AboutEric A. Jones Expertise Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.
Experience Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.
Question I would be mowing a fairly smooth (a couple of bumpy spots), 2 acre flat lawn. As far as attachments, I would consider possibly attaching a bagger and that's about it. And, I would like to have it for a few years -- 3- 5 seasons. Where I am, I mow from mid May until late September.
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Followup To
Question -
I am currently shopping for a used lawn or riding tractor. I have looked at Toro, John Deere, Cub and Sears. Prices vary widely but I am finding that the Sears models all still run pretty good and parts seem to be readily available and they tend to be less expensive. My question: if you were to rate these machines, which would you recommend. I will be mowing a average amount of lawn and think a 12hp + mower will do the trick. Also, any tips when buying a mower.
Thank you much and I look forward to your reply.
Bill
Answer -
Is the yard flat and smooth or rough/hilly? Are there a lot of obstacles that you will need to mow around (trees, fences)? How long do you plan on keeping the mower? Are there any attatchments that you may wish to add in the future (tiller, blade, bagging system, snow blower)?
Let me know.
Eric
Answer Sears would last if you took good care of it. Kept it clean, changed the oil and sharpened the blades. I guess this is about the same for all the mowers. The best thing about Sears is you can order parts on-line. This is a major benefit...I love it!!
As far as Cub, I would try to avoid them. There good tractors but the company has had problems in the past...I had difficulty finding parts for mine.
JD is very good but the ones Home Depot sell are a little less quality than what the JD dealers sell. FYI, JD makes Scotts brand mowers and they're are cheaper.
Toro are just as good and the company has been strong for several years now so parts should be easy to find if you need them.
