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We have 2 small rider mowers, let me tell you about them. First, we have a 3 year old Craftsman. It has the 22 HP Kohler V-twin 2-cylinder engine. It's got a 50" deck with 3 blades. It's got the automatic transmission (hydrostatic drive if you want to call it that). We have had to replace parts from time to time. If you're handy with tools, then they aren't too bad. They are a very good price, but as others have mentioned, expect some problems. The Craftsman is great from an operating point of view. Easy steering. A little difficult to get on as you can't step though it like some other brands, but that varies with the various Craftsman models. Easy speed adjustment with the automatic, and it's essentially got cruise control (no having to keep your foot on the gas pedal all the time). Decent turning radius. Decent cut (grass looks good when done). Engine fairly good from a vibration point of view. A single cylinder engine would vibrate more for this HP rating, that's why we went with the 2 cylinder engine. To repeat, expect to replace some parts. Always have a spare set of blades so you can swap them out quickly and sharpen the dull ones them at your convenience.
We also have a 5 year old "Lawn General" mower, same as a Murry, I believe. It's 18 HP with a 42 inch cut. It was a good price, but we have had to replace parts and do various repairs. It's a single cylinder engine, and you notice the vibration. Not a bad mower, but not outstanding, either. It's a little harder to steer. and, with the hydrostatic tranny you have to keep your foot on the gas pedal all the time.
Basically, you get what you pay for. For 1½ acres, a cheapy mower probably would be OK. But, if you're not handy with tools, think about a better quality mower, like a John Deere or Cub Cadet, etc. I'm not sure their lower-end models (like the JD's sold at Home Depot now) are all that well built. But, if you go to an authorized dealer and get a middle line or top line mower, you're going to get a quality piece of equipment and will have to pay for it. You're also going to get a dealer that will be there for you when you have a problem.
With both mowers, I wear ear plugs. Every rider I’ve used, as well as my 2N & 8N, is noisy enough to necessitate using ear protection. The few times I didn’t wear ear plugs, I noticed a ringing in my ears when I got done. These pieces of equipment make enough noise to require ear protection if you don’t want to risk hearing loss.
Just my 2¢.
Bri
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