Lawn tractors, yard tractors, garden tractors, SCUTS, and mowing

[Teachu2]

TractorHouse.com | 25 JOHN DEERE 221 For Sale

Cute as it is, it's still not what she wants.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

TractorHouse.com | 25 JOHN DEERE 221 For Sale

Cute as it is, it's still not what she wants.

Pretty expensive lawn mower

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Buy her this with a 4ft bush hog 1945 John Deere LA

TractorData.com John Deere LA tractor information

It's gas lol

 

[Deere Dude]

I would not hesitate getting the John Deere even for a higher price than the Husky. They are asking more money for a reason such as parts availability, dealer network even on-line sites for parts, ergonomics, dealer knowledge, with higher end models like the xs will outlast your need, resale value 10 years down the road etc. I just sold a JD 110 for $500 that I bought 10-15 years ago for roughly the same price. I got rid of it because it was like riding a donkey cart compared to the X740 I got used to.

I would make it a point to find a JD dealer even if it is not in your area and test drive one, same with Husky. Or phone a friend.

I went to a ride and drive quite a while ago and test drove 25 different garden tractors from all different manufacturer makes and models. The John Deere, whatever it was, rode much better and the controls were laid out for the ease of the user, generally.

If a guy wants something that can spin a mower blade and pull you along somewhat, get the cheapy.

Second thought, what she don't know won't hurt you. Get the cheapy and don't spoil the wife. My wife got spoiled with a nice JD and now I pay.

 

[Teachu2]

Brilliant - let HER choose! :thumbsup:

 

[Teachu2]

Buy her this with a 4ft bush hog 1945 John Deere LA

TractorData.com John Deere LA tractor information

It's gas lol

Too far away. Safe, tho - she'd never get it started!

 

[Teachu2]

I compared the Deere x380 to the Husky GT48DXLS. The Deere deck is thicker (10ga vs 11 ga,) which doesn't help me when mowing. At least I don't think so. My mowing needs are simple, about a half acre, mostly flat although one area I am now mowing where my old Craftsman would not. That's because the Husky has an electric locking differential, and more power, which the Craftsman didn't have. Someone else here just evaluated many models and bought a Deere x380 and really likes it. That's understandable, as they are both fine machines.

My pricing for a Deere x380 was more than 50% more than a Husky, at about $4,500 for the Deere and $3k for the Husky. And the Husky does have the locking differential. Deere obviously knows the engineering of a locking differential. It's my opinion Deere purposely withholds that from the x3XX platform to encourage buyers ($$) into the x5XX platform instead. Considering how similar the specs are between these two models, and that Deere is 50% priced higher, I would not be surprised if there is a future price cut on the x380.

If you scroll down on the list of forums to the general Lawn and Garden, click on Husky, then the thread about this new model. You can see a picture of mine there. They do exist!

I re-read that thread and congratulate you on finding a great value for your use. I was pretty settled on the Husky until I read that thread. Now I'm leaning toward the Buy Once - Cry Once argument. Our uses and objectives are different, as are the models we are comparing. The x570 drivetrain is closely comparable to the Husky, with a slight engine difference in favor of the 570. Should be very close in weight, yet the Deere is over 100lbs heavier. The fabricated deck vs the stamped deck debate doesn't matter as much to me since there are +/-s to each. I believe the Deere weighs more because it is built stronger, which matters more in my case because of both the terrain and the operator. The lots in this neighborhood vary widely, as do the degree of mowing acceptable to their owners. SWMBO wants a finished look on most of the property, and a tough little mower would help us achieve her desires with less time and effort. I'm looking for a mower that will stand up to some unusual stress.

Bottom line - if the two mowers were the same price, I'd buy the X570 without hesitation. I believe it to be the superior machine. It may be stronger than I need, and more money than I have to spend to get the job done, but I can live with that. Many years ago, my welding hobby grew into a second job - and I needed a portable machine. I could have "gotten by" with a $1300 machine, which would be gone by now. I thought long and hard, and bought a $2500 machine that serves me well today. Two months after I bought it, I made $1800 over a three-day weekend using it on a job I could not have done with the cheaper unit. I think this is one of those times.

 

[plowhog]

As I researched the choices, my decision came down not to a Husky vs deere x380, but a Husky vs deere x5XX. So, we landed at the same spot it seems. Being roughly equal, in my opinion, an x380 was not worth the 50% premium. Going to the x5XX platform added even more cost differential, which was not worth it for me, but is understandably valuable for people with higher mowing needs or those doing ground engagement. My mowing needs are simple, a level half acre at one property. A 12hp Craftsman made it over 10 years at this same property.

Good luck with the X570. We need some pictures after the beast finds its new home!!

 

[Teachu2]

As I researched the choices, my decision came down not to a Husky vs deere x380, but a Husky vs deere x5XX. So, we landed at the same spot it seems. Being roughly equal, in my opinion, an x380 was not worth the 50% premium. Going to the x5XX platform added even more cost differential, which was not worth it for me, but is understandably valuable for people with higher mowing needs or those doing ground engagement. My mowing needs are simple, a level half acre at one property. A 12hp Craftsman made it over 10 years at this same property.

Good luck with the X570. We need some pictures after the beast finds its new home!!

Yes, my property is different. I do have a half-acre spot that is level, and we use that for parking when we have large gatherings. The old L120 handles it fine. Then there's the hillside behind the house and shop, with grades running up to 25% estimated. I can't get to all of it with my tractor - trees and rocks have conspired together to make that unfeasible - and so it's a lot of weedeating. I hope the x570 can tame that.

The most difficult part is dealing with the dealer.

 

[plowhog]

I'm not going to repeat it, since I don't know if it is true or not. But another poster re: Deere Lawn and Garden described the techniques dealers use to stifle competition and extract maximum $$$ from your wallet. I tried working with two Deere dealers, and each was "pay MSRP, take it or leave it." It takes two to agree to do that, and I chose not to. That led to more research, and eventually buying something else.

I think your choice of the x5XX platform is better than the x380. If I were buying it, I would cast a very wide net talking with many Deere dealers. Unless you prefer paying MSRP and not having to hassle with it or wonder if you overpaid. If you are busy and use the unit for profit making activities, that might be a good choice. I like to shop and dicker at least a little bit on major purchases.