John Deere X380 vs Husqvarna GT52XLS

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

On the Husqvarna, the safety is defeated so easily as to pretty much not even be effective. When I start the mower, I click back one extra notch on the ignition so the mower engages at all times. But, I don't have children running around while mowing-- maybe a dog but even that's not likely. To me, a more realistic safety issue would result in something not so easily defeated, like a seat switch on a tractor. Those can be defeated, but not without going out of the way-- more than clicking a switch position.

I'm guessing this is a litigation issue. When the unruly child runs out of mom's unattentive sight and winds up with a body part under a backing mower, the manufacturer's attorneys can point to mower driver as being liable, since they "overrode" the safety feature designed to prevent that circumstance.

Sounds like you have a lot of activity around your equipment that you need to keep your eyes on-- I hope everyone stays safe!!

As far as the safety features, many people don't need or want them, would you buy a product that has safety features that are not bypassable?

Would you buy a car that notifies the police every time you speed or don't wear your belt?

In my opinion the manufacturer puts the safety features there because they have to, they don't go out of there way to make them tamper proof.

I really like Husqvarna's key method better than Deere's lift up on the PTO button.

 

[tk tom]

All of the X series Deere's are very impressive in their build quality and capability - except for that of the lowly X300 or whatever replaced it as they come with the K46 transmission. Aside from that the quality of those units are unmatched in the residential world - and the price reflects it. The Deere 1 series is there for the people who just don't know any better, are blinded by green, or grew up absolutely dreaming about one day owning something that said John Deere on the side. Dollar for dollar they lose. I don't know how well or not well the new Accel decks cut, that may have helped them out a bit, but the rest of the tractor - the part that I deal with daily as people roll them in with complaints - is not up to par with durability. But that's another story.

If I were to choose between the two original mowers in this post for my lawn - X380 gets my money. I don't need a dif lock. I don't have one now. I snowblow and mow with my tractor. I pull a cart, and eventually I will run a tiller on the back but not until dad no longer wants/needs his. I have a Kubota that does that job now. The X380 can handle those tasks (minus the tilling), but only with a Bercomac on the front. JD snowblower attachments, ugh.

 

[plowhog]

Tk tom, another post said you are a John Deere dealer. I'm curious if you believe the Deere 1 series degrades the Deere brand? You wrote: "The Deere 1 series is there for the people who just don't know any better, are blinded by green, or grew up absolutely dreaming about one day owning something that said John Deere on the side. Dollar for dollar they lose."

Since Deere promotes quality, reliability, and longevity of operation, isn't it contrary to push the 1 series at the big box stores? I know "why" it is done-- profits and market share, but do you believe problems in that lineup affect the reputation of other models? Or, does that strategy create a stream of business for the dealers? Sell a 1 series at a big box but serviced by local dealers, and when it eventually fails and goes in for service it gives the dealers a chance to upgrade the customer to a better model?

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

He's a deere dealer but personally owns a Kubota? Lol

Are you talking about the 1 family series? Or the lower lawn mower D/L series?

 

[Smoothas]

Bercomac is a fine snowblower- in fact at one time they made snowblowers for JD’s L series tractors. The JD snow blower is every bit as good- price wise they are close. With probably a slight edge to Berco. Of course when you get a JD the snowblower gets the same warranty as tractor- in case of X series that’s 4 years ( vs 1 year on Bercomac) I should add Bercomac is only competitive on lower end tractors – once you get into Larger x500 series and above Bercomac isn’t as good nor as competitive. Another problem with Bercomac vs JD, their dealer network is very sketchy at best

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

What's interesting is I can get attachment for my 4320 cheaper than my dad can buy them for his 445. I bet I can find a cheaper snow blower, rear blade, and bucket cheaper for mine then his.

It's just silly how much that stuff costs for garden tractors.

 

[s219]

Tk tom, another post said you are a John Deere dealer.

He's a *Husqvarna* dealer. See my post #58 on the previous page:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...380-vs-husqvarna-post4762067.html#post4762067

 

[beenthere]

What's interesting is I can get attachment for my 4320 cheaper than my dad can buy them for his 445. I bet I can find a cheaper snow blower, rear blade, and bucket cheaper for mine then his.

It's just silly how much that stuff costs for garden tractors.

But is "cheaper" better? that is if it isn't the same identical model/build.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

But is "cheaper" better? that is if it isn't the same identical model/build.

I think it's more along the lines of, there's more manufacturers of cat 1 and JD FEL attachments than there is Cat 0 and Garden Tractor FE attachments.

So attachments for my tractor are more readily available, aka cheaper.

 

[tk tom]

He's a deere dealer but personally owns a Kubota? Lol

Are you talking about the 1 family series? Or the lower lawn mower D/L series?

Husqvarna dealer, not Deere. And I mean the 100 series riding mowers, not the sub compacts.