I’ve ever owned. They are a little pricey, but you know the saying, “you get what you pay for”.

[@thomasbrewer1212]

As I said,it's what your pocket and your ea-goe will alow you

[@forresthoffman489]

I've been working on machines for about 5 years now. And I have to say it is SO refreshing to see someone else care about quality in mowers. I also once had to work on one of those Chinese troy-bilt engines and just taking the carburetor off was very annoying.

[@riker302011]

Great video/info! I bought a Bad Boy a couple years ago with the Koehler engine. They are definitely well built mowers that are easy to service. I also liked that the owner was previously deep into the NASCAR world, which in my mind explained the design and ease of access to important things without having to dismantle the machine.

[@geraldhandy2589]

When I bought my Husqvarna rider, the one I bought had a welded 54" deck, cast iron or steel spindles and an electric locker. It is one of the bigger and more expensive ones they have. It is NICE.

[@user-xs7dw8et6j]

I don't know what year or model yours is but when I looked at mowers a couple years ago the reviews on Husqvarna were worse than Craftsman

[@geraldhandy2589]

It's two years old. It is well built, runs good and I have had ZERO problems with it. Everything is right and tight! I know a couple other people that have never had problems with theirs either. Maybe some people got one with a problem, but that does not mean all if them are bad. Just like with cars and trucks, there are always going to be problems with some.

[@user-xs7dw8et6j]

@@geraldhandy2589 I have to wonder whether there are better built models within a brand. Some people have a great experience with their new Craftsman mowers while I've replaced a battery and the deck belt within the first 2 years. Are they all MTD now?

[@geraldhandy2589]

@@user-xs7dw8et6j You can't fault the maker or assembler of the machine. All they do is assemble the units from parts made by a number of sources. The maker of batteries will have a bad one from time to time, same as the maker of the belts and other parts. That's the way it goes with mowers, cars and trucks, tractors and basically everything.

[@user-xs7dw8et6j]

@@geraldhandy2589 Yea, I agree with you. The reviews on my Craftsman commonly mention bad belts though so it makes me wonder if Craftsman chooses to put cheap belts on. I put an aftermarket belt on and I'm curios to see how long it lasts

[@jimdandy7227]

Nothing beats my 1994 John Deere 445 garden tractor !

[@kajlerdog628]

Oh yeah I have a x485 and it’s a pulling beast

[@fergusonto-2032]

I have a JD 425

[@brad7670]

A simplicity sunstar is very similar but will out cut a JD. Both long lasting great machines

[@andrewdonohue1853]

my kubota BX sub compact? it's a BX2350 i bought used but it's still a fantastic machine, it will do everything yours will do...... and more.... on half the fuel and it will last thousands of hours (diesel)

[@rdpfc2155]

1999 455 Diesel. Still going strong, which is amazing since I've continuosly used it as a bushhog cutting trails. 😀

[@rkboggs4553]

I really like my Grasshopper, I had never heard of them but after researching, they are solid, had it for 2 yrs so far, mow 4 acres of grass and a few forest trails, It starts and cuts great every time I use it.

[@Daehawk]

My rider is a John Deere. My yard Powe tools are all Echo. And my normal power tools are Ryobi and Black & Decker. I think I've made wise decisions.

[@abrown38975]

I'm glad you covered Arien's zero turn mowers. I picked up a 52" a few years ago. Very solid mower and built well. The Kawasaki engines are very dependable.

[@philliphall5198]

Yes the k engine v series is best at this time 😊

[@paulprigge1209]

As always thank you from Country hick Missourian. Just so many people so much. So grateful

[@mikedaugharty5544]

Thanks for the tour of the mower yards

[@syscruncher]

I lucked out (sort of) on a single cylinder Briggs on a Hustler. It got me just shy of 15 years of operation, at the cost of needing to replace the head gasket a couple times…which isn’t a terrible DIY task. It was still running strong, so I sold it off on Facebook and picked up a Kawasaki-powered John Deere. Hopefully this one can last me until gas engines are outlawed.

[@tmcquinn]

Thanks for your video. I've been nursing my 1993 John Deere along for quite a while but its days are numbered. I have not kept up. Knowing about the camshaft issues alone makes the video worth watching. I'm going to look closely at Husqvarna riding mowers when the day comes, then JD if need be.

[@juddblaney9320]

Bought a Bad Boy ZT Elite 54” w/ Briggs 28HP a month ago from dealer 3 miles away. Love it. Another thing to note about zero turns is that they basically get compared by the equal transmissions and engines. My ZT Elite has Hydrogear 3100s and that’s the same as the Toro Titan Max. I paid $2000 less for the BB and essentially got the same mower.

[@kevinking4371]

I am shopping for a zero turn. I found the Spartan is made by one of the original owners of BB. Very similar and less money.

[@MrCelticatheart]

On point, and yes the Bad Boy mowers are the best bang for the $!!!! Nailed it Bre.

[@Gary_in_NoVA]

“Not going there . . . don’t want you to burn your house down.” Pure gold.

[@user8603]

Excellent insight and dead on with my experiences in over 30 years in business. Thanks for providing information that real time consumers can evaluate based on their budgets and needs.

[@stevegalland9820]

The Bobcat zero turns are the best. Kawasaki engine, excellent transmission, welded, robust deck. Well made all around. I've had one for 5 years and runs like the day I bought it. It's a beast.

[@jimoakley3436]

Briggs and scrap iron.

[@williamhanley2566]

I bought a John Deere 22 HP rider when they first came out. JUNK!!!

[@ufinsesible]

Probably bought the wrong mower for your needs. I have seen many people by on horsepower alone. Box store tractors are for flat yards only no matter the HP.

[@ITOLDUDA]

If anyone buys the John Deeres with the 2 cylinder engine with their gimmicky quick oil change (it's like $70+ per oil change), get the conversion parts to convert it back to a standard oil filter and oil drain plug. You'll need parts AM131611 and MIU13767 plus the standard filter AM125424. There are videos on YT that show how to do it. It will save you a fortune and probably make your engine last longer since the quick change leaves a lot of dirty oil in the engine. If you are buying a rider, buy a John Deere. Do not buy anything MTD makes.

[@ronalddaub9740]

I did that and put a valve on it that I can lock makes it really easy to change oil

[@marksayers4105]

Don’t buy a John Deere from a box store. They are crap, just like the other brands. If you want a real JD buy one from a dealer that was built in Horicon Wisconsin. With the proper maintenance they will last you lifetime.

[@ITOLDUDA]

@@marksayers4105 Nothing wrong with John Deere built in Greenville, TN.

[@erdill355]

@@ITOLDUDAGreenville makes the zero turns, correct?

[@jameskuykendall208]

great video. i'm on the verge of buying a 0 turn so it's nice to get some insight and info on most of the ones i'll be seeing where i'm at

[@albertsnow8835]

Good video! Thanks! I have found the JD rider has a very good tractor but the decks fly apart in just a few years (3-4). Actually had a spindle drop to the ground while mowing! Thin steel and brittle as well. I have a Huskvarna rider that the left rear seal keeps failing. Has been replaced 3 times over 8 years. Also the hydrostatic trans seems weak and does not want to pull a incline. Plus the pedal has major issues! The mower is best for flat yards only! So far the HV zero turn is been good. No issues and is dealer bought!

[@Jeffrey-t8g]

In 1988 I was Dept. Manager over lawn & garden for a Lowe's. They claimed if someone bought the Taskforce 12 hp 38" cut lawn tractor (MTD) selling price $888, they made $50. If it was sold on the Lowe's Low Payment Plan (didn't have their own credit card then) they made $400 on it. That low payment plan didn't take up any space in the warehouse. Also while there was when Briggs & Stratton came out with the V-twins and went to product demonstration at a Holiday Inn, those engines sounded good.

[@ED-ti5tc]

Great video! I'm so glad you made this review video. I was looking at mowers and never forgot what you said in earlier video about the single cylinder engine. Thanks for helping us!

[@daniellang6112]

Your hair looks wonderful in the wind!❤

[@shanedawson-xt3wt]

I just bought a ZTXS4 54 Zero turn 26 hp Kohler 7,000 Pro series & it’s Fracking BEAST!!!

[@Lime-Spider1959]

These machines vary worldwide. I have a CC with a 24hp Kawasaki motor and 42" Fabricated deck comes with a 6 year warranty here in Australia.. It's a reliable beast it's got big wide tyres and everything. I love it I, need it , I'm a backyard star Yew !!

[@johnlew5972]

Perfect timing THANK YOU!!!

[@tonyhedgecock7472]

ITS NOT THE SIZE OF THE DECK! ITS HOW YOU USE IT!

[@shawndalton8090]

My friend bought a John Deere compact tractor for his farm. He let me drive and I was shocked to see it was made by Mahindra or Kubota tractor.. why pay for the JD name.

[@rone8542]

Still love my 2014 Husqvarna PZ5426FX. Still runs perfectly. Best spindles ever. Never had to replace with over 550 hours on this zero turn. Bought this machine used in 2018 with 310 hours on it. I have 4.2 acres to cut with some rough terrain and on a hill. If you take care(service it per specs) of this machine it will take care of you. When I first bought the machine I had areas with heavy grass that was 3 1/2 feet high. The machine powered through without any problems at all. In 5 years and an extra 240 hours, this machine has never let me down, except when I had to replace the blade switch (which to 5 minutes). The only things I’ve had to do is change plugs, oil, lube, replace blades and replace the blades (PTO) switch (All standard upkeep.) It still looks and operates like new. Highly recommend. As they say you get what you pay for.

[@jadonnoble5621]

I was going to say on the John Deere’s that yes their decks are stamped and the residential ones aren’t as good but there 900 series commercial zero turns also have stamped decks but they are 7 gauge steel and are built like tanks. I bush hog with mine all the time. It gets through grass better than any mower I have and I run a lawn care business.

[@mr.fixitakavic16]

Have been using the Ariens IKON 42" zero turn with the Kawasaki engine for over 4 years and zero issues on anything. Lowes purchase. You were spot on with the bad mowers.

[@GorillaStrengthEquipment]

I worked for MTD for awhile. I cant disclose what I did but I design fitness and manufacture fitness equipment now so assume what you will :) Black and Decker purchased a portion of MTD years ago. I sit in on a meeting when thr rep of BnD said, "You are builing a 5k lawn mower and selling it for 3k. You need to build a 3k lawn mower and sell it at 3k." That was in reference to the Cub Cadet. That was many years ago. MTD at that time was owed by a single family. I objected and ended up leaving the company. The older Cub and Troy equipment are top-notch. The stuff produced in the last 20 years is garbage

[@GarageGear]

Love how you skip right over the ego junk! I don’t waste my time with that either lol! Good video Bre!

[@henryhill3778]

Eco you mean?

[@GarageGear]

@@henryhill3778 Echo makes great equipment. Ego battery equipment is junk. 👍

[@cdipierro]

Why is it junk? I’ve had an Ego mower for three years, no problems at all. No problem with the leaf blower either. No maintenance except sharpening the blades.

[@GarageGear]

@@cdipierro I think this video sums up the quality of their stuff pretty well. HOW LONG DOES THE EGO 615CFM BLOWER BATTERY LAST kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWSlkHeXpa59jqM

[@cdipierro]

@@GarageGear Meh, so you had one experience and drew a conclusion from that. OK. Well, I've had my own experience and have not had any problems with the batteries or the tools. And I know lots of people personally who have had the same experience. And it may be that the gear doesn't exactly live up to the advertising, but that's not a new thing. My original point was that, for the average person with a modest yard, the Ego mowers work just fine. I have no problem with ICE mowers, but I'd just rather not be bothered with the maintenance or the gas smell if I don't have to. And the Ego mower folds up and stands on its side so I can tuck it into the corner of my garage, taking up very little space. It just works for me.

[@akadog6319]

I bought a BADBOY and am very happy. I had the old CRAFTSMAN for 19 years and transmission hung up in high gear. Put on the curb and 15 minutes later someone drove it off in high gear. News ones suck.

[@dennyergler9009]

I have a sato diesel ,4 wheel ,live hyd bought it new 50 years ago.had to but ft tires on it e times.i put a water pump on it . I use it ti plow snow drag fire wood and mow grass. It is a great tractor

[@kurtdianebaumgartner972]

Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge you are saving people a lot of money!

[@patriot1952-os6mh]

❤ WHAT'S A GOOD PUSH MOWER? ❤

[@TheMetalheadHomestead]

She isn't wrong about Home Depot sending you to someone else. With a Cub Cadet that is 10 days old all I got "contact Cub Cadet or return the mower within 30 days." After finding out that Cub Cadet apparently doesn't have humans on the payroll and keeps their phone lines on for the sake nostalgia, I have decided to return it. Perhaps I will go with a Bad Boy.

[@HiTek3]

Ariens and Gravely are my favorite. Be sure to check them out.

[@t2green374]

Scag or Hustler. We currently have a Scag Liberty with a Kawasaki. Its a tank that mows at 7 mph.

[@HiTek3]

​@@t2green374 if you have SCAG money you don't need to bother with anything else. SCAG is awesome but if you don't have SCAG money Gravely makes a fantastic machine.

[@Realjordanlane]

We use Cub Cadet zero turns for my lawncare business and have never had any issues with the spindles. The Kohler 7000 series is a great engine and very reliable with proper maintenance.