I've really enjoyed reading the various discussions comparing Husqvarna and John Deere while searching for my new lawn tractor. My new 2017 Husqvarna GT48DXLS was delivered this past Thursday by Boiling Springs Small Engines. My prior mower was the 2013 Husqvarna YT42XLS with 23HP Kawasaki and TuffTorq K46 transmission. There were several things about that mower that I didn't like including the steering, the autolocking K46, and the cut quality of the fabricated deck.The left front wheel will literally catch/rub against the tie rod when turned all the way to the left and this occurs after having the tie rods replaced with redesigned ones under warranty.I was never completely satisfied with the cut quality of the deck. The transmission was also replaced under warranty because it tended to lock when it wasn't supposed to.
I am happy to say that Husqvarna addressed all these issues with the new GT48DXLS..It steers, cuts, and rides smoother than the YT42XLS. The steering is very low effort and no longer has the tie rod issue. The cut quality of the new Clear Cut deck is very good and the clippings really do disappear when they exit the chute. It does have quite a hum, i.e., kind of loud, but on the other hand it does blow the clippings with a lot of force. I don't have the transmission locking issue any longer since the GT48 has the K66 a switch on the dash to control the locking differential. All said I'm very pleased that Husqvarna has made a tremendous amount of improvement in 4 model years.
Now on to what this post is about, Comparing the GT48DXLS to John Deere. I seriously considered the JD X380 and the X570 during my mower search. The X380 with a 22HP Kawasaki, TuffTorq K58 transmission, and 48" Accel Deep deck cost $4400. The X570 with 24HP Kawasaki, TuffTorq K72 transmission, and 48" Accel Deep deck cost $6000. The Husqvarna GT48DXLS with 24HP Kawasaki, TuffTorq K66 transmission with switch controlled locking differential, and 48" Clear Cut deck cost me $2800. If you look at the specs the Husqvarna slots neatly between the two John Deere models. If there were a X400 series it would have specs like the Husqvarna. As far as value for your money, I'd say the Husqvarna wins hands down! Forgot to mention that the Clear Cut deck has a lifetime warranty on the deck shell.
I am happy to say that Husqvarna addressed all these issues with the new GT48DXLS..It steers, cuts, and rides smoother than the YT42XLS. The steering is very low effort and no longer has the tie rod issue. The cut quality of the new Clear Cut deck is very good and the clippings really do disappear when they exit the chute. It does have quite a hum, i.e., kind of loud, but on the other hand it does blow the clippings with a lot of force. I don't have the transmission locking issue any longer since the GT48 has the K66 a switch on the dash to control the locking differential. All said I'm very pleased that Husqvarna has made a tremendous amount of improvement in 4 model years.
Now on to what this post is about, Comparing the GT48DXLS to John Deere. I seriously considered the JD X380 and the X570 during my mower search. The X380 with a 22HP Kawasaki, TuffTorq K58 transmission, and 48" Accel Deep deck cost $4400. The X570 with 24HP Kawasaki, TuffTorq K72 transmission, and 48" Accel Deep deck cost $6000. The Husqvarna GT48DXLS with 24HP Kawasaki, TuffTorq K66 transmission with switch controlled locking differential, and 48" Clear Cut deck cost me $2800. If you look at the specs the Husqvarna slots neatly between the two John Deere models. If there were a X400 series it would have specs like the Husqvarna. As far as value for your money, I'd say the Husqvarna wins hands down! Forgot to mention that the Clear Cut deck has a lifetime warranty on the deck shell.