Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am going to buy one of these machines.  $2000 buys either at my local dealer.  I have tested both and they each have their little "seat of the pants" advantages to me.   Deere does not have an electric PTO or rear anti-scalp wheels or nose roller.  Deere has 7 more HP that Husqvarna.  How important are those features and the 7hp?  I mow 1 level acre with a 12 hp machine now.  WHICH MACHINE WOULD YOU BUY?

Hi Marshall. What are the features of the 1542XP that you like, besides maybe the Kawasaki engine. These are on the look at list.

                                                                                               Thanks,   Kevin

Hi Kevin,

It's just has a a bunch of nice features for $2,000.00. It's  the "Lariat" of Craftsman Lawn Tractors.

• Kawasaki engine, very nice!
• Hour meter in dash
• Amp meter in dash
• Electric PTO
• Front bumper
• High back seat

If I had up to 3K to spend would I buy something else? Yes.

I think the 1542 xp is a good bang for the buck.

This one can be had for about $3000 or a little less.  Husqvarna 2254 xp
But for $3000 and change, (a lot of change) I can think of others also.

                                                                                                  Kevin

Me, I would buy the Deere,  The reason is that even with the sweet engine the Husky has I have had my share of problems with the Husqvarna (Sears) with poorly designed small parts (they tend to be undersized and then You spend dollars after the warranty replacing parts that are again undersized and the same problems appear) while my Deere has never had a major problem (a rib nut came off and the mulch plug strap broke in the last 2 years).  I have basically the same model but a larger deck and electric PTO a L120 that is 2 years old and it has stood up to a lot abuse in my old converted pasture.  I end up mowing from the end of Feb to middle of November every year and only this spring after a 150 hours did I have to replace the blades as I finally could not sharpen them (thats impressive to me)  My old Craftsman had to have new blades every year and I never Could keep a good edge on them.  I am now really seeing a lot of my neighbors going green after having a lot of Craftsman tractors before.  I was one of the first in my neighborhood to have a L-series and everyone was impressed by the mowing job a triple blade tractor can do and it has never failed me yet.

Micheal, good testament to the Deere! The L120 is a nice machine. I hear people speak of the weak front deck hanger but I have never heard anyone say that theirs has broken? Your thoughts?