GT48DXLS vs TS348D

[cpayne5]

My mother is in need of a new mower, so I've been researching some options in her price range (<$3k). She's rough on equipment and the terrain is pretty hilly around here, so I feel she needs a mower with something >K46. She doesn't need a 48" mowing deck, but that's the price of admission.

I think we've narrowed it down to the two models in the title. It seems that the GT is a mythical creature on these forums, and there's a dealer nearby with a leftover unit still on the lot.

The TS seems like a very similar machine with a couple of differences. Tires (classic Harry-homeowner style vs "professional" turf tires), engine (Kohler 7000 vs Kawasaki FR), and some styling differences. Both models have the fabricated 48" deck, ~24hp, and K66 with electronic locker.

The TS is a new model and so the ones on the lots are brand new. It's spring time, and local dealers are holding deals close to the vest for now. Best offer is for $2899+tax ($100 off).

The GT has been on the lot for nearly a year. It shows. Sun damage to the seat, dusty/dirty, and some surface rust starting to show here and there. The dealer isn't budging on price. $2999+tax.

If it weren't for all the accolades heaped onto the GT, it would be a no brainer...so I'm strongly leaning TS (cheaper, "newer", and similarly equipped).

Change my mind.

 

[Johnkn]

From my other thread, I only see the TS348 at $3k and the TS348hd $3400. ????

Edit. Ahhh I see the D as a 'variant'. What is the difference in the 4 different part numbers? I hate their site...

 

[cpayne5]

The XD is $3400, and the D is $3000.

 

[Johnkn]

What part of Virginia are you in? I'm in Southern MD. Thanks

 

[Teachu2]

I don't see a TS 348D either, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It could easily be a limited, regional, or new model that hasn't made it to the website. I like the seat, but question the locking differential - if it's an auto-locking differential, I'd avoid it. If it has a rocker switch on the dash (like the GT48DXLS), and it's a K66, the Kohler would be fine - even though the Kawasaki is smoother and easier to maintain than the Kohler Commands I've owned, both of which were excellent, trouble-free motors.

Husqvarna makes so many derivative models that it's very confusing. Different engines (even on the same model), different transaxles, different locking systems, different decks, and probably different frames. I've been pleased beyond my expectations with the combination of the Kawasaki, K66, manual electric locker, and Clear Cut fabricated deck of the GT48DXLS. I like the look of the higher back on the new seat, but the seat I have is comfortable and easy to turn in to look behind. Mine will also mow in reverse, which I use more than I thought I would.

 

[Johnkn]

On the left side of that tractors page, click on variant.

 

[cpayne5]

On the left side of that tractors page, click on variant.

Yeah, on the TS348 page, there's a dropdown to select the D variants.

My mother chose the TS348D and I called the dealer to have them hold it. Picking it up Thursday.

I took a picture of the transaxle tag and verified that it is a K66. It has the selectable locker switch on the dash.

 

[Teachu2]

Looks great to me!

 

[cpayne5]

What part of Virginia are you in? I'm in Southern MD. Thanks

I'm about an hour west of DC.

 

[Johnkn]

LOL, that can be Tysons Corner in NOVA traffic. I spend a lot of time in Chantilly and my daughter is in Leesburg. Post up some pics when you can please. thanks

 

[Rock Crawler]

Does Husqvarna do a garden tractor with 54" deck, K66 with manual activated diff lock, Kawasaki engine? A 60" deck would be better yet, but they don't do 60" from what I see.

I currently have a Craftsman (made by Husqvarna) GT Excellerator with 54", Kohler Courage, G730 axle. I want the stronger axle and semi-commercial engine and the diff lock would sure be a nice option but is not absolutely required.

 

[cpayne5]

54" is the biggest they put on a rider, it seems.
Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mowers TS 354D

That model has a 54" deck and K66ELD (locker).

The website says it has a Kawasaki engine, but the parts manual shows a Kohler engine (probably 7000). The 7000 is in the same class as a Kawi FR, FWIW.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I don't know where Husqvarna gets off on those odd size blades. Heck - Kubota offers just about any size up to 72".

I have a GTH26v52LS. That's a Kawasaki 26hp, 52" cut and Hydro Gear Heavy Duty High Speed G730 transmission, no diff. lock. I sure wish I did have a differential lock, but so far, with a change in rear tires to ATV mud/snow tires, I haven't gotten stuck, even on my 25 degree pond dam. I did add 50# wheel weights to each side of the rear wheels, well as the mulching kit to mine. I also added their canopy which is great for catching on every low hanging limb; total garbage and a waste of about a hundred bucks.

So far I have 170hrs on it with no troubles at all with the mower.

 

[cpayne5]

Up until last spring, I had a 2754GLS that I bought new in 2008. It had a K66 (no locker) - filled the tires with fluid to increase traction. I changed the fluid in the K66 once and had no issues in 500 hours. I'm sure the K66 is still going strong.

It was a fine mower, but I did have to replace the sump gasket twice.

I replaced it with a Cub Cadet ProZ 154S last year. Same deck size, but I now cut my grass in half the time.

 

[cpayne5]

Picked it up this morning. I'll get it home this afternoon and post up some more pictures, for those interested.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Looks sweet! One thing I notice is that they have the tires way over aired, those fronts look like balloon tires! Better check all 4.

Also make sure that the deck is level left/right and the rear should be sloped upwards compared to the front. Your cutting is done at the front, and supposedly you get a better cut and more mowing power by having the rear up a bit. You'll have to see how adjustable the mounting system is....

 

[Peter 315]

Picked it up this morning. I'll get it home this afternoon and post up some more pictures, for those interested.

View attachment 548396

Looks nice but I don't think your gonna like it , So drop it off at my house, Thanks

 

[cpayne5]

Yep, the tires are way overfilled for normal use. They do it for shipping, supposedly.

So thoughtful of you, Peter.

Hopefully it's the last mower my mother ever has to buy. She is not well off by any definition (we were actually pretty poor when I was growing up), so this is a *big* purchase for her.

 

[widefat]

Small world.....I know the shop you bought it from.

 

[cpayne5]

They're good folks. I've purchased a few things from them over the years.

They were also the only dealer around willing to come off of MSRP.