Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Help on Lawn Tractor Purchase
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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Griffdogmaster
Joined: Apr 15, 2005
Points: 3
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Help on Lawn Tractor Purchase
Original Message Apr 15, 2005 3:49 pm |
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I mow close to acre, which is relatively flat and open but has some trees and other obstacles to go around (no fences or gates to deal with). I tow a dump cart with topsoil or rocks a few times a year as well. I usually bag the grass clippings. I currently use an old 40" 12hp Murray that I am getting tired of repairing. I was looking to spend $1500-2500 on a new rider. I have 3 questions for the experts: 1. Should I look for a 42" or 48" mower? 2. I have looked at a Husq YTH 2048 with a 48" cut and 20hp Briggs ELS which is on special for $1900 including the 3 bin bagger, the 1542XP with the 42" cut and 15hp Kawasaki which is $2270 with a 2 bin bagger, and the 1848XP with the 18HP Kawa and 48" cut for $2569. Do you think the 1848XP is worth a 35% premium over the 2048 with the Briggs? 3. What else should I be looking at in this price range? Thanks.
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bontaiJoe
If it's free, it's for me!
Location: Saylorsburg, PA
Joined: Jun 4, 2004
Points: 424
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Re: Help on Lawn Tractor Purchase
Reply #1 Apr 15, 2005 4:35 pm |
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It's worth looking at the Cub Cadet SLT1554, GT1554, the Deere L120, L130, LT150, Simplicity Regent, Massey Ferguson 2500, AGCO 500, Toro XL380H/16-38HXL, and the New Holland MY16 might be a budget buster, but it's free to go and look at. These are all appropriately sized for the jobs you described. Go try them on for size, comfort, ease of control use, overall width vs. spaces between your trees, leg room, and what the servicing dealer will do for you down the road in his shop. Not much fun buying a top line machine if the guy that sold it, isn't equiped to fix it, doesn't stock parts, and has his drunken brother-in-law as chief mechanic.
"Man's mind stretched to a new idea, never goes back to its original dimension." -Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Marshall
As Long As There Are Tests, There Will Be Prayer In Public Schools. ;- )
Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 7730
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Re: Help on Lawn Tractor Purchase
Reply #8 Apr 15, 2005 9:27 pm |
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Welcome,
All good advice! Two blade decks will bag better than three blade decks. A three blade deck requires a blower, many times. You definately want high-lift blades regardless of deck size.
That 1542XP is impressive to me. I have a 15HP Kohler and I am turning a single 33" blade, that's a big ol blade to turn, it does it with ease though it doesn't have a hydro tranny to contend with. I believe the 15HP Kawasaki is plenty. You'll probably end up using a Gator or Predator blade anyway which means you'll bag very little.
I also like the Deere LT 150 upgraded to the 42C deck, the LT160 42C, the Simplicity Regent or Massey twin brother, and the Cub LT 2042 with a drive shaft. All have there little advantages, look them over and see what you think's best.
Oh yea, I would look into muching before I spent bagger money.
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snowshoveler
tides in dirts out surfs up
Location: bridgewater nova scotia...aka the swamp
Joined: Jan 3, 2003
Points: 1261
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Re: Help on Lawn Tractor Purchase
Reply #9 Apr 16, 2005 7:49 am |
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its my turn... the husky deck has 4 guage wheels and a nose roller. properly setup it wil have a nice quality of cut. the craftsman does not have this option. if at all interested the husky xp with the kawasaki...you have to start the tractor,you really need to hear it. the kohler is a good motor but its a lot louder than the kawi,and the strange thing is they have the same muffler. any questions class. later chris
craftsman 10/28 snowblower with tracks husky 372xpg chainsaw sachs dolmar bc212 bushsaw mondo trimmer monster tractor with trailer cheep wheelbarro and couple shovels and a partridge in a pear tree
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