Hope update will be with pics.:biggrin:Hey all -
Thanks to everyone here for all the advice and input over the last few weeks as I searched for a tractor. I really wanted to buy a good used tractor in order to get more for my money, but I found it a very difficult way to go - lots of research, driving around, anxiety. I finally had my sights set on a new JD X320 54", which I had planned to purchase from the local dealer this morning. But my brother - who, unbeknownst to me, used to have one of these machines - talked me out of that tractor and instead talked me into a trip next week to Orange, VA. where they apparently have three large tractor dealers in the space of one sq. mile.
But I threw all caution to the wind this morning, drove to Sears and bought a new Craftsman PGT9000 - normally $3700 on sale for $2700. B&S 28 HP. I also bought the 3-year full warranty deal where they come to your house and fix your tractor no matter what goes wrong. Plus an implement or two. Grand total was almost $1k less than I'd budgeted, which leaves me room to put some nice new rubber under my truck.
I know most here will cringe at the thought of buying the additional warranty, but for me I just don't have the time to fool around fixing the tractor and I can't afford the 4 weeks of downtime to haul it off to a repair shop either. Plus the kid was earnest, seemed to have done his homework and deserved the little bonus they get when they sell those packages.
Delivery Monday. Will post an update then...
Nice machine:thumbsup:, looks to be made better then my mothers Craftman. Hope you have little problems with it.:biggrin:Here she is - delivered this morning. I bought it sight unseen, and I'm happy to report that it's everything I'd hoped and more. It is far more heavy-duty than I'd anticipated. The seat puts you up very high and gives it that tractor feel.
I know there are some problems. First, the gas tank is located under the hood, and I've read complaints that it can somehow leak gas onto your left foot while running. I haven't seen it happen yet, but will keep my eye out for it.
The deck pulleys are made of plastic, and people have reported that they throw the pulley cables off easily. I think Sears saved $.05 by going with plastic on these, which I'm sure is paying off for them BIG TIME. Anyway, I'm going to see if I can replace them with metal pulleys at some point.
Other than that, I couldn't be happier. I'll report back as soon as I have an opportunity to do battle with the lawn. For now, it's still fairly dormant and in rough winter shape.
Wow, that's a hefty lookin machine!
Is that the Craftsman 'Pro' series?
WOW doesn't look like any Craftsman GT I have ever seen, looks TUFF to me. Congrats on the new toy and I bet your pics made a LOT of guys here on LMF envious...me for sure. Hope the test drive gave you a thrill and bet you have this huge, silly grin plastered on your face. Congrats again, and enjoy yourself.
I hope this works out for you. It didn't for my neighbor he bought a sears 3 years ago for $3400. It cuts grass alright, he started having problems when he started borrowing my ground engagement attachments. He cooked the hydro unit and his warranty would not cover it. If you use it for what it was built for you might be OK. As far as you saving any money you'll see in 3-4 years what you saved.
Good luck.
And the oil-change tube is freaking BRILLIANT (see attached).
mystreba, that is a sweet mower! I looked at that one before I bought my CC....You have got a really good machine. Do you know that picture of the side of your engine shows an oil cooler? That mower will last you a long time if you maintain it correctly. Good Choise!:thumbsup:
Just a question. Many of the newer tractors indicate that they have reserve fuel, what about this one?
I also looked at this unit the price seemed good for a heavy duty tractor. I can't remember who makes this one I don't think its Husqavana. I was turned off by the plastic pullys I think this is something that Sears should have already addressed. Who knows, I ordered a Husq with a 52 inch fabricated deck on March 22 and it still is not in yet. If it doesn't get hear soon I may turn to the 9000, but the only problemis the price may be back up. Oh well.. Good luck with the new machine sounds like it will get the job done.
Just a question. Many of the newer tractors indicate that they have reserve fuel, what about this one?
.
A lot of the older Gasoline AG tractors had that... but I have not seen it on any garden or lawn tractors.. old or new. :smile:KennyV :smile: my new husky YTH23V42LS has the reserve switch got the purddy thing last month
:thumbsup:A lot of the older Gasoline AG tractors had that... but I have not seen it on any garden or lawn tractors.. old or new. :smile:KennyV :smile: my new husky YTH23V42LS has the reserve switch got the purddy thing last month
Got any pics posted?
Well I finaly got my new tractor. Its a husqvarna GTH26V52LS, and I got to play a little. It has what they call a fabricated deck and its solid. The deck is welded has greaseable blade spindles and also have a relatively solid blade and of course has a deck washout. The steering is good and tight, as you would expect, but easy to turn. Seems to handle well when trimming. The top speed of this machine is 7.8 MPH. A 4 gallon gas tank with reserve. The engine is a Kawasaki 26 hp, cut some grass that was a foot high no problem. My property has moist soil almost all year and so I need to cut every 3 days or so. I didn't cut a lot but what I did cut was smooth and even. I think that this is going to make me a good machine. I was going to take pictures but it was dirty so I'll waite until I wash it.
Regards,
Paul
It's good to hear that they are making a more robust deck...
:smile:KennyV
I had to let it sit to run back to the house and get the gas can...
Your's doesn't have a reserve? The GT6000 I just bought has a valve like a motorcycles under the seat to switch from "main" to "reserve"...