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

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.