2009/08/18

Swisher 50-Inch 23 HP Zero Turning Radius Riding Lawn Mower #ZT2350


I have owned my Swisher ZT2350 for about 18 months. I mow about 1 1/4 acres and use the trailer hitch on it to pull a 17 cu Ft trailer. It works great and has been reliable. I bouhgt it because of the heavy duty steel construction, the powerful B&S ELS engine and the trailer hitch (not all have one) - It is really built rugged, mostly steel plates bolted together. I was sick of plastic housings & parts wearing out, cracking & breaking. In this respect, you can't beat this mower. I use it relentlessly almost daily and it has been relatively trouble free. I did have to replace the starter solenoid after about 17 months, but I start & stop it frequently when using it as a landscaping tractor, so I guess that isn't too bad. The only complaints I have are 1.The parking brake is a pretty crappy design, hard to set at times, and prone to sheared teeth & damage. They need to switch it from a toothed to a band type design. 2.The hand crank for raising & lowering the deck is slow & clumsey to operate. They need to redesign this into a simple latching foot lever so it can be easily raised & lowered on the move. These have been minor annoyances compared to the overall usability of the product.
The parts are generally easy to remove, buy & replace. The Swisher folks have been absolutey great to deal with. Resonable prices, and quick. I ordered spare belts and mulching blades and they arrived by mail promptly. This is a first rate company with first rate products - I shopped extensively before buying and believe this is truely the best value for the money you can get in a zero turn mower/tractor!. I have also done some design work on it, adding a 42" snow blower attachment for winter use - It works like a charm and where I live, this is a really big deal in terms of saving cost, space and getting your $ worth from your tools. I would recommend the ZT2350 to anyone. It is one of the best values I have found in years. (and as a design engineer, I can be pretty critical of mechanical designs!)
Buy Swisher 50-Inch 23 HP Zero Turning Radius Riding Lawn Mower #ZT2350!

2009/08/17

19HP 42" ZTR Tractor


I own the version of this mower sold at Lowes, which they no longer carry (I now know why). Only difference is a 17.5HP engine versus the 19HP, so they could sell it for $400 less. The experts give this rave reviews, but I doubt they ever used one other than on a parking lot. Zero turn? Not! Even on dry pavement this rig has trouble turning. Upon studying other Zturns, I can see this is a poor design with very poor weight distribution. Simply put the weight is well forward of the rear axle, thus this thing handles like a rear wheel drive car in mud. When turning, all the driven wheels do is spin like they're on ice. (Try it on the driveway and you will only burn rubber) The front casters have too much weight and do not swivel easily.

Other poor design elements include a light weight sheet metal skirt along the front of the mower that bends easily if you happen to bump into a tree. Once bent, it locks the front casters so they won't swivel. You can bend it back out, but why should you need to? This is the only ZT I've seen with this dumb feature.

If you want your lawn to have crop circles, this is the one for you. Frequently when turning the deck will dig in and scalp the lawn. And never back up, you are guaranteed to dig the grand canyon.

Oh, and did I mention this thing sounds like a 20 year old beater with no muffler. Yep, they put an el cheepo on it. My 20in push mower is quieter, as is my chain saw, blower, etc. You get the picture. I live where everybody has a ZT, and all I hear from my neighbors is the sound of the blades cutting grass. This thing will deafen you if you don't wear hearing protection.

I've mastered using it, to turn you must come to a complete stop, then very slowly advance the outboard control. It also helps to lean towards the outboard wheel to give it a little more traction.

All in all a $800 lawn tractor from Sears would do a better job, and for a lot less money. You've been warned. Oh! Almost forgot, all the plastic junk on this rig cracks and falls apart. Nice.
Buy 19HP 42" ZTR Tractor!

2009/08/15

Swisher Z-Max 60-Inch 26 HP Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower (Non-CARB Compliant) #ZT2660B


I am on my 2nd summer with my Swisher Z-Max and it has been a pretty decent machine. If it was powered by a Honda, in my opinion it would be the best value going. Don't get me wrong, the briggs has worked well, but I have another 60" mower powered by a Honda that handles taller grass much better and gets better fuel economy.

Mine has had some minor issues:

One steering arm pivot point came loose (inside the chassis)
Front frame member to front pivot axle member bolt came loose and fell out
When mowing, driver tends to get a fair amount of grass in their lap that blows up from the front of the deck
Gator blades are junk
I have 50 hours on mine and have replaced both deck belts. (seems a bit excessive)

Yes, it does have a few issues, but when compared to what is available in the same price range it looks pretty good. Although I have had to do a bit of wrenching on it, I have to say that it is pretty easy to work on.
Buy Swisher Z-Max 60-Inch 26 HP Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower (Non-CARB Compliant) #ZT2660B!

2009/08/14

Poulan Pro 54-Inch 26 HP Lawn Tractor with Briggs & Stratton Engine (Non-CARB Compliant) #PBGT26H54


The Poulan Pro 26 hp tractor has hydrostatic transmission. There is no adjustment capability on the linkage. I had to return my tractor after taking it to an approved repairman. The tractor didn't have enough power in reverse to go up the ramp on my trailer. The tractor may be acceptable if you are mowing flat areas and/or don't anticipate going in reverse up hills. They should have designed the tractor such that the transmission linkage could be adjusted... or made sure this problem didn't exist (When the repairman called the company they were aware of others having this problem).
Buy Poulan Pro 54-Inch 26 HP Lawn Tractor with Briggs & Stratton Engine (Non-CARB Compliant) #PBGT26H54!

2009/08/12

Poulan Lawn Tractor with 38-Inch Steel Deck, 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, 5 Speed Transmission and 18-Inch Rear Tires (Non-CARB Compliant) #PO15538LT


I've had two lawn tractors before I got the Poulon. I got the Poulon direct from the factory in a wooden crate. Getting the machine uncrated was not difficult after I realized I needed to let some air out of the tires so they would pull out of the slats holding the machine firmly in place. All I needed to do was attach the steering wheel, you'll need a cresant wrench. The mower already had oil in it. Added gasoline and it started right off first try. It cuts cleaner (more smoothly) than my old Ranch King. One thing I really like about the Poulon is the extreme ease of manuvering it around. It was almost like I have power steering as compared to the Ranch King or a MTD I owned several years ago. The Poulon makes far sharper turns than the others; not quite zero radius but a lot nearer to it. Another feature I really Appreciate is the neutral key position you can activate in order to cut while in reverse. The feature whereby you can set the hand brake and leave the mower still running, while you get off to remove something in the way, is a big help too. I haven't had the mower long enough to evaluate its longevity; but up to now its been one fine machine.
Buy Poulan Lawn Tractor with 38-Inch Steel Deck, 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, 5 Speed Transmission and 18-Inch Rear Tires (Non-CARB Compliant) #PO15538LT!

2009/08/08

Swisher 50-Inch 23 HP Zero Turning Radius Riding Lawn Mower #ZT2350


I have owned my Swisher ZT2350 for about 18 months. I mow about 1 1/4 acres and use the trailer hitch on it to pull a 17 cu Ft trailer. It works great and has been reliable. I bouhgt it because of the heavy duty steel construction, the powerful B&S ELS engine and the trailer hitch (not all have one) - It is really built rugged, mostly steel plates bolted together. I was sick of plastic housings & parts wearing out, cracking & breaking. In this respect, you can't beat this mower. I use it relentlessly almost daily and it has been relatively trouble free. I did have to replace the starter solenoid after about 17 months, but I start & stop it frequently when using it as a landscaping tractor, so I guess that isn't too bad. The only complaints I have are 1.The parking brake is a pretty crappy design, hard to set at times, and prone to sheared teeth & damage. They need to switch it from a toothed to a band type design. 2.The hand crank for raising & lowering the deck is slow & clumsey to operate. They need to redesign this into a simple latching foot lever so it can be easily raised & lowered on the move. These have been minor annoyances compared to the overall usability of the product.
The parts are generally easy to remove, buy & replace. The Swisher folks have been absolutey great to deal with. Resonable prices, and quick. I ordered spare belts and mulching blades and they arrived by mail promptly. This is a first rate company with first rate products - I shopped extensively before buying and believe this is truely the best value for the money you can get in a zero turn mower/tractor!. I have also done some design work on it, adding a 42" snow blower attachment for winter use - It works like a charm and where I live, this is a really big deal in terms of saving cost, space and getting your $ worth from your tools. I would recommend the ZT2350 to anyone. It is one of the best values I have found in years. (and as a design engineer, I can be pretty critical of mechanical designs!)
Buy Swisher 50-Inch 23 HP Zero Turning Radius Riding Lawn Mower #ZT2350!

19HP 42" ZTR Tractor


I own the version of this mower sold at Lowes, which they no longer carry (I now know why). Only difference is a 17.5HP engine versus the 19HP, so they could sell it for $400 less. The experts give this rave reviews, but I doubt they ever used one other than on a parking lot. Zero turn? Not! Even on dry pavement this rig has trouble turning. Upon studying other Zturns, I can see this is a poor design with very poor weight distribution. Simply put the weight is well forward of the rear axle, thus this thing handles like a rear wheel drive car in mud. When turning, all the driven wheels do is spin like they're on ice. (Try it on the driveway and you will only burn rubber) The front casters have too much weight and do not swivel easily.

Other poor design elements include a light weight sheet metal skirt along the front of the mower that bends easily if you happen to bump into a tree. Once bent, it locks the front casters so they won't swivel. You can bend it back out, but why should you need to? This is the only ZT I've seen with this dumb feature.

If you want your lawn to have crop circles, this is the one for you. Frequently when turning the deck will dig in and scalp the lawn. And never back up, you are guaranteed to dig the grand canyon.

Oh, and did I mention this thing sounds like a 20 year old beater with no muffler. Yep, they put an el cheepo on it. My 20in push mower is quieter, as is my chain saw, blower, etc. You get the picture. I live where everybody has a ZT, and all I hear from my neighbors is the sound of the blades cutting grass. This thing will deafen you if you don't wear hearing protection.

I've mastered using it, to turn you must come to a complete stop, then very slowly advance the outboard control. It also helps to lean towards the outboard wheel to give it a little more traction.

All in all a $800 lawn tractor from Sears would do a better job, and for a lot less money. You've been warned. Oh! Almost forgot, all the plastic junk on this rig cracks and falls apart. Nice.
Buy 19HP 42" ZTR Tractor!

2009/07/25

Swisher Z-Max 60-Inch 26 HP Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower (Non-CARB Compliant) #ZT2660B


I am on my 2nd summer with my Swisher Z-Max and it has been a pretty decent machine. If it was powered by a Honda, in my opinion it would be the best value going. Don't get me wrong, the briggs has worked well, but I have another 60" mower powered by a Honda that handles taller grass much better and gets better fuel economy.

Mine has had some minor issues:

One steering arm pivot point came loose (inside the chassis)
Front frame member to front pivot axle member bolt came loose and fell out
When mowing, driver tends to get a fair amount of grass in their lap that blows up from the front of the deck
Gator blades are junk
I have 50 hours on mine and have replaced both deck belts. (seems a bit excessive)

Yes, it does have a few issues, but when compared to what is available in the same price range it looks pretty good. Although I have had to do a bit of wrenching on it, I have to say that it is pretty easy to work on.
Buy Swisher Z-Max 60-Inch 26 HP Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower (Non-CARB Compliant) #ZT2660B!

2009/07/24

Poulan Pro 54-Inch 26 HP Lawn Tractor with Briggs & Stratton Engine (Non-CARB Compliant) #PBGT26H54


The Poulan Pro 26 hp tractor has hydrostatic transmission. There is no adjustment capability on the linkage. I had to return my tractor after taking it to an approved repairman. The tractor didn't have enough power in reverse to go up the ramp on my trailer. The tractor may be acceptable if you are mowing flat areas and/or don't anticipate going in reverse up hills. They should have designed the tractor such that the transmission linkage could be adjusted... or made sure this problem didn't exist (When the repairman called the company they were aware of others having this problem).
Buy Poulan Pro 54-Inch 26 HP Lawn Tractor with Briggs & Stratton Engine (Non-CARB Compliant) #PBGT26H54!

2009/07/18

Poulan Lawn Tractor with 38-Inch Steel Deck, 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, 5 Speed Transmission and 18-Inch Rear Tires (Non-CARB Compliant) #PO15538LT


I've had two lawn tractors before I got the Poulon. I got the Poulon direct from the factory in a wooden crate. Getting the machine uncrated was not difficult after I realized I needed to let some air out of the tires so they would pull out of the slats holding the machine firmly in place. All I needed to do was attach the steering wheel, you'll need a cresant wrench. The mower already had oil in it. Added gasoline and it started right off first try. It cuts cleaner (more smoothly) than my old Ranch King. One thing I really like about the Poulon is the extreme ease of manuvering it around. It was almost like I have power steering as compared to the Ranch King or a MTD I owned several years ago. The Poulon makes far sharper turns than the others; not quite zero radius but a lot nearer to it. Another feature I really Appreciate is the neutral key position you can activate in order to cut while in reverse. The feature whereby you can set the hand brake and leave the mower still running, while you get off to remove something in the way, is a big help too. I haven't had the mower long enough to evaluate its longevity; but up to now its been one fine machine.
Buy Poulan Lawn Tractor with 38-Inch Steel Deck, 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, 5 Speed Transmission and 18-Inch Rear Tires (Non-CARB Compliant) #PO15538LT!

2009/07/09

Oem Spec Belt AYP/144200

Oem Spec Belt AYP/144200


Plants have been used in cooking for years now, though many people are still unsure of how to use them correctly. For some they simply experiment until they find the perfect combination, but for others they just do not seem to be able to get the hang of it. Different herbs go with different foods and it is important to know all about the different herbs before you actually use them in your cooking.

How Herbs Have Been Used Over the Years

Herbs have a number of uses and they have been used for literally hundreds of years. The Chinese mainly discovered them and they were used for both cooking and healing purposes. However there is no evidence as to when the Chinese actually started using herbs in their cooking.

The Egyptians were also thought to have used herb plants in their cooking well before the pyramids were even built. Herbs are as popular as ever today and people tend to experiment more and more with their cooking by adding herbs to their food in order to give it extra flavour. If you eat out at restaurants then there is a big chance that the chefs there may have used herbs in their cooking.

The good thing about using herbs is that it is easy to add them to most foods, so you do not have to be a chef in order to experiment with them. If you want to use herbs in your cooking for the first time it may not work out to plan, but the best thing to do is to keep experimenting. Sometimes you may get some great results and other times you may not do as well, so you just need to persevere. Just remember not to overdo it with herbs, because by using too much it can often make the taste of the food a little overpowering. Also, another tip is to try to use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs as you will be able to tell the difference when it comes to tasting them.

Overall, herbs in our food have been used for thousands of years, although the exact dates it started are not overly clear. By adding herbs it can really add extra flavour to our food and it is also good for you at the same time; so it is definitely worth trying them out. Experiment with the different types of herbs and try them out on different foods in order to see if you can create something that is really tasty and that you will enjoy.

Andrew Caxton is an online entrepreneur and writes for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . A website with tips on lawn mower blade, amongst many related topics.

riding mowers

2009/07/05

Arnold #OEM-190-182 Twin Bag Collect System


I put this product on a 46" MTD Yard Machines lawn mower in under 1 1/2 hours. It required no modifications. The part that took the longest time was changing out the cutting blades with the ones that are provided. It does an excellent job. I've had no clogging problems, but I watch the containers closely and stop when they are full. If not you will clog the chute to from the deck to the bags.
Buy Arnold #OEM-190-182 Twin Bag Collect System!

2009/07/03

Swisher Mower Bucket Tooth Kit #16195


Ordered the bucket with Tooth feature as described. Received Bucket and package indicated that tooth feature was an option. Called Amazon who pushed it to Northern Freight who pushed it to Swisher. Unable to get a reply yet. Description will probably be changed soon to reflect correct information but I was caught in the middle and paid for an item with a specific option and was shipped a bucket without the tooth option, but I can order it for an additional $90 bucks. Hoping someone will make good on an unfortunate situation.
Buy Swisher Mower Bucket Tooth Kit #16195!

2009/06/25

Swisher Mower 22-Inch Trim-N-Mow Trimmer With 6.25 HP Briggs & Stratton 625 Series Engine - California Ready #ST60022Q-CA8


Bought land with about 6 acres of overgrown pasture. I wanted to leave most of the land as is for pheasants & other wild life and only cut trails. This machine does a fairly good job, but could use wider wheels. Swisher included goggles for eye protection, which is fine for soft grass & weeds, BUT BE WARNED, this machine does throw debris back. I recommend a full face guard, long legged pants & shoes when cutting rougher material. This machine is also pretty loud, so ear plugs should also be used.
Overall, I like the machine's performance. It starts easily, is low maintenance and runs for about an hour on a tank of gas. The cutting lines take a fair amount of abuse, I've hit a few steel fence posts with them and they didn't break.


Buy Swisher Mower 22-Inch Trim-N-Mow Trimmer With 6.25 HP Briggs & Stratton 625 Series Engine - California Ready #ST60022Q-CA8!

2009/06/22

Swisher Mower 50-Inch Universal Work Duty ATV Plow Blade #2645R


The blade is well designed. It is easy to attach and detach. I have a 350 cc ATV and the blade works well with that size ATV, but will work better with a larger machine.
Buy Swisher Mower 50-Inch Universal Work Duty ATV Plow Blade #2645R!

2009/06/21

19HP 42" ZTR Tractor


I own the version of this mower sold at Lowes, which they no longer carry (I now know why). Only difference is a 17.5HP engine versus the 19HP, so they could sell it for $400 less. The experts give this rave reviews, but I doubt they ever used one other than on a parking lot. Zero turn? Not! Even on dry pavement this rig has trouble turning. Upon studying other Zturns, I can see this is a poor design with very poor weight distribution. Simply put the weight is well forward of the rear axle, thus this thing handles like a rear wheel drive car in mud. When turning, all the driven wheels do is spin like they're on ice. (Try it on the driveway and you will only burn rubber) The front casters have too much weight and do not swivel easily.

Other poor design elements include a light weight sheet metal skirt along the front of the mower that bends easily if you happen to bump into a tree. Once bent, it locks the front casters so they won't swivel. You can bend it back out, but why should you need to? This is the only ZT I've seen with this dumb feature.

If you want your lawn to have crop circles, this is the one for you. Frequently when turning the deck will dig in and scalp the lawn. And never back up, you are guaranteed to dig the grand canyon.

Oh, and did I mention this thing sounds like a 20 year old beater with no muffler. Yep, they put an el cheepo on it. My 20in push mower is quieter, as is my chain saw, blower, etc. You get the picture. I live where everybody has a ZT, and all I hear from my neighbors is the sound of the blades cutting grass. This thing will deafen you if you don't wear hearing protection.

I've mastered using it, to turn you must come to a complete stop, then very slowly advance the outboard control. It also helps to lean towards the outboard wheel to give it a little more traction.

All in all a $800 lawn tractor from Sears would do a better job, and for a lot less money. You've been warned. Oh! Almost forgot, all the plastic junk on this rig cracks and falls apart. Nice.
Buy 19HP 42" ZTR Tractor!

2009/06/20

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Consumer Riding Lawn, Garden, and Snow Equipment Excluding Tractors and Mowers in Greater China

This study covers the latent demand outlook for consumer riding lawn, garden, and snow equipment excluding tractors and mowers across the regions of Greater China, including provinces, autonomous regions (Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Xizang - Tibet), municipalities (Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau), and Taiwan (all hereafter referred to as regions). Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,100 cities in Greater China. For each major city in question, the percent share the city is of the region and of Greater China is reported. Each major city is defined as an area of economic population, as opposed to the demographic population within a legal geographic boundary. For many cities, the economic population is much larger that the population within the city limits; this is especially true for the cities of the Western regions. For the coastal regions, cities which are close to other major cities or which represent, by themselves, a high percent of the regional population, actual city-level population is closer to the economic population (e.g. in Beijing). Based on this economic definition of population, comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a citys marketing and distribution value vis-à-vis others. This exercise is quite useful for persons setting up distribution centers or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each region and city of influence, latent demand estimates are created for consumer riding lawn, garden, and snow equipment excluding tractors and mowers. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.


With things going up all the time homemade gifts are becoming more and more popular every day and especially for Christmas. One of the hardest people to buy for is dad and a homemade gift is something that people are starting to turn to more often than ever before. Below we have gathered a collection of some great homemade gifts that will thrill any man on Christmas day.

Memories are something that lasts a lifetime and no better way to keep those them with a personalized picture frame that is handmade. You can get a cheap picture frame at any dollar store and decorate it in many different ways. Some of those methods can be with cutouts of his favorite sports or even his favorite people. Seashells are another great and creative way to decorate a picture frame. Get the family together in Christmas outfits and take a picture of course minus him and you have a great Christmas treasure that is one of a kind. This memory will last forever with him.

One of the simplest and most effective homemade gifts is making something out of wood. There are many homemade projects that can be started with wood with little knowledge being needed. Some of those are a magazine rack or a letter rack. Searching online you can find step to step plans on how to build one with minimal cost. Add some paint and design and you have a gift that was crafted by your very own hands.

Something that comes from one of dad's own children's hands mean a lot to him come Christmas time. Food is one of those items that have stood the test of time as far as great Christmas gifts. Cookies, cakes, and brownies are among of some of the favorites among today's dads. Don't underestimate how much he will enjoy something that you cook yourself.

If you have a golfer for a dad then this idea could be right up your alley. Painted golf tees with his name on them also make a great gift and plenty of talk between his golfing buddies. Another alternative to this idea is take a white towel and some fabric paint and design it in a golf theme with his name on it. Of course you could design it for any sport your dad follows or plays. Plants are another option that many men love to get. They will take them to their office and it will be there to always remind them of you.

You probably have noticed there are many gifts that you can make your dad for Christmas. These are just some of the ides that are available. You're really only limited by your imagination and how much time you're willing to spend on it. Dads love homemade gifts many times more than one you actually spend money on. The key as always is taking your time and put your heart into it. You will be surprised how well your project comes out when you give it your all. Have fun making these homemade Christmas gifts and you should have no problem bringing a smile to his face on Christmas day.

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

lawn mowers

2009/06/18

Bagging out, mulching in. (power lawn mower industry): An article from: Implement & Tractor

This digital document is an article from Implement & Tractor, published by Agra USA on June 1, 1990. The length of the article is 2408 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Bagging out, mulching in. (power lawn mower industry)
Author: Scott Nesbitt
Publication: Implement & Tractor (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 1990
Publisher: Agra USA
Volume: v105 Issue: n6 Page: p1(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale


Natural lawn care is one of the best ways that you can improve the quality of your lawn without harming the environment in the process. To accomplish this, you should know the difference between the products you are currently using and those that are naturally better for it.

What Are The Benefits?

Although there are plenty of benefits to natural lawn care, many people do not make the switch because they believe it to be too expensive. In many cases, you will find natural products are less expensive than others. When purchasing them, be sure that you know what types of products to purchase in the first place. Placing too much on your lawn can cause damage to the lawn overall. More so, it can cause the lawn to be in a poor state for a long time coming, even though the products are natural.

Select A Good Company

From the start, it is very important for you to consider the right company producing the natural lawn care products you want to use. Many companies are not providing true natural products and misleading you. When products are labeled as natural, they need to provide nothing but natural ingredients to you. If you see that the ingredient list contains many chemicals, then you are likely not purchasing a natural product. Unfortunately, it can be hard to know what is in them. Look at labels and know what is in the product. In addition, purchase from companies that you learn to know and trust.

What is Really Helpful

While in some cases companies are being deceitful, in most they simply do not realize just how poor in quality their product is. The company may not know that the products do not provide full natural lawn care elements in them. Checking the labels will help you to rule out any mistakes yourself. If you see that an ingredient is one that is not natural, put it down and look for another. Also, purchase products that are going to add to your specific lawn by knowing what your lawn needs. To accomplish this, take the time to talk with a professional landscaper to get their opinion of the quality.

If you take the time to select the right products for your lawn, you will find that natural lawn care products can offer plenty of benefits. Purchase them correctly and you will find that they can save you money in lawn care, too.

Andrew Caxton enjoys writing about landscaping for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com You can find more information and resources on synthetic turf at his website.

lawn mowers

2009/06/10

Poulan Pro 54-Inch 26 HP Lawn Tractor with Briggs & Stratton Engine (Non-CARB Compliant) #PBGT26H54


The Poulan Pro 26 hp tractor has hydrostatic transmission. There is no adjustment capability on the linkage. I had to return my tractor after taking it to an approved repairman. The tractor didn't have enough power in reverse to go up the ramp on my trailer. The tractor may be acceptable if you are mowing flat areas and/or don't anticipate going in reverse up hills. They should have designed the tractor such that the transmission linkage could be adjusted... or made sure this problem didn't exist (When the repairman called the company they were aware of others having this problem).
Buy Poulan Pro 54-Inch 26 HP Lawn Tractor with Briggs & Stratton Engine (Non-CARB Compliant) #PBGT26H54!

2009/06/06

Swisher 50-Inch 23 HP Zero Turning Radius Riding Lawn Mower #ZT2350


I have owned my Swisher ZT2350 for about 18 months. I mow about 1 1/4 acres and use the trailer hitch on it to pull a 17 cu Ft trailer. It works great and has been reliable. I bouhgt it because of the heavy duty steel construction, the powerful B&S ELS engine and the trailer hitch (not all have one) - It is really built rugged, mostly steel plates bolted together. I was sick of plastic housings & parts wearing out, cracking & breaking. In this respect, you can't beat this mower. I use it relentlessly almost daily and it has been relatively trouble free. I did have to replace the starter solenoid after about 17 months, but I start & stop it frequently when using it as a landscaping tractor, so I guess that isn't too bad. The only complaints I have are 1.The parking brake is a pretty crappy design, hard to set at times, and prone to sheared teeth & damage. They need to switch it from a toothed to a band type design. 2.The hand crank for raising & lowering the deck is slow & clumsey to operate. They need to redesign this into a simple latching foot lever so it can be easily raised & lowered on the move. These have been minor annoyances compared to the overall usability of the product.
The parts are generally easy to remove, buy & replace. The Swisher folks have been absolutey great to deal with. Resonable prices, and quick. I ordered spare belts and mulching blades and they arrived by mail promptly. This is a first rate company with first rate products - I shopped extensively before buying and believe this is truely the best value for the money you can get in a zero turn mower/tractor!. I have also done some design work on it, adding a 42" snow blower attachment for winter use - It works like a charm and where I live, this is a really big deal in terms of saving cost, space and getting your $ worth from your tools. I would recommend the ZT2350 to anyone. It is one of the best values I have found in years. (and as a design engineer, I can be pretty critical of mechanical designs!)
Buy Swisher 50-Inch 23 HP Zero Turning Radius Riding Lawn Mower #ZT2350!

2009/06/04

19HP 42" Yard Tractor

Poulan Pro, Yard Tractor, 19HP Kohler Courage Engine, 42" 12 Gauge Steel Deck, 6 Cutting Positions Ranging From 1.5" - 4", Mows In Reverse Gear, 11 Gauge Steel Yard Tractor Frame, Manual Cable Clutch, 6-Speed Fender Shift, Cast Iron Front Axle With Grease Zerks, Step-Thru Frame Design, Upgraded Stealth Hood Design, 18" Turning Radius, 2 Adjustable Gauge Wheels, 20" x 8" Rear Wheels, Spindle Grease Zerks, 2 Gallon Front Fuel Tank, 2 Year Limited Warranty.
Customer Review: Great Tractor
I bought this exact tractor from Home Depot rebadged as a Ryobi brand mower for $1299. The manual refers to poulan-pro.com for a website. The parant company is Electrolux who also makes the popular Husqvarna brand name. I was in the market for a Husqvarna but could not afford one with the features I wanted. What I was looking for: 1. Lubricated Pressure Engine 2. Cast Iron Axile 3. Hydro-static transmission 4. Quality build This Poulan Pro model has all of them. I have used it a few times and it cuts very even and the engine power is perfect. There is backwards cutting with a saftey switch, amp meter on the dash, and working headlights. Excellent product but it doesn't get 5 stars because I wanted an hour usage gauge and the fuel level is not a visible while you are riding.


In today's concrete world, a lawn is a beautiful deviation and so great importance is attached to it. Also, positive environmental factors of a lawn make it even more desirable. In addition to increasing the property value, a good lawn takes the heat away from the atmosphere and prevents soil erosion. Since maintaining a lawn is an arduous task, many people prefer to hire lawn care companies even though choosing the right company based on your needs is not very easy.

Before deciding which lawn care company you should choose, you have to make up your mind about the kind of quality you want for your lawn. You also have to make a budget plan for lawn care. If you do not want to spend too much money and are satisfied with a mediocre lawn, then choosing a lawn care company will not be very difficult as there are many companies out there that can do an okay-okay job for you. However, if you want your lawn to stand out from the rest, you have to go for a very good lawn company that will give you the results you want, but at a higher cost and more time.

Some more tips on the selection criteria will help you in this direction. To begin with, you have to have a very clear idea of the kind of lawn you want and the changes you want to bring about in your lawn. This is of great help as you can articulate your plans to the lawn care company. Since they know what you are looking for, they will also be able to give you a correct estimate of the money involved.

To make doubly sure that you have opted for the best company for your lawn, go in for a discussion with them about your lawn and its needs. Only if they have the courtesy to pay careful attention to your landscaping and lawn needs and only if they come up with sensible solutions without overlooking the vital points, should you trust any lawn care company. Try and get some information about the kind of experience and training the people of the company have with respect to your lawn. This will ensure that you have no qualms about the lawn care company.

While choosing a lawn care company, never do it through the phone. This could land you in future troubles. The best thing to do is to ask some person from the company to visit you personally so that you can talk about the budget, what kind of maintenance you want and also the specific problems you are facing with your lawn. Be sure to get a written agreement once a decision has been made regarding the pricing and the services required. Inquire into the renewal process of the agreement clause and make sure that that the company does not levy penalty charges if you cancel your service plan before the due date.

Doing some study on the company on the net is the right thing to do before finalizing on the company. You have to find out if the company is insured and licensed. Usually, a company is high on commitment and is equipped with recent news on technical matters and relevant machines like true-cut lawnmowers, if they belong to a trade association, so check up on the status of your particular company. Also find out if they have the right to use pesticides and what possible consequences it could have for you and your family.

Andrew Caxton loves writing for websites on many consumer subjects. Learn more about tru-cut lawnmowers and lawn care companies at http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/manufacturers.html

riding mowers

2009/05/31

CASE T7 and TR7 Power Mower Semi-Mounted Parts Catalog B488

Punched for 3 ring binder. 32 page fully illustrated with line drawings. CASE parts catalog B488.


There are endless ways to make up your landscape innovatively. One such is casting of bridges over pools r in a given space in your back yard. It adds a special touch to your landscape and makes it appear even more attractive. You can have a bridge in a variety of styles and the best thing is it won't take much of your time!!!

Add a Pond and a Bridge to Your Landscape

A pond looks just splendid in your backyard and an excellent eye catcher. Building a pond would require to have a footbridge to go across and this will be an ideal set up for you to relax and enjoy some good parties!!

Decide- Professional or Amateur

Well, this option totally depends on you. You can either hire someone to get you a bridge done, mind you, it may cost you, or you can make one all by yourself and be proud of your hard work. Either way you would be benefited. If it is made by you, it would be more personalized and you would get more appreciation.

Creating a Footbridge for Your Landscape

A footbridge will lead you to your garden or serve as a walkover for your pond or may take you to your deck. To build one, you require some necessary materials which include wood, nails and equipments for the same like hammer etc. And yes, you require your own creativity and imagination to have an impressive bridge done!! Always check in the size and the length and the proper place where you want your bridge to be. Once you start building, you won't be able to change direction. And if you do change it, it might destroy certain areas of your landscape.

Starting On Your Pond

A pond would go 15 to 20 inches in depth but you need to dig a few more inches deep. Firstly, you need to mark out the area with paint for your pond and then go about digging it.

Get Rid of the Debris

Evacuate a clear spot for your pond. Remove all the unrequited things and also the roots and any sharp objects you come across that may put a hole in the liner for your pond. Make it a point to see that your pond is even at the base or the water may not settle properly.

Sand for the Bottom of Your Pond

You have to coat the hole of your pond with sand when you are ready with the liner. This is to keep your liner intact. You may also cut off some excess liner for easier managing but long enough to cover it all. Another tip- warm up your liner in the sun for it to stretch better.

Finally!!! Setting Your Footbridge

Andrew Caxton is the copywriter of http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com - A website with tips on landscaping ideas and gardening bridges.

riding mowers

Swisher Z-Max 60-Inch 26 HP Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower (Non-CARB Compliant) #ZT2660B


I am on my 2nd summer with my Swisher Z-Max and it has been a pretty decent machine. If it was powered by a Honda, in my opinion it would be the best value going. Don't get me wrong, the briggs has worked well, but I have another 60" mower powered by a Honda that handles taller grass much better and gets better fuel economy.

Mine has had some minor issues:

One steering arm pivot point came loose (inside the chassis)
Front frame member to front pivot axle member bolt came loose and fell out
When mowing, driver tends to get a fair amount of grass in their lap that blows up from the front of the deck
Gator blades are junk
I have 50 hours on mine and have replaced both deck belts. (seems a bit excessive)

Yes, it does have a few issues, but when compared to what is available in the same price range it looks pretty good. Although I have had to do a bit of wrenching on it, I have to say that it is pretty easy to work on.
Buy Swisher Z-Max 60-Inch 26 HP Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower (Non-CARB Compliant) #ZT2660B!

2009/05/29

White Outdoor 46-Inch 20.0 HP Kohler Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower With Hydrostatic Drive #13AP606H790

20-HP Kohler Courage Engine Provides long engine life with quiet operation and a smoo...


Maintaining a large lawn can be a tedious and tiring job, not to mention the fact that it will take up a great deal of time that may have been spent elsewhere on something far more pleasant. In order to simplify your life and maximize your time, you may want to check out the riding lawn mowers that are available today. A riding lawnmower is very popular acquisition among consumers with large areas of grass to cut, citing ease and efficiency as the most important factors.

Many people cite cost as a reason not to purchase a riding mower; however, after the initial expense you will likely see it as an investment that pays for itself many times over. Although they are commonly used by those who have large areas of grass, ride on mowers are also good for smaller sized yards, and sitting is much more comfortable than using a push mower.

Most of the more popular riding mower manufacturers also offer some very useful features that make it that much easier and even more enjoyable to take care of your property. Owners of commercial lawn mowers that are in business to make money often prefer to use riding lawn mowers, which are perfect for their landscaping and grass maintenance contracts. However, these types of grass mowers are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners as well.

Riding mowers are also becoming more reasonably priced and most of the major manufacturers are starting to include some of the best accessories and features as standard items that come with all of their models. However, after you have done your research and it comes time to choose a mower, it then boils down to your personal preference and choice.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are deciding on which model would best suit your mowing needs. If you have a particularly uneven yard, then you need to choose a riding mower that can cope well with that surface.

Some riding lawn mowers tend to struggle on anything other than flat lawns so it is always a good idea to read up, do some research and if possible, check out the consumer reviews on all of the particular makes and models that you are interested in before purchasing. There are many different reputable machines, such as John Deere lawn mowers, Honda lawn mowers and Toro lawn mowers, to name a few. Searching online can highlight some of the features of each make and model, which may make it a bit easier to make a decision.

Educate yourself further about the riding lawn mowers from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift to ride on a lawn mower.

riding mowers

2009/05/28

Poulan Pro 46-Inch 19.5 HP Yard Tractor with Briggs and Stratton Engine (Non-CARB Compliant) #PB195H46YT


THIS IS THE BEST MOWER IVE EVER OWNED,THE AUTO TRANSMISSION IS A
CHARM. AND IT'S A GREAT LAWN TRACTOR FOR THE MONEY.
Buy Poulan Pro 46-Inch 19.5 HP Yard Tractor with Briggs and Stratton Engine (Non-CARB Compliant) #PB195H46YT!

21-1/4" Mower Blade (Standard Lift) for Cub Cadet 42" Lawn Tractors

Replacement mower blades by Oregon. These blades are made to exact OEM specification for optimum performance. Each blade is thru-hardened to a Rockwell C-scale hardness of 50 for optimum safety and durability, then individually straightened for a precision cut. All Oregon mower blades are made in the U.S.A.


One of the most environment friendly choices for lawn care is natural lawn care. It is a very healthy option and the end results are as good as or even better than the other ways. You have to be familiar with the basics of natural lawn care for you to start applying this to your lawn. Some basics have been discussed below in this article.

If you want to go the natural way and dispense with the usage of chemical fertilizers, you have to have a lawn that sparkles with health and doesn't need the aid of chemicals and other similar products. So, your concentration should be on enhancing the over all health of your lawn with the aim to go natural.

The first thing you need to do for starting with lawn care is to test the pH factor of your soil. The ideal reading for pH has to be in the range of 6.5 to 7.0. This is an indication of the fact that the soil only shows mild symptoms of being acidic which is just perfect for your lawn. If the soil is highly acidic or if it is not acidic at all, then in both cases you have to rectify the situation and get it to the right levels of acidity.

After checking out the pH of the soil, you have to find out the amount of clay in your soil. If the clay content in your soil is on the higher side, the soil gets compacted and this hampers the free movement of nutrients and air through the soil. If the clay in your soil is on the higher side, you may have to go in for aeration which is a process of making way for air spaces, due to the holes created on the surface of the soil.

If you do not feel very confident about undertaking an aeration job on your own, then you can take the help of professionals or even hire an aerator to do your job for you. This will definitely provide good results.

Watering is one of the most integral parts of lawn care. If you water your lawn in the right manner, the grass will vibrate with health and the flora of your lawn will develop root systems that are very deep. This means that you will have a durable lawn which can protect itself even against harmful droughts. Before starting with the watering of your lawn, see to it that the lawn has no traces whatever of the previous watering. The best way to find out whether your lawn should be watered is to check it for footprints. If the imprints of your foot are visible for more than a couple of seconds, it is a guaranteed sign that the lawn is ready for watering.

If you keep these pointers in mind and have the right landscaping equipments, you will surely be rewarded with an amazing lawn that you can be proud of.

Andrew Caxton is the editor of different articles with reference to lawn care for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com Read additional info on landscaping tools or landscaping equipments

riding mowers

2009/05/27

Poulan Pro 48-Inch 22 HP V-Twin Residential ZTR Mower (Non-CARB Compliant) #925ZX

The Poulan Pro 48-inch residential ZTR mower has the features of a commercial ZTR without the price. Its 22 HP Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine ensures power and reliability, and its large, 48-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank lets you get the job done faster, with fewer interruptions. Although big in size and power, the mower's zero turning radius makes it easy to maneuver around any obstacle.


If you want to add a little extra something to your home but you are not really sure what to do, then why not start with a new picture? Landscape pictures really can add an elegant touch to any home and depending upon where you get one from, they do not necessarily cost the earth either. However, if you want an original you will probably not be able to afford it so it is better to stick with reprints which are cheaper but just as good.

Why Choose a Landscape Picture?

Choosing a landscape picture over any other type is advisable because it will fit into almost any room. So, whether you are looking for something for your living room, your bedroom or even your hallways, you will find a landscape picture to suit your needs. You just have to look around to find the best prices.

Think about it, we like our gardens to be really well designed. There is nothing more pleasing than to go out after a hard days work and relax within a scenic environment. Often we simply do not have time to go for a nice, scenic walk and so we rely upon creating a scenic and relaxing environment closer to home. Well, by having landscape pictures, you are adding to that scenic environment and you can lose yourself in the scenery of the picture whenever you want to.

There are some really famous landscape artists and if you do decide upon reprints instead of originals, you may be able to purchase pictures from the likes of Claude Monet, Camille Picasso and John Constable. Or, if you are not particularly bothered about famous paintings, searching online will bring thousands of landscape pictures available to you. It may take a while to look through them all, but as there is a large choice available it means that you are more likely to find something which you really love. Local stores do not always have the best pictures so it is nice to have the internet to turn to if needed.

As for the type of landscape picture that you purchase, that is entirely up to you. You can buy forest and woodland landscape pictures, waterfalls, beach and countryside landscape pictures. All of which have hundreds of paintings to choose from and each will look completely different from the next.

Overall landscape pictures really can brighten up the home and they do look really good. So, you do not only have the choice to landscape your garden, but you can also bring a touch of landscape to the inside of your home too.

Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on this subject for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com Find more publications about landscape at his website.

riding mowers

2009/05/26

Poulan Lawn Tractor with 38-Inch Steel Deck, 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, 5 Speed Transmission and 18-Inch Rear Tires (Non-CARB Compliant) #PO15538LT


I've had two lawn tractors before I got the Poulon. I got the Poulon direct from the factory in a wooden crate. Getting the machine uncrated was not difficult after I realized I needed to let some air out of the tires so they would pull out of the slats holding the machine firmly in place. All I needed to do was attach the steering wheel, you'll need a cresant wrench. The mower already had oil in it. Added gasoline and it started right off first try. It cuts cleaner (more smoothly) than my old Ranch King. One thing I really like about the Poulon is the extreme ease of manuvering it around. It was almost like I have power steering as compared to the Ranch King or a MTD I owned several years ago. The Poulon makes far sharper turns than the others; not quite zero radius but a lot nearer to it. Another feature I really Appreciate is the neutral key position you can activate in order to cut while in reverse. The feature whereby you can set the hand brake and leave the mower still running, while you get off to remove something in the way, is a big help too. I haven't had the mower long enough to evaluate its longevity; but up to now its been one fine machine.
Buy Poulan Lawn Tractor with 38-Inch Steel Deck, 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, 5 Speed Transmission and 18-Inch Rear Tires (Non-CARB Compliant) #PO15538LT!

2009/05/25

Buying Discount Mower Parts Can Save Money

The first thing that you would want after entering into that new house with a sprawling garden is a good quality lawn mower. And if you are one of those who regularly works with lawn mowers, then you must already know the huge importance of lawn mowers. Don't worry much about the prices because most top companies offer discount mower parts.

Regardless of the model or manufacturer of the machine you drive, one thing is for sure that some or other parts will need replacement after few years of use. Even if you go for the best manufacturers' models that work smoothly at the start, or the sturdiest mower model, they will have something or the other broken and therefore you will need to buy lawnmower parts after few years.

Wear and damage are two most usual reasons that call for replacement of lawn mower parts. Wear parts are those that have been working too hard and so are not performing as well as they should, while damaged parts are those that are beyond use and have to be replaced totally. Scotts mower parts and Ariens lawn mower parts are often in demand due to the popularity of these mowers.

Unsharpened blades is an example of worn down parts. They are tough to detect but require little effort. As for example, blades can just be sharpened and they will be as good as new. On the other hand damaged parts are easier to detect like in case of lawnmower engine parts because in most of the cases your mower will refuse to work at all. The situation can be quite irritating especially if the mower refuses to work after you are halfway through your lawn.

Finding the correct mower part can be quite tricky at times because you don't know which make's parts will be most suitable for you. If you are on a tight budget then you can go for used lawn mower parts. There are many manufacturers and brands in the market for lawn mower parts. Whether you are looking for continental lawnmower engine parts, comercial mower parts, gilson lawn mower parts, or ferris lawnmower parts, for instance, you can be sure to find them at a supplier.

The easiest way to find the specific lawn mower part that will go with your mower is at the local gardening warehouses. Most of these warehouses have the correct knowledge and compatibility records for almost all specific models. If you are looking for lawnmower parts for kubota, or cub cadet mower parts, for instance, you should be able to find the correct part without trouble.

After that you also need to think about the prices and after-servicing of parts. Many companies offer discount mower parts and they are a good choice. Just make sure that you buy from a specialty shop, as they generally have their private service department for repairing and maintaining any parts you buy from them.

Carl Formby owns and operates http://www.lawnmowermerchant.com a website with information on the Best Riding Lawn Mowers and Reel Lawn Mowers