LittleLebowski
Super OPE Member
I've been dealing with MTD crap for a while, got a newer Bolens and an older one that I use to keep the newer one (the Marine Corps calls this practice "ratf-----g") running. Yesterday, I had to clean out the carb bowl and clean off all electrical cable connections in order to stop it from dying under load. Been running like a champ since, but it's always some piddley *s-word like this with these consumer grade MTD machines in my experience.
Today, I hit a rock and the blade that I tightened the hell out of yesterday popped off of the mandrel (nomenclature?) and stripped the mandrel, I think. It started raining and it came loose again during a test run to the shed. This is on top of ratf-----g a mandrel assembly out of the old mower last year when the old mandrel broke like cheap junk when it hit an exposed root. Also on top of the new carb, filters, and fuel hoses from last year.
So, I'd really like to find an older, tougher machine. I want durability and reliability. Are these things attainable for say, around $3 grand?
This would be for a very uneven lawn, with rough patches, and a coupla hills. Does the nature of my lawn preclude zero turn mowers? Do I have to keep ratf-----g MTD machines to keep one running while I save up for something more expensive, or (I hate financing, but it might be needed) jumping on one of those "0% APR if paid off in this amount of time" deals? Right now, I have a 42" deck, I would like larger, because I hate yard work if it does not involve a chainsaw or axe.
I do not have a need for other duties besides mowing. Got a snowblower, got a strong back, and a weak mind.
Today, I hit a rock and the blade that I tightened the hell out of yesterday popped off of the mandrel (nomenclature?) and stripped the mandrel, I think. It started raining and it came loose again during a test run to the shed. This is on top of ratf-----g a mandrel assembly out of the old mower last year when the old mandrel broke like cheap junk when it hit an exposed root. Also on top of the new carb, filters, and fuel hoses from last year.
So, I'd really like to find an older, tougher machine. I want durability and reliability. Are these things attainable for say, around $3 grand?
This would be for a very uneven lawn, with rough patches, and a coupla hills. Does the nature of my lawn preclude zero turn mowers? Do I have to keep ratf-----g MTD machines to keep one running while I save up for something more expensive, or (I hate financing, but it might be needed) jumping on one of those "0% APR if paid off in this amount of time" deals? Right now, I have a 42" deck, I would like larger, because I hate yard work if it does not involve a chainsaw or axe.
I do not have a need for other duties besides mowing. Got a snowblower, got a strong back, and a weak mind.