Recommendations on a Major Mower purchase

[Graeden]

Hello everyone!

I am glad I have found this forum. I currently own a 1984 Montgomery Wards rider that I plan on replacing and restoring. So now I am in the market to purchase a new Garden Tractor. I have been doing so much research that I have a couple of models I am seriously considering and taking test drives of them. I have searched this forum in every way I could think of and have learned quite a bit about the general products from companies. I have also read tons of reviews on all these tractors and with all this information I am still unable to decipher it all! I have narrowed the field to a few tractors but with so many transmission debates I read and manufacturers not "sharing" transaxle information I am not sure what one will be the longest lasting.

I mow approximately 3/4 of an acre, with some decent grades, not smooth nor level, and does have obstacles. I know most GT's have large decks for my mowing duties but I also have 1/4 of the remaining(outside of the house/drive) property dedicated to a garden that I must till every year. I plan on using a tow behind, non-pto driven tiller that has it's own 8HP engine. I was told to get a garden tractor just because of pulling the tiller. I also want to use a snow blower attachment come winter time. I plan on using it for bringing materials around the yard for landscaping. These items will include pavers, mulch, top soil, gravel, and what ever else I need to haul around along with grading my yard/drive. Night mowing is also something that occasionally occurs. I would like to stay in the $3,000 range +/- $500. I am hoping that I could gather experienced recommendations on what is the stand-out choice of the following tractors:

1) Husqvarna GT52XLS: Kawasaki FR Series Twin 24HP-Hydro Gear Hydro ground engaging-52" Fabricated-$3299.95 (#2 Choice-Tied; I just looked at this tractor yesterday and I really liked the features of it. I also managed to have a nice cart thrown in at no cost with either of the Husqvarna models I listed. :smile

2) Husqvarna GTH24K54: Kawasaki FR Series Twin 24Hp-Hydro Gear Hydro ground engaging-54" Stamped=$2899.95 (#2 Choice-Tied)

3) Cub Cadet GT 1054: Kohler Professional Grade Twin 26HP-Tuff Torq Hydro-54" HD-$3299.00 (#1 Choice; I have always known Cub to be very good machines, but I believe that was when IH owned them. I presume not so much anymore? But I have always loved Cubbies.)

4) John Deere X300: JD iTorque 18.5HP-K46 Auto-42" Stamped-$2999.00 (I have read that the K46 is weak, but another $1000.00 to step up is not doable)

5) Toro GT2200: Kohler Courage Twin 25HP-Heavy Duty Hydro-50" Stamped-$3,099.00 (#3/4 Choice)

I also like the Simplicity/Snapper mowers but they are out of my price range. I know all mowers no matter who builds them can have issues, but I would like to purchase the one that has the least. Also have a relative who works at a Toro dealer and can give me a better price on a Toro, yet the Toro his father bought from him has gone into the shop every year since new (4th year now) and has been a complete headache. I also have considered the Craftsman's and I know they have a K46 which I heard is not good for ground engaging attachments. I have been arming myself with as much information as possible before spending this type of money on a tractor. Any additional information that anyone is willing to provide would be appreciated. Cheers!

 

[TnHusky]

It would be either of the Husqvarna's for me. Lots of issue's with the decks on the Cub's.

 

[Graeden]

It would be either of the Husqvarna's for me. Lots of issue's with the decks on the Cub's.

Thank you. What would be the better deck? I read that the fabricated deck has some issues with the bagger attachments connecting properly, yet the lifetime arranty is appealing. Of course it depends on what their idea of lifetime is. The stamped deck has a ten year warranty which should be adequate but I plan on keeping thi stractor for many, many years. Any opinion on what choice of decks to go with? Thanks

 

[djdicetn]

Hello everyone!

I am glad I have found this forum. I currently own a 1984 Montgomery Wards rider that I plan on replacing and restoring. So now I am in the market to purchase a new Garden Tractor. I have been doing so much research that I have a couple of models I am seriously considering and taking test drives of them. I have searched this forum in every way I could think of and have learned quite a bit about the general products from companies. I have also read tons of reviews on all these tractors and with all this information I am still unable to decipher it all! I have narrowed the field to a few tractors but with so many transmission debates I read and manufacturers not "sharing" transaxle information I am not sure what one will be the longest lasting.

I mow approximately 3/4 of an acre, with some decent grades, not smooth nor level, and does have obstacles. I know most GT's have large decks for my mowing duties but I also have 1/4 of the remaining(outside of the house/drive) property dedicated to a garden that I must till every year. I plan on using a tow behind, non-pto driven tiller that has it's own 8HP engine. I was told to get a garden tractor just because of pulling the tiller. I also want to use a snow blower attachment come winter time. I plan on using it for bringing materials around the yard for landscaping. These items will include pavers, mulch, top soil, gravel, and what ever else I need to haul around along with grading my yard/drive. Night mowing is also something that occasionally occurs. I would like to stay in the $3,000 range +/- $500. I am hoping that I could gather experienced recommendations on what is the stand-out choice of the following tractors:

1) Husqvarna GT52XLS: Kawasaki FR Series Twin 24HP-Hydro Gear Hydro ground engaging-52" Fabricated-$3299.95 (#2 Choice-Tied; I just looked at this tractor yesterday and I really liked the features of it. I also managed to have a nice cart thrown in at no cost with either of the Husqvarna models I listed. :smile

2) Husqvarna GTH24K54: Kawasaki FR Series Twin 24Hp-Hydro Gear Hydro ground engaging-54" Stamped=$2899.95 (#2 Choice-Tied)

3) Cub Cadet GT 1054: Kohler Professional Grade Twin 26HP-Tuff Torq Hydro-54" HD-$3299.00 (#1 Choice; I have always known Cub to be very good machines, but I believe that was when IH owned them. I presume not so much anymore? But I have always loved Cubbies.)

4) John Deere X300: JD iTorque 18.5HP-K46 Auto-42" Stamped-$2999.00 (I have read that the K46 is weak, but another $1000.00 to step up is not doable)

5) Toro GT2200: Kohler Courage Twin 25HP-Heavy Duty Hydro-50" Stamped-$3,099.00 (#3/4 Choice)

I also like the Simplicity/Snapper mowers but they are out of my price range. I know all mowers no matter who builds them can have issues, but I would like to purchase the one that has the least. Also have a relative who works at a Toro dealer and can give me a better price on a Toro, yet the Toro his father bought from him has gone into the shop every year since new (4th year now) and has been a complete headache. I also have considered the Craftsman's and I know they have a K46 which I heard is not good for ground engaging attachments. I have been arming myself with as much information as possible before spending this type of money on a tractor. Any additional information that anyone is willing to provide would be appreciated. Cheers!

IMHO, that Husqvarna GT52XLS is about as close to "Commercial quality" as you can find in a lawn tractor. If I had decided to get another lawn tractor instead of a ZTR that's what I would have bought. That combination of Kawa FS series engine and fabricated deck would be difficult to match on any other lawn tractor!!!

 

[Graeden]

IMHO, that Husqvarna GT52XLS is about as close to "Commercial quality" as you can find in a lawn tractor. If I had decided to get another lawn tractor instead of a ZTR that's what I would have bought. That combination of Kawa FS series engine and fabricated deck would be difficult to match on any other lawn tractor!!!

Thank you for the input. I keep going over all the features of these (and many pricier models) and the Husqvarna keeps coming out on top for the feature to price ratio. I'm was a bit saddened when I found out that the blower attachment was $1500 ($2000 for the 50") when there is really not much to them. I would almost be better to buy a separate snow blower! I'm not positive, but I also believe they are using the BDU version of the Hydro Gear, but it is non serviceable which is also disappointing. And unless I step up another $1,000-$1,500 that is a feature that is unavailable. Makes me wonder why? Other then those two issues I really believe the GT52 is going to be the best bet for me. Especially in this price range. Thanks again!

 

[Brucebotti]

Thank you for the input. I keep going over all the features of these (and many pricier models) and the Husqvarna keeps coming out on top for the feature to price ratio. I'm was a bit saddened when I found out that the blower attachment was $1500 ($2000 for the 50") when there is really not much to them. I would almost be better to buy a separate snow blower! I'm not positive, but I also believe they are using the BDU version of the Hydro Gear, but it is non serviceable which is also disappointing. And unless I step up another $1,000-$1,500 that is a feature that is unavailable. Makes me wonder why? Other then those two issues I really believe the GT52 is going to be the best bet for me. Especially in this price range. Thanks again!

I had a lawn tractor with a snowblower attachment once and I didn't like it. Even with extra weight on the back + my massive bulk, I would have traction problems. Even worse though, is that I would get covered with snow and found that I was much colder versus walking around with a "regular" snow blower. Just my $.02.

Bruce

 

[djdicetn]

Thank you for the input. I keep going over all the features of these (and many pricier models) and the Husqvarna keeps coming out on top for the feature to price ratio. I'm was a bit saddened when I found out that the blower attachment was $1500 ($2000 for the 50") when there is really not much to them. I would almost be better to buy a separate snow blower! I'm not positive, but I also believe they are using the BDU version of the Hydro Gear, but it is non serviceable which is also disappointing. And unless I step up another $1,000-$1,500 that is a feature that is unavailable. Makes me wonder why? Other then those two issues I really believe the GT52 is going to be the best bet for me. Especially in this price range. Thanks again!

Yeah...with me living in middle TN a snow blower wouldn't be as important as it is for you:0)
Obviously, I don't have any knowledge to share concerning that, but about the non-serviceable hydro.....my guess would be that a serviceable hydro xmission is very important on a ZTR because it drives AND steers the machine. On a lawn tractor it only drives the machine and doesn't have a separate drive for each wheel. I would think a good hydro tranny on a lawn tractor(and Hydro Gear is one of the best) would last a very long time without oil/filter changes. Maybe a user with more in depth knowledge of lawn equipment trannies will weigh in on that.

 

[Graeden]

I had a lawn tractor with a snowblower attachment once and I didn't like it. Even with extra weight on the back + my massive bulk, I would have traction problems. Even worse though, is that I would get covered with snow and found that I was much colder versus walking around with a "regular" snow blower. Just my $.02.Bruce

Thank you for the input. A neighbor had to blow me out this past winter due to my plow guy working for the county a few times this year because of the heavy snow fall here in W. MI, and I thought it would be a great option. I once had used a small single stage Toro years ago and I encountered the same issue with being covered in snow. I figured with the tractor I could put a cab on it to prevent the issue. But now with the cost of the attachment I might just find an old beat up truck with/with-out a snowplow and buy that instead. I know my neighbor also had chains and weights on his and he didn't have to many issues. He owns a very old Simplicity tractor so maybe that also helped with the traction situation.

Yeah...with me living in middle TN a snow blower wouldn't be as important as it is for you:0)
Obviously, I don't have any knowledge to share concerning that, but about the non-serviceable hydro.....my guess would be that a serviceable hydro xmission is very important on a ZTR because it drives AND steers the machine. On a lawn tractor it only drives the machine and doesn't have a separate drive for each wheel. I would think a good hydro tranny on a lawn tractor(and Hydro Gear is one of the best) would last a very long time without oil/filter changes. Maybe a user with more in depth knowledge of lawn equipment trannies will weigh in on that.

lol Yes, I would have to agree that a snow blower would be of little use to you in that part of the country! I am just worried about not being able to change the fluid on a regular basis. When I bought my '08 Jeep Patriot with the CVT I was told that it was "lubed for life and never needed to be changed". HA!! One day my car just overheated and stopped. I had it towed to the dealer in which they found out that the trans had overheated and went into limp mode. They cracked it open, replaced the filter and fluid, then reassembled it. About 4 months later the same thing happened. Had it towed once again and they did the same thing. 2 months later the trans went out due to it overheating from the fluid boiling in the trans. NOW Chrysler requires them to be serviced every 30K like a standard trans. The reason I mention my vehicle is because I am fearing that a non serviceable hydro would be the same way. Using it with ground engaging attachments, towing a cart loaded up and the snow blower(maybe not anymore) could cause this issue and in a couple of years I am replacing a very pricy item in an already pricy machine. Maybe it is just me going to extremes, but being a maintenance freak on my vehicles and lawn equipment I just look at all possibilities. Thank you for informing me of the Hydro Gears being one of the best. I would love to afford a bigger and better machine (although it would be overkill, yet bigger is better, right?), but the back pocket doesn't allow that. I really like the JD X700's even though I am not a JD fan, more of a IH fan. But for what I do, I believe the Husqvarna will do the trick. I was looking at a Cub Cadet GTX2100 online and think that is an amazing machine. My local dealer has the '13 listed for $3999, yet the '14 is listed on CC's website for $5,399. I m heading over there tomorrow and I might just go the extra $800 if he has the GTX2100 in stock. I like the solid driveshaft over the belt. To me it seems advantageous. Otherwise the Husky all the way. Thanks again for the info!