Comparison Husqvarna GT48DXLS Compared to John Deere

[Teachu2]

Had the x3xx Deere been available with a locking differential, I'd probably bought one in spite of my local dealer. That was a non-negotiable feature for me - my application requires it in order to handle the terrain. Without it, I would have kept the 12 year old JD L130 I was unable to use on areas I needed to. The JD alternative with a locking differential was the x590, a somewhat superior machine at a far higher price. It wasn't a $300 difference, it was $3000+. I decided to go with Good Enough instead of Even Better, and so far I am very happy with the GT48DXLS. I am also very pleased with my dealer, which is the icing on the cake.

It should be noted that I have no need for this machine to do anything but mow grass, weeds, and brush on some very challenging, steep terrain. It will be used on about 1.5 acres, 3-5 times a year - probably average <50 hrs/yr. No "tractor work", just mowing. It excels in my application, as would have the x590. The x590 may have capabilities that others need, but I would never use - so those were of no value to me. I intend to maintain the mower I bought, repair it if needed (if the frame turns out to be weak, I'll fix that - but it shows no sign of weakness), and run it until one of us dies, so resale was not a factor to me.

It's always tempting to buy bigger/faster/stronger/prettier. I try to match the tool to the job. This tool matches my job.

 

[FLS1216]

Well said. I will utilize my GT48DXLS in the same way, just to mow my lawn. I seriously considered the JD X380 as well as the X570. To me the the three main components were engine, transmission, and deck. The engine and transmission of the Husqvarna had better specs than the X380 and slightly lower than the X570. The Husqvarna deck is equal to or somewhat superior(stronger discharge force of grass clippings) to the JD with the Husqvarna deck shell coming with a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. I've noticed no frame flexing with the Husqvarna and the steering is nice and tight. For my use I just couldn't justify $4400 for the X380 and $6000 for the X570 when I was able to buy the GT48DXLS for $2800!

 

[s219]

The Husqvarna deck is equal to or somewhat superior(stronger discharge force of grass clippings) !

This is one area where I guess people are just not capable of understanding -- if you compare the Deere's Accel Deep deck side by side with the deck on the Husky, you will immediately see some key advantages on the Deere. That you think the Husky deck is equal or even superior tells me you didn't compare them very closely or at all.

The Accel Deep deck is based on a pro zero-turn deck and is designed for high-speed mowing (ie, it is very deep and has a huge amount of airflow, stamped design with rounded corners), high-efficiency, and more reliable performance with better lubricated and better protected spindles and bearings. It's got a lot of heavy duty pro features not offered on any Husky models. Deere is 10ga stamped from single sheet, Husky 11ga fabricated/welded. I am sure the Husky has a good deck, but it's not even in the same class as the Accel Deep decks and that should be obvious. The Husky deck doesn't even have adjustable wheels!

 

[TMR]

This is one area where I guess people are just not capable of understanding -- if you compare the Deere's Accel Deep deck side by side with the deck on the Husky, you will immediately see some key advantages on the Deere. That you think the Husky deck is equal or even superior tells me you didn't compare them very closely or at all.

The Accel Deep deck is based on a pro zero-turn deck and is designed for high-speed mowing (ie, it is very deep and has a huge amount of airflow, stamped design with rounded corners), high-efficiency, and more reliable performance with better lubricated and better protected spindles and bearings. It's got a lot of heavy duty pro features not offered on any Husky models. Deere is 10ga stamped from single sheet, Husky 11ga fabricated/welded. I am sure the Husky has a good deck, but it's not even in the same class as the Accel Deep decks and that should be obvious. The Husky deck doesn't even have adjustable wheels!


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S219...doesn't sound like you have looked very close at the new Husky fabricated deck. The prior version (i.e. 2016) had very bad reviews on clipping distribution and deck clogging. Prevented me from considering what otherwise looked to be a solid product.

The new deck appears to have completely reversed that compliant. I use my mower almost entirely in rural/wooded settings and often end up mowing very tall, weedy trails, etc. This mower throws the clippings like a two stage snow thrower...and does not seem to have any clogging or cleaning requirements on the under deck area. My guess is that your comments are without foundation and based upon "green" blindness. BTW...your comments may have been accurate until this deck was redesigned.

Also, your vision must be limited as one of the first things I had to do was to adjust the height of my guide wheels. "The Husky deck doesn't even have adjustable wheels!"

Well I am sure I will discover "faults" with the new Husky mower I am very pleased at this point. I , unlike you, have had a chance to give it a really good workout, including portions of my trails with 2-3 foot high weeds/grass/wild flowers. At this stage I am pleased...particularly when you add in the initial cost of less than $3K. Would be pleased to take you out to my property with your Deere (i.e. $3K new or less) and see just how competitive it is...BTW...I could tow you out when you get stuck.

Thanks S219...I have enjoyed many of your posts...I was unaware that you were a JD fan. Please do better research and read more from those who own this new limited production model...AND...only compare to similar priced JDs...not those that cost twice as much AND/OR not those lacking primary features...such as a manual locking rear diff lock. TMR

 

[gdk22984]

AND...only compare to similar priced JDs...not those that cost twice as much AND/OR not those lacking primary features...such as a manual locking rear diff lock. TMR

After reading this thread, that's what it has been about. Trying to compare Essentially a box store consumer mower to a JD high end mower. To me a comparison to a JD D160 or D180 would really make the Husky shine, as it is similarly priced.

I will say that for larger purchases like CUT's I would be whiling to pay the higher price for something like a Deere. With all the computerized BS on tractors today, 10-15 years down the line when these systems start to break down I want to be able to get the parts and support needed and not have it NLA. As stated, JD has the BEST parts network around.

For something like a 3K lawn tractor, eh, I don't worry so much about it because A) they are limited use machines and B) if it lasts 6-7 years I can throw it away and enjoyed having it.

 

[Smoothas]

Well said. I will utilize my GT48DXLS in the same way, just to mow my lawn. I seriously considered the JD X380 as well as the X570. To me the the three main components were engine, transmission, and deck. The engine and transmission of the Husqvarna had better specs than the X380 and slightly lower than the X570. The Husqvarna deck is equal to or somewhat superior(stronger discharge force of grass clippings) to the JD with the Husqvarna deck shell coming with a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. I've noticed no frame flexing with the Husqvarna and the steering is nice and tight. For my use I just couldn't justify $4400 for the X380 and $6000 for the X570 when I was able to buy the GT48DXLS for $2800!

Seriously dude??? relax on the comparisons. the GT might be fine for you-- but it does not compare to X-380 Nobody that knows anything thinks the deck on Husky and X380 are equal. Its not even close. I highly doubt you have ever seen a X380 or X570 in person. I hope your husky lasts you longer than your last Husky. If you enjoy buying a new tractor every 4 or 5 years a husqvarna is a fine choice!!

 

[Teachu2]

After reading this thread, that's what it has been about. Trying to compare Essentially a box store consumer mower to a JD high end mower. To me a comparison to a JD D160 or D180 would really make the Husky shine, as it is similarly priced.

I will say that for larger purchases like CUT's I would be whiling to pay the higher price for something like a Deere. With all the computerized BS on tractors today, 10-15 years down the line when these systems start to break down I want to be able to get the parts and support needed and not have it NLA. As stated, JD has the BEST parts network around.

For something like a 3K lawn tractor, eh, I don't worry so much about it because A) they are limited use machines and B) if it lasts 6-7 years I can throw it away and enjoyed having it.

You can call the GT48DXLS a box store consumer mower, but you are incorrect at this time. It is a limited distribution dealer-only consumer mower - not that that matters. It could be a regular model next year, and in Lowe's shortly thereafter. If Home Depot called Deere Corporate Headquarters and said "We'd like to order 22,740 x590 models to be sold through our 2,274 stores and serviced by the John Deere dealer closest to the consumer", do you really think JD would turn down the sale?

If you compare the GT48DXLS to the x380, the Deere comes up short. If Deere produced exactly the same model as the GT48DXLS in green with Deere decals, and called it a x490, it would retail for $4999 and get rave reviews.

I love how you combined "whining" and "willing" to create "whiling". That describes my feelings exactly - if the GT48DXLS had not hit the market exactly when I needed it, I would also have been willing to buy a x590 for nearly $7k out the door, but I would have been whining all the way about there being no suitable competitors.

Your comments about parts support on Deere products are valid. OTOH, paying more than double initially offsets distant future parts concerns somewhat - tractors don't often break unrepairably, and if you saved enough on the initial purchase to buy a new one if it does....

I do find it interesting that none of the critics of the GT48DXLS appear to have first-hand knowledge of the product. Then again, I admittedly don't have first-hand knowledge of the x380 or x590, as the local dealers don't stock them and won't order one in for approval. I do have first-hand knowledge of the GT48DXLS, and can tell that it is different from the Lowe's Husqvarnas. Kind of like a Ford F350 Super Duty is different than a Ford F150.

When you get down to brass tacks, both the GT48DXLS and the x590 satisfy my particular needs. If I were buying a mower for flat lawns, this discussion would have no relevance, but I was looking for a mower to do grass, weeds, and light brush on steep hillsides. Both have adequate drivetrains, which should last a long time and should have comparable availability of parts. Kawasaki and TuffTorq don't discriminate based on who used their components. I prefer the fabbed deck, because I can hammer it out and patch/weld as needed virtually forever - with downtime measured in hours and minutes, not weeks and days.

 

[airbiscuit]

I have been following this thread, and it seems that both sides make reasonable arguments (and some shrill ones). My take on this is that the Deere 5xx and 7xx tractors are very good (as are their Kubota equivalents I suspect). Accordingly, Deere has been able to charge a steep premium for those features/quality.

I am pleased that Husqvarna is stepping up their game to add in features we want at a reasonable cost. I hope they keep chasing this more robust lawn and garden tractor market at a reasonable price. Deere will be complacent for a while, but may have to lower their prices or build a value line with those features. They didn't come out with the 3032e/3038e CUTs because they wanted to, they did it because the competition was taking too much market share on lower priced CUTs with basic features.

My guess is that it will be easier for Husqvarna to add a little more beef to their frame than it will be for Deere to cut $$$$ from their price. This competition is good for consumers.

 

[s219]

I do have first-hand knowledge of the GT48DXLS, and can tell that it is different from the Lowe's Husqvarnas. Kind of like a Ford F350 Super Duty is different than a Ford F150.

I shopped mowers for 2-3 years before buying my X380 last spring. I looked at and drove several Husky GT models, most recent was a GT52XLS model in 2016. I saw a GT48 in person last weekend, and other than options it is identical to the GT52 and it's spinoff Sears Pro GT model made by Husky (Sears has different color scheme and styling but otherwise the same). Now, it's true you can only buy the GT48 at dealers this year, but other than options it's identical to the GT52 that I can get at Lowes.

Also, your vision must be limited as one of the first things I had to do was to adjust the height of my guide wheels. "The Husky deck doesn't even have adjustable wheels!"

The adjustment on the GT deck is absolutely nothing like the adjustment on the Deere, and the pictures I posted show that very clearly. Here's how you set the height of the wheels on the Husky:

Technically, a lot of mower decks "adjust" like that. With tools. Crapola. Here are the Deere wheels, which can be adjusted on the fly without tools:

 

[Teachu2]

I shopped mowers for 2-3 years before buying my X380 last spring. I looked at and drove several Husky GT models, most recent was a GT52XLS model in 2016. I saw a GT48 in person last weekend, and other than options it is identical to the GT52 and it's spinoff Sears Pro GT model made by Husky (Sears has different color scheme and styling but otherwise the same). Now, it's true you can only buy the GT48 at dealers this year, but other than options it's identical to the GT52 that I can get at Lowes.




The adjustment on the GT deck is absolutely nothing like the adjustment on the Deere, and the pictures I posted show that very clearly. Here's how you set the height of the wheels on the Husky:

Technically, a lot of mower decks "adjust" like that. With tools. Crapola. Here are the Deere wheels, which can be adjusted on the fly without tools:

The only options available on the GT48DXLS are engines. The manually-activated locking differential is not an option - it's a standard feature. This feature is not available on the GT54, it has an automatic locking differential which gets mixed reviews. I like control.

The deck wheels are adjustable on the GT48DXLS, the x380 wheels are hand adjustable. I don't think that adjusting them on the fly is safe - I would stop and get off to adjust them. Their purpose, if I understand them correctly, is to prevent scalping the lawn in uneven terrain. That has not proven to be an issue for me - but I can see if I was a landscaping professional it might have value. I suspect those spindles might be damaged by my terrain, but I would have to try it to be sure.

I have read where it is possible on the GT54 to force the mower deck to contact the frame on uneven terrain, but I have not found this possible with the GT48.

I'm not knocking the x380 or the x590 at all - or the GT54 for that matter. All have their places and uses - each is the right tool for someone's job. You are happy with your choice, I am happy with mine.