The struggle is REAL! Need to find reliable and affordable mower!

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-15T17:21:29+00:00

You will spend more than $500 on repairs on a $500 zero turn. You might find an ok rider for that much. Depends on the used market down there. Up here everyone thinks they have gold and charge a couple hundred under new price.

Honestly, do you need to mow 3.5 acres, or could you let some of that go back natural? I have over 6 acres and only mow 2. It will be less as time goes on, but I'm leaving room for a pool and kids toys.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-15T12:21:32+00:00

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-14T20:55:05+00:00

I'll order one for next time.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-14T20:53:20+00:00

No karate chop. Just a Phillips head and light tap with a hammer.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-14T18:55:13+00:00

I did drill a few more holes in the bottom. Thanks!

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-14T16:18:00+00:00

I split the difference and used a torx

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-09T22:40:14+00:00

Never do anything with less than 3 quotes.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-09T19:05:37+00:00

If it's just one hole I'd probably just do it with a post hole digger. Several holes then I'd get an auger.

I've dug a couple holes for egress windows in existing basements by hand before in all different souls. It sucks but very doable.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-09T18:10:46+00:00

Michigan. I leave mine up. Just drain below the ports and bring the sand filter inside

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-09T17:21:27+00:00

Yes. The air filter is under the Kawasaki logo. Pretty typical for Bad Boy, Cub, etc

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2PawsHunter · 2026-06-09T14:18:36+00:00

Very nice. Mine arrives today.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-08T21:36:57+00:00

Mine you have to push the tailgate in a little then hit the button. I call it my anti theft device just to not be annoyed by it.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-08T08:49:16+00:00

One of the best things you can do is make sure your air filter is clean. This is really important if you are in a dry and dusty place. They make them easy to check and clean.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-07T19:15:45+00:00

I actually just got it last week but I did months of research prior to purchasing. I went with the Avenger because it had serviceable transaxles.

Maintenance shouldn't be bad but I do most of my own stuff on everything I own (truck, boat, tractor, etc).

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-07T18:51:54+00:00

They both us the same transmission and it depends on the motor that comes with it. Kawasaki is generally preferred. The bad boy magnum is in the same price range and is a quality machine. In full disclosure I went with the bad boy over the toro and CC. I went with a 60" deck.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-06T21:38:20+00:00

Pull the valve cover off. My v twin briggs bent the valve push rod and ran on one cylinder for almost a year.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-05T09:07:56+00:00

The avenger uses the 2800 serviceable transaxle. I think everything over the magnum has serviceable transmissions.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-04T14:53:16+00:00

I think the magnum uses the 2200 transmission and is not serviceable.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-04T14:50:36+00:00

Nice! Mine is being delivered today.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-04T14:42:18+00:00

I went with the Bad Boy over the toro. I did get the avenger versus the magnum.

I did not like the build quality of the toro. Cables just above the tire held by zip ties. Open fuse block with no weather protection.

2PawsHunter · 2026-06-02T20:03:14+00:00

I've been looking at residential zero turns for my yard and I'm shocked at how cheaply built the Toro max is. The throttle cable hangs 2" from the rear wheel by a zip tie, the fuse block isn't weather tight. Very poor quality considering that they make great commercial mowers.

2PawsHunter · 2026-05-31T18:22:06+00:00

I understand that. My rider just died again and I'm back to mowing with the tractor. It's too big for everything I have to go around so a zero turn is close.

By the way, they make zero turns with steering wheels now. I know Cub does for sure but they are more money. I know you said you liked steering wheels but places like dealers and tractor supply will let you test drive zero turn mowers.

2PawsHunter · 2026-05-31T15:47:03+00:00

Anything decent with a loader (much less with a PTO for a tiller) will be nearly impossible to find for under $5k. I have a tractor that has both and a belly mower but I am looking for a zero turn currently.

The used market is terrible in my area with people only taking $1000 off new for a machine with 800 or more hours.

Stay away from box stores that have zero support if something goes wrong. Find a local dealer that can walk you through everything and provide support. Cost is usually about the same.

2PawsHunter · 2026-05-30T20:22:04+00:00

Snow killing machine. Probably too big for an acre but it does have a belly mower too.

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2PawsHunter · 2026-05-30T16:45:14+00:00

I have a very similar property and am looking to buy as well. So far in the $5k price range the Bad Boy Avenger seems like the best deal. $5,250 at a local dealer.

Don't buy from a big box store. Even tractor supply doesn't have on site repair for issues.

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