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

I was looking at the Sears ad that came in the paper today, wondering how much it would cost to replace the 5 year old lawn tractor (AYP) I now have with as similar a machine as possible. The answer was Craftsman LT1000 model #27435: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=LAWN&pid=07127435000 which although it shows online as being $949 is listed in the paper as $899. My purchase 5 years ago from a now defunct "farm" store was $1000. The only significant differences I noted in the specs are that the Briggs engine in the Sears tractor is a 16 hp OHV vs 14.5 vertical opposed in mine, but is a single cylinder whereas mine is a twin and that the engine the 16 hp air-cooled engine has a cooling fan and mine does not. I am nowhere near ready to part with my machine yet, but I find myself reading all the ads, and hopefully learning something. I also wonder why the price for this very basic machine hasn't changed very much during this period. It seems to me that they are trying to maintain a "price point". I suppose it's probably an okay machine for the price but I certainly wouldn't WANT to buy this machine again because after being educated here, I'd definitely want something nicer if I could afford it.

I was also amused to see that a tractor-mounted snowsblower for this machine costs $1149...go figure. Would rather have a Toro or an Ariens.

AZ

In my opinion, a lawn tractor that is brand new and costs around  800 to 1000 is a very cheap unit that will break in a year or so with something to fix If you want something real, your going to have to fork over 1,500 to 2,400. Then of course if you want something better your going to spend, 4,000 to 10,000

I know I'd rather have a walk-behind snowthrower than a tractor mounted one.  It's another engine and and piece of OPE to put money into but I don't have to convert at the end of the season.