Which is better riding mower, JD or Husqvarna?

[weathda]

I got a L120 as part of the sale when I bought my current home. A 2002 model, IIRC. The property is 5ac of wooded foothills, with some steep slopes. The original owner had spent the cost of this mower several times over in repairs and attempts to make it climb steep terrain, often driven by his wife. It was also completely rewired after mice moved in. My wife used it aggressively as a field mower, rock locator, and stump banger. I repaired the mower deck with reinforcements off Ebay, belts, pulleys, electric clutch for the mower PTO, and blades. We'd spent more on parts last season than the market value of the machine. The only reason I kept pouring money in it was the Kohler Command engine ran great. Finally, she broke it two consecutive mowings. That got her wanting a new, better machine.

I welded up the deck to get it back in service and started shopping. When I went to the local dealer to order the new one, a guy walked in looking for a used riding mower to cut a half-acre of flat lawn. The shop owner told him that he didn't have anything at the moment, but pointed to me and said "He might!". I told the guy it's history and condition, and if he could wait a week to get it, I'd sell it to him for his stated budget of $400 cash. I trailered it to the dealer when I picked up the new one, and the buyer met me there. He's happy as can be with it, and it will probably last a long time for his use. I'm happy that it went to a better place and made room for my new Husqvarna GT48DXLS, which is far better suited to my needs and terrain. Built like a tank and climbs like a mountain goat with it's locking differential.

LOL, sounds like your 120 was rode hard and put up wet. The wife is mowing on our new place and she's kinda pedal to the metal on the mower. I'm keeping my fingers crossed we make it though the season.

 

[two_bit_score]

Good advice there!!

Also, "you get what you pay for". If all you want to do is mow grass, anything with a blade will work. The choice is spending $2000 for a mower that will last ten years or $7000 for a mower that will last twenty years.

So buy 2 $2000 lawn mowers in 20 years for $4000 and save $3000. The time value of the first money saved will more than make up for price increase on later purchase, if there is one. Plus you get a new mower at 10 years.

 

[widefat]

OP here:
fter it threw the belt about 5 or 6 times I took it to the dealer for them to fix.
I'm just looking for something else after it threw the belt the last time. At least something that will hold a belt better--easier to put it on right.

Did the dealer fix it? Just a suggestion, if it runs good, run it until it falls apart. At this point, it is sunk cost and providing more value every time you mow.
Stick the $2k in an envelope, ad a little now and then, and when it finally does give up - go treat yourself to an X500.

 

[mbohuntr]

Country Clipper Zero-Turn Mowers

Look at the tip up deck, and belt locations.. very easy to work on...

 

[Teachu2]

Did the dealer fix it? Just a suggestion, if it runs good, run it until it falls apart. At this point, it is sunk cost and providing more value every time you mow.
Stick the $2k in an envelope, ad a little now and then, and when it finally does give up - go treat yourself to an X500.

Or a comparable Husqvarna for half the cost.

 

[widefat]

Or a comparable Husqvarna for half the cost.

heh, yeah.... I actually have a Husky GT52. But I want a Green one so I can tell people that, I , uh, have a green one.

 

[Teachu2]

heh, yeah.... I actually have a Husky GT52. But I want a Green one so I can tell people that, I , uh, have a green one.

View attachment 509126

There are several threads on JD Green paint in rattle cans.....

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Bought my first riding mower, wheelhouse 212H March 1990. Engine needs repaired, the rest is in good shape.
I'm on my 2nd riding mower in 27 yrs. Both hydro, the weak link is the Briggs engine..

 

[xring100]

heh, yeah.... I actually have a Husky GT52. But I want a Green one so I can tell people that, I , uh, have a green one.

View attachment 509126

My uncle painted his early 80s kubota johndeere and yellow. It was the JapDeer

 

[Teachu2]

LOL, sounds like your 120 was rode hard and put up wet. The wife is mowing on our new place and she's kinda pedal to the metal on the mower. I'm keeping my fingers crossed we make it though the season.

Yep - mine has to feel like it's gone to heaven - no hills, no rocks, no stumps, no holes, no trees.....just a gentle mow job every so often.