New lawn sown on 1 acre site couple of months ago. Doing well.Next march/April cutting will start. A few questions for any experts out there.I want to purchase new ride on mower capable of tackling acre of grass with a few 20 degree slopes. In around 4k to spend.
1. Am I right in thinking now until Feb is a good time to seek out deal?
2. Is it worth looking over the non-hard border as many dealers seem to advertise from the north?
3. Should I collect or mulch. I have time on my hands for either?
4.Will a good mower with mulch plug/option really mulch well?
5. Want to purchase 20+hp any suggestions regarding make/model/dealer.
Thanks D
1 - Only concern buying off season would be stock, don't get shafted on 'deal' just because it's all they have.
2 - Yes, cash, VAT (ahem). Unless you've got someone local, and they'll look after you for any warranty or servicing issues, but even then I probably wouldn't be that loyal!
3 - Great having the option for either. As above, mulching is for dry weather, but for a new lawn it would be great to put it back in. Nice on those summer evenings to give it a nice quick mulching trim, and those grass piles build up quick if you're collecting all the time.
4 - Make sure it's got mulching blades as well as the mulching plug. The mulching blades have got more 'blade' cut into them, as the grass re-circulates around the deck and gets cut up more. The mulching plug alone just gives you a non-collecting mower.
5 - Castelgarden is the big name around my area. Myself, father in law, brother in law, neighbours, all have Castelgarden. Castelgarden, Stiga, Alipina are all effectively the same chassis with different bodywork and options. And most come with your standard Briggs and Stratton engine anyway.
Stick with main brands other than that - Mountfield, Honda, Stihl, Husqvarna.
Checkout local service spots to see what they prefer or do most of.
I would recommend automatic gears, typically known as hydro-static. Makes life a big easier.
Push button blade engagement is nice too instead of mechanical lever.
For an acre I'd be paying attention to deck width - you should be looking at 102cm / 40" or bigger.
I'd also be watching the bag volume if you're planning on collecting. I don't have volumes to hand, but my older mower has a bigger bag (+20l?) than my father in laws newer mower. I noticed the difference straight away. Same engine, same deck width, but I'd take the bigger bag anyday. (His mower does have a nice beer/drinks holder though ...)
With the space you've got, I'd also look at getting a mower with an option for a tow-bar. I've got a few attachments for mine and it's amazing how handy it comes in. Tipping trailer is a god-send, no more back-breaking wheel barrows. You can also get some nice tools like spreaders, rollers, spikes, de-thatching. Drag matt for levelling the gravel driveway (very posh).
20hp is loads, I wouldn't be afraid of anything from 17hp upwards. My 17.5hp motor died (turns out they need oil too .... oops), but replaced it with a 19.5hp, and no difference. Mind you, if you opt for a tow-bar and trailer, and end up pulling loads of soil around the garden a few hp more will certainly help.
Good luck with the purchase and enjoy!
Tom