Homesteading Advice: Choosing the Best Riding Mower, Valerian Root and Benefits of Juicing

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"Juicing" removes half of the dietary value from raw fruits and vegetables.
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If you're shopping for new, one of our favorites is John Deere's SX85 model.
If you're shopping for new, one of our favorites is John Deere's SX85 model.

The Ask MOTHER column provides answers to readers questions about modern homesteading. This issue answers questions about choosing the best riding mower, the uses of valerian root, and explains the health benefits of juicing fruits and vegetables.

What is the bestriding mower for my money?
Mark
Melrose, New Mexico

First, avoid no-name or house-brand, bargain-basement power equipment from garden centers, mall or hardware stores unless the stores have their own in-house service and repair facilities with an experienced, small-engine mechanic. Mower engines work very hard and they need care. It helps, too, if there is a nearby, franchised repair outfit to chase “limited” warranties if engines or transaxles go bad during the first year. Properly maintained engines should last a minimum of 2,500 hours. The less-than-premium wheel bearings, electrical equipment, tin and paint, however, need frequent oiling, waxing or cleaning in order to remain in top shape.

Don’t buy a new model from a discount mall store unless it is a name brand such as Toro, Simplicity, MTD, Bolens, White or Cub Cadet. If purchasing a used, new or late model, you should buy from the most reputable and longest-established servicing dealers in your area. They will have prominent ads in the Yellow Pages under “Lawn Mowers.” The independent makers of rotary mowers all build good riding mowers, too. Our preference is farm-tough lawn equipment from the surviving farm tractor makers: John Deere, Ford, Case, New Holland (Boomer), Honda and Husquevarna make high-quality, though not inexpensive, machines. And there’s always Sears. Check the major discounts listed in Sears sale catalogs and newspaper ads, but insist on the models in the media ads rather than store-floor discounted models.

If you have a big spread, look in the classifieds for a Farmall Cub, Farmall “A” or other good old (1940s-’50s) farm tractor with a newer Woods mower deck attachment. Expect to pay around $2,500 for a good one, and be sure that there’s a competent old-tractor mechanic around.

  • Published on Dec 1, 2000
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