Craftsman LS3000

[MT372HERE]

Fordlords... the 300 and up series JD's have Kawasaki engines. You have to look at the full spec page of the individual tractors and there it lists "engine manufactorer."

I agree with your thoughts about the Cubs.

They call them the iTorque series or something...Its just like the 400 series that used the JD Kseries.

Its all kawasaki.

 

[MT372HERE]

This is why I recommend the Cub Cadet GT2500's. Heavy frames, shaft drive to a heavy cast iron maintainable transaxle, (go to John Deere's site, and find that you'll need to spend at least $10,000.00 for an X700 to get shaft drive on any JD LGT, sorry but I am not spending $6000-8000 on an X500 with belt driven hydro) and decent Kohler Command horizontal shaft engines. All at a price between $2999-3999 depending on the width of deck you want between 42-54". They are for those who want something better than an entry level box-department store rider/lawn tractor, but don't have the cash to cough up on a new JD X500 or 700, which will run you a heck of a lot more bucks. The CC 2500's just look to be a good deal for those who don't want or need the very best pretentious name out there, but are shooting for something in the middle, where IMHO the best price=quality=value things are most often found.

Gotorboy's $3000 minimum to be spent does have a ring of truth to it in the way if one is looking to steer clear of the lower end equipment, it looks to be where the line is drawn.

I am not bashing those who have the lesser machines that are fine for their needs, just showing the middle price range perspective, one that seems to be small among makers now where it was much bigger in the past. If JD is considering their X500 to be the their middle range LGT at a starting price of $6000, I'm just not so sure what about it makes it worth twice as much as a new CC 2542- IMHO, credential wise, it's worth half as much as the Cub 2542, it's essentially a Cub 1500 series as far as mechanicals go. Then JD does not even tell you who actually makes the engines for the X300's and 500's, calling them a, "John Deere," engine. Come ON! OK, maybe the JD name and quality is worth a bit more than MTD- but twice as much.. nonsense! And especially when we all know all of this equipment breaks down and needs repairs eventually, I'd much rather be at the CC parts counter with my wallet than at JD's in the future.


-Fordlords-

THere's nothing wrong with a belt driven Hydro, Shaft driven is fine. MY 316 has it, the 425 and 445 had it. ITs fine, but not a huge selling point.

A properly routed, properly tensioned belt should last many years on a Hydro.

The iTorque engines are made by Kawasaki. Just like the Toro Quiet Power engines were called TORO engines, but were made by Onan, or Kohler.

Lets see assuming I have the money to invest in either one, Id have to go with JD over MTD...
The larger tractors are nice, I put them in the same level as the Ingersoll Tractors. Nice, built well, but not commercial grade.

 

[Fordlords]

It's evident on this thread that if cost were no object on a tractor purchase everyone would run right to the green and yellow sign and plop down their lottery winnings on the best thing they have.

I tell most everyone who asks if they have the dough and their heart is set on that new JD, then go for it. If not, they can be pointed to some alternatives that for the same money MIGHT just be better all around machines. My only past JD was a 214, and I will admit it was quite a fine tractor. The most flawless wonderful thing on earth though with no formidable competition? No, I actually think the Cub 1450 of that same time period was better than the 214.

-Fordlords-

 

[MT372HERE]

It's evident on this thread that if cost were no object on a tractor purchase everyone would run right to the green and yellow sign and plop down their lottery winnings on the best thing they have.

I tell most everyone who asks if they have the dough and their heart is set on that new JD, then go for it. If not, they can be pointed to some alternatives that for the same money MIGHT just be better all around machines. My only past JD was a 214, and I will admit it was quite a fine tractor. The most flawless wonderful thing on earth though with no formidable competition? No, I actually think the Cub 1450 of that same time period was better than the 214.

-Fordlords-

214 was a good little tractor, very well built, and pretty heavy duty!

1450 was also very nice, shaft driven Hydro, 14hp Kohler K series. My only complaint with them is that the seat was undersprung, and the cushion was less than comfy.

Ive got an all original 1200, and my complaint with it is the clutch is a monster to install, chatters all the time, and the whole thing is too light for ground engaging implements.

Older Cubs were nice machines though. THe quietline is one of my favorites, next being the 154, 184, 185.

 

[ChevyBlazerBoy]

Hello my first time posting here. I have been on the hunt for a new lawn tractor since an old MTD somebody gave me finally bit the crapper.

I also just purchased the Craftsman LS3000 today. I was in the market for a low end budget tractor since i mow a little over half an acre. After reading many reviews about how todays budget tractors are junk I decided just to pic one and go. So i took the sears route not only because i can order parts and get parts easily but I also got the 3 year home protection plan.

I bought the 20HP Hydro, automatic mower instead of the manual. When I went there the price was 1599.99. I thought I had saw it was on sale for 1199.00 but the salesman didn't think i was correct. After about an hour of bickering we finally settled on 1199.00 and I also purchased the 3 year plan so I don't have to worry. After looking around at used tractors selling for 700 or so I figured this was the way to go since I have a smaller lawn and only plan to just mow and maybe haul a lawn cart. I hope I made the right choice. It should arrive at my door on Friday.

 

[GaryS]

I bought the 20HP Hydro, automatic mower instead of the manual. When I went there the price was 1599.99. I thought I had saw it was on sale for 1199.00 but the salesman didn't think i was correct. After about an hour of bickering we finally settled on 1199.00 and I also purchased the 3 year plan so I don't have to worry.

How much was the 3 year warranty? I went to buy one tonight and the tractor was $1199 but they said the warranty was $299!! That's 25% of the tractor price - i was stunned.

Did you get the tractor yet? Any pro/con comments?

 

[Gatorboy]

How much was the 3 year warranty? I went to buy one tonight and the tractor was $1199 but they said the warranty was $299!! That's 25% of the tractor price - i was stunned.

It takes a lot of parts to keep these junk tractors running for 3 years.

 

[GaryS]

It takes a lot of parts to keep these junk tractors running for 3 years.

Thank you for your wonderful, helpful, and insightful comments. They're surprisingly similar to your 150 other "I hate Craftsman" posts you've made recently. I get the point - you hate Craftsman.

 

[ejtaylor822]

Thank you for your wonderful, helpful, and insightful comments. They're surprisingly similar to your 150 other "I hate Craftsman" posts you've made recently. I get the point - you hate Craftsman.

Ditto - I agree, Gatorboy, we all know you have Craftsman, give it a rest and let's move on, please........

 

[ChevyBlazerBoy]

Actually i pick up the tractor tomorrow. Yes i paid 299 for the protection agreement. You figure 100 bucks a year is not much to pay for 3 years of coverage. If anything goes wrong they replace it and if they can't fix it they give you a new tractor. Look at some of the prices of parts. I was looking at some of the costs of parts and it is rediculous for the cost of a carb, over 250 bucks on some models. I didn't hesitate to buy the protection plan since the limited manufacturers warranty is just about useless because it only covers factory defects. If you bring your tractor home for a couple weeks and it dies they will not cover it because it wasn't a factory defect.