Lawn Tractor - Mower

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

I am only seeking a manual transmission riding mower. I do not want any automatic nor hydrostatic. Yes, they are great and many love them. I do not want any automatic. End of that discussion.

To each his own but I am wondering about the reason for the decision. I am on my 5th Craftsman tractor and it is a 46 inch mower with a Kohler engine and an automatic transmission.

The first one I had was a 5 speed manual and I thought it was OK. Then I got one with an automatic and I couldn't believe how much better it is.

One hand on the shifter controls speed and direction of travel without using my feet for anything. Easy, smooth, and comfortable. If they offered me a manual transmission for half the price I would gladly pay the extra for the automatic.

If you are worried about any additional maintenance, I have never had any work of any kind done on the transmission portion.

It seems that if most all of the tractors available for sale have automatics then that is what the public wants.

Have you had any experience with an automatic?

[tis]

I have a John Deere now bought from a dealer and it is by far the best I have ever had. I would not buy another brand again. Stick with your Deere!

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

I am on my 5th Craftsman tractor and it is a 46 inch mower with a Kohler engine and an automatic transmission.

Have you had any experience with an automatic?

Yes. I have a New Holland tractor with hydrostatic drive and it is wonderful.

Do not want any automatic on a lawn tractor. Too many horror stories. Thank you.

As far as Sears goes. Well you have had good luck. And hope you continue.

Me, I had a Sears chain saw. Took to Sears repair facility. Counter person states that Sears does not work on any gasoline engine over 10 years old.
I asked if I could speak with one of the mechanics. OK. When I entered the repair area - one step in - a screaming voice yelled out - "Get out of here. We don't work on anything over 10 years old."

That was the end of Sears for me. Thank you.

Note: my current lawn tractor is manual transmission. And I love it. It's just getting old.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Do not want any automatic on a lawn tractor. Too many horror stories. Thank you.

Honest question, what horror stories? I've had both kinds and have really come to prefer the automatic transmissions and have never had any horror stories. Can't recall ever hearing about problems with them either (all my neighbors have riding tractors, multiple family members, etc.).

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Me, I had a Sears chain saw. Took to Sears repair facility. Counter person states that Sears does not work on any gasoline engine over 10 years old.
I asked if I could speak with one of the mechanics. OK. When I entered the repair area - one step in - a screaming voice yelled out - "Get out of here. We don't work on anything over 10 years old." That was the end of Sears for me. Thank you.

So you had what sounds like a great Sears chainsaw--over ten years old that you wanted to repair--but you swear off the whole brand because of a cranky person? Methinks the customer protests too much!

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[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

So you had what sounds like a great Sears chainsaw--over ten years old that you wanted to repair--but you swear off the whole brand because of a cranky person?

Correct. But added are all of the independent repair facilities that don't touch anything Sears. Period.
Can't get parts. Odd designs and components.
Sears doesn't make anything.

For those who have Sears and love it. Great for you.

LINK

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Yes. I have a New Holland tractor with hydrostatic drive and it is wonderful.

Do not want any automatic on a lawn tractor. Too many horror stories. Thank you.

As far as Sears goes. Well you have had good luck. And hope you continue.

Me, I had a Sears chain saw. Took to Sears repair facility. Counter person states that Sears does not work on any gasoline engine over 10 years old.
I asked if I could speak with one of the mechanics. OK. When I entered the repair area - one step in - a screaming voice yelled out - "Get out of here. We don't work on anything over 10 years old."

That was the end of Sears for me. Thank you.

Note: my current lawn tractor is manual transmission. And I love it. It's just getting old.

You can lead a horse to water..........................

There are many private repair facilities that would work on your antique chainsaw and to swear off Sears because of one rude employee well............ I have gone through 3 chain saws in the last 15 years. When they get old and break down I throw them out.

As I said: To each his own. If you mowed your lawn twice with the automatic I am sure you would like it, and as a matter of fact, prefer it. Having extensive experience with both, in my mind there is no comparison. But sometimes you can't confuse people with the facts who have already made up their minds . It is just how it is!

[TheProfessor]

Thanks for all of the replies. But some digression has occurred.

Here is the main part of my original post.

"I am only seeking a manual transmission riding mower. I do not want any automatic nor hydrostatic. Yes, they are great and many love them. I do not want any automatic. End of that discussion.

Now to seek a lawn tractor that has an engine made in USA."