Comparison Husqvarna GT48DXLS Compared to John Deere

[Tractorable]

I own an X590 but the GT48 represents an excellent value for folks who need both a lawn mower and a compact tractor to maintain their property.

It'd be nice to see other manufacturers compete with John Deere's X series garden tractor segment.

 

[s219]

Exertion
* cruise control easier to operate (button on dash versus lever on Husky)

It's more about the fact that Deere setup cruise as a button right next to the steering wheel, versus Husky who put a somewhat clunky/awkward lever down at knee level. I am sure the lever arrangement is simpler mechanically because it's close to the forward pedal, and it probably made sense to an engineer, but it's awkward to use. I don't think that was done based on usability or ergonomics. Same could be said for the fuel level reading, instruments, deck adjustment, etc...

I spent over two years looking at mowers and it became obvious that Deere put a lot more thought into controls, seating, and overall operator ease of use. The Deere is by no means perfect, but I have not seen any other riding mower with that attention to detail. Whether or not it matters to a buyer is another story, but like I've said over and over, for $300 more than the best Husky at the time, the Deere was a no brainer to me.

 

[airbiscuit]

I own an X590 but the GT48 represents an excellent value for folks who need both a lawn mower and a compact tractor to maintain their property.

It'd be nice to see other manufacturers compete with John Deere's X series garden tractor segment.

Well said!

 

[17 Oaks]

It's more about the fact that Deere setup cruise as a button right next to the steering wheel, versus Husky who put a somewhat clunky/awkward lever down at knee level. I am sure the lever arrangement is simpler mechanically because it's close to the forward pedal, and it probably made sense to an engineer, but it's awkward to use. I don't think that was done based on usability or ergonomics. Same could be said for the fuel level reading, instruments, deck adjustment, etc...

I spent over two years looking at mowers and it became obvious that Deere put a lot more thought into controls, seating, and overall operator ease of use. The Deere is by no means perfect, but I have not seen any other riding mower with that attention to detail. Whether or not it matters to a buyer is another story, but like I've said over and over, for $300 more than the best Husky at the time, the Deere was a no brainer to me.

Good points.

For me: Locking rear axle and strong (fabbed/welded deck). Cruise control, probably use it the next time I take my accordion with me when I go deer hunting. What some folks fail to do is ascertain their requirements and needs before they buy, then end up with something that won't perform as expected. I am just barely beyond rough cut mowing...

 

[crazyal]

Been fun to read all these "passionate" posts. I looked at both brands as well as a few others like Cub. I really wanted a locking diff so I skipped the X300 series. My solution was to buy a low hour used X500. Paid a grand more than a new GT48 but from my impressions it's a lot more tractor. Now I didn't take a GT48 home and try it here so I'm just going off of my visual impressions. Since getting it I can say that there's a reason why lots of people buy Deere riders (I see a lot more of them than any other brand while driving). Deere has had lots of time figuring out the little things. Besides a locking diff I also needed a strong frame.

I didn't realize this until I used the X500. I was going to sell my old box store special and used it one last time. I can actually feel the frame twist on some of the more challenging parts of my yard. After about 5 years of using it I can see stress marks on the frame (I'll not sell something that I know will fail shortly). Sure it's undoubtedly weaker than the GT48 and I have no interest in a johnny bucket but when they say "GT48XLSi, GT52XLSi, GT54LS, GT52XLS, GTH52XLS and a few others are still compatible but have a weak tractor frame design that is not strong enough for use with the Johnny Bucket" I don't think it would have lasted for my use.

But that's just me and my use. I would have no problems recommending the GT48 to someone if I felt it fit their needs. However I would probably tell them to ferret around on the used market and see what is out there used. In half a summer I have more than doubled the hours on my X500. Someone else took the $2000 hit. Unfortunately there's not a lot of used Husqvarna tractors out there while Deere as sold a lot so there's choices.

 

[airbiscuit]

I would prefer a used JD X5xx in good condition over a new JD X3xx. That is a good option if you can find it.

 

[17 Oaks]

Been fun to read all these "passionate" posts. I looked at both brands as well as a few others like Cub. I really wanted a locking diff so I skipped the X300 series. My solution was to buy a low hour used X500. Paid a grand more than a new GT48 but from my impressions it's a lot more tractor. Now I didn't take a GT48 home and try it here so I'm just going off of my visual impressions. Since getting it I can say that there's a reason why lots of people buy Deere riders (I see a lot more of them than any other brand while driving). Deere has had lots of time figuring out the little things. Besides a locking diff I also needed a strong frame.

I didn't realize this until I used the X500. I was going to sell my old box store special and used it one last time. I can actually feel the frame twist on some of the more challenging parts of my yard. After about 5 years of using it I can see stress marks on the frame (I'll not sell something that I know will fail shortly). Sure it's undoubtedly weaker than the GT48 and I have no interest in a johnny bucket but when they say "GT48XLSi, GT52XLSi, GT54LS, GT52XLS, GTH52XLS and a few others are still compatible but have a weak tractor frame design that is not strong enough for use with the Johnny Bucket" I don't think it would have lasted for my use.

But that's just me and my use. I would have no problems recommending the GT48 to someone if I felt it fit their needs. However I would probably tell them to ferret around on the used market and see what is out there used. In half a summer I have more than doubled the hours on my X500. Someone else took the $2000 hit. Unfortunately there's not a lot of used Husqvarna tractors out there while Deere as sold a lot so there's choices.

OK, ez, a grand more than a GT48 @ $3,000, ok, where do I get that X500 at for $4k large...?

 

[crazyal]

Without spending much time but a quick search on machinery finder I found a 2015 X500 with 100 hours in southern Iowa that looks in nice shape. The dealer is asking $4200. So where can you get a GT48DXLS right now? They are a limited production and best I can tell is you will have to wait until next year before you can get one. As for a used X500, in a month or two the prices will drop as dealers accept that they have to either price them to move or sit on them for winter.
215 John Deere X5 - Lawn & Garden Tractors - John Deere MachineFinder

 

[17 Oaks]

Without spending much time but a quick search on machinery finder I found a 2015 X500 with 100 hours in southern Iowa that looks in nice shape. The dealer is asking $4200. So where can you get a GT48DXLS right now? They are a limited production and best I can tell is you will have to wait until next year before you can get one. As for a used X500, in a month or two the prices will drop as dealers accept that they have to either price them to move or sit on them for winter.
215 John Deere X5 - Lawn & Garden Tractors - John Deere MachineFinder

Point is you said the delta was only a $1k when in fact its not, its almost $2k. As GT's I have found several that are on the floor and for sale @ $3000. They are out there there.


217 Husqvarna 217 HUSQVARNA GT48DXLS (96 43 2-31) for sale in Dimondale, MI | Harrington's Lawn & Power (517) 646-8787

Husqvarna GT48DXLS - South Side Sales - Power Equipment, Snowmobiles, Mowers, Tractors and More

I am in the exploratory mode and don't need it today, but will prob pull the trigger ( on something) this spring, if I get enough work down on the place to need it...more stump removal and the biggie, ROCK pick up and I have TONS of rocks on the ground.

 

[crazyal]

I'm at a loss. You called me out for what ever reason saying that it wasn't possible to find a used low hour X500 for a grand more than a GT48. In less than 5 minutes I found a dealer sort of near you asking $4200. $1200 more than the new price of the GT48. I was able to get the dealer I bought my X500 from down from $4500 down to $4000. It's very likely that the dealer would take $4000 for that X500 link I posted. When I was looking there were several dealers asking way too much, the same is true now. But with a little patience I sorted them out and found 3 in my area with an asking price of just over $4000 and a private sale ($3600). It sounds like you made up your mind, if so, I bet that the GT48 will serve you well as it sounds like it's a fine machine.

 

[Teachu2]

I'm in California, where the chances of finding a used JD x-anything are very low, and priced very high. The dealers rarely carry new ones, as they are not in high demand here. The ones on the market are L1xx box-store models, a decade old, and priced like a new one. Used up 15 year old ones with no mower deck are $500. I watched Craigslist, Ebay, and national boards for months - lots available in the Midwest, nothing within 750 miles from me.
I was ordering my GT when a guy walked in looking for a used running rider. The dealer told him he didn't have any on hand, but said that I might! The looker asked what I had, and I gave him an honest evaluation of the old L130 and told him I'd let it go for $400. He bought it and uses it on his flat, level 1.5 acres. He's happy, I'm happy.

 

[plowhog]

Tractorable, nice demonstration of pride of ownership with a Deere product, coupled with appreciation that other brands also offer solutions. Very professional comment and thank you.

Teach, I also searched for used before buying. I found few mowers, mostly worn out low end junk with surprising asking prices. The market here in CA is very tight. BrokeFarmerJohn wrote a while back that there are many used machines in his area, which is completely different. The tight market also extended to new mowers. Two Deere dealers had the same price policy for a new X380: "pay MSRP." I have not heard that anywhere else, for any product, for a long time.

 

[17 Oaks]

I'm at a loss. You called me out for what ever reason saying that it wasn't possible to find a used low hour X500 for a grand more than a GT48. In less than 5 minutes I found a dealer sort of near you asking $4200. $1200 more than the new price of the GT48. I was able to get the dealer I bought my X500 from down from $4500 down to $4000. It's very likely that the dealer would take $4000 for that X500 link I posted. When I was looking there were several dealers asking way too much, the same is true now. But with a little patience I sorted them out and found 3 in my area with an asking price of just over $4000 and a private sale ($3600). It sounds like you made up your mind, if so, I bet that the GT48 will serve you well as it sounds like it's a fine machine.

Never in any post have I made that statement..

We are at post 90 and so far there is no compelling case to buy any model of JD over the GT48D and buying used and older for only a $1000 more just does not compute.

Adding a mower deck to my JD cost more than buying a new GT48 which is why I am looking.

 

[IH3444]

Agree with 17 oaks. The GT with the K66 is a better bargain. I have the Scotts 2554, (JD275 frame, 54" JD deck) brand new since 1999. The K66 has never given any problems. I did have to do the head gaskets on the Kohler engine. I would also use a full synthetic engine oil. I have run the M1 15w-50 in my Scotts since after break in. The Briggs engine with full synthetic would live longer in my opinion, and i would also use the 15w-50 in it also. The K66 over the K58 is a no brainer for me. If you can get into a X500 series with the K72, then that is a bit of an upwards shift towards a better machine. The frames on the GT and the X300 series are a mostly equal equation to me personally.

 

[crazyal]

OK, ez, a grand more than a GT48 @ $3,000, ok, where do I get that X500 at for $4k large...?

Did you post this?

Never in any post have I made that statement..

We are at post 90 and so far there is no compelling case to buy any model of JD over the GT48D and buying used and older for only a $1000 more just does not compute.

Adding a mower deck to my JD cost more than buying a new GT48 which is why I am looking.

I think the GT48 is a great deal. However is not on par with an X500 series. If you don't need the abilities of an X500 series then spending the extra money would not compute. I have no use for the X700 series Deere, buying one doesn't compute for me. I don't need power steering or a hydraulic lift deck so the higher end versions of the X500 also don't make sense for me. That's why I didn't buy one. Why you guys feel the need to generalize that there is no case for buying anything other than the GT48 is beyond me. If my wife mowed I would want power steering and the hydraulic lift. If I had a lot of tight turning I would want a 4 wheel steering version. There's lots of cases where a GT48 would be a poor choice.

Pretty much every mower made today is made to a budget, in the GT48's case to be sold at the $3k price point. For $3000 you get plenty for your money. If it meets your needs then that's what you should get. But, as I've found out, the frame on the Husqvarna GT line wouldn't of met my needs (never said anything about your needs). I don't feel the need to convince anyone to buy anything. I threw it out as an option to let people make the best choice. I wish you well on your potential purchase.

 

[Smoothas]

Never in any post have I made that statement..

We are at post 90 and so far there is no compelling case to buy any model of JD over the GT48D and buying used and older for only a $1000 more just does not compute.

Adding a mower deck to my JD cost more than buying a new GT48 which is why I am looking.

Dude then get the husky- if you can't see the difference- then by all means get the husky-- be sure to come back in 4 years or 400 hours whatever comes first..LOL.. GL

 

[Smoothas]

Did you post this?



I think the GT48 is a great deal. However is not on par with an X500 series. If you don't need the abilities of an X500 series then spending the extra money would not compute. I have no use for the X700 series Deere, buying one doesn't compute for me. I don't need power steering or a hydraulic lift deck so the higher end versions of the X500 also don't make sense for me. That's why I didn't buy one. Why you guys feel the need to generalize that there is no case for buying anything other than the GT48 is beyond me. If my wife mowed I would want power steering and the hydraulic lift. If I had a lot of tight turning I would want a 4 wheel steering version. There's lots of cases where a GT48 would be a poor choice.

Pretty much every mower made today is made to a budget, in the GT48's case to be sold at the $3k price point. For $3000 you get plenty for your money. If it meets your needs then that's what you should get. But, as I've found out, the frame on the Husqvarna GT line wouldn't of met my needs (never said anything about your needs). I don't feel the need to convince anyone to buy anything. I threw it out as an option to let people make the best choice. I wish you well on your potential purchase.

This post makes sense-- nobody is saying that JD is for everyone-- if you are comfortable with 3K tractor and it meets your needs- then go for it. Not only is the husky not on par with X500 series( not even remotely close) its not close to X380-- but the husky has some good points- if it fits your needs get the husky..enjoy!!!

 

[Smoothas]

The frames on the GT and the X300 series are a mostly equal equation to me personally.

what do you base this on.. did the Ouija Board tell you..LOL..Not even close the GT has a LT frame.

 

[Teachu2]

Did you post this?



I think the GT48 is a great deal. However is not on par with an X500 series. If you don't need the abilities of an X500 series then spending the extra money would not compute. I have no use for the X700 series Deere, buying one doesn't compute for me. I don't need power steering or a hydraulic lift deck so the higher end versions of the X500 also don't make sense for me. That's why I didn't buy one. Why you guys feel the need to generalize that there is no case for buying anything other than the GT48 is beyond me. If my wife mowed I would want power steering and the hydraulic lift. If I had a lot of tight turning I would want a 4 wheel steering version. There's lots of cases where a GT48 would be a poor choice.

Pretty much every mower made today is made to a budget, in the GT48's case to be sold at the $3k price point. For $3000 you get plenty for your money. If it meets your needs then that's what you should get. But, as I've found out, the frame on the Husqvarna GT line wouldn't of met my needs (never said anything about your needs). I don't feel the need to convince anyone to buy anything. I threw it out as an option to let people make the best choice. I wish you well on your potential purchase.

I agree completely. For my particular application, the GT48DXLS was the least expensive model that met my needs. The x380 would not meet my needs, regardless of frame strength, seat comfort, or paint color. The x570 would have met and possibly exceeded my needs, but at twice the price. Had I not been able to purchase a GT48DXLS, the x570 would have been the least expensive alternative - and would have served me well. I had no need for the added features of the x570, nor do I have the need to engage the ground, blow snow, add a FEL, or tow a trailer with this machine - I own a CUT and a Rhino for those tasks.

If my needs were different, I'd have made a different choice. If the GT48DXLS had not been available, I'd have made a different choice. I was considering options all the way up to the SCUT class of machines, in every available color - even JD green. Once you get to $6000 for a weed and light brush mower, then $11k - 18k for a small tractor the wife can handle starts looking reasonable....

There is not a single machine made that matches everyone's needs. Be thankful that we live where we get to choose for ourselves.

 

[crazyal]

Teachu2, like you I really needed a locking diff or a 4wd mower. Safety was my biggest motivator, going down hills out of control and being able to go up hills on some days while other days I would loose traction and slide back down. I have a CUT and side by side so this was only going to be used for mowing. I was seriously looking at the Husky R322T 4wd mower. With it's price range came a whole new set of options. Until then I really hadn't thought about the X570. That's what lead me to look around in the used market. I can't say I was looking specifically at the GT48DXLS at first, Husqvarna has several models with locking diffs but only a couple that also have the fabricated deck (Something I wanted). The YT line seamed kind of lower end with it's smaller wheels which left only the GT48DXLS (at least that's what the dealer I talked to said). The only one he had was sold so I could look it over but not even try it and didn't think he was going to get another. I might have waited another year but the dealer wasn't sure if Husky was going to have it in their lineup next year (another reason why I started looking at other options). I notice Husqvarna no longer lists the GT48DXLS on their website. In the past when I got to spending over $5k to just mow I shelved the idea. Had I not found a used X500 with low hours I probably would have waited until next year.