best lawnmower with bagger

[Mpower]

i've had my toro (i think 3hp) for 8 years. Runs strong considering I've never changed the oil, spark plug, performed any sort maintenance, the only thing i've done is refill the gas tank.

[Burr]

I've had my Honda for so many years I can't really say exactly how long? Probably 16 years? Certainly more than 14 years, cuz that's how long we have been in our current house, and I got it before then.

I've had the transmission go out (shaft broke) and have replaced the wheels, as they have worn out, and will need to replace the wheels again soon as they are pretty much slicks again now.

When it comes time, I'll buy the Honda again. Best thing about it is my wife is completely comfortable starting it, so I hardly ever get to use it. For many years, I used it to cut lawns on 3 residential lots I own. But over the last 5 years or so, I've added a rider, so the usage is less than now.

Is it the best? Not really sure, but it's been fine for me. Very satisfied with the mulching, I only use the bagger for spring and fall. Summer is pretty much all mulching for me.

[Morton]

Before the question can be answered effectively IMO ... we probably need to understand how the clippings will be handled / disposed of.

There are add on trailer units with self powered vacs and will hold enough clippings for almost 1/2 acre and then dump.

With one of these the tractor deck just needs to have a good quality of cut and enough motor to support other uses.

Hard bag collectors are difficult to handle if they need to be lifted into a truck bed.

Soft bags are great for handling and storing but can tear from stones, mulch and other debris.

Maybe I am over thinking this whole thing ....

Morton

[REW]

Mpower,
You are not doing your lawn mower any favors by not changing the oil.
Just like your boat, you should change the oil at least once a year. If you haven't changed the oil for 8 years, you likely have near tar in your crank case.

Change the spark plug when it doesn't run any more.

Good luck
REW

[REW]

Jet,
I know that you are asking for a rider with a bagger attachment.
I read and understand.
But, as one of the other posters asked, what are you going to do with the clippings.

I used to bag for years and years. Many trips to the compost lot each year with the clippings.

But since going to the rider with the mulching blades, I would never go back. I also run with the chute elevated at about 30 degrees. This allows the cut clippings to nicely spread out across the grass and settle into the turf to feed the turf.

For the few times during the year, when the grass has gotten extra long and the clippings are a bit much, I will first cut the grass in one direction, and then go over it at right angles to further chop up the clippings and even the cut.

If it is a very very difficult case, I might take the few sections that are left and go over it a 3rd time to further chop and distribute the clippings.

But under normal circumstance, I find that one cutting is just fine.

But, if you want to bother with the clippings and bag and then go out and buy fertilizer to do the same thing that the clippings do, go ahead and use the bagger attachments.

If you do have a bagger and have not cut for a while, lift the deck to the top and cut the lawn the first time. Then, come back and if you want the grass shorter, cut it again. This really helps to reduce the issues with bagger plugging.
I much prefer to use the Oregon brand "gator" mulcher blades. Very good mulching action, but still very high lift for a great deal of wind to blow the clippings where needed.

http://www.oregonchain.com/pro/produ...des/blades.htm

[Mpower]

Originally Posted by REW

Mpower,
You are not doing your lawn mower any favors by not changing the oil.
Just like your boat, you should change the oil at least once a year. If you haven't changed the oil for 8 years, you likely have near tar in your crank case.

Change the spark plug when it doesn't run any more.

Good luck
REW

believe me, i know it doesn't bode well for longevitity, but i'm not trying to set any records. I have enough stuff that requires maintenance (boat, cars, house), I choose to not deal with the lawn mower. At a few hundred bucks new, i figure i'll just run them to ground and replace new every 10 years or so.

[jet man]

Originally Posted by Morton

Before the question can be answered effectively IMO ... we probably need to understand how the clippings will be handled / disposed of.

There are add on trailer units with self powered vacs and will hold enough clippings for almost 1/2 acre and then dump.

With one of these the tractor deck just needs to have a good quality of cut and enough motor to support other uses.

Hard bag collectors are difficult to handle if they need to be lifted into a truck bed.

Soft bags are great for handling and storing but can tear from stones, mulch and other debris.

Maybe I am over thinking this whole thing ....

Morton

They have a wooded back part of their lot and dump in piles back there. they drive back in and dump then come back and cut some more. if you knew my niece you wold understand there is no changing here mind LOL. she is gonna bag!

[gregk9]

Originally Posted by Morton

Before the question can be answered effectively IMO ... we probably need to understand how the clippings will be handled / disposed of.

There are add on trailer units with self powered vacs and will hold enough clippings for almost 1/2 acre and then dump.

Just don't burn em. Nothing worse than a smoldering pile of grass clippings!!!!!

[yarcraft91]

Originally Posted by gregk9

Just don't burn em. Nothing worse than a smoldering pile of grass clippings!!!!!

Round here, we don't burn clippings, we pick some great mushrooms from the clippings piles in the fall.

[REW]

Since your relative insists on a bagger for the rider she is going to purchase, have her also purchase a vacuum wagon.

http://www.amazon.com/Agri-Fab-Tow-B.../dp/B0000AX4U8

This wagon has adapters to use with virtually any brand rider of her choice.

When mowing, start the vacuum, start the rider and go at it.
The vacuum wagon tends to eliminate nearly all chute plugging and the additional van in the wagon chops the clippings a 2nd time. As a result, there will be about double the amount of clippings in the wagon compared to using bags.

In her case, she will simply go to the back of the lot, back up to the pile - pull the cord, trip the wagon and dump the clippings. Pull ahead, and the empty wagon comes down and she goes back to her mowing.

REW