Ride-on brands

Ignoring the commercial type machines, eg Iseki and Kubota, the seem to be 2 brands in Europe (France).

These groupings were made based on photographs of the machines. In general, you can see the pattern of the basket, the protection around the deck and the seat. Controls vary, but not much.


Group 1 - American
MTD
Husqvarna
Best Green
Club Cadet
Electrolux
McCulloch
Wolf

Group 2 - Italian - GGP
Alpina
Stiga
Sabre France/SARP/Castel Garden
Univert/Sentar
Colombia


I found the GGP machines a bit plasticy and flimsy. Compare the weights. I saw a Sentar Montreal (Kawa twin) at €2590, but the bonnet is so flexible.  The never-used model in the showroom already had part of the basket seal coming away. The GTR B is a more solid machine at €2390 (B&S PB), but you'll find the Alpina AT7 version for €1900. The dealer was prepared to discount €90. You'll be better off with the Husqvarna CT138 with the B&S Intek, pressurised oil system + filter, 98cm at €2400 + del.
AT7 can tow 100kg. The larger American ones can tow 180kg, with a nose weight of 25kg.
Rear axles on them all varied between the Tuff Torq K46 or Hydrogear. Both American, both good reputation with lots of spares and repair kits.

The only other economies I found were the engines. The GGP engines are made in China I was told, but what isn't. Still reliable though. Very little on the forums, so that confirms it.
B&S do a series 3 & 4 in 2 flavours. Intek and PB (power built) It's next to impossible to get an informed explanation of the difference between Intek and PB, but a lot of GGP stuff has PB, so that tells you it's cheaper. The Kawasaki 603cc 481 is made in USA.

Alpina gear is often heavily discounted and being white, stands out a bit in the garden.

July 2017