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I'm going to buy a new lawn tractor this Spring and I've narrowed my decision down to two brands, two models for each brand.

I've been researching John Deere 100 Series lawn tractors for quite some time. I realize that they are good mowers but the fuel tanks are too small and I've read an abundance of comments concerning trouble with the hydrostatic transmissions before and just after the warranty expires. The two year, 200 hours warranty seems a little thin to me.

I've also done a lot of online research on the 2015 Cub Cadet models. I don't particularly care for the boxy shape of the front of these Cub Cadet models but I do favor the Kohler V-Twin engines. I believe that the hydrostatic transmissions in the two models I've researched could possibly be the same (produced by the same company but not necessarily the same model #) as those in the two John Deere models. I like the larger fuel tank on the Cub Cadets.

I know that the John Deere models I'm looking at are either assembled or made somewhere in Tennessee and that the Cub Cadet models are either assembled or made in Cleveland, Ohio. I know that Cub Cadets is owned by MTD. I've read good and bad reviews for both companies, which is to be expected. I think the John Deere is probably of a higher quality than Cub Cadet but I don't particularly care for B&S engines. The four models I'm considering all have V-Twin engines but I believe John Deere has B&S make engines for them that are either better or stronger than the standard B&S engines. I've always preferred Kohler over B&S. The Troy-Bilt riding mower I had in the nineties had a Kohler engine and I was quite impressed with both the mower and the engine. However, it seems that Troy-Bilt has gone downhill since being bought out of bankruptcy proceedings by MTD and yes, as i previously mentioned, I'm aware that Cub Cadets and several other brands are owned and produced by MTD.

These are the models I'm comparing:

John Deere D140 Versus
Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series LT 46 in. 22 HP V-Twin Kohler Hydrostatic

John Deere D155 Versus
XT1 Enduro Series LT 50 in. 24 HP V-Twin Kohler Hydrostatic

I've had trouble trying to discover which model hydrostatic transmissions the Deere models come with. I realize that all four of these models are sold in "Big Box" stores and that they are in the lower price range, where "you get what you pay for" applies. However, I will purchase the John Deere from my local John Deere dealer or the Cub Cadet from my local Tractor Supply dealer. It's a matter of service, you know.

Thank you in advance for your time and any assistance provided. I appreciate it very much. I'm leaning toward one of the John Deere models, inferior warranty and transmission problems be damned.

I was thinking cub cadet all the way through your post until you said Deere will come from a Deere dealer. I would say about the same but better service if the Deere dealer is customer friendly.

I would say buy which color you like the best. As far as the two tractors go I would think they are both equal as far as quality go's.

mowerman05 said:

I was thinking cub cadet all the way through your post until you said Deere will come from a Deere dealer. I would say about the same but better service if the Deere dealer is customer friendly.

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Thank you for your prompt reply, mowerman. I appreciate it very much. I think that any of the four models I mentioned would be comparable to each other. As I mentioned, I don't particularly care for the boxy front end of the Cub Cadet but then again, the reviews of the two 2015 model year Cub Cadet models are positive for the most part. Of course, I'm aware that we won't really know until a few years down the road. I really like the John Deere models but the skimpy warranty and two gallon fuel tank are what's holding me back on Deere. Perhaps if the local Deere dealer would throw in a free front bumper for the D140 it would make me lean more heavily in Deere's direction. I really like the new 2015 JD D155 with the ELS engine but I can't seem to nail down the model transmission it uses. I can't find the information anywhere. I think I'll just call my local JD dealer for the answer. If the JD D155, which includes a front bumper, uses the Kanzaki Tuff Torq T40 or another model other than the K46 I would without a doubt go for it. I'm also holding back on the two Cub Cadets because of the Tuff Torq K46 transmissions but the larger fuel tank and the three year, unlimited hours warranty is keeping me interested. I would buy the Cub Cadet from my local Tractor Supply because I value good service, which you won't get from a Big Box store. In any event, I intend to use my lawn tractor for mowing and dethatching only and an occasional picking up of fallen (small) tree branches. My lawn is only one half acre but I'm going with a model larger than my needs so that I can get a V-Twin engine for longer life and smoother operation. The Kohler V-Twin engines in the Cub Cadet models is a big plus for me as I don't particularly care for B&S engines although I will admit that they seem to be fairly dependable from past experience. Both Kohler and B&S use cast iron cylinder sleeves and seem to have good air cleaning and oil pressure systems.

Thank you again for your time and assistance.

reynoldston said:

I would say buy which color you like the best. As far as the two tractors go I would think they are both equal as far as quality go's.

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Thank you for your reply, reynoldston. I appreciate it.

It looks like the XT Enduro is a new model. Working for dealers I have found through the years that its a good idea to keep away from new models till they get all the bugs worked out. I have found that manufactures like to experiment with the public. Just my finding???

reynoldston said:

It looks like the XT Enduro is a new model. Working for dealers I have found through the years that its a good idea to keep away from new models till they get all the bugs worked out. I have found that manufactures like to experiment with the public. Just my finding???

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I agree, Mike. Both of the Cub Cadet models I mentioned are new for 2015 but it's the Kohler engine that I'm finding hard to pass up. I wish JD would offer the Kohler V-Twin as an option. The Kohler, single cylinder engine in the Troy-Bilt lawn tractor I gave my ex-wife in the early nineties is still going strong with no repairs to date. That's over twenty years.

Sichuan said:

I agree, Mike. Both of the Cub Cadet models I mentioned are new for 2015 but it's the Kohler engine that I'm finding hard to pass up. I wish JD would offer the Kohler V-Twin as an option. The Kohler, single cylinder engine in the Troy-Bilt lawn tractor I gave my ex-wife in the early nineties is still going strong with no repairs to date. That's over twenty years.

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Now you are talking early 90's. I will take a guess that is a Kohler magnum? That engine was made to last. I will take another guess that the new Cub Cadet has a Kohler courage? Two complete different engines. I am not saying anything bad here about Kohler but also I think that Briggs makes a good engine also. Also its saying the John Deere D155 has a Kohler in it? I will still say buy what you like the best, maybe sit on them and see which one feels the most comfortable. As far as repairs go I get both John Deere and Cud Cadet in my shop and as I see it they both have about the same quality.

reynoldston said:

Now you are talking early 90's. I will take a guess that is a Kohler magnum? That engine was made to last. I will take another guess that the new Cub Cadet has a Kohler courage? Two complete different engines. I am not saying anything bad here about Kohler but also I think that Briggs makes a good engine also. Also its saying the John Deere D155 has a Kohler in it? I will still say buy what you like the best, maybe sit on them and see which one feels the most comfortable. As far as repairs go I get both John Deere and Cud Cadet in my shop and as I see it they both have about the same quality.

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Hey reynoldston,

The name Magnum sounds familiar and that is probably what it has. I'm going to do some more research on the Kohler Courage because I've seen it mentioned in several discussions. I agree that B&S makes good engines and I believe the B&S engines in the JD 100 series are custom made for John Deere, with better air cleaning and oil distribution. No, the JD D155 has a B&S ESL V-Twin engine. I simply can't determine the transmission type. I emailed the JD dealer and should have my answer Monday. The information is not available online as far as I can determine. I'll probably go to my local Home Depot tomorrow just to look at both the JD and Cub Cadet models. They have all four (2 JD and 2 CC) models on display. After that, my decision will be based on service and extended warranty coverage. I believe JD's extended warranty is for two years. I don't know what it is for the Cub Cadets. I'm going to research them tonight or tomorrow. I've been to my local JD dealer so I know they provide good service. I'll have to visit my local Tractor Supply dealer and check out their service and parts availability as I've never been there.

Service and extended warranty coverage are the very less of what I would think about, then of course I have been in the repair business all my working life. But think about that two year warranty. It's the first two years you are less likely to need repairs. You are talking about extended warranty, so what is the standard warranty. Now again I do my own service so its easy for me to talk. I have worked for dealers doing repairs and it always seems to me it never made any different as to where it was bought, we got paid the same no matter what. The dealer doesn't pay for warranty work the factory dose.

Cub cadet all the way.
Much better mower for the money.

Just because you buy the john Deere at a dealer and not at lowes does not make it a better mower. It's the same mower made by the same people on the same place.

As far as dealer support. You are buying one mower they don't care about you. And just want to over charge you for extras.

When it comes to riding mowers cub cadet is the way to go. They give a very good cut. Especially when the grass is wet.
John Deere riding mower are the bottom feeders.
The pulley set up for the blades really hurts the mower. Does very poorly in thick grass.

If you buy a mower from a dealer and in 3 weeks you do not like it then to bad it's yours.

Buy one at lowes or tractor supply you can return within 30 days if you do not like it.

As far as doing warranty work. I would bring it to a small engine shop before I took it to a dealer.

Extended warranties are just another way to relieve tou of some more cash unless you are talking about 5 years.

As for the engines, Courage engines are the lowest quality Kohler, ie it's budget line.
I have never had any problems with courages that were not the owners fault.
I like working on them as they have a lot of nice touches, like a deeper sump , hang down ( no mess ) oil filter and top closure so you can pull down the motor in the mower.

OTOH the Briggs fitted to JD's is generally the top shelf B & S engine.
If it is branded JD then it is built to horizontal crank specks and a lot better than youe standard B & S engine.

The build quality on Cubs seems to be better than the build quality of the 100 series JD which is their lowest price, entry level line.
The 42" "edge" decks tend to fracture along the weld lines of the hangers brackets and are also very prone to bending in far enough for the deck foul on the blades when you run into some thing solid.

From your property description this probably won't be a problem but it is what I have observed as a repairer.

I recommend buying JD's to a lot of people around here principally because they are better made than most of the offerings and have an excellent parts back up & dealer network who do not skin you alive over parts.
MTD belt $ 147 , Ayp belt $ 75 , JD belt $ 45.
We have no Cub Cadet agent in Sydney ( 5,000,000 people ) only MTD agents who can get them in if you want, If we did I would recommend Cubs over Deeres but I have not seen your models yet and most likley won't see one for a very long time.

Carscw said:

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As far as doing warranty work. I would bring it to a small engine shop before I took it to a dealer.

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What sure sounds good but it wouldn't work. Warranty work is paid by the factory to dealers only. I have worked in dealer shops for over 20 years and know how it works.

reynoldston said:

What sure sounds good but it wouldn't work. Warranty work is paid by the factory to dealers only. I have worked in dealer shops for over 20 years and know how it works.

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Small shop close to me is a authorized cub cadet shop and does warranty work. They don't sell new mowers.

I try and not use big dealers.
I rather go to the small shop that appreciates my business.

OH WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DEALER MAKES!!!

I feel like a woman purchasing a handbag. "I'm going shopping for a new handbag and I know exactly what I want. Oh my, look at the new designs! I like this one, no, I like this one, OK, I'm going to buy this one, no, I've changed my mind and I want this one."

Anyway, long story short:

I spent some time with both the JD and CC dealers today. Both dealers are appx. ten miles from my home and within two miles of each other on the same road. I first went to the CC dealer. Upon informing him of which model I wanted, which was the XT2 LX46, he immediately tried to sell me the more expensive XT3 model and several attachments. I declined. He then informed me that the Kawasaki engines in the XT2 LX46 were being replaced with Kohlers because Kawasaki couldn't keep up with the CC production demand. Quite frankly, I think that's BS. Personally, I think the real reason is that CC wants to increase the profit level on this particular model. I just don't see a situation where Kawasaki can't meet demand. He also seemed to be more concerned with who was coming in the front door and what another salesman was telling a customer than he was with me. He informed me that there would be a $50.00 delivery charge for a curb dropoff, no checking that everything was assembled and adjusted properly and no instructions on the operation of the lawn tractor. The dealer has a full service and parts department. Bottom line? This dealer is more interested in sales than what the customer wants or needs. I made the decision right then and there to scratch him off my list and to proceed to the JD dealer. In all fairness, I think that there are certainly CC dealers out there who would be better than this one and care more about the customer than sales figures but the other CC dealers are substantially farther from my home.

I told the JD dealer that I was interested in four models, the D130, D140, D155 and S240 Sport. The D155 and S240 sport are new models for 2015. I informed him that I would be mowing between one half and three fourths of an acre with no pulling logs or rocks in a trailer and no snow plowing or blowing. He immediately informed me that the D130, which comes with a B&S 22HP V-Twin engine is all I need for the size of my lawn. We discussed attachments and mulching blades/kits only after I inquired about them. The D130 has a two blade deck, manual PTO and a 42 inch cut. I believe it also has the standard seat. A front bumper is included. It retails for $1899. The D140 has the same B&S engine but comes with a three blade deck, an electronically engaged PTO, a 48 inch cut and a better, high-back seat. It retails for $1999. A front bumper is not included with the D140 and sells for $79. The D155 has a 24HP B&S ELS V-Twin, a three blade deck, electronic PTO and a 48 inch cut. It retails for $2199. The S240 sport is a very nice lawn tractor. The dealer tells me that the S240 Sport is an upgrade from the 100 Series and comes with a three years or 250 hours warranty, a Kawasaki 18 HP V-Twin engine, electronic PTO, two blade deck, a 42 inch cut and an open bottom, high-back seat. It retails for $2499.

The dealer informed me that the lawn tractor would be delivered free of charge, all specs would be checked, any needed adjustments made, instructions in the use of it would be given and all questions answered. Any pickup and delivery during and after the warranty period would be $50 per pickup and delivery back to the house. He made no effort to steer me to a more expensive model, did not attempt to sell me any attachments and informed me that the standard blade was an enhanced blade that would do a good job of mulching the grass if I decided to add the mulching cover, which can be purchased as a stand alone product or with better mulching blades. The mulching cover is $27.98 or $33.50, depending on the width of the cut. He also has dedicated mulching blades for around $17/18 each. Bottom line? The dealer was more interested in my needs and desires than pushing the sale and attempting upgrades. The dealer has a full service and parts department.

So, I've decided that I'll buy either the D140 or the S240 Sport. I just got off the phone with someone in the dealer's service department and he tells me that both decks have ball bearings and grease fittings. However, he stated that if money isn't a problem I should seriously consider the S240 Sport. He tells me that the Kawasaki engine is much better, has more torque, runs quieter and will last longer than the B&S and generally speaking, the S240 is a much better lawn tractor than any of the D Series models. Although he didn't mention it, I would also gain one year and 130 hours with the better warranty (2 years/120 hours versus 3 years/250 hours), have a better seat and get a heavy duty front bumper with it, so that will actually reduce the comparison price by about $200, in effect making a final cost difference between the two models of about $250. The question I have is whether or not a three blade deck is more balanced than a two blade deck, reducing any vibration. I realize that maintaining a three blade deck will be more expensive than a two blade deck but if there's no noticeable vibration reduction the S240 would save me money on maintenance and replacement blades in the long run. It doesn't matter to me if I end up with a 42 inch or 48 inch cut. I know that the D140 uses a T40 transmission and the S240 Sport uses the K46. I'm leaning in the direction of the S240. The S240 Sport is probably as close as I can get to the higher quality X300, which has a stronger frame and a nicer seat, without actually buying the X300.

Thanks again for all your time and assistance and your knowledge based on your prior and current experiences. I appreciate it very much. Sorry about the "long story short". I lied.

Sichuan said:

OH WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DEALER MAKES!!! I feel like a woman purchasing a handbag. "I'm going shopping for a new handbag and I know exactly what I want. Oh my, look at the new designs! I like this one, no, I like this one, OK, I'm going to buy this one, no, I've changed my mind and I want this one." Anyway, long story short: I spent some time with both the JD and CC dealers today. Both dealers are appx. ten miles from my home and within two miles of each other on the same road. I first went to the CC dealer. Upon informing him of which model I wanted, which was the XT2 LX46, he immediately tried to sell me the more expensive XT3 model and several attachments. I declined. He then informed me that the Kawasaki engines in the XT2 LX46 were being replaced with Kohlers because Kawasaki couldn't keep up with the CC production demand. Quite frankly, I think that's BS. Personally, I think the real reason is that CC wants to increase the profit level on this particular model. I just don't see a situation where Kawasaki can't meet demand. He also seemed to be more concerned with who was coming in the front door and what another salesman was telling a customer than he was with me. He informed me that there would be a $50.00 delivery charge for a curb dropoff, no checking that everything was assembled and adjusted properly and no instructions on the operation of the lawn tractor. The dealer has a full service and parts department. Bottom line? This dealer is more interested in sales than what the customer wants or needs. I made the decision right then and there to scratch him off my list and to proceed to the JD dealer. In all fairness, I think that there are certainly CC dealers out there who would be better than this one and care more about the customer than sales figures but the other CC dealers are substantially farther from my home. I told the JD dealer that I was interested in four models, the D130, D140, D155 and S240 Sport. The D155 and S240 sport are new models for 2015. I informed him that I would be mowing between one half and three fourths of an acre with no pulling logs or rocks in a trailer and no snow plowing or blowing. He immediately informed me that the D130, which comes with a B&S 22HP V-Twin engine is all I need for the size of my lawn. We discussed attachments and mulching blades/kits only after I inquired about them. The D130 has a two blade deck, manual PTO and a 42 inch cut. I believe it also has the standard seat. A front bumper is included. It retails for $1899. The D140 has the same B&S engine but comes with a three blade deck, an electronically engaged PTO, a 48 inch cut and a better, high-back seat. It retails for $1999. A front bumper is not included with the D140 and sells for $79. The D155 has a 24HP B&S ELS V-Twin, a three blade deck, electronic PTO and a 48 inch cut. It retails for $2199. The S240 sport is a very nice lawn tractor. The dealer tells me that the S240 Sport is an upgrade from the 100 Series and comes with a three years or 250 hours warranty, a Kawasaki 18 HP V-Twin engine, electronic PTO, two blade deck, a 42 inch cut and an open bottom, high-back seat. It retails for $2499. The dealer informed me that the lawn tractor would be delivered free of charge, all specs would be checked, any needed adjustments made, instructions in the use of it would be given and all questions answered. Any pickup and delivery during and after the warranty period would be $50 per pickup and delivery back to the house. He made no effort to steer me to a more expensive model, did not attempt to sell me any attachments and informed me that the standard blade was an enhanced blade that would do a good job of mulching the grass if I decided to add the mulching cover, which can be purchased as a stand alone product or with better mulching blades. The mulching cover is $27.98 or $33.50, depending on the width of the cut. He also has dedicated mulching blades for around $17/18 each. Bottom line? The dealer was more interested in my needs and desires than pushing the sale and attempting upgrades. The dealer has a full service and parts department. So, I've decided that I'll buy either the D140 or the S240 Sport. I just got off the phone with someone in the dealer's service department and he tells me that both decks have ball bearings and grease fittings. However, he stated that if money isn't a problem I should seriously consider the S240 Sport. He tells me that the Kawasaki engine is much better, has more torque, runs quieter and will last longer than the B&S and generally speaking, the S240 is a much better lawn tractor than any of the D Series models. Although he didn't mention it, I would also gain one year and 130 hours with the better warranty (2 years/120 hours versus 3 years/250 hours), have a better seat and get a heavy duty front bumper with it, so that will actually reduce the comparison price by about $200, making a final cost difference between the two models of about $250. The question I have is whether or not a three blade deck is more balanced than a two blade deck, reducing any vibration. I realize that maintaining a three blade deck will be more expensive than a two blade deck but if there's no noticeable vibration reduction the S240 would save me money on maintenance and replacement blades in the long run. It doesn't matter to me if I end up with a 42 inch or 48 inch cut. I know that the D140 uses a T40 transmission and the S240 Sport uses the K46. I'm leaning in the direction of the S240. The S240 is probably as close as I can get to the X300, which has a stronger frame and a nicer sear, without actually buying the X300. Thanks again for all your time and assistance and your knowledge based on your prior and current experiences. I appreciate it very much. Sorry about the "long story short". I lied.

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Sorry you had to deal with a pos salesman at the cub dealer. I would go back and tell them why I did not buy a mower from them.

I am not a fan of JD but the S240 is a good mower. If you don't mind the 42 inch cut then go that route.

3 blades will vibrate more then 3.

Carscw said:

Sorry you had to deal with a pos salesman at the cub dealer. I would go back and tell them why I did not buy a mower from them.

I am not a fan of JD but the S240 is a good mower. If you don't mind the 42 inch cut then go that route.

3 blades will vibrate more then 3.

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Thanks for the reply, Carscw, and thanks for the heads up on the vibration question. Two blades and a 42 inch cut are fine with me. I'm fairly certain that I'll go with the S240 as I believe it's a higher quality lawn tractor than the JD 100 Series and the CC X1/X2 models. It's just a personal opinion based on all my research and the assistance provided to me in several discussions. I know that many people will disagree with me.

Sichuan said:

Thanks for the reply, Carscw, and thanks for the heads up on the vibration question. Two blades and a 42 inch cut are fine with me. I'm fairly certain that I'll go with the S240 as I believe it's a higher quality lawn tractor than the JD 100 Series and the CC X1/X2 models. It's just a personal opinion based on all my research and the assistance provided to me in several discussions. I know that many people will disagree with me.

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Here is some nor info.

These guys are hard core Deere guys.

New Model - 2015 JD S240 - MyTractorForum.com - The Friendliest Tractor Forum and Best Place for Tractor Information

Carscw said:

Here is some nor info.

These guys are hard core Deere guys.

New Model - 2015 JD S240 - MyTractorForum.com - The Friendliest Tractor Forum and Best Place for Tractor Information

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Thank you, Carscw. I'm going to check it out now.

If the pocket stretch far enough always go with an electric PTO option.
There is no slipping belts and they give you much better wear & performance than the manual PTO.
The 42" edge deck is prone to cracking at the welds for the hanger brackets but all of those I have seen are on mowers that get a pounding.

Agree with the others, there are a lot of sales people who should really be outside diging ditches.
Now if you feel like a bit of stirring, ring the dealership, ask to speak to the owner regarding a new mower then tell him you bought the Deere when you really wanted the Cub but you were put off by the attitude of the salesman.

Good luck & enjoy your new toy.

bertsmobile1 said:

If the pocket stretch far enough always go with an electric PTO option.
There is no slipping belts and they give you much better wear & performance than the manual PTO.
The 42" edge deck is prone to cracking at the welds for the hanger brackets but all of those I have seen are on mowers that get a pounding.

Agree with the others, there are a lot of sales people who should really be outside diging ditches.
Now if you feel like a bit of stirring, ring the dealership, ask to speak to the owner regarding a new mower then tell him you bought the Deere when you really wanted the Cub but you were put off by the attitude of the salesman.

Good luck & enjoy your new toy.

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Hey bertsmobile,

Thanks for the reply. With the exception of the D130, which I gave little consideration because of the single cylinder engine, all the models I mentioned have an electronically controlled PTO. My lawn is flat but not as smooth as some manicured lawns, due to the dozens of squirrels that like to bury and dig up their acorns. There are no rocks, stumps or any other protrusions to worry about, no exposed roots and no holes to avoid. I don't anticipate a situation where the deck will be slamming into anything, unless of course my wife is operating the mower, drives off the lawn and slams into a curb while attempting to get back to the lawn. I really like the S240 and to me it's worth the additional $600 over the D140, if you take into consideration the JD $100 incentive on the D140 that expires in August of this year. Otherwise, the difference is $500, which amounts to about the same cost as four years worth of Tanqueray 10 or Bombay Sapphire and the associated tonic water. I'd love to see JD offer an incentive on the S240, although I don't know how I would become aware of it since I can't find any way to sign up for any newsletter or mailing list at JD.

As far as the CC dealer is concerned, it is what it is. I was seriously considering the XT2 LX46. It seems to be a nice lawn tractor but there were other reasons I decided to go with the JD. It seems that it's standard practice for CC dealers to simply unload the new lawn tractor at the curb or on your driveway and then drive away. I've read too many discussions that indicated CC denied warranty claims because the lawn tractor wasn't initially set up properly by the dealer's service department and problems occurred because of it. A final check for adherence to specs seems to me to be a common sense necessity and should be demanded by CC as it is by JD, although I admit that the owner should also be certain that everything is adjusted properly before operating it for the first time. Charging me for the initial delivery, even though it's only $50, also rubs me the wrong way.

My pocket is deep enough to purchase any of the JD X Series lawn tractors but I simply decided that at the age of 65 and with only one half to three quarters of an acre to mow, fertilize, lime and aerate I don't need anything above the D140 or S240. I'll give it a nice, insulated, temperature controlled shed bolted to a concrete foundation and floor to reside in later this summer. If it suffers an early death in four or five years I'll replace it with another JD, although I expect it to last much, much longer than four or five years. As we all know, we get what we pay for.

I bought a Cub Cadet XT1 and got a refund before taking delivery. The lever for selecting height was already rusting, tires worn, etc. My request for one that hadn't been used was denied so I drove 3 miles down the road to a tractor dealer. They have the same D130ish mowers I was looking at but went with the S240 instead for the Kawasaki motor.

So far the S240 has been great. Runs smooth and fairly quietly for what it is. The creature comforts from the X___ series are nice too. If I could have found an XT2 easily (or at all) then I probably would have gone that direction.

Jeremy Jamm said:

I bought a Cub Cadet XT1 and got a refund before taking delivery. The lever for selecting height was already rusting, tires worn, etc. My request for one that hadn't been used was denied so I drove 3 miles down the road to a tractor dealer. They have the same D130ish mowers I was looking at but went with the S240 instead for the Kawasaki motor.

So far the S240 has been great. Runs smooth and fairly quietly for what it is. The creature comforts from the X___ series are nice too. If I could have found an XT2 easily (or at all) then I probably would have gone that direction.

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Thanks, Jeremy. I appreciate your input. I've decided on the S240, mostly because of the Kawasaki engine and the 42 inch cut. I don't need a three blade deck with a 48 inch cut. I also like the better, open bottom seat and the included bumper. The open bottom seat is for me. The bumper is for my wife, who refuses to learn how to drive a car. I also looked at the entry level Z235, which is tempting. I believe the Z235 has a B&S engine, although I'm not certain. I'm waiting for good weather and the grass to grow before I purchase the S240. I imagine JD will offer a $200-$300 incentive on the S240 one or two days after I purchase mine.