Which one is better (Mower Comparisons)
#1
06-21-14, 08:35 PM
Which one is better (Mower Comparisons)
Plz don't say buy a Deere, these 2 below is what I have for a budget.
(I have flat land , .25 acre)
is there much of a difference between 15 and 19 HP?
Is TB bette
1. Troy-Bilt Pony 15.5-HP Manual 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine
Item #: 521677 | Model #: 13WM77KS011
Not Yet Rated
$999.00
2. Ariens | Model #: 960460061
A19A42 42 in. 19 HP Briggs & Stratton Automatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower
$1299
(I have flat land , .25 acre)
is there much of a difference between 15 and 19 HP?
Is TB bette
1. Troy-Bilt Pony 15.5-HP Manual 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine
Item #: 521677 | Model #: 13WM77KS011
Not Yet Rated
$999.00
2. Ariens | Model #: 960460061
A19A42 42 in. 19 HP Briggs & Stratton Automatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower
$1299
#2
06-21-14, 09:11 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
I'd stay away from anything made in the past 20 years that says troy bilt or anything else made by MTD. Everything else is better.
#3
06-22-14, 04:50 AM
Member
I would not buy an Arien's if it was given to me.
I know it's not what you wanted to hear. Two people with opposing views!
My suggestion...Today's appliances are meant as throw-a-way with limited lifetime. Be it lawnmower or snowblower, buy the cheapest you can find and assume you will need to replace it within 7 to 10 years.
I know it's not what you wanted to hear. Two people with opposing views!
My suggestion...Today's appliances are meant as throw-a-way with limited lifetime. Be it lawnmower or snowblower, buy the cheapest you can find and assume you will need to replace it within 7 to 10 years.
#6
06-22-14, 08:28 AM
For a quarter acre, have you considered a self propelled deck mower? IMO a rider is overkill for small yards. For your budget, you could get a really nice one.....with a cup holder 
#8
06-22-14, 10:13 AM
Yes, there will be a noticeable difference in the horsepower. Not that you will use that added horsepower in a small setting, but it will be there. Possibly a different engine, too, from a B&S to a Kohler. Just check that out.
#10
06-22-14, 11:43 AM
B&S are workhorses. Keep an eye on your oil level and they'll be good. I've had kohler, and not had problems. I run a Kubota diesel, now, and couldn't be happier.
#13
06-22-14, 07:27 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
You probably won't see a difference in the horsepower. The ariens mowers I've seen lately were made by AYP (same as husquvarna, poulan, and the better craftsmans... also in my opinion the best budget price mower manufacturer).
If you look at a craftsman, be careful. The cheaper ones are made by MTD now. Look at the model number. If the first three numbers are 917, then it is made by AYP (the good ones).
If you look at a craftsman, be careful. The cheaper ones are made by MTD now. Look at the model number. If the first three numbers are 917, then it is made by AYP (the good ones).
#14
06-22-14, 09:49 PM
I'm torn between the troy bilt hydrostatic (Koehler engine) and airens hydrostatic (Briggs engine) I hear MTD is cheap... Should I go with the airens then?
#17
06-23-14, 07:28 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
If you go for the troy bilt, definitely go for the hydro because their variadrive system is riddled with problems and I've seen those transmissions fail in less than 2 years. On the ariens, a hydro is nice for convenience, but the standard transmission is quite dependable.
