The cheaper cub cadets are made by MTD. You are spending a lot of money you didn't need to on yellow paint until you get pretty high up in their product line.

 

Bumping this thread.

I'm trying to find a good riding lawn mower.

Wife and I just bought a house and it has about 2.5 acres of grass to cut. I need something reliable and moderately priced.

 

What's "moderately priced" ?? Any hills ??

Under 1500, there are a lot of options, but with 2.5 acres, you'd probably be better off with a machine from 2500 and up. With that amount of land, you'll have to skip the cheap box store stuff (lowe's, sears, homedepot), and move up to a real garden tractor (vs. a smaller lawn tractor).

 

If you want something that is going to have some utility (pulling carts, etc) then I agree with Greenie, get a garden tractor that can accept some nice attachments. With that kind of property you will get a lot of use out of a garden tractor. Otherwise I recommend you look into a zero turn rider. They can cut grass faster than a tractor.

You will need to spend a few thousand.

 

I'd prefer not to spend more than $2000 on a mower. Do you guys recommend a certain brand? I am definitely not going to home depot, lowes, sears, etc to get one.

 

Deere, or Kubota

 

Look into a used Commercial grade Deere or Toro zero-turn.
Plenty around here on Craigslist for $2,500 and they will get you through your yard much faster than an average garden tractor would while being very reliable and affordable.

 

thanks, youre right. i have been checking out clist every day looking for a good deal and there are definitely some out there. I had a guy offer me a 2004 toro zero turn with 300 hours for 1800 but i've yet to look at it. I figure there will be quite a few for sale this winter or at least i'm hoping.