How much do you mow, and what with?

[HURRICANEBOB]

After all the replies, sounds pretty clear that a zero turn is the way to roll...I've heard good things about some of the Cubs, or the Exmarks. I'd love to have a 60" cut, but could only afford that if I could find a used machine.

It may not matter anyway, because its not looking like the seller is willing to negotiate much on the price of the property we are looking at...and it's a bit out of my league with the price tag on it now, even though it's below appraisal. We made an offer and he countered by barely budging an inch off asking price.

Might be stuck in neighborhood-hell, where I can mow my grass with a Schick Disposable Razor it's so small...but at least my daughter will have plenty of kids to play with as she grows up...

Talk with the guy and offer him a 20 year balloon (or 10 year balloon, whichever fits you finacially). He sells at your price now, and either 10 or 20 years from now, you pay the balance between his price and the price you paid as a balloon. Carried as a no interest lien, it means he eventually gets what he wants, and you have 10 or 20 years to make up the difference. But discuss with and have all agreements reviewed by competent council. Just a thought.

[Catfish Bob]

61" Turf Tiger on the flat good stuff. Don't want to take one of these mowers near rocks or any debris. My field is darn near baseball ready.

52" Scag Hydro walk behind for the back yard and steep areas along the road side. Spent about a hundred extra bucks for a nice metal bag catcher to collect for my compost. This mower has superb balance on steep hills. On the newer models Scag has made the hand controlled handles much easier to operate with much more comfort.

Both these mowers will lay down diamond patterns easily. Scag makes a great deck.

Guess depends on how short ya want to keep your fields. Zero turns are not good for cutting tall grass, they are mainly for cutting very short grass, golf course stuff.

[Devils Horse]

Get-R-Done Jim, that is a nice mower....

Thanks Mark, I love that dang machine.

[kygorski]

Right now IMHO, your better off where you are. A lot of friends is both a good and bad thing, with a choice of many, you can help them pick out the good ones.That property will always be something you can get in your later days.I grew up in a working class neighbor hood, we didn't need "little league" or "pop warner"[good programs sometimes, baby sitting other times]Our "gang" had a nice public play groung. with a full football field[there wasn't any soccer then}An out door basket ball court, three ball diamonds, and a small swiming pool.In the winter a hockey rink or skating area, and we were safe. No wierdos, no drugs, but some under age smoking. My kids had somewhat similar surrondings.But things change,that ols neighbor hood, now celebrates cinco de mayo, gang shootings, graffitti,and low expectations. We had our years of rustic living, and enjoyed them, that was after the kids, and we were empty nesters. If you have close by good schools, and a secure envireoment for your kids, take it.