Comparison Husqvarna GT48DXLS Compared to John Deere

[plowhog]

The guy who spent $60k on his 2017 4x4 Silverado HATES it when I pull him out with my 2007 Tundra...

Yes, everything is relative. My former motor home held up traffic, only able to hold about 35mph climbing I-80 at Donner Summit. 6-7% grade, climbing above 7,000 ft. Floored. My current motorhome has a Cummins ISX engine, 913 cubic inches in a six cylinder diesel. 600hp. 1,850 ft/lbs of torque. No more speed restrictions. Smooth sailing while getting 2mpg going uphill!!

Every forum, even small ones, get visits from corporate shills and paid posters. Even forums much smaller than this attract them. Due to the size and participation of this forum, with the potential ability to influence sales with positive stories, they are most certainly here.

My (former) company had people devoted to doing this. That was in the software industry, nothing to do with tractors. We employed about 2,000 people at the time I left. Compare that to major tractor manufacturers who employ more than 50,000 worldwide. I'd guess a Director or VP on the marketing side would be criticized or removed if they did not do such activity. It's an easy way to positively influence sales and positively influence the corporate brand. Basic corporate business any more. I'm surprised I don't see *more* evidence of it here.

btw, shills work hard to blend in and hide. Discovery kills credibility. Multiple user accounts, posting only "boring" things to build up credibility at first, connecting through a VPN to hide the true IP address, cooperation between multiple shills who compliment each other's insight, and on and on. Every shill will deny being one. So there is always cat-and-mouse to identify them. But once you identify the characteristics, they are easy to spot.

Shills are not all bad. They have access to lots of corporate facts and opposition research. So you can pick up some detail not available elsewhere, while wading through the biased information being pushed out.

 

[Teachu2]

I understand the concept and the practice - but the execution in this instance is not up to employable standards, nor do they include facts or research. A shill would present a much more solid argument based on facts and figures, not rumors and emotion.

They might, however, be paid posters, but even that's doubtful. I believe they are rabid owners, vigorously defending the purchase that they have made against all challenges, real and imagined. It's also common on gun forums.

I'm happy for everyone who owns the proper tool to meet their needs, regardless of price or paint color. Your former motor home might have been perfect for the guy who wanted to store it at Pismo and only move it from the storage area to the camping spot or gas station.

 

[airbiscuit]

Here's what I've learned so far:

• The Husqvarna GT48DXLS and John Deere 380 have different features but are arguably equivalent in many ways (each with different strengths and weaknesses however)
• Husqvarna GT48DXLS owners are happy with their purchase, and really like the value and the differential lock
• John Deere 380 owners really like their units, and defend all the extra $$$$ they spent
• Everyone seems to agree that the John Deere X5xx and X7xx lawn tractors are excellent, in a class of their own, and spendy
• Apparently is is worth over $1,000 to have quick change adjustment to mower deck wheels that most of us seldom touch.

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:

 

[s219]

Apparently is is worth over $1,000 to have quick change adjustment to mower deck wheels that most of us seldom touch.

I appreciate the attempt at humor, but when I was shopping last year, the X380 ended up costing a mere $300 over the then-best Husky GT52XLS. For that $300 I saw a lot of nice touches and advantages on the Deere beyond those deck wheels (which you would adjust if you had dramatically different cutting heights to accommodate, as I do):

* Stouter frame and rear hitch area. I have long lamented that modern yard tractors are cheesily built compared to decades ago, so this matters to me and was a big bonus for Deere.
* Much nicer seat on the Deere -- night and day difference
* Deere has a an LCD instrument panel with diagnostics/etc
* cruise control easier to operate (button on dash versus lever on Husky)
* Deere has an actual electronic fuel gauge on dash (Husky has view window on the tank to see fuel level through translucent tank wall)
* Dial adjust for deck height with 1/4" resolution (retains position when deck raised to stow position)
* At the time, Deere Accel Deep deck was far superior in every way
* Deere deck much easier to remove/attach and can roll out from under tractor sideways (i.e., the deck wheels turn 90deg)
* on-the-fly mulch control door to easily switch mowing modes
* 4-year/300-hour warranty on Deere versus 3-year on Husky
* lower/wider rear footprint on Deere

Some of that stuff falls into the "nice to have" category, but other stuff absolutely costs more money and I think you get what you pay for. For $300 it was a no brainer. Even for $1000 you are getting value, if that stuff matters to you. Overall, I just got the impression that whoever designed the Deere made an effort to add valuable features and nice touches all the way around with this new 2016 model.

What was better about the Husky GT52:
*included a front brush guard versus Deere's minimal (though stouter) bumper
*included armrests on seat
*slightly larger diameter tires (may be a + or -)

Differences to the 2017 GT48:
* GT48 has a diff lock not on GT52 or X380
* GT48 (and YT42, YT48) has better deck than GT52 which is much closer to Deere for cut quality/performance

Overall, I got the impression that this is the same Husky design that has been around since 2013, underpinning the Husky GT and Sears Pro GT models, with different configuration and better deck. The GT48 is among the best optioned Husky model when you look at the engine, transmission/diff, and deck its configured with.

 

[Teachu2]

I appreciate the attempt at humor, but when I was shopping last year, the X380 ended up costing a mere $300 over the then-best Husky GT52XLS. For that $300 I saw a lot of nice touches and advantages on the Deere beyond those deck wheels (which you would adjust if you had dramatically different cutting heights to accommodate, as I do):

* Stouter frame and rear hitch area. I have long lamented that modern yard tractors are cheesily built compared to decades ago, so this matters to me and was a big bonus for Deere.
* Much nicer seat on the Deere -- night and day difference
* Deere has a an LCD instrument panel with diagnostics/etc
* cruise control easier to operate (button on dash versus lever on Husky)
* Deere has an actual electronic fuel gauge on dash (Husky has view window on the tank to see fuel level through translucent tank wall)
* Dial adjust for deck height with 1/4" resolution (retains position when deck raised to stow position)
* At the time, Deere Accel Deep deck was far superior in every way
* Deere deck much easier to remove/attach and can roll out from under tractor sideways (i.e., the deck wheels turn 90deg)
* on-the-fly mulch control door to easily switch mowing modes
* 4-year/300-hour warranty on Deere versus 3-year on Husky
* lower/wider rear footprint on Deere

Some of that stuff falls into the "nice to have" category, but other stuff absolutely costs more money and I think you get what you pay for. For $300 it was a no brainer. Even for $1000 you are getting value, if that stuff matters to you. Overall, I just got the impression that whoever designed the Deere made an effort to add valuable features and nice touches all the way around with this new 2016 model.

What was better about the Husky GT52:
*included a front brush guard versus Deere's minimal (though stouter) bumper
*included armrests on seat
*slightly larger diameter tires (may be a + or -)

Differences to the 2017 GT48:
* GT48 has a diff lock not on GT52 or X380
* GT48 (and YT42, YT48) has better deck than GT52 which is much closer to Deere for cut quality/performance

Overall, I got the impression that this is the same Husky design that has been around since 2013, underpinning the Husky GT and Sears Pro GT models, with different configuration and better deck. The GT48 is among the best optioned Husky model when you look at the engine, transmission/diff, and deck its configured with.

I agree with your summation, and wish to add a bit. One of the nicest features I've run across on the GT48 is the dual fuel valve - like older motorcycles, it has a "reserve". Two pick-ups at different heights. If I'm not paying attention to fuel level, it will flame out. Flip the seat forward, flip the fuel valve, and start it back up. Enough fuel to get back to base and then some.

The operator-controlled locking differential was a big thing in my application. The x380 is a superb lawn mower, without a doubt. If I had a gently sloping lawn where precise cutting height was a requirement, the x380 might well be in my tool shed. I don't have that lawn. I've got a small flat lawn (too small for a rider) surrounded by over an acre of hillside covered by native grass, weeds, and light brush. Much of it is steep, some very steep. For this application, the x570/590 was truly the minimum Deere. The GT48 was the only Husqvarna. The Deere would certainly do the job, and even been superior to the GT48, but the GT48 is more than adequate in this application. It's particular configuration is up to the task. Had the Deere that was up to the task been $1000 more, I probably would have paid the 33% premium and gotten the best - but not for twice as much.

 

[17 Oaks]

I have yet to see a compelling case for a JD, yet the HGT48 seems to fit my bill by being a mower and not another backhoe (already have one on my JD). NEED locking rear axle due to steep hills and the ground is rough, very rough so feel the fabbed mower deck is a must. Transitioning to mowing from just rough ground and using a BillyGoat to mow with, approx 4+ acres.

 

[FLS1216]

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!!

Seriously dude!!! I spent a considerable amount of time at the John Deere dealer. Yes,I did look CLOSELY at both the X380 and the X570! The GT48DXLS fits my needs just fine. In case you haven't noticed the Husqvarna deck has been redesigned. It's called the ClearCut deck. This one's my "keeper". It should last a good 15-20 years or more no more hours than I put on one(less than 20 hrs/yr). I spent many hours researching mowers and ACTUALLY looking at them in person. The GT48DXLS with its level of equipment was the best value for me.

 

[17 Oaks]

Seriously dude!!! I spent a considerable amount of time at the John Deere dealer. Yes,I did look CLOSELY at both the X380 and the X570! The GT48DXLS fits my needs just fine. In case you haven't noticed the Husqvarna deck has been redesigned. It's called the ClearCut deck. This one's my "keeper". It should last a good 15-20 years or more no more hours than I put on one(less than 20 hrs/yr). I spent many hours researching mowers and ACTUALLY looking at them in person. The GT48DXLS with its level of equipment was the best value for me.

I am kinda where you are at on that...380, has a stouter frame and a real fuel gage, got to be more, lot more IMO. Since I have no intention of buying a snow plow here in S Tx, and I got a backhoe and FEL already.

Would like to buy into JD, I own one but its either 4wd or rear axle locker and 4wd in JD take the money into the low teen$ vs $3k large, advantage Husq in my book. Like I said, read every post on here and am still looking for a compelling advantage over the GT48D.

 

[airbiscuit]

Like I said, read every post on here and am still looking for a compelling advantage over the GT48D.

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

 

[17 Oaks]

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

LOL, FLAT LANDER! I could not use cruise control under any circumstances down here in the Texas "Hill Country": "The region is notable for its karst topography and tall rugged hills of limestone or granite.[1] Many of the hills rise to a height of 400-500 feet above the surrounding plains and valleys, with Packsaddle Mountain rising to a height of 800 feet above the Llano River in Kingsland.[2] The Hill Country also includes the Llano Uplift and the second-largest granite dome in the United States, Enchanted Rock. The terrain throughout the region is punctuated by a thin layer of topsoil and a large number of exposed rocks and boulders, making the region very dry and prone to flash flooding." Texas Hill Country - Wikipedia


Mowing is a both hands on the wheel and dodging, weaving, and going in out of locked axle, this is rugged terrain.

This is what I mow with now, one MEAN machine, goes forward, goes backward, want to turn then its power steering, STRONG ARM power steering and you are moving 355 lbs...arms feel like rubber at the end of a afternoon...