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Lawn Tractors - Spinoff from Lawn Care Thread (1 Viewer)

Jayrok

Footballguy
For those of you that enjoy managing your own lawn... What riding mower do you use?

In the market for a new mower; looking at Husqvarna and Cub Cadet. Or other except Murray or Troy Built.

Any you'd recommend? Thanks

42"-46" cut range.

 
I've got a ~10 yer old Husqvarna, which I think had a Kawasaski engine (but that may be wrong). It's a 42" and I've beaten the absolute hell out of it. It's got string and duct tape holding part of it together, has lived outside for the past 2 years (I have an elevated shed and can't drive it in), and has one tire that will hold air for maybe 2-3 hours.....but it still starts each and every time I need it. Would recommend. Just use the proper oil weight it recommends, change the plugs, oil filter and fuel filter annually and keep the air filter clean and it will last you years.

 
I haven't had to mow the yard in 20+ years, but when I did in high school, we had a Simplicity.

 
Cub Cadet 46". Have no complaints after two years. #1 thing to make sure your tractor has is hydro-static transmission that will automatically go in reverse with the pedal. That way you don't have to shift every time you want to back up.

 
Also, the sub $2000 tractors are lawn tractors that mow, pull a dump cart, light duty. The $4000 plus range are generally garden tractors that can do more heavy duty things like break ground with a tiller, plow snow, etc.

 
Kubota

All wheel drive

power steering

PTO

3 cylinder Diesel

Hydraulic deck lift
At that price point, not much beats a Kubota. I used to work on a farm that had one - all wheel drive diesel and independent left/right braking. We put turf tires on it, it must be 15-20 years old at this point and still runs great.

 
Cub Cadet 46". Have no complaints after two years. #1 thing to make sure your tractor has is hydro-static transmission that will automatically go in reverse with the pedal. That way you don't have to shift every time you want to back up.
Is this the Cub Cadet XT1?

 
I have a Craftsman 46in deck to cut my acre. It does a decent job and is plenty for what I need. My neighbor has a John Deere and the difference between the two is substantial. I've used his a couple of times and it is niiiice.

 
Cub Cadet 46". Have no complaints after two years. #1 thing to make sure your tractor has is hydro-static transmission that will automatically go in reverse with the pedal. That way you don't have to shift every time you want to back up.
Is this the Cub Cadet XT1?
Mine is a LTX1046. The XT1 is the new re-design of the LTX. Looks like to me they all have the hydro-static transmission now and the XT2 even has electronic deck engagement (push button instead of a lever).

 
squidrope said:
Jayrok said:
Foosball God said:
I have a Cub Cadet, been running strong for 7 years
Which model do you have?
I believe that Cub Cadet has been bought by MTD(?) a few years ago. Many/most mowers in the sub 2k price range will be built by MTD. So beware that past performance doesn't guarantee that it'll be the same build quality as it was years before.
They've been under MTD for decades.

 
Have a Deere 318 here. It's near 30 years old. Bought it 10 years ago for $2400 with a 50 deck and leaf vaccum collector cart. Added a hydraulic snow blade. It gets abused all year and just keeps on running. Hydrostatic transmission, power steering, cup holder. Only minor repairs needed that I have been able to do myself reminiscent of how cars used to be. If I had to replace it I'd probably buy the same thing. It's the claasic reference standard for garden tractors.

 
Just bought a John Deere X300 last week. $3,000 but if you are going to spend $2,000 on the D series you might as well kick in an extra grand for the much better built motor and frame with the X series. There is also a sale right now on all John Deere accessories - 20% off. https://www.deere.com/en_US/buying_and_finance/usa/special_offers/parts/rle-parts-offer.page

When it comes to big purchases - something that may be used for 10 to 20 years - I always go with quality and pay a little extra.

 
Just bought a John Deere X300 last week. $3,000 but if you are going to spend $2,000 on the D series you might as well kick in an extra grand for the much better built motor and frame with the X series. There is also a sale right now on all John Deere accessories - 20% off. https://www.deere.com/en_US/buying_and_finance/usa/special_offers/parts/rle-parts-offer.page

When it comes to big purchases - something that may be used for 10 to 20 years - I always go with quality and pay a little extra.
The X series is nice but a bit more than I want to spend. My yard is big but it is flat so no hills to climb or cut. I ruled out the D series early on, that's why I was looking at other brands.

 
Four years ago I purchased a Husqvarna lawn tractor. It has a 48" wide deck. It still runs like a champ and all I've done is basic maintenance.

The only problem I experienced was that the tires were always going flat due to me running over thorns. I had four heavy-duty innertubes installed and haven't had a problem since.

Be sure to buy a trickle charger and hook it up to your battery when mowing season ends. If the battery becomes too depleted it will quit taking a charge.

 
I'm also in the market. Was talking to the local dealer here and he said the XT1 was basically made for the big box stores like Tractor Supply, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and not nearly the same quality as the XT2 (which is what he sells). The XT3 is more heavy-duty and he doesn't sell hardly any of those, because at that price point, most people go with a zero turn unless they have a specific need for a garden tractor.

 
The XT2 also comes with the option of the Kohler motor or a Kawasaki ($100 more I think). Guy said they haven't seen a whole lot of difference between the 2 but the Kawasaki is a little quieter and smoother. Also has a larger cooling fan, so they expect a longer life, but it's only been offered for a few years now so they couldn't say for sure.

I've had a Cub for 10+ years now and from my experience, the body and deck will wear out long before the motor...

 
I'm also in the market. Was talking to the local dealer here and he said the XT1 was basically made for the big box stores like Tractor Supply, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and not nearly the same quality as the XT2 (which is what he sells). The XT3 is more heavy-duty and he doesn't sell hardly any of those, because at that price point, most people go with a zero turn unless they have a specific need for a garden tractor.
I've read the same about the XT1. The 42" at Tractor Supply has the 18 hp Kohler cougar engine. The 46" has the 22hp Kohler. everything else looks the same. $200 difference in the two mowers.

 
Four years ago I purchased a Husqvarna lawn tractor. It has a 48" wide deck. It still runs like a champ and all I've done is basic maintenance.

The only problem I experienced was that the tires were always going flat due to me running over thorns. I had four heavy-duty innertubes installed and haven't had a problem since.

Be sure to buy a trickle charger and hook it up to your battery when mowing season ends. If the battery becomes too depleted it will quit taking a charge.
Thanks for the trickle charger tip. Hadn't heard of that before. Husky is still a top contender for my search.

 
I'm also in the market. Was talking to the local dealer here and he said the XT1 was basically made for the big box stores like Tractor Supply, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and not nearly the same quality as the XT2 (which is what he sells). The XT3 is more heavy-duty and he doesn't sell hardly any of those, because at that price point, most people go with a zero turn unless they have a specific need for a garden tractor.
I've read the same about the XT1. The 42" at Tractor Supply has the 18 hp Kohler cougar engine. The 46" has the 22hp Kohler. everything else looks the same. $200 difference in the two mowers.
18hp is likely going to be single cylinder while the 22 would be a V twin. Might be more gas usage on the V twin ( :shrug: )but should be smoother/quieter. I've heard differing opinions as to quality of single vs V twin but seems most feel the twin is more durable. And of course a 46" deck would cut your mowing time down a bit but can be difficult to maneuver into tight areas.

XT1 vs XT2. Looks like many of the XT2 line comes with Kawasaki engines which people love. Repair guys say they're more expensive to repair but break much less.

Place to compare side by side CC models. http://www.rowestractor.com/new_vehicle_compare.asp?veh1=444524&veh2=444533&go2=Go#compare

 
I just stole a hardly used 2 year old Craftsman w/ a 21hp B&S and 42" deck for $875 off Craigslist.

I didn't even negotiate. Once I saw how nice it looked inside and out I handed him $875 and loaded it up.

I know it's not top of the line, but it's still a good mower for the price.

 
I'm also in the market. Was talking to the local dealer here and he said the XT1 was basically made for the big box stores like Tractor Supply, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and not nearly the same quality as the XT2 (which is what he sells). The XT3 is more heavy-duty and he doesn't sell hardly any of those, because at that price point, most people go with a zero turn unless they have a specific need for a garden tractor.
I've read the same about the XT1. The 42" at Tractor Supply has the 18 hp Kohler cougar engine. The 46" has the 22hp Kohler. everything else looks the same. $200 difference in the two mowers.
Fair or not, there are some very negative reviews out there on Kohler motors.
 
Four years ago I purchased a Husqvarna lawn tractor. It has a 48" wide deck. It still runs like a champ and all I've done is basic maintenance.

The only problem I experienced was that the tires were always going flat due to me running over thorns. I had four heavy-duty innertubes installed and haven't had a problem since.

Be sure to buy a trickle charger and hook it up to your battery when mowing season ends. If the battery becomes too depleted it will quit taking a charge.
About tires, if the tractor comes with tubeless and your tires become worn and no longer hold air, you don't need to replace the tires. Just get yourself a couple of tire spoons and a tube from amazon and throw a tube into the tire.

 
3C said:
Jayrok said:
I'm also in the market. Was talking to the local dealer here and he said the XT1 was basically made for the big box stores like Tractor Supply, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and not nearly the same quality as the XT2 (which is what he sells). The XT3 is more heavy-duty and he doesn't sell hardly any of those, because at that price point, most people go with a zero turn unless they have a specific need for a garden tractor.
I've read the same about the XT1. The 42" at Tractor Supply has the 18 hp Kohler cougar engine. The 46" has the 22hp Kohler. everything else looks the same. $200 difference in the two mowers.
18hp is likely going to be single cylinder while the 22 would be a V twin. Might be more gas usage on the V twin ( :shrug: )but should be smoother/quieter. I've heard differing opinions as to quality of single vs V twin but seems most feel the twin is more durable. And of course a 46" deck would cut your mowing time down a bit but can be difficult to maneuver into tight areas.

XT1 vs XT2. Looks like many of the XT2 line comes with Kawasaki engines which people love. Repair guys say they're more expensive to repair but break much less.

Place to compare side by side CC models. http://www.rowestractor.com/new_vehicle_compare.asp?veh1=444524&veh2=444533&go2=Go#compare
Thanks for the info and the link.

 
I have a CC 1046....got it at a local dealer (not a HD, Tractor Supply etc) last year. It has the Kawasaki engine in it. I had always heard good things about Kohler engines in general, but everything I read while I was researching said to stay away from the Kohler if you had the choice. I love it so far. It's only going into it's second season though.

 
Jayrok said:
Four years ago I purchased a Husqvarna lawn tractor. It has a 48" wide deck. It still runs like a champ and all I've done is basic maintenance.

The only problem I experienced was that the tires were always going flat due to me running over thorns. I had four heavy-duty innertubes installed and haven't had a problem since.

Be sure to buy a trickle charger and hook it up to your battery when mowing season ends. If the battery becomes too depleted it will quit taking a charge.
Thanks for the trickle charger tip. Hadn't heard of that before. Husky is still a top contender for my search.
You won't have to worry about trickle chargers down here. It's only a couple months of winter.

 
Bought my John Deere (2 years old at the time) off ebay for $600. Now 8 years later, it still is fabulous with zero issues other than replace the battery.

 
Jayrok said:
Four years ago I purchased a Husqvarna lawn tractor. It has a 48" wide deck. It still runs like a champ and all I've done is basic maintenance.

The only problem I experienced was that the tires were always going flat due to me running over thorns. I had four heavy-duty innertubes installed and haven't had a problem since.

Be sure to buy a trickle charger and hook it up to your battery when mowing season ends. If the battery becomes too depleted it will quit taking a charge.
Thanks for the trickle charger tip. Hadn't heard of that before. Husky is still a top contender for my search.
You won't have to worry about trickle chargers down here. It's only a couple months of winter.
Winter months yes but we're talking about 'mowing the lawn' months. Seem to remember mowing in early november maybe late october, then not again until April.

 
Jayrok said:
Four years ago I purchased a Husqvarna lawn tractor. It has a 48" wide deck. It still runs like a champ and all I've done is basic maintenance.

The only problem I experienced was that the tires were always going flat due to me running over thorns. I had four heavy-duty innertubes installed and haven't had a problem since.

Be sure to buy a trickle charger and hook it up to your battery when mowing season ends. If the battery becomes too depleted it will quit taking a charge.
Thanks for the trickle charger tip. Hadn't heard of that before. Husky is still a top contender for my search.
You won't have to worry about trickle chargers down here. It's only a couple months of winter.
Winter months yes but we're talking about 'mowing the lawn' months. Seem to remember mowing in early november maybe late october, then not again until April.
I want your grass then ;) I stop near Thanksgiving then start up again the beginning of March.

 
Jayrok said:
Four years ago I purchased a Husqvarna lawn tractor. It has a 48" wide deck. It still runs like a champ and all I've done is basic maintenance.

The only problem I experienced was that the tires were always going flat due to me running over thorns. I had four heavy-duty innertubes installed and haven't had a problem since.

Be sure to buy a trickle charger and hook it up to your battery when mowing season ends. If the battery becomes too depleted it will quit taking a charge.
Thanks for the trickle charger tip. Hadn't heard of that before. Husky is still a top contender for my search.
You won't have to worry about trickle chargers down here. It's only a couple months of winter.
Winter months yes but we're talking about 'mowing the lawn' months. Seem to remember mowing in early november maybe late october, then not again until April.
I want your grass then ;) I stop near Thanksgiving then start up again the beginning of March.
Maybe it is determined by the type of grass? We've had cold basically through March this year and when pollen season hits, the grass starts growing more. I cut my back yard twice this season but my front yard, which is quite larger, I mowed last week for the first time.

 
Haven't read the whole thread, but here's my :2cents:

I think the biggest decision is deciding between zero turn or normal lawn tractor. When I was looking, I had ONLY used lawn tractors growing up. I ultimately ended up getting a zero turn. People say you can't use attachments for a Zero Turn...I'd argue that. The only thing I don't think you'll do is plow with one, but we had a plow on an old John Deere Mower back in the day, and it sucked. Besides, that's what snow blowers are for. I pull utility wagons, chippers, etc. with my zero turn without issue. I can back a wagon full of mulch into the smallest spaces too b/c of the agility. If you have a yard with a lot of obsticles or you want that nice "line" cut look, Zero Turns are awesome.

I'd only consider a Lawn Tractor if you were going with a BIG one. John Deere (and others) make Lawn Tractors that have hydraulic hook-ups, and sometimes even PTO's to run buckets, backhoes, augers, etc. If I had a need, I'd have considered one of those. For everything else, I'm fine with my Zero.

I have a John Deere Z710. It's a few years old. Probably overkill even for my yard. I like the "professional" grade Deere stuff, but I can't really recommend their consumer grade stuff. Husqvarna makes awesome equipment. If I was in the market, that'd probably be where I'd look.

 
I would watch out for anything with a Kohler engine. They make them in China now. I bought a Husqvarna 42" deck with a Kawasaki engine 3 years ago and it's done the job so far. It replaced a Craftsman with Kohler engine that was a horrible piece of crap in every way imaginable.

 
I saw a zero turn with a dethatcher hooked to the front the other day. That's much more convenient as the guy could dethatch and suck up the thatch in one pass. For me, I have to dethatch first with the pull behind and then make a 2nd pass to suck it up.

 
I saw a zero turn with a dethatcher hooked to the front the other day. That's much more convenient as the guy could dethatch and suck up the thatch in one pass. For me, I have to dethatch first with the pull behind and then make a 2nd pass to suck it up.
I'd be curious to see what that set-up costs. I need a dethatcher, and I really don't feel like towing one. Theoretically, if I had one in the front, I could de-thatch, mow, and aerate (with a tow-behind) all at once!

 
Jayrok said:
Four years ago I purchased a Husqvarna lawn tractor. It has a 48" wide deck. It still runs like a champ and all I've done is basic maintenance.

The only problem I experienced was that the tires were always going flat due to me running over thorns. I had four heavy-duty innertubes installed and haven't had a problem since.

Be sure to buy a trickle charger and hook it up to your battery when mowing season ends. If the battery becomes too depleted it will quit taking a charge.
Thanks for the trickle charger tip. Hadn't heard of that before. Husky is still a top contender for my search.
You won't have to worry about trickle chargers down here. It's only a couple months of winter.
Winter months yes but we're talking about 'mowing the lawn' months. Seem to remember mowing in early november maybe late october, then not again until April.
I want your grass then ;) I stop near Thanksgiving then start up again the beginning of March.
Maybe it is determined by the type of grass? We've had cold basically through March this year and when pollen season hits, the grass starts growing more. I cut my back yard twice this season but my front yard, which is quite larger, I mowed last week for the first time.
dang!! :kicksrock: fescue here :ptts:

 
I just stole a hardly used 2 year old Craftsman w/ a 21hp B&S and 42" deck for $875 off Craigslist.

I didn't even negotiate. Once I saw how nice it looked inside and out I handed him $875 and loaded it up.

I know it's not top of the line, but it's still a good mower for the price.
My neighbor bought a Craftsman the year after I bought my Cub Cadet. His Craftsman threw a rod 2 years ago and he had to buy a new mower. Meanwhile my Cub Cadet is still riding strong.

End anecdotal post.

 
I just stole a hardly used 2 year old Craftsman w/ a 21hp B&S and 42" deck for $875 off Craigslist.

I didn't even negotiate. Once I saw how nice it looked inside and out I handed him $875 and loaded it up.

I know it's not top of the line, but it's still a good mower for the price.
My neighbor bought a Craftsman the year after I bought my Cub Cadet. His Craftsman threw a rod 2 years ago and he had to buy a new mower. Meanwhile my Cub Cadet is still riding strong.End anecdotal post.
Yeah, sometimes cheap Chinese crap isn't that good of a deal in the long run. Who knew?

 
I just stole a hardly used 2 year old Craftsman w/ a 21hp B&S and 42" deck for $875 off Craigslist.

I didn't even negotiate. Once I saw how nice it looked inside and out I handed him $875 and loaded it up.

I know it's not top of the line, but it's still a good mower for the price.
My neighbor bought a Craftsman the year after I bought my Cub Cadet. His Craftsman threw a rod 2 years ago and he had to buy a new mower. Meanwhile my Cub Cadet is still riding strong.

End anecdotal post.
Could be that he wasn't changing the oil as well. You're just rolling the dice if you don't keep on top of that regardless of which brand you buy.

 
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